HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 08-10 CCM Regular Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY
OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 10, 1998
CITY HALL
1. INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL
CALL TO ORDER INFORMAL OPEN FORUM,
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in an informal open forum and was called to order by Mayor
Pro Tem Lasman at 6:45 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Pro Tem Lasman, Councilmembers Kathleen Carmody, Debra Hilstrom, and Robert Peppe.
Mayor Kragness was absent and excused. Also present: City Manager Michael J. McCauley,
Assistant City Manager/HR Director Jane Chambers, Director of Public Works Diane Spector, City
Attorney Charlie LeFevere, and Recording Secretary Maria Carlson.
INFORMAL OPEN FORUM
Mr. Ralph Jendro, 7119 Girard Avenue, addressed the Council with concerns he had about traffic
in his neighborhood. He is requesting a four way stop sign at 72nd Avenue and Girard Avenue. He
also suggested that maybe a stop sign be placed at 70th Avenue and Girard Avenue. A traffic study
will be done and staff will report back to Mr. Jendro.
ADJOURN INFORMAL OPEN FORUM
A motion by Councilmember Hilstrom, seconded by Councilmember Carmody to adjourn the
informal open forum at 6:49 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
2. INVOCATION
A moment of silence was observed.
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3. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in regular session and was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem
Lasman at 7:00 p.m.
4. ROLL CALL
Mayor Pro Tem Lasman, Councilmembers Kathleen Carmody, Debra Hilstrom, and Robert Peppe.
Mayor Kragness was absent and excused. Also present: City Manager Michael J. McCauley,
Assistant City Manager/HR Director Jane Chambers, Director of Public Works Diane Spector, City
Attorney Charlie LeFevere, and Recording Secretary Maria Carlson.
5. COUNCIL REPORT
Councilmember Carmody reported that while on vacation she took some photos of the mall in
Baltimore that the Talsiman Companies had built.
Mayor Pro Tem Lasman reported that the Neighborhood Night Out was a great success and that
about 100 neighborhood watch groups participated.
Mayor Pro Tem Lasman reported she attended the Financial Commission Meeting and the
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preliminary 1999 Budget was discussed which the Council will be working on in the next few
months.
6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA
A motion by Councilmember Hilstrom, seconded by Councilmember Carmody to approve the
agenda and consent agenda as amended. Motion passed unanimously.
6a. LICENSES
A motion by Councilmember Hilstrom, seconded by Councilmember Carmody to approve the
following list of licenses. Motion passed unanimously.
MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
Fore Mechanical, Inc. P.O. Box 130788, Roseville
Helland Heating and Air 1519 Parkview Road, Maple Plain
Metro Sheet Metal, Inc. 1708 Gervais Avenue, Maplewood
Midwest Maintenance & Mechanical, Inc. 710 Pennsylvania Avenue South, Mpls.
Petroleum Maintenance Company 3172 Spruce Street, Little Canada
St. Marie Sheet Metal, Inc. 7940 Spring Lake Road, Spring Lake Park
RENTAL DWELLINGS
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Renewal:
Charlie Oribamise 5417 North Fremont Avenue
Martha Ann Demetriou Humboldt Court Apartments
Mrs. Paul Enge 4748 Twin Lake Avenue North
Richard Becht 4718 Twin Lake Avenue
SING HANGER
Leroy Signs, Inc. 6325 Welcome Avenue North, Brooklyn
Park
TOBACCO RELATED PRODUCT
Holi Deli Commissary #610 1700 Freeway Boulevard
6b. APPOINT ELECTION JUDGES TO SERVE IN THE PRIMARY AND
GENERAL ELECTIONS
A motion by Councilmember Hilstrom, seconded by Councilmember Carmody to appoint election
judges to serve in the Primary and General Elections. Motion passed unanimously.
6c. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE TANDEM DUMP
TRUCK
RESOLUTION NO. 98 -136
Councilmember Hilstrom introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE TANDEM DUMP TRUCK
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Councilmember
Carmody. Motion passed unanimously.
6d. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF
ONE TANDEM VIBRATORY ASPHALT ROLLER
RESOLUTION NO. 98-137
Councilmember Hilstrom introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF ONE TANDEM
VIBRATORY ASPHALT ROLLER
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Councilmember
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Carmody. Motion passed unanimously.
6e. RESOLUTION DECLARING A PUBLIC NUISANCE AND ORDERING THE
REMOVAL OF DISEASED TREES
RESOLUTION NO. 98 -138
Councilmember Hilstrom introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION DECLARING A PUBLIC NUISANCE AND ORDERING THE REMOVAL OF
DISEASED TREES
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Councilmember
Carmody. Motion passed unanimously.
6f. REPLACEMENT OF POLICE SEDAN
A motion by Councilmember Hilstrom, seconded by Councilmember Carmody to replace squad
#363 with a "lease return" sedan purchased from a dealership. Motion passed unanimously.
6g. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING A CONTRACT,
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1998-12, CONTRACT 1998 -0,
LANDSCAPING NODES UPGRADE
RESOLUTION NO. 98-139
Councilmember Hilstrom introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND AWARDING A CONTRACT, IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT NO. 1998 -12, CONTRACT 1998 -0, LANDSCAPING NODES UPGRADE
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Councilmember
Carmody. Motion passed unanimously.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
7a. PRIVATE KENNEL LICENSE APPLICATION SUBMi i i hju BY GREGORY
AND BARBARA ULBRICH, 6807 EMERSON AVENUE NORTH
Mr. McCauley discussed this was an appeal of a decision to grant a kennel license. Councilmember
Carmody had one question before opening the Public Hearing. She questioned why the Ulbrich's
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received a survey and if their survey would effect the count received by other neighbors.
Mr. McCauley responded that he thought they might have received a copy of the survey for
information purposes and just sent it in and that this would not affect the count.
A motion by Councilmember Hilstrom, seconded by Councilmember Carmody to open the Public
Hearing. Motion carried unanimously.
Gregory and Barbara Ulbrich, 6807 Emerson Avenue North, were present and addressed the Council
first. Mr. Ulbrich discussed he felt the letter he received from Mr. McCauley was unclear as to what
type of health and safety issues are raised with the keeping of their dogs. Mr. Ulbrich stated that
their dogs are kept in a fenced area and feels that there is no health and safety issues to be dealt with.
Councilmember Carmody stated that dog complaints are an issue and do raise concerns.
Mr. Ulbrich stated there have been no complaints filed with the Police Department and that there
is more noise surrounding him in the Community that is uncontrollable then the barking of his dogs.
Mrs. Ulbrich discussed that their dogs are fenced up and are not able to run around and bit people,
so it there should not be any safety issues to deal with.
Councilmember Hilstrom asked Mr. and Mrs. Ulbrich what the life expectancy is of the dogs and
if they are going to replace them when they pass away. Mrs. Ulbrich responded that Pharaoh
Hounds are expected to live 15 years, and that the oldest one does have arthritis. Ms. Ulbrich stated
that their intention is not to replace the dogs once they have passed on. Mr. Ulbrich informed the
Council that they are just looking to help these dogs that were once neglected and are not going to
raise dogs in the future. They would just like the opportunity to keep the four dogs they currently
have.
Mayor Pro Tem Lasman stated that she understands the attachment the Ulbrich's may have with their
dogs but does have some concern for the five neighbors that returned their surveys not in favor of
the Ulbrich's keeping four dogs. The Ulbrich's stated that they are trying to control the barking and
feel they have lowered the amount of barking and will continue to do so.
Mr. Ulbrich questioned the two returned surveys that did not have addresses and wanted to know
if they could find out who those neighbors were. Councilmember Carmody responded they are not
able to give that information and that there have been cases where there has been retribution with
neighbors.
Tim and Denise Boyle, 6813 Emerson Avenue North, then addressed the Council. Mr. Boyle
informed the Council that the only thing he hears when the dogs are out in the yard are their collar
chains and feels there are no problems with the four dogs. Mrs. Boyle feels since they are the
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abutting property owners they would be the ones to complain and feels there are no problems to be
addressed at this time.
Mayor Pro Tem Lasman asked Mr. McCauley about the license process. Mr. McCauley responded
kennel licenses are renewed each year for a maximum of three years.
Councilmember Peppe discussed that he understands the Ulbrich's situation, but the Council needs
to also think of the residents not in favor of this kennel license. Councilmember Peppe suggested
a six month review period be approved for the Ulbrichs and that the neighborhoods comments
should be received.
Councilmember Hilstrom discussed that the Council tends to deny kennel license unless there is a
reason showing a kennel license should be approved, and given the fact the Mrs. Ulbrich is studying
to be a veterinary technician this shows a true care for the dogs. Councilmember Hilstrom suggested
a 12 month period time frame be given for the Ulbrich's to keep four dogs.
Councilmember Carmody questioned how problems are detected. Mr. McCauley responded that
ususally complaints are received from neighbors. Mrs. Ulbrich asked if they could be informed if
a complaint was received.
Councilmember Peppe suggested the Ulbrich's write their neighbors a letter requesting them to
inform them of their complaints.
Mayor Pro Tem. Lasman suggested to the Ulbrich's to be watching for problems that may arise.
A motion by Councilmember Hilstrom, seconded by Councilmember Peppe to close the Public
Hearing. Motion carried unanimoulsy.
A motion by Councilmember Hilstrom, seconded by Councilmember Peppe to approve a private
kennel license for Gregory and Barbara Ulbrich, 6807 Emerson Avenue North, and that this license
will be reviewed with all regular kennel licenses.
8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS
8a. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 23 OF THE BROOKLYN
CENTER CODE OF ORDINANCES, RELATING TO THE REGULATION
OF PAWNSHOPS AND SECONDHAND GOODS DEALERS
Mr. McCauley discussed that included with the agenda materials was a memo from Police Chief Joel
Downer outlining the differences between the proposed ordinance and recommendations made by
Mr. Thomas Johnson who represents Grow Biz, International.
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Mr. McCauley suggested reviewing each section of the memo one section at a time.
Councilmember Carmody questioned if the "City Revised" copy was done by the Police Department
or Mr. LeFevere. Mr. McCauley responded that the copy was done by Mr. LeFevere.
The Council then proceeded with a discussion of each section and following are comments that were
made with each individual section:
• 23 -601 - Definition
Mr. McCauley indicated Mr. Johnson's suggestion is that the City specify what businesses
are required to be licensed. Anything not specified in the list would not need a license. The
proposed ordinance language takes the opposite approach and says that if you do any buying
of secondhand goods, you will be required to have a license unless one of the exceptions are
met. For example, in terms of amendment, with Mr. Johnson's approach, if an item was
found to be problematic, the Council would be asked to add another one to the list in order
to get a license. Under the City's approach, the opposite would happen.
Mr. McCauley discussed that in discussions with the Police Department and Mr. LeFevere
earlier today, it would be recommended whatever approach is taken, two separate ordinances
be created: one covering pawnshops and one covering secondhand goods. Mr. McCauley
requested the Council's preference on which approach to take: specifying what each type of
activity requiring a license or specifying which do not need a license.
Councilmember Hilstrom discussed that she believes the City needs to look at the possibility
of things changing in terms of what are secondhand goods and what people might be selling
in the future.
Councilmember Carmody discussed however, there are a lot of things sold secondhand now
that do not need to be covered by a license. Councilmember Carmody does not believe that
it makes a difference whether it is inclusive or exclusive.
Councilmember Carmody discussed that she objects to the part on exemptions. She feels it
is very difficult to read and should not be this difficult for new secondhand business owners.
Councilmember Carmody discussed that she feels this should be inclusive rather than
exclusive so people know what is covered or else made easier to read.
Mayor Pro Tem Lasman questioned if there was a consensus of the Council to support the
proposed language in sections 23 -601 and 23 -602 as proposed by staff. Councilmember
Peppe stated correct. Councilmember Carmody stated she would like to see section 23 -602
where it defines exemptions just made a little more user friendly.
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City Attorney Charlie LeFevere discussed that this could be made easier to read.
Councilmember Hilstrom questioned if there was a manner that the same thing could be said
and made easier to understand. Mr. McCauley responded that there are two things that could
be done. In section 23 -602 Exemptions, the section shall not apply to include the following
could be changed to read a license shall not be required of persons engaged in the following,
and at the bottom of the language indicated for the above specified list the legal information.
Mr. McCauley discussed that with the final ordinance a matrix could be developed as to who
needs a license, who does not need a license, and who has to report and when which would
be useful for someone who is questioning if a license is needed.
• 23 -602 Exemptions
The Council discussed various options and issues on this section.
Councilmember Hilstrom questioned if a store credit transaction of less than $100 is being
exempted from the reporting or exempting them from needing a license for those items. Mr.
McCauley responded that this would be exempting them from the license in the section 23-
602 Exemptions. Mr. LeFevere discussed that is if that is all they do. Ordinarily they would
be in a business that would require them to have a license but it would not be required for
that one transaction.
Councilmember Hilstrom questioned Mr. Johnson about his request for trade -ins that include
store credit and consignment transactions for used goods being exempted for needing a
license. Mr. Johnson responded that Mr. LeFevere is correct that this would only apply to
those specific transactions. The store in all likelihood is going to be licensed because it has
non- exempt transactions that are occurring.
Mr. Johnson wanted to layout what the position of Grow Biz, International is with respect
to the revised ordinance and discussed the reason for raising this now is Grow Biz's position
that the approach should be focused on and that it start with identifying what the problem is
with stolen property in Brooklyn Center, and then cover within the ordinance those items and
make the recording and reporting apply only to those items.
Councilmember Hilstrom questioned if specific items such as soccer balls, hockey pucks,
and hockey sticks are to be covered by the ordinance. Mr. LeFevere responded that yes it
is the recommendation from the Police Department that this is what should be done.
Mayor Pro Tern Lasman questioned if the all inclusive proposed ordinance would be a more
conservative move for the City. Mr. LeFevere responded that it would be more conservative,
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and if the Police Department is comfortable with the changing of records to be sent to the
Police Department, he is comfortable with this proposal.
Mr. McCauley recommended a comprise that would exempt store credit consignment and
trade -ins valued less than $100 as set forth in the materials. There was Council concurrence
with that suggestion.
• 23 -606 Application
Mr. McCauley discussed this section is not an issue.
• 23 -607 Bond
Mr. McCauley discussed that Mr. Johnson is suggesting a higher bond and the City does not
have a problem with this, other than that it does increase the cost of doing business.
Councilmember Hilstrom questioned the process of the bonds and how they work. Mr.
LeFevere responded that a bond for a business licensee is designed to protect the people that
may be harmed by the violation of the ordinance.
Mayor Pro Tem Lasman questioned if a bond of $10,000 could in anyway eliminate a
business from starting a business. Mr. McCauley discussed that going from the current
ordinance that is $5,000 to $10,000, does increase the cost of entering into a business. Mr.
McCauley discussed also in terms of who is protected under the ordinance looking at this
section, the City is the recipient of the funds.
Mr. McCauley suggested at this point there would not be a reason to increase the bond from
$5,000 to $10,000.
Councilmember Hilstrom questioned why Mr. Johnson recommended $10,000 for the bond
amount. Mr. Johnson responded that they added language that the bond be in place for
purposes of a victim of theft being able to collect the reasonable value of the property that
was stolen from the store. This would apply in the event of not being able to obtain it from
the person to whom it was sold at the secondhand store by the time it had been determined
the property was stolen.
Councilmember Hilstrom discussed the ability to have money set aside for people that might
be damaged sounds like a good idea and hopes that the City has a penalty should a
secondhand dealer be selling stolen property or is not doing the reporting they are supposed
to do. Mr. McCauley discussed that there could be criminal prosecution if someone fails to
follow the requirements.
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Mr. LeFevere discussed that the bond does not create obligations, the bond is there to make
sure that other obligations that exist are fulfilled
Mayor Pro Tern Lasman questioned if there was consensus of the Council for a bond in the
amount of $10,000. It was the consensus of the Council. Mr. McCauley questioned if that
included the additional language proposed. The Council indicated that it was.
Councilmember Hilstrom requested an update on how much property is recovered through
the pawnshop. Mr. McCauley responded it will be checked into.
• 23 -618
Mr. McCauley discussed this item was discussed earlier and would concur with Mr.
Johnson's suggestion that the two ordinances are separated to have one pawnshop ordinance
and one secondhand ordinance.
• 23 -618 Records
Mr. McCauley discussed Mr. Johnson's proposal requests for photograph transactions to be
removed for secondhand dealers. The Police Department finds it valuable to have
photographs. It was suggested as a comprise that the City would not require transactions
under $100 to be photographed but that a photocopy be made of a photo identification and
a receipt of the transaction.
Councilmember Hilstrom questioned if a person would be identified when making several
transactions under $100 in a short period of time. Mr. Karris responded this would not
prohibit the recording of the transaction. The person must still provide a valid identification.
Mr. McCauley also responded that section 23 -619 Daily Reports would allow the City to run
that search.
Mayor Pro Tern Lasman asked for consensus of the Council with the compromise that is
proposed. It was the consensus of the Council that the compromise be included.
• 23 -619 Daily Reports
Mr. McCauley discussed Mr. Johnson's proposal is to have reports electronically transmitted
and the current ordinance does not require that. The City looked into that a while ago and
will be looking into again.
Mr. McCauley suggested leaving this as staff proposed at the present time.
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• 23 -619 Daily Reports and Exemptions
Mr. LeFevere discussed that currently if a business is a secondhand business and takes in
new goods, a report would still be required on that transaction.
Mr. Johnson discussed what they are proposing is related to their suggested approach of
specifying only those businesses to be licensed.
Mr. McCauley paraphrased Mr. Johnson's suggestion with respect to this section and
suggested this was resolved by the decision to follow the staff approach in section 23 -601.
Mr. McCauley discussed that if there was consensus from the Council to move on to the next
section. That was the consensus.
• 23 -621 Holding
Mr. McCauley discussed there is a variance in the materials as Councilmember Carmody
noted. The comments from the Police Department suggest a 30 day holding period on
secondhand items and Mr. Johnson's proposal suggests 12 days. Mr. McCauley discussed
the Police Department is thinking of using the same dollar amount in terms with holding, and
if the dollar amount was $100 or less a 12 day holding period rather than a 30 days.
Councilmember Hilstrom discussed that she does not have a problem with items under $100
and having a shorter period, but is thinking with people taking two week vacations, that 15
days might be better.
Councilmember Peppe questioned how the 12 days was decided. Mr. Johnson responded
that the existing ordinance provided 12 days and that they were just suggesting to stay with
that time frame.
Councilmember Hilstrom questioned the holding period of items that are seasonal, such as
clothing, bicycles, etc., and are under a $100 dollars.
The consensus of the Council was to exempt items under $100 with a 15 day holding period
above $100.
• 23 -622 Receipts
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Mr. McCauley discussed Mr. Johnson proposes receipts be given only upon request. The
suggestion from the Police Department is that receipts be required for all transactions to
protect the business and the customers. The consensus of the Council was to go with the
Police Departments suggestion.
Mr. Johnson discussed he feels you don't need that information on a receipt and was not sure
why a receipt once the reporting and recording has already been done.
It was unclear which receipts were being discussed and Mr. Johnson informed the Council
that he was referring to section 23 -622 of the proposed ordinance.
Councilmember Hilstrom questioned if this was at the time of purchase rather than the time
of sale. Detective Mr. Karris responded yes and discussed the way that it is done at the
pawnshop is the seller gets a copy of the receipt which lists everything on. When it comes
to the pawnshop or secondhand store selling that item to an individual, they are not required
to identify anymore. That information is necessary to obtain a description of the seller for
prosecution in stolen cases.
Councilmember Hilstrom questioned if a photocopy of the license is enough. Mr. Karris
responded that the only thing probably not included on that would be the race of the
individual.
Mr. Johnson discussed that it is unclear to him as to what law enforcement purposes the
receipt serves that the record and reporting requirement has not already served. Mr. Karris
questioned what type of record would be provided if a receipt was not received for the
property purchased.
Mayor Pro Tem Lasman questioned if the receipt goes to the person bring in the item or
purchasing the item. Mr. Karris responded if a person sells an item to a secondhand store
the ordinance requires them to issue a receipt to the person bringing in the item, and then that
receipt is also the same as the record because the receipt lifts all the per taint information.
Mayor Pro Tern Lasman discussed she understands why the City would need it, but does not
understand why other information is needed. Mr. McCauley suggested the Council to review
sections 23 -618 and 23 -622. Mr. McCauley suggested collapsing those two sections into one
section with all the information needed by the Police Department being recorded. All the
information required to be taken about the person would then be taken in a usable form for
the Police Department rather than have one on record and one on receipt. If these two
sections are collapsed together, this would ensure that the Police Department would get all
the information needed.
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► 23 -623 Police Orders
Mr. McCauley discussed this section describes how long something needs to be held before
the Police Department provides a written order after a verbal order to hold the item. Mr.
Johnson's proposal is that the Police Department be required to have a written order to hold
an item within 72 hours of a verbal order. The Police are suggesting that they have 14 days
to issue the written order following a verbal order.
Mr. Karris discussed the reasoning behind this is because it is difficult to work within the
parameters of 72 hours.
Councilmember Carmody questioned what is involved in issuing a written order. Mr. Karris
responded that if something comes up as being stolen on a check, he calls the pawnshop and
puts a hold on the item. He then verifies that the actual merchandise is stolen. He calls the
Police Department and has them send a copy of their police report. He verifies as much as
he can to the sale of the item to the pawnshop so that he is not confiscating property that is
not stolen, and sometimes it takes several days to get that information. Councilmember
Carmody then questioned if a verbal order is made does a written order have to be made.
Mr. Karris responded that a written order is a filled out confiscation form that he presents to
them as a receipt from him taking the property.
Councilmember Peppe questioned if this could be comprised to a week. Mr. Karris
responded yes.
The Council recessed at 9:03 p.m., and reconvened at 9:08 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Lasman requested to change the order of the agenda and discuss item 8d.
Administrative Traffic Report RE: Woodbine Lane Traffic Study now and then continue with the
item 8b, 8c, etc. It was the consensus of the Council to discuss item 8d at this time.
8d. ADMINISTRATIVE TRAFFIC REPORT RE: WOODBINE LANE TRAFFIC
STUDY
Mr. McCauley discussed that a traffic study was done and surveys were sent to residents on
Woodbine Lane for their opinions regarding traffic control measures. Results from the traffic study
and surveys indicated the following:
► An average traffic per day is around 2,200.
► Most of the recorded accidents were committed by younger drivers who had been
drinking.
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► Radar surveys, SMART, and digital traffic counters have all indicated an 85th
percentile speed as averaging between 30 -33 mph.
i ► The highest speeds tend to be recorded during the hours of 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., and 2
p.m. - 3:00 p.m. A recent SMART survey taken over nine hours counted 20
eastbound vehicles out of 636 at speeds greater than 35 mph. Nine of those vehicles
were recorded between 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., with another four between 11:00 a.m. -
12:00 p.m.
► Speed enforcement since June 1, 1998 has resulted in two tags for speeding.
Councilmember Hilstrom questioned if SMART is the only way to keep track of speed and the
number of cars. She feels with SMART people tend to have an automatic reaction. Mr. McCauley
responded that it could be done manually or with traffic counters across the road.
Mr. McCauley discussed that part of what SMART is doing is getting people to pay attention to their
speeds.
Public Works Director Diane Spector discussed that SMART or a digital counter does decrease
speeding by two to three mph.
Yvonne Thibodeau, 7236 Halifax Avenue North, addressed the Council with her concerns about the
speed on Woodbine. She also questioned why there has not been any response to the speed humps
installed by the City about six or seven years ago on Unity Avenue. She has a friend that lives in
that area and was wondering what the reaction was to the speed humps.
i
Public Works Director Diane Spector responded that there have not been any complaints with those
speed humps and that is why no formal response was given.
Councilmember Hilstrom asked Ms. Thibodeau if she is requesting speed humps for Woodbine
Lane. Ms. Thibodeau responded that she would like to see them installed to see if that helps the
problem.
Councilmember Hilstrom questioned with Woodbine Lane being on the bus line if it would be a
problem. Mrs. Spector responded yes it would if they were not properly designed and installed.
Councilmember Peppe questioned what the cost is for a speeding ticket. Detective Steve Karris
responded that the average ticket is about seventy six dollars. Councilmember Peppe then
questioned if the tickets could be raised to a higher dollar amount. Mr. McCauley responded that
the City does not have control of that.
Councilmember Peppe stated that he felt this is an on -going problem and that something needs to
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be done. He questioned if there was anything else the City could do to send other messages to
residents to help the on -going problems.
E
Mayor Pro Tem Lasman reported that this issue was brought to the Council for the safety of Ms.
Thibodeau, and that she would like to see increased police patrol if possible.
Councilmember Hilstrom requested more information on this item and that it be brought back to the
Council to discuss further and find a solution.
8b. CANCEL SEPTEMBER 16, 1998, CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL SESSION
DUE TO LACK OF CITY PRIMARY
A motion by Councilmember Carmody, seconded by Councilmember Hilstrom to cancel the
September 16, 1998, City Council Special Session due to lack of City Primary. Motion carried
unanimously.
8e. RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1999-05,
53RD AVENUE TRAIL AND NAMING FISCAL AGENT FOR
ADMINISTRATION OF GRANT FUNDS RECEIVED THROUGH THE
COOPERATIVE TRAIL GRANTS PROGRAM
Mr. McCauley discussed that Public Works Director Diane Spector submitted a grant request to the
Department of Natural Resources to assist in the construction of the 53rd Avenue Trail component
of the 53rd Avenue Development and Linkage Project, and that the City was awarded with $50,000
to assist in the construction.
RESOLUTION NO. 98-140
Councilmember Hilstrom introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1999 -05, 53RD AVENUE
TRAIL AND NAMING FISCAL AGENT FOR ADMINISTRATION OF GRANT FUNDS
RECEIVED THROUGH THE COOPERATIVE TRAIL GRANTS PROGRAM
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Councilmember
Carmody. Motion passed unanimously.
8e. SALE OF CITY PROPERTY ON 67TH AVENUE
Mr. McCauley discussed the City received inquiries from two parities about the possibility of
purchasing the property owned by the City. The site is approximately 9,600 square feet and is
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located on the boundary of 252 and immediately south of 67th Avenue. This land is a remnant piece
from Mn/Dot's 252 project.
Mr. McCauley requested direction from the Council to request proposals for the sale of the property.
Councilmember Hilstrom questioned if this property is zoned. Mr. McCauley responded that it is
zoned R -1.
A motion by Councilmember Hilstrom, seconded by Councilmember Peppe to solicit proposals for
the sale of the property on 67th Avenue. Motion passed unanimously.
8f. REPORT ON COMMUNITY CENTER HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
Mr. McCauley discussed that CARS Director Jim Glasoe is recommending closing the Community
Center for the New Year's, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day holidays along with the
holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
Councilmember Hilstrom questioned how membership holders will be aware of these extra closing
holidays. Mr. McCauley responded that they would be notified.
A motion by Councilmember Hilstrom, seconded by Councilmember Carmody to close the
Community Center for New Year's, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Motion passed
unanimously.
8g. SALE OF CITY PROPERTY FOR REGAL THEATER DEVELOPMENT
Mr. McCauley discussed this item was placed on the agenda for a report to the Council and that the
ordinance could not be introduced because the developer has not submitted the correct legal
description yet.
8h. STAFF REPORT RE: DRAFT BROOKLYN BOULEVARD RIGHT OF WAY
AGREEMENT
Mr. McCauley discussed that included with the agenda materials was a copy of the draft agreement
from Hennepin County. It represents a significant improvement in the proposed terms that would
govern the right -of -way acquisition and cost sharing for the proposed Brooklyn Boulevard Project
between 64th Avenue and 71 st Avenue.
Some of the key points are that the City would be responsible for acquiring the right -of -way from
69th Avenue to 70th Avenue. The City and County would share the total cost of the acquisition and
relocation on a 50150 basis, whereas previously the cost basis that was in the proposed agreement
would have had the City and County sharing only the cost of acquiring the specific land that was
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going to be used.
Mr. McCauley discussed the item that is missing is that while Hennepin County is proceeding with
the Phase I Environmental, which is very important in ascertaining costs estimates, they have not
prepared appraisal based estimates of the cost of acquisition. The number seen in the draft
agreement represents cost of acquisitions based on the 1994 estimates that were done. As discussed
several other times, these are not based on an appraisal.
Mr. McCauley discussed this was an update to the Council on the status of where the City is with
Hennepin County and feels that they have made significant progress in delineating how the City and
County would approach cost.
8i. APPOINTMENT OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Mr. McCauley discussed his recommendation after reviewing proposals and the work of a committee
comprised of the Mayor, Councilmember Lasman, Councilmember Carmody, Financial
Commissioner Chair Don Escher, and Financial Commissioners Blamey and Hruska to appoint
Springsted, Inc., for the City's Financial Advisor.
A motion by Councilmember Carmody, second by Councilmember Pepper to appoint Springsted,
Inc. Motion carried unanimously.
8j. REPORT ON PHILLIPS 66 GAS STATION
Mr. McCauley discussed that a number of inquires have been made, but at this time we are unable
to confirm if the Phillips 66 Gas Station is for sale.
9. ADJOURNMENT
A motion by Councilmember Hilstrom, seconded by Councilmember Carmody to adjourn the
meeting at 9:59 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
C ity /l
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8/10/98 -17-