HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980 09-08 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
SEPTEMBER 8, 1980
CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council met in regular session and was called to order
by Mayor Dean Nyquist at 7:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Dean Nyquist, Councilmembers Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka,
and Celia Scott. Also present were City Manager Gerald Splinter, Director
of Public Works Sy Knapp, Director of Finance Paul Holmlund, Director of
Planning and Inspections Ron Warren, City Attorney Richard Schieffer, and
Administrative Assistant Tom Bublitz.
INVOCATION
The invocation was offered by Councilmember Gene Lhotka.
OPEN FORUM
Mayor Nyquist noted that the Council had not received any requests to use
the Open Forum session at this evening's meeting. He inquired of the
audience if anyone was present who wished to address the Council. There
being none, the Mayor proceeded with the regular agenda items.
APPEARANCE BY MEMBERS OF CREEK VILLA ASSOCIATION
Mayor Nyquist recognized Mt. Richard Lichtenberg of 7203 Perry Court West
who addressed the Council and stated that he is speaking for the other
members of the Creek Villa Association stating that he believes the residents
in the Creek Villa area are not getting their fair share of City services for
their tax dollars. He requested that the City Council resurface the streets
in the Creek Villa development. The City Manager inquired whether Mr.
Lichtenberg meant that the street should be sealcoated. Mr. Lichtenberg
replied that yes, he is requesting that the streets within the Creek Villa
complex be sealcoated by the City. Mayor Nyquist pointed out that the
streets in the Creek Villa complex are owned by the Homeowners' Association
and also added that he believed that the Creek Villa development is one of
the finer developments within the City of Brooklyn Center. Mayor Nyquist
inquired of Mr. Lichtenberg whether he was aware that the streets were
private. Mr. Lichtenberg stated that he was aware that the streets were
private streets.
The City Manager stated that the streets in the Creek Villa development were
not constructed using City standards as to the width of the streets. He .
stated that the staff can prepare a response to the request by the Creek Villa
Association. Councilmember Fignar inquired how many miles of streets were
in the Creek Villa complex. Mr. Lichtenberg replied that there is approximately
3/4 of a mile of streets with 105 homeowners in the development. The City
Manager stated that the City has received similar requests regarding snow-
plowing of the streets in The Ponds development but that no Association has
yet, requested ,sealcoating of private streets. Councilmember Fignar inquired
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whether the individual taxes in the Creek Villa development are as high as
for single family homes. The City Manager explained that the homes in the
Creek Villa development are taxed no differently than single family homes
and that the same.formula is used. However, he stated, the same square
footage in a single family home would likely have more value since the lot
of a single family home would increase the value. He stated that the staff
will look into the legal and other implications of the City's participation
in sealcoating the streets in the Creek Villa development. Councilmember
Fignar inquired what the cost would be for sealcoating the streets. One of
the residents of the Creek Villa Association present in the audience estimated
that the cost would be approximately $1 per square yard or a total cost of
$8,700.
Councilmember.Lhotka inquired what the street width was in the Creek Villa development.. The City Manager stated that the streets were 26' wide. He
added that, the wider streets in the City allow more land for snowplowiA;R -.
and dumping the snow on the boulevard. He pointed out that the City also '
allows parking on the wider streets and that the City is responsible for any
damage to private property, noting that -it is important to.have a wider street
right -of -way when plowing -snow and dumping it on the boulevard. Councilmember.
Kuefler inquired whether.the Brookdale complex has private roads. The City
Manager explained that the perimeter road around the Brookdale Center is a
private road.
Mr. Lichtenberg addressed the Council and stated that, before moving into the
Creek Villa townhouse development, the value of his old single family home
was $55,000 and he paid only $500.36 in taxes, and upon moving into the Creek
Villa townhouse, his valuation was $65,000 and he paid $807.74 in taxes. He
pointed out that both these figures represent 1980 assessed valuations and
he inquired why there was such an increase in the taxes when there was not
as great a corresponding increase in the valuation. The City Manager stated
that Mr. Lichtenberg's old single family home would probably have been under
the limited market value concept and that the newer homes would not. Also,
he noted that the Homestead break on homes works geometrically when it reaches
certain values. He stated that the staff will look into these differences_in
taxes and report their findings.
Mayor Nyquist recognized Mr. Arnie Foslien who addressed the Council stating
that he was present at this evening's meeting to speak to the proposal for
a traffic signal at T.H. 252 and 73rd Avenue North and stated that Mr. Jim
Merila, Chairman of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, will be present
later in the meeting to speak to this item.
APPOINTMENTS TO HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
Councilmember Lhotka stated that he and.Chairperson Jayne Kuhar of the Human
Rights Commission had interviewed three candidates for the Human Rights
Commission prior to this evening.'s meeting. He stated that he is recommending
that the three candidates, Delores Coop of 5337 Queen Avenue North, James
Paulos of 7238 Dallas Road, and Tom Yencho of 4710 Wingard Lane be appointed
to the Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission. He added that, both he and
Chairperson Kuhar, believe that these individuals will make
Commission members.
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There was a motion by Councilmember Lhotka and seconded by Councilmember
Kbefler to appoint Delores Coop, Jim Paulos, and Tom Yencho to the Brooklyn
Center Human Rights Commission. Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Council-
.
members Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott; voting against: none, the motion
passed unanimously.
Mayor Nyquist instructed Councilmember Lhotka and Administrative Assistant
Bublitz to work out the details of which terms the newly appointed members
would be filling out.
The City Manager explained that the next agenda item, a performance bond
reduction for the spec 8 building, located at 6850, 60, and 70 Shingle Creek
Parkway, would be scratched from the agenda since certain issues were not
resolved at this site with regard to the performance bond reduction.
RESOLUTIONS
The City Manager introduced a resolution amending the schedule of rates and
fees for the use of and connection to the sanitary sewer system of the City
of Brooklyn Center. He explained this resolution establishes the rates for
senior citizens for the years 1981 and 1982 at a level which is 50% of the
rates previously established for other single family accounts. The Director
-of Public Works referred Council members to a table which describes the
City's experience with senior citizen sewer discounts by district. The
Director of Public Works reviewed the table district by district and pointed
out that it shows senior citizens use water at a rate which is slightly more
tban l/2 the non- senior citizen usage. Councilmember Kuefler inquired how
the current rates stand up with regard to the cash flow. The Director of
Public Works stated that the City is in good shape through 1982 with regard
to cash flow if the current level.of service is maintained and no additional
services are added.
Councilmember Kuefler stated that he was concerned about the households where
there may be more.than two senior citizens, and that with our present policy
they would not qualify for the reduced rates, since the reduced rates apply
only to households of up to two senior citizens. The City Manager stated
that the staff could investigate some method whereby more than two senior
citizens per household could be accommodated by the reduced rate. Council-
member Fignar stated that he would.request the staff to research this itme.
RESOLUTION NO 80 -214
Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION AMENDING THE SCHEDULE OF RATES AND FEES FOR THE USE OF AND CONNECTION
TO THE SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by
member Gene Lhotka, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted
in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka, and
Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon said
resolution.was declared duly passed and adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 80 -215
Member Gene Lhotka introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 80 -16 RELATIVE TO CIVIC CENTER ACCESS
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT 1980 -04
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The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by
member Bill Fignar, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted
in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka, and
Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon said
resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 80 -216
Member Bill Fignar introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO CHANGE ORDER AND SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR SHINGLE
CREEK PARKWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1978 -45B (S.P. 109- 109 -17) AND HUMBOLDT
AVENUE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1980 -07 (S.P. 109 - 108 -02)
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by
member Celia Scott, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted
in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka, and
Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon said
resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 80 -217
Member Gene Lhotka introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO CHANGE ORDERS FOR SHINGLE CREEK PARKWAY IMPROVEMENT
PROJECTS NOS. 1978 -45A AND 1979 -5 (S.P. 109- 109 -16)
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by
member Bill Fignar, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted
in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka, and
Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none., whereupon said
resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
The City Manager introduced a resolution authorizing amendment to Joint and
Cooperative Agreement for Suburban Rate Authority and pointed out that this
amendment will allow the Joint Powers group. to act as a monitor to the Waste
Control Commission. Councilmember Kuefler stated that it is his understanding
that this is not a.new group,but.that it has been in existance for some
time. The City Manager stated that the group has been in existance for some
time and that they presently monitor the NSP rates on street lights and also
Minnegasco. He explained this resolution would expand their monitoring to
the Waste Control Commission. He stated that there is no legal authority
outside this Joint Powers Agreement to have the Joint Powers group work with
the Waste Control Commission.
RESOLUTION NO. 80 -218
Member Celia Scott introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AMENDMENT TO JOINT AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT FOR .
SUBURBAN RATE AUTHORITY
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by
member Gene Lhotka, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted
in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka, and
Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon said
resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 80 -219
Member Bill Fignar introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
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RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID FOR SIX (6) POLICE PATROL SEDANS
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by
member Tony Kuefler, and upon vote being taken thereon, the voted
in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka, and
Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon said
resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED 1981 CITY BUDGET
The City Manager stated that the Budget is just being introduced at this
evening's meeting and that the Council could meet tomorrow or Wednesday or
they could pick another meeting to discuss the Budget. Councilmember Kuefler
stated that he would like more time to prepare for the review of the Budget
than would be provided by holding a Budget meeting either tomorrow or Wednesday.
Mayor Nyquist opened the meeting for the purpose of a public hearing on the
Proposed 1981 City Budget. Councilmember Kuefler stated that he would request
more time to prepare a review of the Budget than would be provided by either
a Tuesday or Wednesday meeting. Councilmember Lhotka stated that he would be
out of town on Wednesday September 10 and Councilmember Fignar noted that he
would also be unable to make a Wednesday meeting.
There was a motion by Councilmember Scott'and seconded by Councilmember Lhotka
to adjourn the public hearing on the Proposed 1981 City Budget and-to reconvene
the Budget meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 1980 at 7:00 p.m. Voting in
favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott;
voting against: none, the motion passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
CITY'S REQUEST FOR TRAFFIC SIGNALS ON T.H. 252 AT 69TH AND 73RD AVENUES NORTH
The City Manager referred Council members to a resolution approving plans and
specifications and directing advertisement for bids for installation of a
traffic control signal system at the intersection of T.H. 252 and 73rd Avenue
North (Contract 1980 -0). He also referred them to a letter from Richard P.
Braun, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation, which stated
that there are.no State funds available for the installation of traffic signals
at 69th and 73rd Avenues North. The City Manager pointed out that the signals
at 69th and 73rd were originally areas that were proposed to have traffic
signals; however, he noted that the two intersections rank 47th and 22nd
respectively on the district signal priority list. He stated further that,
because local funds must be used to install traffic signals along 252, it is
recommended that the 73rd Avenue site be chosen over the 69th Avenue site as
the best choice for the placement of a single signal. He pointed out the total
cost to the City would be $105,000 and, at this time, Brooklyn Park has not
given a.commitment to funding 1/2 of this amount. The City Manager stated that
Rep. Ellingson has contacted him and indicated an appropriation could possibly
be made at the next legislative.session which would reimburse the City for
their cost in installing the traffic signal at 73rd Avenue North, but added
that this was not a certainty. He stated the staff is recommending that the
Council pass the resolution approving the traffic.control signal system at the
73rd Avenue North intersection and explained that it could be operational
before the snow season starts.
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The Director of Public Works pointed out that the State will provide the design
work by the end of this week and that the City has hired the firm of Short-
Elliott-Hendrickson to do the roadway design for the project. He added that.
the State has completed field surveys for the roadway design already. Council-
member Fignar inquired whether the signals would be permanent." The Director
of Public Works pointed out that the signals would be classified as temporary
as they are on wooden poles with span wire mountings rather than the steel
mast arms which are required for permanent signals. He noted that the State
would provide the traffic signals which would amount to $25,000 and that the
City would bear the cost of installation at $40,000 and for the roadway improve-
ments at a cost of $65,000. He stated if the Council approves this project,
the City would receive bids on October 2, 1980 and the bid would be awarded on
October 6, 1980. Councilmember Scott inquired how the project would be financed.
The City Manager explained it would be financed out of the Contingency Fund or
the Capital Improvements Fund pointing out that there is a potential for
reimbursement from the State but no guarantee on this reimbursement and no
guarantee from the City of Brooklyn Park that they will fund 1/2 of the project.
He stated that the staff believes that the minimum improvement required would
be a signal at 73rd Avenue North. He also indicated that the staff is con -
cerned that the City would be spending funds on a State highway system since
this is normally the responsibility of the State. He also stated that the
traffic signals at 69th and 73rd were scheduled for 1980 but because of State
cutbacks they were postponed. Mayor Nyquist expressed a concern over the
possibility that if the City does something with the 73rd intersection, would
the State then drop the 69th Avenue site from its priority list. The Director
of Public Works replied that this would not be likely and that the criteria
used for the installation of traffic signals are based on traffic volumes and
accident rates. Mayor Nyquist inquired whether there are any other sources
for funding the traffic signals other than through the State. The City Manager
stated that the City does not qualify under the FAU program since the FATS
program pays for only permanent signals and that this roadway is scheduled
for reconstruction in the future and any signals constructed in 1980 would
have to be of a temporary variety. Councilmember Kuefler noted that he has
been working with Rep Ellingson and believes that the State supports the
signals along 252 but the only problem appears to be funding.- He pointed out
that there is a precedent in past legislation for reimbursement of a municipality
in a situation such as this and he'sees the possibility of getting reimbursed
for this project since we are working on the State's own priorities. Council -
member Lhotka stated that he agrees with Councilmember Kuefler and noted that
people present in the audience also have the opportunity to speak to their
legislators regarding this project.
.RESOLUTION NO. 80 -220
Member Bill Fignar introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR
BIDS FOR INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNAL SYSTEM AT THE INTERSECTION
OF T.H. 252 AND 73RD AVENUE NORTH (CONTRACT 1980 -0)
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by
member Celia Scott, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted
in favor thereof: Dean Nyquist, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, Gene Lhotka, and
Celia Scott; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon said
resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
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PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
The City Manager introduced three Planning Commission applications, Application
No. 80022 submitted by Korsunsky - Krank - Erickson /Commercial Partners requesting
site and building plan approval of a shopping center /theater /restaurant complex
on land east of Shingle Creek Parkway north of Brookdale Ford, Application No.
80023 submitted by Korsunsky - Krank- Erickson /Commercial Partners on behalf of
United Artists - requesting a special use permit to build and operate a theater
within the complex envisioned in Application No. 80022, and Application No.
80021 submitted 0y Merila- Hansen /Commercial Partners for preliminary plat
approval for a subdivision including the Brookdale Ford property and the Brook-
dale Square complex. He pointed out that the plans for the restaurant proposed
for this project are not being submitted at this time and that the Planning
Commission approved all three applications at its August 28, 1980 meeting.
The Director. of Planning and Inspections reviewed the location of the proposed
shopping center /theater /restaurant complex and presented to Council members
the Planning Commission minutes regarding the discussion of Planning Commission
Application No. 80022. He also presented and reviewed the Planning Commission
information sheet prepared for Application No. 80022. He pointed out that the
project comprehends 88,00.0 square feet of commercial area with an eight screen
2,045 seat theater. He added that the project comprehends a 10,000 square foot
restaurant but that no building plans have yet been received, and according to
the information available to staff, the developer is still seeking a tenant
for the restaurant. He stated that the major concern in the past has been with
the access to the site and at the July 21, 1980 City Council meeting the pro -
ject was referred to the Planning.Commission to resolve the access problem
to the shopping center site. He reminded the Council that.the staff had
proposed a north access as the major access to the site. He pointed out the
current plan represents a response to both the staff's concerns and the
applicant's concerns for the exposure of the buildings in the project. He
stated that the Planning Commission, at its August 28, 1980 meeting, recommended
approval of the application subject to 14 conditions which he reviewed for
Council members. -
Councilmember Kuefler inquired what the staff's opinion was.of these new plans
submitted by the developer. The City Manager stated that the plan emphasizes
the north end of the site as the major entrance to the site and that in this
regard the plan meets the City staff's and the Planning Commission's concerns
regarding access. He pointed out it should be noted that when the north access
to the site is opened the Northwestern Bell median access would be closed.
Councilmember Lhotka inquired whether legally the City could require the place- '
ment of a signal at the north access on Shingle Creek Parkway as a condition
for approval of the project. The Director of Planning and Inspections stated
that the staff has made no recommendations regarding the signal, but past s
f pp
f
Council discussions
about this item have contemplated . the likelihood of a a
signal at this location. Councilmember Lhotka stated that he believes putting
in the signal now may be advisable as opposed to installing it at some later
date. The Director of Public Works stated that the warrants for the installation
of a traffic signal are not met now and even over the next 20 years, according s
to'the developer's traffic consultant, the warrants will be met for a
traffic signal at this location. He emphasized that, at this time, there is
no warrant for a traffic signal. Councilmember Lhotka questioned whether the
City could require the developer to construct a signal system at Shingle Creek
Parkway now. The City Attorney stated that any requirement must be based on
facts justifying it and that if the technical advice available now says it is
not warranted it becomes tenuous as a requirement. Councilmember Lhotka stated
that, if building the signal now is not advisable, he would suggest binding
the developer to a future agreement committing them to future construction of
a traffic signal. The City Attorney suggested that a performance agreement
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L.
stating the criteria used for warranting and installing a signal could be used
and that this would involve a contract and bond from the developer. Council-
member Lhotka.noted that he believes the staff has made.convincing arguments
in the past regarding the future probability of the necessity of a traffic
signal on Shingle Creek Parkway at the north access to the site.
Councilmember Kuefler stated that, at the time of the IDR hearing, the
restaurant was of primary consideration and that it concerns him that it is
now not indicated specifically in the plan. Mayor Nyquist stated that he
shared Councilmember Kuefler's concerns regarding the absence of the restaurant
in the plans. Councilmember Fignar concurred with both Councilmember Kuefler
and Mayor Nyquist regarding the restaurant plans.
Mayor Nyquist stated that the restaurant was the principal reason for approving
the IDR bond for this project and because the restaurant is not indicated on
the site plan there is some question whether it might be developed, he would_
therefore entertain a motion'to reconsider the Council's past resolution ,
approving the IDR bond for Commercial Partners. The City Attorney stated that
the proposed restaurant in the project is tied directly to the financing of
the project and not to the site plan, and pointed out that it should be
evaluated on this basis. He stated that he believes consideration of this at
the final approval.of the IDR bond would give the City less leverage in
influencing the project than;if'it is considered now. Councilmember Scott
inquired what stage the restaurant is'now at. Mayor Nyquist recognized Mr.
Allen.Gustafson, representing Commercial Partners, who addressed the Council
and stated that the negotiations over the roadway access have prevented
Commercial Partners from requesting site plan approval for the restaurant.
However, he assured Council members that he does have a restaurant for the
project. He pointed out that there is also a problem with the Zoning Ordinance
with regard to. parking requirements for the restaurant facility. In response
to Councilmember Scott, Mr. Gustafson pointed out that he has the Trapper &
Trader group interested in a restaurant at the site.
Mayor Nyquist suggested reconsidering the IDR bond approval until the restaurant
issue is resolved. The City Manager pointed out that the Brooklyn Center
ordinances prohibit one firm from holding two liquor licenses within the City
and that the Trapper & Trader group has also expressed an interest in a
restaurant at the Hippodrome site on the Earle Brown farm. Mr. Gustafson
stated that the Trapper & Trader group has shown a definite interest in the
Commercial Partners site. Mayor Nyquist inquired whether Commercial Partners
has any signed agreement with the Trapper & Trader group for a restaurant. Mr.
Gustafson replied that there was nothing in writing but that this was primarily
because of the uncertainty of the parking requirements for the restaurant site.
The Director of Planning and Inspections stated that, based on the plan presented
by Commercial Partners, only 216 stalls remain for the restaurant and that these
216 stalls would accommodate an approximate 400 seat restaurant under the current
plan. Mr. Gustafson stated that proof of parking exists for 400 seats and
suggested allowing a cross use of parking by allowing retail parking spots
to be used for the restaurant facility in lieu of the additional number of
parking spaces for the restaurant. The Director of Planning and Inspections..
stated that a request for a variance from the parking standards, as Mr.
Gustafson is referring to, should appropriately come at the time that the
site plan approval is granted and can only be granted if the applicant can
meet the standards for variances.
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RECESS
The Brooklyn Center City Council recessed at 9:15 p.m. and reconvened at
9:35 p.m.
Councilmember Scott inquired whether the City could bind the developers to
building a restaurant without reconsidering the Planning.Commission application
presented this evening. _ The City Attorney stated that perhaps an elaborate
agreement could be drawn up but the applicant appears to want to solve the
parking problem before a final plan is drafted. He suggested the applicant
complete the site plan and come back to the Planning Commission with the
completed plan, including the restaurant. He pointed out it is unusual to
approve a site plan without receiving a final draft of the plan. The City
Attorney recommended tabling action for all three applications and that the
parking problems be resolved first at the staff level and then submitted to
the Planning Commission for their recommendations. Mr. Gustafson pointed out
it has been difficult to plan the restaurant in light of other problems
including the access problem and asked that the project be allowed to move
ahead rather than be delayed again. He assured the Council that the restaurant
will be built with meeting facilities. The City Attorney commented it appears
that the reasons the restaurant plans are not before the Council this evening
is.because of the parking problems, and looking at other plans this evening
would not solve the parking problem. Mr. Gustafson stated that changing the
roadway access has prevented Commercial Partners from locating the restaurant.
.on the site and that he believes the parking will not make or break the
restaurant. The City Attorney inquired of the applicant whether there was
anything he needed from the Council this evening before.he. proceeds with the
final preparation of the site plan which would include the restaurant and
banquet facility. Mayor Nyquist recognized Mr. Darrel Fortier, representing
Commercial Partners, who stated that the restaurant design will be contingent
on the flexibility in the parking requirements and how the City of Brooklyn
Center will regard parking requirements for banquet facilities. He stated
that a restaurant with a seating capacity of 350 on the upper floor and a
banquet facility on the lower floor with a seating capacity of 350 plus a
surplus of 25 cars on the site would be contingent on how the City of Brooklyn
Center counts parking spaces for banquet facilities.
The City Manager stated that he is concerned that the project has been put
together on a "piecemeal" basis. Councilmember Lhotka stated that, in his
consideration of the project, it does not meet many of the IDR guidelines as
developed by the Committee from the Chamber of Commerce, City Council and
City staff. He indicated that he would vote against approval of the project
at this time. The City Manager stated that he would like an opportunity to
look at the whole project and pointed out that the staff has never had the
entire plan to review. He added that the staff -has assumed a 400 seat
restaurant with what the applicant was considering, not the 300 -350 seat
restaurant being mentioned by the applicant. The Director of Planning and
Inspections stated that only 216 parking spots remain for the restaurant
based on the present plan, as submitted. He added that the staff has not
yet seen a floor plan of a restaurant for the site. He emphasized that if
the applicant is looking at 600 seats for the restaurant and banquet facility,
there is not enough parking now contained on the plan to accommodate this
type of facility. Mr. Darrel Fortier stated that we are not the designers
for the restaurant and the restaurant designers could not begin their design
work until the access problems were resolved. He pointed out that they
apparently have the option to come through normal channels for site plan
review for a 350 seat restaurant and 350 seat banquet facility or to be
flexible using a combination seating to obtain the required banquet facilities
by using some of the restaurant seating for banquet seating. Councilmember
Kuefler stated that he shares the applicant's concern for the time involved
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and is amenable to acting on the site plan as soon as a. complete plan is
presented for a 300 -350 seat restaurant and a 300 -350 seat banquet facility.
Planning Assistant Shallcross requested a clarification on the Council's
intent for the restaurant and banquet facilities and inquired whether the
Council would be agreeable to having the 350 seat restaurant and 350 seat banquet
facility overlapping with some of their seating. Councilmember Kuefler stated
that.he is looking for.seating for a 300 -350 seat restaurant and additional
banquet seating for 300 -350 people. Councilmember Fignar stated that he
concurs with Councilmember Kuefler's recommendations for the restaurant and'
banquet facility.
The City Attorney suggested that tabling the three applications is a necessity
and that it must come before the Planning Commission and Council again when
a complete site plan is developed. He stated that the applicant appears to
want to negotiate with the City Council on bending the parking requirements
and that the staff will not stand for it and is requesting that the applicant
proceed through.the normal channels provided for such requests.
The four Councilmembers voting affirmatively at the May 19, 1980 City Council
meeting on granting preliminary approval of the IDR bond for Commercial Partners
concurred that their primary reason for granting preliminary approval of the
Commercial Partners IDR bond was because a restaurant and banquet facility
would be included in the project.
There was a motion by Councilmember Kuefler and seconded by Councilmember
Fignar to table Planning Commission Application No. 80022 submitted by
Korsunsky - Krank- Erickson / Commercial Partners requesting site and building
plan approval of a shopping center /theater /restaurant complex on land east
of Shingle Creek Parkway, north of Brookdale Ford; Application No. 80023
submitted by Korsunsky- Krank- Erickson /Commercial Partners on behalf of United
Artists requesting a special-use permit to build and operate a theater within
the complex envisioned in Application No. 80022, and Application No. 80021
submitted by Merila- Hansen /Commercial Partners for preliminary plat approval
for a subdivision including Brookdale Ford and the Brookdale Square complex
until a full and complete site plan is presented to the Planning Commission
and the City Council. Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmember Kuefler,
Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott; voting against: none, the motion passed unanimously.
There was a motion by Councilmember Fignar and seconded by Councilmember
Kuefler to direct the City Attorney to research the legal ramifications of
reconsidering the preliminary approval of the IDR bonds for the Commercial
Partners project at a later date. Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Council-
members Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott; voting against: none, the motion
passed unanimously.
Mr. Darrel Fortier requested a clarification from Councilmember Kuefler on
what he is recommending for the banquet and meeting facilities._ Councilmember
Kuefler suggested that he work out these details with staff and review the
guidelines for direction.
DISCUSSION ITEMS CONTINUED
I -94 CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE
The Director of Public Works informed Council members that, at the time of"plan
approval, MN /DOT made certain assurances to the City regarding the I -94 con-
struction project. He stated that the City would not allow both the Humboldt
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and Dupont Avenue bridge to be taken out of service at the same time. He stated
that MN /DOT could not give this assurance but - assured staff that the Humboldt
Avenue bridge would not go out of service until fall of 1981. He pointed out
that, after the contract was awarded, the time schedule on the project changed
arid the contractor is now intending to complete all work on the I -94 project
in 1982, not 1983. The result, he explained, is that Humboldt will be closed
to southbound traffic on September 15, 1980 and to northbound traffic early in
October. Further, he stated that the contractor's new schedule meant that the
Dupont Avenue bridge would not open until next fall and would be out of service
for the entire school year. In the process of negotiating.change orders with
the contractor, the State has had the Dupont Avenue bridge completion pushed up
so a new bridge will be in service in March of 1981 rather than August of 1981.
Heppointed out that this would be acceptable to the school district where before
the closing of the Dupont bridge for an entire school year would not be acceptable.
He informed Council members that the State has assured the City that the lane
restrictions to one lane on.I -94 will occur only periodically and in off -peak
hours. He did, however, point out one exception at the T.H. 152 interchange;
the bridge requires widening and the eastbound I -94 traffic might be restricted
to one lane for a major part of the winter. Councilmember Scott inquired what
kind of notice could the City give to people regarding this project. The Director
of public Works noted that the State is issuing news releases on the project.
The -City Attorney left the table at 10:35 p.m.
The Director of Public Works stated that the ramps, off I =94 to Shingle Creek
Parkway will be open next week, and the Humboldt Avenue bridge is closed.
He added that the traffic signals.on Shingle Creek Parkway will also be in
operation at this time. Councilmember Kuefler inquired what the significance
of a 1982 completion date as opposed to a 1983 date would mean for the City.
The City Manager stated that, essentially, it will get the detours out of town
a year sooner. The Director of Public Works pointed out that this contract
will not complete the access to downtown along 252 but that the project should
resolve the traffic jams at the 100 and 694 intersection. He stated that the
north -south access along 252 is planned to be complete by the fall of 1982
which would carry traffic all the way downtown.
The City Attorney returned at 10:45 p.m.
Discussion ensued regarding the various aspects of the I -94 project and the
City Manager suggested directing the Director of Public Works to write a
letter to the State requiring that they give the City 45 days to review any
future changes in the project in order to present them to the City Council
for their approval. In good faith, he pointed out that the State did not
know that the contractor would change his deadlines.on the project. The
Director of Public Works stated that he would like to point out that the City's
channelization project on Humboldt north of 65th should be completed this week.
REVIEW OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS WHICH ARE TO BE LEVIED THIS YEAR
The Director of Public Works pointed out that the public hearing for the
special assessments will be held on September 22, 1980. He referred Council
members to a summary sheet of the assessments. Councilmember Fignar requested
that the City look into the growth of the weeds.on 63rd and Brooklyn Boulevard
at the old Shopper's City site.
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AMENDMENTS TO CITY CHARTER
The City Manager stated that the City Charter requires a public hearing before
amendments to the Charter can be adopted and it is recommended that the City
Council set a public hearing date for the Charter amendments on October 6, 1980,
There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember Lhotka
to set the public hearing date for consideration of the Charter Commission
amendments for October 6, 1980 at 8:00 p.m. Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist,
Councilmembers Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott; voting against: none, the
motion passed unanimously.
NORTHWEST SUBURBS CABLE COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT
The City Manager stated that, to date, two drafts of a Joint Powers Agreement
have been proposed, one being draft A recommended by the legislative subcommittee
of the Cable Commission and draft B, a Joint Powers Agreement drafted by the
Brooklyn Center City Manager and the Robbinsdale City Manager. He pointed out
that, at a recent meeting of the legislative subcommittee of the Cable Commission,
a compromise draft between the A and B drafts was recommended. He pointed out
that the new draft, draft C, will attempt to address the concerns of both A
and B and hopefully the Council will have the new draft agreement, draft C, to
review shortly.
CONSIDERATION OF SPECIFIED LICENSES -HAPPY DRAGON RESTAURANT
The City Manager introduced the next agenda item which was a request for a
license to operate an on -sale nonintoxicating liquor license at the Happy
Dragon Restaurant located at 5532 Brooklyn Boulevard.
There was a motion by Councilmember Fignar and seconded by Councilmember
Kuefler to approve the issuing of an on -sale nonintoxicating malt beverage
license to the Happy Dragon Restaurant located at 5532 Brooklyn Boulevard.
Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and
Scott; voting against: none, the motion passed unanimously.
GAMBLING LICENSES
There was a motion by Councilmember Lhotka and seconded by Councilmember
Scott to approve a Class B gambling license for the Earle Brown Parent- Teachers
Association. Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler, Fignar,
Lhotka, and- Scott; voting,against: none, the motion passed unanimously.
There was a motion by Councilmember Kuefler and seconded by Councilmember ,
Lhotka to waive.the $10,000 fidelity bond for the Earle Brown Parent - Teachers
Association. Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers Kuefler, Fignar,
Lhotka, and Scott; voting against: none, the motion passed unanimously..
LICENSES
There was a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember
Kuefler to approve the following list of licenses:
CIGARETTE LICENSE
Happy Dragon Restaurant 5532 Brooklyn Blvd.
FOOD ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE
Duke's Properties 6870 Shingle Creek Pkwy.
Duke's Standard 6501 Humboldt Ave, No.
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GAMBLING LICENSE
Earle Brown School P.T.A. 5900 Humboldt Ave. No.
MECHANICAL SYSTEM'S LICENSE
Faircon, Inc. 80 2nd Ave. S.E.
ON -SALE NONINTOXICATING LIQUOR LICENSE
Happy Dragon Restaurant 5532 Brooklyn Blvd..
RENTAL DWELLING LICENSE
Initial:
Raul & Paulette Lopez 6315 Brooklyn Blvd.
Gene M. Proctor 6006 Ewing Ave. No.
Clifford Lane & Dorothy Ernst- 6927 June Ave. No.
Paul Brandvold 4110 66th Ave. No.
Gary W. Anderson 5413 70th Circle
Renewal:
Lyn River Corporation Lyn River Apartments
Roland Scherber 7212 Newton Ave. No.
Irwin Ketroser 6525,27,29 Willow Lane
Voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers.Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and
Scott; voting against: none, the.motion passed unanimously.
Councilmember Kuefler stated that he had a concern over the fairness of the
garage sale ordinance regarding how we treat the use of boulevards. He pointed
out that the residents are required to maintain the boulevards and some persons
feel they should be allowed to use that boulevard for the placement of garage
sale and real estate signs. He inquired whether the Council is interested in
tuning the ordinance to allow residents to use the boulevard. The City Manager
stated that the staff can research this requirement, possibly leaving the
regulation as it is, but requiring the residents to keep the signs 4 to 5 feet
back from the roadway. He pointed out residents could use the boulevard under
the present ordinance if the Council established a distance that a sign must
be a certain footage from the roadway. He stated that the staff will prepare
language for Council's review regarding this item.
Councilmember Scott stated that she has received telephone calls from persons
who saw motorcycles crossing the Dupont Avenue pedestrian bridge and requested
that the City somehow regulate the traffic on this bridge to prevent motorized
vehicles. The City Manager pointed out that the State has assured the City
it would post the bridge for motorized vehicles and that the City will look
into enforcement of preventing motorized vehicles from using the pedestrian
bridge.
The City Manager pointed out that the Commerce and Industry Day sponsored by
the Chamber of Commerce will be held. on October 21, 1980 at the Holiday Inn
and will run from noon to 4:00 p.m.
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ADJOURNMENT
There was .a motion by Councilmember Scott and seconded by Councilmember F'ignar
to adjourn the meeting. voting in favor: Mayor Nyquist, Councilmembers
Kuefler, Fignar, Lhotka, and Scott; voting against: none, the motion passed'
unanimously. The Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at 11 :00 p.m.
Mayor Clerk
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