HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977 07-25 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
JULY 25, 1977
CITY HALL
Call to Order The Brooklyn Center City Council met in regular session
and was called to order by Mayor Philip Cohen at 7 :30 p.m.
Roll Call Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler, Fignar, and
Lhotka. Also present were Acting City Manager James
Merila, City Attorney Richard Schieffer, Director of Finance
Paul Holmlund, Director of Planning and Inspection Blair
Tremere, and Administrative Assistants Brad Hoffman,
Mary Harty, and Ronald Warren.
Invocation The invocation was offered by Pastor Guenther of the
Brook Park Baptist Church.
Performance Bond Motion by Councilman Kuefler and seconded by Councilman
Release Fignar to authorize release of a $10, 000 performance bond
(Harold J. Westin, Inc.) posted by Harold J. Westin, Inc. for site improvements at
the Group Health Clinic, 6845 Lee Avenue North, on the
basis that performance obligations have been satisfied.
Voting in favor: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Kuefler, Fignar,
and Lhotka. Voting against: none. The motion passed.
Councilman Britts abstained to avoid the inference or
appearance of a conflict of interest as his wife is employed
by Group Health.
Performance Bond Motion by Councilman Britts and seconded by Councilman
Release Lhotka to authorize release of a $15 , 000 site performance
(Standard Solvents Co.) bond posted by Standard Solvents Company for site improve-
ments at 4906 France Avenue North on the basis that
performance obligations have been satisfied. Voting in ,
favor: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler, Fignar,
and Lhotka. Voting against: none. The motion passed
unanimously.
RESOLUTION Member Maurice Britts introduced the following resolution
NO. 77 -147 and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION FOR FACSIMILE SIGNATURES
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: Philip
Cohen, Maurice Britts, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, and Gene
Lhotka; and the following voted against the same: none,
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and
adopted.
RESOLUTION Member Bill Fignar introduced the following resolution and
NO. 77 -148 moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION FOR FACSIMILE SIGNATURES
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: Philip
Cohen, Maurice Britts, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, and Gene
Lhotka; and the following voted against the same: gone, .
i
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whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
Member Tony Kuefler introduced the following resolution and RESOLUTION
moved its adoption: NO. 77 -149
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO ACT FOR
THE CITY IN ANY OF ITS BUSINESS WITH THE DESIGNATED
DEPOSITORIES OF CITY FUNDS
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: Philip
Cohen, Maurice Britts, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, and Gene
Lhotka; and the following voted against the same: none,
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and
t
ado p ed.
The Acting City Manager introduced the next item of business Purchase of Air
on the agenda, that of a resolution recommended for the purpose Conditioning Units
of authorizing the purchase of eight window air conditioning for CEAP
units for the old City Hall at 7100 Brooklyn Boulevard. He
explained that the purchase is pursuant to the provisions of
the joint powers agreement between the cities of Brooklyn
Center and Brooklyn Park relating to the CEAP headquarters.
He further explained that a resolution distributed to the Council
this evening is offered in lieu of a resolution presented in the
Council agenda packet. He stated that the reason for the
handout resolution was that it is recommended that the quota-
tion submitted by F. C. Hayer be accepted rather than the
quotation submitted by W. W. Grainger which had been
previously recommended. He further stated that the reason
for the change in recommendations is that W. W. Grainger
cannot provide delivery of the air conditioning units for
the price quoted while F. C. Hayer will provide the units
and the delivery for the quoted $2,420.
A brief discussion ensued relative to the recommendation
and the costs thus far incurred in the remodeling of the old
City Hall for CEAP. The Acting City Manager stated that
approximately $21 , 000 has thus far been expended for the
remodeling work. He further stated that it is anticipated
that CEAP will have its grand opening sometime in September.
Member Bill Fignar introduced the following resolution and RESOLUTION
moved its adoption: NO. 77 -150
RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF EIGHT (8)
WINDOW AIR CONDITIONING UNITS
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: Philip
Cohen, Maurice Britts, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, and Gene
Lhotka; and the following voted against the same: none,
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and
adopted.
The Acting City Manager introduced the next item of business Diseased Shade
on the agenda, that of a resolution recommended for the purpose Tree Removal
of awarding Diseased Shade Tree Removal Contract No. 1977 -6. Contract
He explained that only one bid, that of Arbor Tree Service, had
been received and that it was recommended that the City Council
accept this bid and award the contract. He reported that Arbor
Tree Service's bid was compared with other individual tree
removal quotations and that the bid is approximately 18%
better than the individual quotations used for comparative purposes.
7 -25 -77 _2_
A brief discussion ensued relative to the bid and the
contract. Councilman Kuefler inquired if Arbor Tree
Service would have any problem in removing trees
within the 20 day time limit provided by law. The Acting
City Manager responded that due to the great number of
diseased shade trees being removed in the metropolitan
area, all tree services are having some difficulties
meeting the time limits. He added that Arbor Tree Service
has been reliable in providing service to the City for
various tree removals, and that he anticipates that this
reliability will be maintained. Councilman Fignar inquired
as to the anticipated number of trees to be removed under
this contract. The Actin g City Manager responded that the
contract will cover tree removal until December 31, 1977
and that it is estimated that between 150 and 200 trees
will be removed under this contract. Councilman Fignar
also inquired if this contract would cover the removal of
diseased trees on commercial as well as residential
property. The Acting City Manager responded that the
contract does include commercial as well as residential
property but pointed out that the State reimbursement
subsidy does not apply to commercial property.
RESOLUTION Member Maurice Britts introduced the following resolution
NO. 77 -151 and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID AND APPROVING CONTRACT
FOR REMOVAL OF DISEASED SHADE TREES
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: Philip
Cohen, Maurice Britts, Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, and
Gene Lhotka; and the following voted against the same:
none, whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed
and adopted.
Planning Commission The Acting City Manager introduced the next item of business,
Application No. 77024 that of Planning Commission Application No. 77024 submitted
(John Sheehan, Jr.) by John Sheehan, Jr. for Holiday Inn.
The Director of Planning and Inspection proceeded to review
Planning Commission Application No. 77024 and the Planning
Commission action at its July 20, 1977 meeting. He stated
that the applicant was seeking special use and site and
building plan approval for a 68 -room addition to the Holiday
Inn, 1501 Freeway Boulevard. He explained that transient
lodging was a special use in the C -2 and I -1 districts and
that the expansion area to the west involves the use of
land contained in the adjacent tract. He commented that
the plans comprehend the provision for large vehicle parking,
since the present experience indicates a need for such
facilities. He explained that it is common that large
vehicles such as semi - trailer trucks and recreational
vehicle motor homes utilize the motel facilities and occupy
up to 8 or 9 automobile parking spaces. He added that no
provisions for this special parking were made in the original
plans but that the proposed plans indicate five such spaces
at the southwest corner of the site. He briefly discussed
parking plans stating that the present plans reflect 374
spaces versus the ordinance requirement of 409 or a
variation of 35 spaces. He explained that the plans
L
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indicate that the 35 spaces represent a 247c factor of the 145 spaces
h motel.
H
e
uses within the restaurant and lounge a se
.allocated to the g
added that this appears to be a reasonable joint use factor since a
definite element of the restaurant trade is composed of motel guests
for whom parking has been provided by a separate calculation for
the motel units. He noted that there would be an approximate
40 to 50 parking space increase over the parking spaces already
in existence due to the proposed expansion of the motel and that
there are also other areas not presently designated for parking
that the plan indicates could be used for parking purposes to
provide approximately another 50 spaces. He added that altogether
this could mean an approximate 100 parking space increase over
what is presently in existence at the Holiday Inn. The Director
of Planning and Inspection reported that automatic fire extinguishing
systems are required and must be installed throughout the addition
including sprinkler heads in individual units. He also stated that -
the building code requires smoke detectors in each of the individual
units and that furthermore by 1980 all of the units in the motel must
have smoke detectors as well. He explained that it has been recom-
mended and the applicant has concurred that all smoke detectors
be provided at the same time. He also reported that the plans
indicate that there will be nine handicapped units in the expansion
area to go along with two existing handicapped units.
The Director of Planning and Inspection next reviewed a transparency
showing the location and configuration of the property in question
and a brief discussion ensued. Councilman Britts inquired if there
would be enough land remaining on the parcel where the Holiday Inn
proposes to expand to allow another building. The Director of
Planning and Inspection responded that there would be enough
r that parcel to support a building comparable remaining land on t e pp g arable to p
g p
the Holiday Inn. He added that the main concern is providing
adequate parking on the Holiday Inn site at this time, which
there seems to be, but pointed out that the development of other
parcels around the Holiday Inn might evenutally call for the
Holiday Inn to make use of other areas designated on the plan
for future parking or possibly enter into joint parking arrangements.
Councilman Britts pointed out that the parcel the Holiday Inn
proposes to expand on to is zoned I -1 while the present Holiday
Inn parcel is zoned C -2 and inquired if there was any problem
with such an expansion. The Director of Planning and Inspection
responded that no real problem exists in that transient lodging
is permitted by special use permit in both the C -2 and I -1
districts. Councilman Kuefler inquired of the City Attorney if
there would be any potential long range problems with the
different zoning designations and if it would be beneficial to
have the property proposed for expansion zoned the same as
the present Holiday Inn property to avoid any such problems.
The City Attorney stated that he could not foresee any long
range problems, but if some did develop it would be better .
to deal with them as they arise.
The Director of Planning and Inspection next reviewed various
slides depicting the site and then reviewed the site and building
plans with members of the City Council. Further discussion
ensued with Councilman Lhotka inquiring if the Holiday Inn
provides handicapped parking stalls and ramps that make the
motel accessible to the handicapped. The Director of Planning
and Inspection responded that the Holiday Inn does provide
specially designated handicapped parking stalls and also access
ramps according to the provisions of State law.
Mayor Cohen recognized the applicant, Mr. John Sheehan, Jr.,
who responded to an inquiry by Councilman Fignar by stating
that they are not capable of expanding the Holiday Inn upward,
thus, necessitating the proposed outward expansion. Mayor
Cohen stated that he was under the impression, based on his
7 -25 -77 -4-
recollection of the original plan review and the liquor
license review for the Holiday Inn, that Topeka Inn was the
owner of the establishment and he noted that there is no
communication in the file from Topeka Inn. Mr. Sheehan
stated that Inneco, Inc. owns the property while Topeka
Inn leases it. The Mayor inquired of the City Attorney if
there might be any potential liquor license problems with
this arrangement. The City Attorney responded that he
didn't feel there were any liquor license problems with
having the leasee being one corporation and the owner
another corporation provided neither are directly or
indirectly interested in the liquor license of another
establishment in the City. The Mayor requested that the
matter be further reviewed to verify If the liquor license
application for the Holiday Inn indicates this arrangement.
Public Hearing Mayor Cohen opened the meeting to notified property owners.
No one spoke relating to the application.
Action Approving Following further discussion there was a motion by Council -
Planning Commission man Fignar and seconded by Councilman Britts to approve
Application No. 77024 Planning Commission Application No. 77024 submitted by
(John Sheehan, Jr. for Mr. John Sheehan, Jr. for Holiday Inn subject to the following
the Holiday Inn) conditions:
1. Building plans are subject to approval by the Building
Official with respect to applicable codes and ordi-
nances prior to the issuance of permits.
2. Grading, drainage, utility and berming plans are
subject to approval by the City Engineer prior to
the issuance of permits.
3. A performance agreement and financial guarantee
(in a form and amount approved by the City Manager)
shall be submitted to assure completion of approved
site improvements.
4. The site shall be combined through platting or
registered land survey which shall be filed and
made of record prior to occupancy.
5. All rooftop mechanical equipment and outside trash
disposal facilities shall be appropriately screened.
6. Plan approval comprehends the potential use of the
designated recreational area indicated on the plan
and of certain green areas on the site for parking;
and at such time that the City deems additional
parking necessary, the special use permit shall be
reviewed by the City and the additional parking shall
be installed according to approved plans and existing
ordinance requirements.
Voting in favor: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler,
Fignar, and Lhotka. Voting against: none. The motion
passed unanimously.
Planning Commission The Acting City Manager introduced the next item of business,
Application No. 77025 that of Planning Commission Application No. 77025 submitted
(Kurth Surveying, Inc. by Kurth Surveying, Inc for Car -X Service Systems, Inc.
for Car -X Service Systems)
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The Director of Planning and Inspection proceeded to review
Planning Commission Application No. 77025 and the Planning
Commission action at its July 20, 1977 meeting. He stated
that the applicant was seeking approval of a preliminary
registered land survey for the property at 6810 Brooklyn
Boulevard. He explained that the proposed registered land
survey would combine the subject property from two tracts
into one tract. He noted that the combination was required
by the zoning ordinance and was classified as a condition
of approval in Application No. 76067 and in Application No.
77020. He reported that a letter had been received from the
owner, as required by the City Council under Application
No. 77020, stating an understanding of the need for the
combination and that the property would not be subject to
future subdivision as long as it was used for the commercial
purposes approved under the above applications.
At the request of the Mayor the clerk read a letter from
Mr. Harold Krieger, Executive Vice President of Car -X
Systems, Inc. in which Car -X Systems, Inc. acknowledged
that the property would be combined through platting or
registered land survey into a single parcel under common
ownership as per the City zoning ordinance and agreed
that the property is to remain a single parcel under a
common ownership as long as the property serves the
commercial development approved and constructed under
Applications No. 76067 and 77020.
The City Attorney stated that the City, for further pro-
tection, could file the City's resolution approving the
combining of these parcels and acknowledging the require-
ment that the property remain a single parcel under common
ownership with the title to the property.
The Director of Planning and Inspection next reviewed a
transparency showing the location and configuration of the
property in question, and explained the reason for requesting
Car -X to acknowledge the almost irrevocable nature of the
combining of the two parcels. A brief discussion ensued
relative to the application with Mayor Cohen stating that
approval of Applications No. 76067 and 77020 were done by
motion rather than resolution and that it might be appropriate
for the Council to adopt a resolution to be filed with the
title of the property and contained with the various Planning
Commission application files noting the reasons for the
requirement.
Following further discussion there was a motion by Council- Action Approving
man Kuefler and seconded by Councilman Fignar to approve Planning Commission
Planning Commission Application No.. 77025 submitted by Application No. 77025
Kurth Surveying, Inc. for Car -X Service Systems, Inc. (Kurth Surveying, Inc.
subject to the following conditions: for Car -X Service
Systems)
1. Final R.L.S. is subject to review by the City
Engineer.
2. Final R.L.S. is subject to the requirements of
Chapter 15 of the City Ordinances.
Voting in favor: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler,
Fignar, and Lhotka . Voting against: none. The motion
passed unanimously.
7-25-77 -6-
Action Requesting the Motion by Councilman Kuefler and seconded by Councilman
Preparation of a Resolution Lhotka to direct the Acting City Manager to prepare a
resolution citing the City Council's reasons for requiring
that the property at 6810 Brooklyn Boulevard remain a
single parcel under common ownership so that the resolution
will be filed with the title to the property and also filed
with Planning Commission Application Nos. 76067 and
77020 and 77025. Voting in favor: Mayor Cohen, Council-
men. Britts, Kuefler, Fignar, and Lhotka. Voting against:
none. The motion passed unanimously.
Planning Commission The Acting City Manager introduced the next item of business
Application No. 77027 on the agenda, that of Planning Commission Application No.
(Roy Hansen for Wetterau 77027 submitted by Roy Hansen for Wetterau Builders and
Builders and B.C.I.P. , B.C.I.P. , Inc.
Inc.)
The Director of Planning and Inspection proceeded with a
review of Planning Commission Application No. 77027 and
the Planning Commission action at its July 20, 1977 meeting.
He stated that the application consisted of a preliminary
registered land survey for property at 6000 Earle Brown
Drive which is bounded �by T.H. 100 , Earle Brown Drive
and Summit Drive. He explained that the subdivision was
a stipulation of Application No. 77021 submitted by Wetterau
Builders for a retail sales facility which was now under
construction. He reviewed a transparency showing the
location and configuration of the property in question and
various slides depicting its layout. A brief discussion
ensued relative to the application.
Public Hearing Mayor Cohen opened the meeting to notified property owners.
No one spoke relating to the application.
Action Approving Following further discussion there was a motion by Council -
Planning Commission man Fignar and seconded by Councilman Lhotka to approve
Application No. 77027 Planning Commission Application No. 77027 submitted by
(Roy Hansen for Wetterau Roy Hansen for Wetterau Builders and B.C.I.P., Inc.
Builders and B.C.I.P., subject to the following conditions:
Inc.)
I. Final R.L.S. is subject to review by the City Engineer.
2. Final R.L.S. is subject to the requirements of Chapter
15 of the City Ordinances.
Voting in favor: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler,
Fignar, and Lhotka. Voting against: none. The motion
passed unanimously.
Planning Commission The Acting City Manager introduced the next item of business,
Application No. 77029 that of Planning Commission Application No. 77029 submitted
(Steel Seat, Inc.) by Steel Seal, Inc.
The Director of Planning and Inspection proceeded with the
review of Planning Commission Application No. 77029 and
the Planning Commission action at its July 20, 1977 meeting.
He stated that the applicant is seeking a special use permit
to conduct an automotive repair and treatment activity in
the new Speculative Building No. 7 at 1600 - 67th Avenue
North. He explained that the proposed use consists of
automobile rustproofing. He next reviewed a transparency
showing the location and configuration of the property and
also various slides depicting the area. A brief discussion
ensued relative to the application.
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Mayor Cohen recognized Mr. R. L. Pothen, General Manager
for Steel Seal, Inc. who explained the procedures to be utilized
for rustproofing automobiles at the site. He stated that approxi-
i through car dealerships
matel 95% of Steel Seal, Inc. 's business s g p
Y
on an appointment basis. In response to an inquiry by Councilman
Kuefler Mr. Pothen stated that between 15 and 18 cars can be
ru stproof ed in one day.
Mayor Cohen opened the meeting to notified property owners. Public Hearing
No one spoke relating to the application.
Following further discussion there was a motion by Councilman Action Approving
Kuefler and seconded by Councilman Britts to approve Planning Planning Commissio
Commission Application No. 77029 submitted by Steel Seal, Inc. Application No. 770
subject to the following .conditions: (Steel Seal, Inc.)
1 The permit is issued to the applicant as owner and is
not transferable.
2. The permit is subject to all applicable ordinances, codes
and regulations, and violation thereof shall constitute
grounds for revocation.
3. Building plans and certificate of occupancy are subject
to approval by the Building Official with respect to
applicable codes.
4. Outside ;parking of vehicles other than those belonging
to the establishment or employees shall be limited to
business hours, and outside parking of vehicles in process
at any other time is prohibited.
Voting in favor: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler,
Fignar, and Lhotka. Voting against: none. The motion passed
unanimously.
The Brooklyn Center City Council recessed at 8 :54 p.m. and Recess
resumed at 9:15 p.m.
The Acting City Manager introduced the next item of business, Planning Commission
that of Planning Commission Application No. 77031 submitted Application No. 77031
by Theresia Dunn. ( Theresia Dunn)
The Director of Planning and Inspection proceeded with a
review of Planning Commission Application No. 77031 and the
Planning Commission action at its July 20, 1977 meeting. He
stated that the applicant requests a variance from Chapter 15 of
the City Ordinances to permit subdivision of a residential lot at
5835 Camden Avenue North by metes and bounds description.
He explained that the proposed subdivision would create a new
lot facing Aldrich Avenue North which would be 118.36 feet wide
and 135.30 feet deep. He added that the request was similar
in nature to others approved in this area, particularly for lots
which are already platted. He noted that the resulting legal
description would not be complicated by the metes and bounds
description because the property had been platted and the
division merely split the lot in half. He then reviewed various
slides depicting the property in question.
Mayor Cohen opened the meeting to notified property owners Public Hearing
and recognized Dolores Hastings, 5813 Aldrich Avenue North,
who spoke in favor of the application.
7-25-77 -8-
Action Approving Following a brief discussion there was a motion by Council -
Planning Commission man Britts and seconded by Councilman Lhotka to approve
Application No. 77031 Planning Commission Application No. 77031 submitted by
( Theresia Dunn) Theresia Dunn authorizing a division of Lot 25, Lyndale
Riverside Acres Addition, creating two residential lots of
135.30 depth; noting that the request satisfies the ordinance
standards for granting a subdivision variance, and further
that no other variances are granted or implied. Voting in
favor: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler, Fignar,
and Lhotka. Voting against: none. The motion passed
unanimously.
Planning ommission The Acting i introduced the next item of business
g ng C ty Manager in
Application No. 77032 on the agenda, that of Planning Commission Application No.
(Brooklyn Center 77032 submitted by Brooklyn Center Baptist Church, 5840
Baptist Church) Humboldt Avenue North.
The Director of Planning and Inspection proceeded with a
review of Planning Commission Application No. 77032
and the Planning Commission action at its July 20, 1977
meeting. He stated that the applicant was seeking
special use and site and building plan approval for the
construction of an accessory building which would serve
as a garage for church -owned vehicles and equipment.
He further stated that the applicant has also submitted
a site plan which indicates several improvements necessary
for upgrading the existing parking lot and bringing certain
areas into conformance with City ordinance standards.
He explained that the church has made use of the Earle
Brown elementary school parking facilities when overflow
parking was necessary, an arrangement which was agreed
to by Brooklyn Center School District representatives
which will continue in the future. He further explained
that the church had additional land which could be used
for parking and that the church was proposing to defer
installation of additional parking until plans had been
developed for expansion of church facilities. He reported
that there were certain areas of the parking lot which did
not have curbing at this time and that this would also be
deferred until future development. He explained that the
applicant is well aware of the requirements for curbing and
the need for the submission of a drainage plan which may
include storm sewers at the time future development is
proposed: He referred to an apartment building which is
located easterly of the church property and explained that
screening and buffering was not required at this time because
a green strip would be maintained between the church
parking lot and the apartment building. He next reviewed
a transparency showing the location and configuration of
the property and various slides depicting the site. A brief
discussion ensued relative to the application.
Mayor Cohen recognized the applicant who stated that they
had nothing further to add to the application.
Public Hearing Mayor Cohen opened the meeting to notified property owners.
No one spoke relating to the application.
Action Approving Following further discussion there was a motion by Council -
Planning Commission man Lhotka, seconded by Councilman Britts to approve
Application No. 77032 Planning Commission Application No. 77032 submitted by
(Brooklyn Center Brooklyn Center Baptist Church, 5840 Humboldt Avenue North
Baptist Church) subject to the following conditions:
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1 . The building plans are subject to approval by the Building
Official with respect to applicable codes prior to the
issuance of permits.
2. Site drainage, grading, and curbing are subject to review
by the City Engineer.
3. A performance agreement and supporting financial guarantee
(in an amount to be determined by the City Manager) shall
be submitted to assure completion of site improvements.
4. Specific site improvements comprehended by the approval
include the correction of the green strip and curbing -
requirements along 59th Avenue North and along Humboldt
Avenue North. The installation involving curbing, paving,
and green strip materials will be according to ordinance
standards.
Voting in favor: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler, Fignar,
and Lhotka. Voting against: none. The motion passed unanimously.
Member Maurice Britts introduced the followin g resolution and moved RESOLUTION
its adoption: NO. 77 -152
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
NO. 1977 -12 AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS
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: Philip Cohen, Maurice Britts,
Tony Kuefler, Bill Fignar, and Gene Lhotka; and the following voted
against the same: none, whereupon said resolution was declared
duly passed and adopted.
The next item of business was consideration of a list of licenses Licenses
recommended for City Council approval. Councilman Lhotka stated
that at the July 11 , 1977 meeting he had inquired about backup
warning devices on garbage and refuse collection vehicles and if
the sanitarian inspects these vehicles for such devices. The
Acting City Manager stated that the sanitarian does not normally
inspect for such devices and that the garbage and refuse collection
vehicles contained on the list of licenses recommended for
approval were not inspected to verify whether or not these devices
are present. He explained that the City ordinance does not require
such devices as a requirement for licensing. He further explained
that OSHA regulations provide for warning devices but pointed out
that OSHA regulations are occupational and safety regulations designed
to protect workders and not necessarily the general public. He
added that OSHA regulations require backup warning devices if there
are persons working outside or around the truck. He further stated
that he was aware of only two cities that require backup warning devices
as a license requirement, those being the City of New Hope and the
City of Minneapolis. He reported that it has been verified that eight
of the ten organizations recommended for licensing by the City Council
are also licensed in New Hope, while the other two are licensed
in Minneapolis. He added that an assumption could be made that
these vehicles are probably equipped with the backup warning
devices. Councilman Lhotka reported that the Woodlake Sanitary
Service vehicle that picks up garbage and trash in his neighborhood
does not have such a device.
7 -25 -77 -10-
Further discussion ensued relative to the backup warning
devices with the Mayor suggesting that the Acting City
Manager attempt to address the problem administratively
and if it cannot be done so, to develop the necessary
recommendation, such as an ordinance modification, to
so address the problem.
Regarding the rental dwelling licenses, the Acting City
Manager reported that there are no delinquent taxes
involved with any of the rental dwellings recommended
for license approval.
Following further discussion there was a motion by Council-
man Fignar, seconded by Councilman Lhotka to approve the
following licenses:
CIGARETTE LICENSE
Canteen Company 6300 Penn Ave. S.
M.T.C. 6 845 Shingle Creek Pkwy.
GARBAGE AND REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLE LICENSE
Allied Disposal Service 3714 Girard Ave. N.
Dick's Sanitary Service, Inca 3417 85th Ave. N.
Edina Morningside Sanitation Route 1, Gypsy Lane
Hollies Rubbish Service 5533 Logan Ave. N.
Metro Refuse 9837 3rd Ave. S'.
Robbinsdale Transfer Co. , Inc. 4004 West Broadway
Walters Disposal 2830 101st Ave. N.E.
Woodlake Sanitary Service 4000 Hamel Road
NONPERISHABLE FOOD VENDING MACHINE LICENSE
Canteen Company 6300 Penn Ave. S.
M.T.C. 6845 Shingle Creek Pkwy.
Cat Pumps Corp. 1600 Freeway Blvd.
RENTAL DWELLING LICENSE
Initial:
Gale W.. Pierce 5960 Brooklyn Blvd.
Marlys Engelhardt 5531 Emerson Ave. N.
James McDonough 5256 East Twin Lake Blvd.
Robert M. Zappa 7206,12 W. River Road
John Mallinger 7224 W. River Road
Harley & Betty Bradley West River Villa
Renewal:
Irvin & Ruth Schloff 4819 Azelia Ave. N.
Boyer Palmer 6101 Beard Ave. N.
Amos Levang 4100 Lake Breeze Ave.
LeRay & Keith Mortensen 4110 Lake Breeze Ave.
Charles R. Boese 4210 Lake Breeze Ave.
Edward Doll 1201 5 7th Ave. N.
Transfer:
James Simcox 4216 Lake Breeze Ave.
Raymond & Agnes Janssen 1425 55th Ave. N.
PERISHABLE FOOD VENDING MACHINE LICENSE
Canteen Company 6300 Penn Ave. S
M.T.C. 6845 Shingle Creek Pkwy.
SIGN HANGER'S LICENSE
Gold Medal Beverage Co. P.O. Box 3466, St. Paul
a
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Voting in favor: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Britts, Kuefler,
Fignar, and Lhotka. Voting against: none. The motion
passed unanimously.
The Acting City Manager introduced the next item of Payment of Delinquent
business that of a report by the City Attorney 'relative to a Taxes as Condition of
request by the City Council to review the legality of requiring License Approval
the payment of delinquent taxes as a condition for approving
rental dwelling licenses.
The City Attorney reported that he had reviewed this possibility
as a result of the City Council's request regarding the seemingly
increasing problem of tax delinquencies in the City. He stated
that there is very little legal information available relating to
this subject primarily because very few cities license rental
dwellings as does the City of Brooklyn Center. He explained
that liquor license requirements often make it mandatory that
delinquent taxes be paid but he pointed out that municipalities
have perhaps more discretion with regard to liquor licensing
than other types of activity.
He stated that it was his opinion that if the City desired to
make the payment of delinquent taxes a requirement of rental
dwelling licensing, then it should establish a definite reason
for doing so based on the health, safety and general welfare
of the community. He added that it must be shown that there
is a definite link between the health, safety and general welfare
of the community and the payment of delinquent taxes, such as
if it could be shown that tax delinquencies are an indicator of
trends taking place in the community that have an adverse effect
on the health, safety, and general welfare of the community.
He advised that more study should be done to determine if there
are these links prior to taking futher action. He pointed out
that the City ordinance would have to be amended to require
such a licensing condition, and that he felt that the requirement
would have to be based on a strong foundation because in all
likelihood it would be challenged in the courts.
A brief discussion ensued relative to the report with the City
Attorney explaining that such a licensing requirement might
well be challenged on the fact that the City requires the pay-
ment of delinquent taxes in this case while State law in effect
permits taxes to go unpaid for seven years. He stated that
it might be even more beneficial if the State Legislature
attempted to deal with this problem through State legislation
rather than for the City to attempt it through ordinance or
license requirements.
Councilman Britts pointed out that the tax delinquency problem
seems to be more acute with multi - residential dwellings or
commercial and industrial properties rather than single family
properties and that it might seem unfair or discriminatory to
only require that some and not others pay delinquent taxes.
Mayor Cohen commented that there was a bill before the
State Legislature during the last session that would have
shortened the authorized tax delinquency period for commercial
and industrial properties. He stated that perhaps something
of this nature would be a better method for addressing the
tax delinquency problems. Councilman Britts inquired as to
whether or not such a State law would be upheld in the courts.
The City Attorney responded that the State Legislature would
not have as much of a problem dealing with such a law in the
courts as would a municipality, because it would be enacted
generally throughout the State affecting all municipalities
rather than it only affecting one municipality if instituted by
a City.
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Mayor Cohen stated that he would like the Acting City
Manager to further explore in more detail possible solutions
to tax delinquency problems that might be embodied in a
resolution that could be forwarded to the State Legislature.
Further discussion ensued relative to the City Attorney's
report and the tax delinquency problem.
Following the discussion there was a motion by Councilman
Lhotka, seconded by Councilman Fignar to direct the Acting
City Manager to further explore further possible solutions
to tax delinquency problems that could be embodied in a
resolution and forward it to the State Legislature to urge
their support and adoption. Voting in favor: Mayor Cohen,
Councilman Britts , Kuefler, Fignar, and Lhotka . Voting
against: none. The motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment Motian by Councilman Kuefler and seconded by Councilman
Fignar to adjourn the meeting. Voting in favor: Mayor Cohen,
Councilman Britts , Kuefler, Fignar, and Lhotka . Voting
against: none. The motion passed unanimously. The
Brooklyn Center City Council adjourned at 9 :54 p.m.
tferk Mayor
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