HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973 06-18 CCM Regular Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE CCVNTY OF
HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF N- 1NN"ES0T.A
REGULAR SESSION
JUNE 18, 1973
CITY HALL
Cali to Order The City Council met in regular session and was called
to order by Mayor Philip Cohen at 7:36 p.m.
Roll Call Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Leary, Britts, Fignar and
Kuefler. Also present were City Manager Donald Pof,,
Director of Public Works James Merila, City Attcrney
Richard Schieffer, Chief of Police Thomas O'Hehir,
Building Inspector Will Dahn, Assistant City Engineer
Gerald Butcher, and Administrative Assistant Daniel
Hartman.
Invocation The invocation was offered by Reverend Toy of the Harroz:
Methodist Church.
Approval of Minutes Motion by Councilman Fignar and seconded by Council -
6 -4 -73 man Kuefler to approve the minutes of the June 4, 1973
meeting as submitted. Voting in favor were: Mayor
Cohen, Councilmen Leary, Zritts, Fignar, and Kuefler.
Voting against: none. Motion passed unanimously.
Liquor Store Lease The City Manager explained the features of'the proposed
liquor store lease at the Humboldt Square Shopping
Center being built at 69th and Humboldt Avenues north.
He stated that the lease details had been thoroughly
reviewed by the City Attorney and other appropriate staff
members.
The Mayor recognized Mr. Pat Hallisey, representing thF
owner of the shopping center. Mr. Hallisey informed
the Council of prospective tenants in the shopping center
A short discussion ensued relative to the proposed lease
with the City Manager stating that the new liquor store
would be approximately the same size as the liquor store
in the Northbrook Shopping Center.
Motion by Councilman Kuefler and seconded by Council -
man Leary to authorize the Mayor and the City Manager
to execute the liquor store lease. Voting in favor were:
Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Leary, Brtts, Fignar, and
Kuefler. Voting against: none. Motion passed unani-
mous iy .
Architectural Services The City RVIanager stated that in conjunction with the
liquor store lease, it was the staff's recommendation
that the Council authorize the retention of architectural
services for the interior liquor store design and fixtures.
Motion by Councilman Fignar and seconded by ��u
man Kuefler to authorize the retention of architectural
services. Voting in favor were: Mayor Cohen, Couacil-
men Leary, P.ritts, Fignar, and Kuefler. Voting against:
none. Motion passed unanimously.
-1- 6 -18 -73
Agreement with the State The City Manager then brought to the attention of the
Department of Manpower Council a proposed agreemeri', with the State of° Minne-
Services sota Department of 1V.anpower Services !or City involve-!,-
ment in its summer Youth Employment Prcgram. He
described the features of the program and stated that
Brooklyn Center was entitled to $9,195 from the State to
fund the program based on population. He also stated
that the program has been funded for a two year period.
Motion by Councilman Britts and seconded by Council -
man Fignar to authorize the Mayor and City Iv. to
execute the agreement with the State of Minnesota
Department of Manpower Services. Voting in favor were:
Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Leary, 'Eritts, Fignar, and
Kuefler. Voting against: none. Motion passed unani-
mously.
Public Hearing The City Manager next explained that public hearings
1973 -11 for several improvement projects had been scheduled for
1973 -12 this meeting. The Director of Public Works reviewed
Municipal State Aid Project Nos. 1973 -11 providing foA
grading, base and surfacing of 65th Avenue North from
Dupont to Humboldt Avenues North and 1973 -12 providing
for curb, gutter and sidewalk on 65th Avenue North from
Dupont to Humboldt Avenues North.
Mayor Cohen questioned the Director of Public Works as
to a solution of the dreh age problems at Brooklyn Center
High School. The Director of Public Works replied that:
catch basins are provided under Project No. 1973 -16.
He also commented that the existing curb cut at the east
end of the parking lot onto 65th Avenue North was in the
process of being deleted and a new curb cut placed on
Dupont Avenue for access to the south.
The Mayor announced that the meeting was open for
consideration of Project Nos. 1973 -11 and 1973 -12.
The clerk produced an affidavit of publication for notice
of hearing on the proposed improvements showing
publication thereof in the official newspaper, the last
publication being on June 14, 1973, which affidavit was
examined and found satisfactory and ordered placed on
file.
The Mayor then called upon property owners present to
present arguments either for or against the proposed
improvements.
RESOLUTION Member Tony Kuefler introduced the following resolution
NO. 73 -91 and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION ORDERING CONSTRUCTION OF GRNDING,
BASE & SURFACING IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1973 -11
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing
was duly seconded by member John Leary and upo.*, vote
being taken thereon, the following voted in favor there-
of: Philip Cohen, John Leary, Murice Britts, Bill.
Fignar, and Tony Kuefler; and the following voted
against the same: none, whereupon said resolution was
declared duly passed and adopted.
-2- 6 -18 -73
J
RESOLUTION Member Maurice Britts introduced the following resoiu-
NO. 73 -92 tion and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION ORDERING CONSTRUCTION OF CURB &
GUTTER AND SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO.
1973 -12
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 there-
of: Philip Cohen, John Leary, Maurice Britts, Bill
Fignar, and Tony Kuefler; and the following voted
against the same: none, whereupon said resolution wa$
declared duly passed and adopted.
Public Hearing The Director of Public Works then reviewed Municipal
1973 -13 State Aid Project Nos. 1973 -13 providing for grading,
1973 -14 base and surfacing of Humboldt Avenue North from 65th
to 69th Avenues North and 1973 -14 providing curb, gutter
and sidewalk on Humboldt Avenue North from 65th to
69th Avenues North.
The Mayor then announced that the meeting was open
for consideration of Projects Nos. 1973 -13 and 1973 -14.
The clerk produced an affidavit of publication for notice
of hearing on the proposed improvements, which
affidavit was examined and found satisfactory and
ordered placed on file.
The Mayor then called upon property ovine. s present
to present arguments either for or against the proposed
improvements
RESOLUTION Member John Leary introduced the following resolution
NO. 73 -93 and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION ORDERING CONSTRUCTION OF GRADING,
LASE 9, SURFACING IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1973 -13
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution-
was duly seconded by member Tony Kuefler and upon
vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor
thereof: Philip Cohen, John Leary, Maurice Britts Bill
Fignar, and Tony Kuefler; and the following voted against
the same: none, whereupon said resolution was declaree
duly passed and adopted.
RESOLUTION Member Maurice Britts introduced the following resolu-
NO. 73 -94 tion and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION ORDERING CONSTRUCTION OF CURB &
GUTTER AND SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO.
1973 -14
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing reaolutlen
was duly seconded by member Bill Fignar, and upon
vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor
thereof: Philip Cohen, John Leary, Maurice Britts, Bill
Fignar, and Tony Kuefler; and the following voted
against the same: none, whereupon said resolution was
declared duly passed and adopted.
-3- 6 -18 -73
Public Hearing The Director of Public %Alorks explained improvement
1973 -16 Project No. 1973 -16 providing for sanitary sewer exten-
sions and storm sewer extensions on Humboldt Avenue
North from 65th to 69th Avenues North and 65th Avenue
North from Humboldt to Dupont Avenues North.
The lVayor announced teat the meeting was open for
consideration of Project No. 1973 -16.
The clerk produced an affidavit of publication for notice
of hearing on the proposed improvement, which affidavit
was examined and found satisfactory and ordered placed
on file.
The Mayor called upon property owner's present to
Present arguments either for or against the proposed
improvement.
RESOLUTION Member Bill Fignar introduced the following resolution
NO. 73 -95 and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION ORDERING CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC
UTILITY SERVICE EXTENSIONS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
NO. 1973 -16
•
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution
was duly seconded by member Tony Kuefler and upon
vote being taken thcreon, the following voted in favor
thereof: Philip Cohen., John Lpl!�ry, Maurice Lmritts, Bill
Fignar, and Tony Kuefler; and the following voted against
the same: none, whereupon said resolution was declared
duly passed and adopted.
Planning Commission The next itern of 1:nsiness was consideration of Planning
Application No. 73002 Commission rpplication No. 73002 submitted by Mr.
(Marvin Gordon) Marvin in Gordon. The City 1kianager stated that the
Application was tabled by the City Council on April 9,
1973 to allow D., r. Gordon the opportunity to meet with
the property owners in the area. He stated that Mr.
Gordon was applying for a special use permit to allow
single family attached hones in a Ri district.
The City Manager then stated that a letter had been
received from a Mrs. Patricia Weitzel, 4118 - 66th
Avenue North, stating that the neighboring property
owners had met with Mr. Gordon.
The Director of Public Works reviewed the Application
with the City Council. He reported that he had investi-
gated the circumstances of the Minnesota Highway
Department condemnation of Gordon's property and found
that Mr. Gordon had been paid for all but two lots on the
Property when the right -of -way was taken for FI -94.
The Mayor recognized N.4. Marvin Gordon who stated
that he had met with the property owners in the area and
that nothing was resolved by the meeting.
A lengthy discussion ensued relative to the Application
and its effects on the neighboring properties.
6 -18 -73
The City Manager introduced Planning Commission
Resolution No. 73 -1, A RESOLUTION DENYING FLAN -
NING COMMISSION APPLICATION NO. 73002 SUB -
MITTED BY NR. MARVIN GORTON.
Motion by Councilman Britts and seconded by Council-
man Fignar to deny Planning Commission Application
No. 73002 submitted by IVr. Marvin Gordon noting the
Planning Commission deliberations and recommendations
to deny the Application on April 5, 1978, further noting
that public hearings held by the Planning Commission
and the City Council reflected unanimous opposition by
the neighboring property owners, further noting the
undesirabie proximity of the freeway as a major noise
generator. Voting in favor were: hT-ayor Cohen,
Councilmen Leary, Britts, Fignar, and kuefler. Voting
against: none. Motion passed unanimously.
Recess The Council recessed at 9 :22 p.m. and resumed at
9:47 p.m.
Planning Commission The next item of business was consideration of Planning
Application No. 73012 Commission Application No. 73012 submitted by Mr.
(David Brandvold) David Brandvold. The item was introduced by the City
Manager who stated the applicant was seeking a vari-
ance from Section 35 -400 :,,f the City ordinances to
permit construction of a single family dwelling upon a
substandard lot. The iv anager commented that the item
has been pending the disposition of Application No.
73011.
The City Manager stated that the parcel was 71 feet
wide and there was substantial precedence established
in the southeast area of the City for the requested
variance.
Motion by Councilman Kuefler and seconded by Council -
man Fignar to approve Planning Commission Application
No. 73012 submitted by Mr. David Brandvold, noting
that the approval is for permission to build and that no
other variances are implied. Voting in favor were:
Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Leary, Eritts, Fignar, and
K.uefler. Voting against: none. Motion passed unani•-
mously .
Planning Commission The City Manager then introduced Planning Commission
Application No. 73015 Application Nc. 73015 submitted by the Yesnes Con -
(Yesnes Construction) struction Company. The City Manager stated that the
applicant was seeking a variance for an approximate
10 foot street side yard setback deficiency, which
resulted in part from an administrative error.
The City Manager stated that the site was on a corner
of 6700 Camden Avenue North, which would normally
require a 25 foot side yard setback.
The City Manager explained that the Building Inspector
mistakenly issued a building permit. He explained that
the error was discovered by the inspector during the
normal required footing fnspaction. He further explainer
that the builder, in the meantime, had sold the home to
be built per approved plans.
-5- 6 -18 -73
The City 1V'anager stated that after review of the various
options available to the City, it was judged that the
consequences of a setback deficiency of this magnitude
on a substandard width`. lot were substantially less than
the consequences which might otherwise be realized.
The City Manager explained that neighboring property
owners had been notified per normal variance procedures.
A lengthy discussion ensued pertaining to Planning
Commission Application No. 73015.
The Mayor requested the City Attorn to comment as to
ues�c d
Y � Y Y
the ramif +cations of such a variance request. The City
Attorney stated that the Application must be treated as a
variance and not the correction of an administrative
error. He stated that the variance standards as des -
cribed in Section 35 -240 of the City ordinances must
apply for the City to grant the variance.
The Mayor then recognized Mr. Clarence Widman, owner
of the subject property, who commented that he had
purchased the home because of the prospectively large
back yard and was therefore in favor of the variance.
Mayor Cohen then recognized Mr. Tames Gibbs, an
attorney representing Mr. Szyplinski, 500 - 67th Avenue
North. Mr. Gibbs stated his opinion that even though
an administrative error had occurred, the error cannot
be the basis for the granting of a variance.
Building Inspector Will Dahn was recognized by the
Mayor and stated that a let of this size having an
attached garage required a variance even if the. structure
was placed in the other direction due to the 40 feet back
yard setback requirement.
Mr. Gibbs stated that his client was concerned with the
view from his driveway for safety purposes. The Building
Inspector responded that he had inspected the site and
in his opinion, there was adequate sight visibility from
Mr. Szyplinski's driveway.
Considerable discussion ensued regarding ordinance-
created jogs in building setback lines, related lines of
sight, safety concerns, fence obstructions to lines of
sight, and the setback character of the subject neigh-
borhood.
Action on Planning Motion by Councilman Kuefler and seconded by Mayor
Commission Application Cohen to instruct the City Manager to draft a resolution
No. 73015 approving the variance requested in Planning Commission
Application No. 73015 noting the administrative error,
the lot width deficiency, the setback character of the
neighborhood, and the public hearings held by the
Planning Commission and the City Council, further pro -
viding that construction on the site could proceed.
Voting in favor were: h�'ayor Cohen, Councilmen Leary,
Britts, Fignar, and Kuefler. Voting against: none.
Motion passed unanimously.
-6- 6 -18 -73
Discussion of Legal Eritts and seconded by Council- -
Ramifications man Fignar authorizing the City Attorney to mE!bt with
Mr. Gibbs, attorney representing Mr. Szyplinski, to
discuss the legal ramifications of the matter. Voting in
favor were Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Fignar and Britts d
Voting against: Councilmen Kuefler and Leary. Motion
passed.
Planning Commission The next item of business was Planning Commission
Application No. 73016 Application No. 73016 submitted by Superamerica, Inc.
(8- uperamerica, Inc.) The item was introduced by the City Manager who
explained the applicant was seeking approval of amend-
ments to the site plan and special use permit for the
service station located at 57th and Logan Avenues North
The City Manager stated that the applicant proposed a
prefabricated pump island office on the center island of
the service station. He noted that the ordinance
required a 50 foot setback from major thoroughfares and
highways, and that the proposed prefabricated structure
would be only 48 feet from 57th Avenue North.
The Mayor recognized Mr. Dale Boline, a representativ
for Superamerica. Inc. Mr. Boline stated that the pre -
fabricated office structure would allow for greater
traffic movement at busy times through the station. He
stated that the attendants could make charge at the
pump islan3 and rot require the customers to go into
the mzin structure.
Mayor Cohen then asked the audience if there was any-
one present who would like to voice an opinion on this
matter. A discussion ensued relative to the proposed
structure. The Mayor asked if the display units pre -
sently on the site were part of the original plan for the
station and was answered in the negative.
IVIotion by Councilman Britts and seconded by Council-
man Kuefler to table Planning Commission Application
No. 73016 to the July 9, 1973 meeting to permit
research of the original plans regarding any prior
authorization for pump island disp1Ry units. Voting
in favor were: ti.Iayor Cohen, Councilmen Leary, Britts
Fignar, and Kuefler. Voting against: none. Motion
passed unanimously.
Human Rights Recom- The City Manager next introduced the matter of a
mendation in Support recommendation from the Brooklyn Center Human Right:.
of the ?-?. ?rraln Services Commission that the City Council endorse and support
Council the Human Services Council of the Northwest Suburbs.
He provided a review to the City Council of the forma-
tion of the Human Services Council of the Northwest
Suburbs, pointing out that former Administrative
Assistant Blair Tremere had attended some of the
formative meetings of the organization at which time
strong emphasis was placed upon creating a community
based organization as contrasted to an organization
created by and responsible to representative governmer.
It was pointed out that the founders of the organization
were initially concerned primarily with problems of
mental health - mental retardation and had eventually
expanded their area of concern to include the wide
range of human social services for which a need had
been studied.
-7- 6 -18 -73
Mayor Cohen then recognized Mr. Tames Ordner, Chair-
man of the Human Rights Commission, w1tv 4f'.cated
endorsement of the Human Services Council.
Mrs. Delores Hastings, member of the Human Rights
Commission, was then recognized. She stated that the
orvan°?ation would give Brooklyn Center a voice in
providing mental health and mental retardation programs
for its citizens.
The Mayor also recognized Mr. John Martinson, member
0 4 , the Human Rights Commission, who stated that the
Human Services Council would provide a referral ser-
vice in the suburbs.
Mayor Cohen recognized Mr.
David Lucking, repre-
Lucking
.. l. Mr. g
renting the Human Services C ounc
outlined the operation, of the Human Services Council.
He stated that there was a need for accessibility in
the suburbs. He also stated that the Human Services
Council was coordinating its operation with Hennepin
County.
Mayor Cohen then commented that if Brooklyn Center
is to become involved, the City Council should be
prepared to participate in a maximum way. He reviewed
past efforts to seek expansion of County services into
the suburbs, recalling that proposals for such expan-
sion were made in seeking for the General Hospital
bond issue. Mayor Cohen asserted that the suburbs
had a right to a fair share of the programs offered by
Hennepin County, and that local government must get
actively involved in assuring that its constituents have
convenient access to such human services offered by
the County.
Mrs. Ann Grave %, Fast President of the .Human Services
Council, was the;Y recognized and stated that the Human
Services Council was trying to appeal to both the public
and private sectors in the suburbs. Shy commented
that they were looking for support from the City of
Brooklyn Center.
Motion by Councilman Kuefiar .ands seconded by Council
man Fignar to approve the concept of additional humcLn
services for the northwest suburbs as advocated by the
Human Services Council and to instruct Councilman
Fignar to further investigate the Human Services Coun-
cil proposal and other possible avenues of action that
the Council could take in assuring adequate and con-
venient human service .programs in Brooklyn Center.
Voting in favor were: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen ;Leary:
Britts , Fignar, and Kuefle.. Voting against: none.
Motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Cohen left the table at 12:2 2 a.m. and Council -
man Leary assumed the chair.
Final Plat Approval The City Manager next reviewed the final plat , for
for Riverbrocke Riverbrooke Townhouses located in the vicinity of 66th
Townhouses Avenue and Camden Avenue North.
-8- 6 -18 -73
r
Motion by Councilman Kuefler and seconded by Council-
man Fignar to approve the final plats for the Riverbrooke
Townhouses on the condition that the permits would not
be issued until the City 'attorney gave final approval to
the Riverbrooke Homeowners Association.documents.
Voting in favor were: Councilmen Leary, Eritts, Fignar,
and Kuefler. Voting against: none. Motion passed.
Mayor Cohen returned to the table and assumed the
chair at 12:25 p.m.
RESOLUTION Member Maurice Britts introduced the following resolu-
NO. 73 -96 tion and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MONEY TO BE APPROPRIATED
FROM THE PUBLIC UTILITY CONSTRUCTION FUND TO
WATER TOWER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1973 -1
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution
was duly seconded by member Tony Kuefler, and upon
vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor
thereof: Philip Cohen, John Leary, Maurice Britts, Bill
Fignar, and Tony Kuefler; and the following voted against
the same: none, whereupon said resolution was declared
duly passed and adopted.
RESOLUTION Member John Leary introduced the following resolution
NO. 73 -97 and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION ORDERING CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC
UTILITIES IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 1972 -25
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution
was duly seconded by member Tony Kuefler, and upon
vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor
thereof: Philip Cohen, John Leary, Maurice Britts, Bill
Fignar, and Tony Kuefler; 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
NO. 73 -98 and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT
PROJECTS NO. 1973 -17, 1973 -18, 8,1973-19, AND
ORDERING PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution
was duly seconded by member John Leary, and upon
vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor
thereof: Philip Cohen, John Leary, Maurice Britts, Bill
Fignar, and Tony Kuefler; 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
NO. 73 -99 and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
FOR SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS NO. 1973 -17,
1973 -18, 5,1973-19, AND DIRECTING ADVERTISEMENT
FOR BIDS (CONTRACT 1973 -E)
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution
was duly seconded by member Tony Kuefler, and upon
vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor
thereof: Philip Cohen, John Leary, Maurice Britts, Bill
-9- 6 -18 -73
Fignar, and Tony Kuefler; and the following voted against
the same: none, whereupon said resolution was declared
duly passed and adopted.
RESOLUTION Member John Leary introduced the following resolution
NO. 73 -100 and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID FOR FURNISHING AND
INSTALLING CARPETING AND PADDING IN THE
COMMUNITY CENTER
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution
was duly seconded by member Maurice Fritts, and
upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted
in favor thereof: Philip Cohen, John Leary, Maurice
Britts, Bill Fignar, and Tony Kuefler; and the following
voted against the same: none, whereupon said
resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
Licenses Motion by Councilman Britts, seconded by Councilman
Kuefler to approve the following licenses:
MECHANICAL SYSTEMS LICENSE
Healy Mechanical Contractors 3700 North Victoria
Suburban Heating and Air
Conditioning 2050 White Bear Ave.
SIGN INANGER'S LICEN
Macey Signs, Inc. 451 Wilson Street
SWIMMING POOL LI
Holiday Inn of Brooklyn
Center 1501 - 65th Ave.
Voting in favor were: Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Leary,
Britts, Fignar, and Kuefler. Voting against: none.
Motion passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION Member Bill Fignar introduced the following resolution
NO. 73 -101 and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION COMMENDING PARK CENTER HIGH
SCHOOL BASEBALL TEAM
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution
was duly seconded by member John Leary, and upon
vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor
thereof: Philip Cohen, John Leary, Maurice Britts, Bill
Fignar, and Tony Kuefler; and the following voted against
the same: none, whereupon said resolution was declared
duly passed and adopted.
Adjournment Motion by Councilman Leary and seconded by Council -
man Britts to adjourn the meeting. Voting in favor were:
Mayor Cohen, Councilmen Leary, Britts, Fignar, and
Kuefler. Voting against: none. Motion passed unani-
mously. The City Council meeting adjourned at
12 :51 a. m.
Clerk Mayor
-10- 6 -18 -73