Approved Minutes 8-18-1999 SUMMARY MINUTES OF THE SAINT PAUL CITY COUNCIL I
Wednesday, August 18, 1999 - 3:30 - 5:00 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 3RD FLOOR
City Hall and Court House
15 West Kellogg Boulevard
The meeting was called to order at 3:35 p.m. by Council President Bostrom
Present - 6 - Benanav, Blakey, Bostrom, Harris, Lantry, Reiter
Absent - 1 - Coleman (Excused)
Gerry Strathman, Secretary to the City Council, read the following communication into the record:
Letter from the Department of Planning and Economic Development announcing a public hearing
before the City Council on August 25, 1999, to consider the appeal of Ronald Hachey to a
decision of the Planning Commission to grant a special condition use permit to allow for 7 units in
a cluster development at 0 Juliet Avenue (north of Palace Avenue and approximately 200 feet east
of Lexington Parkway).
CONSENT AGENDA (Items 1 - 21)
Councilmember Blakey requested Item 18 be laid over one week.
Councilmember Blakey moved approval of the consent agenda as amended Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
FOR ACTION •
1. Approval of minutes of July 21, 1999.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
2. Claims of Earl Beddow and Kathleen Bischel, David Benshoff, Juan Garcia and Sheryl Anderson,
Antoinette Hall, Rosella Robbins, and Steve Winckelman.
Referred to the Employee/Risk Management Office
3. Notice of Appeal and Notice of Cross Appeal in the matter of the Board of Education of
Independent School District #625 vs. the City of Saint Paul, et al.
Referred to the City Attorney's Office
4. Letter from the Real Estate Division announcing a public hearing before the City Council on
September 8, 1999, to consider the vacation of Iglehart Avenue west of Snelling Avenue and east
of the Soo Line Railroad right-of-way to allow the petitioner to use the area for extra parking for
employees.
August 18, 1999 City Council Summary Minutes Page 2
5. Letters from the Real Estate Division concurring with the Ramsey County Assessor's
recommendation for a reduction is assessed valuation for property located at 555 Park Street and
409 Van Dyke Street.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
6. Letters from the Citizen Service Office/Property Code Enforcement declaring 1328 Minnehaha
Avenue West and 666 Orleans Street as nuisance properties. (For notification purposes only;
public hearings will be scheduled at a later date if necessary.)
7. Administrative Orders:
D001734 Authorizing reallocation of$240,000.00 of unused money for the STAR Specialty
Parking Project to the Undesignated Adopted Budget in the Department of Planning
and Economic Development.
D001735 Authorizing reallocation of$197,500.00 to Project Code 77238 from the
Undesignated Adopted Budget in the Department of Planning and Economic
Development to reflect the issuance of a loan to Miratec Systems, Inc.
Noted as on file in the City Clerk's Office
8. Resolution - 99-796 - Approving the 1999-2002 Employment Agreement between Independent
School District No. 625 and the United Association of Plumbers Local Union No. 34. (To be laid
over one week for adoption)
Laid over to August 25 for adoption
9. Resolution - 99-797 - Approving the 1999-2002 Employment Agreement between Independent
School District No. 625 and the United Association of Pipefitters Local Union No. 455. (To be
laid over one week for adoption)
Laid over to August 25 for adoption
10. Resolution - 99-798 - Approving the May 1, 1999 through April 30, 2001 Maintenance Labor
Agreement between the City of Saint Paul and United Association Pipefitters, Local Union No.
455. (To be laid over one week for adoption)
Laid over to August 25 for adoption
11. Resolution - 99-799 - Approving the May 1, 1999 through April 30, 2001 Maintenance Labor
Agreement between the City of Saint Paul and the International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers, Local 110. (To be laid over one week for adoption)
Laid over to August 25 for adoption
12. Resolution - 99-800 - Approving the May 1, 1999 through April 30, 2001 Maintenance Labor
Agreement between the City of Saint Paul and Painters Union Local No. 61. (To be laid over one
week for adoption)
Laid over to August 25 for adoption
August 18, 1999 City Council Summary Minutes Page 3
13. Resolution - 99-801 - Approving the decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Property Code
Enforcement Appeals for property located at 232 Aurora Avenue, Lot 7 Lewiston Heights Fourth
Addition (South Highwood), 1607 Hewitt Avenue, 2252 Falcon Avenue, 444 St. Peter Street, 215
Kipling Street South #266 (aka 200 Winthrop Street South #266), 1025 Selby Avenue, 126 Ninth
Street East, 605 Portland Avenue, 1167 and 1169 Thomas Avenue, 685 North Street #1, and 550
Orleans Street #1.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
14. Resolution - 99-802 - Authorizing payment of$5,300.00 toward completion of the Don
Juenemann Memorial to be installed on the grounds of the Como Park Conservatory.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
15. Resolution - 99-803 - Authorizing the proper City officials to explore private sector sponsorship of
the Saint Paul Fire Department's Award Ceremony to be held in February, 2000.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
16. Resolution - 99-804 - Establishing the rate of pay for the newly created Emergency
Communications Center Manager class in Grade 44 of the Police Salary Schedule in the Salary
Plan and Rates of Compensation.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
17. Resolution - 99-805 - Establishing the rate of pay for the newly created Emergency
Communications Center Shift Supervisor class in Grade 36X of the Police Salary Schedule of the
Salary Plan and Rates of Compensation.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
18. Resolution - 99-806 - Amending Section 28.B.5 of the Civil Service Rules to allow the
Department of Fire and Safety Services to conform to the rules of the State of Minnesota
Department of Labor and Industry Job Apprenticeship Training Program for Fire Fighters.
Laid over to August 25 Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
19. Resolution - 99-807 - Approving the use of assessment financing in accordance with City policy
for the installation of a fire protection (sprinkler) system for Ecolab University Center, 386 North
Wabasha Street.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
20. Preliminary Order - 99-808 - In the matter of removal of a retaining wall, clearing and grading,
and adding fill where necessary to prepare for alley purposes the northeasterly 20.0 feet of that
part of the alley in Block 2, Keller's Subdivision of Block 11, Lyman Dayton's Addition, which
lies between Maple Street and the extended westerly line of the alley parallel to said Maple Street,
and setting date of public hearing for October 13, 1999. (File #18907)
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
August 18, 1999 City Council Summary Minutes Page 4
21. Resolution Approving Assessment - 99-809 - In the matter of opening and extending the alley in
Block 2, Keller's Subdivision of Block 11 by condemning and taking a permanent easement for
alley purposes over the northeasterly 20.0 feet of that part of the alley in Block 2, Keller's
Subdivision of Block 11, Lyman Dayton's Addition, which lies between Maple Street and the
extended westerly line of the alley parallel to said Maple Street, and setting date of public hearing
for October 13, 1999. (File #18890)
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
FOR DISCUSSION
22. Resolution - 98-566 - Ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 674 Wells Street
within fifteen (15) days from adoption of resolution. (Legislative Hearing Officer recommends
approval) (Laid over from July 21)
Councilmember Harris moved approval
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
23. Resolution - 99-769 - Approving changes to spending object codes in the Office of Financial
Services (from Council Contingency to City Contribution to Outside Agency - Capital City
Partnership) (Laid over from August 11)
Councilmember Blakey moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
24. Resolution - 99-810 - Approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Saint
Paul and the State of Minnesota regarding the 35E Bridge (Lexington Avenue Bridge).
Steve Ryan, State of Minnesota, appeared before the Council. He showed photos of the existing
bridge and the proposed bridge and talked about the replacement project. He said the reason the
bridge needs to be replaced is that structurally it's nearing the end of its useful life. The question
people had was what kind of design it would be replaced with. The proposed bridge is 137 feet
wide, with 10 ft. shoulders which is considerably wider than the present bridge which is 67 feet
wide. There is also approximately an 8 ft. gap between the two decks of the bridge which is
essential in order for the under part of the bridge to be inspected. The bridge will include a
pedestrian and bicycle trail 12 ft. wide with a 1 ft. barrier to protect people on the trail. There
will be an auxiliary lane in each direction which will facilitate the safe merging of traffic onto the
freeway and prevent weaving for traffic that is only crossing the river.
Mr. Ryan said this plan is the result of an intensive public process that included public meetings.
He called it a good plan and a safe one.
Council President Bostrom asked if the bridge allows only for the traffic going between Shepard
Road and Highway 13. Mr. Ryan replied in the affirmative.
August 18, 1999 City Council Summary Minutes Page 5
Councilmember Blakey asked if there would be a bike and pedestrian lane on both sides of the
bridge. Mr. Ryan responded that it will only be on one side as it's a $2-2-1/2 million dollar
expenditure.
Peggy Lynch, Friends of the Parks and Trails, appeared and said the Friends were concerned
about access across the southbound and the northbound ramps coming off the bridge. A person is
on a protected bicycle path until they come to the ramps and there are cars turning from both the
east and the west to get onto the ramps. On the off ramp on the east side of the bridge there is a
free right-hand turn which is also dangerous.
A meeting was held the previous week with staff from the Parks, Public Works, representatives of
the Bicycle Advisory Board and Ms. Lynch. They prepared a design to put an underpass under
the ramps and a tunnel under the bridge that Public Works thought was workable. She said it was
her understanding that MnDOT has committed to looking at this issue when the bridge is
constructed.
Mr. Ryan responded that he spoke with Leon Pearson from Public Works about the plan for a
tunnel. They are looking at it and if the City is interested and willing try to get federal funding, it
will be considered. As of now, they have not had time to look at it to see how feasible it is but
with enough money he felt it may be possible. MnDOT is saying that if the City wants it and is
willing to participate financially, MnDOT will participate at the appropriate level of compensation
for their use of Crosby Park. This additional project could cost between $2-21/2 million.
Councilmember Harris reviewed some of the key items in the Memorandum of Understanding
which was worked out with MnDOT.
Councilmember Harris introduced an amendment requesting that MnDOT consider constructing
the pedestrian tunnel at the north end of the bridge to allow safe access for cyclists.
Council President Bostrom asked Mr. Ryan what the construction timetable is on this project and
whether the bridge would remain open during construction. Mr. Ryan replied that they have
agreed to keep two lanes open in both direction during construction. The current plan is to let the
bridge in the summer of 2001. Construction could continue into 2004 but it may be completed in
2003.
Councilmember Harris moved approval as amended.
Adopted as amended Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
ORDINANCES
25. Second Reading - 99-786 - An ordinance requiring disclosure of campaign contributions relating to
City managed competition contracts and collective bargaining agreements.
Laid over to August 25 for third reading/public hearing
August 18, 1999 City Council Summary Minutes Page 6
26. First Reading - 99-811 - An ordinance amending Chapter 51.02 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code
to define the word "family" with regard to the rental registration ordinance.
Laid over to August 25 for second reading
27. First Reading - 99-812 - An ordinance amending Chapter 310 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code;
including the permit fees for the keeping of more than three cats and the keeping of more than
three dogs; also consolidating day care food (A) and (B), adjusting the catering (B)-full license and
creating the food processor (up to 2,000 sq. ft. license to coincide with the food processor (more
than 2,000 sq. ft.) license.
Laid over to August 25 for second reading
Suspension Items
Councilmember Harris moved for suspension of the rules and approval of the following resolution:
Resolution - 99-814 - Agreeing to hold Saint Paul Academy and Summit School harmless for the
City's Youth Football Program from August 23, 1999 through October 23, 1999.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
Councilmember Benanav moved for suspension of the rules to introduce a substitute for the
following ordinance which is scheduled for a public hearing on August 24:
Ordinance - 99-694 - An ordinance establishing a "Managed Competition" chapter of the Saint
Paul Administrative Code to provide a framework by which the City of Saint Paul can enter into
contracts with vendors, including existing City employees and outside entities, to provide City
services currently performed by City employees.
Substitute introduced and laid over to August 25 for third reading/public hearing (per City Council
action on July 28) Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
28. POLICY SESSION
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
I. Why decision-makers should care about GIS
- George Latimer
II. GIS demonstration
- Tom Bushey, Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)
III. The importance of GIS to municipalities
- Will Craig, Professor of Geography, University of Minnesota
August 18, 1999 City Council Summary Minutes Page 7
IV. The importance of GIS to community organizations
- Greg Finzell, Rondo Community Land Trust
V. The City of Saint Paul's strategic plan for GIS
- Mark Vander Schaaf, Planner,
Saint Paul Department of Planning and Economic Development
VI. GIS budget considerations
- Joe Reid, Director, Saint Paul Office of Financial Services
VII. Public comment
VIII. Council discussion
29. Resolution - 99-813 - Approving funding for Consultant Professional Services to prepare a three-
year strategic plan for the City's Geographic Information System (GIS) technology.
Councilmember Harris moved to withdraw the resolution. He suggested that Greg Blees, Fiscal
Policy Director, schedule the issue during the 2000 budget deliberations.
Joe Reid, Director of Financial Services, concurred with Councilmember Harris' suggestion.
Withdrawn Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
Councilmember Blakey moved to adjourn the meeting. Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 iAD URNED AT 5:30 P.M.
71
Daniel Bostrom, Council President
ATTEST:
Minutes approved by Council
el---._ u., ___...,_________.
Nancy Andcrso \,�C. \`s �`k`l`�
Assistant Council Secretary
mce