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Approved Minutes 2-19-1997 SUMMARY MINUTES OF THE SAINT PAUL CITY COUNCIL Wednesday, February 19, 1997 - 3:30 PM CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 3RD FLOOR City Hall and Court House 15 West Kellogg Boulevard Council President Thune called the meeting to order at 3:44 p.m. Present - 6 - Blakey, Bostrom, Harris, Megard, Rettman, Thune Absent- 1 - Mauer(excused) CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Rettman requested Item 14 be removed for discussion. Councilmember Blakey moved approval of the Consent Agenda as amended. Yeas - 6 Nays -0 FOR ACTION 1. Approval of minutes of January 8, 15, and 22, 1997. Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 2. Claims of Sheila Alpert, Mary Anderson, Sharon Anderson, Joel Baer, LaWanda Ballard, Pam Gahr, Kurt Glaser & Associates (for Rome Hanson and Joshua Hanson), Rolf Hage, Rana Jewell (two claims), James Kahnert, Hatti Koth, Kubes Dental Care employees, Tina Landon, Mary Jane Maser, Valerie McLeod, Holly Meador, Meshbesher Law Firm (for Michael Andersen), Cu Nguyen, Thomas Scanlan, Navzat Mohammed Sharif, Rebecca -Smith, Stella Torkelson, Hanh Vo, Julie Weiss, and Leng Xiong. Referred to Risk/Employee Benefit Management Division 3. Letter from the Real Estate Division announcing a public hearing before the City Council on March 5, 1997, to consider the vacation of part of Gilbert Avenue. 4. Letters from Saint Paul Public Health declaring 637 Oakdale Avenue and 498 Virginia Street as "nuisance properties", and setting date of Legislative Hearings for March 4, 1997, and City Council Hearings for March 12, 1997. 5. Amended letter from Saint Paul Public Health declaring 777-779 Aurora Avenue as "nuisance property." (For notification purposes only; public hearing will be scheduled at a later date if necessary.) 6. Letters from Saint Paul Public Health declaring 1383 Arcade Street and 587 Stryker Avenue as "nuisance properties." (For notification purposes only; public hearings will be scheduled at a later date if necessary.) February 19, 1997, City Council Summary Minutes Page 2 7. Communication from Saint Paul Animal Control dated February 10, 1997, announcing a request from the University of Minnesota Research Lab for unclaimed dogs and cats. 8. Administrative Orders: D001137 Extending the contract completion date from August 1, 1996 to June 15, 1997 for University I&I/Fourth Street Repairs. D001138 Authorizing payment, not to exceed $4,400.00, to Dan Gleeson for an artist's illustration of ideas for the future Riverfront, Downtown and Wabasha Street. D001139 Addition of$4,749.55 to the contract for Saint Paul Civic Center Expansion, Parking Ramp Dewatering Well. D001140 Addition of$93,330.00 to the contract for Saint Paul Civic Center Expansion, CP-4 Building Construction Mechanical-Parking Ramp. D001141 Approving an increase in funding for the Citywide Soccer fields Project. Noted as on file in the City Clerk's Office 9. Resolution - 97-159 - Approving the appointment of Jeanne Katz, by Mayor Coleman, to serve on the Saint Paul Overnight Shelter Board. (To be laid over one week for adoption) Laid over to February 26 for adoption 10. Resolution - 97-160 - Supporting the nomination of Officer Gary Rivet, by American Legion Post 572, as American Legion Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for the State of Minnesota. Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 11. Resolution - 97-161 - Approving submission of sales tax report to the State of Minnesota. Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 12. Resolution - 97-162 - Prohibiting City Departments from stapling objects to boulevard trees. Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 13. Resolution - 97-163 - Finalizing City Council action taken December 4, 1996, concerning adverse action against licenses held by Mary P. Fasching, dba M.F. Automotive, 1728 Selby Avenue. Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 14. (Discussed after the consent agenda) 15. Resolution - 97-165 - Authorizing the Saint Paul Police Department to apply for Minnesota DARE training funds in the amount of$1,500.00. Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 16. Resolution - 97-166 - Approving payment of$4,670.44 to Robert Montgomery, Jr. in full settlement of his claim against the City of Saint Paul. Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 February 19, 1997, City Council Summary Minutes Page 3 17. Resolution - 97-167 - Declaring certain Board of Water Commissioners' property in Blocks 2 and 3 of the Rice Street Motor Addition in the City of Little Canada to be surplus and authorizing the preparation and execution of a quitclaim deed which shall quit the City's interest in the property in favor of the Board. Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 18. Resolution - 97-168 - Declaring certain Board of Water Commissioners' property in Block 8, Lots 1, 2 & 29, Block 9, Lots 1, 2 & 27, Block 12, Lots 1, 2 & 25, and Block 13, Lots 1, 2 & 23 of the Rice Street Motor Addition in the City of Little Canada to be surplus and authorizing the preparation and execution of a quitclaim deed which shall quit the City's interest in the property in favor of the Board. Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 19. Resolution - 97-169 - Declaring certain Board of Water Commissioners' property in Lots 1 through 23, Lots 35 through 46, Block 5, and Lots 26 through 31, Block 6, Eisenmenger & Zaspel's Lake Park, together with vacated streets and alleys accruing thereto, in the City of Little Canada to be surplus and authorizing the preparation and execution of a quitclaim deed which shall quit the City's interest in the property in favor of the Board. Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 20. Resolution - 97-170 - Establishing "No Parking 8AM-8PM Monday through Friday, Except by Permit" zone on the south side of Laurel Avenue between Prior Avenue and Moore Street. Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 21. Resolution - 97-171 - Amending Permit Parking Area 2 (U of M St. Paul Campus) by establishing "One Hour Parking 8AM-5PM Weekdays, Except by Permit" on the west side of Raymond Avenue from Scudder Street to Cleveland Avenue. Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 22. Resolution - 97-172 - Establishing "No Parking 6PM-2AM Monday through Saturday, Except by Permit" zone on the south side of Selby Avenue between 300 and 380 feet east of Snelling Avenue. Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 23. Resolution - 97-173 - Amending C.F. 97-16, approved January 8, 1997, to correct the legal description of properties vacated thereby. Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 24. Resolution - 97-174 - Amending C.F. 96-840 to correct an error in the legal description. Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 25. Resolution - 97-175 - Executing deeds to convey the City's ownership in Battle Creek Regional Park to Ramsey County in exchange for the County's ownership of Lilydale Regional Park and approving acceptance of the County's property in Lilydale Regional Park. Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 February 19, 1997, City Council Summary Minutes Page 4 26. Resolution - 97-176 - Approving the issuance of$2,295,000 Variable Rate Demand Industrial Development Revenue Bonds to finance the costs to be incurred by Northern Iron Corporation. (To be laid over to February 26) Laid over to February 26 for adoption 14. Resolution - 97-164 - Requesting the Charter Commission's recommendation regarding City Council elections in the case of all vacancies in the position of Councilmember. Councilmember Rettman expressed concern that there could be an issue if the Chair of the Charter Commission was not a resident of Saint Paul. She said she would prefer to have the Charter changed so there would be a special election. Phil Byrne, City Attorney, stated the statute says in order to amend the Charter by a unanimous ordinance, there needs to be a recommendation from the Charter Commission. This resolution asks for a recommendation. Councilmember Blakey spoke against the resolution stating that appointing an interim Council- member does not happen frequently and he feels confident that the City Council will take into consideration what is best for the community when making an appointment. Further, special elections are expensive, he said. Councilmember Megard asked why the chair of the Planning Commission was recommended to fill a vacancy. Phil Byrne responded it could be any position or the chair of another body. During the period when there is a vacancy, the policy would be to have somebody there to carry out that function until there is an election. The ordinance could be amended to fill vacancies by elections; a vacancy does not have to be filled immediately. Councilmember Harris stated the decision should lie with the voters. If the term for Councilmember is changed to four years and there is a vacancy in the first year, there could be an appointed position for three years. He feels the process is flawed and said he was looking for alternatives. Councilmember Bostrom suggested elections to fill vacancies should be held at the election in November because there are elections every fall. The Council could appoint someone until the next elected successor was certified. If special elections were held, there could be a chance of there being too many elections based on the current City Council situation. Mr. Bostrom said he was uneasy with selecting someone from a commission because that could become a highly sought after position. Then the question is who appoints the Charter Commission and makes the chair appointment. Councilmember Megard stated the Mayor appoints the Planning Commission,but the Planning Commission's members choose the Chair. It would place a bit of scrutiny on the Planning Commission knowing a Councilmember position is a possibility. She noted that thee have been four, and possibly six, Council seat vacancies since Councilmembers Robert Fletcher left the Council. She supported Councilmember Bostrom's suggestion of holding an election at the next general election because it saves the money of a special election. February 19, 1997, City Council Summary Minutes Page 5 Council President Thune said he has no problem with the present system for the two year term but he felt a four year term could cause a problem. He said he will support this if the attached ordinance was changed to reflect Councilmember Bostrom's suggestion that if there is a vacancy within a year of the next election, the Council would make an appointment until the time of the election, but not for the balance of the term. Councilmember Harris moved a two week layover. Councilmember Rettman stated she would support Councilmember Bostrom's suggestion of an appointed person serving until the next election. Councilmember Harris explained the reason for choosing the Chair of the Planning Commission was to move the issue forward and to have an interim person until people could vote and elect someone through the democratic process. Laid over to March 5 Yeas - 6 Nays -0 ORDINANCES 27. Second Reading - 97-144 - An ordinance establishing the position of Library Director in the unclassified service pursuant to Section 12.03.2(H) of the City of Saint Paul Charter. Laid over to February 26 for third reading/public hearing 28. Second Reading - 97-145 - An ordinance amending Chapter 21 of the Administrative Code, entitled Officer's Qualifications, by establishing minimum qualifications for the unclassified position of Library Director. Laid over to February 26 for third reading/public hearing 29. Second Reading - 97-146 - An ordinance amending Chapter 60 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code pertaining to zoning for the City of Saint Paul and the zoning maps thereof. (Public Hearing held on January 22, 1997) Laid over to February 26 for third reading 30. First Reading- 97-177 -An ordinance amending Section 2.05 of the Saint Paul Charter in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 410.12. Laid over to February 26 for second reading POLICY SESSION 31. Presentation by Ramsey County on Welfare Redesign (Laid over from February 12) Sue Haigh, Ramsey County Commissioner Jan Wiessner, Ramsey County Commissioner Tom Faschingbauer, Director of Ramsey County Human Services Mary Mahoney, Assistant Director of Ramsey County Human Services The presentation was not held at this time due to a conflict. February 19, 1997, City Council Summary Minutes Page 6 32. Discussion of Achievement Plus by Tom Kingston, President, Wilder Foundation Tim Marx, Deputy Mayor, appeared and stated the Legislature appropriated $300,000 in planning money for Achievement Plus, the community schools project. The Mayor's Office has been working with the Governor's Office, the Department of Children, Families, and Learning, the Wilder Foundation, Ramsey County, and the school district in several meetings to determine how community schools will work by having schools open all day, all year. Mr. Marx introduced Tom Kingston. Mr. Kingston stated they are trying to build upon the existing talent and resources of five partners to create community schools with one goal in mind: to improve educational outcomes of the kids. The five partners are the City, school district, Ramsey County, Wilder Foundation, and the neighborhood. This partnership can enhance the work going on with Parks and Recreation, it can move along with the Ramsey County agenda to figure out new ways to deploy their services where needed, and takes advantage of resources already going on in the neighborhood. The partnership is to make this become the center of the neighborhood and encourage economic and community development. Phase 1 is to implement this in two existing schools--Dayton's Bluff and Monroe--and to build a third one. A new site is anticipated in the Phalen Village area. Mary Kay Boyd, a long time Saint Paul resident, has been hired from a national search to lead this project. This proposal is now before the Legislature; two million dollars for the biennium operating costs have been written into the Governor's bill. The City is being asked to assist in numerous ways The Number One criteria is to put the community schools in the neighborhoods that want them. Site availability is a critical issue. Sites should be chosen in a way that improve or energize already existing efforts in the City and school district. The next potential site will be the Frogtown neighborhood. Councilmember Harris asked what work has been done with the school district to look at boundaries. He noted that it is not part of the Saint Paul Schools' policy to have siblings go to the same school and he heard there is a strong likelihood that siblings could go to the community schools. Mr. Kingston responded the pool of schools considered are the existing community schools and not the magnet schools. The kids that want to attend from that area may attend. Maureen Flanagan appeared and stated every parent has the assurance that a sibling will get into a neighboring school. Councilmember Harris stated that School Board member Marc Manderscheid said that was not the case. Mr. Flanagan stated she will get back to Mr. Manderscheid on this topic and she will send Mr. Harris a copy of this policy. Tom Kingston stated only the State Legislature is being asked for money at this time. The plan is to create a joint contract which will ask the Wilder Foundation to take the lead on this project and build a team at each site representing the City, Council, School District, and community. They will be making site based decision, working on all the decision on how to extend the day and year, and working on getting the appropriate community resources engaged. The goal guiding this is educational attainment is five years and it will be reviewed on an annual basis. The Council will see a full proposal in a few weeks and at some point Mr. Kingston would like the Council to consider endorsement of this project. February 19, 1997, City Council Summary Minutes Page 7 Councilmember Megard asked what the plans were to keep children and families in the school attendance area. Tom Kingston responded if the parents are involved in the success of the school, turnover will be reduced. Councilmember Bostrom asked about the hours. Mr. Kingston responded the facilities will be open until late at night and on weekends. The money from the State Legislature will be for home work activities, enhancing learning, enhancing Parks and Recreation programs, child care, interest clubs, and extending curriculum where necessary. In the summer, there will be school related activities. Councilmember Bostrom expressed concern about dealing with the long hours of darkness in the winter months and asked about the involvement of the parent program. Mr. Kingston responded there will be opportunities for adult education. This is rethinking what a school should be instead of having a school in one place, recreation center in another place, and a community service center in another place. 33. Houses to Homes Program A. "Results of the Fiscal Impacts of the Saint Paul Houses to Homes Program." Research funded by Saint Paul Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) sponsored by the Coalition for Community Development. Ed Goetz, University of Minnesota Housing Programs B. Planning and Economic Development Perspective on the Research. Pam Wheelock, Director, Department of Planning and Economic Development Gerry Strathman, Council Research Director, reported that he received a phone call on February 18 from Professor Goetz, the principal author of this research, indicating that it was premature for him to engage in a public policy discussion on Houses to Homes because his research was just recently released and he would be willing to discuss it at a future time. Councilmember Megard suggested rescheduling the presentation in March as Mr. Goetz will be going on a sabbatical in April for six months. Mr. Strathman stated he will talk with Ed Goetz to schedule another date. Councilmember Bostrom moved to lay over the presentation to March 5. Laid over to March 5 Yeas - 5 Nays -0 (Rettman not present for vote) 34. Discussion of responses to snow plowing issues raised at the January 15, 1997 Policy Session by Stacy Becker, Director, Department of Public Works and Chief William Finney, Saint Paul Police Department Council President Thune noted that almost every response to the issues raised regarding snow plowing was that they will be thought about and none of the suggestions show they can be taken up immediately. Mr. Thune was worried that nothing will be done this winter and people will forget in spring and summer about this issue. He said he will bring in resolutions. Deputy Chief Ted Brown, Police Department, appeared before the Council. Councilmember Bostrom asked him about the impound lot. Mr. Brown responded the police make an effort to clear the street of abandoned vehicles. The 45-days hold slows a turnover in the lot. Public Works has been helpful in providing a lot at February 19, 1997, City Council Summary Minutes Page 8 Lafayette and Eaton. Public Works did the grading and added a fence. This allows the police to store 400 more vehicles. The impound lot accommodates 700 vehicles. They have unsuccessfully tried to expand at that facility. The Police have looked around the City and other locations nearby. Council President Thune asked if adjacent cities been considered. Mr. Brown stated the best option is to expand where the current facilities are which would be in South Saint Paul so the Police Department is looking there. Council President Thune stated the Council is looking for more specifics as to what the Police Department needs to do their job including how much money is needed. The Council would like to know what it will cost to engage many options and clean up the streets. Councilmember Bostrom suggested the Council have the City Attorney look at some of the issues for follow up. Councilmember Megard stated the lights concept, which would alert people to a snow emergency, worked in Birmington, Vermont. If there was a way to implement this as a pilot, it would make a big difference. Also, the Council should look more closely at one side street parking. Stacy Becker responded that Public Works will look at a pilot project with the lighting if it is the Council direction. It would cause massive changes in the plowing operation system. The Council reviewed the 27 items on the Responses to Snow Plowing Issues raised at the January 15, 1997, Policy Session. Item 1 - Do random callbacks (about 10%) of those who call in for snow plow service after the next snow emergency. Stacy Becker stated she will let the Council know at the next meeting what the results were. Item 2 - Compare budgets of other winter cities. Councilmember Megard asked if the dollars were U.S. or Canadian. Thomas Eggum, Public Works, responded the amount is U.S. dollars. Item 3 -Develop outreach program for renters, colleges and new residents. Councilmember Harris agreed that the landlord should provide snow emergency information. The suggestion of having "additional staff in the fall" should be more specific. Stacy Becker stated it would take three weeks to get information to the colleges. Councilmember Bostrom felt this ties in with Item 7. Item 4- Install color coded lights on street lamps to indicate a snow emergency. Councilmember Megard stated this would be appropriate for an area with a high rental population with cars and no off-street parking. A pilot would be good at St. Thomas and Macalester Colleges. This could be correlated with Item 3. Item 5 - Develop a medallion program to display on vehicles to give the City authority to tow the vehicle around the corner. Councilmember Harris suggested Public Works should look at this further. February 19, 1997, City Council Summary Minutes Page 9 Item 6 -Work with block clubs/district councils on a system of snow emergency signs. Councilmember Harris felt these could be tied in with Items 3 and 7. Item 7 - Send refrigerator magnets with snow emergency information to residents. (This was discussed earlier) Item 8 - Develop snow ban areas where parking would be prohibited when it snows. Council President Thune suggested a map showing where the snow bans would work. Stacy Becker stated in four weeks she will bring suggestions for pilot areas and will work with the district councils. Item 9 - Pilot a program in which district councils/block clubs would tag in their neighborhoods. Councilmember Harris stated there may be a problem with neighbors tagging neighbors. Councilmember Megard suggested Hamline University as a pilot area as they have indicated they are willing to do it. Stacy Becker stated she is meeting with the President of Hamline on February 24 and will discuss it with him. Councilmember Rettman felt Item 9 was user friendly. Stacy Becker stated this was tried last year and people were interested until it was time to tag. Councilmember Bostrom stated people plead not guilty to these things and the taggers will have to be able to go to court. Councilmember Harris concurred. Item 10 -Work with neighborhoods interested in identifying parking lots that residents could use during snow emergencies. Council President Thune did not think this item was written correctly. The issue was where people, such as renters, could park during a snow emergency. Stacy Becker suggested sending a letter to the district councils to get responses. Item 11 - Identify if there is a role for residents in keeping catch basins from freezing. Councilmember Harris felt this item should be continued as it is a good recommendation. Item 12 - Have television and cable channels scroll snow emergency information. Councilmember Harris stated the 266-PLOW should be improved. Stacy Becker agreed noting that anywhere from 5% to 30% of callers are not getting through. Mr. Harris suggested Ms. Becker identify the cost of improving the service and come back to the Council. Council President Thune stated 45% of homes have cable television. A snow emergency crawl could go across every channel. Mr. Thune was told last year that this could be done but it takes a certain kind of equipment. Ms. Becker stated she would look into this equipment. Item 13 - Review the pre-emergency route list. Councilmember Harris suggested this is already being done. Council President Thune requested a map so the Councilmembers could see if any places are being missed. Stacy Becker stated it depends on the pre- emergency route, when the snow falls, and how much time there is between declaring the emergency and beginning the emergency. Council President Thune asked if the problem was staffing or equipment. Ms. Becker responded that it was equipment. Item 14 -Establish a policy setting the 6 p.m. news as the latest time a snow emergency would be declared. Council President Thune suggested trying the sirens once. Stacy Becker stated she would have to defer to the Fire Department. The only way this would work is if there was a big media campaign. Public Works needs to find a way to get out quicker. One way is to extend the pre-emergency routes. Mr. Thune stated a February 19, 1997, City Council Summary Minutes Page 10 lot of the complaints over the years have been because it stopped snowing in the morning and Public Works had not gotten out yet. Councilmember Bostrom stated Item 14 could take a long time and should be on the list for follow up. Mr. Thune suggested Public Works bring back in four weeks a hypothetical plan as to how to better notify people so Public Works can begin to plow immediately. Sirens should be addressed in that proposal. Item 15 - How many Schmidt plows are there? How much do they cost? What is the Replacement schedule? Is there a reason the entire fleet does not consist of Schmidt plows? Gary Erichson stated the reversible plows are nice so that one side or the other can be plowed. Stacy Becker stated she will find out how much is budgeted for replacement. Item 16 - Make snow emergency signs more distinctive. Council President Thune suggested changing the signs because they do not stand out very well. Tom Eggum stated it is good to stay consistent with the designs and he is hesitant to believe people cannot see the signs. Mr. Thune suggested a follow up on different sign designs that would be easier to see. Item 17 -Do a pre-winter sweep of vehicles stored on the street. (This was discussed earlier.) Item 18 - Consider the idea of using private tow operator's lots. Councilmember Harris suggested seeing what is available for private towing and what the cost would be. Deputy Chief Ted Brown stated research could be done on that and guidance sought from the City Attorney on the liability issues. Item 19 - Improve post-snow emergency tow-tag efforts. Councilmember Bostrom suggested that when a car is towed away, the Police or Parking Enforcement should be called so the snow left behind gets cleaned up. Council President Thune requested further information on this. Item 20 - Make sure changes to the 45 day impound rule are part of the Legislative package. (This was discussed earlier.) Item 21 -Use sirens to notify residents of a snow emergency. (This was discussed earlier.) Item 22 - Tag private plows for pushing snow into the street. This is already being done. Council President Thune suggested that people calling about this issue be notified that the complainant can sign the tag. Councilmember Bostrom stated this issue could become difficult if it is unknown who is driving the vehicle. Deputy Chief Brown stated it is difficult to get these kinds of tags to hold up in court if the person cannot be identified. Mr. Bostrom stated he will talk to the City Attorney about making a legal change so this can be more effective. Item 23 -Lower the threshold for plowing to less than four inches. Councilmember Harris stated this would have the biggest impact. Councilmember Bostrom stated this is important during the cold months of November, December, and January. Council President Thune concurred. Councilmember Megard was concerned about the cost of lowering the threshold and said it is a February 19, 1997, City Council Summary Minutes Page 11 subject for the 1998 budget meetings. Mr. Bostrom felt lowering the threshold to three inches would also identify the snowbirds earlier because they will be plowed in. Mr. Bostrom suggested Public Works bring back this information during the next budget deliberations. Council President Thune requested that in four weeks Public Works bring in some options for lowering the threshold. Item 24-Distribute stickers for vehicles which would give the owner's phone number so others could call and request that the car be moved. Councilmember Harris stated this seems like a privacy issue, and Councilmember Rettman suggested eliminating this suggestion. Item 25 - Increase towing ahead of the plows. Council President Thune stated this issue has worked out well in his area. Councilmember Rettman suggested continuing it. Item 26 - Solve Impound Lot capacity and location problems. Council President Thune requested a report on this. Item 27 - Clarify and enforce shoveling of crosswalks at intersections. Council President Thune said people should be tagged if they have not cleaned their intersection. Councilmember Rettman suggested having this issue brought before the Council in four weeks. Councilmember Bostrom stated there is a sensitivity to this issue because some people do shovel very well and then plows push snow back onto the intersection. Also, it's difficult for senior citizens to shovel. Council President Thune felt this was not a good excuse because everyone gets their driveway cleaned out. Councilmember Harris stated if some elderly people cannot shovel their walks, maybe inmates at the Ramsey County Workhouse could start doing shoveling. He said he will look into this. Discussion was continued to March 19 The meeting was recessed from 6:00 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. Roll Call: Present- 5 Absent - 2 (Blakey (excused at this time), Mauer(excused) Councilmember Rettman moved for suspension of the rules to introduce the following resolution and lay over one week: Resolution - 97-178 -Endorsing the climate controlled pedestrian connection to the Civic Center. Laid over to March 5 Yeas - 5 Nays - 0 (the vote was re-taken after the following discussion) 35. Discussion of Pedestrian Connection by Michael Jordan, Winsor Faricy Architects; Eileen McMahon, Executive Director, Saint Paul Convention and Visitors Bureau; and Ken Johnson, President, Saint Paul Port Authority. Councilmember Rettman stated that last May she convened a meeting at the Minnesota Club and invited people who had a stake in the pedestrian connection issue. February 19, 1997, City Council Summary Minutes Page 12 Eileen McMahon, Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), said they market Saint Paul as a meeting and convention destination. The City invested more than $65 million in the new Convention Center. Thirty- eight conventions have been booked with $44.7 million going to the community. Nearly all of those conventions have been booked for March through October. Thirty-four additional conventions will not be booked because of lack of a skyway connection. Without the connection, Saint Paul stands to lose $37.2 million of conventions between now and the year 2000. Many of those conventions are from Minnesota. The Minnesota School Board Association convention was lost for 1999, 2000, and 2001. That convention would have brought in 2000 people each of those years. Saint Paul would have been less expensive and a much better packet but they chose Minneapolis because they have a skyway connection. Ms. McMahon introduced Gary Smith from Northwest Lumber Association. Mr. Smith, Chief Staff Executive of Northwest Lumber Association, stated the trade association represents 900 retail lumber yards from North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota. They hold two trade shows and conventions a year in Des Moines and for the last 107 years one in the Twin Cities. The 1997 Northwestern Lumber Association Expo brought in a lot of money to Minneapolis: $23,580 for facilities and related fees, $20,200 in catering costs, and used 850 hotel rooms. Total attendance was 2,900. The Minneapolis Convention Center has more facilities than Northwest Lumber Association needs. The new Saint Paul Civic Center is just the right size. The association moved their convention to Minneapolis in 1994. They did not have their convention in Minneapolis before that because Minneapolis did not have a skyway connection. Mr. Smith said he cannot say the association will come to Saint Paul if skywalks are built, but if skywalks are not built, the association will not come. Michael Palmer, General Manager of Embassy Suites, appeared and stated they are proud to be back in Saint Paul. The owners spent $3.5 million renovating the former Crown Sterling Suites. Embassy Suites owners will spend almost $500,000 in property taxes; they pay the highest property taxes in Saint Paul. When conventions are booked at the Minneapolis Convention Center and the hotels are filled nearby, it sends business to the Embassy Suites. In December Embassy Suites had a 40% occupancy, in January it was at 50% occupancy. Ken Johnson, Port Authority, appeared and stated he, Eileen McMahon and Councilmember Rettman felt the Winsor Faricy firm had a long history in Saint Paul, were familiar with Downtown issues and projects, and were willing to be respectful of the historic nature of downtown. Mr. Johnson stated he was also interested in the idea by Ken Greenberg of a glass enclosed structure which would be open during the warm months. Mr. Johnson introduced Gene Nelson of Winsor Faricy Architects. Mr Nelson stated he and design architect Michael Jordan are from the Winsor Faricy portion of Symmes, Maini and McKee Associates. He was the principal in charge of the skyway system in Minneapolis. Right now they are in the concept phase which is to explore options and opportunities in developing design. The next phase would be programming and schematic design and Winsor Faricy will need a lot of input from the community. The plans try to make a strong vista through the Washington Avenue area into the Science Museum and make the connections through the buildings when they can to preserve costs and respect the building. Mr. Nelson introduced Mike Jordan. Mr Jordan reviewed the skyway connection route. The on-grade walkway includes a glass enclosed colonnade with removable glass panels to be opened in the summer. February 19, 1997, City Council Summary Minutes Page 13 Councilmember Harris asked if the removable panels were in use anywhere else. Mike Jordan responded he was not aware of anything of this nature. The materials would be glass and aluminum framework. The glass panels would be similar to a panel in a sliding glass door. Councilmember Rettman stated the library would like a coffee shop in the rotunda of the skyway section in back of the library. Mike Jordan stated the library is working with another architect on the rotunda idea. Council President Thune stated the Friends of the Library and the staff, with substantial private donations, have worked on this idea. Councilmember Harris questioned why the route is not through the library noting that the present plans block off the site of the library. Mike Jordan responded they were trying to preserve the historic facade of the library. Councilmember Megard asked how far the Saint Paul and Minneapolis convention centers are to the nearest hotels. Gene Nelson responded approximately three blocks for Minneapolis and approximately six blocks for Saint Paul. Ms. Megard wondered if people would be willing to walk that far. Also, Ms. Megard stated she would like to see an example of the system with removable panels. Eileen McMahon stated she has discussed this design with convention clients. As long as the skyway is there, the distance does not matter. The Saint Paul Hotel is also a very strong element in the convention package that is presented. Councilmember Harris asked how comfortable Eileen McMahon was with the figure of$37.2 million. Ms. McMahon responded extensive research was done by the Saint Paul Convention and Visitors Bureau as well as by the International Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus which shows that national convention delegates spend $868 per convention stay and state delegates spend $303. Those numbers were applied to the average attendance at the specific conventions. Councilmember Rettman stated she would like to see all the designs. Mike Jordan has also looked at the possibility of the crossing going below grade at Washington Avenue if the Council wants to keep Washington open. Pamela Wheelock stated Lawson Software has an interest in whether their employees will be in a secure, climate controlled system to connect to the parking lots. The movement of office workers and visitors is now in the skyway system. The skyway is the more marketable space; however, the City is trying to revitalize activity downtown. The plans emphasize movement at street level and Ms. Wheelock said she is concerned about closing off Washington Avenue. In discussions with the Science Museum, the City emphasized ways to connect the Science Museum with the rest of downtown. The traffic will be increased in the future with the reopened convention center, the Science Museum, new underground parking ramp, and potential hockey at the Civic Center. Ms. Wheelock reviewed some optional architectural plans with the Council. Bill Booth, Building Owners and Managers Association, appeared and stated he liked Councilmember Rettman's proposal. Duluth, Minnesota has a long walk from the convention center to the hotel. Boston has February 19, 1997, City Council Summary Minutes Page 14 a long walk also if a person does not stay in a high priced hotel. It does not matter to people as long as they get to their destination. Operating costs have to be reviewed, and heating and cooling costs are important. Chris Hansen, Executive Director of the Civic Center, appeared and stated Saint Paul has invested $80 million in the Civic Center. Without the connection, the Civic Center will not reach its potential. Mr. Hanson expressed concern about the possibility of closing Washington Avenue saying there is already traffic congestion downtown. There are 1500 monthly parkers in the parking garage, there will be 430 spaces in the new garage and it would be a benefit if those using the garages could travel in an enclosed, climate controlled walkway. Council President Thune asked about the Council distributing operating costs in three ways: to the Civic Center, the City, and downtown hotels. Chris Hansen responded the Civic Center would maintain operating costs to Washington Street. Mr. Thune stated in retrospect the CVB and others should have told the Council not to build the Civic Center without the skyway because the entire cost could have been folded into the sales tax fund and the initial bond. People are saying that the $80 million is wasted if the City does not build a skyway. One way is to pay for the physical facility out of the additional hotel tax money that comes in and then assess back the operating cost to the Civic Center. The other direct beneficiaries--the hotels-- could probably put together a deal. Councilmember Bostrom stated this is something he and Councilmember Harris could take back to the Civic Center Authority and allow them to make a recommendation after gathering some facts as to how much this is going to cost as far as heating, air conditioning, maintenance, and security. Bill Hosko, owner of an art gallery in downtown, appeared before the Council. He reviewed his architec- tural plans with the Council which include the skyway entering the library. Councilmember Rettman stated the City has to have a connection and urged the Council to make a decision on March 5. Council President Thune stated the plans do not involve Rice Park and are very close to reality. Councilmember Megard moved a two week layover of Resolution 97-178. Councilmember Harris stated some other ideas should be looked into. There may be some variations to the plans laid out and assessed costs. Laid over March 12 Yeas - 5 Nays - 0 (Blakey not present for vote) (Rettman left) February 19, 1997, City Council Summary Minutes Page 15 Councilmember Megard moved for suspension of the rules and approval of the following resolution: Resolution - 97-179 - Supporting the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority's efforts to designate the Riverview corridor connecting downtown Saint Paul to the Minneapolis/Saint Paul Airport as its highest priority for a major transit improvement. Council President Thune proposed removing the whereas that deals with the Mississippi River and the reference to the Riverview corridor connection. Adopted as amended Yeas -4 Nays - 0 (Blakey and Rettman not present for vote) Councilmember Harris moved adjournment. Yeas -4 Nays - 0 (Blakey and Rettman not present for vote) ' eli,44, JRNSII AT6:�'0 ' f . David Thun:, ouncil President ATTEST: Minutes approved by Council Nancy An son .1,4'z h /.7/ /97 Assistant Council Secretary rn ,