Approved Minutes 7-2-1997 SUMMARY MINUTES OF THE SAINT PAUL CITY COUNCIL
Wednesday, July 2, 1997 - 3:30 PM
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 3RD FLOOR
City Hall and Court House
15 West Kellogg Boulevard
The meeting was called to order at 4:25 p.m. by Council President Thune.
Present - 4 - Harris, Megard, Morton, Thune
Absent - 3 - Blakey, Collins (Excused) Bostrom (Arrived later in the meeting)
Nancy Anderson, Assistant Secretary to the City Council, read the following announcement into the
record:
Communication from the Real Estate Division announcing a public hearing before the City
Council on July 9, 1997 for construction of a sanitary sewer/connections and water
main/connections in Return Court from Worcester Avenue to approximately 180 feet south of
Worcester Avenue.
CONSENT AGENDA
FOR ACTION
Councilmember Megard requested Item #9, D001249 & D001253 be laid over two weeks.
Councilmember Megard requested item #21 be laid over one week.
Councilmember Harris moved approval of the consent agenda as amended. Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
1. Approval of minutes of June 2 and June 4, 1997.
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
2. Claims of Steve Armstrong, Herbert English, Geraldine Evenson, Terry Gaetke, Mark Haren,
Heather Shaw, Roy Steiner, and Mary Stimac.
Referred to Employee/Risk Management Division
3. Summons and Class Action Complaint in the matter of Black Fire Fighters United, et al. vs. the
City of Saint Paul, et al.
Referred to the City Attorney's Office
4. Summons and Complaint in the matter of Gregg Perkins, dba St. Paul Firearms Company, vs. the
City of Saint Paul, et al.
Referred to the City Attorney's Office
July 2, 1997 City Council Summary Minutes Page 2
5. Letter from the Office of License, Inspections and Environmental Protection announcing a public
hearing before the City Council on July 9, 1997 to consider the request of Capital Event
Management for a sound level variance for three concerts on Harriet Island on July 12, August 9
and September 27, 1997.
6. Letters from Saint Paul Public Health declaring 369 Fuller Avenue, 1528 Grand Avenue, 702
Lawson Avenue East, and 421 Wabasha Street South as "nuisance properties", and setting date of
Legislative Hearings for July 15, 1997 and City Council Hearings for July 23, 1997.
7. Letter from Saint Paul Public Health declaring 737 Cypress Street as "nuisance property." (For
notification purposes only; public hearing will be scheduled at a later date if necessary.)
8. Communication from Saint Paul Animal Control dated June 23, 1997, announcing a request from
the University of Minnesota Research Lab for unclaimed dogs and cats.
9. Administrative Orders:
D001249 Deduction of$1,685.00 from the contract for Rice & Arlington Sports Dome - Part
Two (Parking Lot).
Laid over to July 16 Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
D001250 Addition of$8,686.00 to the contract for Saint Paul Civic Center Expansion, CP-4
Building Construction Mechanical - Parking Ramp Alternate A.
D001251 Addition of$6,405.00 to the contract for Saint Paul Civic Center Expansion, CP-4
Building Construction Multiscope - Parking Ramp Alternate A.
D001252 Authorizing an in-house training session for the Libraries combined with the annual
staff recognition event funded by the Minnesota Foundation, Perrie Jones Library
Fund.
D001253 Additions of$28,907.00 to the contract for Rice & Arlington Sports Dome Support
Building.
Laid over to July 16 Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
D001254 Amending the spending and financing plans of the 1997 Capital Improvement Budget
for Ohio Street reconstruction by transferring funding from MSA Contingency and
the Alley projects.
Noted as on file in the City Clerk's Office
D001255 Transferring 1996 Major Sewer Repair funding to the Burlington Pond.
D001256 Authorizing the Saint Paul Police Department Critical Incident Response Team to
utilize the United States Army's advanced training facility at Camp Ripley on
September 14-17, 1997.
D001257 Addition of$125,500.00 to the contract to furnish labor and material to provide
tuckpointing at the Central Library and Hill Reference Library.
Noted as on file in the City Clerk's Office
July 2, 1997 City Council Summary Minutes Page 3
10. Resolution - 97-766 - Approving the appointments of Susan Bronner, Michael Garsteig, Nikita
Godette, Alan Herman, Jean LaClare, and Darrell Paulsen and the reappointments of Linda
Lattin, Lynne Megan, Kari Olson, Kathleen Schwarten, and Michael Zeledon, by Mayor
Coleman, to the Mayor's Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities.
(Laid over from June 25 for adoption)
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
11. Resolution - 97 -823 - Approving the appointment of Jennifer Engh, by Mayor Coleman, to the
Saint Paul Planning Commission. (Laid over from June 25)
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
12. Resolution - 97-824 - Approving the appointment of Councilmember Michael Harris, Ann Briseno
and State Representative Steve Trimble, and the reappointments of County Commissioner Rafael
Ortega, Councilmember David Thune, James Adams, Richard Anfang, Carl Drake, and David
Lilly by Mayor Coleman, to the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation. (To be laid over one week
for adoption)
Laid over to July 9 for adoption
13. Resolution - 97-825 - Approving the appointments of Marsha Lea Andrews, Mr. R. D. Brown,
Gabrielle Lawrence, Lucille McCarty and Ann Short, and the reappointments of Nancy White,
Lucie Ferrell and Mary Huot, by Mayor Coleman, to the Saint Paul-Ramsey County Community
Health Services Committee. (To be laid over one week for adoption)
Laid over to July 9 for adoption
14. Resolution - 97-826 - Approving the 1997 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of
Saint Paul and the International Association of Fire Fighters, AFL-CIO Local 21. (To be laid
over one week for adoption)
Laid over to July 9 for adoption
15. Resolution - 97-827 - Approving the 1997-1998 Agreement between the City of Saint Paul and
Local Union #1842, District Council No. 14 of the American Federation of State, County and
Municipal Employees AFL-CIO. (To be laid over one week for adoption)
Laid over to July 9 for adoption
16. Resolution - 97-828 - Approving the 1997-1998 Agreement between the City of Saint Paul and
Local Union #2508, District Council No. 14 of the American Federation of State, County and
Municipal Employees AFL-CIO. (To be laid over one week for adoption)
Laid over to July 9 for adoption
17. Resolution - 97-829 - Approving the October 1, 1996 through September 30, 1998 Maintenance
Labor Agreement between the City of Saint Paul and International Brotherhood of Boilermakers,
Iron Shipbuilders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers Lodge #647. (To be laid over one week for
adoption)
Laid over to July 9 for adoption
July 2, 1997 City Council Summary Minutes Page 4
18. Resolution - 97-830 - Approving a Joint Purchasing Agreement with Dakota County.
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
19. Resolution - 97-831 - Amending the 1997 budget so that the Community Development Block
Grant program (CDBG) will receive program income.
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
20. Resolution - 97-832 - Authorizing Capital Event Management to use the Division of Parks and
Recreation's 3.2 beer and wine licenses at Harriet Island Park for concerts on July 12, August 9
and September 20, 1997.
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
21. Resolution - 97-833 - Finalizing City Council action taken May 7, 1997 denying the appeal of
Judy Beck, Her and Marilyn Vogel and Pam Brandt to a decision of the board of Zoning Appeals
granting variances to construct an eight unit townhouse development at 496 Laurel Avenue.
Laid over to July 9 Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
22. Preliminary Order - 97-834 - In the matter of improving the north-south alley in Military Addition
from Morton Street to approximately 90 feet north of Morton Street (bounded by Ottawa, Baker,
Smith and Morton) by grading and paving with bituminous material, and setting date of public
hearing for August 27, 1997. (File #18851)
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
23. Preliminary Order - 97-835 - In the matter of condemning and taking an easement in the land
necessary for the slopes, cuts, and fills in the grading and paving of the north-south alley in
Military Addition from Morton Street to 90 feet north of Morton Street (bounded by Ottawa,
Baker, Smith and Morton), and setting date of public hearing for August 27, 1997. (File #18851-
S)
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
24. Resolution Approving Assessment - 97-836 - In the matter of installation of storm sewer service
connections, as requested by the property owners, in conjunction with the Maryland/Dale Area
Project, and setting date of public hearing for August 27, 1997. (File #18609-6)
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
PUBLIC HEARINGS (Public Hearings will begin at 4:30 p.m.)
38. Third Reading - 97-761 - An ordinance amending the Saint Paul Legislative Code, Section 33.03,
to improve authority to the building official to grant vacant building repair extensions when
appropriate.
No one appeared in opposition; laid over to July 9 for final adoption
July 2, 1997 City Council Summary Minutes Page 5
39. Resolution - 97-792 - Approving application for a Gambling Manager's License by Neill J.
O'Neill, dba St. Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation, at Mr. Patom's, 995 7"' Street West. (ID
#83829) (Laid over from June 25)
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Morton moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
40. Resolution - 97-842 - Approving application for a New Motor Vehicle Dealer and Second Hand
Dealer-Motor Vehicle License by Health East Transportation, 481 Front Avenue. (ID #44204)
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Harris moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
41. Resolution - 97-843 - Approving application for a Wine On Sale, On Sale Malt (3.2) and
Restaurant-B License by Kims Inc., dba Korean Restaurant Shilla, 694 Snelling Avenue North.
(ID #77741)
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Harris moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
42. Resolution - 97-57 - Ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 786 Randolph Avenue
within five (5) days from adoption of resolution. (Legislative Hearing Officer recommends
approval) (Laid over from April 9)
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer, reported this is a property that was held by
Ramsey County, they recently auctioned the property and there is a new owner. The owner is
rehabilitating the property and, therefore, Mr. Strathman recommended either laying over or
withdrawing the resolution.
Councilmember Harris moved to amend the order to allow the owner 180 days to repair or
remove the structure.
Adopted as amended Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
43. Resolution - 97-722 - Ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 1359 Blair Avenue
within fifteen (15) days from adoption of resolution. (Legislative Hearing Officer recommends
approval and amending the date for repair or removal to October 11, 1997) (Laid over from June
25)
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer, reported that there have been a number of
summary abatements at this property. The property was declared a nuisance in March, 1997 and
the compliance was to be completed by May 28, 1997. The bond was posted on April 11, permits
obtained, and the code compliance inspection was done on May 28. There continues to be serious
concerns by the neighbors and the police about activities at this property.
Councilmember Megard noted that her office distributed the inspection reports for the exterior and
interior of the property to Councilmembers.
July 2, 1997 City Council Summary Minutes Page 6
Tom Ryan, 1363 Blair Avenue, appeared and spoke extensively about the numerous issues and
concerns relating to this property.
The father of the owner of the property appeared and spoke in support of his son. He said he
holds the mortgage from TCF Bank and is reliable on the account. He said a lot of work is being
done on the property and he will do what is needed to bring the house up to code.
Appearing and speaking about the problems at this property and recommending demolition were:
Wendy Hellerstedt, 1363 Blair Avenue
Elizabeth Wenkel, 1353 Blair Avenue
Beth Randall, 1558 West Minnehaha Avenue
Rosamond Gilbert, 1351 Blair Avenue
Michael Henry, 1375 Blair Avenue
Allen Christy, Attorney representing TCF Mortgage Corporation, the server of the mortgage,
appeared. The present outstanding balance on the mortgage is approximately $14,000. The
present assessed value of the real estate, including improvements, is $39,700. He said his client is
adequately secured. The assessed value of the real estate without the improvements is $11,600.
Should the house be razed and incur an assessment for the cost of razing and removing the demo
material, the net equity in the real estate that will remain will be approximately $4,000-5,000 and
his client will not be adequately secured. TCF has had discussion with Fannie Mae about
foreclosure and those discussions have been prompted by the condition of the property as it has
been described by City staff. He said if all the descriptions of the property are accurate and true,
it constitutes a serious breach of the mortgage covenant. The issue for TCF is economic and
regards the condition of the property. The complaints about conduct at the property may or may
not be linked to the actual condition of the property. He felt it would be in the best interest of
TCF and all concerned that the property be brought up to code by the owner. Until the materials,
together with the estimated cost of repair, can be adequately reviewed by TCF and Fannie Mae
and until they take a final position on the matter, he requested that time frames and time periods
not be shortened. If it is the sense of the Council to pursue demolition, he requested the matter be
laid over until Mr. Christy can take a final position with TCF and Fannie Mae as to what their
direction will be to his law firm.
The public hearing was closed.
Councilmember Megard reported that she visited the property on this date. There was blue plastic
on the roof, there were three windows open and animals were going into the house. She moved to
amend the resolution as follows:
- To remove or repair the structure by August 11, 1997. The owner has a history of delaying
and the house has been vacant since September 16. The owner promised to show her office
contracts on Monday, June 30, and nothing has been delivered. Since April 11, no significant
work has been done on the house. She stated that the reports she distributed indicate the
seriousness of the condition of the property. She asked that the interior and exterior inspection
reports be made a part of the record. Giving the owner six months to complete the work
continues the risk of a nuisance property in this neighborhood. By making August 11 the date,
July 2, 1997 City Council Summary Minutes Page 7
the owner will be given six months to do the work which is ample time.
- The work must be totally complete by August 11, 1997 and it must be done by a licensed,
bonded contractor.
— The resolution will be amended so it also states that the City Council and City departments
will not grant any extensions past August 11. This property has a history of blight on the
neighborhood and it's time to put a stop to it, Megard said.
Phil Byrne, Assistant City Attorney, recommended that a ninth item be added to the Findings and
Order in the resolution indicating that the property has a documented and confirmed history as a
blighting influence on the community. Also that the Council accept the communications from the
Hamline Midway Coalition and H-MARC as part of the record.
Councilmember Megard asked that Public Health insure that there is a licensed, bonded contractor
doing the work.
Councilmember Megard moved approval as amended.
Adopted as amended Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
(Remove or repair by August 11, 1997, with conditions)
44. Final Order - 97-844 - In the matter of grading and paving Mystic Street from Burlington Road to
approximately 400 feet south of Burlington Road, and constructing sanitary sewer service and
water service connections, if requested by the property owner. (File #18846 & 18846WC)
Councilmember Morton moved approval.
Paul St. Martin, Department of Public Works, provided a staff report. Mystic Street is an
unimproved street in the Highwood neighborhood going south from Burlington. Six out of nine
residents petitioned to have the street improved. The proposal is to pave the street to a certain
point, 24 feet wide. The neighbors prefer that it be 20 feet wide and Public Works is agreeable
and will also reduce assessments. One neighbor is questioning why the street will not be paved all
the way to the end. Public Works feels if the street is paved to the end, it will increase the
amount of rainwater runoff. If it is paved to the end, Public Works proposes that a storm sewer
be built which would then increase the assessment to the property owners.
Jim Mitchell, owner of three lots on Mystic Street, appeared and said he feels the work is only
being half done and it should be paved to the cul-de-sac. He did not agree that a storm sewer
would be necessary.
John Zakelj, 471 Mystic Street, appeared. He read and letter into the record from neighbors Tim
and Diane Law saying they were pleased with the proposal as it stands now. Mr. Zakelj said he
and his wife are willing to support the proposal with the modifications that have been discussed
during the past week. The 20 ft. paving would stay with the current width of the street. There
was discussion that the level of the road not be raised more than about a foot. Some of the earlier
July 2, 1997 City Council Summary Minutes Page 8
proposals would have raised it up to five feet. The third concern is that as the proposals stands
now the paving would stop half way on his property. There will be a small piece of gravel in
front of their driveway and then turn into a paved section. He asked if another 20 feet could be
added and he would pay the assessment.
Paul St. Martin responded that Public Works is willing to extend the street to cover both property
owners' lots and they will try to keep the raise in grade to about one foot. With regard to the
storm sewer issue, Mr. St. Martin said the street is officially an unimproved street. If the street is
paved and improved, it is the City's responsibility to make sure that storm water from the street
does not run onto private property.
Councilmember Megard moved approval as amended.
Adopted as amended Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
45. Resolution Ratifying Assessment - 97-845 - In the matter of improving the platted roadway in the
Williams Hill Business Park from University Avenue to Mississippi Street (Phase 1). (File
#18844)
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Harris moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
46. Resolution Ratifying Assessment - 97-846 - In the matter of sidewalk reconstruction on the west
side of Westminster Street from East Hoyt Avenue to approximately 400 feet south of East Hoyt
Avenue; the north side of Topping Street from Mackubin Street to North Western Avenue; the
north side of West Cook Avenue from Rice Street to Albemarle Street; the south side of West
Cook Avenue from Rice Street to Galtier Street; and the west side of Woodbridge Street from
West Cook Avenue to West Jessamine Avenue at 1091, 1097 and 1099 Woodbridge Street only.
(File #S95047, S95074, S96042-S96044)
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Morton moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
47. Resolution Ratifying Assessment - 97-847 - In the matter of sidewalk reconstruction on the north
side of Stillwater Avenue from North Hazel Street to North Ruth Street; the north side of
Stillwater Avenue from North Ruth Street to Nokomis Avenue; the south side of Stillwater
Avenue from North Ruth Street to Nokomis Avenue; and the south side of Stillwater Avenue from
North Hazel Street to North Ruth Street. (File #S95090, S95091, S95100, S95101)
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Morton moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
July 2, 1997 City Council Summary Minutes Page 9
48. Resolution Ratifying Assessment - 97-848 - In the matter of sidewalk reconstruction on both sides
of Kent Street from Ashland Avenue to Holly Avenue; the south side of Iglehart Avenue from
North Chatsworth Street to North Oxford Street; both sides of Hague Avenue from North Avon
Street to Fisk Street and the east side of Fisk Street from Selby Avenue to Hague Avenue; both
sides of Iglehart Avenue from North Victoria Street to North Milton Street; and the east side of
North St. Albans Street from Hague Avenue to Laurel Avenue at 678 Hague Avenue only. (File
#S96001, S96009, S96020, S96021, S96047)
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Harris moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
49. Resolution Ratifying Assessment - 97-849 - In the matter of sidewalk reconstruction on both sides
of Maria Avenue from Euclid Street to Surrey Avenue; both sides of East Montana Avenue from
Flandrau Street to North White Bear Avenue; both sides of Ross Avenue from Flandrau Street to
North White Bear Avenue; and both sides of East Seventh Street from Hazelwood Street to
Germain Street. (File #S96005, S96045, S96048, S96049)
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Morton moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
50. Resolution Ratifying Assessment - 97-850 - In the matter of sidewalk reconstruction on both sides
of Banfil Street from Dousman Street to North Smith Avenue; the northwest side of Adrian Street
from Albion Avenue to Alaska Avenue at 1717 & 1729 Adrian Street only; the north side of
Goodhue Street from Cliff Street to Dousman Street at 245 Goodhue Street only; the north side of
James Avenue from Toronto Street to West Seventh Street at 966 West Seventh Street only; and
the north side of Goodrich Avenue from Garfield Street to South Western Avenue. (File
#S96012, S96023, S96026, S96027, S96032)
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Megard moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
51. Resolution Ratifying Assessment - 97-851 - In the matter of sidewalk reconstruction on the south
side of Beechwood Avenue from Davern Street to South Fairview Avenue at 1716 Beechwood
Avenue only; the north side of Eleanor Avenue from South Chatsworth Street to Rogers Street at
989 Eleanor Avenue only; the south side of Fairmount Avenue from South Syndicate Street to
South Hamline Avenue at 1336 Fairmount Avenue only; the north side of Ford Parkway from
South Snelling Avenue to Macalester Street at 1631 Ford Parkway only; and both sides of
Kenneth Street from Bohland Avenue to Saunders Avenue. (File #S96016, S96017, S96038,
S96039, S96050)
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Harris moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
52. Public hearing to consider the application of Metropolitan State University to rezone property
from P-1 (parking) to B-2 (community business) to allow construction of a greenhouse facility for
a joint education program with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at 4XX Maria Avenue
(southwest side between 7th and 8th Streets)
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Harris moved approval.
Motion of intent - Application granted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
July 2, 1997 City Council Summary Minutes Page 10
The meeting was recessed for consideration of the HRA Agenda. The City Council meeting was
resumed.
The meeting was recessed from 5:55 p.m. to 6:04 p.m.
Present - 5 - Blakey, Harris, Megard, Morton, Thune
Absent - 2 - Bostrom (arrived later in the meeting), Collins (excused)
FOR DISCUSSION
(Bostrom arrived)
25. Report from the Administration on the progress of the Electronic Computerized License
Inspection and Permit System (ECLIPS) (Laid over from June 18)
Bob Kessler, Office of License, Inspections ane Environmental Protection, reviewed a report on
the progress of the ECLIPS project. He stated that the time line has been extended in order to
focus on some of the changes that need to be made to the modules. Also, the budget has been
amended. They have remained within the bottom line of the budget and shifted funds from
modules that were planned for Phase IV that they determined are no longer essential and could be
applied to the License and Permit modules which are more important and a much higher priority.
Mr. Kessler said he feels they have pinpointed all the major issues to bring this project
successfully to a conclusion hopefully by February, 1999.
Bob Kessler and Martha Larson, Department of Technology and Management Services, responded
to questions of Councilmembers.
An update will be provided on August 13, 1997.
26. Resolution - 97-599 - Establishing a two-year phase-out of the special assessment for the annual
operation and maintenance of Town Square Park Loft. (Laid over from June 11)
Councilmember Harris moved to lay over one week.
Laid over to July 9 Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
27. Resolution - 97-762 - Directing the appropriate City Departments to issue code compliance orders
to repair houses and two to three unit apartment buildings immediately after the house or
apartment is listed by HUD. (Laid over from June 18)
Councilmember Harris moved approval. Councilmember Megard said she would like to have a
staff report. Susan Kimberly, Department of Planning and Economic Development, appeared and
suggested that the City Council should hear from the appropriate staff person.
Councilmember Megard moved to lay over one week
Laid over to July 9 Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
July 2, 1997 City Council Summary Minutes Page 11
28. Resolution - 97-780 - Authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Tax Increment Bonds to
provide funds to acquire Block 39 and prepare for Lawson Center development; and approving the
execution of a pledge agreement with respect to the Lawson Center development financing. (Laid
over from June 25)
Councilmember Megard moved to lay over one week.
Laid over to July 9 Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
29. Discussion of responses to snow plowing issues raised at the January 15, 1997 Policy Session.
(Laid over from June 25)
Joe Reid, Office of Financial Services, appeared. A report was submitted which was the results
of work by staff from the Police Department, Department of Public Works, Fire and Safety
Services, Public Health, Department of Technology and Management Services and the Budget
Office. The plan is divided into three steps which they feel will add value to what the City is
already doing with snow plowing. The first step covers areas of education and notification.
There are three basic recommendations they are making in this area:
1) To experiment with the use of sirens to add to the notification measures that the City is
currently using. Because they are not sure how effective this would be, they are suggesting that a
determination be made if there are sections of the City where this approach would stand the best
chance of adding to compliance and in those areas providing additional publicity about snow
emergency procedures and the purpose of the use of the sirens in connection with snow
emergencies. They feel it is worth experimenting with and the Fire Department feels it can be
done.
2) That the Department of Public Works work with district councils and block clubs, and possibly
colleges, to raise awareness in areas where there is a lot of street parking and many of whom may
be temporary residents in the neighborhood and unfamiliar with the City's procedures for snow
emergencies.
3) Expanding the telephone hotline. They suggest that the City purchase an expanded hotline that
could be used for multiple purposes including snow emergencies and construction projects in the
summertime and would increase the number of lines from 12 to 24. When people are trying to
comply with the City's practices and call the hotline, it's important that they be able to get the
information they need.
There are several recommendations in the area of enforcement; greater enforcement beginning
with the fall cleanup. Clearing the streets of abandoned cars in the fall reduces the number of
snowbirds during the first snowfall. Police and Public Works have tagged cars parked in "no
parking" areas during the fall street sweeping. Administration is recommending that vehicles
illegally parked also be towed. Working with district councils and block clubs, it is felt they
could also supplement the number of taggers available to Public Works and increase the
effectiveness of the tagging effort and also to control the costs since these people would be
volunteering their time. They would continue to tow vehicles that have not been moved during a
snow emergency if it's clear that the vehicles were parked illegally during the snow emergency
even though it's after that time. Due to the limited number of tow trucks, they are unable to do
July 2, 1997 City Council Summary Minutes Page 12
all the towing that needs to be done during snow emergencies so there should be some post
emergency towing that is done as well.
An auxiliary lot would be added to make sure there is enough capacity. At this time it appears
that the best available lot is at the State Fair Grounds but other options will be looked at. The
budget is being refined to insure that expenses and revenue balance as closely as possible.
They are recommending that the 4 inch threshold the City has used be lowered to 3 inches. The
threshold generally used in suburban communities is 2-2-1/2 inches. In an average winter that
would probably result in two more snow emergencies.
The Council added $250,000 to the 1997 budget for snow removal in commercial areas; this will
be continued.
They are suggesting that Public Works work with community councils and look at certain areas of
the City that may be better suited for better parking restrictions so the plows can get out earlier
and get the snow removed quicker.
In order to implement these recommendations, it will be necessary to present the Council with a
budget resolution, hopefully by the end of July, for whatever amendment is needed for the end of
1997. When the Mayor presents his 1998 budget, whatever is required to fund these
recommendations will be included.
Councilmember Megard asked Mr. Reid how the specific areas will be chosen. Mr. Reid
responded that they will be working with Councilmembers and the neighborhoods. It is very
critical in the use of this approach that they do a good job of providing notification so people
know why the sirens are being sounded.
Councilmember Bostrom suggested that the emergency information be put on the City's home
page on the Internet. Mr. Reid responded that the Web page as well as the Residents' Guide will
be used. Also, the Public Works Department has an e-mail list for notification.
Councilmember Harris asked Mr. Reid if they will be monitoring the effectiveness of the changes
saying he felt that was an appropriate way to make sure that the issues identified are being
accomplished. Mr. Reid said written reports could be provided to the Council.
Ted Brown, Deputy Police Chief, Support Services Division, appeared and stated that the
legislature changed the law this year so cars can now be disposed of or sold 15 days after the
registered owner has been sent a certified letter indicating that the car has been towed. The law
also states that by written or verbal notice a person acknowledges that their vehicle is in an
impound lot, the time period will be extended as the law still allows for retention for 45 days.
Councilmember Harris moved to accept the plan.
Snow plowing plan was accepted Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
July 2, 1997 City Council Summary Minutes Page 13
30. Resolution - 97-837 - Directing the Affirmative Action Director and the Director of Human
Rights, in conjunction with the Civil Service Commission, to develop a plan to eliminate racial
and sexual discrimination in the workplace.
Councilmember Morton moved to lay over one week.
Laid over to July 9 Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
ORDINANCES
31. Final Adoption - 97-564 - An ordinance amending Chapter 45 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code
relating to Nuisance Abatement. (Laid over from May 28)
Councilmember Harris moved approval
Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
32. Third Reading - 97-760 - An ordinance finalizing City Council action approving a petition of the
Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority to rezone property located at 688 Third Street
East from B-2 to RT-1. (Public hearing held May 28, 1997)
Laid over to July 9 for final adoption
33. Second Reading - 97-781 - 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. (Selby Avenue 40-
Acre Study)
Laid over to July 9 for third reading/public hearing
34. First Reading - 97-838 - An ordinance to reduce the fee for Animal Institutional Use from $400 to
$200 to reflect actual cost.
Withdrawn by Council President Thune
35. First Reading - 97-839 - An ordinance amending the Saint Paul Legislative Code by adding
language and creating a new section describing circumstances to establish intent to loiter for the
purpose of distributing illegal narcotics. Also creates a new section requiring a probationary order
that prohibits return to the geographical location where the crime occurred.
Laid over to July 9 for second reading
36. First Reading - 97-840 - An ordinance to enact the Vendor Outreach Program as new Chapter 84
of the Saint Paul Administrative Code.
Laid over to July 9 for second reading
37. First Reading - 97-841 - An ordinance amending the Saint Paul City Charter to require City
employees to take leaves of absence during terms served in elective offices.
Laid over to July 9 for second reading
July 2, 1997 City Council Summary Minutes Page 14
Suspension Items
Councilmember Harris moved for suspension of the rules and approval of the following resolution
Resolution - 97-852 - Requesting the Administration restore municipal services, repair and restore
streets and essential public facilities, due to storm damage, as quickly as possible, and that a
report be presented to the City Council on July 16, 1997.
Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
Councilmember Harris moved for suspension of the rules and approval of the following
resolution.
Resolution - 97-853 - Accepting from Minnesota Hockey NHL and its officers and agents the
donation of travel expenses, lunches, and incidental expenses for Mayor Coleman and
Councilmember Harris to travel to communities with team officials and others to build support for
the hockey team to be located in Saint Paul.
Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
Councilmember Bostrom moved to adjourn the meeting.
111
AD • .R ED • T6: P.M.
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avid Thune pri resident
ATTEST:
Minutes approved by Council
Nancy And n � t !o /99 7
Assistant Council Secretary
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