Approved Minutes 7-30-1997 SUMMARY MINUTES OF THE SAINT PAUL CITY COUNCIL
Wednesday, July 30, 1997 - 3:30 PM
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 3RD FLOOR
City Hall and Court House
15 West Kellogg Boulevard
The meeting was called to order by Council President Thune 3:37 p.m.
Present - 6 - Blakey, Collins, Harris, Megard, Morton, Thune
Absent - 1 - Bostrom (Arrived after the Consent Agenda)
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Blakey requested Item 17 be removed for discussion.
Councilmember Harris requested Item 30 be removed for discussion.
Councilmember Harris moved approval of the Consent Agenda as amended.
Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
FOR ACTION
1. Approval of minutes of June 25, 1997.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
2. Claims of Ronald Cackoski, John Larsen, Elsie Mayard, Michael McGrath, John McManus,
Bonnie Ness, Lana Peterson, Pink Lady Salon, Kenneth Timmerman, Ruth Valdez, and Heather
Vasseei/Linda Laubenthal.
Referred to Employee/Risk Management Division
3. Summons and Complaint in the matter of Kathleen M. Johnson vs. the City of Saint Paul, et al.
Referred to the City Attorney's Office
4. Summons and Complaint in the matter of Fleet Mortgage Corp. vs. the City of Saint Paul.
Referred to the City Attorney's Office
5. Summons in Application for Registration in the matter of the application of the Port Authority of
the City of Saint Paul to register title to real estate in Empire Builder Industrial Park.
Referred to the City Attorney's Office
6. Letter from the Office of License, Inspections and Environmental Protection announcing a public
hearing before the City Council on August 6, 1997 to consider the appeal of Frank Wallner to a
decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals on the legal status of semi-trailers on Burlington
Northern's intermodal hub facility, 1701 Pierce Butler Route.
July 30, 1997 City Council Summary Minutes Page 2
7. Letter from the Office of the City Attorney announcing a hearing before an administrative law
judge on August 25, 1997, 9:30 a.m., Room 42 St. Paul City Hall, concerning the cigarette
license held by Little Grocery, 1724 University Avenue West.
8. Letters from Saint Paul Public Health declaring 106 Congress Street West, 924 Forest Street, 772
Frank Street, and 328 Lexington Parkway North as "nuisance properties" and setting date of
Legislative Hearings for August 5, 1997 and City Council Hearings for August 13, 1997.
9. Letter from Saint Paul Public Health declaring 800 Como Avenue, 589-591 Forest Street, 40-42
Isabel Street West, 78 Magnolia Avenue West, and 613 Minnehaha Avenue East as "nuisance
properties." (For notification purposes only; public hearings will be scheduled at a later date if
necessary.)
10. Communication from Saint Paul Animal Control dated July 21, 1997 announcing a request from
the University of Minnesota Research Lab for unclaimed dogs and cats.
11. Administrative Orders:
D001269 Budget revision in PED Grants Management which assigns new project codes to
CDBG funded projects and programs.
D001270 Addition of$4,718.00 to the contract for Saint Paul Civic Center Expansion, CP-4
Building Construction.
D001271 Addition of$28,345.00 to the contract for Saint Paul Civic Center Expansion, CP-4
Building Construction.
D001272 Deduction of$9,016.00 from the contract for Saint Paul Civic Center Expansion, CP-
4 Building Construction.
D001273 Addition of$35,040.00 to the contract for Cochran Park Restoration.
D001274 Addition of$821.53 to the contract for remodeling Como Zoo restrooms for handicap
accessibility.
Noted as on file in the City Clerk's Office
12. Resolution - 97-904 - Approving the appointments of Joanne Ciccerelli and Paul Kelnberger, and
the reappointments of Councilmember Jerry Blakey, Louis Greengard, Theron Barnes, Richard
Hanson, Rolf Middleton, and Jay Zack, by Mayor Coleman, to the Workforce Development
Council. (Laid over from July 23 for adoption)
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
13. Resolution - 97-905 - Approving the appointments of Billy Collins, Diana Rodriguez, Miriam
Rykken, Jim Kelly, Greg Simbeck, John Kennefick, Leah Olson, Michael Lohman, Crystal
McClintock, Mary Hicks, Mike Speer, Jennifer Bozicevich, and Brennan Brooks, by Mayor
Coleman, to the Youth Fund Board. (Laid over from July 23 for adoption)
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
July 30, 1997 City Council Summary Minutes Page 3
14. Resolution - 97-930 - Approving the appointments of Pao Choua Vang, Kenneth U. Udoibok, and
Linda James and the reappointments of James Anderson and Hoa Thi Thu Bury, by Mayor
Coleman, to the Saint Paul New Americans Advisory Committee. (To be laid over one week for
adoption)
Laid over to August 6 for adoption
15. Resolution - 97-931 - Approving the appointment of Richard Aguilar, and the reappointments of
Donald Del Fiacco, Robert Schwartzbauer, and Richard Zehring, by Mayor Coleman, to the Saint
Paul Civic Center Authority. (To be laid over one week for adoption)
Laid over to August 6 for adoption
16. Resolution - 97-932 - Approving the May 1, 1996 through April 30, 1998 Maintenance Labor
Agreement between the City of Saint Paul and Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons
International Association, Local #633. (To be laid over one week for adoption)
Laid over to August 6 for adoption
17. (Discussed after the consent agenda)
18. Resolution - 97-934 - Establishing spending authority to reimburse employees for training costs
and receive reimbursement from the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
19. Resolution - 97-935 - Amending the 1997 budget in the Police Department by adding $10,000 to
administer the Gun Stoppers program under the 1997 Civic Organization Partnership Program
(COPP).
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
20. Resolution - 97-936 - Agreeing to indemnify Norwest Bank in connection with their participation
in "Norwest River Rendezvous" to be held on August 2, 1997 on Harriet Island.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
21. Resolution - 97-937 - Agreeing to indemnify owners of private parking lots for the use of their
lots for the "Norwest River Rendezvous" on August 2, 1997 on Harriet Island.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
22. Resolution - 97-938 - Agreeing to indemnify owners of private parking lots for the use of their
lots during a concert on September 6, 1997 on Harriet Island.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
23. Resolution - 97-939 - Releasing spending authority from City Council Contingency to the
Department of Public Works, making a technical correction in the Winter Street Maintenance
Contribution activity of the General Fund, and increasing the spending authority of the Winter
Street Maintenance activity.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
July 30, 1997 City Council Summary Minutes Page 4
24. Resolution Approving Assessment - 97-940 - In the matter of summary abatements (property
clean-up) from mid-April to mid-May 1997, and summary abatements (property clean-up) from
mid May to July 3, 1997, and setting date of public hearing for September 24, 1997. (File
#J970606, J9709A)
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
25. Resolution Approving Assessment - 97-941 - In the matter of the Page/Cherokee Area Street
Paving and Lighting Project, and setting date of public hearing for September 24, 1997. (File
#18801)
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
26. Resolution Approving Assessment - 97-942 - In the matter of replacement of lead water service
connections for 1996/1997, and setting date of public hearing for September 24, 1997. (File
#97LDSCRPL)
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
27. Preliminary Order - 97-943 - In the matter of approving the estimated annual operating costs of
Town Square Park from July 1, 1997 through June 30, 1998, and setting date of public hearing
for September 10, 1997. (File #18113-97)
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
28. Preliminary Order - 97-944 - In the matter of improving the alley in Block 2, Riverside Addition
(bounded by Otto, Stewart, Bay and Butternut) by grading and paving with bituminous material,
and setting date of public hearing for September 24, 1997. (File #18857)
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
29. Preliminary Order - 97-945 - 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 alley in Block 2, Riverside
Addition (bounded by Otto Stewart, Bay and Butternut), and setting date of public hearing for
September 24, 1997. (File #18857-S)
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
30. '(Discussed after the consent agenda)
31. Preliminary Order - 97-947 - In the matter of operation of the above standard street lighting
system for the Landmark Center area from November 1, 1997 to December 31, 1998, and setting
date of public hearing for September 24, 1997. (File #18859)
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
32. Preliminary Order - 97-948 - In the matter of installation of a twin lantern style lighting system on
Como Avenue from Arona Street to approximately 300 feet west of Snelling Avenue, and setting
date of public hearing for September 24, 1997. (File #18860)
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
July 30, 1997 City Council Summary Minutes Page 5
33. Preliminary Order - 97-949 - In the matter of operating costs for the above standard street lighting
system on Como Avenue from Arona Street to approximately 300 feet west of Snelling Avenue
for the months of November 1, 1997 to December 31, 1998, and setting date of public hearing for
September 24, 1997. (File #18861)
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
34. Preliminary Order - 97-950 - In the matter of condemning and taking a temporary construction
easement for the improvement of Swede Hollow Park, and setting date of public hearing for
August 27, 1997. (File #18862)
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0
17. Resolution - 97-933 - Authorizing the hiring of 15 police park rangers for August, September, and
October 1-15, 1997 to enhance the presence of uniformed personnel and deter crime in the City's
parks.
Councilmember Blakey stated he supports the resolution but requested information on how the 15
park rangers would be employed.
Police Chief William Finney appeared and stated the additional park rangers will be employed to
patrol the parks and occasional "drive-bys" at recreation centers. The intention is to decrease the
number of thefts from autos, higher visibility at those sights, and deter juvenile exploitation by
other juveniles. Police presence has been lacking in a lot of areas throughout the City. There
have been incidents of thefts from autos at Crosby Lake Park, Como Lake, the baseball fields
around Central High School, and the smaller parks.
Councilmember Megard noted that the Council had requested a report on criminal activity in the
parks. Chief Finney responded that the Police Department is in the process of changing their
computer system to one which will provide reports more efficiently. The most accurate figures
they have are from 1996 showing there has been a decrease in criminal activity, especially
downtown, since the number of park rangers has increased. The rangers will cover the entire
City. They are civilians supervised by the Police Department and have the authority to write
parking citations and certain low level reports.
Councilmember Harris moved approval.
Councilmember Bostrom questioned how the park rangers are hired and how many would be on
the street at any particular time. Chief Finney responded that there is an existing list of Park
Ranger candidates who have passed a Civil Service examination. Orientation is eight hours a day
for two weeks. They are seasonal temporary assignments from August to mid-October. They
will be concentrated at the times when there is more police activity which is usually days and
early evening.
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
July 30, 1997 City Council Summary Minutes Page 6
30. Preliminary Order - 97-946 - In the matter of Landmark Center streetscape improvements
including installation of globe style lighting fixtures and planting trees around the Landmark
Center building (bounded by 5th, 6th, Washington and Market), and setting date of public hearing
for September 24, 1997. (File #18858)
Councilmember Harris asked about the lighting. Council President Thune stated that when the
downtown lighting was installed, this area was not done because of construction going on at St.
Paul Companies.
Councilmember Harris moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
FOR DISCUSSION
35. 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 July 30)
This item was discussed during the Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting.
Councilmember Harris moved approval.
Adopted as amended Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
ORDINANCES
36. Second Reading - 97-912 - An ordinance amending Chapter 310 of the Saint Paul Legislative
Code by reducing the fee for Animal Institutional Use from $400 to $200 to reflect actual cost.
Laid over to August 6 for third reading/public hearing
37. Second Reading - 97-913 - An ordinance amending the Saint Paul Legislative Code Section
140.10(2) extending the hours and days that the required temperatures must be maintained in the
skyways.
Laid over to August 6 for third reading/public hearing
38. Second Reading - 97-914 - An ordinance finalizing City Council action approving the petition of
Metropolitan State University to rezone property located at 4XX Maria Avenue from P-1 to B-2.
(Public hearing held July 2, 1997)
Laid over to August 6 for third reading
July 30, 1997 City Council Summary Minutes Page 7
Councilmember Collins moved for reconsideration of the following item and to reopen the public hearing
to August 6.
Ordinance - 97-841 - Amending the Saint Paul City Charter to require City employees to take
leaves of absence during terms served in elective offices. (On July 23 this ordinance was laid
over to August 6 for final adoption)
Reconsidered and laid over to August 6 to continue public hearing and final adoption.
Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
Councilmember Harris moved to reconsider the following item and lay over to September 10:
Resolution - 97-924 - Ordering the owner to remove or repair the building at 421 Wabasha Street
within fifteen (15) days from adoption of resolution. (Adopted as amended on July 23 - owner
was granted until September 12,1997 to complete transfer to a new owner)
Gerry Strathman, Legislative Hearing Officer, stated that at the Council meeting on July 23, 1997
the owner testified he was in the process of purchasing and rehabilitating the property. The
Council adopted the order to remove or repair and extended the time to September 12. Mr.
Strathman recommended the Council reconsider this item and lay it over to September 10.
Reconsidered, deleted amendments from July 23 and laid over to September 10.
Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
Suspension Items
Councilmember Harris moved for suspension of the rules and approval of the following resolution:
Resolution - 97-952 - Approving the appointment of Sara Todd, by Mayor Coleman, to serve as
Assistant to Mayor I.
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
Councilmember Collins moved for suspension of the rules and approval of the following:
Resolution - 97-953 - Accepting the gift of travel expenses for the design team to tour
approximately seven cities across the country for the purpose of designing and construction of a
new $130 million hockey/multi-use arena.
Council President Thune stated he would like to take part in the tour along with Chris Hansen of
the Civic Center and Pam Wheelock, Department of Planning and Economic Development.
July 30, 1997 City Council Summary Minutes Page 8
PUBLIC HEARING
39. Resolution - 97-951 - approving application for a Patio Service License by Madone Inc., dba
Caravan Serai, 2175 Ford Parkway. (ID #40747)
Councilmember Harris moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
Councilmember Collins moved to recess the meeting and the HRA meeting was convened.
Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
Suspension Item
Resolution - 97-954 - Establishing a high technology job training program for 100 low-income
Saint Paul residents, so they may be considered for employment by Lawson Software as it
expands its workforce.
Council President Thune questioned where the dollars would come from and said he did not feel
this program should be linked to the Lawson project. He felt the schools should be involved in
doing some of the training.
Councilmember Bostrom said the Department of Planning and Economic Development (PED) is in
a position to manage some of these programs. He suggested they review the program and come
back to the Council with recommendations.
Councilmember Collins said he would like PED to provide recommendations and information on
how the goal can be accomplished most effectively. He said he agrees with the concept but is
concerned with how it is drafted.
Pam Wheelock, PED, suggested the Council focus on the goal which is to train 100 residents and
leave out the mechanism for PED to come back with recommendations. Council President Thune
suggested several deletions on the resolution to reflect Ms. Wheelock's suggestions. Ms.
Wheelock said it may be problematic to ask a company to commit to something before positions
are announced.
Councilmember Blakey moved approval as amended.
Adopted as amended Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
July 30, 1997 City Council Summary Minutes Page 9
Councilmember Harris moved to adjourn the meeting.
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