Approved Minutes 1-10-1996 SUMMARY MINUTES OF THE SAINT PAUL CITY COUNCIL
Wednesday, January 10, 1996 - 3:30 PM
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 3RD FLOOR
City Hall and Court House
15 West Kellogg Boulevard
The meeting was called to order at 3:40 p.m. by Council President Thune.
Present - 4 - Bostrom, Harris, Megard, Thune
Absent - 3 - Blakey, Guerin (excused) Rettman (arrived after the consent agenda)
Councilmember Harris moved to recess the City Council meeting to consider the HRA consent
agenda. Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
Councilmember Harris moved to recess the HRA meeting and resume the Council meeting.
Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
CONSENT AGENDA
NOTE: ALL ITEMS LISTED UNDER CONSENT AGENDA WILL BE ENACTED BY ONE MOTION. THERE WILL BE
NO SEPARATE DISCUSSION OF THESE ITEMS. IF DISCUSSION IS DESIRED, THAT ITEM WILL BE
REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND CONSIDERED SEPARATELY.
FOR ACTION
Councilmember Harris requested items 17 and 18 be removed for discussion
Councilmember Harris moved approval of the consent agenda as amended.
Roll Call Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
1. Approval of minutes of September 20, 1995.
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
2. Claims of Robb R. Francis, Donna Friberg, Rebecca Smith, Robert J. Waline, Joan K.
Zoccoli, and Gordon Glenroy McKree.
Referred to the City Attorney's Office
3. Letter from the Office of the City Attorney announcing a public hearing before the City
Council on January 17, 1996, to consider the report of the Administrative Law Judge
concerning adverse action against licenses held by Rozenkranz Industries, Inc., dba
Rosey's Coffeehouse, 613 Grand Avenue West.
January 10, 1996 City Council Summary Minutes Page 2
4. Letter from the Office of the City Attorney announcing a public hearing before the City
Council on January 24, 1996, to consider adverse action against licenses held by Attucks-
Brooks American Legion Post No. 606, 976 Concordia Avenue. (Uncontested)
5. Letter from the Department of Planning and Economic Development announcing a public
hearing before the City Council on January 24, 1996, to consider the appeal of Dayton's
Bluff Center for Civic Life to a decision of the Planning Commission granting a special
condition use permit to allow outdoor sales of used automobiles at 672 Arcade Street
(northeast corner of Arcade and Margaret).
6. Communication from St. Paul Animal Control dated January 2, 1996, announcing a
request from the University of Minnesota Research Lab for unclaimed dogs and cats.
7. Executive Order:
E-52 Appointing Richard J. Long to serve in the Mayor's stead as a member of the
Metropolitan Airports Commission effective January 1, 1996.
Noted as on file in the City Clerk's Office
8. Administrative Orders:
D00789 Amending the 1995 budget in the Division of Libraries to purchase a copy
machine.
D00790 Addition of$3,160 to the contract for roof replacement at the Como Forestry
Building, 1224 Lexington Parkway.
D00791 Authorizing the purchase of lunches, with funds provided by a Federal LSCA
grant, for a joint orientation of the Ronald M. Hubbs Learning Center and
Lexington Branch Library Staff.
D00792 Amending the 1995 budget in the Budget Office to cover deficits that will
occur at various major object levels based on expected expenditures for the
remainder of 1995.
D00793 Amending the 1995 budget in the Department of Public Works/Survey
Activity.
D00794 Amending the 1995 budget in the Mayor's Office to reflect actual salary
spending during 1995, purchase of computer network hardware and software,
and purchase of three computers.
D00795 Amending the 1995 budget in the Department of Public Works for higher
than estimated sales tax and shipping charges on GIS hardware and software.
D00796 Amending the 1995 budget in the Department of Public Works/Lighting
Maintenance Assessment Districts Fund.
D00797 Addition of$2,485.60 to the contract for hazardous material abatement at the
Civic Center.
D00798 Addition of $9,948.83 to the contract for Street Lighting System on the
Albert/Eleanor CSSP.
January 10, 1996 City Council Summary Minutes Page 3
D00799 Addition of$14,894 to the contract for Saint Paul Civic Center Expansion,
CP-3 Temporary Facilities.
D00800 Addition of$23,270 to the contract for Saint Paul Civic Center Expansion,
CP-3 Temporary Facilities.
D00801 Amending the budget of the Community Development Block Grant Fund in
the Department of Planning and Economic Development by increasing the
Newell Park Sitework Project budget.
D00802 Amending the 1995 budget in the Division of Parks and Recreation to allow
for payments made to Dayton's and the Minnesota State Fair for use of their
parking lots during Saints games and special events held at Midway Stadium.
D00803 Amending the 1995 budget in the Division of Parks and Recreation to reflect
proper spending authority for anticipated year-end expenditures.
D00804 Amending the 1995 budget in the Office of Human Resources by moving
year-end dollars into appropriate spending codes to accurately reflect
spending.
Noted as on file in the City Clerk's Office
9. Resolution - 96-3 - Approving the reappointments of Billie Young and Gary Grefenberg,
and the appointments of Rafael Ortega, George Latimer, and Michael Monahan, by Mayor
Coleman, to the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation. (Laid over from January 3 for
adoption)
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
10. Resolution - 96-4 - Approving the May 1, 1994 through April 30, 1997, Agreement
between the City of Saint Paul and United Association of Plumbers, Local Union No. 417.
12. (Laid over from January 3 for adoption)
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
11. Resolution - 96-5 - Approving the May 1, 1994 through April 30, 1997, Agreement
between the City of Saint Paul and United Association of Pipefitters, Local Union No.
455. (Laid over from January 3 for adoption)
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
12. Resolution - 96-23 - Approving the election of Gerry Strathman as Secretary of the City
Council.
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
13. Resolution - 96-24 - Approving the election of Nancy Anderson as Assistant Secretary of
the City Council
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
January 10, 1996 City Council Summary Minutes Page 4
14. Resolution - 96-25 - Amending Civil Service Rule 2, Definitions, to make them a more
complete reference for users. (To be laid over one week for adoption)
Laid over to January 17 for adoption
15. Resolution - 96-26 - Approving payment of$13,750 to Deborah Callahan and $4,600 to
State Farm Insurance Company in full settlement of their claim against the City of Saint
Paul.
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
16. Resolution - 96-27 - Requesting that C.F. 95-1449, adopted December 13, 1995,
commanding the abatement, by rehabilitation or demolition, of property located at 697 East
Fourth Street be stayed and laid over for a period of sixty (60) days from adoption of
resolution.
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 0
17. Resolution - 96-28 - Directing deposits of hotel/motel tax for holiday lighting in downtown
St. Paul.
Councilmember Harris moved to introduce a substitute resolution and approval.
Substitute adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
18. Resolution - 96-29 - Establishing that City payments for costs associated with the use of
cellular telephone services shall not exceed $600 annually for each Councilmember office.
Councilmember Megard noted there are caps on other expenditures in City Council Offices
and she felt a cap of$600 on the use of cellular telephones would allow for ample use. In
light of City Council budget discussions, this is one area where an effort could be made to
cut costs, Megard stated.
Councilmember Harris responded that Council incurs various expenses such as travel
costs, printing costs, etc., and some members have more expenses than others. He spoke
in favor of moving this expense into the allocation for individual budgets and allowing each
Councilmember to manage use of their cell phone.
Council President Thune indicated he did not feel this should be a line expense and,
further, does not feel the expense for cellular phones is excessive in light of the entire
budget.
Councilmember Rettman said she has always been in support of dividing the Council
budget seven ways and allowing each Councilmember to manage their own budget. She
did not feel this expense should be isolated noting that there are other expenses, such as
long distance telephone calls, postage, etc. that could be taken into consideration as well.
January 10, 1996 City Council Summary Minutes Page 5
She felt the issue should be looked at overall in terms of what people need to do to serve
the citizens in their ward most effectively.
Councilmember Megard moved approval.
Failed Yeas - 2 Nays - 3 (Bostrom, Harris, Thune)
FOR DISCUSSION
19. Resolution - 95-1496 - Approving Minnesota Laws 1995, 1st Special Session, Chapter 3,
Article 8, Sections 13 and 14 pertaining to Civil Service Rules as they relate to the City of
Saint Paul and Independent School District No. 625. (Laid over from January 3)
Councilmember Megard moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 1 (Rettman)
20. Resolution - 95-1505 - Authorizing the Police Department to enter into an agreement with
outside vendors to lease vehicles for investigative purposes, and to save and hold harmless
the supplier of the vehicles. (Laid over from January 3)
Councilmember Rettman questioned Lieutenant Briggs, St. Paul Police Department, on the
use of St. Paul companies, as opposed to any outside the City, for vendors to lease
vehicles.
Lt. Briggs responded that to date all leasing has been with vendors within the City of St.
Paul. At this time, only one vendor is being used.
Councilmember Rettman asked Lt. Briggs for his opinion to amend the resolution to state
that only companies within St. Paul would be used. Lt. Briggs responded it would not be a
problem as long as they can be assured of vehicle availability as it is sometimes necessary
to turn the cars over on a fairly short notice.
John McCormick, Assistant City Attorney, reported that limiting vendors to within City
limits may not pass an equal protection challenge. He said the City Attorney's Office will
research the issue for future contracts.
Councilmember Rettman moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
21. Resolution - 96-30 - Amending the Civic Center construction budget by $9,681,982 to
reflect additional financing from interest earnings.
Councilmember Harris moved to introduce a substitute resolution.
Roll Call Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
January 10, 1996 City Council Summary Minutes Page 6
Councilmember Rettman distributed an amendment indicating that $4.5 million and the
interest earnings on that amount will be determined by the City Council in accordance with
Attachment A and to make it clear to the Civic Center Authority, the Expansion
Committee, City Staff, and Administration.
Councilmember Harris distributed an amendment which removed the interest earnings
from the current resolution. When the refinancing was done to release the money, one of
the conditions put on was at the time of refinancing in April or May there would be a
discussion as to what components of the renovation need attention and where the resources
should be allocated to achieve that goal.
Councilmember Harris moved approval
Substitute amended and adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
22. Resolution - 96-31 - Requesting the Office of License, Inspections and Environmental
Protection and the Department of Public Works explore the possibility of establishing a
"Free Market Zone" on Shepard Road/Warner Road between Warner Park and Chestnut
Road, and report back to the City Council by March 31, 1996.
Councilmember Harris explained this resolution is only a request to have the Office of
LIEP and the Department of Public Works explore the options for a "Free Market Zone".
There was discussion in a Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting on ways to bring
people to the river, make it more affordable to families, and be a positive for St. Paul
businesses.
Councilmember Megard pointed out that a considerable amount of dollars were expended
to improve Shepard/Warner Road for automobile traffic. She questioned the need for the
free market zone but indicated she will support the investigation.
Public Works staff should review traffic patterns to determine safety, Councilmember
Rettman stated. She questioned if this was a top priority at this time as it would be
expensive to implement. There are numerous priorities that need to be done in the city.
She suggested the possibility of the Riverfront Corporation conducting the study and
funding the closing if it materializes.
Councilmember Bostrom spoke in support of the study stating that a free market zone
would be a positive to the riverfront by generating pedestrian traffic.
January 10, 1996 City Council Summary Minutes Page 7
The riverfront is a priority, Harris stated, and the idea behind the study is to take a look at
how it could be more pedestrian friendly.
Councilmember Harris moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 4 Nays - 1 (Rettman)
23. Resolution - 96-32 - Requesting that the Department of Public Works investigate methods
of closing off Shepard Road between Randolph Avenue and Jackson Street on Saturdays
and Sundays during the months of May through September for recreational purposes.
Councilmember Harris noted that this resolution also is only calling for a study at this
time. This area of Shepard Road has been closed in the past for special events and positive
comments were received.
Councilmember Bostrom expressed concern with closing any part of Shepard Road as it
carries a large amount of traffic to and from the airport. Also, it would mean closing off a
main access road for fire vehicles.
Councilmember Megard indicated her interest in having the issue looked at including cost
factors.
Councilmember Harris moved approval.
Failed Yeas - 3 Nays - 2 (Bostrom, Rettman)
ORDINANCES
24. Final Adoption - 95-1444 - An ordinance amending Sections 60.462, 60.512 through
60.514, 61.101, 62.103(g) and 65.501 through 65.509 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code
pertaining to Zoning. (Laid over from January 3)
Councilmember Megard presented an amendment which put back in the requirement for a
special condition use permit for beauty parlors and barber shops. "Photographers" were
added to the section "Principal uses permitted".
Amended and laid over to January 17 for final adoption Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
25. Final Adoption - 95-1480 - An ordinance amending Chapter 55 of the Saint Paul
Legislative Code pertaining to the Minnesota Uniform Fire Code.
Councilmember Rettman moved approval. Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
January 10, 1996 City Council Summary Minutes Page 8
26. Final Adoption - 95-1481 - An ordinance providing for increasing existing Certificate of
Occupancy reinspection fees, adding new inspections fees and providing a discounted fee
for immediate code compliance.
Councilmember Rettman moved approval. Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
27. Final Adoption - 95-1482 - An ordinance amending Chapter 56 of the Saint Paul
Legislative Code, entitled "Fire Prevention - Miscellaneous", by deleting Section 56.02,
fire drills; Section 56.03, fire extinguishers; and Section 56.04, fire exits.
Councilmember Rettman moved approval. Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
28. First Reading - 96-33 - An ordinance extending the NSP gas franchise from March 31,
1996 to June 30, 1996.
Laid over to January 17 for second reading
29. First Reading - 96-34 - An ordinance extending the NSP electric franchise from March 31,
1996 to June 30, 1996.
Laid over to January 17 for second reading
PUBLIC HEARINGS
30. Resolution - 96-35 - Approving application for an Auto Repair Garage and Second Hand
Dealer-Motor Vehicle License by Maryland Avenue Auto Sales & Repair, 1200 Jackson
Street. (ID #85698)
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Rettman moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
31. Resolution - 96-36 - Approving application for an On Sale Malt (3.2) and Restaurant-B
License by Galles Restaurants Inc., dba Seasons Inn (Daniel C. Galles), 1155 Montreal
Avenue. (ID #58797)
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Harris moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
32. Resolution - 96-37 - Approving application for a Dance or Rental Hall License by National
Guard Armory East St. Paul, 1530 Maryland Avenue East. (ID #45879)
Councilmember Bostrom moved to lay over one week.
Laid over to January 17 Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
January 10, 1996 City Council Summary Minutes Page 9
33. Resolution - 96-38 -Approving the decision of the Legislative Hearing Officer on Property
Code Enforcement Appeals for property located at 624 Fuller Avenue and 656 Short
Street.
No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Harris moved approval. Later in the
meeting Councilmember Rettman moved to recall 656 Short Street and lay over to January
24.
Adopted as amended (656 Short Street laid over to January 24) Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
34. Final Order - 95-1403 - In the matter of improving Ohio Street from George Street to
Annapolis Street. (File #18800) (Laid over from November 29, 1995)
Councilmember Harris moved to lay over one week.
Laid over to January 24 Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
35. Final Order - 95-1404 - In the matter of construction and/or repair of sanitary sewer,
storm sewer and/or water service connections, if requested by the property owner, in
conjunction with improving Ohio Street from George Street to Annapolis Street. (File
#18800-Conn) (Laid over from November 29, 1995)
Councilmember Harris moved to lay over one week.
Laid over to January 24 Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
36. Final Order - 96-39 - In the matter of assessments for the Cretin/Bayard Area Residential
Street Paving Project, including the construction of concrete curb and gutter, bituminous
roadway, concrete aprons and outwalks, sewer repairs, and refurbishing of existing
lighting system on Mount Curve Boulevard from Ford Parkway to Randolph Avenue.
(File #18802MC) (Laid over from December 20, 1995)
Councilmember Harris recalled that this project was laid over from a previous final order
as there were residents who were questioning if the street should be narrowed or left as is.
Response cards were sent out by Public Works and the neighborhood voted to keep the
street the same width. Councilmember Harris moved to present an amendment to this
effect.
Harris further explained that four years ago these property owners had their street and
gutters re-done as part of another street project. Rather than having both the City and
property owners go through the expense again of re-doing the street, specific property
owners will be removed from the project.
Paul Mason, 695 Mt. Curve Boulevard, questioned why this street work would be done
again when it was done only four year ago. He noted that the bituminous surface,
concrete, aprons and walkouts are all in perfect condition and asked why the City would
want to expend dollars on something that does not need repair.
January 10, 1996 City Council Summary Minutes Page 10
Councilmember Harris requested that Public Works staff inform Council of the additional
cost the street work would cost taxpayers and also that photographs be taken of the area as
it presently exists.
Councilmember Megard requested Public Works staff to report back in two weeks on what
the City's policy is on opting out of the program. She said she feels different rules are
being made for different people.
Amended and laid over to January 24 Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
37. Final Order - 96-40 - In the matter of improving the following streets and doing all other
work necessary to complete improvement for the Ivy/Birmingham Area Street Paving and
Lighting Project: Sherwood Avenue from Prosperity Avenue to Hazelwood Street; Ivy
Avenue from Clarence Street to Prosperity Avenue; Etna Street from Ivy Avenue to the
cul-de-sac; Birmingham Street from Maryland Avenue to Arlington Avenue; Barclay Street
from Prosperity Avenue to Arlington Avenue; and Hazelwood Street from Clear Avenue to
Prosperity Avenue. (File #18810)
No on appeared in opposition; Councilmember Bostrom moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
38. Final Order - 96-41 - In the matter of construction and/or repair of sanitary sewer, storm
sewer and/or water service connections, if requested by the property owner, in conjunction
with the Ivy/Birmingham Area Street Paving and Lighting Project. (File #18810-Conn)
No on appeared in opposition; Councilmember Bostrom moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
39. Final Order- 96-42 - In the matter of improving the following streets for the Fourth/
Howard Area Street Paving and Lighting Project: East Fourth Street from Ruth Street to
McKnight Road; Fremont Avenue from Ruth Street to Howard Street; Pedersen Street
from East Third Street to East Fifth Street; Howard Street from East Third Street to East
Fifth Street; and Winthrop Street from East Fourth Street to East Fifth Street. (File
#18812)
No on appeared in opposition; Councilmember Bostrom moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
January 10, 1996 City Council Summary Minutes Page 11
40. Final Order - 96-43 - In the matter of construction and/or repair of sanitary sewer, storm
sewer and/or water service connections, if requested by the property owner, in conjunction
with the Fourth/Howard Area Street Paving and Lighting Project. (File #18812-Conn)
No on appeared in opposition; Councilmember Bostrom moved approval.
Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
41. Resolution - 95-1399 - Approving the revised Neighborhood Sales Tax Revitalization
(STAR) Program guidelines and acceptance of STAR annual report. (Laid over from
November 29, 1995)
Amy Filice, Department of Planning and Economic Development, reviewed the revised
guidelines. She said staff feels the guidelines allow for great latitude and creativity in the
proposals as they come in. She stated they are committed to helping organizations use the
funds to address the needs in their particular neighborhood.
In discussions with Ken Ford of PED regarding the Community Development Agenda,
Ms. Filice noted that a point he made was that the public, private, and foundation sectors
are all going to respond for help in the same way due to reduced resources. With the
STAR Program, Ms. Filice said they are trying to provide their own solution to this
problem and together with the loan funds they are assured that good work can be done in
the neighborhoods today and more good work in the future.
Ms. Filice provided an update on the status of proposals that were approved by Council in
1995.
(Harris left and returned during the discussion)
Ms. Filice presented amendments that were discussed and accepted by Council and will be
incorporated into the Guidelines.
Councilmember Megard expressed appreciation that the administrative costs will be
reasonable. She said she felt there is a real discrepancy with the use of sales tax funds at
this time in what is allowed as legal under the Civic Center's collection and use of funds
for administrative purposes, and what has been said may or may not be allowed under the
neighborhood sales tax portion. She said she will be asking for an opinion from the City
Attorney for clarification. In one case the interest from the sales tax is allowed to pay
administrative costs but not in other cases. She said she is looking for consistency. There
is a lot of confusion in the neighborhoods as to why PED is allowed to collect interest,
fees, etc. and not allowing the same for neighborhood organizations, Megard stated.
January 10, 1996 City Council Summary Minutes Page 12
Councilmember Megard expressed concern with the intent to take out the words
"neighborhood revitalization and put in its place "the intent of the STAR Program is to
create a growing fund source." In her understanding, this was not the Legislative intent
for collection of the neighborhood sales tax. There is less emphasis on neighborhood
revitalization and more emphasis on "let's create a fund; let's become a bank", she said.
A philosophy seems to be growing with acceptance that something is going to be created
downtown in PED and the City is not going to make it as easy as possible to get the money
into the neighborhoods. The money was a sales tax collected without a vote by the public,
for the purpose of neighborhood revitalization. Megard said she is concerned about the
barriers that seem to exist, the bureaucracy that's being established, and the complicated
language. It should be something neighborhood groups understand and put to good use to
revitalize St. Paul. It is a program not to create a pot of money but to revitalize the
neighborhoods.
Councilmember Harris responded that the reason for the revolving loan operator is to
accommodate the community groups that could not afford to take the risk on some of the
recourses. When the money can be revolved and more than one neighborhood group can
use it, it will benefit a larger number of individuals.
David Stokes, Saint Paul Port Authority, stated the Port Authority worked closely with
PED on the process and they are comfortable with the changes that have been made in the
recourse nature of the loans. There are some collateral issues the Port Authority wants to
clarify. Regarding loan and grant sizes, it is the nature of the Port Authority to work
closely with neighborhood groups; however, they also work on larger projects and will
have to come in for larger dollar amounts. He expressed hope that the City will be
comfortable with that as it transpires in the future.
Susan Kimberly, Executive Director, St. Paul Coalition for Community Development,
expressed her appreciation to staff for the time spent on revising the program
Councilmember Megard moved approval.
Adopted as amended; amendments were also made to the Guidelines.
Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
42. Public hearing to consider the appeal of Richard Berget, dba Sunrise Enterprises, to a
decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals denying a variance of the required 100 foot
separation between a game room and the nearest residential property at 1134 Rice Street.
John McCormick, Assistant City Attorney, outlined the issue in question and the
procedures for Council to follow in their deliberations. Council must find if there is error
in any fact, procedure, or finding, the Council's decision must be supported by evidence
contained in the record and must have a factual basis for any deviation or finding of error.
January 10, 1996 City Council Summary Minutes Page 13
Council has the option of affirming, reversing, or modifying the findings of the Board of
Zoning Appeals.
John Hardwick, Office of License, Inspections, and Environmental Protection, provided a
staff report noting on November 13, 1995, the Board of Zoning Appeals denied Richard
Berget's application for a variance for a separation requirement between a game room/pool
hall and residential property. The Board based their decision on four findings: 1) the
property in question could be put to a reasonable use under the strict provisions of the
code; 2) the plight of the land owner was due to circumstances at least partially created by
the property owner; 3) the proposed variance was not in keeping with the spirit and intent
of the code and it was not consistent with the health, safety, comfort, morals or welfare of
the inhabitants of the City. There was concern that the pool hall would become an after-
hours "hangout" for youth. Taking into consideration the proximity of the schools in the
area and the lack of other game rooms in the area, there is some basis for the concern,
Hardwick stated. In the past, game rooms and pool halls have tended to have a disruptive
effect when located in close proximity to residential property. The applicant did not
provide information as to how he proposed to monitor and control behaviors of the
customers if it became a problem; 4) the proposed variance will not impair an adequate
supply of light and energy to the adjacent property, but it would alter the essential
character of the surrounding area and could affect and diminish the established property
values within the surrounding area. The pool hall/game room was not intended to have
any exterior additions to the building, but by its nature would attract a different clientele to
the neighborhood than the former VFW did.
Testimony was received from the following individuals:
Richard Berget, property owner, stated he had a petition signed by adjoining home owners
and businesses. The Priest at St. Bernard's Church also signed the petition and agreed to
allow parking in the church lot as did the VFW and some other surrounding businesses.
As the neighbors found out exactly what the establishment would consist of, he said he has
received little negative feedback.
Tom Koelndorfer, 119 West Jessamine, spoke in support of Mr. Berget's proposed
establishment. Tom is a teenager who lives nearby. He noted that he often goes to a
similar establishment in Oakdale of which he spoke highly. He liked the idea of having a
non-alcoholic, smoke-free establishment where teens could go and would not have to rely
on a car to get there. He stated there is little in the way of entertainment in St. Paul for
youth and they generally have to go to the suburbs for their entertainment.
Ray Morrisette, owner of a non-smoking pool hall in Oakdale spoke in support of Mr.
Berget's appeal. He talked about the positives of the teens who frequent his establishment
and he felt this would be a positive rather than a negative in the Rice Street area.
January 10, 1996 City Council Summary Minutes Page 14
Speaking in opposition was Marvin Johnson, 115 West Jessamine Avenue, who lives in
close proximity to the establishment. He felt it would be an intrusion on the neighborhood
and would attract problem clientele.
Councilmember Harris moved to close the public hearing.
Roll Call Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
Councilmember Rettman noted there was nothing presented to show error in the decision
of the Board of Zoning Appeals. There is a distance requirement of 100 feet and this
would only be 40 feet. She indicated Council has no choice but to deny the appeal and she
moved for denial.
Appeal denied Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
Suspension Items
Councilmember Harris moved for suspension of the rules and approval of the following
resolution:
Resolution - 96-44 - Approving application for a Cigarette, Restaurant-B, Entertainment-B,
Sunday On Sale Liquor and Liquor On Sale-A License by Rodan, Inc., dba Champps,
2401 7th Street West. (ID #21859)
Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
Councilmember Rettman moved for suspension of the rules and approval of the following
resolution:
Resolution - 96-45 - Authorizing the Department of Finance and Management Services to
initiate all necessary action leading to the issuance of City General Obligation Bonds on
March 13, 1996 with City Council awarding bids that afternoon.
Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
Councilmember Rettman moved for suspension of the rules and approval of the following
resolution:
Resolution - 96-46 - Approving the Rental Tax Equity; Saint Paul Pilot Project 1995
Report.
Adopted Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
Councilmember Megard moved to adjourn the meeting. Yeas - 5 Nays - 0
January 10, 1996 City Council Summary Minutes Page 15
• 1 • 5:40 P.M.
FA r
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vid pr e, Coun President
ATTEST:
Minutes approved by Council
Nancy And rson 0, .. -3 \ ` \ck ck
Assistant Council Secretary
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