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Public Works Cte Minutes 06-29-1988 • M � • Roge J. Goswitz. air PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE June Z9. 1988 - Room 707 City Hall PRESENT: Roger J. Goswitz. Chair Councilmember Tom Dimond Councilmember Janice Rettman OTHERS PRESENT: Anne Wetteland, Bob Young, Robert Priefer, Ray Monno, Kermit McRae, Robert J. Benke. Leon Pearson, Dave Nelson, Ray Bennett, Dan Dunford, Bart Bevins, Bob Piram, Bruce Hoheisel, Mary Ann Hecht, Steve Grochala, Kathryn DeSpiegelaere, Stephen C. Wilson, Natalio Diaz, Karen Swenson, Dave Thune, Elliott Perkovich, Judith Hollander, Katie Turnbull, Howard Blin, Chris Nicosia, Dick McCann, John McCormick, Councilmembers James Scheibel, Kiki Sonnen, Bill Wilson, Jim Zdon, Chuck Towle, Donna Datsko. Albert LeFebvre, Rick Casper. 1. 7he minutes of June 22. 1988 were approved as submitted. 2. VACATION: Petition of the Housing Redevelopment Authority and the Port Authority for the vacation of ARUNDEL STREET from Selby Avenue south to the platted alley in Block 10. Woodland Park. Purpose: To be used for a parkinq lot. • Dick McCann, Valuations Division, stated the neighborhood district is opposed to this vacation. There are no objections from any city departments or agencies and staff recommends approval. Councilmember Wilson spoke on behalf of�this vacation and said there has been a long history associated with the need for parking in this district. The business people have a large investment in this area and it is necessary for them to have adequate parking. At one time the feasibility of constructing a parking ramp was looked at but because of the investment needed that idea did not proceed. The question of funding for parking ramps in neighborhoods is still being looked at. This vacation, he continued, will bring two parking lots together and provide more parking spaces. There is a split in the neighborhood on this proposal but it was a close vote. Oistrict 8 did not support it, and the Heritage Preservation Commission is opposed. The Fire Department did have problems in the beginning but plans presented actually gives them more access for getting to the water than previously and there wili be an additional fire hydrant provided. Councilmember Dimond commented the concerns of the neighborhood are very legitimate concerns as are those of the HPC, but it is important to note this is reatly an interim solution. Councilmember Rettman referred to the letter from the Asst. Fire Chief about snow • removal and asked who would be responsible for that. Jim Zdon, PED. responded and said the agreement is that the maintenance and operation of the lots will be with the developers and they have agreed to remove snow within 24 hours. Further discussion followed. 1 � • MOT10N: by Councilmember Dimond to recommend approval was • unanimously carried. 3. FINAL OROER: For the installation of approximately 42 single globe style decorative lights on both sides of SMITH AVENUE from 50 feet �orth of Annapolis Street to l00 feet south of Baker Street (West side) and 75 feet south of Baker Street (East side) to be known as the SMITH AVENUE NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (NPP) LIGHTING PROJECT N0. 2. AND 4. F1NAL ORDER: For the operating costs for the Above Standard Street Lighting System for the Smith Avenue Neighborhood (NPP) L i qht i nq Pro,iect No. 2. Donna Datsko, PED, explained this project was approved last year and is funded through an NPP grant and the balance through assessments. This proposal to continue the lighting system that was begun on the High Bridge was worked out with and has the support of the Smith/Dodd Business Association. Councilmember Dimond stated he would not vote to support this proposal because in his opinion non functional lighting systems should not be installed. Councilmember Rettman remarked just because they are decorative it doesn't mean they are non functional. Albert LeFebvre, 670 So. Smith, said he and a number of other people • are opposed to this project because there is not justification for the cost and they feel the lighting on Smith Avenue is adequate. There are a lot of low income people living there and no way can they incur another $600 charge, he stated. Joh� Saumweber, Valuations Division, pointed out assessments can be spread over a period of 20 years at 9y. interest and these assessments would probably not be ratified until 1989 or 1990. Mr. LeFebvre stated he is already being assessed for the sewer system, plus the $32.00 charge for 10 years and he just cannot handle another assessment. Donna Datsko pointed out the entire lighting project is estimated to cost $117,000 and of that amount the city is picking up $39,000. Answering Ms. Rettman's question as to whether the District Council has taken a stand on this Donna Datsko said the NPP was actually submitted by WESCO in conjunction with the Smith/Dodd Business Association. It was also pointed out that there were public informational meetings held in the neighborhood. Rick Casper, President of the Smith/Dodd Business Association, explained there was a lot of discussion about this project and at an informational meeting they sponsored a couple of months ago there were about 15 residents present and 14 were in favor and one was • questionable. The business owners were supportive of this also and were excited about seeing a continuation of the lighting system which they felt would help attract and bring business to their community. • 2 • Mr. leFebvre remarked that he thought Councilmember Scheibel should go door knocking and let the people know exactiy what the charge for a 40 ft. lot wili be. Mr. Casper pointed out the 15 people at the meeting were residents on the Avenue and they only sent out literature to the homeowners and people living on the Avenue. Anne Wetteland, owner of property at 849 Sv. Smith Avenue, was extremely upset and wanted to know why the lighting system they have isn't good enough. She is already paying $8100 a year for taxes and she can't even rent the top part of her building. She said she is trying to sell the building but no one wants to buy it because the taxes are too high. Sewer and water rates have gone up 100y.� trash has gone up 90�., and plus the $300 a year for upkeep is just getting � to be too much. They already have a problem with lights and windows being broken and if you add the globe lighting they will be broke all the time. Councilmember Rettman commented although she is extremely supportive of NPP projects she is a little concerned about the lack of a letter from the District Council and the confiicting reports she is hearing from the residents. She suggested this matter be laid over to see if these concerns could be worked out, and to find out just who is in favor of the project. MOTION: by Councilmember Rettman to lay this matter over to July 13, • 1988 was unanimously carried. 5. RESOLUTION 88-949 - Authorizing proper City officials to execute a three-year lease agreement with Budget Towing of St. Paul, Inc. from June 1, 1988 to June 1, 1991 for 7,667 sq. ft. of vacant land under the Earl Street Bridge for storage of non-toxic and non- combustible material by Budqet Towinq. Dave Nelson, Finance Department, explained Budget Towing has requested a three-year lease of the property under the Earl Street Bridge to operate their towing operation and storage of vehicles in conjunction with their towing. The issues raised at City Council was the dismantling of cars and granting a license for that operation. A license was granted to the new owner of Budget Towing providing they would not be able to dismantle any cars there, he said. Councilmember Rettman pointed out Mr. Nelson's statement about the license transfer was incorrect and said that matter had been laid over and no license has been granted at this point. Mr. Nelson retracted that statement. Roy Carlson, Sr., said the previous owner was Foley Construction and they reneged on their lease and much of the trash, etc. was left by them. That property is now cleaned up, grass cut and ground raked. • Several loads of tires have been hauled out, but those in neat piles are tires for resale. He mentioned there is an area down there where the public is dumping couches, garbage, etc. and he has called the Police to kick them out. He suggested 5ome signs and a fence be 3 put up to prevent them from driving back there. • Councilmember Dimond spoke about the efforts being made to upgrade and improve the East Side and told Mr. Carlson his operation was an absolute pig sty. Mr. Carlson again said much of the mess in the area was teft by Foley Construction, his property has been cleaned up, and those tires piled neatly are for resale. Councilmember Dimond questioned whether Mr. Carlson has a license to sell tires. Discussion then followed on just what activities are covered under a salvage license. It was suggested this matter be laid over for two weeks and that the License Division and/or Zoning staff be present to answer questions relating to the licensing of this operation. MOT10N: by Councilmember Dimond to lay this item over for two weeks to July 13, 1988 was unanimously carried. 6. RESOLUTION 88-986 - Amending the 1988, 1987 and 1986 CIB budgets by increasing and decreasing various Public Works Improvement Pro_iects. Dan Dunford, Public Works Department, explained a number of CIB projects were included to be funded from MSA revenue bonds contingent upon recommendation from the CIB Committee. Instead of gong through the process of selling MSA revenue bonds, Public Works has identified sufficient balances in past projects and another project that will not have to be financed in 1988 to finance all of • these projects. This resolution transfers those balances to cover the cost of those projects so the MSA bonds will not have to be sold. Answering Councilmember Rettman's question, Mr. Dunford said these have been reviewed and approved by the CIB cortmittee. MOTION: by Councilmember Rettman� to recommend approval was unanimously carried. 7. RESOLUTION 88-987 - Amending the 1988 CIB budget by adding �184,000 to the STILLWATER/NOKOMIS SEWER PROJECT. This item should not have appeared on the agenda as it had already been acted on by the Council. Matter was withdrawn. 8. FINAL ORDER: Sidewalk construction and/or reconstruction at the followin4 locations: A. 5-88-21 - East side N. HAMLINE AVENUE from W. Hoyt Avenue to W. Idaho Avenue (Referred to Committee 6-14) Tom Keefe, Sidewalk Engineer, explained there will be total reconstruction in this area and sidewalk will be replaced at 5 ft. instead of 6 ft. to reduce the cost to property owners. 75% of sidewalks needed some work. Councilmember Rettman stated her reason for referring this to Committee was to make sure people had a chance • to make their choice of 6 ft. or 5 ft. replacement. No one appeared. 4 . . • MOTION: by Councilmember Rettman to recommend approval was unanimously carried. B. S-88-35 - West side of BURNQUIST STREET from E. Jessamine Avenue to E. Marytand Avenue (Referred to Cornnittee 6-16). Ray Bennett, 1159 Burnquist, said he was appearing in behaif of the other property owners involved. There has been a lot of discussion, he said, and his purpose for being at the meeting today was to get some definite answers. Tom Keefe, Sidewalk Engineer, said his recortmendation is to do the entire block at 5 ft wide. This order was originally initiated by a petition signed by t5 out of 16 people. Mr. Bennett said he would convey this message to the people and added - we have a beautiful street aiready and should have sidewalks to go along with it. MOTION: by Councilmember Rettman to recommend approval was unanimously carried. C. 5-88-36 - Both sides E. COTTAGE AVENUE from Kennard Street to Flandrau Street (Referred to Committee 6-16). Ray Monno, 1660 E. Cottage, said he was in agreement to have sidewalks replaced. He suggested rather than replacing some of the • panels where trees have raised them that they try to do something to fix them. Tom Keefe stated the Sidewalk Division doesn't have the equipment to do this and doing this wouid only make matters worse. This order. he said, was initiated on the basis of 4 complaints received. The reason this matter was sent to Cor�riittee, Ms. Rettman said, was because a petition was presented stating most of the panels marked for reconstruction were unnecessary and they wanted someone to go out with them and look at it. After further discussion, Mr. Keefe said he would review the order and bring it back with his recorrmendat i on . MOT10N: by Councilmember Dimond to lay this item over for 2 weeks to July 13th, so that Sidewalk Division can reinspect and bring back recommendation was unanimously carried. 0. S-88-44 - West side NOKOMIS AVENUE f�om unimproved E. Geranium to unimproved E. Maryland Avenue (Referred to Committee 6-16). Robert Priefer. 2417 Nokomis Avenue, referred to the petition they had submitted where 12 out of 18 property owners were against this project. The original complaint was made by a gentleman whose tree roots have raised the sidewalk, but when he found out what the cost would be he signed the petition against it. He mentioned he has one panels that is raised about an inch and would not obJect if that was • replaced. As far as replacing panels with hairline cracks, he said. every panel in front of City Hall as well as other places he listed need replacing. Because several panels need replacing is no reason to replace them all, he added. • 5 Tom Keefe reported this order was initiated by 4 complaints and 4 • requests for repair all at same address. He further stated that once they are put on notice of an existing problem it is the city's responsibility to do something to correct that situation. Mr. McCormick, City Attorney pointed out that if at some future date someone trips or falls, the city is liabie if they had failed to act after being notified. After further discussion, it was suggested this matter be laid over for two weeks for reinspection and report. MOTION: by Councilmember Dimond to lay this item over for two weeks for reinspection and report back to the Committee was unanimously carried. At this point (10:25 A.M.) a short recess was taken. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ITEMS: 9. PRESENTATION: by Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for complete Hiqhway I-94 renovation. Councilmembers Sonnen, Scheibel, and Wilson were present for this discussion. Dan Dunford, Public Works Department, explained they have been meeting with representatives of the Department of Transportation over the last 9 months regarding the reconstruction of I-94 all the • way from Mounds Boulevard in St. Paul to the Lowry Tunnel in Mpls. A lot of design and coordinating has been going on to fit each piece of the puzzte into place. There are 20 different contracts being let by the Highway Oept. to reconstruct I-94, 13 of those will be within the City of St. Paul. The normal procedure is that the Council approves each contract separately; however, by aliowing the Council to be aware of the total project plan rather than receiving it on a piece by piece basis, we are hopeful that approval could be given on the total project thus eliminating a lot of ineetings and staff's time. MnDot representatives are here today. he continued, to show you which projects will be done, the schedule of those projects and answer any questions you might have. Included in the information provided you is a Resolution which the Department of Public Works wili be submitting to the Council in the near future that would allow this to happen. This does not eliminate bringing up any specific contract later and provides that any changes made from the time approval is given until it goes to contract must come back to the Council for approval. Councilmember Sonnen said she is interested in learning why the land under the Sixth Street Bridge is being filled in and the status of the noise variance. She also said she is uncomfortable in approving this project in its entirety. Councilmember Rettman expressed the same views and said she is very upset because the filling being done • did not have Council approval and she is also upset because they did not have more written material before them to follow along on what is being proposed. A lot more information is needed .before any 6 • < . � action can be taken, she added. Some discussion took p)ace on why an E1S wasn't being done on this project the same as was done on Shepard Road and why the neighborhoods weren't more involved in the process. Robert Benke and Kermit McRae made the presentation of the proposed projects and answered questions of the Committee. Bob Piram, Parks Department, said they are very concerned about the filling in under the Sixth Street Bridge and said requests to MnDot for information needed by Parks Dept. for the trail system has not been provided. A great deal of discussion followed and Mr. Piram and MnDot people were asked to get together to try to work out an agreeable solution by the next meeting on July 13th. ltem laid over to July 13th meeting. 10. MIDWAY LRT STUDY REVIEW - INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY Presentation by the RTB and RCRRA followed by questions and answer period. Presentations by regional agencies: MTC Metro Council Ramsey County Citizen Advisory Committees for the Midway Study • The Chair had earlier told the people present for this matter that there would not be time enough to hear thern today. They were advised that this item would be scheduled first on the meeting of July 13th. Meeting adjourned: 12:15 P.M. i ,