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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 07-23-1997MINUTES REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JULY 23,1997 A regular meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., on July 23, 1997. COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney; Councilmembers Wold, Johnson, and Black. ABSENT: Councilmembers Bildsoe, Preus, and Spigner. STAFF PRESENT: Assistant City Manager Lueckert, Public Works Director Moore, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Public Safety Director Gerdes, Finance Director Hahn, City Attorney Knutson, and City Clerk Ahrens Item 3 Plymouth Forum No one spoke at the Forum. Item 4-A Proclamation - National Night Out 1997 Mayor Tierney proclaimed August 5 as National Night Out in Plymouth. Public Safety Education Specialist Sara Cwayna said that 80 neighborhood events are planned for National Night Out. Forty neighborhoods have scheduled food drives in conjunction with the events. Police, Fire, Commission, and Council representatives will be involved in the celebration throughout the City. Item 5 Approve Agenda Assistant Manager Lueckert recommended that Item 6-C be removed from the agenda. She also requested the addition of Item 9-G -- consider special meetings with the Maple Grove City Council and School District 284 Board. Motion was made by Councilmember Wold, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to approve the agenda with the removal of Item 6-C and the addition of Item 9-G. Motion carried, four ayes. Item 6 Consent Agenda Items 6-I and 6-M were removed from the Consent Agenda. Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. Motion carried, four ayes. Regular Council Meeting July 23, 1997 Page 2 Item 6-A Approve Disbursements Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-425 APPROVING DISBURSEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING JULY 11, 1997. Motion carried, four ayes. Item 6-B Vacation of Utility Easement, Outlot A, Carlson Center 12th Addition Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-426 ORDERING PUBLIC HEARING ON THE VACATION OF EASEMENT RIGHTS FOR UTILITY PURPOSES OVER AND ACROSS THE POND EASEMENT GRANTED TO THE CITY PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH EIGHT OF THAT CERTAIN DECLARATION OF EASEMENT AND REAL COVENANTS DATED FEBRUARY 15,1994, CONTAINED WITHIN OUTLOT A, CARLSON CENTER 12TH ADDITION. Motion carried, four ayes. Item 6-D Deer Management Program Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to authorize the deer management program for 1997 and early 1998. Motion carried, four ayes. Item 6-E Plymouth Apostolic Lutheran Church (97068) Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-427 APPROVING A SITE PLAN AMENDMENT FOR PLYMOUTH APOSTOLIC LUTHERAN CHURCH FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 11015 OLD COUNTY ROAD 15 (97068). Motion carried, four ayes. Item 6-F Buhler, Inc., Site Plan Amendment (97090) Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-428 APPROVING SITE PLAN AMENDMENT FOR BUHLER, INC. FOR A BUILDING AND PARKING LOT EXPANSION AT 1100 XENIUM LANE NORTH 97090). Motion carried, four ayes. Regular Council Meeting July 23, 1997 Page 3 Item 6-G American Portable Telecom (97045) Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-429 APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND SITE PLAN AMENDMENT TO ALLOW INSTALLATION OF A 130 -FOOT MONOPOLE TOWER AND RELATED GROUND EQUIPMENT FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SERVICES AT 3515 NORTH HIGHWAY 169 97045). Motion carried, four ayes. Item 6-H Landmark Design and Build, Inc. (97065) Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-430 APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR LANDMARK DESIGN AND BUILD, INC. FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 11310 36TH PLACE NORTH (97065). Motion carried, four ayes. Item 64 Livable Communities Demonstration Account Grant Application Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-431 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANGER TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL FOR A LIVABLE COMMUNITIES DEMONSTRATION ACCOUNT GRANT FOR THE PROPOSED VILLAGE AT BASSET CREEK DEVELOPMENT. Motion carried, four ayes. Item 6-K Amendment to City Code, Tobacco and Related Products Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to adopt ORDINANCE 97-15 AMENDING THE PLYMOUTH CITY CODE CONCERNING THE SALE AND PURCHASE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS. Motion carried, four ayes. Item 6-L Addition of Item to Special Council Meeting Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to approve the addition of discussion of council procedures and scheduling to the July 29, 1997 Special Council Meeting. Motion carried, four ayes. Regular Council Meeting July 23, 1997 Page 4 Item 6-N Plymouth Support for Hennepin County Improvement Project Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-432 AUTHORIZE THE REPORT FOR HENNEPIN COUNTY FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF COUNTY ROAD 101 FROM COUNTY ROAD 24 TO STATE HIGHWAY 55. Motion carried, four ayes. Item 6-O Change Order No. 3, 1995 Trail Improvements, City Project No. 4017 Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-433 APPROVING CHANGE ORDER NO. 3,1995 TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS, CITY PROJECT NO. 4017. Motion carried, four ayes. Item 6-P Award Contract, Vicksburg Lane Street Reconstruction Project Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-434 AWARD CONTRACT, VICKSBURG LANE STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT, CITY PROJECT NO. 7010. Motion carried, four ayes. Item 6-Q Certificate of Exemption, Electro Mechanical Industries, Inc. Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-435 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION FROM THE 1991 WETLAND ACT, ELECTROMECHANICAL INDUSTRIES, INC., SOUTH OF 10'H AVE. AND EAST OF XENIUM LANE, NE, SW SEC. 34, T118N, R22W. Motion carried, four ayes. Item 6-11 Approval of State Contract for Radiological Response Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-436 AUTHORIZING RENEWAL OF THE CONTRACT WITH THE STATE OF MINNESOTA FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE RESPONSE SERVICES IN THE EVENT OF RADIOLOGICAL INCIDENTS AT THE MONTICELLO AND PRAIRIE ISLAND NUCLEAR FACILITIES FOR FISCAL YEARS 1998 AND 1999. Motion carried, four ayes. Item 7-A Off -Sale 3.2 Malt Liquor License for H.I. Enterprises, Inc. Clerk Ahrens presented the staff report on the request of H.I. Enterprises, Inc., for an off -sale 3.2 malt liquor license at 189 Cheshire Lane. Mayor Tierney opened the public hearing. No one appeared, and the hearing was closed. Regular Council Meeting July 23, 1997 Page 5 Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-437 APPROVING OFF -SALE 3.2 LIQUOR LICENSE FOR H.I. ENTERPRISES, INC., D/B/A CARLSON PARKWAY HOLIDAY STATIONSTORE #561. Motion carried, four ayes. Item 7-B-1 Vacation of Easement, Savannah Addition Public Works Director Moore presented the staff report on the request for vacation of drainage and utility easements in Lots 11 and 12, Block 1, Savannah Addition. Mayor Tierney opened the public hearing. No one appeared and the hearing was closed. Motion was made by Councilmember Wold, seconded by Councilmember Black, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-438 AUTHORIZING THE VACATION OF DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENT IN LOTS 11 AND 12, BLOCK 1, SAVANNAH ADDITION, and RESOLUTION 97- 439 SETTING CONDITIONS TO BE MET PRIOR TO FILING OF RESOLUTION 97-438 VACATING DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENTS WITHIN LOTS 11 AND 12, BLOCK 1, SAVANNAH ADDITION. Motion carried, four ayes. Item 7-B-2 Vacation of Easement in Willow Grove Office Park First Addition Public Works Director Moore presented the staff report on the request for vacation of drainage and utility easements in Willow Grove Office Park First Addition. Mayor Tierney opened the public hearing. No one appeared and the hearing was closed. Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Wold, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-440 AUTHORIZING THE VACATION OF DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENTS, OUTLOT D - WILLOW GROVE OFFICE PARK FIRST ADDITION, and RESOLUTION 97-441 SETTING CONDITIONS TO BE MET PRIOR TO FILING OF RESOLUTION NO. 97-440 VACATING A DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENT WITHIN OUTLOT D, WILLOW GROVE OFFICE PARK FIRST ADDITION. Motion carried, four ayes. Regular Council Meeting July 23, 1997 Page 6 Item 7-11-3 Vacation of part of West Medicine Lake Drive Right -of -Way Public Works Director Moore presented the staff report on the request for vacation of part of West Medicine Lake Drive street right-of-way adjacent to Lot 22, Block 1, Elmhurst Gateway 2nd Addition. Mayor Tierney opened the public hearing. No one appeared and the hearing was closed. Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Black, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-442 AUTHORIZING THE VACATION OF PART OF WEST MEDICINE LAKE DRIVE STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY, ELMHURST GATEWAY 2ND ADDITION. Motion carried, four ayes. Item 8-A Charis Homes, Inc. (96186) Community Development Director Hurlburt presented the staff report on the request of Charis Homes, Inc., for preliminary plat approval for Kingsview Heights Fourth Addition for property located at 4265 Fernbrook Lane North. She explained that one issue is unresolved. The applicant would like a separate driveway to serve each site. The Planning Commission and staff recommend that a shared driveway be used to serve the two lots to avoid creating another access point onto Fernbrook Lane. It is city policy to limit the number of access points onto major collector streets. Mayor Tierney said that if the orientation of the home were turned, the driveway would not have to go across the front of the property. However, the home is under construction. Director Hurlburt explained that the applicant applied for a building permit prior to requesting subdivision of the lot. John Hitchcock, 14320 42"d Avenue North, represented Charis Homes. He said that he began working with City staff on the proposal in October 1996 and staff has always been aware of the intent to subdivide the parcel. He learned two weeks prior to the Planning Commission meeting that the separate driveways were a concern. At that time, the new home was about 75 percent completed. He believes that two driveways would be preferable to a shared driveway because the sanitary sewer, watermain, and storm sewer lines are in the same location as the proposed shared driveway. He said that an abutting property on Fernbrook Lane retained two driveway accesses, and there are three curbcuts to Fernbrook Lane from this property and the adjacent property. He said that no additional traffic burden would be created by the curbcut. Regular Council Meeting July 23, 1997 Page 7 Anstolit Gonikman, 4265 Fernbrook Lane, resident of the new home, requested that the separate driveway access be approved. Councilmember Black noted that there would be the same amount of traffic regardless of the number of curbcuts. She asked how safety would be influenced if separate curbcuts were granted. Public Works Director Moore responded that every intersection point with a street creates an additional potential for accidents. Fernbrook Lane is a major collector, and traffic will continue to increase. Traffic is projected at 8,000 vehicles per day by the year 2010. Director Moore explained that an existing driveway was allowed to remain on the property to the south which has two curbcuts because it was an existing lot of record -- not a subdivision process. He said there would be no conflict with the utility lines intersecting at the shared driveway location. An underground storm sewer will be constructed, and there is no conflict with the driveway location. It is the owner's responsibility to close the old curbcut, if the Council directs that the driveway shall be shared. Councilmember Johnson asked about the City's policy to limit access to major collector streets and how a builder would be aware of the policy. Director Hurlburt said the policy is in the Transportation Element of the City's Comprehensive Plan. When an applicant meets with staff about the potential subdivision of a property, they are informed of the requirements. She is unsure when that information may have been conveyed in this situation. It was not an issue for discussion until subdivision of the lot was requested. The complete application was received May 22, 1997, and the Planning Commission hearing was held on June 24. Councilmember Johnson asked when construction of the new home began. Mr. Hitchcock said that the existing home was demolished in March, and a building permit for the new home was received at that time. Mayor Tierney asked if Mr. Hitchcock's concern is with the cost or the aesthetics of the shared driveway. Mr. Hitchcock said that the curbcut would cost about $400-$500. This amount would either be spent on a curbcut or a longer driveway to the shared curbcut. He believes that a straight approach to the driveway would be aesthetically preferable and safer in the winter. Separate driveways would Regular Council Meeting July 23, 1997 Page 8 also resolve the problems of maintenance responsibility between the neighbors. Public Works Director Moore said that one existing curbcut is proposed to serve two properties. Two curbcuts exist on the adjacent southerly property, and a curbcut is proposed for the home north of this property. He believes that this number of curbcuts in a short distance is a safety concern, and that it would be dangerous for vehicles to back from a straight driveway directly into the street. Mr. Hitchcock stated that a straight driveway would be safer because a larger area would be available for turning around. He said the nearest intersection is. 42nd Avenue, which is 200 feet away from the property. Councilmember Black asked if there are plans to extend Fernbrook Lane northerly from the current dead-end. Director Moore responded that the Transportation Plan anticipates that Fernbrook Lane will be extended northerly to 47`' Avenue. Director Hurlburt noted that this item requires four affirmative votes to pass. Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Black, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-443 APPROVING PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR CHARIS HOMES FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4265 FERNBROOK LANE NORTH (96186). Councilmember Johnson said that she has some concerns that the home was under construction before the driveway was planned. She is not compelled to approve a second curbcut on Fernbrook Lane. Councilmember Black said that when Fernbrook Lane is extended to County Road 47, it will become a major thoroughfare to the City Center area. Traffic has increased on Fernbrook Lane since the connection to Schmidt Lake Road and will continue to do so. She feels it is prudent to limit the number of accesses to the road. Mayor Tierney said that it does not appear that a shared driveway would be negative for the properties. She asked for assurance that there will not be a drainage water problem with the shared driveway. Public Works Director Moore explained that the storm sewer is required to be extended due to the subdivision request. He said there are periods of time Regular Council Meeting July 23, 1997 Page 9 when the storm sewers cannot handle the drainage water because they are not designed to do so. However, he does not believe that an unsafe condition will be created with a shared driveway. Councilmember Black noted that the amount of storm water currently running across the lot is greater than will exist after installation of the storm sewer. Motion carried, four ayes. Item 8-13 Gene and Nelli Sivriver, All Auto Fix (97057) Community Development Director Hurlburt presented the staff report on the application of Gene and Nelli Sivriver for a conditional use permit to operate All Auto Fix, Inc., a minor automobile repair business, and an Interim Use Permit for parking reduction for property located at 3435 Highway 169. The neighboring landowner to the south stated at the Planning Commission meeting that he has use of the 11 parking spaces located on the south side of the applicant's building. Staff had previously concluded that the applicant has use of the 11 parking spaces through an easement. The City Attorney has reviewed the easement document and determined that the document entitles the applicant to the exclusive right to use the north 30 feet of the neighboring property to the south for parking purposes. This means that the applicant has use of all 11 parking spaces. Director Hurlburt showed photographs of the site and stated that a dumpster enclosure and signage would be added. Attorney Marjorie Holston represented Scott Henderson, owner of the building to the south. She expressed concern that allowing a reduction in the parking for the applicant could impact the marketability of Mr. Henderson's building to the south. For example, the Council may deny a future request by Mr. Henderson due to inadequate parking. Scott Henderson, 3431 North Highway 169, said he is concerned about the rentability of his building to the south because his tenants have use of the common parking space. When the building was constructed in 1972, a restaurant was given use of the 11 parking spaces through an easement. He expressed no concern about the proposed business, other than the concern that it would monopolize the parking area. He does not believe that the easement should be interpreted as exclusive for the northerly building on the site. Mr. Henderson said that he would no longer have access to the eight parking spaces abutting his building because motorists would have to cross the easement area to get to his building to the south. He said that the original owner indicated that the easement was meant to ensure a shared parking area, and he believes that he should be able to enforce parking in that area and to control the spaces. Regular Council Meeting July 23, 1997 Page 10 City Attorney Knutson said that the City Council does not create or abolish property rights. The rights are unchanged by the Council's action on this request. Ms. Holston requested assurance that the 11 parking spaces are potentially available to Mr. Henderson's building to the south. Councilmember Black asked who established the easements. City Attorney Knutson explained that the easement was created by the property owners and the City had no involvement. The question before the Council is not interpretation or enforcement of an easement document, but rather whether the applicant meets the ordinance parking standards. In response to a question by Councilmember Johnson, Mr. Henderson said he purchased the property in 1972. The easement was granted in 1970 by the previous owner. In granting a conditional use permit at the time, the City also granted the use of the 11 parking spaces to the restaurant. Community Development Director Hurlburt clarified that a conditional use permit does not give anyone rights over another's property. The City can consider the rights that exist and whether shared parking or parking on another site satisfies the parking requirements. Councilmember Johnson said that the issue of the easement is between the property owners and is outside of the Council's domain. City Attorney Knutson said the Council does not take away or grant property rights. Mr. Henderson can ignore the City's interpretation of the easement document. It is an issue between the property owners. John Hedner, 5555 Zealand Avenue North, represented the Sivrivers'. He said that sufficient parking was one of the concerns they had when considering purchase of the property. The easement for parking was granted prior to the purchase of property by either party. He believes that under real estate law, Mr. Henderson has the right to cross the easement area to get to the seven parking spaces abutting his building. Mr. Hedner said that the proposed use is appropriate for the site and would benefit the neighborhood. Nelli Sivriver, 840136 1h Avenue North, New Hope, said she is the applicant. She explained the improvements planned for the building and requested approval. Regular Council Meeting July 23, 1997 Page 11 Gene Sivriver said that he is not planning to create a parking problem for his neighbor. His attorney has reached the same opinion as the City Attorney regarding the exclusive use of the 11 parking spaces through the easement document. Councilmember Wold asked how many parking spots are typically used at the Sivriver's previous facility in St. Louis Park. Mr. Sivriver said that four to six vehicles in need of repair are parked at one time. Councilmember Johnson said that Condition 7 of the proposed resolution indicates there shall be no outside storage of inoperable vehicles. Mr. Sivriver said that this facility will do only minor vehicle repairs, such as vehicles which do not pass the emission control test. Community Development Director Hurlburt explained that the conditional use permit is to allow minor auto repair. Vehicles will not be towed to the site needing major work. There also is some parking inside the building for vehicles awaiting repair. Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Wold, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-444 APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND INTERIM USE PERMIT FOR NELLI SIVRIVER FOR A MINOR REPAIR AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE GARAGE WITH REDUCED PARKING, FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3435 HIGHWAY 169 (97057). Councilmember Black said that the Council clearly does not have jurisdiction to deal with the easement issue, and she trusts the City Attorney's opinion that the City is not impacting property rights. It is an issue between the landowners. Councilmember Wold said that he assumes that the Council would carefully consider the spaces under question if Mr. Henderson applied for a conditional use permit for the southerly building in the future. Motion carried, four ayes. Regular Council Meeting July 23, 1997 Page 12 Item 8-C (6-I) Solicit Proposals for Comprehensive Plan Consulting Services Councilmember Black said that a Council and/or Planning Commission could review the proposals for Comprehensive Plan Update consulting services. She would like an opportunity to review the Request for Proposals before it is distributed. She requested that the draft be sent to Council members and Planning Commissioners with a time certain for comments. Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Wold, to adopt RESOLUTION 97-445 APPROVING ISSUANCE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE. Motion carried, four ayes. Item 8-D (6-M) Handicapped Accessible Housing Motion was made by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Black, to direct staff to consider additional language in the City's Housing Plan as part of the next update of the City's Comprehensive Plan to specifically affirm the City's commitment to promoting special needs housing that is accessible and affordable to City residents with disabilities. Councilmember Johnson said that this will ensure that there is an emphasis on affordable, handicapped accessible housing when developers present proposals for Council consideration. Motion carried, four ayes. Item 9-A 1996 Audit Report Finance Manager Jacobson introduced representatives of Deloitte and Touche, the City's auditors. Cliff Hoffman, Deloitte and Touche, summarized the audit report. He said the City now has a fund balance to fund 40 percent of a year's expenditures. He noted that the City's volunteer fire department saves the City about $2 million a year. Mr. Hoffman discussed the importance of maintaining the AAA bond rating. A city with a AAA rating is more likely to have higher property values in the future than in a community which does not. Mayor Tierney noted that intergovernmental revenues comprised 11 percent of total revenues in 1995 and 1996. This percentage has increased to 14 percent. Mr. Hoffman explained that the City budgets conservatively on license/permit revenue and property tax delinquencies. If the revenues in those areas are Regular Council Meeting July 23, 1997 Page 13 larger, the percentage of intergovernmental revenues would be affected. Finance Director Hahn added that the City's HACA aid has been consistent at about $1.8 million for several years. Assistant Manager Lueckert noted that the intergovernmental revenue category also includes federal funds such as the Community Development Block Grant program. Mr. Hoffinan recommended that the Council study its sewer rates and operations to cut operating losses in this fund via expense cuts and/or rate increases. Councilmember Wold directed staff to place discussion of the water and sewer utility fund on the budget study session agenda. He also requested a report from Public Works on the utility replacement cycle. Kent Rademacher summarized the management letter. In response to a question from Councilmember Wold, he said the City is doing an excellent fiscal job. He believes tax dollars are spent wisely and conservatively. Councilmember Johnson asked for the auditor's professional opinion on how a requirement of a super -majority vote for a levy increase would impact the City's AAA bond rating. Mr. Hoffinan said that one of his concerns is that there is a tendency to make fiscal mistakes when -times are bad. As an example, a Council in another community considered transferring money from the water and sewer fund to the general fund to pay for additional police officers when their general fund was negatively impacted by tax abatements. He believes it is wise to adopt City fiscal policies by ordinance. Then the Council can require a super - majority vote to override those fiscal policies. He said that when times are bad, it is easy for councils to make decisions to balance the current budget, forgetting that if the city is not maintained, property values will fall. He said that most cities today with high bond ratings are continuing to grow through annexation. Mr. Hoffman said he would be very concerned if a super -majority requirement resulted in a city council making decisions to balance the current budget that could have negative long-term impacts on the community. Item 9-11 Study Session on Enforcement Issues Councilmember Black requested that this item be moved to an August Council meeting when more Councilmembers are present. Regular Council Meeting July 23, 1997 Page 14 Item 9-C Comment regarding procedure on Stop Sign Installation Councilmember Johnson said that the Council considered a stop sign installation at a recent meeting. It was not a public hearing, but a gentleman submitted a blue card to speak on the issue. He was allowed to speak, but only after the vote was taken. Councilmember Johnson said that if residents are allowed to speak on an issue, they should be allowed to do so before the vote is taken. She requested that the Mayor indicate to the Council when blue cards are submitted on an issue before the vote is taken. The Council can then decide whether to allow speakers on the issue. Item 9-1) Report on League of Minnesota Cities Conference Councilmember Johnson reported on her attendance at the League of Minnesota Cities Conference in St. Cloud. Item 9-E Issues before Council Subcommittee on Public Safety Councilmember Black noted that there was a recent newspaper article on cats and their negative impact on the environment. She asked if the animal control ordinance is being reviewed by the Public Safety Subcommittee. Public Safety Director Gerdes responded that the City's animal ordinance is being reviewed by the Subcommittee, and a recommendation will be made to the City Council. Councilmember Black said that residents living along trails have also indicated a concern about the use of leashes longer than six feet and feces littering their property. Councilmember Johnson asked if the City's enforcement of violations has changed because of the pending animal ordinance. Public Safety Director Gerdes said the only pending enforcement issue is the number of dogs in a household. Staff will enforce only if a specific complaint is received, pending a decision on the new ordinance. Item 9-F Street Assessment Subcommittee Councilmember Johnson said that staff is coordinating the next meeting of the Street Assessment Subcommittee. Item 9-G Set Two Special Meetings Assistant Manager Lueckert said that School District 284 has proposed a joint meeting date of August 18 at 6 p.m. The City of Maple Grove has proposed a joint meeting date of August 26 at 7 p.m. Regular Council Meeting July 23, 1997 Page 15 Council members indicated they would be available for these dates. An item establishing these special meetings will be placed on the August 6 agenda for consideration. Motion was made by Councilmember Black, seconded by Councilmember Wold, to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m. Motion carried, four ayes. City Clerk