HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-06-2016 WS MinutesMeeting of:
Date of Meeting:
Time of Meeting:
Location of Meeting:
Purpose of Meeting:
CALL TO ORDER /ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 7:26 PM
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL
June 6, 2016
7:00 PM (Following the EDA Meeting)
Conference Room #1
WORKSESSION
Present: Council President Nawrocki, Councilmembers Murzyn Jr, Williams and Schmitt
Also Present: City Manager Walt Fehst, Director of Public Works Kevin Hansen, Community
Development Director Joe Hogeboom, City Planner Elizabeth Holmbeck, Community Development
Secretary Jodi Griffin, HR Director /Assistant to the City Manager Kelli Bourgeois and City Clerk Katie
Bruno
nt Federal fundine apmlication with the Citv of Minneapolis for 37th Avenue from
Central to Stinson Blvd
Public Works Director Kevin Hansen reported staff has contacted the City of Minneapolis regarding the
condition of 37th Avenue. Traffic counts are 9,000 ADT on the west and 10,100 ADT on the east. For
the last five years, there has been little or no response from Minneapolis.
Recently, the office of Transportation Planning and Public Works of Minneapolis contacted us to begin
discussions on the street and to look at potential funding sources. Cursory estimates of the
reconstruction cost of this segment of roadway are in the $8 -10 million range, depending on the extent
of utility work. The City of Minneapolis brought forward the idea of jointly applying for Federal Funds
under the Regional Solicitation Program, administered by the Met Council. The application is due July
15, 2016. Hansen reported 80% of the project would be funded; the remaining 20% would be shared
with the City of Minneapolis. The remaining 10% would be come from state aid and assessments.
Councilmember Nawrocki commented that on other state aid streets the city has assessed all costs.
Director Hansen explained that because of traffic counts the assessment would be reduced.
Councilmember Schmitt questioned if this project would implement "complete streets." Hansen
stated it would try to implement some of the components.
Discussion of request to divide lots on Stinson Blvd.
Community Development Director Joe Hogeboom reported the applicant is requesting subdividing the
current two lots into seven lots, which would be smaller than the subdivision code permits. The
applicant would request the following three variances:
1. 5' side setback
2. 6510 SF lot size
3. lot width of 42'
The applicant TJ Brama indicated he is looking to build for the 50+ demographic buyers, single level
living with smaller lots. Director Hogeboom indicated that there has been a trend in developing this
type of product in neighboring developing communities. Brama had a draft of the proposed layout,
noting he still needs to meet with an engineering firm as well as the Rice Creek Watershed District.
Councilmember Nawrocki commented that the proposal seems crowded, and asked where visitors and
guests will park. Hogeboom indicated that an easement could be required on the proposed shared
driveway.
Councilmember Schmitt encouraged the applicant to meet with the Rice Creek Watershed District to
discuss options for the sloped landscape.
Councilmember Williams commented that it may be difficult to sell the small lots, and asked Mr. Brama
if he has considered developing four lots in the front instead of five. City Manager Walt Fehst shared
Mayor Peterson's concern with the number of properties proposed, and suggested three lots in the
front instead of the proposed five. Mr. Brama reported he has met with a local realtor, who informed
him that the trend is going towards smaller lots with regard to their target buyer.
Councilmember Nawrocki requested the current tax payment on the properties. Mr. Brama provided
him with a tax statement.
Councilmember Schmitt stated this looks like a good plan, and the plan seems fair, noting she does
have concerns with drainage issues. Councilmember Murzyn, Jr. stated he feels the properties are
close together, but stated if that design is the trend, he is ok with it. Councilmember Nawrocki stated
his personal view that the proposed plan overcrowds the space.
Sign Code Discussion
Community Development Secretary Jodi Griffin reported in August 2015, a Variance request to allow a
sign to be painted directly on the exterior of a building and to allow for the sign to exceed the
maximum allowable square footage for that Zoning District was brought before the Planning and
Zoning Commission. The application was later tabled by the City Council to an indefinite date in order
to allow time for staff to study the need for changes to the Zoning Code as it pertains to signage in the
form of painted murals, and what steps the City should take to regulate murals in the future. Ms.
Griffin conducted research with neighboring cities. For those cities that specifically address the use of
painted murals as a sign or public art, in most cases, painted murals are permitted; however, the
stipulation is that they are not used for "advertising ".
Additionally staff reported the current sign code can be confusing and not very user friendly. The
following four options were shared with the council.
Option #1- Take no further action /make no changes. To address painted murals, continue with
existing code which prohibits any sign or graphics painted directly on any exterior surface and continue
using the existing process requiring applicants to complete a Request for Variance for painted murals.
Staff will begin using the Sign Code Reference Chart in order to evaluate future Sign Permit
Applications.
Option #2 - Do not change or amend the code itself, but simply reorganize existing rules into a more
"user- friendly" format; possibly incorporate the Sign Code Reference Chart — Commercial Districts
developed by staff into the Zoning Code.
Option #3 — Amend the existing code to a more "user friendly" format and add a provision allowing
certain forms of public art or murals and define the process by which the City will review these Sign
Permit Applications and regulate murals in the future.
Option #4— Keep existing Sign Code, but add a provision for allowing certain forms of public art or
murals.
Councilmember Nawrocki commented that the business on Central Ave that initially requested the
mural needs to clean up the signs they have currently. Nawrocki commented that murals are
subjective, and not everyone will have the same opinion of what looks nice.
Ms. Griffin reported most neighboring cities do not speak directly to painted murals, if they do, they do
not permit advertising as part of the mural.
Councilmember Williams suggested murals be submitted on a case by case basis for approval. Director
Hogeboom stated staff could create and bring a set of standards for council review at an upcoming
work session for discussion.
Director Hogeboom commented that they will look at the LED sign regulations, to assure they are in
line with current technology.
City Planner Elizabeth Holmbeck requested direction in rewriting parts of the current sign code for
clarification.
A recess was taken from 8:44 to 8:53
Discussion regarding support of Met Council Reform
Community Development Director Joe Hogeboom explained that the Metropolitan Council governs
regional planning for the seven - county Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. As part of its general oversite,
the Metropolitan Council oversees regional land use and transportation planning, affordable housing
management, management of the regional sanitary sewer system and oversite of Metro Transit.
The Metropolitan Council is the only regional planning agency in the United States that is operated by
unelected officials. Critics of the Metropolitan Council say that the system creates taxation without
representation. Supporters of the current system believe that competing political interests would stifle
infrastructure planning and housing resource allocation on a regional level. There are sixteen
Metropolitan Councilmembers who oversee sixteen separate planning districts. The districts cross
county boundaries. The Governor appoints the Councilmembers, who in turn hire a Chairperson that
oversees all staffing and operations. Columbia Heights is located in Metropolitan Council District 2,
which is led by Councilmember Lona Schreiber.
Earlier this month, the Minnesota Senate approved two reforms to the Metropolitan Council.
• Staggering the terms of the Metropolitan Council Members so that the complete Council does
not turn over as a result of a gubernatorial election.
• A 13- member Nominating Committee would be created to oversee appointment to the
Metropolitan Council. The Committee would be comprised of at least three city
representatives (mayors or council members) and three county representatives.
The coalition of cities including four counties and 34 cities is looking to have current elected officials
serve on the Met Council.
Director Hogeboom contacted Metro Cities, they do not support the Coalitions' position that would
require the majority of the Metropolitan Councilmembers to be comprised of already - elected officials.
Staff has been in contact with Metro Cities officials, who have provided a sample proposed resolution.
City Manager Walt Fehst expressed concern with the appointment of current elected officials, noting a
conflict of interest may occur. Councilmember Williams stated he is comfortable with the draft
resolution submitted by Anoka County. Councilmember Schmitt has spoken to both Representative
Carolyn Laine and Anoka County Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah, both indicating a change is
necessary. Schmitt suggested inviting both Representative Laine and Commissioner Sivarajah to a
future work session for further discussion. Director Hogeboom agreed to contact them as well as
Patricia Nauman from Metro Cities.
Comprehensive Plan Discussion
City Planner Elizabeth Holmbeck reported the City is required to submit the updated Comprehensive
Plan in March of 2018. Community Development Planning Staff will oversee the production of the
plan; consultants will be used to complete specific sections. An advisory committee will be formed,
allowing community members to participate in the process.
Collective Bargaining Strategy* Closed pursuant to MN Statute 13D.03
Councilmember Nawrocki announced the meeting is moving into closed session at 9:37 PM.
Motion by Councilmember Murzyn, Jr., seconded by Councilmember Schmitt to go into closed session.
All Ayes.
The regular meeting reconvened at 9:52 PM
Meeting Adjourned at 9:52 PM
Respectively Submitted,
lvttk'
Katie Bruno, Council Secretary /City Clerk