May 15, 2017 Work Session Minutes

CITY OF SPRING PARK
WORK SESSION MINUTES
MAY 15, 2017 – 6:00 PM
SPRING PARK CITY HALL

CALL TO ORDER - The work session was called to order by Mayor Rockvam at 6:00 p.m.

Council Members Present: Jerry Rockvam, Mayor; Pamela Horton, Gary Hughes; Catherine Kane Palen, and Megan Pavot.

Staff Present: Dan Tolsma, City Administrator; Mike Kuno, City Engineer; Nancy Jensen Back, City Attorney (arrived 6:03 p.m.); and Theresa Schyma, City Clerk.

1. GOAL SETTING SESSION SUMMARY – City Administrator Tolsma presented a summary of the April 24 City Council Goal Setting Session. The majority of the Council’s priorities fell into six broader categories (sidewalks & walkability, parks & recreation, infrastructure, community appearance, redevelopment, and public works evaluation). He discussed action steps and a draft timeline of priorities.

City Administrator Tolsma discussed a recent meeting with City Engineer Kuno and Hennepin County Public Works. The three main issues of discussion were sidewalks, a potential walking lane on Sunset Drive (County Road 51) and the draft schedule of overlay projects on county roads in Spring Park.

City Administrator Tolsma that the county currently has two overlay projects scheduled for 2019 – Sunset Drive and Shoreline Drive (County Road 15).

City Engineer Kuno added that the 2040 Hennepin County Bike Plan includes Sunset Drive.

Council Member Kane Palen stated that she understands the county isn’t overlaying Sunset Drive until 2019 but would like the road striped before that project since it is a safety issue.

Mayor Rockvam agreed with Council Member Kane Palen about making Sunset Drive safer and more walkable right now.

City Administrator Tolsma stated that the county was not opposed to the City’s ideas for improving walkability and safety on Sunset Drive.

City Administrator Tolsma stated that Hennepin County’s only focus with sidewalks is ramps and catch basins. In general, the City is responsible for sidewalks so staff is working on a plan and cost estimates to address the sidewalks that need the most immediate attention. He added that the county is willing to work with the City on retaining walls.

Council Member Hughes stated there is a 200 foot stretch of sidewalks that are in need of repair that should still be under warranty.

City Engineer Kuno stated that the contractor forgot to use a particular chemical on that 200 foot section and that the incorrect mixture has caused some issues. He added that staff will look into the warranty on that particular section.

City Administrator Tolsma discussed creating an ad-hoc committee of Council Members and Planning Commissioners to discuss redesigning the playgrounds at the City’s two parks. He added that he met with a playground consultant in 2016 and the consultant stated that none of the playground equipment is currently compliant.

The City Council consensus was to have Council Members Hughes and Pavot represent the City Council on the committee so that the redesign project can move forward.

Mayor Rockvam asked for an update regarding the handicapped accessibility issues at the docks owned by 5th Street Ventures.

City Administrator Tolsma responded that City Building Official Qualle sent a letter to the property owner stating that action was required and he has received no response.

The City Council consensus was to move forward with action to condemn the property since the property owner is blatantly disregarding the City and ADA accessibility requirements while continuing to operate the facility and collect rent money.

Council Member Kane Palen requested an update on banners in front of commercial businesses.

City Administrator Tolsma responded that an inventory was completed last week and the commercial area on Sunset Drive to the post office is the main focus.

The City Council consensus was to add banners in front of all commercial businesses on Sunset Drive including Lord Fletcher’s Old Lake Lodge.

2. SIDEWALK UPDATE & DISCUSSION – Council Member Hughes presented a PowerPoint with pictures of the current state of the City’s sidewalks and the sections that need the most attention.

City Engineer Kuno discussed the recent evaluation of the City’s sidewalks, meeting with Hennepin County Public Works staff, ADA accessibility requirements, and what projects would require upgrading the sidewalk ramps for ADA compliance. He added that the county will send somebody out this summer to evaluate catch basins that have settled and take care of any repairs that are necessary.

Mayor Rockvam suggested grinding down the hazardous sections now and encourage the county to upgrade the ramps with their proposed roadway work.

City Engineer Kuno stated he would put together cost estimates and options for sidewalk repairs and present them to the Council.

3. OUTDOOR STORAGE UPDATE – City Administrator Tolsma presented an update from the public hearing regarding outdoor storage and nuisance ordinances that occurred at the Planning Commission Meeting on May 10, 2017. He noted the participation from the community and that the Planning Commission decided to continue the hearing to their July 12 meeting. The Commission will reevaluate the proposed ordinances in June and make amendments prior to re-opening the public hearing in July.

4. ADJOURN - The work session was adjourned by unanimous consent at 7:02 p.m.


Date Approved: June 5, 2017

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Theresa Schyma, City Clerk

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Dan Tolsma, City Administrator