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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.05.81MINUTES OF MAPLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL 7:30 P.M., Thursday, March 5, 1981 Council Chambers, Municipal Building Meeting No. 81 -5 A. CALL TO ORDER A regular meeting of the City Council was held in the Council Chambers, Municipal Build- ing, and was called to order at 7:04 P.M. by Mayor Greavu. B. ROLL CALL John C. Greavu, Mayor Present Norman G. Anderson, Councilman Present Gary W. Bastian, Councilman Present Frances L. Joker, Councilperson Absent Earl L. Nelson, Councilman Present C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mayor Greavu moved to approve the Agenda as amended: 1. Frost Avenue 2. Resolution 3. Letter MDOT 4. Call from Mrs. Drake — Watershed 5. Budget Transfer 6. Council Minutes Seconded by Councilman Anderson. Ayes — all. E. CONSENT AGENDA Council removed Item E -3 to become Item J -8. Councilman Nelson moved, seconded by Mayor Greavu, Ayes — all, to approve the Consent Agenda as recommended. 1. Accounts Payable Approved the accounts (Part I — Fees, Services, Expenses, Check No. 005480 through Check No. 005528 — $95,148.16; Check No. 009270 through Check No. 009458 — $113,434.06; Part II — Payroll Check No. 26985 through Check No. 27110; $51,877.53) in the amount of $260,459.75. _ 2. Feasibility Study: Adolphus Sanitary Sewer Resolution. No. 81 -3 -31 WHEREAS, it is proposed to replace the Adolphus Trunk Line Sanitary Sewers and to .assess the benefited property for all or a portion of the cost of the improvement, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, chapter 429; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA, that the proposed improvement be referred to the City Engineer for study and that he is — 1 — 3/5 instructed to report to the Council with all convenient speed advising the Council in a preliminary way as to whether the proposed improvement is feasible and as to ... whether it should best be made as proposed or in connection with some other improvement, and the estimated cost of the improvement as recommended. 4. Time Extension: 3M Company – Temporary Trailer Approved request of 3M Company for renewal of a temporary permit to use a mobile home as a temporary office for a car pool operation, subject to compliance with all building codes, for a period of five (5) years. - 5. Change Order: Fire Station – East County Line No. 2 Resolution 81 -3 -32 RESOLVED by the City Council of Maplewood, Minnesota, that change order number 3 to the contract for construction of East County Line No. 2 Fire Station in the amount of $950.00 be and hereby is in all things approved. 6. 1981 Contract: Environmental Health Services Approved the 1981 contract between Ramsey County and Maplewood for Environmental Health Services. 7. Budget Transfer — Paramedics Authorized a budget transfer for an increase in revenues and expenditures within the 1981 paramedic budget in the amount of $3,460. 8. Budget Transfer – Cable Communications Commission Authorized a budget transfer of $1,000 from the General Fund Contingency account to finance Maplewood's portion of the initial costs for the Ramsey Washington Counties Suburban Communications Commission. F. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Revenue Note: Maplewood Dental Specialties a. Mayor Greavu convened the meeting for a public hearing regarding a request from Maplewood Dental Clinic for a Industrial Development Revenue Note to construct a 3,000 square foot dental clinic to be located on Cope Avenue between White Bear Avenue and Flandrau Street. The Clerk stated the hearing notice was in order and noted the dates of publication. b. Manager Evans presented the staff report. c. Director of Community Development presented the following Planning Commission recommendation: "Commissioner Howard moved that the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council preliminary approval of the tax exempt mortgage revenue note financing in the amount of $300,000 based on the staff's analysis. Approval is subject to: – 2 – 3/5 1. Construction must begin within one year of preliminary approval -. 2. Approval of a special exception by the City Council and approval of site and building design plans by the Community Design Review Board. Commissioner Kishel seconded. Ayes — all." d. Mr. Dick Nordlund, Vice President First Corporate Services, Inc., spoke on behalf of the proposal. e. Mayor Greavu called for proponents. None were heard. f. Mayor Greavu called for opponents. None were heard. g. Mayor Greavu closed the public hearing. h. Councilman Nelson moved to approve the Industrial Revenue Note as requested by Maplewood Dental Specialties subject to the staff and Planning Commission recommendations and introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: SO — 3 —33 RESOLUTION RECITING APROPOSAL FOR A COMMERCIAL FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT GIVING PRELIMINARY APPROVAL TO THE PROJECT PURSUANT TO THE MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ACT AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF AN APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF SAID PROJECT TO THE COMMISSIONER OF SECURITIES OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA AND AUTHORIZING THE PREPARATION OF NECESSARY DOCUMENTS AND MATERIALS IN CONNECTION WITH SAID PROJECT WHEREAS, (a) The purpose of Chapter 474, Minnesota Statutes, known as the Minnesota Municipal Industrial Development Act (the "Act ") as found and determined by the legislature is to promote the welfare of the state by the active attraction and encouragement and development of economically sound industry and commerce to prevent so far as possible the emergence of blighted and marginal lands and areas of chronic unemployment_; (b) Factors necessitating the active promotion and development of economic- ally sound industry and commerce are the increasing concentration of population in the metropolitan areas and the rapidly rising increase in the amount and cost of governmental services required to meet the needs of the increased population and the need for development of land use which will provide an adequate tax base to finance these increased costs and access to employment opportunities for such population; (c) The City Council of the City of Maplewood ( "the City ") has received from Maplewood Dental Specialties, a Minnesota general partnership (the "Company ") a proposal that the City assist in financing a Project hereinafter described, through the issuance of a Revenue Bond or Bonds or a Revenue Note or Notes herein - after referred to in this resolution as "Revenue Bonds" pursuant to the Act; — 3 — 3/5 (d) The City desires to facilitate retain and improve the tax base and help employment opportunities required by the the City in achieving those objectives. valuation of the City and help maintain valuation and debt and enhance the image the selective development of the community, to provide the range of services and population; and the Project will assist The Project will help to increase assessed i positive relationship between assessed and reputation of the community; (e) Company is currently engaged in the business of providing dental services. The Project to be financed by the Revenue Bonds is a dental clinic facility to be located in the City and possibly leased to various parties and consists of the acquisition of land and the construction of buildings and improvements thereon and the installation of equipment therein, and will result in the employment of 13 additional persons to work within the new facilities; (f) The City has been advised by representatives of Company that conventional, commercial financing to pay the capital cost of the Project is available only on a limited basis and at such high costs of borrowing that the economic feasibil- ity of operating the Project would be significantly reduced, but Company has also advised this Council that with the aid of municipal financing, and its resulting low borrowing cost, the Project is economically more feasible; (g) Purusant to a resolution of the City Council adopted on February 5, 1981, a public hearing on the Project was held on March 5, 1981, after notice was published, and materials made available for public inspection at the City Hall, all as required by Minnesota Statutes, Section 474.01, Subdivision 7b at which public hearing all those appearing who so desired to speak were heard; (h) No public official of the City has either a direct or indirect financial . interest in the Project nor will any public official either directly or indirectly benefit financially from the Project. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows: - 1. The Council hereby gives preliminary approval to the proposal of Company that the City undertake the Project pursuant to the Minnesota Municipal industrial Development Act (Chapter 474, Minnesota Statutes), consisting of the acquisition, construction and equipping of facilities within the City pursuant to Company's specifications suitable for the operations described above and to arevenue agree- ment between the City and Company upon such terms and conditions with provisions for revision from time to time as necessary, so as to produce income and revenues sufficient to pay, when due, the principal of and interest on the Revenue Bonds in the total principal amount of approximately $300,000 to be issued pursuant to the Act to finance the acquisition, construction and equipping of the Project; and •the ..agreement may also provide for the entire interest of Company therein to bemortagaged to the purchaser of the Revenue Bonds; and the City hereby undertakes preliminarily to issue its Revenue Bonds in accordance with such terms and conditions. 2. On the basis of information available to this Council it appears, and the Council hereby finds, that the Project constitutes properties, real and personal, used or useful in connection with one or more revenue producing enterprises engaged in any business within the meaning of Subdivision la of Section 474.02 of the Act; that the Project furthers the purposes stated in Section 474.01, Minnesota Statutes; that the availability of the financing under the Act and willingness of the City to furnish such financing will be a substantial inducement to Company to undertake the Project, and that the effect of the Project, if undertaken, will be to encourage the development of economically sound industry and commerce, to assist in the prevention of the emergence of blighted and marginal land, to — 4 3/5 help prevent the movement of talented and educated persons out of the state and _ to areas within the State where their services may not be as effectively used, to promote more intensive development and use of land within the City and eventually to increase the tax base of the community; 3. The Project is hereby given preliminary approval by the City subject to the approval of the Project by the Commissioner of Securities, and subject to final approval by this Council, Company, and the purchaser fo the Revenue Bonds as to the ultimate details of the financing of the Project; 4. in accordance wtih Subdivision 7a of Section 474.01 Minnesota Statutes, the Mayor of the City is hereby authorized and directed to submit the proposal for the Project to the Commissioner of Securities, requesting her approval, and other officers, employees and agents of the City are hereby authorized to provide the Commissioner with such preliminary information as she may require; 5. Company has agreed and it is hereby determined that any and all costs incurred by the City in connection with the financing of the Project whether or not the Project is carried to completion and whether or not approved by the Commissioner will be paid by Company; 5. Briggs and Morgan, Professional Association, acting as bond counsel, and First Corporate Services, inc., are authorized to assist in the preparation and review of necessary documents relating to the Project, to consult with the City Attorney, Company and the purchaser of the Revenue Bonds as to the maturities, interest rates and other terms and provisions of the Revenue Bonds and as to the convenants and other provisions of the necessary documents and to submit such documents to the Council for final approval; 7. Nothing in this resolution or in the documents prepared pursuant hereto shall authorize the expenditure of any municipal funds on the Project other than the revenues derived from the Project or otherwise granted to the City for this purpose. The Revenue Bonds shall not constitute a charge, lien or encumbrance, legal or equitable, upon any property or funds of the City except the revenue and proceeds pledged to the payment thereof, nor shall the City be subject to any liability thereon. The holder of the Revenue Bonds shall never have the right to compel any exercise of the taxing power of the City to pay the outstanding principal on the Revenue Bonds or the interest thereon, or to enforce payment thereof against_ any property of the City. The Revenue Bonds shall recite in substance that the Revenue Bonds, including interest thereon, is payable solely from the revenue and proceeds pledged to the payment thereof. The Revenue. Bonds shall not constitute a debt of the City within the meaning of any constitutional or statuatory limitation; S. In anticipation of the approval by the Commissioner of Securities and the issuance of the Revenue Bonds to finance all or a portion of the Project, and in order that completion of the Project will not be unduly delayed when approved, Company Is hereby authorized to make such expenditures and advances toward payment of that portion of the costs of the Project to be financed from the proceeds of the Revenue Bonds as Company considers necessary, including the use of interim, short —term financing, subject to reimbursement from the proceeds of the Revenue Bonds if and when delivered but otherwise without liability on the part of the City. Seconded by Mayor Greavu. Ayes — all. — 5 — 3/5 K. COUNCIL PRESENTATION 1. Frost Avenue a. Councilman Anderson questioned what steps would be necessary to finish Frost Avenue to White Bear Avenue. b. No action taken. 2. Council Minutes a. Councilman Anderson stated when the Council makes a motion it should be complete and explicit. F. PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) 2. Preliminary Plat: Maple Park Shores — 7:15 P.M. a. Mayor Greavu convened the meeting for a public hearing regarding the request of Rolling Green Properties, Inc. for preliminary plat approval for Maple Park Shores south of Cope Avenue, west of Kennard Street. The Clerk stated the public hearing notice was in order and noted the dates of publication. b. Manager Evans presented the staff 'report. C. Vice Chairman Duane Prew presented the following - Planning Commission recommend- ation: "Commissioner Ellefson moved the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council approval of the preliminary plat located at Cope Avenue and Kennard Street subject to the condition that the final plat shall not be approved unitl: 1. The City Attorney has approved the bylaws and rules of the proposed homeowner's association to assure that all common areas will be maintained; Z. A signed developers agreement for the construction of utilities through the site and enlargement of the existing pending facility is submitted and approved by the Director of Public Works; 3. An easement over Outlot A shall be dedicated to the City for drainage and utility purposes on the final plat. Commissioner Sletten seconded. Ayes — all." d. Mayor Greavu called for proponents. None were heard. e. Mayor Greavu called for opponents. None were heard. I. Mayor Greavu closed the public hearing. g. Councilman Anderson moved to approve the preliminary plat of Maple Park Shores subject to the condition that the final plat shall not be approved until: 1. The City Attorney has approved the bylaws and rules of the proposed homeowner's association to assure that all common areas will be maintained; 2. A signed developers agreement for the construction of utilities through the — 6 — 3/5 site and enlargement of the existing ponding facility is submitted and approved by the Director of Public Works; 3. An easement over Outlot A shall be dedicated to the City for drainage and utility purposes on the final plat. Seconded by Councilman Nelson. Ayes — all. L. ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS 1. Budget Transfer a. Manager Evans requested Council authorize budget transfer of $1,000 from Account 101 -161 -4910 (Contingency Fund) to Account 101 -115 -4730 (Building Improve- ments) to install dedicated computer designed electrical wall outlets within the Public Safety Area. The electrical work is necessary before the automated police record system can begin. b. Mayor Greavu moved to authorize the budget transfer of $1,000 from account 101 -161 -4910 to account 101 -115 -4730 as presented. Seconded by Councilman Nelson. Ayes — all. F. PUBLIC HEARINGS (continued) 3. Street Vacation: Hawthorne Avenue (Cave) — 7:30 P.M. a. Mayor Greavu convened the meeting for a public hearing regarding a request of Samuel Cave to vacate a portion of Hawthorne Avenue.. The Clerk stated the hearing notice was in order and noted the dates of publication. b. Manager Evans presented the staff report. C. Vice Chairman Duane Prew presented the following Planning Commission recom- mendation: "Commissioner Rishel moved approval of the vacation of that portion of Hawthorne Avenue from the west line of the Century East Apartment property to Ferndale Street, except that part shown on the preliminary plat for street use and except that 20 foot part planned for bike trail to the Century East Apartments. Approval is based on the finding that such right —of —way has no public purpose and is in the interest of the City to vacate. Commissioner Sherburne seconded. Ayes all." d. Mayor Greavu called for proponents. None were heard. e. Mayor Greavu called for opponents. None were heard. f. k'ajor Greavu closed the public hearing. g. Councilman Nelson introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: 81 -3 -34 WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Section 412.851, thereof, the Maplewood City Council, upon petition of a majority of the owners — 7 — 3/5 of the land abutting Hawthorne Avenue, proposed to be vacated, and after a public hearing preceeded by two (2) weeks published . and posted notice, proposes the vacation of the following described Hawthorne Avenue from the west line of the Century East Apartment property to Ferndale Street, except that part shown on the preliminary plat for street use to wit: PROPERTY AFFECTED BY THE STREET. VACATION: Century East Outlot A, Lots I - 7, Block 2, Myhra Addition and the adjacent property North of Hawthorne Avenue described as follows: Unplatted Lands Ex W 483 It & ex N 435 ft of S 795.87 it of BE 1/4 lying N of Myhra Add (subj to Rds & Esmts) in Section 24, Township 29, Range 22 W 483 ft of BE 1/4 of SE 1/4 lying N of Myhra Add (subj to Rd & esmts) in Section 24, Township 29, Range 22 WHEREAS, the Maplewood City Council finds that the vacation of the above described street and alley are in the interest of the public due to changing land uses and obsolete platting; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, Ramsey County, Minnesota, that the above described Hawthorne Avenue be and hereby are, vacated and the City Clerk is hereby directed to prepare a notice of completion of the proceedings pursuant to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Section 412.851 thereof, and shall cause the same to be presented to the County Auditor for entry upon his transfer records and the same shall be thereafter filed with the Ramsey County Recorder, subject to the City retaining a 20 foot wide pedestrian and bike trail easement along the southerly 20 feet of that portion of Hawthorne Avenue located between vacated Farrell Street and the west lot line of the Century East Apartment property. Seconded by Mayor Greavu. Ayes — all. 4. Critical Area Plan and Regulations — 7:45 P.M. a. Mayor Greavu stated this hearing was continued from the February 5, 1981 meeting. b. Manager Evans presented the staff report. C. Vice Chairman Duane Prew presented the following Planning Commission recom- mendation: "Commissioner Kishel moved that the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council adoption of the proposed revisions to the Critical Area Plan and Regulations. Commissioner Fischer seconded. Ayes — 10 Abstained — 1.^ d. Mayor Greavu called for proponents. None were heard. — 8 — 3/5 e. Mayor Greavu called for opponents.. None were heard. f. Mayor Greavu closed the public hearing. g. Councilman Anderson introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: 81 — 3 — 36 WHEREAS, certain areas of the Mississippi River Corridor were designated a critical area under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 116G (1978) pursuant to Executive Order No. 130, effective November 23, 1976, and continued pursuant to Executive Order No. 79 -19, effective April 11, 1979; and WHEREAS, the City of Maplewood (the "City ") has planning and regulatory authority over development activities within the designated critical area; and WHEREAS, the City's proposed plan and regulations for the area have been submitted to the Metropolitan Council pursuant to Section D. 2. of the Standards and Guidelines. The Metropolitan Council has completed its review and has forwarded its comments on the City's Plan and Regulations to the EQB; and WHEREAS, on March 1, 1979, the Maplewood City Council gave second reading and final adoption to the Critical Area Plan and regulations, subject to Environ- mental Quality Board (EQB) approval; and WHEREAS, revisions were requested by the EQB; and WHEREAS, City Staff proposed revisions to the Plan and Regulations as request - ed by the EQB; and WHEREAS, on September 18, 1981, the EQ B approved the proposed Plan and Reg- ulations, as revised, subject to Maplewood City Council approval of the revisions; and WHEREAS, the Maplewood Planning Commission recommended approval of the pro- posed revisions on January 5, 1981; and WHEREAS, a public hearing was held with legal notice on February 5, 1981 and continued to March 5,1981; BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF MAPLEWOOD, that the Maplewood Critical Area Plan and regulations, as revised, are hereby approved. Seconded by Councilman Bastian. Ayes — all. G. AWARD OF BIDS None. F. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Battle Creek Improvements a. City Attorney Don Lais reported on the public hearing regarding the improvement of Battle Creek and the assessments. b. Council directed the City Attorney to send a letter to the Ramsey Watershed District pointing out the many problems and concerns that Maplewood has. The letter should be forwarded to the Elected Representatives of the district also. — 9 — 3/5 2. Storm Water Run Off a. Manager Evans.presented the staff report and recommended Council authorize concerted legal action with any of the other suburbs who wish to proceed with litigation against the Met Council for decreasing St. Paul's share of the sewer charges and increasing the suburbs. b. Councilman Bastian authorized staff to proceed with appropriate legal action as recommended. Seconded by Mayor Greavu. Ayes — all. Councilman Bastian moved to suspend the Rules of Procedures and discuss Item .I_.7 of thic times_ Seconded by Mayor Greavu. Ayes — all. J. NEW BUSINESS 1. Special Exception —.Home Occupation — 1772 Ruth Street a. Manager Evans presented the staff report recommending approval of the proposed home occupation for a custom drapery and decorating business, subject to the following conditions: 1. The applicant shall apply for a renewal of the home occupation permit after on year. If there have been no complaints the permit may be renewed. 2. Compliance with the criteria outlined in the enlcosed Planning Commission Subcommittee report. b. Vice Chairman Duane Prew presented the following Planning Commission recom- mendation: - "Commissioner Ellefson moved the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council approval of the proposed home occupation for a custom drapery and decorating business at 1772 Ruth Street, subject to the following conditions: - 1. The applicant shall apply for a renewal of the home occupation permit after one year. If there have been no complaints the permit_ may be renewed. 2. Compliance with the criteria outlined in the Planning Commission Subcommittee report. Commissioner Fischer seconded. Ayes all." C. Mrs. Sandra Anderson, 1772 No. Ruth Street, the applicant, spoke on behalf of the proposal. d. Councilman Bastian moved to approve the home occupation for a custom drapery and decorating business at 1772 Ruth Street, subject to the following conditions: - 1. The applicant shall apply for a renewal of the home occupation permit after one year; 2. The Council may renew the permit after one year, if there are no complaints; 3. Applicant comply with the criteria on home occupation as outlined in the Plan- ning Commission subcommittee report. — 10 — 3/5 Seconded by Councilman Anderson. Ayes — all. VISITOR PRESENTATION 1. Richard Schreier, 2125 Desoto Street a. Mr. Schreier, 2125 DeSoto Street, stated his reasons as a citizen of Maplewood why the Council should not appeal the court's decision regarding the lawsuit he had won against the City. b. No action taken. 2. Plan Amendment: Ferndale Street a. Manager Evans presented the staff report. b. Vice Chairman Duane Prew presented the following Planning Commission recommend- ation: "Commissioner Fischer moved to recommend that the line between the LSC and RL be moved to the west so it runs down the rear property line of the lots on the west side of Ferndale Street, to reflect: 1. The existing housing land use pattern, 2. The existing R -1 zoning, and 3. The expressed wishes of the owners of the lots. Commissioner Pellish seconded. Ayes — all." C. Mr. Bernard Mehr, Ferndale Street, requested his lot remain residential. d. Councilman Anderson introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: 81 —3 —37 WHEREAS, the Maplewood City Council and the Maplewood Planning Commission have prepared and adopted a Comprehensive Community Plan in compliance with the requirements of Section 462.355 of the State Planning Enabling Legislation; and WHEREAS, said Section 462.355 provides for subsequent amendment of said Compre- hensive Plan which reflect changed conditions; and WHEREAS, the Maplewood Planning Commission has conducted the required public hearing and has given consideration to all evidence and testimony submitted at such hearing held on February 23, 1481 and has adopted said amendment and forwarded said amendment to the City Council for certification; and WHEREAS, the Maplewood City Council has reviewed said amendment; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT THE MAPLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL hereby adopts and amends the Comprehensive Plan for Maplewood. Seconded by Councilman Bastian. Ayes — all. e. Council directed staff to notify the Ramsey— Washington Watershed District of the Plan Amendment. — 11 — 3/5 3. Minnesota Star Cities Program a. Director of Community Development Olson presented the staff report. b. Councilman Bastian introduced the followins resolution and moved its adootion: 81 -3 -38 BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY OF MAPLEWOOD wishes to participate in the Minnesota - Department of Economic Development Star Cities Program. We realize that the program calls for hard work and a lot of effort on our part. We accept this challenge. Our city looks forward to this opportunity to shape our economic future. The program calls for the formation of aneconoi local department corporation in an advisory capacity During the initial organizational stage, a community The charge of the coordinator will be to insure that of the Star Cities Program. The coordinator will be MDED and our community. Seconded by Councilman Anderson. Ayes — all. 4. Water Systems Study. nic development commission or to the local unit of government. coordinator has been appointed. the community meets all requirements the main contact person between a. Director of Public Works Bittner presented the staff report. b. Councilman Nelson moved to proceed to engage the firm of Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. to analyze the cost effectiveness of providing potable water supply under out current retail agreements. Seconded by Councilman Bastian. Ayes — Councilmen Anderson, Bastian and Nelson. Nays — Mayor Greavu. - 5. Maplewood Lions — Lioness — Bingo a. Manager Evans stated the North Maplewood Lions and Lioness have requested that the City Council consider revising the City Bingo Ordinance to permit four occasions per week rather than the present permitted two per week. The State Statute, 349.17, Subd. 3(1), has been revised and allows four instead of the previous limit of two times per week as it was previously. b. Councilman Bastian moved to table this item J-5 until the May 21, 1981 meeting for further information. Seconded by Councilman Anderson. Ayes — all. 6. Warren Carlson — Beam Avenue Property a. Manager Evans presented a letter from Warren S. Carlson, Housing Development Assoc- iates, who requested permission to purchase City owned property extending between Beam Avenue and Radatz Avenue located one half block east of White Bear Avenue. He wishes to combine that lot with the lot to the east for the intention of developing 24 units of townhouses. b. No action taken. — 12 — 3(5 7. Richard Kostohryz — Polling Place a. Manager Evans presented a letter from Representative Richard Kostohryz stating he has received complaints from Precinct 3 residents regarding the stairways that have to be climbed in order to vote. Precinct 3 is the Municipal Building and voting is on the top floor. b. Council stated there are several items they would like to discuss with Mr. Kostohryz and instructed staff to see when he was available to meet with the Council. 8. Feasibility Report — McKnight Road Improvement 78 -19 a, Director of Public Works Bittner presented the staff report. b. Councilman Anderson introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: 81 —3 —39 WHEREAS, it is proposed to improve McKnight Road between Larpenteur Avenue and Maryland Avenue by the construction of watermain and adjunct facilities and to assess the benefited property for all or aportion of the cost of the improvement, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA, that the proposed improvement be referred to the City Engineer for study and that he is instructed to report to the Council with all convenient speed advising the Council in a preliminary way as to whether the proposed improvement is feasible and as to whether it should best be made as proposed or in connection with some other improve- ment, and the estimated cost of the improvement as recommended. Seconded by Mayor Greavu. Ayes -- all. COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS (continued) 2. Resolution: Maplewood Firefighters a. Mayor Greavu introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: 81 -3 -40 WHEREAS, the City of Maplewood recognizes the importance of maintaining a financially sound retirement and disability benefit program for its volunteer fire- fighters through the firefighters' relief association; and WHEREAS, the City recognizes that the sole purpose of the fire state aid made available under Minnesota Statutes 69.011 through 69.051 is to provide portion of the funds necessary to support the various firefighters relief associations which exist within the State of Minnesota; and WHEREAS, allocation of a portion or all of the fire state aid to purposes other than now mandated may jeopardize the associations' financial ability to maintain and improve pension and other benefit levels which are deemed necessary or desirous by the City to attract and retain qualified volunteer firefighters; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Maplewood is opposed to any legislation which would alter or eliminate the exclusive allocation of the fire state aid now provided for in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 69.011 through 69.057; and — 13 — 3/5 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be presented to the officers of the Minnesota League of Cities and to each of the persons who represent the citi. ; of Maplewood in the Minnesota State Legislature. Seconded by Councilman Bastian. Ayes — all. 3. Letter from Minnesota D.C.T. a. Mayor Greavu stated he had received a letter from the District Engineer Minnesota Department of Transportation indicating that they agreed with the City that traffic signals are justified at the south intersection of Highway I -94 and McKnight Road. They anticipate letting of the project_ in early 1982. Councilman Bastian wished to take this opportunity to wish Bill Bittner well in his new position and to thank him for his excellent services to the City. M. ADJOURNMENT 9:44 P.M. City Clerk — 14 — 3/5