City Council

City Hall and Court House City of Saint Paul 15 West Kellogg Boulevard Phone: 651-266-8560 Minutes - Final City Council Council President Russ Stark Councilmember Dan Bostrom Councilmember Amy Brendmoen Councilmember Bill Finney Councilmember Dai Thao Councilmember Dave Thune Councilmember Chris Tolbert Wednesday, March 18, 2015 3:30 PM Council Chambers - 3rd Floor Public Hearings at 5:30 p.m. ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Council President Stark at 3:31 p.m. Councilmember Tolbert excused Present 6 - Councilmember Dan Bostrom, Councilmember Amy Brendmoen, Councilmember Dai Thao, Councilmember Dave Thune, Councilmember Bill Finney and City Council President Russ Stark Absent 1 - Councilmember Chris Tolbert COMMUNICATIONS & RECEIVE/FILE 1 AO 15-27 Amending the 2014 budget of the Sewer Utility Fund. Received and Filed 2 AO 15-28 Amending the 2014 spending budget in the Central Service Fund, Treasury Fiscal Services accounting unit. Received and Filed CONSENT AGENDA Note: Items listed under the Consent Agenda will be enacted by one motion with no separate discussion. If discussion on an item is desired, the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. Approval of the Consent Agenda (Items 3 - 24) Councilmember Bostrom moved approval of the Consent Agenda. Consent Agenda adopted Yea: 6- Councilmember Bostrom, Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Thune, Councilmember Finney and City Council President Stark City of Saint Paul Page 1 City Council Minutes - Final March 18, 2015 Nay: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Tolbert 3 RES 15-494 Approving the Settlement Agreement and Release between the City of Saint Paul and Rachel Gee and Robert Gee and their attorney, William L. Walker. Adopted 4 RES 15-495 Approving the Mayor's appointment of Bill Finney to serve on the Gateway Corridor Commission. Adopted 5 RES 15-505 Approving the Mayor's appointment of Patty Lilledahl to serve on the Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties. Adopted 6 RES 15-499 Approving an Indefeasible Right of Use and Master Service Agreements with Comcast. Adopted 7 Min 15-19 Approving the minutes of the February 4 and 11, 2015 City Council meetings. Adopted 8 RES 15-493 Calling on the Minnesota Legislature to pass a law allowing Saint Paul the ability to prohibit the use of air compression engine brakes (also known as jake brakes) on all city freeways, highways, and streets. Adopted 9 RES 15-355 Approving the City's cost of providing Collection of Certificate of Occupancy fees billed November 18 to December 11, 2014, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for April 21, 2015 and City Council Public Hearing for June 3, 2015 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. CRT1508, Assessment No. 158207) Adopted 10 RES 15-356 Approving the City's cost of providing Boarding and/or Securing services during January 2015, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for April 21, 2015 and City Council Public Hearing for June 3, 2015 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J1507B, Assessment No. 158106) Adopted City of Saint Paul Page 2 City Council Minutes - Final March 18, 2015 11 RES 15-358 Approving the City's cost of providing Excessive Use of Inspection or Abatement services billed November 12 to December 29, 2014, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for April 21, 2015 and City Council Public Hearing for June 3, 2015 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J1505E, Assessment No. 158307) Adopted 12 RES 15-359 Approving the City's cost of providing Demolition services during December 2014, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for April 21, 2015 and City Council Public Hearing for June 3, 2015 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J1504C, Assessment No. 152003) Adopted 13 RES 15-361 Approving the City’s cost of providing Demolition services during December 2014, and setting date of Legislative Hearing for April 21, 2015 and City Council Public Hearing for June 3, 2015 to consider and levy the assessments against individual properties. (File No. J1505C, Assessment No. 152004) Adopted 14 RES 15-453 Approving assessment costs and setting date of City Council public hearing to ratify the assessment for reconstruction of the boulevard concrete, curbing, and trench drains along the Sims Avenue side of 931 Arcade Street. (Project No. S1509, Assessment No. 155309) Adopted 15 RES 15-455 Approving assessment costs and setting date of City Council public hearing to ratify the assessment for reconstruction of the boulevard sidewalk in front of 1067 Hudson Road. (Project No. S1508, Assessment No. 155308) Adopted 16 RES 15-457 Approving assessment costs and setting date of City Council public hearing to ratify the assessment for reconstruction of two additional sidewalk panels in front of 96 Mounds Boulevard. (Project No. S1510, Assessment No. 155310) Adopted City of Saint Paul Page 3 City Council Minutes - Final March 18, 2015 17 RES 15-497 Preliminary Order setting the date of Public Hearing for May 6, 2015 to consider Municipal Consent for the MnDOT project to rehabilitate the pavement on Interstate 94 from 7th Street to Mounds Boulevard including the construction of an auxiliary lane and the construction of a sound wall along a portion of Mounds Boulevard. (Project No. S.P. 6283-175) Adopted 18 RES 15-412 Approving the 2014-2015 Emergency Solutions Grant Fund recipients. Adopted 19 RES 15-483 Authorizing the Police Department to enter into Organized Crime Drug Enforcement (OCDETF) agreements with the United States Department of Justice in 2015. Adopted 20 RES 15-459 Authorizing the Department of Public Works to submit two project applications into the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Local Trail Connections Program for funding consideration and to authorize the City's local match contribution if the project(s) are awarded funding. Adopted 21 RES 15-485 Approving adverse action against the Second Hand Dealer-Motor Vehicle Parts and Auto Repair Garage licenses held by Ker Vang, d/b/a MC Auto Repair & Tire Service at 1202 Dale Street North. Adopted 22 RES 15-486 Approving adverse action against the Auto Repair Garage license held by Superior Auto Repair, Inc., d/b/a Superior Auto Repair at 1324 Arcade Street. Adopted 23 RLH OA 15-1 Making recommendation to Ramsey County on the application of Robin Sook for repurchase of tax forfeited property at 998 SCHEFFER AVENUE. Adopted 24 RES 15-502 Authorizing the Department of Public Works to apply to Minnesota Department of Transportation for funding of I-35E Harrison Avenue Noise-Wall Community Landscape Partnership Plan. Adopted City of Saint Paul Page 4 City Council Minutes - Final March 18, 2015 FOR DISCUSSION No items ORDINANCES An ordinance is a city law enacted by the City Council. It is read at four separate council meetings and becomes effective after passage by the Council and 30 days after publication in the Saint Paul Legal Ledger. Public hearings on ordinances are held at the third reading. Final Adoption 25 Ord 15-8 Memorializing City Council action taken January 21, 2015 granting the application of Frank and Mary O'Gorman to rezone the property at 550 Como Avenue from IT Transitional Industrial to B3 General Business, and amending Chapter 60 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code pertaining to zoning for the City of Saint Paul and the zoning maps thereof. (Public hearing held on January 21, 2015.) Councilmember Thao moved approval. Adopted Yea: 6- Councilmember Bostrom, Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Thune, Councilmember Finney and City Council President Stark Nay: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Tolbert 26 Ord 15-9 Memorializing City Council action granting the application of August Ventures, LLC to rezone the property at 999 -1003 Hudson Road, from RT1 Two-Family Residential to B1 Local Business, and amending Chapter 60 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code pertaining to the Saint Paul zoning map. (Public hearing held January 7, 2015) Councilmember Finney moved approval. Adopted Yea: 6- Councilmember Bostrom, Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Thune, Councilmember Finney and City Council President Stark Nay: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Tolbert City of Saint Paul Page 5 City Council Minutes - Final March 18, 2015 First Reading 27 Ord 15-14 Creating the classification titled Deputy Director of Planning and Economic Development in the unclassified service pursuant to Section 12.03.2(H) of the City of Saint Paul Charter. (Civil Service Commission approval needed prior to Mayor's approval) Laid over to March 25 for second reading SUSPENSION ITEM Councilmember Thune moved suspension of the rules. Rules suspended Yea: 6- Councilmember Bostrom, Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Thune, Councilmember Finney and City Council President Stark Nay: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Tolbert Ord 15-16 Amending Chapter 245 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code to delete obsolete references and to allow tailgating at parking lots within a defined area for attendees of professional baseball games and other events at CHS Field. Councilmember Thune introduced Ord 15-16 for first reading. Introduced; laid over to March 25 for second reading Yea: 6- Councilmember Bostrom, Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Thune, Councilmember Finney and City Council President Stark Nay: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Tolbert Councilmember Bostrom lead the Council in observing a moment of silence in remembrance of former City Council member Vic Tedesco who had passed away the previous day. The Council recessed at 3:42 p.m. City of Saint Paul Page 6 City Council Minutes - Final March 18, 2015 PUBLIC HEARINGS The Council reconvened for Public Hearings at 5:30 p.m. Councilmember Stark said there were still people in line downstairs for the first item, and the Council would start with Item 29 and move back to Item 28 at about 5:40. Councilmember Tolbert excused Present 6 - Councilmember Dan Bostrom, Councilmember Amy Brendmoen, Councilmember Dai Thao, Councilmember Dave Thune, Councilmember Bill Finney and City Council President Russ Stark Absent 1 - Councilmember Chris Tolbert 29 Ord 15-11 Amending Chapter 11 of the Saint Paul Administrative Code pertaining to the reappointment of the HREEO Director. No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Brendmoen moved to close the public hearing. Public hearing held and closed; laid over to March 25 for final adoption Yea: 6- Councilmember Bostrom, Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Thune, Councilmember Finney and City Council President Stark Nay: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Tolbert 30 RES PH 15-81 Approving the application of Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota for a sound level variance for a Friday, April 3, 2015 Good Friday Solidarity Day Event from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Charles Avenue between Vandalia Street and Pillsbury Street. No one appeared in opposition; Council President Stark moved to close the public hearing and approve the resolution. Adopted Yea: 6- Councilmember Bostrom, Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Thune, Councilmember Finney and City Council President Stark Nay: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Tolbert City of Saint Paul Page 7 City Council Minutes - Final March 18, 2015 31 RES PH 15-80 Approving adverse action against the Second Hand Dealer - Motor Vehicle license held by Best Buy Auto Sales, LLC, d/b/a Best Buy Auto Sales at 1414 Arcade Street. Geoffrey Karls, Assistant City Attorney representing the Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI), gave a staff report on the violation of the license conditions regulating the number and location of cars on the lot. He said DSI recommended a $500 matrix penalty against the license. He said the licensee did not dispute the facts but had requested the public hearing to discuss the amount of the penalty. No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Brendmoen moved to close the public hearing and adopt the recommendation of DSI. The licensee appeared to testify, and the item was recalled following Item 28. Councilmember Bostrom moved to recall the item. Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 Licensee Charles Belcher said he was present to contest the amount of the penalty. He said this was the first time and a period that they had a few extra cars, and he gestured to indicate they were not over very far. He said the neighbor had complained for other purposes, and this wasn't their standard practice. Councilmember Bostrom moved to close the public hearing. Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 Councilmember Bostrom moved to adopt the recommendation of DSI. Adopted Yea: 6- Councilmember Bostrom, Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Thune, Councilmember Finney and City Council President Stark Nay: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Tolbert 32 RES PH 15-84 Approving the petition of the City of Saint Paul, Department of Fire & Safety Services, to vacate Worchester Avenue adjacent to its property at 2530 Edgcumbe Boulevard No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Brendmoen moved to close the public hearing and approve the resolution. Adopted Yea: 6- Councilmember Bostrom, Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Thune, Councilmember Finney and City Council President Stark Nay: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Tolbert City of Saint Paul Page 8 City Council Minutes - Final March 18, 2015 33 RES PH 15-32 Ratifying the assessments for Replacement of Lead Water Service Line on Private Property from October through December 2014. (File No. 1502LDSRP, Assessment No. 154001) No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Bostrom moved to close the public hearing and approve the resolution. Adopted Yea: 6- Councilmember Bostrom, Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Thune, Councilmember Finney and City Council President Stark Nay: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Tolbert 34 RES PH 15-33 Ratifying the assessments for Repair of Sanitary Sewer Line on Private Property from October through December 2014. (File No. SWRP1502, Assessment No. 153001) No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Bostrom moved to close the public hearing and approve the resolution. Adopted Yea: 6- Councilmember Bostrom, Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Thune, Councilmember Finney and City Council President Stark Nay: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Tolbert 35 RES PH 15-22 Final Order approving the construction of the improvement of street paving, lighting and all other work in the Como/Chatsworth Residential Street Vitality Project area. (File No. 19167, Assessment No. 155203) (Continued from February 18) (To be withdrawn) Withdrawn 36 RES PH 15-38 Final Order approving the reconstruction of two additional sidewalk panels in front of 96 Mounds Boulevard. (Project No. S1510, Assessment No. 155310) No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Finney moved to close the public hearing and approve the resolution. Adopted Yea: 6- Councilmember Bostrom, Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Thune, Councilmember Finney and City Council President Stark Nay: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Tolbert City of Saint Paul Page 9 City Council Minutes - Final March 18, 2015 37 RES PH 15-39 Final Order approving the reconstruction of the boulevard sidewalk in front of 1067 Hudson Road. (Project No. S1508, Assessment No. 155308) No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Finney moved to close the public hearing and approve the resolution. Adopted Yea: 6- Councilmember Bostrom, Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Thune, Councilmember Finney and City Council President Stark Nay: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Tolbert 38 RES PH 15-40 Final Order approving the reconstruction of the boulevard concrete, curbing, and trench drains along the Sims Avenue side of 931 Arcade Street. (Project No. S1509, Assessment No. 155309) No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Bostrom moved to close the public hearing and approve the resolution. Adopted Yea: 6- Councilmember Bostrom, Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Thune, Councilmember Finney and City Council President Stark Nay: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Tolbert 39 RES PH 15-41 Amending the financing and spending plans in the Department of Parks and Recreation in the amount of $220,000 to recognize receipt of funding from the Minnesota Historical Society for the Como Park Historic Streetcar Bridge project. No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Brendmoen moved to close the public hearing and approve the resolution. Adopted Yea: 6- Councilmember Bostrom, Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Thune, Councilmember Finney and City Council President Stark Nay: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Tolbert City of Saint Paul Page 10 City Council Minutes - Final March 18, 2015 40 RES PH 15-76 Establishing a financing and spending plan in the Department of Parks and Recreation in the amount of $5,400,000 to reflect receipt of General Obligation Bond funds through the Metropolitan Council for transportation improvement projects in Como Regional Park. No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Brendmoen moved to close the public hearing and approve the resolution. Adopted Yea: 6- Councilmember Bostrom, Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Thune, Councilmember Finney and City Council President Stark Nay: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Tolbert 41 RES PH 15-82 Authorizing the Police Department to amend the 2015 budget as a result of the extension received for the 2013 National PAL grant. No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Thao moved to close the public hearing and approve the resolution. Adopted Yea: 6- Councilmember Bostrom, Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Thune, Councilmember Finney and City Council President Stark Nay: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Tolbert City of Saint Paul Page 11 City Council Minutes - Final March 18, 2015 28 RES 15-476 Adopting the City of Saint Paul Bicycle Plan as an addendum to the City of Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan. Council President Stark introduced minor amendments. He reviewed two of them and said all of them had been made available for the Council members and public to review. He moved the amendments. Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 Reuben Collins, Public Works, gave a staff report on the plan. He reviewed the public process which was used in the development of the original plan introduced in January 2014 and two subsequent revisions. He said the two key priorities were completion of the City's Grand Round and development of a bicycle network throughout downtown. He said the recommendations for downtown had objectives beyond accommodating bicycle transportation, including making the streets more inviting places and developing vibrant urban spaces which encourage all residents and visitors to be outdoors. He noted that all of downtown was identified as an area for additional study, except Jackson Street which was scheduled for reconstruction in 2016 using 8-18 Vitality Fund funding. He said beyond Jackson Street, the plan did not state a preference for any route over another downtown. He said the City had hired a consulting firm to lead a public process throughout 2015, and a community advisory committee appointed by the Mayor would meet monthly throughout 2015 to provide input into the process for making decisions about downtown. He said the plan did not establish a timeline for implementation, and implementation would primarily be accomplished by incorporating bicycle elements into the City's otherwise regularly scheduled and programmed projects. He said that implementation strategy was consistent with the Complete Streets resolution passed by the Council in 2009. He said City staff would initiate a public involvement process any time implementation of bicycle facilities would impact the function of the roadway. He said that at its core the plan was about improving safety conditions, and he cited Chapter 2 which discussed why it was sound policy for the City to promote bicycling. He noted that one of the most important reasons had to do with the affordability of bicycling as a means of transportation. Councilmember Thao thanked Mr. Collins for the plan and said it was an exciting thing for the City. He asked about snow plowing in the winter to make sure bicyclists were safe. Mr. Collins said existing maintenance would address many bike routes, but other areas including downtown would need further study. Ms. Brendmoen asked for a brief review of the community engagement pieces. She said residents along Wheelock Parkway in Ward 5 had had giant front yards for a long time and she asked how residents like that would be engaged. Mr. Collins said the consultants, Community Design Group, would be guiding a public process, including pop-up workshops in areas where people routinely congregated. Councilmember Brendmoen confirmed with Mr. Collins that there would be opportunities for community engagement at each stage of implementation. Councilmember Stark said those were some of the items covered in the amendments he hadn't specifically reviewed. In opposition: Carol Hunn Gregory (807 Lakeview Avenue), owner of Keys Cafe on Robert Street, said she felt downtown businesses were left out of the planning. She said the residential buildings in the neighborhood which didn't have guest parking, and the new Lund's store all contributed to the demand for on-street parking, and she asked that the Council agree and ensure that any bike path installed downtown would respect the investments of business owners. She also expressed concern about space for emergency vehicles to maneuver if there were a raised bike path. She said she encouraged biking and a bicycle path, and would like to see more bikes City of Saint Paul Page 12 City Council Minutes - Final March 18, 2015 downtown. Bridget Allan Ales (715 Linwood Avenue) asked that the Council keep in mind that St. Paul was a family city. She said she had to transport her children to school in the morning, and bicyclists that didn't follow the rules of the road made it hazardous for families and others. Jim Crockarell (29 S. Deep Lake Road, North Oaks) building owner, investor, and Chair of Wabasha Street Partners, appeared. He said no one in the group objected to bicycles or a bike path in downtown St. Paul, but the devil was in the detail that the downtown bike trail would be an elevated path which would eliminate over 150 parking spaces in downtown. He said a survey of 26 building owners in a four block area, who collectively paid over 5 million in taxes and had over $100 million in investments, found all were against the loss of 150 parking spaces and an elevated bike path. He said they were unable to find support from merchants, apartment building owners, tenants, or churches, for a loss of 150 parking spaces and an elevated bike path. Councilmember Brendmoen said she appreciated Mr. Crockarell's comments and had read the letter from Wabasha Street Partners. She challenged Mr. Crockarell to go back and think in terms of what businesses people wanted. She said in other cities where bike infrastructure had been added, there had been a measurable increase in business income because bicyclists make more stops and spend more money over the course of a year than people in cars. Mr. Crockarell thanked Councilmember Brendmoen for her comments and said he would consider them. Bill Hosko (400 N. Robert) said given the geographic and economic environment in St. Paul the proposed plan for downtown would not work, and he read suggested amendments. Brenda Lamb, co-owner of Candyland, said she totally agreed with Mr. Crockarell, and that the number one complaint from customers was parking. She said losing parking would be devastating for their business and others around them. Cherie Morales (211 7th Street East) said she was opposed because of safety concerns. Reuben Morales (211 7th Street East) said his main concern was the way people drove downtown, and he didn't want to see anyone get hurt. Michael Petrulo, owner of Erbert and Gerbert Sandwich Shops (334 Wabasha Street & 101 E. 5th Street), said downtown was an ecosystem and small businesses relied on everybody. He noted that business during this year's St. Patrick's day was 40% down from his worst year, and he attributed that in part to the closing of the neighboring American Burger bar. He said the loss of one business affected others, and affected all of the people involved in the businesses. He said his was a small margin business, and businesses couldn't take even a 10% sales hit. A. Kahin, owner of Afro Deli (5 W. 7th Place), said his business as doing well and they were trying to bring more business and traffic to downtown St. Paul. He said he shared the concerns expressed by share concerns Ms. Hunn from Candyland and others, was nervous about the proposal. He said he knew bicyclists would spend money but he wanted both bikes and cars, and hoped the City could find a way to revise and compromise to have both. Doug Clause, Bruegger's (1 7th Place), said he shared the concerns of others City of Saint Paul Page 13 City Council Minutes - Final March 18, 2015 expressed. He expressed concerns about vendors having access to make deliveries and emergency vehicles gaining access. He said vendors and emergency vehicles blocked a lane of traffic already. Ms. Brendmoen noted that most people testifying were on Wabasha, and she asked whether the opposition was to that specific area of Wabasha or to the plan in general. Mr. Clause said he supported the plan in general but his concerns had to do with that stretch of Wabasha. Nancy Litin (66 Ninth Street East), long-time downtown resident, said she had noticed an increase in residential opportunities but not in commercial businesses in downtown and she hoped that trend reversed itself. She said downtown really needed parking and an elevated bike path was not the way to go. She said given the weather and the reality that many people still used cars, downtown should not be made into a big pedestrian mall. She said that would snuff out the little bit of life that was left in the city and she didn't want to see that. She said she hoped a compromise could be found. Council President Stark asked those present in opposition to stand. In support: Tony Desnick (2166 Randolph) said the bike plan did a wonderful job of making connections from existing infrastructure into the downtown area, and would provide a much safer place for people to ride their bikes. He said it would bring more walkers and bikers into the area, which had been proven to be a good thing economically in every community where it had happened. Michele Molstead (51 Milton Street) spoke about the benefits of biking and the benefits to the citizens of making St. Paul a bike-friendly city. Betsy Leach, District 1 Community Council (2105 1/2 Old Hudson Road), said District 1 strongly supported the plan, and she and thanked Public Works. She said they were especially supportive of the equity focus, and looked forward to assisting in equitable implementation. Scott Beauchamp, manager of public affairs for the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC), said they generally supported the plan but recognized the legitimate concerns about the loss of downtown parking. He encouraged study and a route test before implementation, and he urged the Council to adopt the plan. Joan Pasiuk (1984 Jefferson), member of St. Paul Women on Bikes, asked that the Council listen to and honor input, and be brave in implementation. Elizabeth Wefel (977 Goodrich Avenue) said she liked to bike, and felt businesses would gain more customers through the pedestrian-friendly changes than they would lose through loss of parking. She said she was particularly concerned about making things safer on East and West 7th Street, and thought both should be on the table. She thanked the Council, and said she hoped the plan could go forward and continue to improve as it was implemented. Jessica Treat (1509 Lafond Avenue), representing St. Paul Smart Trips and St. Paul Women on Bikes, said they supported adoption of the plan, which would allow women and families to safely ride their bikes. Steve Yetter (1499 Hythe Street), representing part of a 900-person bike community at 3M, said the bike plan was badly needed to make it safer for commuters. He City of Saint Paul Page 14 City Council Minutes - Final March 18, 2015 asked for focus on connections over major barriers such as I-35, I-94, and railroads, and on paths to major work places. Michael Kuchta (1522 Grotto Street) encouraged the Council to vote yes and commit to implementation. He said the plan would make it possible for people of all ages and means to bicycle safely and comfortably along routes that would get them from one place to another, which would connect people, businesses, and neighborhoods. Hayley Johnson (19 Exchange Street E.), Cathedral Hill resident and McNally Smith employee, expressed support on behalf of the McNally Smith community. Linda Feltes (658 Cedar Street), said the infrastructure didn't currently exist to allow bike commuting, and people who biked were energized parents, employers and employees, and community members. She said she supported the plan and hoped the Council would too. Bill Lindeke (148 W. George Street), chair of the Transportation Committee of the Planning Commission, said he was impressed with the progress made and changes made. He said the downtown loop was crucial to the plan and would bring all parts of the City together and support people of all ages, consistent with the 8-80 Plan. He said people were going to bike to access businesses on West 7th whether it was planned or not, and the question was whether the City was going to provide for them. He urged the Council to keep all options on the table, and not come to premature conclusions about what that (West 7th) might look like. He noted that the Transportation Committee had supported the plan unanimously. Gena Berglund (1600 Grand Avenue), Macalester College, encouraged the Council to think of millennials that graduated from Macalester and became taxpayers in St. Paul, and looked forward to visionary opportunities such as the Downtown Loop. She said Macalester was particularly interested in north-south routes from Highland to the Midway and beyond, and supported street separated lanes for biking, which were safer. Nick Hannuld (999 Grand Avenue) said he felt the issues with parking had been overstated, and cited a study indicating a 27% vacancy rate for downtown parking. He said losing the 150 parking spaces represented 0.5% of the available spaces, and he felt it losing those spaces was a good trade-off for bringing extra bike riders into downtown. Dana DeMaster (1642 Blair Avenue) said if they couldn't bike somewhere safe they made other choices, including patronizing Minneapolis neighborhoods like Seward and Longfellow. She said they would spend money in St. Paul if there were safer routes. She said increased safety would encourage more people to become regular bikers. Councilmember Finney asked for a clarification of the type of safety Ms. Demaster was referring to. Ms. DeMaster said primarily traffic. Katie Driscoll (1291 Thomas Avenue) said protected bikeways mattered for emerging bikers. Amber Dallman (1328 Sargent Avenue), public health professional and mother of two young children, said the bike plan would make biking safer and easier for all people and all ages, and protected facilities would create a safer and more accessible environment for bikers and pedestrians. City of Saint Paul Page 15 City Council Minutes - Final March 18, 2015 In opposition (to even out the time allotted): Jeffrey Saubern (Oakdale) said the Council should consider the needs of small business owners on Wabasha and Jackson, and a compromise plan said to small business owners that the City didn't care. He said the reality was that more people used cars than used bikes. He said the small business owners needed help, and he asked that the Council care about the small business owners. Trace Massey, said he ran a Fedex Shipping Center on Wabasha which required a lot of short term stopping. He said an elevated bike path and elimination of parking would be a hindrance to his business activities, and destroy easy access for businesses that did courier service. Councilmember Thune moved to close the public hearing Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 Council President Stark asked those present in support to stand. Council President Stark thanked everyone for coming to testify, and everyone who worked on the plan, including Public Works and Planning and Economic Development staff, the Planning Commission, citizens, businesses, and especially Reuben Collins. He said it was a big day for the City to finally be moving towards having a bike plan. He said most cities around the country of similar size that were trying too attract life and vitality, already had a plan, but it was exciting that St. Paul was making a lot of process quickly. Councilmember Brendmoen thanked Public Works for the highly inclusive process. She stressed that streets were public spaces meant to serve all people - people on bikes, people in cars, people who walk, people who wheel. She said she was excited about having a plan in place that would create a more vibrant and livable city, and having a safe network of bicycle infrastructure would encourage people to live and spend money in St. Paul. She said what was before the Council was a plan which would not be implemented immediately but would allow the City to move forward when funds became available. She said the citywide plan would allow the resources to be distributed in an equitable and systematic way. She said she would be supporting the plan. Council President Stark said the concerns were heard loud and clear, and noted that everyone supported biking generally. He stressed that the downtown plan was just a concept, and there would be opportunities for everyone present to participate in the process as it unfolded. He highlighted the comments from Mr. Beauchamp with the SPACC about the importance of testing different routes. Councilmember Thune said he supported the bike plan, but was certain that some businesses would be badly hurt by the loss of parking, and also that millennials would eventually have kids and use cars. He said he also appreciated the SPACC suggestion that the plan be tested out, because there were many ways to serve both the business community and the bike community. Councilmember Finney stressed that the plan was a living document that could be adjusted going forward, but it provided a starting point and focus.. Councilmember Thao said he appreciated all the testimony, and it was important to have healthy dialogue. He said it was good for the City to accommodate the needs of pedestrians and bicyclists. He said people were going to bike whether there was a plan or not, and the City had a responsibility to make it be safe. He said this was an opportunity to change but the needs of the small business owners should also be respected. He said the City needed to be sure business owners were compensated City of Saint Paul Page 16 City Council Minutes - Final March 18, 2015 when there was construction, and he didn't want to see the same thing happen that happened along the Central Corridor. Councilmember Thune moved approval. Adopted as amended Yea: 6- Councilmember Bostrom, Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Thune, Councilmember Finney and City Council President Stark Nay: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Tolbert LEGISLATIVE HEARING ITEMS REQUIRING DISCUSSION 80 RLH RR 15-7 Ordering the rehabilitation or razing and removal of the structures at 688 SIXTH STREET EAST within fifteen (15) days after the March 4, 2015, City Council Public Hearing. Legislative Hearing Officer Marcia Moermond said she had reviewed the materials submitted by the owners and determined they had met conditions set by the Council, but a general contractor had come this evening and said the property owners owed money from previous work. She said given that information, the financials provided by the property owner were not adequate, and she would like to lay the matter over to allow time for the property owner to pay the contractor and demonstrate financials. Councilmember Finney moved to continue the public hearing per Ms. Moermond's recommendation. He commented that the City had been working with the property owner for a long time, and he asked that it be communicated that contractors should be paid in St. Paul. Public hearing held and closed; laid over to March 25 Yea: 6- Councilmember Bostrom, Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Thune, Councilmember Finney and City Council President Stark Nay: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Tolbert 87 RLH RR 14-28 Ordering the rehabilitation or razing and removal of the structures at 353 WHEELOCK PARKWAY WEST within fifteen (15) days after the February 4, 2015, City Council Public Hearing. Legislative Hearing Officer Marcia Moermond gave a staff report on the circumstances leading to the current conditions at the building. She recommended that the public hearing be closed and the matter be laid over for 1 week. No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Brendmoen moved to close the public hearing and lay the matter over to March 25. Public hearing held and closed; laid over to March 25 City of Saint Paul Page 17 City Council Minutes - Final March 18, 2015 Yea: 6- Councilmember Bostrom, Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Thune, Councilmember Finney and City Council President Stark Nay: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Tolbert LEGISLATIVE HEARING CONSENT AGENDA Note: Items listed under the Consent Agenda will receive a combined public hearing and be enacted by one motion with no separate discussion. Items may be removed from the Consent Agenda for a separate public hearing and discussion if desired. Approval of the Consent Agenda (Items 42 - 95) No one appeared in opposition; Councilmember Bostrom moved to close the public hearing and approve the Legislative Hearing Consent Agenda as amended. Legislative Hearing Consent Agenda adopted as amended Yea: 6- Councilmember Bostrom, Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Thune, Councilmember Finney and City Council President Stark Nay: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Tolbert 42 RLH TA 15-96 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. VB1504, Assessment No. 158803 at 361 BATES AVENUE. (Amended to VB1504A, Assessment No. 158813) (Public hearing continued from March 18) Referred to Legislative Hearings on March 24; Council Public Hearing continued to April 1 43 RLH TA 15-101 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. VB1504, Assessment No. 158803 at 4 BELVIDERE STREET WEST. Adopted 44 RLH TA 14-583 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. VB1501, Assessment No.158800 at 235 CHATSWORTH STREET NORTH. (Public hearing continued from January 7) Adopted 45 RLH SAO 15-13 Appeal of Lawrence Jellison to a Vehicle Abatement Order at 292 CLARENCE STREET. Adopted City of Saint Paul Page 18 City Council Minutes - Final March 18, 2015 46 RLH TA 15-120 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. VB1504, Assessment No. 158803 at 764 CONCORD STREET. Adopted 47 RLH TA 15-65 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. J1506A, Assessment No. 158505 at 174 CONGRESS STREET WEST. Adopted 48 RLH TA 15-90 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. J1506A, Assessment No. 158505 at 1349 EDGERTON STREET. Adopted 49 RLH TA 15-80 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. J1506A, Assessment No. 158505 at 511 EDMUND AVENUE. Adopted 50 RLH TA 15-93 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. VB1504, Assessment No. 158803 at 561 EDMUND AVENUE. Adopted 51 RLH VO 15-3 Appeal of Anna Ovsyannikova to a Revocation of Fire Certificate of Occupancy and Order to Vacate at 670 FIFTH STREET EAST. Adopted 52 RLH VO 15-6 Appeal of Lavelle Collaso by Lisa Hollingsworth to a Revocation of Fire Certificate of Occupancy and Order to Vacate at 670 FIFTH STREET EAST. Adopted 53 RLH TA 15-58 Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. J1506A, Assessment No. 158505 at 820 FIFTH STREET EAST. Adopted 54 RLH TA 15-81 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. J1506A, Assessment No. 158505 at 415 FINN STREET NORTH. Adopted City of Saint Paul Page 19 City Council Minutes - Final March 18, 2015 55 RLH TA 15-66 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. J1506A, Assessment No. 158505 at 480 FOREST STREET. Adopted 56 RLH TA 15-72 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. VB1504, Assessment No. 158803 at 226 GROTTO STREET NORTH. Adopted 57 RLH RR 14-27 Ordering the rehabilitation or razing and removal of the structures at 699 HAWTHORNE AVENUE EAST within fifteen (15) days (amended to 180 days) after the February 4, 2015, City Council Public Hearing. Adopted as amended (180 days to remove or repair) 58 RLH TA 15-89 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. VB1504, Assessment No. 158803 at 362 JENKS AVENUE. Adopted 59 RLH TA 15-95 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. VB1504, Assessment No. 158803 at 1026 LAWSON AVENUE EAST. Adopted 60 RLH CO 15-4 Appeal of Andrew McCabe to a Correction Notice at 1186 LINCOLN AVENUE. Adopted 61 RLH VBR 15-11 Appeal of Joseph T. Maxey to a Vacant Building Registration Renewal Notice at 1487 MACKUBIN STREET. Adopted 62 RLH TA 15-146 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. J1506A, Assessment No. 158505 at 1201 MAGNOLIA AVENUE EAST. Adopted 63 RLH TA 15-67 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. J1506A, Assessment No. 158505 at 2079 MARGARET STREET. Adopted City of Saint Paul Page 20 City Council Minutes - Final March 18, 2015 64 RLH TA 15-98 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. J1506A, Assessment No. 158505 at 134 MARIA AVENUE. Adopted 65 RLH TA 15-104 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. 1503T, Assessment No. 159002 at 1417 MARION STREET. Adopted 66 RLH TA 15-94 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. VB1504, Assessment No. 158803 at 1899 MARSHALL AVENUE. Adopted 67 RLH TA 15-69 Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. J1505G, Assessment No. 158704 at 1036 MINNEHAHA AVE EAST. Adopted 68 RLH VO 15-10 Appeal of LaSonda Moore to a Revocation of Certificate of Occupancy and Order to Vacate at 1214 MINNEHAHA AVENUE EAST. Adopted 69 RLH VBR 15-14 Appeal of Don Hyatt to a Vacant Building Registration Fee at 766 POINT DOUGLAS ROAD SOUTH. Adopted 70 RLH TA 15-92 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. VB1504, Assessment No. 158803 at 341 RAMSEY STREET, UNIT A. Adopted 71 RLH FCO 15-18 Appeal of Timothy McCormick to a Fire Inspection Correction Notice at 1191 REANEY AVENUE. Adopted as amended 72 RLH TA 15-136 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. VB1503B, Assessment No. 158811 at 1690 REANEY AVENUE. Adopted City of Saint Paul Page 21 City Council Minutes - Final March 18, 2015 73 RLH VBR 15-12 Appeal of Liphrino Alcenat to a Vacant Building Registration Fee at 1258 RICE STREET. Adopted 74 RLH TA 15-78 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. J1506A, Assessment No. 158505 at 1812 ROSS AVENUE. Adopted 75 RLH TA 15-87 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. J1506A, Assessment No. 158505 at 1169 SAINT PAUL AVENUE. Adopted 76 RLH TA 15-88 Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. J1506A, Assessment No. 158505 at 1173 SAINT PAUL AVENUE. Adopted 77 RLH TA 15-84 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. J1506A, Assessment No. 158505 at 683 SHERBURNE AVENUE. Adopted 78 RLH TA 15-105 Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. J1506A, Assessment No. 158505 at 695 SHERBURNE AVENUE. Adopted 79 RLH RR 15-6 Ordering the rehabilitation or removal of the structures at 684 SIMS AVENUE within fifteen (15) days after the March 4, 2015, City Council Public Hearing. Adopted as amended (180 days to remove or repair) 81 RLH TA 15-103 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. VB1504, Assessment No. 158803 at 758 SIXTH STREET EAST. Adopted as amended (assessment reduced from $1595 to $797) 82 RLH TA 15-86 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. J1506A, Assessment No. 158505 at 871 SNELLING AVENUE NORTH. Adopted City of Saint Paul Page 22 City Council Minutes - Final March 18, 2015 83 RLH TA 15-6 Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. VB1504, Assessment No. 158803 at 370 UNIVERSITY AVENUE WEST. Adopted 84 RLH TA 15-111 Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. VB1504, Assessment No. 158803 at 426 VANCE STREET. Adopted 85 RLH TA 15-79 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. 1503T, Assessment No. 159002 at 253 WARWICK STREET. Adopted 86 RLH TA 15-59 Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. J1506A, Assessment No. 158505 at 125 WHEELOCK PARKWAY EAST. Adopted 88 RLH FCO 15-15 Appeal of Nancy Phillips to a Fire Inspection Correction Notice at 1117 WHITE BEAR AVENUE NORTH. Adopted 89 RLH VO 15-8 Appeal of Tabatha Givens to a Notice of Condemnation as Unfit for Human Habitation and Order to Vacate at 1349 WINCHELL STREET. Adopted 90 RLH TA 15-91 Deleting the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. VB1504, Assessment No. 158803 at 343 WINIFRED STREET EAST. Adopted 91 RLH TA 15-71 Ratifying the Appealed Special Tax Assessment for Real Estate Project No. J1506A, Assessment No. 158505 at 1105 WOODBRIDGE STREET. Adopted 92 RLH AR 15-1 Ratifying Collection of Vacant Building fees billed November 5, 2013 to September 19, 2014. (File No. VB1504, Assessment No. 158803) Adopted as amended (693 Desoto Street removed from the roll for separate consideration) City of Saint Paul Page 23 City Council Minutes - Final March 18, 2015 93 RLH AR 15-2 Ratifying Property Clean Up services during November 3 to 26, 2014. (File No. J1506A, Assessment No. 158505) Adopted 94 RLH AR 15-3 Ratifying Trash Hauling services during November 5 to 26, 2014. (File No. J1505G, Assessment No. 158704) Adopted 95 RLH AR 15-4 Ratifying Tree Removal services from November 2014. (File No. 1503T, Assessment No. 159002) Adopted ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Thune moved adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m. Yea: 6- Councilmember Bostrom, Councilmember Brendmoen, Councilmember Thao, Councilmember Thune, Councilmember Finney and City Council President Stark Nay: 0 Absent: 1- Councilmember Tolbert Council Meeting Information The City Council is paperless which saves the environment and reduces expenses. The agendas and Council files are all available on the Web (see below). Councilmembers use iPads to review the files during the meeting. Using the iPad greatly reduces costs since most agendas, including the documents attached to files, are over 1000 pages when printed. Web Meetings are available on the Council's website. Email notification and web feeds (RSS) of newly released Minutes, Agendas and Meetings are available by subscription. Please visit www.stpaul.gov/council for meeting videos and updated copies of the Agendas, Minutes and supporting documents. Cable Meetings are live on St Paul Channel 18 and replayed on: Thursdays at 5:30 p.m., Saturdays at 12:30 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. (Subject to change) City of Saint Paul Page 24