Draft Minutes - October 15, 2012 Work Session

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—OCTOBER 15, 2012 7 City Planner Beekman explained that the City does own an easement at County Road D and Cleveland Avenue that could potentially house a sign, but the easement specifies that the sign cannot exceed four feet in height. Another possible location for this sign is on the triangle parcel at 3151 Lake Johanna Boulevard. Councilmember Tamble presented a sketch of a possible layout for the sign with landscaping on the triangle parcel. He noted that the sign would look best situated closer to the front portion of that piece of property so it does not look `lost' on the site. He suggested planting trees or other embellishments and estimated approximately $800 -$1,000 worth of material cost. City Planner Beekman noted that Public Works Director Maurer is comfortable with his staff doing the planting, which would cut down on commercial landscaping costs. Councilmember Holden inquired if the sign will be lighted and if the plants can survive the salt from the street. Councilmember Tamble stated that the sign will be lighted and plants hardy enough to survive salt will be chosen for the landscape plan. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is in receipt of the final environmental report from the testing that was done on the triangle parcel. It will be another month or two before a final report is issued by the MPCA. She explained that there is soil contamination, but it is approximately 10 to 12.5 feet deep, so there should be no issue installing a sign or planting material at that location. She did note that there are currently no deed restrictions; however, if it was to be developed in the future, it is likely that the MPCA would need to be contacted regarding additional remediation. The Council requested that staff research possible park related items or decorative items, as well as their cost, for placement on the triangle parcel in conjunction with the Gateway sign. A few suggestions included a gazebo, a clock, and benches. F. 2012 Fall Community Cleanup Day Update City Planner Beekman provided an update on the fall cleanup day that was held on October 6, 2012. She noted that twice as many cars came through on Saturday than during the fall event last year, and $2,659 were collected in fees. The increase in participation may be due to the fact that separate mailers went out to individual households rather than an advertisement in the City's newsletter. City Planner Beekman stated that the cleanup day event is cosponsored with the City of Shoreview. The event is organized and managed by the City of Shoreview who is proposing to offer the event free of charge to residents. This would encourage added participation by residents and would likely reduce the amount of staff required for the event. Additionally, it will eliminate long wait times associated with vehicle inspections and fee collection. Discussion ensued regarding whether or not the City was agreeable to waiving the fees.