CC 05-21-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - MAY 21, 2001 6 . Councilmember Rem suggested that the City do those areas of the Ingerson neighborhood that needed it most, and in future projects, also agreed with a "worst first" plan. She further stated that the City had already invested engineering resources, but needed to provide more public information prior to a project. She stated that it was important for the Council to be sold on the project, and then the public. Councilmember Rem referenced a series of public information brochures prepared by the City of Golden Valley prior to their road projects, rather than using in-house information only. She mentioned the need for flexibility; problems of the public receiving mixed signals from staff and Councilmembers; and the need to determine our rationale for a public document (i.e., at the first meeting, this is what we think would be good and what do you as a resident think). She also stated the need to have accurate property owner information and to provide the public with more information and a sense of more cooperation. . Mayor Probst stated that he thought the City's process and fundamental principles were correct. He stated that he thought the City should establish a standard street width, but where it made sense for the street width to be less than 32' it was negotiable. He further stated that where there were no sidewalks and for safety purposes, wider streets needed to be adhered to. He was in favor ofthe formula for comer lot assessments being revised. Mayor Probst stated that it was the City Council's fiduciary responsibility to maintain an active PMP, as an obligation to the community at large. He stated that the "worst first" scenario only be considered by neighborhood or area, due to financial resource constraints. He agreed with other Councilmembers regarding more public information at the beginning of the process, but expressed concerns regarding difficulties to be expected with the next project because of apparent indecision with the past project. Councilmember Aplikowski commended Mayor Probst on the overall philosophy expressed, and suggested similar wording is used in informing the public of the reasons for a PMP. She suggested a PMP checklist, and what is and is not agreed upon. She stated that the City Council needed to sell their vision and stewardship responsibilities to and for the City. After further discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council that they continue to meet in W orksession immediately prior to regular City Council meetings. Mayor Probst appointed City Administrator Lynch to serve as moderator and the exercise be based on two topics. The first session would discuss "standards" (i.e., agree on curb and gutter usage; base line street width of 32'; etc.). He stated that once that was accomplished, a subsequent session should establish a process to be followed (i.e., choosing a project scope; public information; timetable, etc.), in completing a project. .