CCWS 05-17-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MAY 17, 2004 2 . Major St. Sauver also talked about the wildlife corridor. He mentioned that it encompasses about 400 meters along the northwest fence line. He indicated that no specific species are targeted, but the intention is to accommodate reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and deer. Major St. Sauver provided the specifications of the fence line and informed that the fence will be six feet high without the anti-climb protection. There will be four openings for smaller animals. A question was raised by a Councilmember as to why there was a need for a barbed wire fence. Major St. Sauver responded that it is a proper way to go. It's an indication to keep people away. He mentioned that they will revisit the requirements in the future if a residential development occurs on TCAAP. He said he is willing to work with the developer if a different type of fence will work better and perhaps meet the needs of both parties. 2.C. Assessment Policv Task Force Recommendation Chuck Stoddard, Assessment Policy Task Force Chair, and Murtuza Siddiqui provided the overview of the revised policy. Mr. Stoddard talked about the process and briefly outlined the various assessment methods the task force examined. Mr. Stoddard mentioned that the task force found the unit method to be most equitable, fair and easiest to implement. He mentioned that residential properties will continue to be assessed at fifty percent of the cost. A Councilmember asked that language with regards to non-profits be clarified. Mr. Stoddard recommended that the revised Assessment Policy, as prepared by the task force, be accepted by the Council. . 2.n. URS Performance Evaluation Greg Brown, City Engineer (URS employee) provided an overview of the engineering services by URS to the City. He highlighted a number of projects his firm had been involved with in 2003. Mr. Brown mentioned that his firm has been providing engineering services to the City since 1997. Mr. Brown also talked about compensation methodology. He stated that their monthly retainer fees are $2,180 and have remained unchanged since 1997. He mentioned that they also provide miscellaneous engineering services based on an hourly rate. Examples of these engineering services are the Perry Park improvements, Cummings Park Drive improvements, sanitary sewer system, etc. Mr. Brown said that compensation for larger projects is based on the construction value ofthe projects. A Councihnember asked a question with regards to having an in-house engineer and that position's relationship with the consultant. Mr. Brown responded that most municipalities have an in-house engineer(s) and that position works closely with an outside consultant on various projects. Mr. Brown thanked the Council for allowing him and his firm the opportunity to serve the City. 2.E. County Road E Pedestrian Imurovement Studv Tom Moore, Director of Operations and Maintenance, provided an overview of the project. He . mentioned that staff had held two neighborhood meetings to discuss the pedestrian improvements on the south side of County Road E, from Lindey's Park to Connelly Avenue. He