HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-22-11- J, WS 1_MQjN HILLS
Approved: March 14, 2011
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS,MINNESOTA
CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION
JOINT WORK SESSION MEETING
FEBRUARY 22,2011
5:00 P.M. -ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor David Grant called to order the City
Council Work Session meeting at 5:04 p.m.
Present: Mayor David Grant, Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, Nick
Tamble and Ed Werner. Planning Commission members Clayton Larson,
Angela Hames, Andy Holewa, Elizabeth Modesette, Daniel Reiff, and
Samuel Scott. (Councilmember Werner arrived at 5:11 p.m.)
Absent: Planning Commission Members Roberta Thompson and Clayton
Zimmerman.
Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; City Planner Meagan Beekman;
Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; Public Works Director Terry Maurer;
City Attorney Jerry Filla; and Deputy Clerk Rebecca Brazys.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a
motion to approve the meeting agenda as presented. The motion carried
unanimously (4-0).
1. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
There were no comments or requests at this time.
2. AGENDA ITEMS
A. Guiding Plan for the B-2 District—Update
Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that at the end of November 2007,
the City instituted a one-year moratorium on development and redevelopment in the B2 Zoning
District to create a long-term redevelopment vision for that area. The B2 Zoning District includes
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION--FEBRUARY 22, 2011 2
Avenue, and on Pine Tree Drive. The Council appointed a steering committee comprised of
residents and business owners in April 2008 to help create the Guiding Plan. That committee
drafted the Guiding Plan for the B2 District which was unanimously approved by the Council on
October 27, 2008. Since that approval, the City has implemented certain aspects of the Guiding
Plan: —
• Comprehensive Plan was amended to reference and be compatible with the Guiding Plan. The
2030 Comprehensive Plan has since been approved by the Metropolitan Council and has been
fully implemented by the City.
• The Planning Commission and Council adopted the design standards for the B2 District in
November 2008. The design standards were then extended to the B3 District in December
2008 which includes those properties along Lexington Avenue. These design standards have
been applied to the 2009 Arden Plaza redevelopment proposal, the 2010 Arden Hall proposal,
and the 2011 McDonald's proposal. Although the Arden Village and Presbyterian Homes
projects are not in the 132 or B3 districts, those proposals were reviewed through the Planned
Unit Development process and were evaluated against the 132 design standards since the _
adopted 132 design standards represent the City's overall design expectations.
Future Implementation Issues
• The existing bridge over Trunk Highway 51 is inadequate for non-motorized users and is
considered substandard. MnDOT has plans to replace the bridge in 2015. The City has the
option of advance constructing the bridge sooner, in which case MnDOT would reimburse the
City in 2015. Due to the construction schedule of the Highway 10 and 96 intersection,
however, the soonest that the bridge could be reconstructed would be 2014.
• The Guiding Plan proposed to rename the section of Ramsey County Road E between Old
Snelling and Lexington Avenue to Lake Johanna Boulevard. It was felt that the Lake Johanna
Boulevard name would be more distinctive to Arden Hills and provide better way-finding for
businesses and residents. The City considered using Lake Johanna Boulevard as a
supplementary name to County Road E, but staff research has determined that the
supplementary name cannot be used on maps or for official mailing addresses. In order to be -
effective, the name would need to be officially changed to Lake Johanna Boulevard.
Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that the following items are the focus
of tonight's discussion:
Streetscape Planning and Design
According to the Guiding Plan, the preliminary list of improvements planned for County
Road E includes:
• A traffic signal system at the future intersection located between Pine Tree Drive and
Lexington Avenue;
• Replace signals, arms, and poles for the existing signal systems, if necessary, at the
eastern ramp terminals of Highway 51, Pine Tree Drive, and Lexington Avenue;
• Boulevard trees spaced at an average of 40 feet;
• A planted median that may include trees, shrubs, tall grasses and annual flowers;
• Decorative lighting with contemporary styling at the automobile scale (on the existing
bases, located 200 feet apart);
• Optional decorative lighting at the pedestrian scale located approximately 50 to 70 feet
apart;
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 22, 2011 3
• Benches and trash receptacles;
• A pair of new continuous concrete sidewalks (6 feet wide) with connections to
adjacent businesses;
• Bollards;
• Annual flowers (in beds or raised planters);
• Seasonal banners on the light poles;
• Striped or colored pedestrian crossings;
• Bus waiting shelters;
• Relocating the electrical boxes to a less visible location or screening where feasible;
and/or
• Underground utility repair/replacement(water, sewer, storm water).
Signalized Intersection Between Pine Tree Drive and Lexington Avenue -
According to the traffic study prepared for the Guiding Plan, the roadways and
intersections within the B2 District currently operate acceptably at Level of Service (LOS)
D or better and will continue to operate at that level through 2030 when redevelopment is
expected to be completed. Current options for a new signalized intersection are as
follows:
• Continue to implement the existing plan for a new signalized intersection between
Pine Tree Drive and Lexington Avenue. Take advantage of opportunities to acquire
right-of-way as they occur.
• Evaluate other options for realigning driveways and traffic movements along County
Road E.
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that Staff recommends proceeding with
planning and design work for the streetscape improvements in 2011 based on the following:
• The B2 Guiding Plan was approved in 2008 and it's important to continue to
demonstrate the City's commitment to the improvement of the B2 District.
• If the City does not demonstrate its willingness to invest in the B2 District, it will
become increasingly difficult to ask that private property owners make private
investments to comply with the B2 design standards.
• During discussions with MnDOT and Ramsey County regarding the design of the
Highway 51 Bridge, it will be advantageous to have an approved streetscape plan
showing sidewalks and pedestrian improvements on both sides of County Road E.
• As redevelopment occurs, Staff needs to communicate to property owners how much
right-of-way is required. In order to do so, the City needs a back-of-curb streetscape
plan.
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that Staff would like to discuss the
following questions:
• Should the City continue working toward the development of a new signalized intersection
between Pine Tree Drive and Lexington Avenue? Should Staff consider other options to
realign driveways and traffic movements along County Road E?
• Should Staff move forward with planning and design of streetscape improvements along
County Road E?
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 22, 2011 4
• Should Staff explore phasing and funding options for the construction of County Road E
improvements?
Mayor Grant explained that the purpose of this discussion this evening is to provide feedback to
Staff, no decisions will be made this evening. —
Councilmember Holden asked for an update on the Holiday Inn property.
City Planner Beekman stated that the Council recently approved Arden Hall on the Holiday Inn
property, but Staff has Iearned that Northwestern College has decided not to renew their lease on
this property when it expires on May 30. She added that the property owner has no further plans
for the property at this time but will work closely with the City on any future proposals.
PIanning Commission Member Holewa asked why Northwestern College decided to withdraw.
City Planner Beekman stated she didn't know.
Planning Commission Chair Larson questioned if they had started renovating the building.
City Planner Beekman responded that they had not.
Planning Commission Member Homes commented that the highest and best use of this property
may be something other than what had been approved. She added that the traffic would change
depending on how the property is developed_
Mayor Grant asked what's going on with Arden Plaza.
City Planner Beekman stated that is still in discussion but they do plan to demolish the buildings
at the corner of Lexington at County Road E_ A Planned Unit Development amendment will be
coming in to change the plans for the property in the next few months. She stated when they do
have another tenant, plans will be revised to fit that tenant's needs and it would be helpful to make
sure the sidewalks and other development features match from property to property.
Councilmember Holden commented that a tenant in the Mr. Movies space just renewed their
lease and will probably be at this site for another ten years so she doesn't think a signal will go in
at that location in the near future. She also suggested a better"in/out structure" be considered.
Councilmember Holmes suggested that other options be explored for the traffic signal because
the current proposed location is too close to two intersections.
Planning Commission Member Modesette stated she likes the streetscape plan for the area but
is concerned about the infrastructure and suggested the long term issues related to utilities be
considered.
Councilmember Holmes questioned if the City should be paying for improvements since this is a
County road.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION--FEBRUARY 22, 2011 5
Councilmember Holmes questioned if the City should be paying for improvements since this is a
County road.
Public Works Director Maurer stated it is a County right-of-way but the City is responsible for
the utilities.
Planning Commission Member Hames asked if changing the road name changes who is
responsible.
City Planner Beekman stated it is a name change only.
Councilmember Holden commented that the business owners weren't happy with the proposal
for a boulevard in that area so this should to be part of the discussion.
Councilmember Holmes opposed the median as it restricts access to the businesses.
Community Development Director Hutmacher asked if the Council and Planning Commission
members were comfortable proceeding with the streetscape improvements without resolution for
the traffic signal.
Planning Commission Member Reiff stated he would like to see that happen.
Councilmember Holden commented that there are a lot of water main breaks in that area.
Public Works Director Maurer stated the City will look at bringing the infrastructure up to
current standards.
Planning Commission Member Modesette stated the streetscape planning should move forward
but in the long term we should not lose site of the intersection improvements.
Planning Commission Member Hames agreed that the streetscape improvements should
proceed and that businesses doing any kind of property improvements should follow the new
guidelines. She also believed that having a consistent plan will make the area more attractive to
potential new businesses.
Councilmember Holden commented that the Arden Plaza neighborhood has never been a
successful business area.
Planning Commission Chair Larson stated the close proximity of Target and Rosedale Center
draws customers away from this area. Strip malls, he added, have a limited demography and they
need tenants that will draw in customers.
Planning Commission Member Hames agreed that the mix of businesses isn't good and that
there are other strip malls in the area that are more successful.
Planning Commission Chair Larson stated that having traffic signals close to each other does
cause frustration for people trying to drive through the area. He then commented that we should
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 22, 2011 6
have the streetscape plan in place so that everyone knows what they have to do for future
development.
Councilmember Holmes asked if Staff is planning on doing what is in the B2 plan as far as
sidewalks.
City Planner Beekman stated the streetscape plan will be reviewed to decide exactly how the
City wants the area to look.
Discussion ensued regarding snow removal on sidewalks in the business area. Public Works
Director Maurer stated the City is responsible for maintaining the sidewalks.
Councilmember Holmes commented that she would like to see a cost analysis for the sidewalk
maintenance.
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that City maintenance of the sidewalks
ensures access to the businesses within a reasonable timeframe.
Councilmember Holden stated she liked the idea of inspecting the infrastructure and relocating
the electrical boxes.
Mayor Grant commented that the infrastructure may be a logical starting point as welt as
investigating a different location for the traffic signal.
Community Development Director Hutmacher summarized what she believes to be how the
Council and Planning Commission want Staff to proceed:
- Proceed with streetscape plan and design.
- Look at underground utilities and electric.
- Look at left-ins and left-outs.
- Look at options for intersection/traffic signal.
Planning Commission Member Holewa asked when the streetscape plan will be available to
share with developers.
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that Staff will come back to the Council
with more details and will need to discuss with the Council a Request for Proposals for consulting
services to do a Streetscape Master PIan.
2B. Variance Update and Possible Zoning Code Amendment Discussion
City Planner Beekman reviewed the discussion points for this topic including:
- Variance review criteria and an update on variance law activity at the State Legislature.
- Housing goals stated in the City's Comprehensive Plan and how best to achieve those
goals.
- Direction to Staff on a number of possible Zoning Code amendments pertaining to housing
maintenance.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 22, 2011 7
created a new process that would allow the homeowner to proceed with her plans under an
Expansion Permit. That process was also challenged in court.
City Planner Beekman explained that Staff is bringing this up because they believe the variance
court cases have an impact on Arden Hills residents. She stated that she receives calls weekly from residents wanting to make improvements to their property and in most cases there is some
regulation within the code that doesn't allow that property owner to proceed without a variance.
Because of the pending legislation, she added, variance applications are not being encouraged by
Staff. She further explained that the majority of the homes in our City are non-conforming and
you cannot expand a non-conforming use without a variance. She stated the front yard and side
yard setbacks are greater now than they were when most of the homes were built. She explained
that most communities do allow for expansion up or out as long as it doesn't reduce the setbacks
of the structure.
City Attorney Filla stated that most non-conforming uses exist because a City has changed its
regulations.
Discussion ensued regarding homeowners being aware of restrictions when purchasing an existing
home.
City Attorney Filla stated the City cannot deny a variance on that basis. He added that most
people are not given a survey that shows setbacks when purchasing a property. If you buy an
existing home that doesn't meet setback requirements, that is not considered a sell-created
hardship.
Councilmember Holden asked if adding property value is a valid basis for a hardship.
City Attorney Filla replied it is not. But he added that a petitioner has the right to expect
objectivity from the Planning Commission and the Council until all the information has been --
presented.
Planning Commissioner Reiff asked if the City should be offering something other than a
variance for homeowners in this position.
City Planner Beekman stated that variances are limited to those properties with unique features.
So if the City wants to see improvements on their residential properties, the variance process
should be avoided and other options should be available.
City Attorney Filla stated the City could offer something like the expansion permit process
currently available in other cities. He added that the old and new standards for variances contain
the word "reasonable". The Council and Planning Commission have to decide what is reasonable.
He also advised that if the Council or Planning Commission chooses to deny a petition, they
should clearly state their reasons for that denial.
Councilmember Holmes agreed that alternatives should be available as long as there are clear
standards.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 22, 2011 8
City Attorney Filla commented that there is a feeling in communities that their housing stock
should be maintained. If the City's regulations aren't allowing that, he stated, changes need to be
made.
City Planner Beckman stated that there should be some type of process that allows for such
things as front porch additions, expansions with clear restrictions, and detached front yard garages _
on lakeshore lots. —
City Attorney Filla commented that lake front lots are good examples of lots with unique
situations and the terminology should be different for those lots.
Planning Commission Member Hames stated that if we want residents to stay in Arden Hills,
we need to offer options.
Planning Commission Member Reiff stated he would like to see some of these issues handled _
administratively rather than coming before the Planning Commission and Council.
City Planner Beekman stated she would like to do further research on this topic and will come
back to the Planning Commission and Council with examples.
Councilmember Tamble questioned the negative impact of trying to come up with a laundry list
of all possible scenarios.
Community Development Director Hutmacher commented that we should allow older homes
to be modernized; the kinds of things that nine times out of ten would be approved.
Planning Commission Chair i arsor. commented that maintaining housing stock doesn't always
mean enlarging or expanding but rather simply improving properties with new siding or windows.
Planning Commission Member Scott stated he is in favor of sending out notices to neighbors for
these types of issues.
City Planner Beekman explained that notification is not required for variances.
Planning Commission Member Scott stated that the concerns of the neighbors would be one
piece of information that should be considered, specifically for lakefront lots.
City Planner Beekman stated that if some of the improvements were allowed to be made through
an administrative process, there would be no notification requirements. If there were, she
questioned how neighbor opinions would impact Staff review.
City Attorney Filla explained that the City cannot delegate its authority to neighbors, but what
neighbors think could provide a basis for conditions.
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that if the ordinance is changed to allow
certain improvements without a variance, notification would not be required.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 22, 2011 9
Planning Commission Member Scott stated that he is concerned that no longer requiring a
variance may impact neighbors.
The consensus of the Council and the Planning Commission was that Staff should proceed with
creating a process that would allow for improvements without a variance and bring that proposal
back to the Council and Planning Commission for review.
2.0 2011 Planning Commission Goals and Work Plan
City Planner Beekman stated the Council will be meeting in March to discuss goals and
priorities. Staff would like the Planning Commission to provide input to the Council on a brief
list and description of projects they see as important. She presented the following items for
consideration and asked for input from those present as far as other priorities:
• Adopt wetland setbacks within the Zoning Code.
• Develop a Parks and Open Space Zoning District and rezone the City's park areas and the _
balance of the TCAAP and AHATS property.
• Begin the design process for implementing the County Road E public improvements as defined in the Guiding Plan for the B2 District.
• Major revision of the City's Subdivision Ordinance.
• Provide training opportunities for Councilmembers and Planning Commissioners on land
use planning and law.
Councilmember Holden spoke in favor of training for the Planning Commission members so
they have a clear understanding of the expectations of their positions.
Planning Commission Member Holewa suggested that an open meeting law course would be
helpful
Planning Commission Member Modesette questioned how much effort would be required to
update the subdivision ordinance.
City Attorney Filla explained that most concerns would be addressed within the terms of
development agreements required for subdivisions.
Planning Commission Chair Larson stated that the City needs a better definition for buildable
area.
Councilmember Holmes suggested that only certain sections of the subdivision ordinance need
to be revised rather than the entire ordinance. She also suggested that the rental registration
program restrictions should be reviewed.
City Planner Beekman explained that the rental program is under the Community Development
work plan.
Mayor Grant agreed that rental registrations need to be reviewed particularly in relation to where
college students are renting single family homes.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 22, 2011 10
Councilmember Holmes suggested there be more initiative to attract new businesses to the City.
After some discussion, City Planner Beekman indicated she had sufficient direction to proceed.
3. Staff Updates —
Mike Comodeca —
City Attorney Filla explained that Mike Comodeca has been asked to provide consulting services
to Ramsey County in relation to the Vikings stadium proposal. The concern is whether or not the
Council would consider it a conflict of interest. He added that once the property transfer occurs,
Mr. Comodeca's involvement would end.
Mayor Grant asked if the county would copy the City on all communications with Mr.
Comodeca so that we are aware of what is happening.
City Attorney Filla responded that should not be a problem. He further explained that until Mr.
Comodeca meets with the county representatives this Thursday, he won't know the full scope of
their expectations but will keep the City informed. Mr. Filla stated he doesn't see any legal
conflict at this point.
City Administrator Klaers commented that the City's bond attorney may be in the same position
if the county asks for his participation.
LibKM Pro ert
City Administrator Klaers explained that he had been contacted by the county regarding the
library property. The county has received two proposals for the site and is currently favoring a
proposal from Bethel. There are no further details available at this time.
Arden Village
City Administrator Klaers stated the developer of Arden Village has offered to provide a tour to
any Councilmembers interested in seeing the 60 unit apartment building in White Bear Lake that
was included in their recent presentation.
Stadium Questions
City Administrator Klaers stated that he had distributed a list of questions and answers
compiled by our Community Development Director relating to the Vikings stadium. He asked if
Council wants to approve this list prior to posting it on the City's website. The Mayor indicated
that he would like each Councilmember to review the list and get back to Staff before Friday,
February 25 at which time the list can be posted. The Mayor indicated that no formal Council
approval is required.
Star Tribune Request
City Administrator Klaers explained that a Star Tribune correspondent has requested as much
information as possible relating to the TCAAP contamination, within a $50 cost limit. It was
suggested that the reporter contact the Reclamation Advisory Board.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 22, 2011 11
ADJOURN
Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council Work Session meeting at 8:05 p.m.
Patrick Klaers David Grant
City Administrator Mayor