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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-28-11-R EN HILLS Approved: CITY OF ARDEN HILLS,MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 28,2011 7:00 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 regular City Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor, David Grant, Councilmembers, Fran Holmes, Brenda Holden, Ed Werner and Nicholas Tamble. Absent: City Administrator Klaers (excused). Also present: Director of Finance and Administrative Services Sue Iverson; City Planner Meagan Beekman; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; and Recording Secretary Tina Borg. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to Approve the Altenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIESANFORMATIONAL Mayor Grant provided background and history regarding the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) property. Currently 585-acres of the original 2,370-acre site are referred to as TCAAP and the remaining portion is referred to as Arden Hills Army Training Center (AHATS.) Of the 585-acres, Ramsey County is obtaining 49-acres for the Wildlife Corridor, 29-acres for the Trailhead and 30-acres for the Trail Corridor. There will be 47-acres, called the Primer/Tracer areas that will be reabsorbed into AHATS. 430-acres will be for sale at the public auction. He stressed that Arden Hills is only a proposed site for the Vikings Stadium and items such as if it will have a roof are outside of the bounds of the City of Arden Hills. Arden Hills will not be funding this project. The Resolution proposed later in the agenda is for Arden Hills to work with Ramsey County on their due diligence in determining if the TCAAP property would be a suitable site for a stadium and if the opportunity should be pursued by the County. He clarified that at this time the TCAAP property is not owned by the City and will be up for public auction. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—February 28, 2011 2 2. Public Inquiries/.Informational (continued) - PUBLIC Mayor Grant opened the Public Inquiries/Informational at 7:09 p.m. Mr. Erik Johnson, 1331 Wynerest Court, Arden Hills, expressed concerns about increased traffic in Arden Hills if a stadium were built in the City. He also stated a stadium would have negative impacts on property values in the area. Mr. Evan Cordes, 4425 Arden View Court, Arden Hills, stated Arden Hills is a small community and building a stadium in the City would destroy that environment. There will be an increase in speeding and drunk driving and the area around the current stadium is not a nice area and he does not want this type of environment in Arden Hills. Ms. Debra Cordes, 4425 Arden View Court, Arden Hills, expressed concerns about the increased pressure on the Sheriff and other City services and there will be increased traffic in the area around the stadium. Arden Hills is a small community and a stadium will put pressure on the City and increase City expenses. Ms. Carol Linders, 1945 Glenpaul Avenue, Arden Hills, stated she had concerns about the traffic in Arden Hills now and a stadium would only increase these problems. She stated her quality of life would decrease due to an additional increase in traffic. She stated Minneapolis was a more suitable location for a stadium because the infrastructure was already established. Her husband was on the TCAAP Development Committee and he would like to know what will happen to the City's obligation for low income housing on the TCAAP property if it is no longer going to be developed as a mixed-use development. Mr. Cliff Bujold, 1134 Hunters Court, Arden Hills, encourages the Council to think about the length of time the City has been working on the TCAAP property and not to disregard the options this property does have. Economically there are other options that are more viable for the residents and the traffic and other issues. This type of development would not be worth it for the residents of Arden Hills. He stated a stadium does not fit with this community. Public financing needs to be in the open so the residents are not forced to finance a stadium like the residents of Hennepin County were with the Twins stadium. Mr. Phil Fabel, 3426 Glen Arden Court, Arden Hills, stated he is opposed to having a stadium in Arden Hills and the probability that it would be in Arden Hills is near zero. He feels the TCAAP location is being used as leverage against the City of Minneapolis and he asked that the Council be responsible in this process and not expend money on a project that has no intention of being pursued. Mr. Herb Zunker, 339 Bridge Street, Shoreview, urged the Council to vote against a stadium in Arden Hills. A stadium in Arden Hills will affect the surrounding communities and bring additional businesses to the TCAAP property that residents do not want, such as hotels and restaurants. He stated funding the stadium would take away from other projects that need the funding more and Minneapolis already has the infrastructure to support a stadium. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—February 28, 2011 3 2. Public Inquiries/Informational (continued) - Mr. Dave Munson, 1175 Edgewater Avenue, Arden Hills, stated the TCAAP property is a once in a lifetime opportunity and a proposed stadium is an opportunity to have something done on the property. He requested the City Council exercise caution while proceeding to be sure the Vikings are really interested in having a stadium located on this property. Mr. Cory Merrifield, Founder of savethevikes.org, stated his organization is eager to find a stadium solution. A stadium in Arden Hills would provide centralized tailgating, an ease of access with the many highways in the area, and not having to deal with the congested traffic of downtown Minneapolis. He urged the Council to pass the Resolution later in the agenda. This resolution only clarifies Arden Hills will assist Ramsey County in looking into this opportunity and seeing if it would make sense to have the stadium in Arden Hills. Mr. Bill Spear, 2808 Lindon Drive, New Brighton, expressed concerns about safety but this opportunity will create jobs and revenue for Minnesota and the stadium could be used year round. He stated he would like to see the Vikings stay. Mr. Peter Hanson Roess, 351 Labore Road, St. Paul, stated he would like to see light rail transit to the TCAAP site using the existing tracks. The economy needs a boost including more jobs and affordable housing. Mr. Steve Gjerdingen, 2553 Fisk Street, Roseville, addressed the Council regarding the potential for pedestrian bridge crossing over eastbound and westbound 1694. He expressed concerns that the railings are too short for pedestrian crossing. He also stated that a crossing should be provided at Hamline crossing. Mr. Abul Seddiqui, 5606 Cottonwood Court, Shoreview, stated the stadium would be a great way to get more funds into the City and help it grow. A new stadium would also provide more jobs to the State and keep the Vikings in Minnesota. Mr. Greg Larson, 3377 N Snelling Avenue, Arden Hills, stated people should get more than one minute to address the City Council especially when in regard to something as important as building a stadium in the City. He stated a stadium is not compatible with the City's 2030 Comprehensive Plan and is not compatible with the City's mixed-residential development plans, parks and open space, and the Wildlife Corridor for this property. A stadium is not low impact design. If the City moves forward with this then they are aligning themselves with Ramsey County Commissioner Tony Bennett. County Commission Bennett wants a tax imposed on Ramsey County residents without allowing the voters the right to have a say in this. Mayor Grant closed the Public Inquiries/Informational at 7:35 p.m. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. January 18,2011, City Council Work Session ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—February 28, 2011 4 3. Approval of Minutes (continued) - CounciImember Holmes stated on page 4, the fifth paragraph, her name is misspelled and should be changed to "Councilmember Holmes". B. January 31,2011, City Council Work Session Councilmember Holden stated it should be noted that her absence was excused. C. January 31, 2011,Regular City Council Meeting D. February 12,2011, City Council Work Session MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and CounciImember Holmes seconded a motion to Approve the January 18 2011 City Council Work Session Minutes and the January 31, 2011, City Council Work Session Minutes as amended, the January 31, 2011, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes and the Februa 12 2011 City Council Work Ses sion Minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimous) 5-0 . 4. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Claims and Payroll B. Approve Resolution 2011-009 Appointing Lois Rem to the Communications Committee MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented and to authorize execution of all necessary_documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 5. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS None. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Resolution 2011-010 Regarding Interest in the Potential Development of a Multipurpose Stadium in Arden Hills Councilmember Holden asked what work with Ramsey County specifically meant. Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher stated at this time the City would provide any information that the City may have and the County needs for their due diligence analysis. The ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—February 28, 2011 5 7.A. Resolution 2011-010 Regarding Interest in the Potential Development of a Multipurpose - Stadium in Arden Hills (continued) City may also review studies performed by the County in regards to this project and provide additional input. Councilmember Werner asked what the scope of due diligence was. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated Arden Hills would be cooperating with Ramsey County's due diligence which could include financial analysis, transportation studies, environmental analysis, and other research to determine the feasibility of a stadium development on the TCAAP site. Councilmember Holmes stated examples of Arden Hills working with Ramsey County would be assessing the Police needs for the stadium and determining the funding sources for any of these additional costs so that the City would not be responsible for these costs. There may also be a need for a water tower to be constructed on the TCAAP property along with other infrastructure requirements and Ramsey County needs to be made aware of this need for their due diligence analysis. MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Tamble seconded a motion to Approve Resolution„2011-010 Regarding Interest in the Potential Development of a Multipurpose Stadium in Arden Hills. - MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to Add "Item 4. Directs staff to provide Ramsey County with a list of the Ci T's infrastructure and other requirements that are necessary for the City to support stadium development." to the Now Therefore, Be It Resolved Paragraph. Mayor Grant stated it is important the City provide a list to Ramsey County outlining the infrastructure needs for the TCAAP property. This will provide the interested parties an opportunity to address the needs with the City. He clarified he would be in favor of the amendment. Councilmember Holmes expressed concerns that this requires the City to do more proactive work and this will increase the costs to the City. It is implied in the Resolution the City would be bringing up concerns during Ramsey County's due diligence. She expressed additional concerns with the City spending too much time and money and this Resolution is just to establish the City will cooperate with Ramsey County. Councilmember Holden stated the resolution states the City will assist the County if they need it but the amendment will address those infrastructure items the City feels need to be addressed. She stated she would not expect the City to provide an all-inclusive list but rather a list of the major infrastructure needs for the property. Mayor Grant stated the City would provide every detail but rather a list of things that will be need to be addressed and included in the project proposal. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—February 28, 2011 6 7.A. Resolution 2011-010 Regarding Interest in the Potential Development of a Multipurpose Stadium in Arden Hills (continued) Councilmember Holmes clarified the amendment would list the City's major infrastructure needs. Councilmember Holden stated she would accept this as a friendly amendment. Mayor Grant stated he would also accept this as a friendly amendment. The amendment to add Item 4 was called to a vote. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Grant stated a stadium would only be constructed on a portion of the TCAAP property and there is no specific plan for a stadium or a location for a stadium. Even if the stadium is constructed on the TCAAP property there would still be land available for additional development. Councilmember Holmes stated thanked the residents and other people for attending the meeting and providing comments for the Council. She stated the City is not voting on if the stadium is coming or not but rather on cooperating with Ramsey County during their due diligence and if a stadium in Arden Hills would make sense. The mixed-use development the City has been working on over the last few years has not worked out yet. A year ago residents were upset with the Council for not doing any development on the TCAAP property. There are several infrastructure improvements and remediation needed on this property and a stadium proposal would bring State, Federal, and County funds to the property to meet these needs. She stated the expense of TCAAP should not fall on the shoulders of the residents of Arden Hills. If this proposal gains momentum and TCAAP becomes a viable option for the Vikings, the City needs to be involved to be sure the City gets those things that are needed. She stated she would support the Resolution. Councilmember Werner stated he had concerns about the due diligence and the possible cost to the City. He stated based on the information available he was not able to vote for or against the resolution so he would abstain at this time. Mayor Grant stated the City does not own the TCAAP property and it would be easier to set the final use of the property if the City did own it. The property is mainly abandoned and the City wants to have this property cleaned up. A stadium proposal for this site does provide an opportunity to have this property cleaned. The City will be working with neighboring communities as well because they have an interest in how the TCAAP property is developed. TCAAP is sizable enough to be a regional asset. The resolution is just expressing that the City is willing to work with Ramsey County and come up with a plan. The City will not put in the amount of money that Blaine did when they proposed a stadium site. There are a number of things that need to come together in order for a stadium on TCAAP to happen. The City needs to be sure they are represented in the discussions regarding the TCAAP property to protect the residents and the City. He stated he would support the Resolution at this time. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—February 28, 2011 7 7.A. Resolution 2011-010 Regarding Interest in the Potential Development of a Multipurpose - Stadium in Arden Hills (continued) Councilmember Holden stated she is not in favor of spending public money on the stadium. She expressed concerns that Arden Hills would not have zoning rights if they are not involved with this process. She stated the public auction for the TCAAP property has been delayed several times and at this time there are not a lot of people showing interest in the property due to the high costs. There is already a surplus of commercial and retail space in Arden Hills, The Army wants a single purchaser to be responsible for the property. A stadium proposal would include some infrastructure improvements in this area that may not otherwise be completed. The TCAAP property is a superfund site and there are not many people interested in cleaning this property up. A stadium would not have the traffic that was projected with a mixed-use development on the TCAAP property. Ramsey County will be putting together traffic studies and this will help with getting this property developed in the future even if the stadium doesn't happen. Affordable housing can be put on the property in the remaining area and the City has been pushing for hotels and restaurants on this property with the mixed use plans. She stated at this time she would support the resolution. The studies performed by Ramsey County will get more information out to potential buyers. Councilmember Tamble stated this Resolution is a modest but important step in determining if a stadium provides a viable potential opportunity. As the decision making process unfolds and moves forward there will be opportunities to have concerns addressed. Mayor Grant stated the amount of traffic generated off a stadium is less than what a mixed-use development would have. There are things about the TCAAP site that Minneapolis cannot come close to providing such as parking and parking revenue, the ability to control those businesses that are located in the area, including restaurants and hotels. There are also several highway options that can route and disperse traffic from the TCAAP property. At this time the TCAAP property is something that is being proposed and the City needs to be involved in this process. The amended motion was called to a vote. The motion carried 4-0-1: Councilmember Werner abstained Mayor Grant recessed the Council meeting at 8:18 p.m. Mayor Grant reconvened the meeting at 8.24 p.m. B. McDonald's Master and Final Planned Unit Development City Planner Meagan Beekman stated the existing McDonald's restaurant at 1313 County Road E was originally constructed in 1974 through a site plan review process. At this time, the applicants are proposing to demolish the existing building and reconstruct a new McDonald's restaurant in its place. The parking and drive-thru configuration would also be modified under the proposed plan. The property is located within the B2 General Business District. In October 2008, the City adopted the Guiding Plan for the B2 District along with design standards within the Zoning Code. All new construction within the B2 District is now required to go through the PUD process and to conform to the City's design standards for new development. The project would be ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—February 28, 2011 8 7.B. McDonald's Master and Final Planned Unit Development(continued) - completed in a single phase. The proposed site plan would reorient the front entrance of the building, along with an outdoor seating area, to face County Road E. The driveway entrances would remain in their existing locations; however, the parking area would be located between the building and Connelly Avenue. The drive-thru capacity would be expanded with a double drive- thru that would wrap around the north and west sides of the building. Additional landscaping would be installed as part of the redevelopment. McDonald's is seeking flexibility regarding the island plantings, building design requirements, and the commercial facade transparency requirements within the code. McDonald's has revised their plans from the initial submittal to reduce the amount of EFIS on the building to less than 25% of the building facade. The Development Agreement states that the City can assess up to the cost of constructing a six-foot concrete sidewalk on flat grade for the length of the County Road E and Connelly Avenue sidewalk adjacent to the McDonald's property. That dollar amount can then be used towards the construction of these sidewalks at the time they are constructed with the impending County Road E Bridge reconstruction. The lighting was reviewed and this meets all the requirements of the City's Code in terms of spillage. The Planning Commission reviewed Planning Case I 1-001 and unanimously recommends approval of the Master and Final Planned Unit Development Proposal based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans as amended in the PUD Development Agreement. Councilmember Holmes clarified the outdoor eating was located on the south side of the facility. She asked if the B2 District Design Standards or Code addresses the size requirements for outdoor spaces. Mr. Eric Kellogg, Arden Hills McDonald's engineering consultant, stated the outside eating area is on the south side of the building. City Planner Beekman stated an outside space is a requirement of the City's Code but there is not a size requirement established in the code. Councilmember Holmes stated she had been to the new McDonald's in New Brighton and this building design is similar to the one being proposed in Arden Hills. She asked for clarification regarding the amount of brick and glass on the building. City Planner Beekman stated the majority of the building is made of brick and glass and the EFIS is located around the doors and windows and makes up 18% of the building. Councilmember Holden asked if the building materials were actual brick and mortar or if it was a brick veneer like the material used on the New Brighton location. Mr. Kellogg provided sample building materials for the Council to review. Ms. Vicky Stadther, Area Construction Manager for McDonald's, stated the material is real brick but it is cut thinner than traditional brick. This building is panelized and is put together on the site. There are bricks left out so when the building is put together the remaining bricks can be put ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—February 28, 2011 9 7.B. McDonald's Master and Final Planned Unit Development (continued) - in place to cover the seams. This material is used at over 90% of the new McDonald's that are constructed. Councilmember Holden asked why the proposal did not meet the transparent glass requirements for new construction in the 132 District. City Planner Beekman stated the code does allow for a reduction in the amount of transparent glass where the interior of the building does not lend itself to transparent glass, such as storage rooms and bathrooms. This is the situation with the proposed building. Councilmember Holden asked if there were bike racks at the facility. City Planner Beekman stated bike racks are required by code and they would be included on site. Councilmember Tamblc asked if most of the storm water flows to Connelly Street. Mr. Kellogg stated all storm water is going thru a filtration system then going to Connelly where it enters the City sewer system and this has been reviewed with the City Engineer and the Director of Public Works. Mayor Grant stated the City would be constructing a sidewalk and pedestrian bridge at County Road E and he would like the agreement to include flexibility for the City regarding the swale between McDonald's and County Road E. The City may choose to change the grade of this swale and would pay for these changes but because some of this swale is located within the McDonald's property the City would like to have the flexibility to be able to change this grade. He asked if the bollards could be painted to match the building versus the bright yellow color that is shown in the rendering. Councilmember Tamble stated a brown would not make these visible. Ms. Stadther stated the bollards are 3-feet in height and about 6-inches in diameter and 6-inches from the curb. Traditionally McDonald's has used a yellow plastic cover over these but recently they have started to paint them to match the exterior of the building. Mayor Grant verified the windows for the drive-thru are flush with the building. Ms. Stadther stated this was correct. Councilmember Holden asked what material was used for the canopies and what the life expectancy was for these. Ms. Stadther stated the canopies were made of metal and the color was enamel. These canopies are expected to have a long life and they are durable. They are not a canvas material. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—February 28, 2011 10 7.B. McDonald's Master and Final Planned Unit Development (continued) - MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to Approve Planning Case 11-001 Allowing the Redevelopment of the Existing McDonald's Restaurant Located at 1313 County Road E, Based on the Findings of Fact, and the Submitted Plans as Amended_bv the Terms and Conditions in the PUD Development A reement Dated February 28 2011. MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to Add "Condition I. The developer shall allow the City to grade as necessary that portion of the property fronting on County Road E for the purpose of constructin a sidewalk along County Road E." to the Develo ment Agreement, Section 3, Terms and Conditions. Mayor Grant clarified with the steep grade in this location the City will need to construct several retaining walls to build a sidewalk in this area but if McDonald's allows the City to change the grade of the swale the amount of retaining wall could be reduced. City Planner Beekman stated a large portion of this swale is located in City right-of-way but if the City were to regrade this it would be necessary to spill onto McDonald's property in order to tie their grading into the new grade of the Swale. This amendment would allow the City to use the McDonald's property to regrade the swale and tie it into their grading without have to pay for the right to do this. She stated due to the potential for the City to be constructing a sidewalk in this area there would be no additional landscaping done by McDonald's in this area. The motion to add Condition I was called to a vote. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). MOTION: Mayor Grant and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to _Add "Condition J. The bollards shall be painted to match the brick on the building." to the Development Agreement, Section 3, Terms and Conditions. Councilmember Holmes asked if these would be painted and if so how would they be maintained. Ms. Stadther stated in order to have the bollards to match the brick color of the building they would have to be painted. These need to be maintained and repainted as necessary as part of the Franchise Agreement the applicant has with McDonald's. The motion to add Condition J was called to a vote. The motion carried 4-1: Councilmember Holmes). Councilmember Holden stated she did not like the type of brick fagade that was being used but because this material falls within the design standards it cannot be changed. She stated she would have liked to also see more transparent glass in the building design. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—February 28, 2011 11 73. McDonald's Master and Final Planned Unit Development (continued) - Mayor Grant stated that trying to redesign the building is not in the best interest of the City or McDonald's. The amended motion was called to a vote. The motion carried unanimously M OTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to Approve the Development A reement as Amended Between the City of Arden Hills and McDonald's USA, LLC Dated February 28, 2011, for Plannine Case 11-001. The motion carried unanimousl 5-0 . 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 9. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Holden stated the City should review the standards in brick material in the design standards. Mayor Grant requested this discussion be brought to a future work session. Councilmember Holmes stated there are design standards for the B2 and 133 Districts only. She would like to see these standards applied more widely in the City including the TCAAP property. Mayor Grant stated the City had received a letter from the City of Shoreview regarding the Vikings Stadium and he would forward this to the Council. Mayor Grant stated City Administrator Pat Klaers was on vacation and sitting in for him at the meeting was Director of Finance and Administrative Services Sue Iverson. ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to ad'ourn. The motion carried unanimous) 5-0 . Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 9:17 p.m. r Sue Iverson David Grant Director of Finance and Mayor Administrative Services