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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-01-11-S ­-S DEN HILLS Request for Special Council Meeting A special meeting may be called by the Mayor or by any two Council Members. Reason for meeting: Regular Council meeting rescheduled from May 31 2011 to June 1, 2011 Requested Date: June / 1 /2011 Requested time: 7:00 am/pm Open meeting X Closed meeting Sign king request: Mayor or Council Member Date Council Member Date This section to be completed by City staff- Date received: Date meeting to be held: / / Time of meeting: am/pm LOCd[ivll. i;li!i radii All necessary posting and notices have been completed. Signature of Deputy Clerk Date City of Arden Hills * 1245 West Highway 96 * Arden Hills,MN 55112-5743 Phone 651.792.7800 * Fax 651.634.5137 * www.ci.arden-hills.mn.us ---A DEN HILLS Approved: June 27, 2011 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 1, 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, Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, Ed Werner and Nicholas Tamble. Absent: None. Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; City Attorney Jerry Filla; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; City Planner Meagan Beekman; Director of Finance and Administrative Services Sue Iverson; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson; and Recording Secretary Tina Borg. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Grant pulled Item 4B from the Agenda because it was not ready for consideration at this time. Councilmember Tamble pulled Item 4F for discussion as Item 5A. Councilmember Holden stated she would like to add a presentation after the TCAAP Stadium update. Mayor Grant clarified this meeting was considered a Special Meeting because the City did not hold a meeting on the regularly scheduled date. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to Approve the Agenda as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL A. TCAAP /Stadium Update ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 1, 2011 2.A. TCAAP /Stadium Update (continued) Mayor Grant stated a March 21, 2011, letter from the City Administrator to the Ramsey County Manager outlined the City's principal concerns with a stadium development. On May 10, 2011, Ramsey County and the Minnesota Vikings announced that they had come to an agreement to jointly pursue the development of a new multi - purpose stadium on the TCAAP site in Arden Hills. Ramsey County and the Vikings released their "Principles of Agreement for the Development of a New Multi - Purpose Stadium" which essentially is a term sheet outlining the components of future legal documents to be executed by the County and the Vikings. The Agreement addresses several of the City's issues identified in the March 21, 2011, letter, but does not wholly alleviate the City's concerns. As this project may move forward at a rapid pace in June, with a special session being anticipated before the end of the month, Staff recommends that the City ascertain which concerns have not yet been addressed and work with Ramsey County to ensure that those concerns are addressed in the final legal documents. He reviewed the City's seven principal concerns and a description of whether and how these concerns are addressed in the Agreement. City Administrator Patrick Klaers stated the bill language that was previously introduced to the legislature regarding a possible stadium in Ramsey County would be redone. The County is currently working on this and the language would include the terms that were brought forward in the May 10, 2011, Agreement. The Agreement is between the County and the Vikings and the City is not part of this Agreement but the City would like to have their concerns included and addressed in the Agreement. Councilmember Holmes stated the City needed to spend more time in developing new terms and language for the development of the private land that would be included in the Agreement. The term sheet does not say if this land must be retained and developed by the Vikings or if this land can be sold to another party for development. Mayor Grant stated at this time the Agreement is between the County and the Vikings and the Agreement presented at this time is brief. It does not include all of the details that the final document will contain. This is the first of many agreements to come if this proposal moves forward. A.A. Additional TCAAP Presentation Councilmember Holden clarified the TCAAP property does not border Shoreview. She explained the area that is up for public auction is the area that already has buildings and roads not the property that is currently considered AHATS. The development that had been proposed by Ryan Companies was not what would be considered a typical Arden Hills development with large open green spaces. This development included large amounts of commercial space that included parking lots. The development that had been proposed by Ryan Companies was to take place over a 10 -15 year period. Ryan Companies had determined that the development was not economically feasible and withdrew from the project. The City has looked at several options for this property and at this time the stadium proposal includes having the surrounding land developed within 8 years. The infrastructure for the Ryan plan would have needed to be constructed by the City and this was costly. The Ryan development proposal would have required public financing and by the ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 1, 2011 3 2.A.A. Additional TCAAP Presentation (continued) time the development generated any money for the City, the infrastructure would need to be improved. The Ryan development had estimated 50,000 car trips per day every day versus the stadium, which at capacity would generate 42,000 trips on the days there were events. She pointed out that due to the costs involved with the Ryan development, that the project would not have been able to pay for itself. At this time the Agreement between the County and the Vikings is an agreement to talk about an agreement and there are not a lot of details available at this time. She clarified that the City would like to see the property cleaned up and developed and she is open to the stadium idea at this time. Mayor Grant stated the old plan for the TCAAP property did include things that were less than optimal for the City including narrow residential lots. The City would have had to make the lots narrow in order to meet the requirements for TIF. He stated the costs for public service needs in the development would have had to be paid for by the City. The details of the final deal are unknown at this time and the initial agreement is brief and covers only the major points. The City is looking forward to working with the County on this proposal. Councilmember Holden stated the Council has not voted on getting a stadium deal done but the City does have an interest because there are benefits for the City with this development. B. Night to Unite 2011 Proclamation City Administrator Klaers stated the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association along with AAA of Minnesota/Iowa is sponsoring a nationwide crime prevention program. The City is declaring Tuesday, August 2, 2011, as "Night to Unite" in Arden Hills, Ramsey County, Minnesota. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to Proclaim Tuesday, August 2, 2011, as "Night to Unite" in Arden Hills, Ramsey County, Minnesota. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). PUBLIC Mayor Grant opened the Public Inquiries /Informational at 7:33 p.m. Mr. James Anderson, 5743 Donegal Drive, Shoreview, stated many people are opposed to the stadium especially those residents that live nearby. The residents of Ramsey County will be unreasonably taxed for this development. He stated the owners of the team should build the stadium because they are the ones that will benefit from it, not the residents. He asked that the people be given a chance to be heard and he is opposed to the taxpayers having to pay for a stadium. Ms. Wendy Kiewel, 8454 Greenwood Drive, Mounds View, expressed concerns that if the stadium is in Ramsey County then the Anoka Airport will expand. She asked if any consideration has been given to the Anoka Airport and residents in this area. She also stated as a Ramsey County resident she does not want to pay for the stadium. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 1, 2011 4 2. Public Inquiries (continued) Mayor Grant stated he has not seen any plans for an expansion at the Anoka Airport and this has not been brought up in discussions. Pastor Kathryn Tiede, 865 Birch Street, Lino Lakes, stated she is opposed to the stadium proposal. She stated she had heard that the trailer park would be demolished with this project. She asked if there was a relocation plan for these residents. She also expressed concerns that Highway 96 would be widened to accommodate the access to the property. She stated the Metrodome was supposed to revitalize the area where it was built and this did not happen. She asked what the plan was when the life span of this stadium was over and the area had not been revitalized as projected. There are only two plans for the TCAAP property and there needs to be more options. Given the amount of property there should be more options available for the development. Mayor Grant stated he had not seen any plans that included the demolition of the trailer park or the relocation of these residents. Councilmember Holmes stated the City has protected the interests of the residents of the manufactured homes and the City would not consider the demolition of this neighborhood. There is nothing on the table that calls for the demolition and relocation of this area. There are no other options for the TCAAP property except the stadium plan at this time. The Ryan development plan was not economically feasible. Councilmember Holden stated the Army is putting this property up for public auction and the City may not have any say in the development of this property. If there was money available to the City for the development of this property there would be other options available but at this time the only option available is the stadium. Ms. Bev Decker, 978 W. County Road 1, Shoreview, stated she is opposed to having light rail brought into the area and sees the stadium as a reason to have light rail in the area. Mayor Grant stated having light rail brought into the area is purely speculation. There has not been any talk about this. Mr. Robert McAllister, 4923 Hanson Road, stated it is ridiculous that that someone with the kind of money the Vikings owner has to expect the citizens to pay for a stadium. He understands that precedent has been set in Minnesota that the public will pay for a stadium but it is too much for the community of Arden Hills. Ms. Crystal Freeman, 1451 Knoll Drive, Shoreview, asked if the entrances for the stadium had been identified. She asked if there were plans for an entrance on the County Road I side of the property. Councilmember Holden stated in order for something to go up between TCAAP and County Road I, it would have to go through the Wildlife Corridor. Arden Hills does not own this land and she would not be in favor of an access through the Wildlife Corridor. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 1, 2011 5 2. Public Inquiries (continued) Ms. Freeman stated there are lawsuits currently going on with the . San Francisco stadium because people who live in the area are not able to get home during game times. Councilmember Holden stated that traffic would only be 42,000 trips during an event, this traffic would be happening all at one time versus 50,000 trips per day happening over the course of a full day. She added that 135W is not good for traffic now and this is why they are using the stadium to draw attention to the bottleneck in this area. Ms. Freeman stated she did not feel the residents should contribute to the cost of the stadium with the value of their homes. She stated the neighborhoods around stadiums are low grade and the residents around the stadium will see this happen to their neighborhoods. She also asked how the increase in crime will be handled and who would be responsible for paying for the increase police. Mr. Ron Nelson, 4504 Keithson Drive, Arden Hills, stated he was not pleased when the Council did not consider the dual cul -de -sac option on Keithson Drive with the Fox Ridge Development. He stated one of the Councilmembers had threatened to table or deny the development based on this option. He was also not pleased with the 90- degree turn that will result on Keithson Drive. This intersection is not in conformance with the City's ordinances. The development was also creating a non - conforming lot for Mr. Bartlett. He also stated he had been promised by one of the Councilmembers that Lot 18 would be removed from the development and this did not happen. Lot 18 should not have been included in the plans and will devalue his home significantly. He stated he was displeased overall with the process and the actions taken by the Council with this development. Councilmember Holden stated the Council had not been given any information regarding the dual cul -de -sac and had only been told about this being an option the day of the meeting. The dual cul -de -sac option had not gone through the correct process including being brought before the Planning Commission. She had talked with the developer and with City Planner Beekman and had explained that she would not be able to vote for this option until additional information was available. Mr. David Bartlett, 4503 Keithson Drive, Arden Hills, responded to comments made by Councilmembers at the April 25, 2011 meeting. Mr. Bartlett stated that at that meeting, g Councilmember Holden stated she was representing the residents on Colleen Drive and Arden View Drive by voting in favor of the through street. He pointed out that those residents had not attended the meeting and that had been their choice. There were two members of the Council that did not come to the neighborhood to look at the areas the residents were concerned about. The traffic study supported the dual cul -de -sac option. Mr. Bartlett explained that at the April 25th meeting, Councilmember Holden stated the residents should have known the area would be developed. Mr. Bartlett also stated that the residents were not prepared for a development that included 39 homes. He stated with the layout for the street being non - conforming the City needs to be prepared for potential problems if there are accidents at this location. He explained that Mayor Grant stated he would support closing the other entrance to Keithson once the development is complete. Mr. Bartlett stated this may be an option the residents on Keithson Drive will want. He stated the Council still had an opportunity to change their minds and approve the alternate plan. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 1, 2011 6 2. Public Inquiries (continued) Mayor Grant stated after the development was completed and the residents are used to it and they still feel that they would want the entrance on Highway 96 closed, they can come back to the City and request this action. Mr. Joe Eckle, 9998 Engelson Road, asked what the time frame for construction was for the Fox Ridge development. City Planner Meagan Beekman stated construction is anticipated to start with grading in late June to early July. The developer has also talked about having a model home constructed by the fall. Mr. Joe Liam, Blaine, stated this is the third round of talks regarding a stadium somewhere in the metro area. He referenced a presentation done by Dr. Arthur Rolnick, which goes through the claims of the benefits a stadium has for an area. He stated this presentation pointed out that a stadium would not have a credible financial impact on the area when compared to spending those same dollars on other programs in the area. He recommended the Council look at this presentation. Mr. Brian Molten, 4425 Arden View Court, Arden Hills, asked who was paying for the abatement of the property and where on the property the stadium would be built. Mayor Grant stated the clean up of the property would be paid for by the project and the stadium site has not been determined at this time. Mayor Grant closed the Public Inquiries /Informational at 8:09 p.m. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. April 18, 2011, City Council Work Session Meeting B. April 25, 2011, City Council Work Session Meeting C. April 25, 2011, Regular City Council Meeting MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to Approve the April 18, 2011, City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes, the April 25, 2011, City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes and the April 25, 2011, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). 4. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item — Claims and Payroll. B. Motion to Approve Amending Section 3.0 Subd. B.1.a of the Final Planned Unit Development Permit for the Traverse Business Center to Extend the Building Permit Deadline for Phase 1 to July 30, 2014 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 1, 2011 4. Consent Calendar (continued) C. Motion to Approve Resolution 2011 -027; Supporting the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners' Request to the State Legislature to Maintain Ramsey County as a Single Congressional District D. Motion to Authorize the Purchase of Five ADA Accessible Eight -Foot Steel Framed Picnic Tables in the Amount of $4,681.36 from St. Croix Recreation Company, Inc. E. Motion to Authorize Staff to Contract with Lee Sports Surfacing LLC in the Amount of $8,800 for the Partial Reconstruction and Resurface of the Sampson Park and Arden Manor Park Basketball Courts F. Motion to Adopt Resolution 2011 026 Calling for a Public Hearing for Final Layout of the Hwy 96 /TH 10 Interchange Project on July 11, 2011, and Approve the Proposed Area be Notified MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes 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 A. Hwy 96 /TH 10 Interchange Project — Order Public Hearing on Municipal Consent Councilmember Tamble requested the residents northeast of Karth Lake up to the corner of Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue be included in the notification. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to Adopt Resolution 2011 -026 Calling for a Public Hearing for Final Layout of the Hwy 96/TH10 Interchange Protect on July 11, 2011, and Approve the Proposed Area be Notified as Amended. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Fox Ridge Easement Vacation Public Hearing and Final Plat Approval City Planner Beekman stated the applicant received approval from the City for Planning Case 11 -006 for a Preliminary Plat and Comprehensive Plan Amendment on April 25, 2011. The Planning Commission held the public hearing and review on April 6, 2011, and unanimously recommended approval for Planning Case 11 -006. The applicant has since revised their preliminary plat subject to the conditions of approval from Planning Case 11 -006 and has submitted for Final Plat approval. The purpose of a Final Plat application is to review the proposed development for conformance with the approved preliminary plat, and to finalize the conditions of approval for inclusion in the development agreement. The applicant also included a request to vacate a certain utility, drainage, ponding easement that is located within the proposed ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 1, 2011 8 6.A. Fox Ridge Easement Vacation Public Hearing and Final Plat Approval (continued) Fox Ridge development. Easement vacations require a public hearing before the City Council. The easement is for an overflow pipe that discharges overflow water from the Keithson pond south to a storm water pond on the Fox Ridge property. As part of the development, the pipe will continue to function; however, will be moved slightly to accommodate the new roads and lots. As a result, the easement also needs to be adjusted. The City would vacate the existing easement contingent on the filing of the Final Plat, which dedicates new easements to the City that encompass the new location of the pipe. Mayor Grant clarified the public hearing was just for the vacation of the easement not the project as a whole and a new easement would be approved as part of the final plat. Mayor Grant opened the Public Hearing at 8:15 p.m. Mayor Grant closed the Public Hearing at 8:16 p.m. Councilmember Tamble asked for clarification regarding the construction traffic and how it would access the development and the lots along Arden View Drive. City Planner Beekman stated the expectation was that Snelling Avenue would be used for the construction of the development. The route that would be used for the construction of those homes on Arden View Drive had not been determined. This was something the City could still specify and could be determined by the Public Works Director and herself. Public Works Director Terry Maurer stated Staff had designated the development traffic use Snelling Avenue to access the property. Usually in a development the grading and roads are done first and this would provide internal access to the properties along Arden View Drive. The developer may choose to develop one of these properties immediately in order to construct a model home and this traffic may be along roads other than Snelling Avenue. Councilmember Tamble asked what safety measures would be in place for the 90- degree turn on Keithson Drive. He also asked if this road connection would be considered non - conforming according to City ordinances. Public Works Director Maurer stated this road connection does not create any non - conforming turns according to the ordinances. It would be considered a two-legged intersection. Striping or signs can address the safety of this intersection. The problem he would see with putting in signs would be that in a few months the residents would no longer pay attention to them. The road would still operate as a two-legged intersection if there were no signs. He suggested the road be constructed and the operation of the intersection be monitored before final decisions are made on signs or striping for this intersection. If the intersection operates as it is predicted to, then there should be no safety issues. Councilmember Holmes stated the creation of the outlots for the portion of Lot 10 that was in between two other lots was a good idea. She asked how this property would be maintained. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 1, 201.1 9 6.A. Fox Ridge Easement Vacation Public Hearing and Final Plat Approval (continued) City Planner Beekman stated there were two outlots in the development and these were created in order to make a potential transfer of the property to the adjacent home owners easier. The Home Owners Association will be responsible for the maintenance of these properties not the City, in the event that the outlots are not transferred to adjacent properties. MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Tamble seconded a motion to Approve Resolution 2011 -025 Vacating a Certain Utility, Drainage, and Ponding Easement Located in the Fox Ridge Development. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to amend Resolution 2011 -025 to be Conditional Upon the Approval of the Final Plat of Fox Ridge Development and the Final Recording of All Necessary Documents. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). The amended motion was called to a vote. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). Councilmember Werner stated although he is in favor of development he is disappointed that the dual cul -de -sac is not included in the approved plans. MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to Approve Planning Case 11 -009 for a Final Plat and Development Agreement for the Fox Ridge Development, Based on the Findings of Fact and the June 1, 2011, Report to the City Council. The motion carried (4 -1; Councilmember Werner). 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Zayo Contract Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher stated T- Mobile currently leases space from the City to operate an equipment building at the Cummings Park (Fernwood) water tower. T- Mobile currently pays an annual lease rate of $19, 096 for the 300 square -foot equipment building with antenna space on the water tower. Zayo Group, LLC is working with T- Mobile to upgrade their T 1 line with fiber -optic connections. The technological upgrade is related to the 4G- capacity that most wireless providers are building. Although the fiber -optic equipment could be installed within the T- Mobile building, Zayo Group hopes to sell services to additional wireless providers and has requested a lease of twelve - square feet outside of the existing T- Mobile building to accommodate an equipment cabinet. Zayo Group has not requested any space on the water tower. The new equipment is entirely hard -wired and does not include any wireless components. Zayo Group suggested a lease rate that was proportional on a square -foot basis to the T- Mobile lease. Staff contacted several cities to inquire about lease rates. Many cities are charging no or minimal rents for the Zayo upgrades. Of the cities contacted, the highest lease rate was five thousand dollars annually. Given that there is a precedent for that lease rate, and given the limited space at ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 1, 2011 10 7.A. Zayo Contract (continued) the Cummings Park water tower property, Staff negotiated an initial lease rate of five thousand dollars annually for the twelve square -feet requested by Zayo Group. Councilmember Holden asked what the cabinet would look like and what would be done to keep the structure from being vandalized. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated there was no graffiti on the existing equipment building at this time. There is a sign posted that states it is a violation of federal law to vandalize the property. Justin Bannworth, 7400 Industrial Boulevard, Edina, described the appearance of the cabinet and its dimensions, and stated it would be made of metal and painted to match the building. He also explained that the wiring would be routed around any trees and tree roots. The structure would not be seen easily from the trail. Mayor Grant clarified this was being done to expand T- Mobile's capacity to 4G not to increase the reception or coverage area. He stated the agreement looked good and it would be minimally invasive while providing increased service to the residents of Arden Hills. MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to Approve the Site Lease Agreement with Zayo Group. LLC, for an Equipment Cabinet at Cummings Park (Fernwood) Water Tower. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). B. Tree Inventory Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson stated the City of Arden Hills has begun the process to establish an Emerald Ash Borer Plan. Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an invasive beetle that kills ash trees, was discovered in St Paul in the spring of 2009. Previous infestations of EAB have shown that the beetles will move out at a rate of one to two miles per year. At that rate, the entire county will be infested in approximately 10 to 15 years. There are critical steps within this process that must take place before the City is ready to establish a policy. Two crucial steps that the City needs to work on are changes to the right of way ordinance and a tree inventory. Staff is currently working on changes to the right of way ordinance and this will be brought to the Council at a future work session for review. A tree inventory was placed in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for 201 1. Included in this inventory would be trees located in boulevards, right of way, and parks. A tree inventory will assist Staff in indentifying the overall impact that Emerald Ash Borer may have on the City. The 2011 CIP includes $20,000 from the Permanent Improvement Revolving Fund for a citywide tree inventory. Staff contacted our 2011 tree contractor, Precision Landscaping who provided a quote of $65.00 per hour to conduct an ash tree inventory. They have stated that they would not be able to complete this work continually as they have other work and jobs that will take priority. It is difficult to identify an exact timeframe of how long it would take to complete this work. Precision stated that if they were just to identify ash trees, they gave a rough estimate of 88 hours to complete the work. This would come to $5,720.00 plus tax. This did not include City parks because that had been done last summer. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 1, 2011 11 7.B. Tree Inventory (continued) They would only have the capacity of manually marking the information on a map. Staff would then have to transfer the information to an electronic format. After discussing this with the Public Works Superintendent, he suggested that we could possible utilize the City's sign inventory software, Simple Signs by Rowecamp and Associates to do a full tree inventory. This software utilizes a hand held GPS unit that plots each sign onto a map and places it in an electronic database. Rowecamp and Associates indicated that the software could be revised and this would cost $2000 - $3000. This amount would include the program and the mapping features with no annual fee, free updates, and free technical support. Staff would also like to hire an additional seasonal maintenance staff to supplement the time that the full time staff would be spending on the inventory. The starting wage for a seasonal staff is $11.10 ($10.00 plus benefits) and if hired for 12 -16 weeks, the amount needed for this salary would be up to 80 working days and 640 hours for $7,104. The overall budget impact would be just over $10,000 for the extra maintenance staff and the software. Mayor Grant asked if all the trees in the City would be done. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated they would be doing only those trees in the City right -of -ways, the maintained areas of the parks, and the boulevards. The inventory would also assist with tree donations. Currently the trees that are donated are plotted manually on a map so that residents can find the trees they donate. This system would provide the exact GPS coordinates for people to locate their trees. She explained that having an inventory of the City's trees would allow them to easily access the types and locations of trees when there are diseases. This will help the City in determining the potential effect a disease may have on the City's tree population and give the City an opportunity to be proactive in tree replacements. Councilmember Holden asked if this process would help residents in identifying those trees that are on City property versus private property. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated the City would plot the location of those trees that may be close to the property lines. Without having a survey done the City would not be able to determine this for sure. If the trees are located close to a property line, then when a property owner requests to have something done in this area the City will be aware that there is a potential City tree. Councilmember Tamble stated having documented locations for trees would be beneficial for the City and would allow the Public Works Department to be proactive in the future. Mayor Grant asked if this could be done over the course of one summer. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson clarified the project could be done in one summer if the City were to hire one additional seasonal worker. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to Authorize Staff to Proceed with a City Wide Tree Inventory Utilizing the City Forester, Simple Tree Software from Rowecamp and ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 1, 2011 12 7.B. Tree Inventory (continued) Associates and the Hiring of One Additional Seasonal Maintenance Worker at a Total Cost Not to exceed $10,100. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). S. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. I- 694/TH51 Proposed Project a. Consider Municipal Consent b. Consider Noise Wall Public Works Director Terry Maurer stated on October 25, 2010, the City Council adopted Resolution 2010 -052 Disapproving the Final Layout of I- 694/TH 51 with Conditions. There were 14 conditions attached to that resolution. Since that time there have been ongoing negotiations with Mn/DOT regarding the conditions and on April 19, 2011, the Appeal Board held their meeting at which Mn/DOT and the City made presentations outlining their respective positions. At the close of the City presentation we outlined three issues that the City felt were still unresolved. These included an earth berm analysis to be performed by Mn/DOT detailing the opportunities to use excess material generated on the project to construct an earth berm along the south side of I -694. The second item was a peer review of the noise analysis that lead to the cost split proposed by Mn/DOT. The final item was an in -depth analysis of the pedestrian crossing opportunities of I -694 at TH 51. Mn/DOT agreed to the first two items so the Appeal Board gave both sides until May 6, 2011, to work towards resolving all issues before the Board prepared their written findings. City Staff and Mn/DOT staff worked towards resolving the remaining issues. Mn/DOT has completed the berm analysis and the potential tree loss to construct the berm. Mn/DOT will be looking for direction from the City on whether or not to include the berm in the construction plan. After a full review of the noise analysis it is the City's consultant, Chris Chromy's and Mr. Maurer's opinion that the noise analysis and cost split were completed accurately. Mn/DOT will be looking for direction from the City regarding the City's willingness to fund $475,000 for the construction of a 4,000 -foot long, 20 -foot high noise wall. Councilmember Holden asked what the City gained by going through the mediation and appeal processes. Public Works Director Maurer stated the biggest things the City has gained is the $1.5 million in additional commitments for Lexington Avenue and the bridge, the widening of the bridge to accommodate a pedestrian crossing, the berming, and the County Road E bridge improvements. The City did not get the sound walls paid in full as they had requested or pedestrian crossings over I -694. Mn/DOT agreed to a cost split on the sound walls based on their policies and precedents. This resulted in the City being responsible for $475,000 of the $1.5 million for the sound walls, if the City chooses to proceed with the sound walls. If there is no decision made by the City regarding the sound walls, Mn/DOT may choose to withdraw this offer. Councilmember Holmes asked if the berm would solve the noise issues in this area. Public Works Director Maurer stated according to Mn/DOT, the berm would not provide noise abatement or a decrease in the noise level of 5 decibels or more. The berm will provide a visual ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 1, 2011 13 8.A. I- 694/TH5I Proposed Project (continued) barrier, which will give the perception of less noise. The berm will also provide a location for future tree planting with MnDOT's 2015 landscaping project. Councilmember Holmes asked about the trees that were located in the area that berm will be. Public Works Director Maurer stated Mn/DOT will remove all the trees that will be in the area of the berm but they will replant or relocate those trees that they are confident will survive. One year after the completion of the project Mn/DOT will do landscaping in the area and the City may have input on where this is done. If the City does have input then additional landscaping could be done along the berm. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to Adopt Resolution 2011 -024 Approving the Final Layout (2A) of I- 694/TH51. Councilmember Holden stated if the City continues to withhold consent then the City may lose those things that have been gained already. She asked what the process is after the Appeal Board makes its decision. Public Works Director Maurer stated there is nothing in the statutes that outline a process after the Appeal Board has made their recommendation. The process is complete after the Appeal Board has provided their findings. Because this is an interstate, the Commissioner of Transportation could choose to ignore the findings of the Appeal Board. Councilmember Holden asked what side of the Lexington Avenue Bridge would have the pedestrian crossing. Public Works Director Maurer stated there has only been one meeting regarding this issue with Mark Maloney from Shoreview and Mark Lindeberg from Mn/DOT. The issues and costs have not been determined and reviewed yet. Shoreview does have pedestrian facilities already in place from County Road J to County Road D and Arden Hills does have some gaps in their system. He stated he had talked to Civil Engineer Giga about the costs for completing the pedestrian system on the Arden Hills side between County Road F and County Road E and she indicated that the cost would be about $200,000 - $250,000. Mn/DOT will look at the costs and there will be additional meetings to discuss this project. At this time it appears to be more cost effective for the pedestrian crossing to be on the Shoreview side of the bridge. Councilmember Holden stated she would like to see a plaque posted on the pedestrian bridge that acknowledges Arden Hills' efforts in getting the pedestrian crossing for residents. She stated she would support giving Municipal Consent at this time. Mayor Grant stated he would also support Municipal Consent at this time. The City has done its due diligence in this process and he does not want the City to lose any of the improvements they Y have gained. He would like to see the pedestrian crossing on the Arden Hills side of the Lexington Avenue Bridge, but it is important to note that there will be a pedestrian crossing at this location. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 1, 2011 14 8.A. I- 694/TH51 Proposed Project (continued) Lexington Avenue Bridge but it is important to note that there will be a pedestrian crossing at this location. Councilmember Tamble agreed the City has done its due diligence with this project and the City has stood up for what they feel is right. He stated he would support Municipal Consent at this time. The motion was called to a vote. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). Public Works Director Maurer stated Mn/DOT is looking for direction on the sound walls. There will be a total of 32 properties that will benefit from the sound walls. These properties will have a noise reduction of 5 decibels or more. The City will have to commit to $475,000 to cover the City's portion of the construction costs. This project would be eligible for the use of State Aid funds; this amount would be approximately 2 Y2 years of MSA construction funds. Councilmember Holden stated there are other areas of the project that would also benefit from the construction of noise walls and the City is not looking to build these. The west side of the road has more homes that would benefit from the sound walls but the east side would benefit more from sound walls. She stated she is struggling with the costs associated with this project compared to the number of homes affected. Councilmember Tamble agreed that this was a difficult decision. There is no perfect solution for everyone and there are people both for and against the sound walls. The City will have to pay $15,000 per home benefitted by the wall and the wall will not eliminate the road noise. There are a number of homes that would sit above the 20 foot height of the wall and therefore not receive any benefit. There is going to be traffic noise when you choose to live by a highway or major road in a growing metropolitan area. Mayor Grant stated he had spent some time listening at noise walls and the sound does come over the wall. $475,000 is a lot of money for just a few residents. Arden Hills has several highways that divide the City and the City does not want to set a precedent that they will pay for sound walls for everyone. If the City were larger, then the amount would be more manageable for the City. Councilmember Holmes stated the City has had a tradition of being fiscally conservative and with the budget cutbacks, the City understands it needs to continue this tradition. She stated the costs were not worth it for so few residents. Public Works Director Maurer stated Chris Chromy had asked MnDOT to look at different length walls, but there was none more cost effective than what is being proposed. Councilmember Tamble stated the sound wall would have an impact on the aesthetics of the neighborhood. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 1, 2011 15 8.A. I- 694 /TH51 Proposed Project (continued) Mayor Grant stated the cost was too high for the City. Councilmember Holden asked if there was any increased landscaping the City could do in this area that would help with reducing the sound levels. Public Works Director Maurer stated the project is expected to be completed in 2013 and Mn/DOT has plans to do a $200,000 landscaping project a year after the completion. The City may have some input in this landscaping plan and this could be one of the places the City chooses to have landscaping done. Councilmember Holden recommended the City commit some funding for trees in this area in the CIP budget. MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to Direct Staff and Mn/DOT to Include the Berms for the Project and to Notify Mn/DOT that the City Will Not Be Committing the $475,000 for Sound Walls. Councilmember Holden asked City Administrator Klaers if he would recommend having a line item in the CIP Budget of $50,000 for landscaping in this area for 2014. She would like to have something in the CIP Budget that reflects this Council's desire to do additional landscaping in this area if needed after Mn/DOT has done their landscaping. City Administrator Klaers stated there are adequate funds for this and it can be added to the CIP Budget in June as part of this motion or as a separate motion. He would recommend this request be made as a separate motion. The motion was called to a vote. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). Councilmember Holden directed Staff to include a line item in the CIP for additional landscaping for this project for 2014. Public Works Director Maurer explained Mn/DOT has programmed $200,000 for landscaping the corridor one year after the project is complete. Mayor Grant stated he did not agree with a placeholder in the CIP of $50,000. He suggested Staff be instructed that this is an important item to the Council and let them bring it forward at the appropriate time. Councilmember Tamble asked if Mn/DOT would be able to allocate the funds that they would have used for the sound walls to landscaping in this area as an alternative. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 1, 2011 16 8.A. I- 694/TH5I Proposed Project (continued) Public Works Director Maurer stated the funds for the noise walls come from trunk highway funds and the landscaping funds are from a different fund and they are not able to reallocate these funds for different uses. City Attorney Filla suggested giving Staff direction during the budgeting process. Councilmember Holden stated a smaller amount could be used but she would like to have something noted in the CIP budget so that future Councils understand that this was important. Mayor Grant stated he would agree to a smaller amount as a placeholder for future Councils to know that this is something that should be budgeted for in the future. He directed Staff to include a line item in the CIP with a budget amount of $200 and have Staff bring this item forward to the Council at the appropriate time for additional discussion. B. Authorize Hiring Project Inspector Public Works Director Maurer stated Roseville engineering staff is handling the 2011 PMP project; however, they do not have the capacity to provide a project inspector during the construction phase. Roseville does have the capacity to provide construction staking and Kris Giga will be providing construction administration. Also, during the 2011 construction season Pulte Group will be entering the construction phase of their Fox Ridge development. As with all development projects, it will be important for the City to have a construction inspector available to observe the improvements and to help adjacent neighbors with questions and /or comments. Between these two projects and other small ones such as repairs to the 2006 PMP project and 2011 Seal Coating and Crack Sealing Project there is likely to be construction activities from mid - June through mid - October (18 -20 weeks). During this time the City will need one full time construction inspector to assist the Roseville staff and be the City's representative at the Fox Ridge project. Staff is recommending that to provide construction inspection activities in 2011 the City contract with Elfering and Associates to provide a full time construction inspector to work under the Roseville staff on the 2011 PMP project and be the City's representative at the Fox Ridge development. This cost would be funded by the overhead estimated for the 2011 PMP project, which is partially assessed and the remaining cost would come from the PIR fund. The Fox Ridge construction inspector costs would be totally funded by the developer, Pulte Group. Mayor Grant asked if the construction inspector would have hydrology experience. Public Works Director Maurer stated the person that Elfering and Associates is recommending does have the necessary experience in the technical aspects of both projects including hydrology. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to Authorize Staff to Enter Into a Contract with Elfering and Associates to Provide Construction Inspection Services for the 2011 PMP project, the Fox Ridge Development, and Miscellaneous as Assigned. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 1, 2011 17 8.B. Authorize Hiring Project Inspector (continued) Councilmember Holmes asked for clarification on why this person was needed for the PMP project and how it was being funded. Public Works Director Maurer stated Roseville staff usually provides all of the construction inspection for the PMP projects but does not have the capacity to do this for the 2011 PMP project. The 2011 PMP and the Fox Ridge development are close together and a single person could oversee both projects and be the City's point of contact for residents with questions or concerns. Because the construction inspector would be used on different projects, each project will need to fund the services that are used. Pulte Group will pay for the time spent at the Fox Ridge development, and the time spent on the PMP project will be partially funded by the overhead costs that were included in the project, and the remainder will be paid for using the PIR fund. The two projects are close together so a single person could be used for both projects since neither project requires a full time person. Mayor Grant suggested the person report to Public Works Director Maurer in regards to the Fox Ridge development. The City will need someone with this depth of experience for the Fox Ridge development and this will be a wise investment for the City The motion was called to a vote. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). 9. COUNCIL COMMENTS & STAFF UPDATES Councilmember Tamble stated the sound wall decision was difficult but was he felt the City had made the right one based on the information that was available. He also stated that the presentation provided by Councilmember Holden was good for educating the public on the TCAAP property and the previous development proposal by Ryan versus the potential stadium development proposal. Councilmember Werner stated next week Thursday and Friday is the Valentine Hills garage sale. He also stated that as far as the legislature is concerned there would be a meeting on Friday between leaders. Councilmember Holmes stated the Planning Commission still has two vacancies and they have only received one application at this time. Councilmember Holmes stated she has been getting comments from residents regarding the article in the Arden Hills Notes on rental properties. The comments have been helpful and she encouraged residents to continue commenting. Mayor Grant stated the presentation by Councilmember Holden was good and put the Ryan development proposal into perspective. The Ryan development was not going to be a typical Arden Hills development with large areas of green space, but more a high-density residential area with small lots and a lot of commercial buildings with surface parking lots. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 1, 2011 18 9. Council Comments and Staff Updates (continued) Mayor Grant stated Staff have been working hard for the first five months of this year. The projects that Staff have worked on include the Presbyterian Homes development, the Vikings Stadium proposal, McDonald's redevelopment, the former Holiday Inn site and Northwestern College and other potential uses for this property, Arden Plaza development, the Pulte Group Fox Ridge development, Arden Village development, and Municipal Consent and the appeal process for the I -694 project and Hwy 10 project. He thanked Staff for their hard work with all these projects. City Administrator Klaers stated City Hall has started its summer hours of: Monday thru Thursday 7:30 -5:00 and Friday 7:30 - 11:30. This information is posted on the City's website and at City Hall. ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to adiourn. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 10:10 p.m. Patrick Klaers City Administrator David Grant Mayor