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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-13-11-REN HILLS Approved: July 25, 2011 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 13, 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: None. Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; City Planner Meagan Beekman; Civil Engineer Kristine Giga; Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; and Recording Secretary Tina Borg. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Tamble seconded a motion to Approve the Agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL A. Recognition of Girl Scout Gold Award Recipient Ann Lindberg Mayor Grant stated Ann Lindberg, an Arden Hills Girl Scout, was recently named a Girl Scout Gold Award recipient. Ms. Ann Lindberg explained her project involved collecting 100 children's books as donations, organizing the reading and recording of 50 books, making a CD of the recorded books, and then donating the books and CD's, as well as five portable CD players, to a small community library in Shadow Lake Wisconsin where her grandparents live. She explained the Gold Award was the equivalent to the Boy Scout's Eagle Scout Award and includes 60 -hours of community service. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 13, 2011 2 2.A. Recognition of Girl Scout Gold Award recipient Ann Lindberg (continued) Mayor Grant presented Ann Lindberg with a Certificate from the City and thanked her for her community service. B. TCAAP /Stadium Update Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher stated Staff has been in contact with Ramsey County Staff regarding local financial issues and possible new legislation. All parties are waiting to see whether a special legislative session will be called prior to the end of June. New information available this afternoon was the County and the Vikings had obtained funding for a portion of the transportation costs. They were requesting the State provide additional funding for reversible lanes that could be used by commuters on weekdays. This was all the information available at this time since it was just announced. Mayor Grant asked if this would provide an opportunity to alleviate congestion on I -35 W. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated this proposal would include an extra lane on I -35W during rush hour and game times. Public Works Director Terry Maurer stated Ramsey County sent an exhibit in regard to transportation possibilities to the City today. It is not detailed at this time and Staff has not had an opportunity to review this exhibit. PUBLIC Mayor Grant opened the Public Inquiries/Informational at 7:08 p.m. Ms. Nisha Shah, 1706 Valentine Avenue, Arden Hills, stated that she was opposed to the proposed park improvements at Valentine Park that removed the ice - skating rink and the baseball field. The baseball field is one of the few places nearby to play and the ice - skating rink is one of the only recreational ice rinks in the City. The other ice rinks in the City are used for hockey which makes it difficult for recreational skaters and beginners to skate at those facilities. Mr. Gregg Larson, 3377 N Snelling Avenue, Arden Hills, stated the City had sent a letter to the County in regard to the Stadium proposal several months before notifying residents that a Stadium was even being considered. He stated he is against a Stadium on the TCAAP property and this is not what the residents had envisioned for this property. He stated the Council is acting inappropriately in how they are handling the release of information to the residents. He stated the City needs to hold public meetings and communicate with residents regarding the potential Stadium use on the TCAAP property. Mayor Grant closed the Public Inquiries /Informational at 7:16 p.m. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 13, 2011 3 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. May 2, 2011, Special City Council Meeting B. May 9, 2011, Regular City Council Meeting C. May 9, 2011, Executive Session Meeting D. May 16, 2011, City Council Work Session Meeting MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to Approve the May 2, 2011, Special City Council Meeting minutes, the May 9, 2011, Regular City Council Meeting minutes, the May 9, 2011, Executive Session Meeting minutes, and the May 16, 2011, City Council Work Session 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 B.1 of the Final Planned Unit Development (PUD) Permit for the Traverse Business Center to Extend the Building Permit Deadline for Phase I and II to July 30, 2014, and the Final PUD Deadline for Phase III to July 30, 2015. C. Motion to Authorize the Purchase of Used 2001 Sterling Dump Truck with Plow and De -icing Equipment from Ramsey County for $30,000 Plus Sales Tax and Authorization to Repaint the Truck to Match the Rest of the City Fleet. D. Motion to Adopt Resolution 2011 -028; Approving Mn/DOT Agreement No. 98490R and Authorizing the Mayor and City Administrator to Execute the Documents Regarding I- 694/TH 51 Interchange Project. E. Motion to Adopt Resolution 2011 -029, Designating Depositories and Corporate Authorizations and Adopt Resolution 2011 -030, Transfer of Funds by Telephonic Instructions. MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Holden 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 A. Annual National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Public Meeting Civil Engineer Kristine Giga stated that as of March 10, 2003, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) required all cities within the seven county Metro Region to apply for a General ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 13, 2011 4 6.A. Annual National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Public Meeting (continued) Storm Water Permit (Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems, or MS4 permit) as part of Federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements. In order to comply with federal regulations, municipalities were required to develop a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) that focuses on ways the municipality will reduce the amount of sediment and pollution entering the surrounding water bodies. The SWPPP includes six minimum control measures that need to be addressed by the City. Each measure is aimed at reducing the amount of pollution entering water bodies through various methods such as public outreach and education, regulatory ordinances, and physical structures constructed as a part of the storm water sewer system. Every year the City is required to hold a public meeting on the SWPPP. The City is also required to submit an annual report to the MPCA documenting the accomplishments of the previous year. She reviewed the accomplishments of the previous year and the 2011 goals for the Council. Councilmember Holden asked Civil Engineer Giga if information received from Rice Creek Watershed District was in the City's Newsletter. Civil Engineer Giga stated as the information was received from Rice Creek Watershed District it was forwarded to the Newsletter for publication. Mayor Grant opened the Public Hearing at 7:28 p.m. Mayor Grant closed the Public Hearing at 7:29 p.m. 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Zoning Code Amendment — School Uses in the RI District City Planner Meagan Beekman stated in January 2011, the City Council approved a number of amendments to the City's Zoning Code. The purpose of these amendments was to incorporate the TCAAP Zoning Regulations into the rest of the Code. In doing so, it was necessary to amend Section 1320.05 of the Zoning Code, which indicates which land uses are allowed in each district. As part of this process, other amendments to the Code were made that were not directly related to the TCAAP zoning regulations. One of these amendments included a revision to the Land Use Chart to allow higher education uses in the R1 District with an approved Planned Unit Development (PUD). The reason the Code was amended to allow higher education uses in the Rl District was because Northwestern College is located in the RI District. As future phases of Northwestern College's Master PUD are implemented, or amendments to the Master PUD are necessary, it is important that the City's regulations be in line with the actions being taken by the City Council. By approving a Master PUD for Northwestern College in 2007, and allowing other educational uses in the RI District as conditional uses, the Council has historically determined that educational uses are in keeping with the purpose of the Rl District under certain circumstances. A recent review of the Zoning Regulations made Staff aware of a discrepancy between the language of the Code and the intention of the January 2011 amendments. Staff is recommending a Zoning Code Amendment that would add special regulations for school uses in ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 13, 2011 5 7.A. Zoning Code Amendment — School Uses in the RI District (continued) the RI District, and specify a minimum lot size for these uses, as well as define what would comprise a campus. The Planning Commission reviewed this application and held a public hearing at their June 6, 2011, meeting. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the proposed changes. Councilmember Werner asked what other communities allowed for educational uses in the RI District. City Planner Beekman stated the uses for the R1 District vary depending on the community. Arden Hills is unique because educational uses were already present when the District was established. The uses for the R1 District were written around the uses that were already in the District, including higher education. Colleges and higher education facilities are dealt with differently by each community. Councilmember Holden asked if there was any place within the R1 District that had 10 acres or more where a higher education facility could be established. City Planner Beekman stated she was not aware of any property within the R1 District that was 10 or more acres. If someone wanted to build a higher education facility within the District on less than 10 acres they would have to go through the variance process or a PUD process. She explained a higher education use would have to go through a PUD process regardless. She explained that Bethel University operates under a CUP and is in its own district. Northwestern College operates under a PUD and is part of the R1 District. If higher education is removed from the Land Use Chart of permitted uses in the R1 District, Northwestern College would become a non - conforming property which would affect any additional updates, construction, or changes that might occur on the property. Councilmember Holden asked if Northwestern College could be made into its own district similar to Bethel College. City Planner Beekman stated this would be one method, but Northwestern College would need to be involved in that discussion. It is possible to include Northwestern College in the same district as Bethel University. The City had discussed this in the past but the benefits with Northwestern College being in the R1 District are the regulations in the R1 District are more restrictive and the City has more control over development. The City could also look at writing the Code and Ordinance to be more restrictive in the R1 District similar to the changes that were made to accommodate the old Holiday Inn site and the redevelopment of that site. Councilmember Holden stated she would like to have the City look into this option further for future consideration. She also stated the City should increase the minimum amount of acres required for the current amendments. City Planner Beekman stated 10 acres was chosen because this is the smallest parcel that could accomplish the intention of code amendments. The minimum parcel size could be increased if the Council decides to make this change. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 13, 2011 6 7.A. Zoning Code Amendment — School Uses in the R1 District (continued) MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to approve Ordinance 2011 -005 in Planning Case 11 -013 to Amend Section 1320.04, Subd.1, and Add Section 1320.075 to the Zoning Code to Regulate School Uses in the R1 District, as presented in the June 13, 2011, Report to the City Council. Councilmember Holden stated she would like to have this change in place now and have Staff continue to look at options for Northwestern College such as making it its own district or including it in the Bethel University District. City Planner Beekman stated the Ordinance would not be legal until it was published. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to amend the motion to include Approving the Publication of a Summary of Ordinance 2011 -005. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). Mayor Grant agreed with Councilmember Holden that the City should move forward with this amendment at this time. The amended motion was called to a vote. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). S. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Valentine Park Improvements Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson stated in 2008, WSB was hired by the City to conduct a drainage analysis of the Valentine Park Area. The purpose of this study was to identify sources of flooding in Valentine Park and to provide solutions that would reduce or eliminate the flooding. On January 31, 2011, the City Council approved a process with a tentative schedule on how to proceed with park improvements in conjunction with needed drainage enhancements. Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. (HKGi) was retained to lead the park improvement process. A public open house was held on April 7, 2011. Existing conditions and two concepts were shown at the open house with different park improvements. The amenities and park features were the focus versus the design and layout of the park. The design and layout cannot be decided until surveys and drainage analysis are done. The concepts shown were only to demonstrate the general area where amenities may be located. Paul Paige, from HKGi, presented a summary of the open house findings and a revised draft concept based on feedback from residents to the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee (PTRC). After reviewing the infoiuuation, the PTRC made a motion to recommend inclusion of all of the elements on the draft concept plan with the addition of a drinking fountain and trails along park perimeters that extend and connect north/south to County Road E2 and east /west to Glenview Avenue. The 2011 Capital Improvement Plan includes a total of $310,000 for improvements to Valentine Park. Staff may have the opportunity to seek drainage improvement grant funding through Rice Creek Watershed District. The next round for applications for this grant will be some time in March 2012. The survey work and drainage plans ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 13, 2011 7 8.A. Valentine Park Improvements (continued) will determine the exact placement of park features as well as project costs. The next step in the process will be to authorize Staff to move into plan preparation. Once the plans, specifications and budget are completed, this proposal will be brought back to the PTRC and neighbors for review and then to the City Council for consideration to authorize Staff to go out for bid. She explained that prices have not been determined for the amenities at this time but will be determined as part of the plans and specifications. Mayor Grant asked if the retention ponds would have standing water and if it was anticipated there would standing water year round. Public Works Director Maurer stated the residents have expressed they do not want to have standing water in the park. It is important to get to the design phase so that the drainage issues can be identified and possible solutions investigated. The idea is to have ponding areas for drainage during heavy rainfalls that would drain off and then be generally dry. Mayor Grant asked if the trail depicted on the concept plan was included in the budget. Public Works Director Maurer stated the internal trail is part of the concept. The trail around the perimeter was recommended by the PTRC and is not included in the project budget. Mayor Grant stated the addition of a drinking fountain would require that the park have water service and at this time it does not. He asked how much it would be to run a water line and maintain the drinking fountain. Public Works Director Maurer stated this has not been fully analyzed at this time. It is included in the list of amenities to be priced and looked into further. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated the PTRC had included the drinking fountain because this may be the only opportunity the City has to add this amenity. If the cost is too high the PTRC will evaluate it further. Mayor Grant stated the budget may cover the cost of adding a drinking fountain but he did not see a big enough benefit in it to justify the cost. He suggested that once the project costs have been identified, each item should be evaluated to be sure it makes sense. Councilmember Holden asked if the ball fields had any scheduled leagues that play at this location. She asked if the City had a shortage of baseball fields or soccer fields. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated there are games scheduled for this field but they have been moved due to the current conditions of the park. The City does have enough baseball fields and the open green space in the concept plan can be used as a soccer field if needed. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 13, 2011 8 S.A. Valentine Park Improvements (continued) Councilmember Holden stated she was not in favor of the tree house feature in the concept plan. It is located too close to the homes in this area and it presents a high liability to the City. She also stated the concept plan does not include any features for adults which she would like to see included. Public Works Director Maurer stated the park would have the trail and park benches but Staff could look at other amenities for adults as well. Councilmember Holden asked about the trail that goes around the park to the wooded area with the proposed tree house. She expressed concern about including the water fountain. Parks and Recreation Manger Olson stated that this trail was ADA compliant and had to go from the parking lot to the park amenities to allow access. If there was not a tree house or other play area or amenity in the corner then there did not need to be a trail in this area Councilmember Werner stated the proposed shelter was small. He asked if there would be a fee charged for this shelter. He also asked what the surface material would be for the basketball court. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated this shelter would be added to the City's fee schedule and this would be reviewed by the City Council. The basketball court would be constructed of bituminous with an acrylic overcoat similar to the other basketball courts in the City Councilmember Werner stated he is not in favor of the tree house feature. This structure presents a liability risk to the City. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated the tree house was a feature meant to tie in that area of the park and make it feel like it is part of the park. The play structure is made of recycled material to make it look like natural wood. It would be low maintenance. Mayor Grant stated he did not agree with the location of the tree house structure. Public Works Director Maurer stated the amenities and locations are only suggestions at this time and the tree house structure was placed in the corner in order to utilize more of the park. Mayor Grant asked where the storm water ponds would be located. He also asked how much elevation change was included in the plan. Public Works Director Maurer stated the ponds would be located around the perimeter of the park. The plan includes an elevation increase of a couple of feet but this will be determined based on the drainage needs of the park. Councilmember Holmes stated the main concern is getting the drainage problems resolved in the park. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 13, 2011 9 B.A. Valentine Park Improvements (continued) Public Works Director Maurer stated the drainage would be resolved with the design stage of planning. This will provide the information needed to determine what will be needed for the drainage. Councilmember Holmes suggested the proposed parking lot be moved so when you come into the park rather than taking a right into the parking area, a person would take a left. The park amenities could then be moved to the other side which would keep them away from the homes. The amenities would be closer to the lake so when parents are watching their children at the park they can look at the lake. Public Works Maurer stated the neighborhood did provide input regarding the location of the park amenities. The residents had requested a half basketball court in order to reduce the noise and some of the play areas were moved further from the homes. If the park amenities were moved, they would be closer to the road, which could be a problem for smaller children. The design phase will look at the drainage and how to best utilize the green space and where to put the amenities. He suggested having the project move into the design phase and then bring a couple of concept plans to the residents to consider. Once the drainage has been resolved, the potential location for amenities can be determined. He suggested having an open house in the park so residents could see where in the park the amenities could be located. He emphasized that at this time the design phase would be needed in order to determine what would need to be done to resolve the drainage issues and once this is determined the location and types of amenities can be finalized. Mayor Grant asked when construction would take place. Public Works Director Maurer stated construction could start later this summer and be completed the following summer or construction could be done in 2012. It would be better for the residents to do the construction in the spring of 2012 since the residents do not use the park in the spring due to the flooding Councilmember Holden stated she would like to see some form of play area in the shaded area of the park for the kids. She does not like the tree house concept but would like to see something in this area of the park. Councilmember Holden asked what the interpretive signs were. Public Works Director Maurer stated the signs would integrate the drainage facilities into the park and make it feel like part of the park. Councilmember Holden stated the signs for the Elmer L. Anderson signs were already damaged. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated she was aware of damage to the Ramsey County sign and has been working with the sign vendor and Ramsey County on this. Councilmember Holden stated the other ice rinks in the City have hockey players on them and this does make it difficult for recreational and beginner skaters to enjoy the rink. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 13, 2011 10 B.A. Valentine Park Improvements (continued) Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated the rink at Cummings Park is a recreational rink and is only for pleasure skating with no broomball or hockey allowed. Users do not overwhelm this rink. Valentine Park and Cummings Park have the only rinks restricted to pleasure skating use at this time and if the rink is not replaced at Valentine Park then Cummings Park would be the only pleasure skating rink in the City. Councilmember Holden asked if fencing would be required around the ponds. Public Works Director Maurer stated this has not yet been determined yet. Once the design phase is complete, Staff will have a better understanding of what is needed and will make recommendations to the Council. Councilmember Tamble asked who would be taking part in the design. Public Works Director Maurer stated Roseville Staff would be involved in the design including the analysis of the topography. This is more of an engineering project than a park project because of the drainage issues that need to be resolved. Councilmember Tamble stated he liked the overall park plan. The storm water issues are on the eastern side of the park and the concept plan has all of the park amenities on the western side. He stated he would be interested in assisting with the layout. Mayor Grant stated he would like to see information on the cost of the amenities early in the planning process. It was the consensus of the Council to look at different options for the tree house play set. Public Works Director Maurer stated the Council could approve moving the project into the design phase. Staff could then bring the amenities costs and potential locations to the Council for review and Staff could then work up different concept plans for the park layout. These plans could then be brought to the residents for their review and input. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to Authorize Staff to Move Into Design and Budgeting Analysis for Valentine Park Improvements; and When the Drainage Design is 60% Completed Staff will Provide a Cost Analysis of the Park Amenities and Concept Plans to the City Council Prior to Being Presented at a Neighborhood Meeting. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). 9. COUNCIL COMMENTS & STAFF UPDATES Councilmember Tamble stated the information packet provided to the Council on Valentine Park was well done and provided good information. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 13, 2011 11 9. Council Comments & Staff Updates (continued) Councilmember Werner stated the residents have had an opportunity to provide input regarding Valentine Park and this has been appreciated. Councilmember Holmes requested Staff to be sure the March 21, 2011, letter from the City to Ramsey County regarding the Vikings Stadium concerns is placed on the City's website. Councilmember Holmes stated there is still an opening on the Planning Commission and applications are on the City's website. She also stated she will not be able to attend the July 18 work session meeting. Mayor Grant stated the U.S. Department of Commerce sent information about the census and how to get information about the community and surrounding communities. Mayor Grant stated the MN Rural Water Association sent a letter to the City with educational opportunities for Staff. The City also received a letter from the Met Council on MCES. Mayor Grant thanked the Operations and Maintenance Staff for all their work in making the City's flower gardens look good. They look considerably better than last year. He asked Staff to continue to look through the plantings and address any plants that need to be replaced. Mayor Grant asked if the City maintained the garden on Lexington Avenue and County Road E. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated Northwestern College had been maintaining the garden until the end of the school year. The garden has not been maintained since. Mayor Grant stated he would like this garden to look nice and asked Staff to look into having this garden maintained and the grass mowed on the property. He also thanked Parks and Recreation Manager Olson for following up on the issues at 1960 County Road E2. Councilmember Holden asked to whom dead trees in the City should be reported and if the dead trees on the Presbyterian Homes property had been reported. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated dead trees could be reported to her and she would have the Forester take care of these. Councilmember Holden asked how many sump pump inspections were remaining. Public Works Director Maurer Terry stated sump pump inspections were scheduled to be completed by the fall of this year. Mayor Grant asked Staff to update the information of the City's website concerning ash borer disease and other links that may be helpful for residents. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 13, 2011 12 ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to adjourn into a work session. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:53 p.m. Patrick Klaers City Administrator David Grant Mayor