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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-19-11-WS AR�EN HILLS Approved: February 13, 2012 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING DECEMBER 19,2011 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor David Grant called to order the City Council Work Session meeting at 5:05 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant; Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes,Nick Tamble and Ed Werner. Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; City Planner Meagan Beekman; Parks & Recreation Manager Michelle Olson; and Deputy Clerk Rebecca Brazys. 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Grant requested Item 2G be discussed after Item 2B. The Council adopted the agenda as amended. 2. AGENDA ITEMS A. Floral Park Parking Discussion Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson explained that staff brought this item to the Parks Trails and Recreation Committee (PTRC) for discussion at their September 20, 2011, meeting. The PTRC made a motion to recommend to the City Council that the parking for Floral Park on Royal Lane and Floral Drive be changed from the south side to the north side (park frontage) of the road and to provide "no parking" for a reasonable pick-up/drop-off distance at the advisement of the Public Works Director/City Engineer. This recommendation was brought to the Council for consideration at the October 10, 2011, Regular Council Meeting. After discussion, Council tabled the item to the December Work Session for further review and additional information. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 19, 2011 2 Council requested staff to bring back the following information for review of parking restrictions at Floral Park: Accident History on Floral Drive and Royal Lane around Floral Park - Staff contacted Deputy Tony Waldo, Traffic Officer for the Ramsey County Sheriff, to inquire about the vehicle/pedestrian accident history around Floral Park on Floral Drive and Royal Lane. It was found that in the past ten years, there have been two accidents. However, these both occurred outside of the park frontage area. Ramsey County Sheriff review and traffic opinion - Deputy Tony Waldo also included in his email an opinion on the parking restrictions along Floral Drive and Royal Lane. Deputy Waldo's opinion is that the parking restrictions should remain as is with no changes. He stated that keeping the no parking on the north side of Floral Drive provides a clear sight line along the roadway and of the unfenced basketball court. He indicated that if cars were to park on the north side of the road, it would pose a safety issue with having kids running into the street between parked cars. Neighborhood Input - Staff mailed a letter to 55 residents in the Floral Park neighborhood asking them to contact staff with their input regarding the parking restrictions and proposed changes. Staff received a total of eight responses; five in favor of the proposed changes; one partially in favor; and two against. Staff also received one phone call in favor of the change and one call against the change. Additional comments received included the following: • There is no safe walking area along park and, therefore, pedestrians will be forced to walk in the road into traffic. • Pedestrians will walk between parked cars. • People will have difficulty exiting their vehicles on the passenger side due to the hill. • Parking only becomes an issue two days a week, two months a year and is manageable as is. Costs associated with changing the parking restrictions - Staff reviewed the recommendation and feel some additional changes will be needed to allow parking on the north side of the road. Parking on the north side causes passengers to exit their vehicles directly into a perennial garden and into a steep hill. Smaller vehicles will not be able to open their doors to exit on the passenger side. The estimated cost for the recommended changes total $20,410 with the largest expenses being for a retaining wall and a concrete sidewalk. Floral Park Parking - City in-house programs and leagues and the local association leagues utilize this park May through July, typically Monday through Thursday evenings. There is one available ball field. If two teams are playing on any given night, cars will need to park along the road due to the lack of a parking lot. If each team has twelve participants and each arrives in one car, it would mean 24 cars parking on that given night. Parking on those nights tends to stretch into the residential areas of Floral Drive and Royal Lane. The City park system has numerous fields without parking lots. This poses a challenge for scheduling and, in this case, is difficult to avoid. There are not enough ball fields in Arden Hills with parking lots to satisfy program/league needs. Therefore, this ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 19, 2011 3 field is regularly scheduled. The one letter received by the City did inquire about possibly adding a parking lot along the back of the tennis courts. However, this is a wooded area with wetland restrictions. The City owns the parcel on Royal Lane just across from the perennial garden, which could be a possibility for adding a small parking lot. However, this would be located along the curve which may have visibility issues with exiting and entering. In addition,this is a wooded area causing a high amount of tree removal. Councilmember Tamble commented that he believes this project would be too costly for the perceived benefit. Also, the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department recommended that the parking remain as is and only a few neighbors responded. Mayor Grant also commented that$20,000 is a lot to spend for little benefit. After some discussion,the Council consensus was not to proceed with this change. Councilmember Holden arrived at 5:15 p.m. B. Arden Plaza Redevelopment and Walgreen's Discussion City Planner Meagan Beekman explained that in August 2011, the City Council approved a redevelopment application for the Arden Plaza retail center and a final plat that subdivided the property into three parcels. At the time of the approval, CVS Pharmacy was proposing to develop Lot 1. The owners of Arden Plaza have since moved forward with filing the final plat and subdividing the property. In addition, CVS Pharmacy has withdrawn their proposal, and Arden Plaza has sold Lot 1 to Walgreen's who is now intending to develop in the same location. City Planner Beekman stated that Walgreen's has reviewed the approved development plan for the CVS Pharmacy and is largely comfortable with the approved layout and site configuration. At this time, Walgreen's would like to propose a few minor modifications to the approved layout, but would like to move forward with development as soon as possible. The owners of Arden Plaza have prepared the site for development, and are in the process of demolishing the existing office buildings. None of the other conditions that were placed on the development would be altered with these proposed changes. Arden Plaza will be required to complete all of the improvements that were part of the original plan, the gateway sign is still included, and the property owners will agree to waive their rights to a future appeal of assessments related to the implementation of the B-2 streetscape improvements. City Planner Beekman explained that Walgreen's has submitted a plan set that includes a narrative describing the differences between the approved CVS plan and their proposed plan. They have also submitted a site plan that shows the approved versus proposed plan as an overlay. City Planner Beekman stated that the proposed changes are minor and are improvements to the overall site plan. There are two primary modifications: • The building would be eight feet wider towards the west. This would eliminate one drive- thru lane,narrow the drive-thru overhang, and move the trash receptacles to the interior of the building. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 19, 2011 4 • Building materials are being improved. All EIFS is proposed to be eliminated, making the building 100 percent brick and glass, and the amount of transparent glass on the building is being increased. City Planner Beekman also explained that the proposed Walgreen's plan would maintain the approved signage plan, which CVS Pharmacy had indicated they would need to amend to allow additional signage. All other conditions of approval would be maintained by the proposed Walgreen's revisions. City Planner Beekman further stated that the previous Walgreen's plan the City reviewed in 2009 included a glass atrium that faced the corner of County Road E and Lexington Avenue, internal to the atrium was proposed a neon sign. The currently proposed plan eliminates this glass area, replacing it with brick. Walgreen's is proposing a W wall sign in this area which would be within the approved 99 square feet of wall signage, and would not be internally lit. City Planner Beekman explained that one of the conditions added to every land use approval is that the project must be constructed in accordance with the approved plans, and that any significant changes to these plans, as determined by the City Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission and City Council. This condition allows staff to approve minor modifications to plans, which are common during the construction process. While staff feels that the modifications proposed by Walgreen's are minor in nature, due to the visibility and interest in this particular project, staff is bringing these revisions to the Council for review. If the Council determines that the proposed plans constitute minor modifications to the approved plans, staff will proceed with drafting a development agreement that includes the minor modifications and bring this item to Council at the next available meeting. Staff has conferred with the City Attorney who concurs with this plan of action. City Planner Beekman stated that the alternative action would be for the Council to determine that the proposed changes are significant, which would require a Master and Final PUD Amendment. The application would then go back to the Planning Commission for review and a public hearing. Because of the Planning Commission's schedule, this item would not be able to move forward until February. Mayor Grant asked if the lot lines are the same as the CVS proposal and if Building 2 is proposed for the same location. City Planner Beekman stated the final plat had already been filed with the County so the lot lines had been drawn and did not change. She added that the utility, landscaping, and grading plans have not changed. Mayor Grant asked if the gateway sign is an agreement with Arden Plaza, LLC, or with Walgreen's. City Planner Beekman responded that it is an agreement with Arden Plaza, LLC, as part of the development agreement for Arden Plaza. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 19, 2011 5 Councilmember Holmes asked if the drawings presented reflect exactly how the building will appear. Allison Kern, representing Walgreen's, stated the architectural drawings are in true color. Councilmember Holden questioned if the Walgreen's building will be closer to Building 2. City Planner Beekman responded that the Walgreen's building is eight feet wider so it is that much closer,but the property lines and all the concrete curbing has not changed. Councilmember Tamble suggested the two retaining walls be joined in the northeast corner of the property. Ms. Kern reviewed the details of the building stating that there are three primary building materials; a dark red brick, a lighter color brick, and architectural cast stone as an accent on the top of the building. She added that the brick will be four to six inches deep. The 2009 PUD approved 99 square feet of wall signage which includes the two Walgreen's words and the two "W's". The south elevation clipped corner and window panes around the entrance door are vision glass; the rest are shaded a darker color. Based on concerns previously expressed by Council regarding the west elevation of the building, Walgreen's is proposing a variation of brick to add more interest. The architectural casting proposed is a masonry product that is meant to replicate stone and is used on a lot of the Walgreen's in the area. Councilmember Holden asked if the Walgreen's building is the same height as the CVS proposal. City Planner Beekman stated it is substantially the same height. Councilmember Holmes stated that she thinks the proposal as presented looks great and should be allowed to proceed. Councilmember Werner asked if Arden Pharmacy agreement with CVS is still in place with Walgreen's. Ms. Kern responded that she is not privy to that arrangement and does not believe an agreement had been finalized at the time Walgreen's acquired the property. She stated, however, that Walgreen's will work with Arden Pharmacy. Councilmember Tamble asked if the exact location of the monument sign in the northeast corner still needs to be finalized. He stated he wants to be sure that the placement of that sign would not conflict with other signs. Ms. Kern explained that the location in the 2009 PUD is where that sign will be placed. Mayor Grant stated that if the location of the sign changes significantly, he would like the Council to be made aware of such a change. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 19, 2011 6 Councilmember Holden expressed concern about how the drive-thru traffic would impact Building 2. Ms. Kern stated they plan to replicate the CVS landscape plan. City Planner Beekman added that one of the conditions of the original approval was the addition of six to nine spruce trees in the green space between Walgreen's and future Building 2. Councilmember Holden questioned the lighting planned for the west side of the Walgreen's building. She stated she is concerned about pedestrian safety crossing from Walgreen's to the adjacent property. She suggested that two more decorative lights be added to the west side of the building. Ms. Kern responded that the lighting shown on the drawings is decorative lamps. The utility lighting is not shown on the architectural elevation but would comply with code. She added that Walgreen's will seek the highest light level allowed by City code. Council consensus was that the modifications proposed by Walgreen's are minor. G. 2012 City Council Meetings Mayor Grant explained that he has noticed a tendency for Council meetings to become like work sessions. He encouraged Councilmembers not to interrupt or have "chain" conversations. Also, each Councilmember should wait to be recognized before speaking. He stated there has been some discussion about the Mayor calling for the question but he will continue to do so as he believes it is appropriate. Councilmember Holden commented that it's the Mayor's job to bring discussion to a close if no comments are being made. She also stated that it isn't necessary for the Mayor to poll each Councilmember. She suggested that if Councilmembers have questions for staff, they should contact staff prior to the meeting for answers, or to advise staff of those questions are so they can be prepared to answer. Councilmember Holmes commented that it is her understanding that questions of staff should be asked before a motion is made with discussion to follow the motion. Mayor Grant stated there should be a motion on the floor before the Council discusses an item. C. Municipal State Aid System Update Public Works Director Maurer explained that during a recent discussion of transportation issues, the Council asked for a list of projects for which Municipal State Aid (MSA) funds could be used as a funding source. He listed potential projects in the City's CIP that could use some or all MSA Construction Funds as follows: 1. Old Snelling Avenue reconstruction including the bridge replacement and a detached trail. 2. City cost share for the US 10/Hwy 96 project (some minor costs may not be MSA eligible). ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 19, 2011 7 3. County Road E (B-2) streetscaping (sidewalks, landscaping, street lighting are eligible; decorative fencing, benches etc. may not be funded with MSA Construction Funds). 4. Detached trails/sidewalks along Old Highway 10 and/or County Road E/Lake Johanna Blvd. 5. Mounds View High School detached trail from the bridge over I-35W to MVHS along Valentine Lake Road. 6. Noise walls along trunk highways. 7. Detached trails along Valentine Lake Road and Old Highway 10 associated with Valentine Park improvements. 8. Any City cost share associated with the County Road E Bridge over TH 51 replacement. 9. Any City cost share associated with the Ramsey County improvement on Lexington Avenue north of I-694. Public Works Director Maurer stated that an MSA status report as of December 6, 2011, for Arden Hills showed that the City started 2011 with $840,498.03. The City received a 2011 allocation of $228,050 and used $119,547.45 for the CP Rail project leaving a year-end total in the Construction Fund of$949,000.58. In approximately February 2012, the City will receive the next allotment estimated at$216,000 for a total Construction Fund balance of$1,165,000. Public Works Director Maurer explained that every year there is a minor negative adjustment to our allotment because we have a large balance relative to our annual allotment. The unencumbered balance in our account is subtracted from our needs total before our pro-rata needs amount is calculated. Each $1,000 of needs resulted in an annual allotment of$13.27 in 2011. So if$1,165,000 were deducted from our needs it would result in a reduction of our annual allotment of$15,459.55. Public Works Director Maurer stated that once a city reaches an unencumbered fund balance of three times their January construction allotment and $1,500,000, the negative adjustments become much more severe. Arden Hills is well above three times our annual allotment, but still below $1.5 million so,therefore, will not be hit by this negative adjustment in 2012. Public Works Director Maurer explained that the MSA system also has positive incentives built in for cities that use their MSA funds. The negative needs adjustment is redistributed to cities with less than one times their January construction allotment. Public Works Director Maurer further stated that the MSA system allows cities that have spent all their Construction Funds to ask for an interest-free advance from the General Construction Fund pool. Cities can ask for five times their annual construction allotment or $4,000,000, whichever is less. This would allow Arden Hills to apply for approximately a$1,000,000 interest- free advance should the City have MSA eligible projects and not enough funds. These advances are paid back automatically from future year's allotments. Public Works Director Maurer stated that the reclaiming of Old Snelling Avenue from County Road E to TH 51 is in the 2012 CIP and is a potential State Aid project. If the City Council wants this project undertaken in 2012, it is important that the Feasibility Study/Public Hearing process be started now. Since all the preliminary topography and geotechnical information from the December 2010 Scoping Document has been completed, the preparation of plans can wait. The ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 19, 2011 8 other option would be to wait until 2014 (after the grade separation project at US 10/Highway 96) and do the road and bridge at the same time. Councilmember Holden asked for an estimate of costs for each of the projects listed. Public Works Director Maurer stated that he estimates the Old Snelling project State Aid amount would be about $850,000. If they add a detached trail, that cost will be $350,000 which is also State Aid eligible. For the US 10 /Highway 96 project the best estimate he has at this time is $500,000. He explained that it will be a while before he has figures for the B-2 improvements and what will be eligible. Councilmember Holmes commented that the only two projects that are "shovel-ready" are items one and five and she suggested the City focus on those projects. She stated that it would be a good idea to get the Old Snelling project out of the way in 2012 or it may not get done until 2016. City Administrator Klaers commented that the Council could choose to do a lesser project on Old Snelling using reserve funds, but added that it is a significant value to refinish that roadway to MSA standards. Public Works Director Maurer stated if the City does a State Aid improvement on Old Snelling it will be built to a ten-ton design, which is the current standard. City Administrator Klaers further stated that for the Mounds View School trail to meet MSA standards, that trail has to be built behind the guardrail which adds to the cost. Regarding the County Road E bridge over TH 51, the local cost for pedestrian movement is shown for only one side but the City should consider this for both sides. Public Works Director Maurer commented that he and Joe Lux from Ramsey County have discussed this with MnDOT and they have decided to provide a ten-foot wide pedestrian path on the north side which they deem to be wide enough for two-way traffic and that's all they have included in their design. If the City wants pedestrian movement on both sides of the bridge, the City should expect to be asked to pay for the path on the south side. City Administrator Klaers stated there are a lot of eligible projects and the money will go fast so the Council has to decide where they want the money spent. Councilmember Holmes questioned if the City really needs to resurface Old Snelling to State Aid standards. Public Works Director Maurer responded that it would be a better road if built to MSA standards, but it is not a heavily traveled road. He stated if the Council does not want to spend State Aid funds on Old Snelling, he is fine with the City doing a reclamation with local funds at a cost of approximately$600,000. Councilmember Holden stated that she believes County Road E and the B2 zone are more important projects than Old Snelling. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 19, 2011 9 Councilmember Tamble commented that he thinks this is a good time to do Old Snelling, particularly when its use will increase due to other local highway projects being under construction over the next few years. Public Works Director Maurer stated that if the City wants to start on Old Snelling now, the determination whether or not to use State Aid funds for that project does not have to be made for quite a while. Councilmember Holmes asked if there are any other PMP projects scheduled for 2012. Public Works Director Maurer responded that the next PMP is for the Edgewater neighborhood in 2013. Council consensus was to direct staff to proceed with the Old Snelling feasibility study. D. Overnight Parking Ordinance Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that there had been questions from Council regarding the City's parking ordinance. She reviewed the current parking ordinance and stated that Subdivision 3 and Subdivision 4 are very difficult to enforce. She referred to Subdivision 2 which addresses overnight parking which protects the-City from cars being stored in the public streets. She stated Subdivision 8 allows waivers for on-street parking for special events with the issuance of a City permit. Councilmember Holmes commented that the parking waiver process is not well-known by our residents and should be posted on the City's website. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that in the zoning ordinance there is a prohibition against parking more than four vehicles in a residential driveway. She commented that if we allow overnight parking on the streets, we have essentially eliminated any limit to the number of cars parked outside homes. She explained that after the first of the year, staff will request a discussion of rental housing issues and ordinances at a Council Work Session. She stated that limiting the number of cars in the driveway is one of the few good tools the City has to enforce the number of occupants in a rental unit. She added that parking waivers are not issued for streets signed as no parking. Councilmember Holden asked if there are some streets in the City where parking on the street would create a safety concern. Public Works Director Maurer responded that there are some narrow City streets where parking on both sides would be a problem. Councilmember Tamble offered the following comments per section of the parking ordinance: o Subdivision 1. Wordy, but no other concerns. o Subdivision 2. Stated the 30 minute timeframe is too arbitrary and should be eliminated. o Subdivision 3. Should be eliminated. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 19, 2011 10 o Subdivision 4. Should be eliminated. o Subdivision 5.No comment. o Subdivision 6.No comment o Subdivision 7.No comment. o Subdivision 8.No comment. Councilmember Holmes stated that she thinks this change would be punishing the residents of Arden Hills in order to enforce the rental statutes related to parking. Residents will ask why the Council made this change and it appears the only reason is the rental issue. Community Development Director Hutmacher commented that not all excessive driveway parking is related to rental property. Mayor Grant stated that he agrees that the 30-minute timeframe in Subdivision 2 is "kind of silly." He also agreed that these changes are penalizing the homeowners to keep rental-related parking issues under control. But, he pointed out that he hears a lot of complaints from residents about the number of cars parked at rental property. Councilmember Holmes concurred with the Mayor's statement regarding the number of complaints about parking at rental property. She agreed that the 30-minute timeframe should be eliminated from Subdivision 2 and that Subdivisions 3 and 4 should be deleted. She recommended that there be more publicity regarding the overnight parking restrictions and the parking waiver process. City Administrator Klaers stated that staff will have the City Attorney review the proposed changes to the parking ordinance. Community Development Director Hutmacher added that staff will also consult with the City Attorney about adding the driveway parking restriction to the parking ordinance. Discussion ensued and Council consensus was to eliminate the 30-minute timeframe from Subdivision 2, delete Subdivision 3, and direct staff to consult with the City Attorney about limiting the number of cars parked in driveways. E. Gateway Signs Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that the Council and the Economic Development Commission (EDC) have been working on Gateway Signs for several years. The installation of gateway signs is a Council goal for 2012 and the estimated time to complete the goal is three years. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that at the April 18,2011, Work Session, the Council reviewed previous sign proposals and the majority of the Council supported a high- quality, masonry-base sign at a cost of up to $25,000. Councilmembers also supported the installation of four to eight signs over the next few years at the priority locations identified by the EDC as listed below: ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 19, 2011 11 • Highway 96 at Round Lake Boulevard • Highway 96 at Lexington Avenue • County Road E2 at I-35W • County Road E at Highway 51 • County Road E at Lexington Avenue (Arden Plaza) • County Road D at Cleveland Avenue • Lake Johanna Boulevard at the Roseville border (triangle parcel) • Lexington Avenue at the Roseville border Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that the CIP designates $65,000 for gateway sign installation in 2012 which assumes two signs at a cost of$25,000 each and a sign face at Arden Plaza for a cost of $15,000 (the developer has agreed to pay for the sign base.) Based on discussions with the EDC and Councilmembers, staff recommends that two of the three 2012 gateway signs be installed at: • the triangle parcel at the intersection of County Road D and Lake Johanna Boulevard, • Arden Plaza at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and County Road E Community Development Director Hutmacher asked Council the following: • What are the Council's preferred 2012 sign locations? • If the Council chooses to move forward with a sign on the triangle parcel in 2012, are any other improvements desired? Per the City's agreement with Presbyterian Homes, the site will be cleared and seeded. In the past the triangle parcel has been used for a farmer's stand. Does the Council want to see that use continue and, if so, should the site be improved with parking or additional landscaping? • Does the Council prefer a stone or brick base sign? • Does the Council want to direct staff to obtain estimates for sign work? Councilmember Holden commented that different bases for each sign should be considered depending on the sign location. Councilmember Tamble reviewed his preference for sign locations; the triangle property would be his first choice; the B-2 district on the east side of Lexington and County Road E is his second choice; his third choice is Lexington and Highway 96; his fourth choice would be at the west end of Highway 96 near I-35W; a fifth choice would be at the west end of the B2 district. He also suggested that a digital section for displaying City information be placed on the sign on the east side of County Road E and Lexington. City Administrator Klaers explained that staff would like the Council to confirm that the triangle parcel and Arden Plaza are the first two locations where they would like to see gateway signs. Councilmember Tamble questioned how much Walgreen's will pay for the sign on County Road E2. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that Arden Plaza, LLC, is doing the sign base estimated at$10,000. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 19, 2011 12 Mayor Grant asked if the Public Works crew could build the sign bases. Public Works Director Maurer responded that they could do the foundation but did not believe it would result in much of a cost savings. Mayor Grant questioned if the triangle parcel will be ready for sign placement in 2012. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that it should be ready; per the agreement, the property must be transferred to the City by July 1, 2012. She added that additional underground fuel tanks were found on the site and she will learn more about that once the environmental report has been completed within the next month. Councilmember Holmes commented that in addition to the gateway sign, she believes there should be other improvements on the triangle parcel; such as a community garden, benches, and landscaping. She suggested that perhaps the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee (PTRC) could come up with some suggestions. City Administrator Klaers asked if the Council wants to continue to allow the vegetable stand on that site in the spring and summer. Councilmember Tamble stated that if the Council decides to allow some type of commerce on the site,they should consider adding a pass-through for safer access. City Administrator Klaers suggested that staff review the site and report back to the Council with various ideas. Community Development Director Hutmacher asked if the Council wants to move forward with the two gateway signs on the triangle parcel and Arden Plaza. Mayor Grant suggested that the Council have a third alternative just in case problems are encountered with placing a sign on the triangle parcel. Councilmember Werner stated that he would recommend a sign be placed at Lexington and Highway 96 opposite the Shoreview sign. Councilmember Holden commented that the corner of Lexington and Highway 96 would have to be cleaned up before placing a sign there. Community Development Director Hutmacher asked the Council for direction on the type of materials they would like to see on the sign. Council consensus was that two gateway signs should be erected in 2012; one on the triangle parcel and one at Arden Plaza; that both signs should be finished with brick; and that Council discuss and identify other improvements for the triangle parcel. F. North Metro I-35W Corridor Coalition ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 19, 2011 13 Mayor Grant stated that he had received correspondence from the North Metro I-35W Corridor Coalition regarding a "Managed Lane" study of I-35W between downtown Minneapolis and Forest Lake. He explained that Arden Hills had previously been a member of this coalition but withdrew from the group due to policy decisions with which the City did not agree. He explained that the coalition has offered to allow Arden Hills to rejoin the coalition at a special fee of$1,000 for 2012. He asked the Councilmembers if they are interested. Council consensus was to not rejoin the North Metro I-35W Corridor Coalition. 3. COUNCIL COMMENTS & STAFF UPDATES Councilmember Holmes shared information that she had obtained at a recent meeting regarding a resource for cities to obtain ownership information on foreclosed homes. Councilmember Holden stated that she stopped by the Pace offices and spoke to their Human Resources Director regarding the improved appearance of their building and how much the Council appreciated Pace's efforts. She suggested that staff write a letter of appreciation to Pace. Mayor Grant asked Councilmembers to let him know their interests for liaison appointments for 2012. Mayor Grant requested a list of all City committee and commission meeting dates. i ADJOURN MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to adiourn. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council Work Session meeting at 8:00 p.m. Patrick Klaers David Grant City Administrator Mayor