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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-21-12-WS lt ,-AR`EN HILLS Approved: March 26, 2012 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING FEBRUARY 21, 2012 5:00 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor David Grant called to order the City Council Work Session meeting at 5:00 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant, Council Members Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, Nick Tamble, and Ed Werner Absent: None. Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Director of Finance and Administrative Services Susan Iverson; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson; City Planner Meagan Beekman; and Steve Bubul, Kennedy& Graven 1. ADOPT AGENDA Councilmember Holmes requested Item 3 be discussed prior to Item 2D. City Administrator Klaers requested the addition of two discussion items. He would like to provide the Council with an update on the Salvation Army concept. Staff also had an update on the Holiday Inn proposal. Councilmember Holden asked that the Council discuss Todd Hill. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Salvation Army Concept City Administrator Klaers commented that the Council had a concept review for the Salvation Army last week. Staff emailed the Council regarding this issue and indicated the Salvation Army ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 21, 2012 2 was responding to the feedback received by the Council last Monday. Options were being investigated at this time and a public informational meeting may be scheduled in the future. City Planner Beekman indicated she received a phone call on February 14th from the Salvation Army asking what the next step would be for their proposal. She encouraged them to speak with their neighbors regarding the plan. If the Council had no interest, staff could pass this information along to the Salvation Army. Councilmember Holmes stated it may be premature to meet with the neighbors until the Council has considered approving the zoning code amendment. She explained the potential facility for the Salvation Army should also be discussed further so people understand what is proposed. Councilmember Werner questioned if the non-profit status of the Salvation Army would change the property taxes on the warehouse. He questioned the revenues that were gained by the City in the past. Mayor Grant stated this was the case as the property would go from taxable to non-taxable. City Planner Beekman explained the site generated $9,300 a year in property taxes from the site for the City of Arden Hills. Councilmember Holden requested further information on the entire amount of taxes paid for the property. She was also interested in touring the Salvation Army facility in Minneapolis. City Planner Beekman questioned how the Council would like staff to proceed with this issue. Councilmember Holmes indicated the zoning code amendment issue would need to be further discussed by the Council before the public meeting was held. Councilmember Tamble agreed with this suggestion. He explained there was a lot of information for the Council to consider. He was also interested in touring the Minneapolis facility. He requested further information on the benefits to the host City for this facility. Mayor Grant was fine with reviewing the issue further, but stated he was not in favor of making a zoning code amendment. City Planner Beekman asked what other information the Council needed on the issue. Mayor Grant suggested the Council forward questions and thoughts to staff regarding this issue. The item could be brought back to a future work session for further discussion. Holiday Inn Proposal City Planner Beekman stated staff met today with representatives to discuss the Holiday Inn project. Staffs recommendation will be to deny the application. Mayor Grant questioned why staff was recommending denial of the request. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 21, 2012 3 City Planner Beekman indicated the proposal calls for 153 single room occupancy units, which are distinct from dwelling units. These units would not have kitchens. Arden Hills City Code would not allow these types of units without a code amendment. She reviewed neighboring city codes and at this time, no cities allow these types of units. City Planner Beekman explained Northwestern College previously leased this building and they operated it as student housing. However, Mr. Davidson is proposing a privately owned apartment, which is very different. For this reason, staff is recommending the proposal be denied. The Sheriff had concerns with the proposal as well. City Administrator Klaers noted staff wanted to inform the Council on the issue and supported Mr. Davidson in reusing the site. However,the proposal did not meet City Code at this time. 2. AGENDA ITEMS A. Economic Development Authority Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson presented the City Council with a background memo discussing Arden Hills' EDA. She summarized the highlights within her memo noting that the EDA was created in 1996. The goals and strategies of the EDA were also discussed. She explained further each TIF District within the City of Arden Hills. Steve Bubul, Kennedy & Graven, discussed the role and limits of an EDA. He indicated an EDA was created through a resolution with membership including at least two City Councilmembers and up to seven total members. The City of Arden Hills EDA consists entirely of its City Councilmembers. He stated the EDA focuses on economic development within the community. Mr. Bubul explained that the EDA is a separate governing body from the City Council. Cities can operate without an EDA. However, an EDA can handle TIF Districts and economic development issues for the City. He discussed how redevelopment districts could be managed by the EDA. It was noted that EDA issues could be handled in a separate meeting, with a separate agenda and funding. Councilmember Holden questioned if the EDA could complete the functions of an HRA as well. Mr. Bubul stated this was the case as EDA's have a broad range of powers in comparison to an I-IRA. HRA's deal more closely with blight and affordable housing. Councilmember Holden commented the Holiday Inn property was in great need of redevelopment. She questioned how the EDA could work to redevelop this property. Mr. Bubul explained funds could be used to assist with demolition of the Holiday Inn, or grants could be applied for to assist a developer with redevelopment. He discussed how the EDA could have its own separate levy and funds available for economic development issues in the City. City Administrator Klaers asked if the City would have any complications if the EDA were dissolved. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 21, 2012 4 Mr. Bubul stated he would have to investigate further the EDA's outstanding DEED (Department of Employment and Economic Development) grants and finances before understanding this fully. Councilmember Holden indicated that in her opinion the EDA should not be dissolved. She felt the EDA offered the City another tool working towards redevelopment in the City. Mayor Grant agreed stating the EDA could serve to be a valuable tool, especially with the community aging and the potential development of TCAAP. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson questioned if the EDA could own property. Mr. Bubul commented that under the development district statute, the City did have the authority to acquire property. Councilmember Holmes asked if the EDA was a duplicate service. Mr. Bubul stated the City had the ability to complete economic redevelopment without an EDA; however, some partnerships and grants could only be obtained with an EDA in place. He encouraged the Council to review the EDA bylaws to assure that the rules were being followed. Councilmember Holmes questioned how much money the EDA had available. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated the revolving loan fund had $150,000 available for loans. She reviewed the funds available in the TIF Districts as well. In total the EDA had $1.7 million available for EDA improvements. Councilmember Holden asked if the Cottage Villa funds could be used to assist the townhome association in exterior improvements. Mr. Bubul stated this could be looked into further. Councilmember Werner questioned the benefits of revolving loans. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson explained the City could offer loans at a lower interest rate than banks. Mayor Grant asked if the loans were secured. Mr. Bubul stated that in most cases the City did have a way to assure the loans were secured. City Administrator Klaers indicated in these economic times, loans from the City could assist businesses unable to receive loans from banks. He stated he was in favor of keeping the EDA intact to assist with redevelopment of properties such as the Holiday Inn and Carroll's Furniture in the B2 district. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 21,2012 5 Councilmember Holden asked if EDA funds could be loaned or granted to the Arden Square Building to assist with fagade improvements. Mr. Bubul stated this could be done to assist with painting and other exterior improvements for businesses in the community. Mayor Grant thanked staff and Mr. Bubul for the information provided this evening and for the discussion held by the Council. He recommended the bylaws be reviewed and that the EDA meet at least annually from this point forward. B. Public Inquiries/Information Mayor Grant stated that at the last work session, the Council discussed the Public Inquiries/Informational item on the agenda. He understood the value of communication with the public but did not want to hold public hearings at each Council meeting, for each item the public wishes to discuss. He suggested action items on the Council agendas be allowed for public comment,both for and against. Mayor Grant stated that all the other discussion items that receive public comments should be for no longer than three minutes. This would allow the public to address the Council with concerns while not monopolizing the meetings. He was in favor of establishing ground rules and that the Council remains consistent. He reviewed information received from LMC stating some cities allow for comments only on non-agenda items, while other cities take all comments. The LMC does recommend time limits for public comments. Mayor Grant then requested the Council discuss the issue further and come to an agreement on how to deal with public comments/inquiries. Councilmember Holmes stated she did not feel the public would appreciate there being a difference between issues the Council has and has not studied. She agreed with the three minute time limit as that provided a fair playing field for all public comments. Councilmember Tamble felt there was not enough public testimony to further regulate this issue. He indicated issues will arise from time to time when the public would have emotional testimony to offer to the Council. He stated sticking to the three minute time limit would be beneficial. Councilmember Holden was in favor of reducing the public inquiries time limit to two minutes. She felt the public offered a great deal of history to the Council through their comments. Councilmember Holmes commented she was in favor of allowing the public to speak. Mayor Grant suggested the Council address this again further at a future meeting. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 21, 2012 6 C. Parks Trails &Recreation Committee Goals and Work Plan The following PTRC Committee members were present at the meeting: PTRC Chair Cindy Garretson, John Peck, Phil Kramlinger, Steve Scott, Harold Petersen, Nancy O'Malley, Chuck Michaelson, and Rich Straumann. Also in attendance, PTRC candidate Jane Larson. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson indicated the PTRC members were present this evening to hold a joint meeting to discuss goals, and work plans for 2012. The Committee put together a presentation for the Council to review. PTRC Chair Cindy Garretson thanked the Council for their time this evening and reviewed the committee's purpose and mission. Committee Member O'Malley reviewed the Committee's ongoing/as needed goals. She noted the PTRC was hoping to further interact and gain input from the public; and was hoping to host a booth at"Celebrating Arden Hills." Councilmember Holden stated the park and recreation trails plan was almost 15 years old. She questioned if revisions were planned and if priorities had changed. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated the plan was a 20 year plan and the PTRC had updated that vision in 2009 within the Comprehensive Plan (2030). Mayor Grant asked what vision the PTRC had at this time, and how the PTRC was taking action from that vision. Committee Member O'Malley indicated much of the PTRC's vision was taken from the priority trail segments. The vision was also outlined in the goals. Committee Member Michelson explained much of this was dependent on the funds available to complete the trail segments and park improvements. Committee Member Peck stated the first PTRC 2012 goal is to research, review, and recommend approval of the following projects: bench implementation and placement program, trail maintenance plan, and Hazelnut irrigation plan. He stated the residents have provided positive feedback on the benches. The trail maintenance plan was a carryover item from 2011. Staff has created a draft plan which will be reviewed and forwarded to the Council in 2012. Committee Member Peck explained the PTRC recommends irrigating both the soccer and baseball fields at Hazelnut Park. The City has ownership of the parcel at this time. These fields would greatly benefit from routine watering due to the intense use of the fields. He indicated the PTRC was pleased with the results of the 2010 irrigation at Cummings Park. Councilmember Holden questioned if the PTRC considered planting more trees in the City's parks. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 21, 2012 7 PTRC Chair Garretson indicated the park trees are evaluated on a yearly basis when a walk through is completed. Recommendations are made after the walk through. Committee Member Peck explained the North Suburban Soccer Association made an $8,000 donation to the City to assist with the irrigation of the ball fields at Hazelnut Park. Committee Member Kramlinger commented another goal of the PTRC was to review the need for trail signage throughout the City and make a recommendation to the Council. The CIP included $3,000 for park amenities. The PTRC is recommending that this amount be used for trail signage. He discussed the proposed sign in further detail. Councilmember Holden asked if new signs would have to be printed after the completion of each new trail segment. Committee Member Kramlinger stated this was the case, but that each sign reprint was roughly $20. He anticipated that the City would be divided into sections and that not all signs would have to be reprinted with a new segment,but only a portion. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson asked if the Council was in favor of the PTRC proceeding with the trail signs. Mayor Grant indicated he supported the trail signs at the proposed budget. Councilmember Holden cautioned the PTRC from erecting too many signs and creating confusion. Committee Member Kramlinger questioned if the Council wanted input on the sign placement throughout the City. Mayor Grant felt this could be completed by the PTRC and passed along to the Council once determined. Committee Member Kramlinger commented the PTRC would continue to research and recommend park amenity improvements through the continued allotment of funds in the CIP. He stated the PTRC would like the opportunity to recommend park improvements on a yearly basis. Committee Member Michaelson stated the PTRC was reviewing the need for a contained off- leash dog area. The pros and cons of such an area are being considered. He indicated Shoreview has three hockey rinks available for off-leash dog areas May through November. He questioned if the Council was interested in the PTRC pursuing this item further. Councilmember Tamble explained this was an interesting idea as there was a huge attraction to the dog park off of County Road J and Lexington Avenue. Mayor Grant stated a large open area would work well for a dog park, although he also saw the advantages of using an existing hockey rink. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 21, 2012 8 Councilmember Holden requested the liability issues be investigated further to assure the City would not be at risk. Mayor Grant questioned if the City owned property near Brueberry. He stated he was not in favor of the City purchasing land for a dog park, but wished to use an existing open space. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated the City does own land near Brueberry,but the site would need to be improved. Councilmember Holden suggested the PTRC investigate grants for the dog park as well. Committee Member Straumann indicated the PTRC was hoping to continue developing trails. One of the most significant proposed trail segments is along Snelling Avenue/Old Highway 10. He reviewed the location of this proposed segment further. This roadway has heavy traffic and bicycle use and a trail segment would greatly increase safety in this area. The PTRC understood funding for this segment was needed and grants could be sought. Councilmember Holden stated the pedestrian traffic near Perry Park along New Brighton Road was also a safety concern. She suggested the PTRC investigate a trail improvement in this area of the City. PTRC Chair Garretson explained the traffic along County Road E was greater, which led the PTRC to prioritize this segment first. However,both could be looked into further. Councilmember Holmes commented the Old Highway 10 underpass near Bethel was adjacent to their athletic field. She recommended the PTRC review the placement of parked cars in this area during athletic events, as it made it difficult for pedestrian traffic to pass safely. Committee Member Straumann indicated all the trails and parks in Arden Hills were now available on the Ramsey County website goramsey.com. He updated the Council on the Active Living Ramsey County Committee. He reported this group was funded for the next two years and encouraged walking and biking to work. Further discussion ensued regarding upcoming trail construction planned in Arden Hills by Ramsey County. The PTRC was concerned with a trail segment to Mounds View High School and this could perhaps be completed jointly with New Brighton. Councilmember Holmes asked if the PTRC would be discussing the Presbyterian Homes park land. Councilmember Holden recalled this was to be discussed by the neighboring properties. PTRC Chair Garretson questioned what other ways the PTRC could be involved in the City. Councilmember Holmes suggested the PTRC be involved in the Celebrating Arden Hills event. Mayor Grant indicated PTRC members could be involved in the planning of this event as it took place in the City in a park, but this was not mandated. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 21, 2012 9 PTRC Chair Garretson thanked the Council for their time and for the discussion held between the two groups this evening. Todd Hill Update Councilmember Holden asked how much longer the City would be retaining Todd Hill's services. She indicated he has not been scheduling individual meetings with legislators but the City has still been paying him. City Administrator Klaers indicated staff considered adjusting the contract, but wanted to wait until the redistricting was complete. Mr. Hill was still speaking to representatives regarding the Arden Hills site. Even if TCAAP was not used for the stadium, future development was being discussed. Councilmember Werner recommended the contract be changed to billable hours. He was pleased with the lobbying efforts Mr. Hill has completed on behalf of the City. City Administrator Klaers stated he would investigate this further. Mayor Grant questioned if the Council should renegotiate Mr. Hill's contract. He noted he would support a reduction in services or that the contract be changed to billable hours. Councilmember Holmes stated she was uncertain what Mr. Hill was completing on the City's behalf at this time. City Administrator Klaers noted Mr. Hill was acting as a lobbyist on behalf of the City of Arden Hills, promoting the TCAAP site. However, since the Minneapolis site was being discussed more heavily, it had been more difficult for Mr. Hill to schedule legislative meetings to discuss TCAAP. He would like to see Mr. Hill continue to assist the City in some capacity, with funding for clean up efforts for the TCAAP site even after the stadium issues are resolved. He recommended the City renegotiate Mr. Hill's contract, due to the change in the State's focus for the stadium. Councilmember Holden, Councilmember Holmes and Councilmember Werner agreed. 3. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Councilmember Holden questioned if the City had any building permits over a year old. She indicated 13 permits were over two years old. Councilmember Holden noted that Edina recently assessed 100% of their street assessments to their residents. Councilmember Holden indicated that the representatives of the White Earth Indians wanted to meet with her and the Mayor. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 21, 2012 10 Councilmember Holmes requested that any meeting with the White Earth Indians be held with the entire Council. She indicated the residents have made it clear they do not want a casino on the TCAAP site. Councilmember Holden was interested in pursuing a City-wide tree planting effort. Mayor Grant suggested a proposal be brought to the Council with pricing before anything formal was considered. Mayor Grant noted that the permits report was discussed between himself and the City Administrator. He encouraged staff to include more complete comparison data and information in future packets. City Administrator Klaers reminded the Council the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department contract with the City expires at the end of 2012. He did not think that the Council wanted to make any changes, but wanted to make them aware of the renewal timetable and process. D. Technology Training Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson explained Staff has arranged for technology training on the new Council tablets. She explained the tablets would be used to assist the City in going paperless for future meeting packets. Lauren Lee and Kelli Nori, of T-Mobil, stated that they were present this evening to further explain how the tablets functioned and to assist the Councilmembers with creating their email accounts. Councilmember Holmes questioned if the tablets could be connected to a Wi-Fi hot spot. Ms. Lee and Ms. Nori stated this was possible and they would demonstrate how to complete this task. They then walked the Council through the tablet settings and functions while fielding the Council's questions and concerns. ADJOURN Mayor,Grant adjourned the City Council Work Session meeting at 9:00 p.m. David Grant Patrick Klaers Mayor City Administrator