Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-26-12-R WREN HILLS Approved: April 30, 2012 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS,MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 26,2012 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 7:05 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; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; and Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Holden requested discussion of the City's 501(c)3 be added to the agenda as Item 9B. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL Mayor Grant opened the Public Inquiries/Informational at 7:06 p.m. Greg Larson, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, explained he spoke several weeks ago regarding the conferences attended by Councilmember Holden and Councilmember Holmes which were paid for on the taxpayer's dime. He explained that now was not the time for the City to be spending frivolously due to the downturn in the economy. Mr. Larson stated his comments struck a nerve with the Council and clarified for the record that he never took a trip on the taxpayer's dime while serving the public. He noted he did take a public trip to a superfund site in Glenview, Illinois ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 26, 2012 2 funded by Ryan representatives. Minutes were provided for the discussions that took place at the superfund site. His trip did not impact the City's budget or finances in any way. Mr. Larson indicated the trips taken by Councilmember Holden and Councilmember Holmes were to Phoenix, Arizona with the entire expense being covered by the taxpayers, including a $100 fee for baggage. He felt the Council should have known better than to expend funds for this type of expense. Mayor Grant closed the Public Inquiries/Informational at 7:08 p.m. 3. STAFF COMMENTS A. Minnesota Waste Wise Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated Minnesota Waste Wise is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization affiliated with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. This organization contracts with Ramsey County to provide professional consultation on waste reduction and recycling at no cost to the business. Minnesota Waste Wise works to increase businesses financial and environmental sustainability. She provided Council with the contact information noting it was also available on the City's website. B. Ramsey County Residential Rehabilitation Loan Program Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the Ramsey County Residential Rehabilitation Loan Program provided home loans of up to $15,000 for low to moderate income homeowners in suburban Ramsey County. These loans can be used for basic and necessary improvements such as roof replacement, furnace replacements, new windows, improving accessibility for disabled, etc. She indicated the loans are forgiven after living 10 years in the home for low-income households. For moderate income households, the loans are repaid upon the sale of the home, when it is refinanced or transfers of title takes place. "These loans accrue no interest and require no monthly payments. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained the loans were a great option for homeowners on a fixed income to make necessary repairs. Loans are available on a first come, first serve basis. She noted there was currently not a waiting list and encouraged those interested to contact the Housing Resource Center in Shoreview, Minnesota for further information. Councilmember Holden asked if staff was aware of the household income minimums for this program. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated low income households would be 50% or less than the area median income. Moderate income households would be at 80% or less than the area median income, also depending on the size of the household. C. TCAAP/Stadium Update ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 26, 2012 3 Community Development Director Hutmacher commented the Star Tribune reported the majority of Minneapolis Councilmembers have indicated they would support the stadium proposal in Minneapolis. Last week, the Legislature did not discuss the stadium. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. February 13, 2012, Regular Meeting B. February 21, 2012, Council Work Session C. February 27, 2012, Council Work Session (5:15 p.m.) D. February 27, 2012, Regular Meeting E. February 27, 2012, Council Work Session (8:10 p.m.) MOTION: Councilmember Tamble moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the February 13, 2012 Regular Council Meeting; February 21, 2012 Work Session; February 27, 2012 Work Session (5:15 p.m.); February 27, 2012 Regular Council Meeting and February 27, 2012 Work Session (8:10 p.m.) Meeting minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 5. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Claims and Payroll B. Resolution 2012-008 — Supporting the Local Trail Connections Program Grant Application C. Planning Case#12-005 —Conditional Use Permit—Class II Homes Occupation D. Toro Workman Purchase E. Letter of Support for Ramsey County F. Resolution 2012-009—Appointing Jane Larson to Service on the PTRC for a Term Expiring December 31, 2013 MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 6. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS None. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. 8. NEW BUSINESS A. Old Snelling Feasibility Study ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 26, 2012 4 Public Works Director Maurer explained earlier this year the Council authorized the preparation of the Feasibility Study for the rehabilitation of Old Snelling Avenue from County Road E to TH 51. Staff discussed the feasibility study in further detail along with estimated project costs. Potential funding sources were reviewed noting Municipal State Aid dollars could be used for this project. He noted in December of 2011 the Council engaged Kimley Horn to prepare final plans for the reconstruction of the bridge at the south end of the corridor in an effort to secure State Bridge Bonding funds to assist in the replacement cost. These funds may not be available until 2013. Public Works Director Maurer indicated the rehabilitation of the street surface and the replacement of the bridge will both cause disruption to the motoring public. Staff recommended that both projects be completed during the same construction season. Since it is unclear when funding for the bridge replacement would be available, staff recommended the feasibility study be accepted and that the road rehabilitation remain in the CIP with the actual year not established until bridge replacement funds are secured. Mayor Grant requested further information on pedestrian walkways and trails for this corridor. Public Works Director Maurer stated the west side of the roadway would be the best location for trails and/or walkways and could be funded through State Aid dollars. Councilmember Holmes questioned what actions the City needed to take to receive the State Bridge Bonding funds. Public Works Director Maurer indicated plans need to be completed and approved by Mn/DOT and then funding can be requested. At this time there is no waiting list for Bridge Bonding funds. Councilmember Holmes asked if the reclamation process would create a proper roadway surface or if a complete reconstruction was necessary. Public Works Director Maurer stated the geotechnical testing showed that reclamation be adequate as the existing surfacing would be ground up and two layers of new bituminous surfacing would be added to the remaining material. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to accept the Old Snelling Feasibility Study, leave the project in the 5 year CIP with a year to be determined based on the bridge funding and other MnDOT and County construction projects and review its schedule annually when the overall CIP is considered. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). B. Hazelnut Park Irrigation Project Award Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated the 2012 CIP includes $26,000 for irrigation improvements at Hazelnut Park. At the joint PTRC/Council work session on February 21, 2012, the PTRC reviewed their recommendation for the addition of irrigation for both the soccer and softball fields at Hazelnut Park. The recommendations were discussed in detail. Staff has since worked with Minnesota Irrigation Distribution Center to assemble plans and specifications for the ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 26, 2012 5 irrigation system. The project scope includes watering both the ball field and the soccer field. Staff included one small segment of landscaping in front of the picnic shelter as an alternate to the bid. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson explained that four quotes were solicited for the irrigation installation at Hazelnut Park, with two submitting quotes. Please note the plumbing portion of the irrigation project would be completed by public works at a cost of no more than $5,000. The low bidder for the irrigation installation was Anderson Irrigation with a total project cost of$24,217.06. The City worked with Anderson Irrigation in 2010 where they successfully completed the Cummings Park irrigation project. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated staff budgeted $18,000 for the project with an additional $10,000 coming from a donation from the North Suburban Soccer Association (NSSA) for the irrigation project on both fields. The NSSA has a shortage of fields and mentioned they were looking to expand their playing and practice field capacity. Staff recommends the Council award the Hazelnut Park Irrigation installation to Anderson Irrigation, Inc. in the amount of $24,217.06, plus an additional amount of $5,000 for the City Public Works staff to install the plumbing for a total project cost of$29,217.06. Mayor Grant requested additional information on the bid alternate which would supply irrigation to the landscaped areas in the park near the picnic shelter. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson reviewed the location of the landscaping irrigation alternate with the Council stating the expense would be an additional $2,552.06. Councilmember Holden expressed concern with irrigating the elevated/hill area. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated this may not be necessary, but stated staff included it because Council wanted the landscaping included at Cummings Park in 2010. Councilmember Holden commented she was in favor of irrigating the soccer field, but struggled with irrigating the rest of the park. She noted the City was looking to upgrade Valentine Park and if this expense came in higher than budgeted, the City would not have the necessary funds to properly renovate Valentine Park. Councilmember Tamble indicated the difference between the soccer field and the ball field is the number of heads in the ball field. He understood that irrigation did improve the playing surface for soccer/ball fields however,his priority was Valentine Park. Mayor Grant asked what the expense would be to wait one year to irrigate the ball field. Public Works Director Maurer anticipated that the price would be higher than the estimated $11,000 as there would be mobilization and other expenses. Councilmember Holmes noted she was pleased with the condition of the fields at Cummings Park and felt the investment in the fields was minimal compared to the benefit that would be felt ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 26, 2012 6 by the community. She indicated soccer was becoming a popular sport and the NSSA was making a generous donation to assist with the expense of the project. Mayor Grant stated the City had a number of ball fields in mediocre condition. He valued the City's parks, amenities and facilities. He understood the importance of Valentine Park, but was in favor of the improvements. He felt the irrigation would be a great investment in the City's fields. In addition, the irrigated fields would be utilized more by the community. He stated NSSA was willing to make a large donation to assist with the expense of the irrigation. Paul Wickstrom, Field Coordinator for NSSA, stated he served six cities and two school districts for North Suburban Soccer. He stated irrigation made a night and day difference with the quality of the fields. Mr. Wickstrom indicated the difference seen at Cummings Park has been noticed by all. He valued his partnership with the City of Arden Hills and encouraged the Council to irrigate both fields. Councilmember Tamble asked if there would be heads along the third base line of the ball field. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated she could discuss this further with the Minnesota Irrigation Distribution Center to assure the field was covered properly. Councilmember Holden questioned what the maintenance expense would be for the City for the irrigation system. Public Works Director Maurer stated the lines would have to be blown out by City staff in the fall. He did not anticipate a great deal of expense and the public works department understood the maintenance that would be required if the irrigation were approved. Councilmember Werner supported irrigating both fields at Hazelnut Park. He felt it made sense to do both fields at one time and not forego the expense to a future year. MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to award the Hazelnut Park Irrigation project to Anderson Irrigation Inc. in the amount of$24,217.06, plus an additional $5,000 for the Public Works staff to install the plumbing for a total project cost of$29,217.06. Councilmember Holden stated the City would be over budget on this project if it proceeded. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson indicated the City would be over budget by $1,217, after receiving the donation from NSSA. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Water Meter Readers ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 26, 2012 7 Public Works Director Maurer stated the issue of replacing the water meter reader system has been under discussion for some time. At the January 17, 2012, work session the Council consensus was to have staff negotiate with Dakota Supply Group (DSG), the local representative for Badger equipment. Since January, staff has met several times with DSG to discuss the Badger Orion ME/SE product that allows both fixed network reading and drive-by reading of the water meters. Public Works Director Maurer explained that staff determined even with the 550 free meter heads with radio receivers, the overall cost to the City would be too high. The prices provided were substantially more than compared to Little Canada that competitively bid water meter reading replacement in mid-2011 with the Badger Galaxy fixed network system. After many discussions with representatives at DSG, a quote for a Badger Galaxy fixed network system was presented to the City. Public Works Director Maurer reviewed the main points of the proposal in detail noting the total cost of the project including equipment and installation would be approximately $396,800 for 2,500 water meters. Staff recommended the Council authorize the purchase of the Badger Galaxy water meter reader equipment from DSG, and to authorize the hiring of Midwest Testing LLC to install the individual water meter readers at a price of$41 per installation. He noted the City does have adequate reserves available to cover the expense of the water meters and staff has strong support from the Finance and Utility Billing Department for this system. Councilmember Holden questioned what would happen if a household could not be read remotely. Public Works Director Maurer commented that with proper installation and with the placement of two antennas the City was anticipating a 100% success rate. He also noted that the antennas should be installed first so as every individual unit is installed,the ability to read it can be tested. Councilmember Holden asked if the expenses included a dedicated computer for this system. . Public Works Director Maurer stated the expense did not include a separate computer system. Councilmember Holmes inquired why this recommendation was not followed through with last year. Public Works Director Maurer indicated a year later, and after much discussion with neighboring communities, he was making this recommendation at a lower expense to the City. Mayor Grant thanked staff for working diligently on this issue and for making an educated recommendation to Council. He was pleased with the outcome. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to authorize the purchase of the Badger Galaxy fixed-network water meter reader equipment from DSG based on the quote dated February 29, 2012, and to authorize the hiring of Midwest Testing LLC to install the individual water meter readers at a price of$41 per installation. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 26, 2012 8 Councilmember Tamble supported the purchase and thanked staff for completing the necessary research and making an educated recommendation to the Council. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). B. City of Arden Hills—501(c)3 Councilmember Holden stated back in October the Council discussed creating a 501(c)3 to allow for donations to park benches and other park amenities. She questioned if Mayor Grant and Councilmember Holmes had pursued the matter. Mayor Grant indicated in January he discussed this matter with Councilmember Holmes. At that time Councilmember Holmes was going to investigate a local booster club with this designation. Councilmember Holmes stated Mounds View no longer allows individual booster clubs to be 501(c)3's. For this reason, further investigation would be needed. She recommended the Council speak with the City Attorney regarding the subject. Mayor Grant asked if the Council would approve the professional expenses needed for the City Attorney. Councilmember Holden was in favor of proceeding. There Council directed staff to speak with City Attorney Filla about establishing a 501(c)3 for the City. 10. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Mayor Grant commented there were two students in attendance from Hennepin County Technical College this evening. The two gentlemen were introduced to the Council noting they were working on an audio project for school. Councilmember Holmes mentioned on March 22°d the City had a meeting with Mn/DOT. Ken Bernard discussed road closures for this season and the effects it would have on the City of Arden Hills. She reviewed the proposed road closures in detail noting the information was available on the City's website. Councilmember Werner noted there were several openings on the Economic Development Commission. The next meeting was on April 4th. He encouraged those interested to contact City Hall for further information. Councilmember Holden announced Boy Scout Troop #419 was the only troop within the City of Arden Hills and were hosting a free electronic recycling day. She reviewed the items that would be accepted noting it would serve as a fundraiser for the troop. The recycling event would take place on Saturday, April 14th at Trinity Lutheran Church. She questioned if the Council would allow this information to be posted on the City's website. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 26, 2012 9 Mayor Grant suggested the information be posted on CTV as well, as this would provide better visibility. He recommended the website committee discuss this policy issue and what material should and should not be posted on the City's website. Councilmember Holden stated the joint PTRC meeting brought up the parking issue near Bethel University when there are home football games. She recommended that County Road E2 be marked no parking along one side of the street to allow pedestrians and bicyclists to pass through this area safely. Public Works Director Maurer explained the City could work with the County on this issue to have signs posted. Mayor Grant indicated he lives on Chatham and this area was dangerous. He was in favor of having signs posted Councilmember Holmes recommended the signs be posted "No Parking" on the west side of the roadway. The Council directed staff to work with the County to post"No Parking" signs on the west side of County Road E2 from the Bridge to McCracken, after discussing the issue with Bethel University. Councilmember Holden provided further comment on the conference she attended in Phoenix, Arizona. She stated she was in meetings all day long, gathering information for the City. She did not feel there was a conflict of interest. Councilmember Holden encouraged the residents to continue to donate trees. Councilmember Tamble stated the City's website was being redesigned through CivicPlus. He indicated he would continue to keep the Council updated on its progress. Mayor Grant commented on the conference attended by Councilmember Holmes and Councilmember Holden. He indicated the experience provided a great deal of education to both Councilmembers to increase their service to the community. Mayor Grant stated the 2012 Annual Meeting of the Metro Cities would be held on Thursday, April 26tn Mayor Grant noted the MPCA sent a letter describing an initiative to clean up local lakes and rivers. He explained he also received an annual report from Bethel University. Both of these items were provided to staff for informational purposes. Mayor Grant thanked Councilmember Holmes for addressing the road closures. He stated the outcome of the roadwork would benefit the residents in the long-run. He encouraged the residents to be patient with the process. City Administrator Klaers indicated the meeting scheduled for April 9th may be cancelled. Staff would keep the Council posted. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 26, 2012 10 ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Tamble moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:36 p.m. Patrick Klaers jGrant City Administrator Mayor