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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-16-12-WS lt ,-A1VEN HILLS Approved: May 14, 2012 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING_ APRIL 16,2012 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 5:03 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, Finance Analyst Kyle Howard, City Attorney Jerry Filla, Public Works Director Terry Maurer, Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher, and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson. 1. ADOPT AGENDA Couneilmember Holden requested that a discussion of the B2 Zone be added to the agenda as Item 2I. It was the consensus of the Council to accept the agenda as amended. 2. AGENDA ITEMS A. TIF White Paper City Administrator Klaers presented the City Council with information on the TIF white paper. He provided some background material to the Council and stated this was an FPAC work plan issue that began two years ago. The result of the work of staff and the FPAC was the TIF white paper. The Economic Development Commission reviewed the white paper and a joint meeting between the EDC and FPAC was held as well. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 16, 2012 2 City Administrator Klaers further discussed past subsidy documentation and TIF districts. He recommended Ehlers be selected to assist the City with this project if further information or matrixes were needed. He stated that the existing business subsidy policy is very comprehensive. He requested the Council review the white paper document and provide direction to staff. Councilmember Holden noted that she worked with FPAC on this project. She supported the work being done and the development of TIF guidelines. Jim Osmund, FPAC, understood the value of TIF but knew the City had to prioritize the use of available dollars. He indicated most cities don't have TIF capacity restrictions. He requested the Council provide direction on the plan and if the plan would be supported or if modifications were needed. Councilmember Holden commented the report recommendation shows that the City is at its maximum TIF level, however, if a great opportunity was presented to the City, TIF could be considered. Councilmember Holmes questioned if the spending guidelines within the white paper needed further refinement. She stated at one time, FPAC had a number in mind and this was written into the TIF documents as a guideline. Councilmember Holden indicated the problem with the 5% level is that the City is already at that maximum. Arlene Mitchell, FPAC, suggested the Council consider if they had use for such a tool. As councilmembers continue to change throughout the year, such a worksheet could assist the Council with capturing the City's past TIF experiences. Councilmember Holden was in favor of utilizing the white paper. Mayor Grant questioned how the Council would address two or three TIF projects that came before the City, if each met the qualifications. Councilmember Holden stated the Council would have to consider each project separately and how each would benefit the City economically in the long run. Ms. Mitchell stated the worksheets would assist the Council with pointing out the benefits, or shortfalls of potential TIF projects. Mayor Grant indicated he also saw this as a useful tool, so long as "X" percentage was a guideline and not a set policy. Councilmember Holmes agreed it would be helpful to have a history of TIF projects in the City to consider when reviewing new projects. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 16, 2012 3 Councilmember Tamble stated because he has not been a part of any TIF projects in the past,the history would provide him with valuable information. He questioned who would be engaging in the white paper. Mr. Osmund stated staff would be creating or drafting this material. Councilmember Holmes indicated staff recommended working with Ehlers to create a matrix or formula to rank factors based on Council priorities for TIF applications. She felt that the City had some very specific goals and recommended the Council proceed with these ranking factors and that the documents be reviewed by Ehlers after the fact. Councilmember Holden asked if Ehlers had completed this type of work in the past. She recommended Ehlers be contacted and that the City use the information they already have versus recreating this information at a staff level. City Administrator Klaers was uncertain as to what data Ehlers has available without further work. He indicated a proposal from Ehlers could be requested. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained Ehlers has been involved in evaluating specific proposals in the past. Mayor Grant agreed with Councilmember Holden's recommendation and that Ehlers be contacted to assist the City with this work. Councilmember Holmes stated that Sue Iverson would also need to work on the project to establish a plausible TIF percentage guideline for the Council to consider. Councilmember Werner asked why the City has not used more TIF in the past. Councilmember Holden stated developers had to pay as they went and the City did not want to be in debt. Councilmember Tamble saw the benefit of using Ehlers through this review process, while also keeping the FPAC in the loop. Mayor Grant thanked FPAC for attending this evening and for providing their comments to the Council. B. Traffic on Lexington Avenue City Administrator Klaers presented the City Council with concerns as to the traffic levels along Lexington Avenue. He noted staff has received emails from the public, calls and walk in comments regarding this issue. This has gotten worse with the closing of Snelling Avenue. Jack Serien, Ramsey County Sheriffs Office, commented the traffic officers have seen an increase on Rice Street, Hodgson Road, and Lexington Avenue. Some residential streets were even seeing a rise in traffic levels. He indicated Lexington Avenue has seen an influx of traffic ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 16, 2012 4 and the County was working with local businesses to keep traffic flowing. He spoke with the County about the timing of the lights and was assured they were working efficiently at this time. Inspector Serien explained accidents along Lexington Avenue were on the rise due to the large number of traffic back-ups. These accidents were working to be cleared as quickly and efficiently as possible. The Sheriff's Office would continue to monitor this situation. Councilmember Holden asked if it was legal to sit in the middle of the intersection during a red light. Inspector Serien stated enforcement at intersections would slow traffic even further. Councilmember Holmes questioned if traffic cops could be used during rush hour to keep traffic moving. Inspector Serien explained this was not a common practice and that a traffic study would be needed. He stated the problem could be exacerbated if a traffic cop were added given the current timing of the lights. There were further complications with adding a traffic cop and resources may not be available to add officers on overtime. Mayor Grant indicated the previous Sheriff, Bob Fletcher, recommended the City hire a traffic deputy to assist the City through this road construction gridlock. He commented that the City has paid for this additional position and asked if it would help. Inspector Serien stated he could not speak to the recommendations of Bob Fletcher. He stated the Sheriff's Office saw these traffic problems coming and have attended several meetings to discuss the issues. Councilmember Holmes questioned how the City should address the traffic concerns. Mayor Grant stated the number of increased accidents was requiring additional attention from the Officers. Inspector Serien was not here to recommend how the City take action. He commented the expense of an additional traffic officer would be high to the City. Councilmember Holden indicated she was receiving calls from business owners on the west side of Lexington Avenue stating it takes 45 minutes to get onto Lexington Avenue. She questioned how the City would be able to rent out the additional office space if this was the case for the next two years. She explained the City needed some relief. Inspector Serien commented that rude driving habits were on the rise and added greatly to the gridlock stress. He noted private property access to Lexington Avenue were tough issues because if the County were to assist with one property, it would have to assist others. Councilmember Tamble asked if the problem was isolated or if traffic could be redirected to 35E. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 16, 2012 5 Inspector Serien indicated this could be messaged to the public on the reader boards, but traffic would find new patterns to work around the gridlocked areas. :Public Works Director Maurer stated MnDOT has told the City that with a major road closure in one week, one-third of the traffic follows the detour, one-third would find a new route and one- third goes away (i.e. changes when they commute to work). This would mean the traffic along Lexington Avenue would remain until the end of September. He questioned if the County had considered adjusting the turn signals. He noted the left turn signals were causing the most concern at this time. Inspector Serien explained the County has been reviewing the traffic patterns and understands the high levels will remain through the end of September. He indicated left turn lane closures have not been considered. Councilmember Holden asked if staff had any further information on the traffic study from the potential development in Shoreview. Public Works Director Maurer did not have any information available. Mayor Grant understood that Shoreview was working with Ramsey County on this issue. Councilmember Holden requested Tony Bennett and other County representatives be present at the April 30t' Council meeting to discuss the traffic concerns along Lexington Avenue. Mayor Grant agreed suggesting Public Works Director Maurer have a presentation for the public regarding the planned roadway improvements. City Administrator Klaers suggested MnDOT be invited to the meeting to discuss the issue. Inspector Serien understood the Council's frustrations and stated the Sheriffs Office would continue to work with the City to address the safety concerns along this corridor. He appreciated the Council's time this evening and for the input provided on this issue. C. Townhome Association Drainage Discussion Jane Larson, 4370 Arden View Court, stated she was the president of the Townhouse Villages Townhome Association. She commented she was representing the south association this evening. Public Works Director Maurer provided background information on the townhome association drainage concerns for the Council. He indicated on July 16, 2011, there was a large rain storm event in Arden Hills. After this storm, the City Council hired Bolton & Menk to analyze the existing drainage system in the Townhouse Villages to determine the capacity of the system and if there were improvements that could be undertaken to increase the capacity providing more protection to the area. Public Works Director Maurer explained the findings from Bolton & Menk (BMI) were discussed by the Council in October of 2011. It was noted that BMI's finding was that a 10 year ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 16, 2012 6 storm could be handled by the existing storm sewer with no surcharging. The 100 year storm would surcharge and flood low areas but not endanger any property. These findings were presented to the townhome association by staff in November of 2011. The association was present this evening to discuss implementing one of the scenarios discussed in the Bolton&Menk report and how the improvements would be financed. Public Works Director Maurer then reviewed the six scenarios in detail with the Council. Ms. Larson stated the past flooding ran into the townhomes, garages and totaled out six vehicles. Public Works Director Maurer stated that the homeowners association was not in favor of Option 5. The association would like to proceed with Option 6, which provided for a long-term solution for the entire townhome association. Bridge Shields, 4365 Arden View Court, commented that the City has seen several 100 year storms in the past few years. These storms have caused thousands of dollars in damage to the homeowners in the Townhouse Villages. She requested the City assist the townhome association before their property values decline further. She did not feel her association should bear the entire burden or expense of the much needed storm sewer improvements. Ms. Shields disagreed that the townhome association had more impervious surfaces than a single family residential neighborhood. She commented that townhome owners paid more for storm sewer than single family homeowners. Councilmember Holden understood that townhome associations paid a little bit more for storm sewer. However single family homeowners paid more for street improvements than townhome owners. Councilmember Tamble questioned how surface water credits were offered. Public Works Director Maurer explained that townhomes pay a bit more for storm sewer due to the higher density and impervious surfaces. Townhomes were generally irrigated as well. He indicated the townhome association was seeking assistance based on the additional funds paid into the City for storm water utility. Mayor Grant asked if the improvements were assessable and if Option 5 or Option 6 would solve the current flooding problems. Public Works Director Maurer stated Option 5 was assessable but would only help a portion of the southern association. He commented the problem would not be solved until an emergency overflow was graded into the property. However, the flooding that occurred in 2011 would be less likely. Option 6 would be assessable to the entire area that flows through the pipe, but may be difficult to assess to the northern townhome area. Mayor Grant questioned what the City would be buying if the improvements occurred. Public Works Director Maurer explained he would not recommend a storm sewer improvement in this area, as he believed the storm sewer pipe system is correctly designed. However, the ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 16, 2012 7 association was requesting a storm sewer improvement to overdesign the pipe system due to the fact grading completed in the 1970's did not allow for emergency overflow. He indicated Option 5 would address the flooding concerns for a small portion of the southern portion of the development while Option 6 would address the entire development. Ms. Larson described how the water was currently draining through the association and noted with each flood the property damage was increasing. Councilmember Holden understood the concerns of the townhome association. She was in favor of the City assisting, but not covering 100% of the expense. Public Works Director Maurer discussed Options 5 and 6 in further detail. These were the only two recommendations from Bolton& Menk that would measurably address the flooding concerns. He indicated the townhome association did not need the issue to be resolved in 2012. However, if the Council were to provide comments and select a direction to proceed, this would allow the association to prepare for potential assessments in 2013. Ms. Larson stated the association was looking for a long-term sustainable solution to stop any further property damage from occurring to the townhomes. She stated that the association has already paid a lot in storm water fees to the City. Public Works Director Maurer stated staff could further review the plans and provide the association with estimates on what assessments would be on 100% of the expense, 50% of the expense and 25% of the expense for the storm sewer improvements. Councilmember Holden questioned if the Council was in favor of funding a portion of the storm sewer improvement expense. Councilmember Tamble was in favor of assisting with a portion of the expense. Councilmember Holmes commented several residents addressed the Council in the past with drainage concerns and the Council did not provide assistance to these residents. Councilmember Holden asked if the entire association could be assessed or if it would only be the southern portion. Mayor Grant stated a full assessment would be approximately $300 if both the north and south associations were assessed. Ms. Larson indicated both the north and south associations would benefit from the improvements. She noted there was an area in the north that flooded last year. She stated that the association did not support an assessment for this project. Mayor Grant was in favor of a 50150 split on the improvement expenses. He requested staff provide the Council with a total cost for the proposed improvements, both construction and engineering. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 16, 2012 8 Councilmember Holden explained she may not support a 50150 split but was in favor with providing some assistance. Councilmember Holmes commented that the storm sewer improvements would benefit the properties and an assessment would be justified. She was not in favor of the City paying any more than 50% of the expense. -- - -Councilmember Werner was unclear of the benefits of the proposed improvements. He recommended the City only cover 25% of the expense. Ms. Shields requested the City take action and assist the association in finding a remedy for this problem. She explained that her association was paying more for storm sewer than single family homes. She indicated she fought this issue 17 years ago and understood the system was unfair. Councilmember Holmes encouraged the association to not place the entire burden on the City. Mayor Grant directed staff to provide the Council with further information on this issue at an upcoming work session. D. Lake Johanna Surface Use Regulations Parks and Recreation Manager Olson presented the City Council with information on the Lake Johanna surface use regulations. She indicated the July 2011 storm caused the elevation of Lake Johanna to rise significantly causing concerns from residents. The lake association requested the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department close the boat landing and issue a "No Wake Zone" until further notice. There was some confusion regarding who has the authority to close the boat landing and procedures on creating a "No Wake Zone." Staff has been working with Ramsey County to research who has the authority to close the boat launch and create a no wake zone. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that in speaking with the DNR, it was discovered that the DNR is the entity with the authority to close a boat launch; however, boat launches are rarely closed as this does not solve the shoreline erosion problem. The DNR suggested the City work on creating a temporary "No Wake Zone" versus closing the boat launch. Kim Elverum from the DNR has been assisting City staff to determine what changes would need to occur to the current ordinance in order to give the Council authority to declare a temporary "No Wake Zone." Staff further discussed the two options in detail with the Council. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson explained Option 1 would allow the Council to amend the surface water regulations within the City Code and would require public hearings, DNR approval and assurance that Ramsey County could assist the City in enforcing the "No Wake Zone." Option 2 would be for the Council to leave the regulations as is and only react in emergency situations. Staff recommended proceeding with Option 2. Councilmember Holmes requested further information on the current problem on Lake Johanna. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that when the lake level rises, the lake association has concerns with shoreline erosion. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 16, 2012 9 Councilmember Holden questioned how the lake association was proposing to solve the problem. City Administrator Klaers explained the lake association suggested the boat launch be closed to eliminate high speed boats on the lake. Mayor Grant inquired how many times the lake has reached the high water mark. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson commented this occurred once in 2006 and once in 2011. She reported the water level was gauged by the DNR on a quarterly basis. It was noted the water level at this time was at a proper level, but the lake association was still requesting the "No Wake Zone"request be considered in case the lake were to rise again. Councilmember Holden understood the need for a "No Wake Zone" in emergency situations. She did not feel the current situation warranted an ordinance or City Code change. She did not want to see the lake closed off to the community by closing the boat launch. Mayor Grant agreed stating the two spikes in the water level receded within two or three weeks. He was not in favor of an ordinance change. He recommended the Council only declare an emergency "No Wake Zone" if the situation arose in the future. He recommended staff decide on a high water level that the No Wake Zone would go in effect and bring back that number to be agreed upon by the Council. Councilmember Tamble agreed with this recommendation. Councilmember Holden questioned how many homeowners were within the lake association and if the City should react to this issue if only one member of the community had a concern. City Administrator Klaers recommended the Council proceed with Option 2 stating a public hearing could be held to make all of the homeowners aware of the Council's direction on this issue. Councilmember Holmes supported Option 2 stating this would provide the Council with an option in an emergency situation. The Council directed staff to investigate the issue further and to plan for a public hearing this summer. E. Celebrating Arden Hills Councilmember Tamble noted he was working as a liaison for the Celebrating Arden Hills event. He questioned if there were any sponsor restrictions for the event, what the Council liaison's requirements were, and requested further information on volunteers. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson noted she has met with Kim Tamble and she has agreed to chair a Celebrating Arden Hills Committee, while other volunteers are being sought. She noted the committee would meet again on April 23rd. The goal would be to get the group together to ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 16, 2012 10 begin brainstorming new ideas for the event. She stated this group would remain together to create a foundation for the celebration for years to come. Councilmember Holden asked if the event would be the same as last year. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson indicated the event would take place at Tony Schmidt Park, have fireworks and have the same feel. However, the committee was full of energy and has -- some fresh ideas for the event. A family-fun run was being discussed with the Vulcans. Councilmember Tamble questioned if the Council supported having political organizations purchase a booth. Mayor Grant did not object to this and stated there were a number of religious organizations that purchased booths as well. He didn't feel the City could pick and choose its vendors. Councilmember Holmes encouraged staff to make the Council liaison aware of all future meetings. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson noted she would do this for all future meetings, as she was hoping to establish the group first. She stated the next meeting would be held on Monday, April 23rd, at 6:00 p.m. City Administrator Klaers questioned if the Council would support political booths at the event as this was a presidential election year. The Council was supportive. Councilmember Holden suggested the political booths be separated and that the candidates remain at their booth. Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that as this was a public park and with - freedom of speech requirements, the Council may not be able to restrict political speech to the designated booths. F. Rental Housing Enforcement Community Development Director Hutmacher presented the City Council with information on the City's rental housing enforcement. She indicated this was a challenging topic and staff was seeking direction to address problem rental properties. The City Council designated, "Minimize complaints regarding single-family rental properties" as a high-priority goal in 2011. Staff has since been working on action items related to this goal. Community Development Director Hutmacher commented the first action item was to maximize participation in the 2011 rental program. The City has 84 properties enrolled in the rental registration program which is up from 58 in 2010. The second action item was to educate the community on the rental registration program. Information regarding the rental registration program was provided to Bethel University and Northwestern College. An article describing the program was published in the City newsletter as well. Lastly, the City was working with Ramsey ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 16, 2012 11 County on enforcement issues. The Sheriff's Department was working with staff to enforce the limit on driveway parking to four vehicles. Community Development Director Hutmacher was pleased with the progress made in the rental registration program. Improved processes allow staff to track and address habitual violators of the driveway parking ordinance, without penalizing households who unknowingly violate the ordinance, due to family gatherings or for other events. Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated staff s next steps were to research legal constraints and opportunities for enforcement, in addition to researching rental registration and licensing programs in other cities. Staff has been focusing efforts on excessive occupancy, unregistered rental homes and rental licensing programs and requirements. Further comments were provided regarding excessive occupancy and inspections. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated if the City is able to prove excessive occupancy through written statements, the City may issue a citation to the landlord. The City Attorney may also prepare a formal complaint. In cases where the City is able to prove excessive occupancy through written statements from neighbors and occupants, it may be most straightforward to hold a Council hearing to revoke the rental registration and request a court order to prevent the landlord from renting the property. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained the rental registration program was developed in 2009. The purpose of the program is to track rental properties and provide information about rental ordinances. She indicated the overall number of rental complaints had been reduced. She stated a review of code enforcement tracking reports over the last six months has shown that most violations are resolved after one inspection and notification to the property owner. Many violations occur at owner-occupied properties. Staff believes that enhanced tracking, education, and cooperation with Ramsey County have been successful. Councilmember Holden questioned if the rental registration information was public information. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated this information was available to the public. Councilmember Tamble indicated the concerns with rental properties were typically with the renters and not the property owners. He encouraged staff to continue to seek additional registrations from the rental properties in the City. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that staff has been working with the County to determine the properties that are non-homesteaded within Arden Hills. She discussed the properties exempted from the program and estimated the City had another 80 rental properties in need of registration. Councilmember Holden stated she has seen a decrease in the number of complaints she receives regarding rental properties. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 16, 2012 12 Councilmember Holmes thought a great deal of the problem was with the run down condition of rentals. She was pleased the City was working with the County to enforce parking issues. Community Development Director Hutmacher requested direction from the Council on how to proceed. Councilmember Holden was pleased with the program as is. Mayor Grant agreed stating he did not have further direction. He thanked staff for her diligence in creating and administering this program. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained she would continue on the current course for the rental registration program. She requested the Council bring further comments or questions to staff if concerns arise. G. Update on Tobacco Ordinance City Administrator Klaers presented the City Council with an update on the Tobacco Ordinance. He stated notices and the draft amended ordinance were sent to all tobacco license holders. This issue would come before the Council on May 14th. He indicated the new ordinance was in compliance with State law and would not prohibit sampling of tobacco, which would affect one establishment in the City. Councilmember Holmes stated it would be helpful to review a revised or redlined tobacco ordinance. City Administrator Klaers noted he would forward this information to Councilmember Holmes. H. Update on 5 01 C3 City Attorney Filla presented the City Council with information on creating a 501(c)3 or foundation. He explained the creation of a foundation would provide a way for residents to contribute to the City. Councilmember Holden indicated contributions could be used for Celebrating Arden Hills, bike racks,trees and other park amenities. Mayor Grant understood the foundation could not be operated by the City. Councilmember Tamble questioned the amount of time it would take to get the 501(c)3 established. City Attorney Filla estimated this work and the documents could be completed by the end of the month. The documents would then have to be filed with the State. All contributions made to the foundation would be tax deductible. Councilmember Holmes asked if donations made to the City were already tax deductible. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 16, 2012 13 City Attorney Filla stated this was the case, but the creation of a foundation would allow residents to designate how funds were to be used. He explained the establishment of a foundation has proven successful for other communities and could assist with fundraising efforts. Mayor Grant directed staff to draft the necessary documentation to create a City foundation. He stated he was in favor of partnering with the United Way. I. B2 Zonina District Councilmember Holden asked if the B2 Corridor Advisory Committee was addressing the phasing of the district or the artistic direction of streetscape improvements. She suggested residents be utilized for the artistic direction. She requested further information from staff. Community Development Director Hutmacher commented the B2 business owners would be paying for streetscape items (light posts, planters, etc.). The Council would make the ultimate decision on the B2 district, but the business owners' opinions were valued. Councilmember Holden questioned how the program would be phased in. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the plan would be to reconstruct the entire corridor at one time. City Administrator Klaers noted the City was in the planning phase at this time. He explained the timing of the reconstruction phase would hinge greatly on the bridge replacement. Transportation issues would need to be addressed by the City and the B2 Committee. He explained the consultants would be making reports to the committee for consideration of future transportation and streetscape plans. Councilmember Holden indicated she would be in favor of placing several residents on the B2 Committee given the recent issues. City Administrator Klaers stated that the first committee meeting was very positive and clarified that the Council would make the final determinations on the direction of improvement in the B2 zoning district. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained the B2 Committee was assembled to provide guidance on the B2 district improvements for the Council and to assist in communication with property owners and tenants. Councilmember Holden expressed concern with the direction previously taken by the TCAAP Subcommittee and the City expenditures recommended by the group. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated at last week's CAC meeting, four levels of streetscapes were discussed and input was provided on the general direction the City would like to move in. Input from the business owners was desirable as they would be making an investment in the streetscape through assessments. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 16, 2012 14 Councilmember Holmes suggested the committee address access issues and boulevards. She felt staff was discussing the issues out of order. City Administrator Klaers explained the B2 reconstruction was an engineering and traffic issue first, with the streetscape issues addressed second. He noted the presentation made at the last meeting was just a preliminary discussion. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the agenda of the first committee meeting could be her fault. She wanted to bring forward the potential direction of the corridor and how it will assist with economic development. She understood the traffic and engineering issues along this corridor would also have to be addressed. Councilmember Holmes questioned if a light at the TCF building could be addressed with the County. Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated the City does not meet the County warrants at this time for a light. She noted the reuse of the hotel building into apartments should be considered. 3. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Councilmember Holden stated Northwest Youth and Family Services was holding its Leadership Luncheon on Wednesday, May 2"a. She recommended this notice be forwarded on to all committee members. Councilmember Holden requested Public Works Director Maurer speak with the County to see if Shoreview completed a traffic study for the new development. Councilmember Holden suggested the loose manholes throughout the City be addressed. Councilmember Tamble stated he met with Dave Cmiel and Lyle Salmela last week to discuss Round Lake. Apparently, the Department of Fish and Wildlife Services was close to having their study complete. An informational meeting would be held in the next month. Councilmember Holmes asked if the Council was in favor of having a Deputy direct traffic along Lexington Avenue. Councilmember Tamble explained that direction at one intersection could backup traffic in other areas. Councilmember Holden indicated the Deputy could alleviate some of the traffic around County Road E. Councilmember Holmes questioned what other options the City had to address the traffic concerns along Lexington Avenue for the summer. She did not feel that being patient on this issue was offering the public enough. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 16, 2012 15 Mayor Grant was in favor of letting Ramsey County address this issue. He was looking forward to discussing the matter further at the April 30th Council meeting. Mayor Grant asked where the City was with addressing the parking concerns near Bethel and the ball fields. City Administrator Klaers stated Parks and Recreation Manager Olson was working on this issue with Bethel. Mayor Grant commented Target was being renovated and would be increasing the size of the produce area. Mayor Grant inquired what the status was of the library property. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated Bethel was in the planning process at this time and would be coming back to the Council with a plan on how to use the property. Mayor Grant noted he was still receiving calls and emails regarding the Salvation Army proposal. He questioned the status of this issue. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated it was her understanding that the Salvation Army was pursuing another site. Mayor Grant requested further information on the triangle parcel and if the soil was contaminated. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that additional samples were taken and the results were unknown at this time. She commented no grants were requested to date. The soil cleanup would depend on the results of the soil tests. Community Development Director Hutmacher provided an update to the Council regarding the TCF property. It was been determined the existing buildings were not damaged with the collapse. The collapsed area needed a fence around it. The cleanup would begin next week. She stated the building official has required a structural review by a licensed structural engineer for the existing trusses. The cause of the collapse continues to be investigated. She explained TCF would need a building permit to rebuild the structure. Mayor Grant indicated he heard Trader Joe's was going into the new development in Shoreview. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated a small grocery store was included into the original plan. City Administrator Klaers stated Miriam Ward was interviewed for the Northwest Youth and Family Services volunteer position. He indicated the Board would be taking action on this shortly. The Council would appoint Miriam on April 30tn ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 16, 2012 16 City Administrator Klaers noted the City was down to two finalists for the Deputy Clerk position. Both were being tested and the results would be back on April 24t". Both applicants would be interviewed again and a recommendation would come before the City on April 30t" City Administrator Klaers commented that the Mayor's Opinion newspaper article was sent to the Pioneer Press and would be printed this week. ADJOURN Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council Work Session meeting at 8:33 p.m. Susan David Grant Acting City Administrator Mayor