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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-25-12-R lt EN HILLS Approved: July 30, 2012 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS,MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DUNE 25,2012 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 7:02 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 Sue Iverson; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; City Planner Meagan Beekman; City Attorney Jerry Filla; Finance Analyst Kyle Howard; Accounting Analyst Ashley Bertrand; Accounting Clerk Pang Silseth; and Deputy City Clerk Amy Died PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Tamble requested Item 5C be removed from the consent agenda. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Tamble seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended removing Item 5C from the Consent Agenda. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIESANFORMATIONAL A. Financial Award Presentation Mr. Ron Hedberg from MnGFOA (Minnesota Government Finance Officers Association) presented staff with three awards. The first award is the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 2010, the second is the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for 2010, and the third award is the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for 2011. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 25, 2012 2 Mr. Hedberg announced that these programs have been in existence for a number of years and represent the highest level of top-quality budget and financial reporting documents available to the public and financial reporting industry. To earn these certificates, the City of Arden Hills must conform to demanding criteria and only those reports judged by all reviewers to have met the program's criteria receive recognition. This is not the first time the City has received these awards. In fact, it is the third consecutive year for the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and the fifth consecutive year for the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting and Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting awards. Mr. Hedberg indicated that such a record is a reflection of a high degree of dedication and leadership by Mayor and City Council and of the Director of Finance and Administrative Services Sue Iverson and the Finance Department staff. All deserve recognition for receiving these awards. In Minnesota, 96 other Cities have received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, 20 have received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and only three others have received the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting. Mayor Grant thanked Mr. Hedberg for his presentation and recognized the Director of Finance and Administrative Services Sue Iverson and her staff for the high quality work they do for the City. B. 2011 Audit Presentation Mr. Aaron Nielson of Malloy, Montague, Kamowski, Radosevich, & Co., P.A. (MMKR) presented the 2011 Audit Report. He stated the City's 2011 Financial Statements have been completed and submitted to the State Auditor and the Government Finance Officers Association, and the auditors have issued an unqualified ("clean") opinion on the City's financial statements ending December 31, 2011. The City has completed the report in the form prescribed by the GFOA for their Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. In order to qualify for this, the report has to be published in an easily readable and efficiently organized Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) that satisfies both accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and applicable legal requirements. Due to strict audit standards, many Cities experience findings. Only one material weakness has been cited for the City of Arden Hills, and that is in regard to limited "Segregation of Duties" which is not uncommon for organizations the size of Arden Hills. Councilmember Holmes questioned the PowerPoint slide containing information on tax capacity rates. She asked if it means that our City taxes are really low. Mr. Nielson replied that there are a lot of factors that go into it, but the City average tax rate is below the average. The City receives less revenue per capita than other Cities in the same population class and those are the numbers that are being compared. Councilmember Holmes inquired if she was looking at the chart correctly. The average person in Arden Hills paid $305 to the City in property taxes per month in 2011 and the average person in other Cities paid$50 to $80 more. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 25, 2012 3 Mr. Nielson confirmed that is a correct statement. Discussion continued regarding the 2011 Audit and Mayor Grant thanked Mr. Nielson for his presentation. 3. STAFF COMMENTS A. Transportation Update Public Works Director Maurer reported that one lane of the Lexington Avenue Bridge heading southbound is closed this week for finishing work that needs to be completed on the bridge. However, the contractor is still on schedule and is expected to have both lanes of the Lexington Avenue Bridge open to regular traffic by the end of June. There is still a little work left to do, which will result in one overnight closing (expected in early July) to remove the falsework and to pave part of Lexington Avenue to tie everything together. They are waiting on a signal cabinet, which has not arrived yet. Depending on when the cabinet arrives, it could be the first or second week of July before the new signal is operational. MnDOT is trying to coordinate the overnight closure so they can set the bridge beams on the Hamline to Snelling Bridge over west 1-694 to minimize the inconvenience to those traveling along those routes. Public Works Director Maurer stated that there is no change to the 1-694 work. Westbound, there was some adjustment to the travel lanes just west of Victoria as the westbound bridge over Island Lake Channel was built. Later in the summer, the opposite will happen when the eastbound portion of the bridge is built, but none of this construction is affecting travel within the City. Public Works Director Maurer indicated that beginning in late July or in early August, the intersection of County Road F and Hamline will be closed to allow contractors to reconfigure the geometries there. It will become more of a conventional "T" intersection, there will no longer be a median, and it will be signalized. Public Works Director Maurer reported that there have been some phone calls regarding the four-way stops put on Highway 96 at 35W. MnDOT has been monitoring those and believes the intersections are working better with them than without them because of the removal of the Highway 10 bridges to the north. It is MnDOT's intent to leave the four-way stops up until October or November, or until the ramps on Highway 10 have been put up again. Public Works Director Maurer confirmed with Ramsey County that the right-turn lanes at County Road E westbound and Old Highway 10 have been restriped. Unfortunately, they were restriped in their regular configuration, which was a mistake by the contractor. The paint needs to be removed, but the intent is to make it a permanent installation with the right turn lane for County Road E as it approaches Old Highway 10. In addition, the right turn lane on Cleveland Avenue at County Road E2 will also be permanent. The County will have a contractor do that paint work and it should be done in July. Councilmember Holden asked if anything has been heard regarding a no right turn on red at the Target exit. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 25, 2012 4 Public Works Director Maurer stated that he emailed Mr. Joe Lux at Ramsey County. The County rejected the initial request for no right turn on red because it would affect the amount of "green" light they would have to give to Red Fox Road, thus taking away "green" time from Lexington Avenue. Public Works Director Maurer left a voicemail with Mr. Lux inquiring about restricting no turn on red during PM peak traffic, which would be approximately two or three hours, but has not heard back from him yet. Councilmember Holden inquired if we got a copy of the Shoreview development project traffic study from the County. Public Works Director Maurer indicated that the County has an old study from a previous project. He has been told that they have no authority to require a traffic study for development off of a County road. However, there is talk of redevelopment on the County road and if that happens,there will be a traffic analysis done and the County will share the results with us. Councilmember Holden stated that there is a substantial amount of cars parking on County Road E2 by the Arden Ridge Commercial area off of 35W and County Road E2 because the people who work over there are having a difficult time getting out of their parking lot so they are parking on the street instead. Public Works Director Maurer said that he is not aware of the issue. He will look into the problem and will talk to County staff. Councilmember Holmes stated that she continues to hear about parking issues on Lake Johanna Boulevard. Public Works Director Maurer indicated that he has not received many calls lately. People have put up orange cones by their mailboxes, and it seems that people have been respectful of the parking situation. There were a couple of days when people did not get their mail because cars were parked in front of the mailboxes, but the situation has been monitored. Councilmember Holmes received a letter from a resident who stated that there is parking available in the lot but employees are not parking in the parking lot; they are parking on the street. She asked about temporary no parking signs. Public Works Director Maurer stated there is no parking for most of the area adjacent to Presbyterian Homes on the west side of Lake Johanna Boulevard. We could mandate no parking and force people to use the parking lot. Mayor Grant asked staff to call the Sheriff and enforce no-parking in that area; in particular, in front of the hydrant. It is a safety issue. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. May 14, 2012 Special City Council Work Session ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 25, 2012 5 B. May 14, 2012 Regular City Council C. May 21, 2012 City Council Work Session MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to approve the May 14, 2012, Special Council Work Session, the May 14, 2012 Regular City Council, and May 21, 2012, Work Session Meeting minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 5. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item- Claims and Payroll B. Motion to Accept 2011 Financial Statements and Audit Reports G. Motion to Approve Emerald Ash Baref Managefnei4 Plan App D. Motion to Adopt Trail Maintenance Guidelines E. Motion to Award Fahner Asphalt Sealers of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the 2012 Trail Maintenance and Arden Oaks Drive Street Patching in the Total Amount of $35,333.26 F. Motion to Approve Planning Case 12-010 — CSM Site Plan Review at 4923 Lexington Avenue S G. Motion to Adopt Resolution 2012-020, Calling for a Public Hearing on July 30, 2012, for the Recovery of Costs Related to Animal Control Regulation Costs at 1415 Glenhill Road MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Tamble seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as amended and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 6. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS A. Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan Approval Public Works Director Maurer presented the Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan that was originally discussed at the May 21 Work Session. Michelle Olson is the author of the memo and it outlines staff s understanding of the changes or clarifications that were discussed at that meeting. Councilmember Tamble offered a suggestion in wording content found in number five of the memo. The memo states, "If EAB is discovered in a resident's tree, the City would mark it for removal and give 30 days. However, if the tree had not declined significantly, the resident may request to be given the opportunity to treat the tree versus removal." He does not see a need to mark it and remove it in 30 days if we are giving the option to treat and not remove. Perhaps the City can send notice to the resident/business and request documentation or find out what their plans are. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 25, 2012 6 Public Works Director Maurer clarified that what Councilmember Tamble is asking for is to have the City notify the resident/business of the tree that was discovered/identified and give them 30 days to remove it and/or prove that they are going to begin some sort of treatment regimen. Councilmember Tamble confirmed that is how he would like the language to read. Public Works Director Maurer stated that the necessary changes will be made and he will plan to bring it back to the July 9, 2012, City Council meeting. MOTION: Councilmember Tamble moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to table Item 6A, Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan Approval to the July 9, 2012 City Council Meeting. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. 8. NEW BUSINESS A. Presentation and Approval of the 2011 Performance Measurement Report as Recommended by the Council on Local Results and Innovation Finance Analyst Howard presented the Council with information regarding the Council on Local Results and Innovation which was created to set benchmarks for City operations, and the performance measures are largely based on community survey questions. Using SurveyMonkey, the City created a 12-question community survey. The survey was posted to the City's website, it was advertised at a Council meeting, on the local access channel, and in the newsletter. Councilmember Holmes questioned how many responses were received. Finance Analyst Howard indicated that 12 people completed the survey. Councilmember Holmes believes we should not even go through the survey results since only 12 people responded. Mayor Grant agreed that 12 responses is not a good response-rate. Discussion ensued and Council decided that they did not want to proceed with this program. MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to deny adoption of Resolution 2012-021, a Resolution Declaring the Results of the 2011 Performance Measures as Recommended by the Council on Local Results and Innovation. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Councilmember Holmes explained that this was not a statistically valid survey and the lack of response is not a good measurement. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 25, 2012 7 B. Adopt Performance Measures as Recommended by the Council on Local Results and Innovation for 2012 MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to deny adoption of Resolution 2012-022, a Resolution Adopting the 2012 Performance Measures as Recommended by the Council on Local Results and Innovation. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). C. Planning Case 12-011 and/or Moratorium on Multi-Family Housing City Planner Beekman explained that at the May 14, 2012 City Council meeting, the Council directed staff to review the regulations for multi-family dwelling units in the City's zoning code. As part of that process, staff is recommending one of two options. City Planner Beekman stated that the first option is a City-wide moratorium. This moratorium would not exceed one year, and it would prohibit the development of new multi-family dwelling units in the City. It would not apply to existing or previously approved multi-family dwellings. City Planner Beekman indicated that the second option is a zoning code amendment to remove multi-family dwelling units as a permitted use in the B-2 District. An amendment to the zoning code would allow time to review design standards for the B-2 District. It would allow Bolton & Menk time to complete the B-2 District Phase I Implementation Plan and identify traffic management solutions for the County Road E corridor. It would also allow staff time to review appropriate land uses in the B-2 District based on Bolton & Menk's report. The zoning code amendment would be a permanent revision unless changed by the Council at a later date. City Planner Beekman reported that the Planning Commission, at their June 6, 2012 meeting, unanimously recommended denial of Planning Case 12-011, which is in regard to the zoning code amendment. In light of that recommendation, staff prepared the one-year moratorium language for the Council's consideration and has begun working on the multi-family dwelling regulations study. Councilmember Werner questioned the options in this situation. City Planner Beekman answered that the options are to take no action, table either motion, or deny either motion. Councilmember Tamble expressed confusion in the protocol and where the idea of a moratorium came from. Councilmember Holden stated that Council directed staff during a previous meeting to look at the multi-family dwelling standards. City Planner Beekman responded that it is common practice when staff is conducting a zoning study to pass a moratorium to allow time for staff to complete the study. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 25, 2012 8 Councilmember Holden confirmed that when Walgreen's was going in on the corner, a moratorium was put in place to give the City time to discuss the vision for the area. This is not the first time the City has put a moratorium into effect. Mayor Grant agreed that a moratorium is not unprecedented. Councilmember Werner indicated that there are a lot of loose ends on the old Holiday Inn project. He thought if the proposal was denied, it would go back to the Planning Commission so the developer could address concerns and answer questions. Councilmember Holden responded that once a proposal is denied, it is done and there is nothing left to discuss. Councilmember Werner acknowledged that once a proposal is denied, the applicant would have to submit a new proposal. Councilmember Tamble stated that he is uncomfortable because there is unfinished business regarding this property and now we are considering a moratorium. Councilmember Holmes noted that the problem is that the City does not have any rules established. She is concerned because we do not currently have written standards, and in order to provide guidance, we need to have standards. Discussion ensued. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve Ordinance 2012-006 to Remove Multi-Family Dwelling Units as a Permitted Use in the B-2 Zoning District. The motion did not prevail (0-5). MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve Ordinance 2012-005 to Place a Moratorium on the Development of New Multi-Family Dwelling Units in the City of Arden Hills for the Period of One Year. Mayor Grant invited Rob Davidson of TAT Properties to address the Council as an informational item; not to exceed three minutes. Rob Davidson, TAT Properties, expressed his feelings that his project had not been given a fair hearing. His application was turned down by the City Council at the May 14, 2012, meeting for 120 units of multi-family housing and 13,000 feet of specialty retail by reason of an incomplete application. Nine days letter, he received a letter indicating the City was initiating a code amendment to remove multi-family housing in the B-2 District. On June 4, Mr. Davidson resubmitted an application for 120 units of multi-housing and retail. Later that evening, the Planning Commission unanimously rejected the City amendment to remove multi-family housing from the B-2 district. Fourteen days later, Mr. Davidson received another letter from the City ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 25, 2012 9 indicating that the application was again incomplete. He feels the City of Arden Hills is working hard to prevent him from presenting a multi-family proposal. He stated that he is not proposing Section 8 housing, but rather housing for students. He would like a meaningful discussion with staff, and if needed, would like to extend the review period in an effort to come together on a decision that would best work for everyone. Councilmember Holden inquired if retail can go into that building today. City Planner Beekman confirmed that retail is a permitted use in that district. Councilmember Holmes stated that there have been a number of work sessions between the City Council and the Planning Commission in which the application has been discussed, so she does not understand the comment about not having an opportunity to discuss the proposal. Mayor Grant calls the question of all those in favor of Ordinance 2012-005 please say aye. The motion carried (3-2) (Councilmember Tamble and Councilmember Werner opposed). MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve publishing a summary of Ordinance 2012-005 to Place a Moratorium on the Development of New Multi-Family Dwelling Units in the City of Arden Hills for the Period of One Year (4/5 vote required). The motion fails (3-2) (Councilmember Tamble and Councilmember Werner opposed). Mayor Grant directed staff to publish the Ordinance 2012-005 in its entirety. D. Resolution for Support of Acquisition and Remediation of TCAAP by Ramsey County Community Development Director Hutmacher stated in 2010, there was interest in constructing a new stadium for the Minnesota Vikings at the TCAAP site in Arden Hills. Although the new stadium will now be constructed in Minneapolis, Ramsey County remains interested in purchasing the TCAAP site from the General Services Administration(GSA). Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that Ramsey County would like to proceed with looking for grant funds to assist with the cost of purchase and to remediate the property. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that staff recommends the City Council approve Resolution 2012-023 in support of acquisition and remediation of the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant(TCAAP) site by Ramsey County. MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve Resolution 2012-023 in support of acquisition and remediation of the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) site by Ramsey County. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 25, 2012 10 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 10. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND STAFF UPDATES Councilmember Holmes recognized Mr. Don Messerly for his volunteer hours with City parks and for taking the time to nominate the City for the Good Neighbor Grant through State Farm. She also thanked State Farm for the grant the City received. Councilmember Holmes continued to note that the parks look very nice. She does feel that the upper part of Freeway Park by Snelling and County Road E could use a facelift. Councilmember Holmes stated that she would like a little more information regarding the proposal for additional Sheriff's Department staffing. City Administrator Klaers stated that he will put this item on a future work session agenda and that the Sheriff's Department is currently operating with 34 officers and they are proposing to add one additional patrol officer. _ Councilmember Holmes commented on the issue of the Allina ambulance stationed at the Lake Johanna Fire Station. She wants to make it clear that the City only wants Allina to come up with a new location for the ambulance—we do not want to impact emergency response time for our residents. Councilmember Holmes stated that she still does not feel good about the trail sign initiative. She knows the Council passed it, but she is wondering if we should revisit it at another work session. She just does not feel good about it. Councilmember Holden asked about how the Flaherty's event went and how many people showed up. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson responded that the event is in July. Councilmember Holden stated that at one time, we were unable to identify where all of our water was going. She asked if we know more about the water usage now. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson responded that although we do not know where every gallon is going, we are getting closer. A lot of it has to do with water meters not picking up low flow (i.e. toilets). The water meter replacement program should help and we are replacing low flow meters. Councilmember Holden questioned whether commercial people will get the new water meters before residential does. She read that the residential water meter program is moving forward. Public Works Director Maurer stated that he can talk about that more during the staff update portion of the meeting. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 25, 2012 11 Councilmember Holden inquired about the sight issue on the corner of Beckman and Lake Johanna Boulevard. The County has not mowed the northwest corner, and with all the parking on Lake Johanna Boulevard and now with the overgrown shrubs, it is very hard to see at that intersection. Public Works Director Maurer said that he will contact the County on this issue. Councilmember Holden asked about a right turn lane on Lydia Avenue. Public Works Director Maurer indicated that he talked to Joe Lux at the County. Mr. Lux told him that the bituminous surface that is currently in place is not wide enough to support a right turn lane at this point. Mr. Lux agreed it is a good suggestion so when the intersections come up in their plan,they will consider it for any maintenance or reconstruction. Mayor Grant also thanked Mr. Don Messerly for his time on the PTRC and his dedication. His years of service show how much he cares for the parks and trails in the City. Mayor Grant inquired if there is an update regarding the Triangle Parcel and the groundwater contamination that has migrated onto Presbyterian Homes' property across Lake Johanna Boulevard. Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that there is no further information than what was presented at the work session last week. City Administrator Klaers said that the next step will be to receive test results. Community Development Director Hutmacher confirmed that it will take several weeks for the test results to be received. Once the information is submitted to the MPCA, the City will be in touch with them. Also, the development agreement with Presbyterian Homes states that they will provide us with the environmental reports once they have been received. Staff will check with them periodically as well. Mayor Grant expressed that he would like to be more proactive about campaign signs this year. During the last election cycle, campaign sign placement was an issue. He would like the City to manage political signs tighter and advise candidates of our expectations of political signs. Public Works Director Maurer discussed water meter reader technology replacement. He stated that a mailer is going out, and they hope to start installing new water meter readers on July 11. The City hired Midwest Testing to complete the work. Midwest Testing will need access to each home for approximately ten minutes. Midwest Testing may also be out door-knocking to try to catch people when they are home and they will work until about 7:00 p.m. A small incentive is being offered to those who agree to the meter reader replacement during the first three weeks. Phone numbers of those who have had their meters installed will go into a drawing for a free fourth quarter of water. Public Works Director Maurer indicated that as far as Commercial/Industrial meters go, Midwest Testing will try to get to them during work hours--a mailing will not be necessary. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 25, 2012 12 Public Works Director Maurer talked about water usage. The City, in looking at bigger water users, identified four meters that will be replaced. One of those meters is at Boston Scientific, one is at Land O' Lakes and two are at Bethel University. While inspecting smaller users, there may be more water meters that end up being replaced during the process. City Administrator Klaers commented on the Ramsey County TCAAP funding proposal and the fact that City staff has had ongoing conversations with Ramsey County staff. City staff attended the County Board work session on June 12th. The City plans on talking with Ramsey County about some sort of working agreement so the City and County are on the same page over the next few years. Hopefully, the County will be successful in the DEED grant application process. Staff will provide an update at the next work session in July. ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Tamble moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to adiourn. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Grant padjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 9:23 . Patrick Klaers David Grant City Administrator Mayor