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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-28-11-R lt EN HILLS Approved: January 9, 2012 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 28,2011 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 City Council Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant; Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes,Nick Tamble and Ed Werner. Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; City Planner Meagan Beekman; Planning Intern Mei-ling Anderson; City Attorney Jerry Filla; and Deputy Clerk Rebecca Brazys 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Counilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Tamble seconded the motion to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES /INFORMATIONAL The following members of Boy Scout Troop 419 of Arden Hills attended this meeting to earn credit toward merit badges: Colin Catlin, Jesse House, Levi Jones, Chris Robinson, Allen Robinson, Charlie Crist, Daniel Crist, Sam Wigfield, Charlie Smith, Zach Litzinger, and Travis Walbon. George Logajan, 4260 Hamline Avenue N, expressed his opposition to the proposed stadium on the TCAAP property and stated it is not appropriate to spend public money on a private development; the stadium is wrong for the community and will change the character of Arden Hills and will increase traffic. Lyle Salmela, 1480 Arden Vista Court, spoke in favor of the Resolution of Support for the proposed stadium stating the following reasons: the wildlife corridor, trail expansion, and added ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETNG—NOVEMBER 28, 2011 2 open space; remediation of the site to productive use; addresses Superfund status on the site within the $28.5 million purchase price; adds 170 acres to the tax rolls; creates thousands of new jobs in the area and transportation improvements. Additional benefits he cited included: one developer willing to invest $400-$500 million is an opportunity of a lifetime; increased potential for mass transit to the north metro area; he suggested this be the first electric vehicle transport hub in the metro area; offers the largest growth potential for the north metro area for jobs and taxes that benefit local, county, and state; puts unproductive land to use; complements the AHATS development; the Vikings have proposed LEED design which enhances competitiveness to the total area and incorporates ecology and open space planning to create a model for sustainable community design; the Army, USEPA, MPCA, MDH, RAB, Land Use Controls, land deeds and the City will assure safe future use of the land; no other developable land has that much scrutiny. Gregg Larson, 3377 N Snelling Av., stated the Resolution of Support is full of half-truths and stilted history. The private development for TCAAP fell apart because the developers could not partner with this Council. He stated that stadium discussions were secret for six months until the media caught on and then there was insufficient opportunity for public input. He stated that the Arden Hills City Council refused to go on record opposing the proposed tax for Ramsey County residents. He did not believe the claims that the stadium will bring permanent jobs to Arden Hills and the City will never collect taxes on a stadium site. He also stated the development of the adjacent property is speculative and that the stadium has nothing in common with this community as it is a facility for 72,000 people in a city of 10,000. He believed that the stadium will decrease adjacent residential property values and that he would prefer to see homes, parks and schools on this site. He also stated the resolution contains no guarantee of payment in lieu of property taxes, property value guarantees, planning and zoning controls, or recovery of the $1,200 per week of City money the Council is paying a lobbyist. Thomas Steele, 3570 Ridgewood Road, stated he is a 27 year resident of Arden Hills. He stated Arden Hills is a wonderful community which is well run and financially sound. He referred to the fact that Money Magazine named Arden Hills in the top 100 most livable cities. He stated that if the stadium is built in Arden Hills, the City will no longer be in the top 100. He believed that the stadium and the surrounding development will ultimately lead to higher taxes for Arden Hills residents which he opposes. He further stated that the stadium is money and money attracts crime; the stadium will create an increased burden on municipal services; and it will reduce property values. He stated he hopes the Council will not pass the Resolution of Support for the stadium. Larry Stark, 1460 Arden View Dr., stated his concern that the stadium proposal has gotten so far along with very little public input. He was also concerned about who is going to "run the Arden Hills City Council"if the Vikings move into town. Tamara Winden, 1292 Nursery Hill Lane, spoke in opposition to the stadium stating she is concerned it will severely, negatively impact property values; traffic levels on event days; traffic control; impact on local roads; serious impact on the quality of life for Arden Hills and surrounding areas; there will be events beyond Vikings games; residents will be forced to plan their lives around stadium events and traffic; there has been insufficient opportunities for public input; the Met Council report's reference to congestion on local roads; the stadium proposal is only"half baked"; and she would like Arden Hills to continue to be a desirable place to live. ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETNG—NOVEMBER 28, 2011 3 Chris Anderson, 1361 W. Floral Drive, pointed out that there are two meetings regarding the stadium going on at the same time tonight; the City Council and in Roseville. She explained that she and her husband have been residents of Arden Hills for 27 years and are raising 7 children. She stated that when they wanted to expand their home, it took two years to go through the required City processes which tripled the cost of building materials. She spoke about the inadequate number of soccer fields in this area due to a lack of available space. She also expressed concern about the stadium bringing strangers and increasing crime in Arden Hills and questioned who will control security during non-Viking events. She suggested the City consider family needs such as additional soccer fields and public campgrounds. She referred to the fact that there has been no money for a stoplight at County Road F and Hamline Avenue even though there have been frequent accidents and was concerned about the additional traffic and drunk drivers. She stated the stadium would destroy the Arden Hills community. Steve Pepin, 1599 Chatham Avenue, stated that he attended the Ramsey County Charter Commission where over 100 people testified against the stadium proposal. He presented to the Council numerous articles about the impact of stadiums on surrounding communities. He stated construction jobs for the stadium would be filled by people from all over the country, not by local residents. Jean Day, 4250 Hamline Avenue N, stated the stadium will impact residents including the lights. She asked the Council to think about whom they are representing when they vote on the stadium proposal. She stated there is significant opposition to the stadium. She referred to traffic accidents at County Road F and Hamline Avenue because there is no money for a stoplight. Robert Carlson, 3377 Snelling Ave. N, stated he has been an Arden Hills resident for 50 years. He referred to previous mayors who had visions for the City. He stated there is a lot invested in this community and asked that the Council vote against the Resolution of Support. David Cmiel, 1861 W. Highway 96, stated his family came to the area in 1880 and he supports the efforts to clean up the TCAAP site. Ramsey County is willing to buy this site and is working with the state to clean up the site. He was concerned that there may not be another chance to get the property cleaned up for development. Steven Jones, 1988 Stowe Ave., stated he has lived in Ramsey County for over 30 years, he believes that something needs to be done with the TCAAP site and he would like to see the stadium built. 3. STAFF COMMENTS 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. October 17, 2011, Council Work Session MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Werner seconded the motion to approve the October 17, 2011, minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETNG—NOVEMBER 28, 2011 4 5. CONSENT AGENDA A. Claims and Payroll B. Approve Resolution 2011-056 accepting a joint powers agreement between the City of Arden Hills and the Ramsey County GIS Users Group. C. Approve Ordinance 2011-011 amending the City's Shade Tree Ordinance as presented in the November 28, 2011,report to the City Council. Approve Ordinance 2011-012 amending the City's Public Nuisance Ordinance as presented in the November 28, 2011,report to the City Council. Approve publication of a summary of Ordinances 2011-011 and 2011-012. D. Award the 2012 Tree Removal Services to Precision Landscape and Tree at the rate schedule presented. E. Approve the City of Arden Hills Fund Balance Policy as presented. F. Approve Resolution 2011-055 authorizing the application for recycling SCORE grant funds for 2012 in the amount of$19,802.00. G. Accept the 2011 Third Quarter Financial Reports as presented. MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmembcr Tamble seconded the 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 None 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Resolution of Support for the Proposed Multi-Purpose Stadium Mayor Grant read the Resolution 2011-057 in its entirety. Councilmember Holden stated that she and Congressman Betty McCollum accompanied Ryan during discussions with the Army regarding Ryan's development of the TCAAP site. She stated that Ryan dropped out of this project because the Army refused to lower the purchase price even though the property value had dropped by one-third. She added that Ryan would have had to "eat" $15 million because of the significant reduction in property value. The Council did everything possible to help the Ryan project succeed. She also asked for clarification on how the City's TCAAP open house was advertised. ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETNG—NOVEMBER 28, 2011 5 Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the notice for the open house was placed in the Arden Hills Bulletin, it was posted on the City's website, announced at Council meetings, and was announced on local access cable. Councilmember Holden also stated that the lobbyist was hired at a public Council meeting, not in secret as claimed by one resident. Councilmember Holden then commented that the City has asked for a stoplight on County Road F for many years. She pointed out that this is a County road and the City could not get the County to cooperate. Public Works Director Maurer explained that there is a signalized intersection being built at County Road F as a part of the I-694 construction project. Councilmember Holden also pointed out that the City has recently purchased property on which a City soccer field has been located at Hazelnut Park and the Council is looking at improvements to that field. Councilmember Holden explained that when the Ryan proposal fell through, the Council voted to try and make the property a park land and open area but there was resistance from some residents. Because of the remediation costs involved, a park site was not financially feasible. However, the City did get a wildlife corridor to the north through the Rice Creek area. Mayor Grant stated that one of the issues with the Ryan proposal was the Tax Increment Financing that would have been a part of that development which would have been about $56 million. This development would have added a burden to the school system without the City or County being able to collect the increment taxes for a period of 30 years. Councilmember Holden commented that she opposes the use of public funds for the stadium. But she also explained that if the half cent tax had been imposed in Ramsey County, the citizens of Arden Hills would have been a lot better off than if the City had to establish Tax Increment Financing for Ryan's proposal. Councilmember Holmes stated that as far as comments regarding Arden Manor, there are no plans to touch the Arden Manor property and even if there were, there are quite a few laws protecting the owners of manufactured homes. Arden Manor is an important part of the community and the Council respects their rights as well as everyone else's. Councilmember Holmes also stated that most of the people she has spoken to in the community are in favor of the stadium. In addition, Councilmembers have received many emails from residents and she believes the Council is well aware of how the residents feel. She commented that as Councilmembers, they are the stewards of the TCAAP property; they have a responsibility to not squander this current opportunity to develop the site. There are so many government agencies involved in the development of this site for the Vikings that were not involved when it was being considered for private development; Representative McCollum facilitated the transfer of the land and the price negotiations for the land. There was no state or federal funds available for the much-needed road improvements but there is now because of the Vikings. The Vikings ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETNG—NOVEMBER 28, 2011 6 themselves will invest over $400 million; the state will invest money. All of this is coming together now for a once in a lifetime opportunity and will never happen this quickly for a private development. She stated that in her opinion, the stadium proposal is the best opportunity for development of the TCAAP site that the City will have in a long time. Mayor Grant stated road improvements mean putting up with road construction. As far as traffic for non-game days at the proposed stadium, most of those events are smaller and the traffic will come in on I-35W. Mayor Grant then read a letter of support for the proposed stadium from former Mayor Stan Harpstead, 1277 Nursery Hill Lane, who could not be present for the meeting. Councilmember Tamble commented that this is a big decision for the Council. He stated he lives about a half a mile south of the stadium site. With the funding question aside, he stated he does support the resolution and believes it is written with the best interests of the City in mind and items one and two in the resolution ensures ongoing communication for the City. He stated he believes the stadium proposal is a favorable idea for a parcel this size, it will get the area cleaned and will bring some vitality to the north metro area. Councilmember Werner stated this is the biggest vote of his life and he does not take that responsibility lightly. He stated he has been consumed by this issue since February and it is a complicated situation. He commented that he has worked as a researcher for the Minnesota House and Senate and prided himself in doing his homework regarding reasons for and reasons against. Mayor Grant commented that if you consider Arden Hills and the size of the TCAAP property and what it would mean to reuse the site, it is an important decision. He stated he firmly believes that the stadium proposal is the City's best opportunity to get the property remediated and put back into productive use. It's an acceptable use of the property and a viable option. He agreed with the comments made by former Mayor Harpstead. He thanked Congresswoman Betty McCollum for her efforts on this project. He stated he believes the City needs to move forward on this project. He stated he is in favor of this proposal. Councilmember Holden stated she has been weighing the pros and cons of this project for several months and believes that the pros for the City are tremendous. As far as concerns about 40,000 car trips generated by the stadium, she stated the Ryan development would have resulted in 50,000 car trips a day. She stated there will be a lot less daily traffic with the stadium proposal than there would be with a private development. She stated she also likes the fact that the stadium will have LEED certification which a private developer could not afford to do. Also, the City has been waiting for remediation of this site for a long time and the Army wants to sell the site in one lump sum. There are no private developers that can afford to purchase the 500 acres, remediate the site, and then wait until the economy improves to develop. She pointed out that the City has asked the state to remediate the site but were told this is a local issue. Also, she stated that the Ryan development would have resulted in 40 foot lots at a density of 45 housing units per acre which would have significantly impacted the surrounding area. ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETNG—NOVEMBER 28, 2011 7 Mayor Grant commented that after the City rescinded their offer to purchase the TCAAP site for the Ryan development, the GSA had decided to put the property up for auction. The City attempted to market the property but there was no interest. That auction has now been delayed until August of 2012. MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Tamble seconded a motion to approve Resolution 2011-057 Resolution of Support for the Ramsey County and Minnesota Vikings Proposal for Development of a Multi-Purpose Stadium and 170 Acres of Private Development on the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant Site. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to amend Resolution 2011-057 adding a third stipulation that no City of Arden Hills money will be used to construct the stadium. Councilmember Holden stated that she is in favor of the stadium but does not want City dollars invested in the construction of the stadium or site improvements such as sewer and water. Mayor Grant asked Councilmember Holden to clarify that her amendment addresses the stadium site only and not the 170 acres for private development. Councilmember Holden responded that her amendment addresses only the stadium site. The motion to amend carried unanimously (5-0). Councilmember Holden stated the Council received a suggested amendment from Rich Straumann regarding the Rice Creek Trail South. She stated that while she thought his suggestion is a good idea, there are other issues related to trails that would also need to be addressed so she did not believe the resolution should be revised as he requested. Councilmember Tamble commented that this resolution is reflecting the City's support but the ultimate decision will be made by the State Legislature. Councilmember Holden commented that as a private citizen, she does have some reservations about the fact that this is a stadium proposal, but as a Councilmember, she must consider that the benefits for the City are significant. Councilmember Holmes explained that the lobbyist the City has employed will be protecting the City's interests and protecting the residents of Arden Hills throughout the legislative process. Mayor Grant pointed out that the resolution of support includes a clause that the City will have a seat on the operating board responsible for overseeing and managing the stadium facility. This ensures that the City will "have a seat at the table" in terms of the operation of the stadium into the future. ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETNG—NOVEMBER 28, 2011 8 Councilmember Holden referred to the second stipulation in the resolution that requires that public safety costs on game days and non-game days will be the responsibility of the Vikings or the stadium authority. Public safety includes police, fire and emergency response. The motion to approve Resolution 2011-057 as amended carried on a unanimous vote (5-0). 9. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Tamble suggested that the Council discuss keeping a closer eye on the Neighborhood Watch Program to help mitigate costs to the City. Councilmember Holmes offered to bring this up at the next Sheriff's meeting. Councilmember Holden referred to the packet the Councilmembers had received from the Ramsey County Tobacco Coalition, specifically the recommendation that municipalities amend their tobacco ordinances. City Administrator Klaers responded that staff has prepared an ordinance draft and will be presenting that to Council soon. Councilmember Holden asked if Bethel University has held workshops yet on their Master Plan process. City Planner Beekman responded that she has not heard from Bethel. Councilmember Holmes stated Northwestern College was recently recognized for improving their shoreline along Lake Johanna which helps the lake to be cleaner and safer. ADJOURN MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Tamble seconded a motion to adiourn to a Work Session. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:50 p.m. Patrick Klaers David Grant City Administrator Mayor