HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-30-12-R lt
,- IZEN HILLS
Approved: August 27, 2012
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 30, 2012
7:00 PM -ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor 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; Director of Finance and Administrative
Services Sue Iverson; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; City Planner
Meagan Beekman; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; City Attorney Jerry Filla; and
Deputy City Clerk Amy Died
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Tamble seconded a
motion to approve the meeting agenda as presented. The motion carried
unanimously (5-0).
2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL
David Sand, 1989 Jerrold Avenue, former member of the Planning Commission, complimented
the creation of the goals worksheet. He stated that he thought it was an amazing document and he
is impressed that staff has accomplished so many items on the worksheet. He also complimented
the B-2 consultation group for researching activity in that district, and he expressed interest in
volunteering on that committee. He likes the gateway sign and thinks it's a good first start. He
thanked everyone on staff and Council for their hard work.
Councilmember Holmes thanked Mr. Sand for attending the Council meeting. She noted that
she thinks he is a great leader and his compliments are appreciated.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 30, 2012 2
Councilmember Holden inquired which of the sign options Mr. Sand likes best.
Mr. Sand stated that he likes both options one and three. He thinks it is important to keep the
logo intact and that the tree in the City's logo should not be moved. He said that it did not matter
to him if it was done in green or black, and he does not feel there should be lettering on the
backside of the sign.
Max Roesler, 4533 Pleasant Drive, stated that he was present to complain about lift station #13,
which is located about 70-80 feet from his home. When the lift station was replaced a few weeks
ago, he had no idea how large the box was going to be. He is upset because nothing was
communicated to him and there was no public discussion regarding the impact of the significantly
larger lift station box and concrete pad on which it sits. He would like the City to provide the
documents that justify the placement of the box. He also is concerned about the smell permeating
from the box. He said it sounds like a waterfall at all times as the water flows to aerate the
sewage, and he is concerned about the exposure to Hydrogen Sulfide gases.
Mayor Grant thanked Mr. Roesler for attending the meeting and he noted that Council and staff
will work on this item and will get back to him.
3. STAFF COMMENTS
A. Transportation Update
Public Works Director Maurer stated that the Lexington Avenue bridge project is nearly
complete. The contract has not been finaled out yet, but it is far enough along that MnDOT will be
changing the official detour back to the normal route up Lexington Avenue.
Public Works Director Maurer spoke with MnDOT today and was informed that no dates have
been set for the County Road F and Hamline Avenue intersection closure. The contractor has 30
days to announce the closure of the intersection for the purpose of re-doing the geometrics and
installing the signal system. Staff will update the Council once a date has been set.
Public Works Director Maurer noted that there were a few closures of highway ramps over the
weekend. Eastbound 694 to the Lexington Avenue off-ramp was closed as traffic was moved
over to the new pavement. The ramp should be opened back up on Wednesday or Thursday of
this week as they tie everything together. The northbound Highway 35W ramp to eastbound 1-694
was closed for work involving the transition into future phases of building the 1-694 route, and the
ramp will remain closed until later this fall.
Public Works Director Maurer indicated that the right turn lanes at westbound County Road E
at Old Highway 10 have had the old stripes removed and a new center line has been put in, but the
white lane lines have not been painted. Also, the right turn lane on northbound Cleveland Avenue
to eastbound County Road E2 has been designed, and the pavement markings of where the new
lines will be have been drawn out, but as of right now, no dates have been set for the completion
of that project.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 30, 2012 3
Councilmember Holden noted that she has received complaints from a few businesses on Grey
Fox Road in regard to the light/signal for those making a left hand turn onto Lexington Avenue.
By the time the left turn arrow comes up, Lexington Avenue is full and the people trying to make
a left-hand turn are unable to turn onto the street.
Public Works Director Maurer inquired if the light was working well for awhile.
Councilmember Holden indicated that it was working well for awhile, but the complaints began
about seven days ago.
Public Works Director Maurer noted that the County has a signal technician working on that
light. He said that staff will let the technician know that whatever was done recently to the signal
resulted in traffic problems and he can ask that things be changed back.
B. Night to Unite Update
City Administrator Klaers encouraged everyone to participate in Night to Unite on August 7.
He noted that as of right now, 19 neighborhoods have registered to host parties. This number is
up from the 17 neighborhoods that registered last year.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. June 18, 2012 Work Session
B. June 25,2012 Regular City Council
C. July 9,2012 Regular City Council
MOTION: Councilmember Tamble moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a
motion to approve the June 18,2012, Work Session Meeting minutes, the June
25, 2012, Regular City Council Meeting minutes, and the July 9, 2012,
Regular City Council Meeting minutes as presented. The motion carried
unanimously (5-0).
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Motion to Approve Change Order #1 and Pay Estimate #2 in the Amount of
$106,804.34 for the Valentine Park Improvement Project
B. Motion to Approve Partial Pay Request #1 in the Amount of $64,030 for Lift
Station#1  Improvements
C. Motion to Approve Partial Pay Request #1 in the Amount of$118,393.75 for Lift
Station#13 Reconstruction Improvements
D. Motion to Approve the Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan
E. Motion to Approve Interfund Transfers and Budget Adjustments for 2012
F. Motion to Accept the 2012 2nd Quarter Financial Reports
G. Motion to Approve Claims and Payroll
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a
motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented and to authorize
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 30, 2012 4
execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried
unanimously (5-0).
6. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
None.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Adopting Special Assessment for the Abatement of the Public Health
Nuisance at 1415 Glenhill Road
Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated that the County declared the
property at 1415 Glenhill Road to be a public health nuisance and ordered the clean-up of the
property. The clean-up process included the removal of animals per the City's Animal Control
Regulations, and the City is allowed to recover the fees related to the abatement. The property
owner was billed for the costs that the City incurred, and staff has been informed of the property
owner's refusal to pay the bill. She noted that the City will be following the 429 Special
Assessment process for this abatement, and as part of this process, a public hearing has been
scheduled. She indicated that staff is recommending an interest rate of 4% for the special
assessment and is setting the payment period to 10 years to keep the annual installment amounts
reasonable. She recommended a motion to adopt Resolution 2012-019, authorizing the special
assessment for the collection of the abatement costs and the transmitting of this special
assessment to Ramsey County to be collected with property taxes. She noted that a letter was
received from the property owner and a copy of the letter was distributed to the Council.
Mayor Grant questioned whether or not the Council could set the interest rate higher than the
recommended 4%.
Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated that the Council can set the
interest rate at any reasonable amount.
Councilmember Holden noted that she would like some clarification. The letter written by the
homeowner stated that someone was going to take the cats, but they were not allowed to.
City Attorney Filla stated that the property owner's son had planned on taking the cats, but the
Department of Health would not allow it because many of the cats were diseased and close to
death.
Councilmember Holmes inquired if the total amount of the assessment was due to costs
associated with taking the cats from the home.
City Administrator Klaers noted that the breakdown of the fees is as follows: $7,572 to the
Hillcrest Animal Hospital; $745 for legal expenses; $777 for the animal control officer; and $300
for administrative fees.
Councilmember Tamble questioned whether the homeowner is occupying the house.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 30, 2012 5
City Administrator Klaers noted that it is his understanding that she is occupying the home.
Councilmember Holden read a line from the homeowner's letter which stated that she wished
the City would have helped her, but as Councilmember Holden recalls, the City did try to
approach the homeowner several times and also sent many letters regarding the situation.
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that there have been concerns regarding
this house in the past. Ramsey County Public Health deemed the situation a health issue, and the
only reason the City ever becomes involved is if there is a code violation or, in this case, an
animal control measure that needs to be addressed.
Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:40 p.m.
There being no comments from the public, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:41 p.m.
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to
approve Resolution 2012-019 Adopting the Special Assessment for the
Abatement of the Public Health Nuisance at 1415 Glenhill Road.
Councilmember Holden stated that this is a very unfortunate situation. She questioned whether
the County will remain involved since the homeowner continues to live in the home.
City Attorney Filla noted that the County would only get involved if they receive a phone call
from someone stating concern for the homeowner, which is exactly how the County became
involved in the current situation.
Councilmember Tamble questioned when interest begins accruing on the bill should the
homeowner refuse to pay.
Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson noted that the payment of the bill
becomes effective today, and the homeowner has 30 days to pay it in its entirety. After 30 days,
the full amount will be assessed to the homeowner's taxes for a period of ten years and will accrue
interest at a rate of 4%.
Mayor Grant asked if the Council feels comfortable with charging 4% interest.
Consensus among the Council is that they are comfortable with that interest rate.
The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Approval of Arden Hills Gateway Signs
City Planner Beekman presented the four options for the design of the gateway sign. She noted
that the first option is the original design that was presented at the last City Council Work Session
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 30, 2012 6
meeting. The second option features the tree of the City's logo slightly off-centered, and also
depicts what the sign would look like with lettering on the back of the sign. The third option is
similar to option one, but has a curve at the bottom of the sign which mirrors the curve at the top
of the sign. The fourth option is a slight variation of option three, which reverses the curve at the
top of the sign.
City Planner Beekman noted that the landscaping component of the gateway sign can be
addressed at a later time. She also noted that Arden Plaza agreed to pay for half of the sign.
Discussion continued regarding the placement of the sign as well as the electrical component for
the lighting of the sign.
MOTION: Councilmember Tamble moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to select
gateway sign option #1 and award the quote by Fourth Dimension in an
amount not to exceed $10,100 plus applicable taxes for the cost of the siLyn and
installation. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
9. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Werner stated that he toured the four Lake Johanna Fire Stations with Fire
Chief Tim Boehlke last week. He was impressed with the fire equipment, and he noted that he
supports the idea of community sharing and the fact that fire services are shared between Arden
Hills,North Oaks, and Shoreview. Today, he participated in a ride-along with the Ramsey County
Sheriff s Department and it was quite an education.
Councilmember Holden indicated that the Fire Department Board will be voting on the budget at
their next meeting. She asked that the Council and staff review the budget. She noted that there
is a need to reduce costs because the cost for fire services to the Cities of Arden Hills, North
Oaks, and Shoreview is increasing significantly.
Councilmember Tamble noted that the Website Committee is on-schedule with the new website
project and the committee will be entertaining front page web designs at their next meeting.
Meanwhile, page content is being finalized by individual departments within the City, and the
new website will go live before the first of the year.
Councilmember Tamble stated that for those registered to host an event for Night to Unite,
there is a host meeting on August 1 at the Ramsey County facility at West Highway 96 and
Hamline Avenue. Dinner is provided, as is a tour of the facility, and goodie bags will also be
handed out. At this time, 130 block parties have been registered in the seven contracted
communities. He noted that for anyone living in a neighborhood that does not have a block party,
they may call 651.266.7332 or call City Hall for information on hosting a parry.
Mayor Grant stated that tomorrow is July 31, which happens to be the first day of candidate
filings. He noted that anyone wanting to file should do so at the Ramsey County Offices at 90
West Plato Boulevard, Suite 160, in St. Paul. Candidate filing ends at 5:00 p.m. on August 14.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 30, 2012 7
Mayor Grant provided an update on the play structure that was dismantled from Valentine Park.
Had the contractor removed the structure, it would have cost the City money; instead, it was
removed through the combined efforts of the City of Arden Hills and the Calgary Church of
Roseville. Rather than ending up in a landfill, the play structure was relocated to Pelican Rapids
where it was reassembled and is now in active use.
Councilmember Holden noted that the City of New Brighton sends out a post card regarding the
state of the City's water and wanted to know if the City of Arden Hills could send residents the
results of the water testing done here.
Mayor Grant questioned if water testing was done quarterly or monthly.
Public Works Director Maurer stated that it is done both quarterly and monthly and that an
annual report is published every year regarding the water testing results. He noted that the results
are posted on the website and are sent via email to anyone who calls in requesting the results.
Councilmember Holden inquired if the City could send something out on the next water bill
stating that water testing results are available on the City's website.
Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated that the second quarter billing
has already been mailed, but something could be put in the third quarter billing.
Mayor Grant noted that water samples are collected and analyzed throughout the City, but if
anyone is interested in having their water tested, they may contact the City.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to adiourn the regular City Council meeting and reconvene to the
Special City Council Work Session. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:04 p.m.
*'ec� 4i-2
Patrick Klaers David Grant
City Administrator Mayor