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Home My WebLink AboutApril 2012Zoning Code amendment streamlines improvement process for homeow by Susan Cathey zoning code amendment approved This amendment to the zoning code rec - by the City Council at its Febru -ognizes the fact that many aging homes in ary13 meeting means homeown -within the administrative review process. our City are in need of updating and may ers who wish to expand or improve their Homeowners may have their plans approved make it more likely that homeowners will properties, even though they do not meet with a building permit.proceed with their projects with a simpli - existing setback requirements, may be allowed to proceed without the time or cost associated with a variance application. Zoning code amendment 12-001, passed Moving Beyond the Yellow Ribbon on a 4-1 vote, went into effect on February by Nick Tamble 23. The amendments purpose, as presented O n January 30, the City Council passed a resolution to become a B by City Planner Meagan Beekman to the the Yellow Ribbon Community. Council, is to allow expansion of non- conforming single and two-family dwell - ings within existing setbacks and under Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is a comprehensive program that creates certain circumstances. The goals of the awareness of the need to connect service members, veterans, and amendment are: their families with community support, training, services, and Streamline the review process (which resources. currently takes 60-90 days). Make it easier to do small improve - ments to residential properties. Awareness is created through community campaigns and sustainable Minimize the number of variance ap - support networks. Organizations, agencies, and companies are coo - plications. vide resources and support to service members, veterans, and the Fellow Minnesotans can volunteer and support service members, ve City staff worked on this amendment dur - families. ing 2011 and presented it to the Planning Commission at its February 8 meeting. A public hearing was held at that time. The FACs are staffed facilities that provide help to those who need Commission approved the amendment geographically dispersed throughout the state, are places where unanimously. veterans and families can visit to have their questions answered understand the military lifestyle. These centers help align peop The need for this amendment arose from Yellow Ribbon Communities. the fact that residential setback require - ments have changed over the years in For more information, please visit www.BeyondtheYellowRibbon.org Arden Hills, but many City homes, built before the changes, do not conform to the current rules. Without a variance, additions and expansions often could not follow the The City is seeking someone to represent Arden Hills and partici existing plane of the structure but would Yellow Ribbon meets every third Thursday of the month at Rosevil have to jog inward to the present setback Please visit the Citys website or contact Community Development distance, nor could upward expansion oc - Hutmacher at 651-792-7819 or jill.hutmacher@ci.arden-hills.mn.us cur. However, because this is such a com - and an application form. mon situation, with many homes no longer in compliance, the variance requirement of Think spring! Arden Hills Service Directory 1245 West Highway 96 Arden Hills, MN 55112-5734 Saturday, May 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Roseville City Hall parking lot, 2660 Civic Center Drive, Rosevi 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rain barrel $55Compost bin $45 Information available Roseville City website, www.cityofrosevill 651-792-7800 display at Roseville City Hall. cityhall@ci.arden-hills.mn.us Sheriff and Fire Emergency Old Highway10 between Highway 96 and Lake Valentine Road 911 $32 plot fee includes ground preparation; only 20 plots availabl Sheriff (non-emergency) More information: 651-792-9800 or www.ci.arden-hills.mn.us. 651-484-3366 Fire (non-emergency) 651-633-2404 Yes, you do have a green thumb, and you can create a great garde Water and Sewer Problems (During non-business hours) Heres a class to introduce you to perennial gardening, includin 651-484-3366 preparation, plant selection, planting and dividing perennials, - rating annuals and vegetables into the garden will be discussed. David Grant 651-538-0747 Mayor: Hall will be our classroom for demonstration and discussion. Bri Councilmembers: yard or existing garden(s) for informal discussion/brainstorming Brenda Holden 651-636-2987 the class. Fran Holmes 651-631-1866 Nick Tamble 612-819-7995 Wednesday, April 25City Hall5:30 to 7 p.m.; $5 fee. The class Ed Werner 651-636-2547 Call City Hall to register. See City website for e-mail addresses. City Administrator: Applications are being taken until May 4 for the Metro Paint-A-T Patrick Klaers 651-792-7810 seniors and people with physical disabilities continue to live i homes by painting the exterior of homes and garages at no cost t Communications Committee : are 13 colors of Valspar paint to choose from. Arlene Mitchell, editor; Susan Cathey; Kristine Goodrich; Brenda Holden; There are household income limitations that must be met ($1,800/ Lois Rem household; $2,500 for 2; $3,100 for 3; $3,700 for 4; $4,300 for Council Liaison: Nick Tamble do the painting. Staff Liaison: Desktop Publisher: Mary Nosek For more information, contact Molly Chandler, Coordinator, at 61 mchandler@mgcc.org. Council meetings are held at City Hall on the second and last Monday of the month at 7 p.m. Meetings are televised Cost-share dollars are available from the Rice Creek Watershed D live on Cable Channel 16. Meetings of install rain gardens, native shoreline plants, and pervious/poro the Planning Commission are televised water runoff and control shoreline erosion. The Environmental Pr - Playbacks of City meetings begin the To learn more about best management practices for runoff and ero morning after the meeting and continue the Minnesota Stormwater Manual, found online at www.eorinc.com/ every day until the next City meeting. Playbacks are at 3 a.m., 11 a.m., and Learn more about plantings that are easy, economical, save water 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 soak up excess storm water by visiting BlueThumb.org. a.m., 2 p.m., and 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For web casts, visit Call Ryan Johnson at 651-266-7275 to arrange a site visit and pr www.ctv15.org. Spring clean up day: May 19, 8 a.m.3 p.m. Arden Hills Notes - letter of the City of Arden Hills, an Ramsey County Public Works Facility. See insert for more detail. equal-opportunity employer. 2 Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee sets goals by John Peck, PTRC he Parks, Trails, and Recreation Continue promoting trail expansion by Committee members love when folks visit T Committee (PTRC) recently met our meetings and offer input, and we are in a work session with the City one priority being Old Snelling Avenue open to suggestions about how the commit - Council and City staff to discuss its goals from County Road E to Snelling/Hightee can work to make Arden Hills an even - and plans for the coming year. It wants to way 51.greater place to live and work. The PTRC report on those and take this opportunity meets on the third Tuesday of the month to ask for input from Arden Hills residents Please visit the City website for more at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Residents can regarding its efforts. This year its goals information on PTRC activities. The comsubmit comments to PTRC staff liaison, - mittee is made up of a group of volunteers Michelle Olson, at 651-792-7848 or are: who meet monthly and share a passion for michelle.olson@ci.arden-hills.mn.us. Continue implementation of the park our Citys parks, recreational programs, and bench program.trails. There are openings for four additional Review and recommend a trail members. maintenance plan to assist City staff in most effectively maintaining the Make a difference in your community: volunteer! ever-expanding network of trails. Recommend installation of an irriga - by Nick Tamble tion system for both the soccer and ou can make your community a better place! Here are some current Y Continue involvement in develop - - portunities. ment of plans to revitalize Valentine Park (Old Highway 10 and Valentine Be part of a City committee or commission Lake Road), which will be one of A number of City committees and commissions currently have openi the larger park improvement projects - bers. Its the perfect opportunity to serve, make your opinions seen in the City for some years. - ence in your community. Learn more at the City website www.ci.ar Research and recommend a direc - the Council and Committees tab for details. tional trail signage plan. Consider and recommend purchase Help with the Arden Hills fall festival of additional park amenities such as Volunteers are needed to help plan and put to action a great ven picnic tables, trash barrels, and bike A crowd attracts a crowd so share this with that party planne racks for 2013. or maybe its you? Research and provide information on off-leash dog parks. For further details, please contact: City Hall at 651-792-7800. Lake Johanna Fire Department launches new website ould you like to learn more W protects you? February 13, 2012February 27, 2012 Approved Planning Case 12-001 for a Approved Ordinance 2012-003 adopting The Lake Johanna Fire Department Zoning Code Amendment on the expanthe 2012 Fee Schedule (5-0) has launched a new website that - sion of single and two-family noncon shows some of the services it provides - forming dwellings (4-1 Holden)Approved a contract with Civic Plus for to our community. On the website $9,545 annually over a three-year term you can: totaling $28,635 for City website re-design, Approved Planning Case 12-003 for a see photos of the stations and City Code Amendment on parking regulahosting, and support, to be paid from the trucks. - tions prohibiting vehicles on City streets Cable Fund (5-0) view the number of calls the de - between the hours of 2 and 6 a.m. (5-0) partment responds to each month. and some fun games and activi - ties for the kids. 3 Its severe weather season. Be prepared! by Kristine Goodrich T here's a tornado watch and you What should you do? Monitor the skies and turn on your radio, television, or check the you stay home?Internet. Consider postponing any outdoor or travel plans. If you are in a mobile home The sirens have stopped sounding. Is it or recreational vehicle, consider moving to safe to come up from the basement? shelter. Do you know the answers? For more information, Tornado warnings are issued when visit the following websites: It's spring, time to start a tornado has formed or a thunder- www.ready.gov thinking about what to storm is exhibiting characteristics do when severe weather indicating a high probability of www.weather.gov strikes. Compiled from a tornado forming. Sirens are http://co.ramsey.mn.us/em Ramsey County and the National activated for all tornado warn- Weather Service, here are some tips to ings. help you stay safe. areas. It is especially important for these What should you do? Take shelter immediately and Everyone also should know that sirens only It is recommended that every home turn on your weather radio sound for a few minutes. When the sirens and business have a NOAA (National or other information source. stop it doesn't mean it is safe to come out Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) If you are indoors, go to the basement or from your shelter; you should wait for an All-Hazard Radio. NOAA radios can be a small inner room without any windows all-clear from your information source. programmed to alert you when there is a watch or an emergency in your area. You home community, go to the designated also can tune in to hear weather forecasts. shelter place. If you have time, make sure They can be purchased at most major you are wearing shoes and have your cell retailers and generally cost $20 to $100. Most local television and some local radio you. If you are outside or in a vehicle and stations also broadcast severe weather in- T here are recycling bins in all of formation. The Internet also can be a valu-indoor shelter. If the threat is immediate, the City parks, near the trash cans. able information source. For daily weather lie on the ground in a low area safe from Please put your bottles and cans into the updates and watch and warning notices in recycling bins and your trash in the trash the Twin Cities, go to www.crh.noaa.gov shelter under a highway overpass. containers. or like the US National Weather Service Twin Cities on Facebook. On Twitter, Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued If you know of another spot in the City follow @Ramsey_alerts.when winds reach 58 mph or more, hail is parks where there should be a recycling three-fourths an inch in diameter or larger, bin, contact Michelle Olson, Parks and It's also a good idea to have an emergency and/or rain falls at a rate of one inch an Recreation Manager, at 651-792-7848 or hour or more. Most counties, including Michelle.Olson@ci.arden-hills.mn.us. Ramsey County, activate sirens only when kit. Families also should have an emer-winds reach 70 mph or more. gency plan in case they are separated during an emergency. You should have What should you do? Go indoors, away two designated meeting places: one near from windows and power and water your home and one farther away in case sources. Monitor weather information. you can't get into your neighborhood. You should also identify and memorize contact information for a person who lives outside While sirens and NOAA radios usually the area whom everyone would check in are activated for weather emergencies, with. emergencies, such as a hazardous materi- als incident or a terrorist attack. Tune in to Severe thunderstorm or tornado watches the radio, television, or Internet device for are issued when weather conditions instructions. indicate a good chance a storm or tornado might develop. Sirens are designed to be heard outdoors; they might not be audible indoors in some 4 New Army Reserve Center houses transportation company by Kristine Goodrich L ast month this newsletter high- lighted several new and planned Minnesota National Guard facilities on the Arden Hills Army Training Center. Just a little farther to the east, the Army Reserve also has a new facility, the $9.2 million Army Reserve building off Lex- ington Avenue, behind the long-existing Reserve Center on Highway 96. The new 37,000 square-foot facility is a Grow the for the 203rd Transportation Company. The - tion center, gym, workout facility, kitchen, and computer lab. The building is busiest on the weekends when soldiers are train- ing, but it also is used during the week by the company's full-time support personnel. The new center is home to a large solar array. The new facility will enable the 203rd Transportation Company to maintain a high level of readiness in order to respond to any mission asked of them, said Maj. The 203rd Transportation Company is Reserve facility until moving into the new responsible for loading and transferring center. The unit is preparing for a possible the 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Com- cargo at air, truck, and rail terminals. The deployment in 2013. mand (of which the 203rd is a member). company has approximately 150 members. It activated in September 2010 and was At the ribbon cutting ceremony for the housed at the existing Arden Hills Army new center in November, several Army Army Community Covenant. It is a Notes about the abandoned well cost-share program formal commitment of support between H omes currently connected to city Grant money is limited and funding the local community and the soldiers water may still have an unsealed may not be applied retroactively to and families of the 203rd Transportation well located in the basement, a base-wells that have already been sealed. Company, Radtke explained. ment well room, or in the yard. Unsealed Wells eligible for cost share funding wells could potentially allow water just must be located within a drinking below the ground to contaminate the water supply management area or a to either Silver or Gold LEED standards deeper drinking water aquifers used for wellhead protection area. (the application was still in progress as of city water. A well that is no longer in use press time). The site also now is home to can be a potential threat to health, safety, a large solar array the largest installed and the environment, especially in sensi-Visit the Cost Share Funding webpage in Minnesota last year. More than 370 tive areas such as drinking water supply on Ramsey Conservation Districts solar panels were installed atop 31 poles management or wellhead protection website at: late last year. They will save the Army an areas. Sealing is a process of clearing an http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/cd/cost_ estimated $12,000 a year in energy costs. share_funding.htm No additional construction projects are with a special grout. Well sealing must planned on the Army Reserve complex in be performed by a Minnesota licensed Or, contact: the near future. well contractor.Michael Goodnature GIS & Conservation Specialist 651-266-7274 Applicants eligible for funding will s mike.goodnature@co.ramsey.mn.u be reimbursed up to 50% of the well sealing costs, not to exceed $750 per well. 5 ECR-WSS PRST STD U.S. Postage Paid Twin Cities, MN Permit #1962 Arden Hills, MN 55112-5734 . I Council passes non-conforming setback amendment n Postal Customer Beyond the Yellow Ribbon s i PTRC plans d Severe weather reminders e Army Reserve Transportation Company Notes from the City Council here are signs that spring is here: ers running and changing directions, ankle When you are on our trails, or in our T birds singing in the morning, the sprains and falls were a concern. parks, if you notice something that needs Home and Garden Show, the Parade attention, please call the City and let us of Homes, the Spring/Summer Arden Hills one kick of the ball and it rolled know. Our Operations and Maintenance Park and Recreation catalog, and weight like billiard ball on a pool table. crew may not notice everything, and we restrictions on our City streets. Of course welcome a second set of eyes. Together we are far from being safe from another should be played on nice, thick we can make sure our parks and trails are winter snow storm and rest assured the grass. The grass last year grew properly maintained for everyones use and City maintenance vehicles still have snow enjoyment. - plows attached. tion to start this year. Sincerely, The spring and summer season is a busy Last year we added a new park to our time for the City. Over the past couple of years the City Council has put a focus on of Hazelnut Park was actually owned by improving facilities for summer use. Last Trinity Lutheran Church of Lake Johanna. year we implemented an ongoing mainteLast year the City purchased the soccer - nance plan for all our parks and trails. It David Grant is a detailed schedule for when things get One of several items for park improvement Mayor done on weekly, monthly, and an annual consideration this year by the Council is basis. In essence, it sets a schedule and whether to install irrigation for Hazelnut standards so we can be assured all parks Park. get the proper maintenance they need. The parks and trails maintenance plan also One task was to repair and resurface our tennis courts. The last court was complettrails. Just like a roadway or driveway, the - ed last year, and the tennis courts should bituminous surface needs periodic mainte - get a lot of use this year.nance every few years, mainly seal coating. It is important we keep these assets in good We recently added irrigation to Cummings condition. Without sidewalks in our City, the trails often become our walking route There were several reasons to irrigate from place to place. Our trails also provide an easy and convenient source of exercise. enjoyment being among the most imporThis year we plan to install trail signage - with maps to help people route themselves in places, and basically soccer teams were from neighborhood to neighborhood. playing on dirt and dead grass. With play -