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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-27-12-R "It -AR EN HILLS Approved: September 24, 2012 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 27,2012 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 7:04 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant, Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Nick Tamble, and Ed Werner Absent: Councilmember Fran Holmes (excused) Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; City Planner Meagan Beekman; Community Development Intern Matt Horton; and Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Councilmember Tamble moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL Gregg Larson, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, stated that he was present to speak about the lack of leadership on the City Council. He referred to the August 1, 2012, edition of the Shoreview- Arden Hills Bulletin and the article that appeared on the front page. The article described a visit by Councilmembers Holmes and Holden to a new apartment complex in New Brighton in which they allegedly were behaving in an offensive manner. He also expressed his displeasure regarding the new Walgreens building on County Road E. He feels it is the highest value, most visible commercial corner in Arden Hills and the building is not worthy of the site or the B2 Guiding Plan. He stated that other communities, such as Edina, St. Louis Park, and Shoreview get quality development because they demand it and they do not settle for less. Their Councils create ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 27, 2012 2 expectations well in advance and City Planners and Planning Commissions help carry out the expectations. 3. STAFF COMMENTS A. Transportation Update Public Works Director Maurer stated that MnDOT's efforts are geared toward construction of the eastbound lane of I-694. The westbound ramp at Victoria Street was reopened this past week and the eastbound ramp has been closed due to the work on the eastbound lane. The eastbound ramp should be open this fall. Regarding the removal of the eastbound bridge over Old Highway 10 on eastbound 1-694, there has been activity at the site with piles being driven and foundation being built. There have been some minor delays, but the work should be completed soon. Tomorrow, beams will be placed on the Hamline Avenue bridge, which connects Hamline Avenue and Snelling Avenue over I-694. As discussed in previous meetings, there will be a 30- day closure period in late September and into early October for the intersection at County Road F and Hamline Avenue to rework the geometrics, remove the median, and to install the signal. The bridges on County Road 10 over I-35W are progressing well and both should be open for traffic at the end of September. B. Celebrating Arden Hills Fall Festival Update Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that the Celebrating Arden Hills fall festival is fast approaching. It will be held on September 15 at the Tony Schmidt Regional Park from 3:00 p.m. until dusk. To kick off the event, the Bethel University Band will perform, and other activities include a rock climbing wall, a bungee trampoline, hay rides, Fire Department water activity, a moonwalk, pontoon rides, and community booths. She stated that there are new activities this year including a petting zoo, a strolling magician, D.J./karaoke, TCAAP (Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant)tours, and community booth demos. Most activities offered are free of charge, with the exception of food concessions, the caricaturist, and photos from the photo booth. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson noted that stamps will be distributed for chances to win at a drawing at 6:45 p.m. for gift certificates and other prizes to encourage people to visit the community booths. Some of the booth demos include floral arrangements by Lexington Florals, use of rain barrels, and a Hunger Game themed Hair Expressions fashion show. She stated that the Shoreview Northern Lights Band will cap off the evening at 7:00 p.m. leading up to the fireworks at 8:00 p.m. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that parking for the event is limited at the Tony Schmidt Regional Park, but the south side of Lake Johanna Boulevard (east of the park), and both sides of Country Road E (west of the park), will remain open for parking during the event. Additional parking is available at Perry Park and shuttles will run all day. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. July 30, 2012 Regular City Council B. July 30, 2012 Special City Council Work Session ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 27, 2012 3 MOTION: Councilmember Tamble moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the July 30, 2012, Regular City Council meeting minutes and the July 30, 2012, Special City Council Work Session meeting minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). 5. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll B. Motion to Approve Lift Station 413 — Partial Pay Request 42 in the Amount of $57,985.15 C. Motion to Approve Lift Station #1 and 412 Improvements—Pay Request #2 in the Amount of$135,337.00 D. Motion to Approve 2012 Seal Coating — Payment 41 (Final) in the Amount of $103,066.26 E. Motion to Authorize Staff to Contract for Survey Work—2013 PMP with Elfering &Associates in the Amount of$14,290.00 F. Motion to Approve SEH Agreement for $4,700.00 for Review of Proposed Sprint Telecommunications Upgrade on Red Fox Water Tower G. Motion to Approve SEH Agreement for $6,400.00 for Review of Proposed T- Mobile Telecommunications Upgrade on Cummings Park Water Tower H. Motion to Approve Resolution 2012-028 — Adopting the Local Surface Water Management Plan MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). 6. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS None. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Approve Resolution 2012-029: Adopting and Confirming Quarter 2 Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities City Administrator Klaers stated that last year, the City updated an ordinance allowing for the certification of delinquent bills on a quarterly basis. The first quarter certification of delinquent utility billing was done in May and now it is time for the certification of the second quarter delinquent utility billing. A list of the delinquent utility accounts is included in the agenda packet. City Administrator Klaers noted that individual notices dated July 18, 2012, were mailed to customers notifying them of their delinquent status and they were asked to make payment of the delinquent balance by August 17, 2012. The remaining delinquent accounts will be certified to Ramsey County to be added to property taxes payable in 2013. The certification amount is equal to the unpaid delinquent balance plus an eight percent penalty fee. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 27, 2012 4 Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:15 p.m. There being no comments from the public, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:16 p.m. MOTION: Councilmember Tamble moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion for the adoption of Resolution 2012-029: Adoptinsz and Confirming Quarter 2 Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). 8. NEW BUSINESS A. Planning Case#12-013 —Variance at 1185 Benton Way Community Development Intern Horton stated that an application was received from Ed and Karen Bacig at 1185 Benton Way in the Hunter's Park Development for a variance to allow a 574 square foot addition between their home and garage. The proposed plan includes a breezeway connecting the existing garage as well as a built area over the existing deck. He noted that this proposal is significantly similar to a previous variance request that was made by the property owners, and approved by the City Council in 2007, but was never built. At the time, a one-year extension was given and that extension has since expired. Community Development Intern Horton indicated that three variances are needed to complete this project. The zoning requirements include: 1) a side-yard setback minimum of five feet with a combined minimum of 15 feet on both sides is required, but the proposed plan results in combined setback of 10 feet; 2) the structural lot coverage is required by Code to not exceed 25 percent; however, the proposed addition would result in 27 percent lot coverage by structure; and 3) the landscaped lot area is required to be a minimum of 65 percent, and the proposed addition would only leave a landscaped lot area of 61 percent. Community Development Intern Horton noted that a new law passed legislation in 2011 that changed the review criteria cities must use when evaluating variance requests. He also noted that the Planning Commission unanimously passed this request when it was presented at their August 8, 2012, meeting. Councilmember Tamble inquired what constitutes the side yard setback because it looks like it was a front-rear issue. Community Development Intern Horton stated that the front yard is where the driveway comes in and the side yard is the north and south sides of the property. Mayor Grant inquired about the review criteria that was outlined and how it has changed from previous criteria. Community Development Intern Horton explained that the criteria have not changed, but rather the language changed from the term `undue hardship' to `practical difficulties'. Councilmember Holden inquired how the list of four conditions was established. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 27, 2012 5 Community Development Intern Horton stated that the applicant submitted a formal letter addressing all of these criteria. Councilmember Holden questioned if staff has reviewed the criteria to ensure they are within the law. Community Development Intern Horton stated that staff has reviewed the criteria and it is acceptable. Mayor Grant inquired if the applicant's neighbors have seen the site plan and if they have made any comments. Community Development Intern Horton stated that all three abutting neighbors have signed a letter approving the proposed site plan, as has the homeowners association. Councilmember Holden inquired how many other parcels in the area have landscaping that is below the 65 percent. Community Development Intern Horton noted that the Hunter's Park development was developed as a PUD in the R-3 district. The majority of the lots are nonconforming, under the 11,000 square foot minimum, and this particular property's lot size is 8,250 square feet. However, there is a lot of common green space in the development. Within the 25 acre development, about seven acres are green space shared by the community. Councilmember Holden questioned if the City would be setting a precedence by approving this variance with the landscape reduction. Community Development Intern Horton stated that any variance would have to go before the Council. Mayor Grant asked if staff would make a determination if there was any sizable change in the plan, and if there was a change, would it go back to the Planning Commission and subsequently to the Council. Community Development Intern Horton noted that any substantial change would go back to the Council for approval. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to approve Planning Case 912-013 for a Variance at 1185 Benton Way. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 10. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND STAFF UPDATES ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 27, 2012 6 Councilmember Werner stated that there are still several openings on the Economic Development Commission, which meets the first Wednesday of the month at 8:00 a.m. at City Hall. He also noted that on September 19, there will be a debut of The North Suburban"Let's Go Fishing with Seniors" on Lake Johanna from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Tony Schmidt Regional Park boat landing. This program is for seniors, veterans, and youth. Guests in attendance are from Golden Living Center, Johanna Shores, and Augustana Care Corporation. Finally, he stated that there was a lot of activity at Valentine Park this morning and he would like Public Works Director Maurer to provide an update. Public Works Director Maurer stated that the contractor has been investigating why the rain garden has not been draining properly. It was determined that a portion of the drain tile was crushed when the fill material was put over the tile. The activity seen at the park was the replacement of the crushed drain tile, and the next step is for the seeding contractor to spray new seed, and cut and till the entire area. Councilmember Holden requested an update from Public Works Director Maurer regarding Lift Station 13 and whether or not he has met with the homeowners whose property was affected by the construction of the lift station. Public Works Director Maurer stated that he met with the homeowners and gathered significant information regarding their concerns. He asked the lift station contractor, along with his landscaping crew, to meet with the homeowners to devise a landscaping plan that will help soften the view of the lift station. He indicated that the landscaping meeting took place last week. He has seen an estimate for the proposed landscaping, but has not seen a site plan yet. He thinks the estimate is reasonable and he is currently waiting for the homeowners to have a chance to review the site plan. If the homeowners are agreeable to the proposed landscaping plan, he will make a slight change to the contract to allow the contractor to include the landscaping on the homeowner's property. Councilmember Holden inquired about the Pulte trail and whether or not a schedule has been received. Public Works Director Maurer stated that he has not received a schedule at this time. He indicated that Assistant City Engineer John Anderson attended the site meeting and they talked about the construction of the trail. The contractor's estimate is three days to get the structure constructed with the entire project being done this fall. Councilmember Holden noted that on Thom Drive, at the northwest corner of New Brighton Road, there is a construction bag with cinder blocks and other construction materials. The construction debris has been sitting there for over a month. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that staff would address the issue. Councilmember Holden stated that she attended nine Night to Unite parties. A common topic of conversation was the newspaper article that Mr. Larson brought up earlier in the meeting, but people had a different opinion than Mr. Larson. People were surprised that a developer would try to intimidate people, and she stated that nothing in the letter from the apartment manager was true. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 27, 2012 7 Among Night to Unite attendees, there is concern regarding the proposed 300 square foot apartments. She stated that generally, people would not mind some 300 square foot apartments, but not a complete building of them. She stated that Night to Unite was a real success. There was a lot of expressed interest in attending Celebrating Arden Hills; particularly, in attending the TCAAP tours. She stated that she has been working with Ramsey County and the Governor's Office to try to get funding for TCAAP so Ramsey County can proceed with the clean-up of TCAAP. Mayor Grant indicated that he is also working with the County regarding funding for the clean- up of TCAAP. He noted that WSB and Associates sent him a disc containing the Wellhead Protection Plan for the City of Shoreview, Part 11. He also noted that he received a letter from the Metropolitan Council about Thrive MSP 2040 inviting Councilmembers to attend a number of events and input sessions. City Administrator Klaers indicated that City Planner Beekman plans on attending the September 6th Metropolitan Council Thrive MSP 2040 meeting. He noted that the Special City Council Budget Work Session will be held on Tuesday, September, 4, 2012, at 5:15 pm. He also noted that summer hours are ending on Friday, August 31, 2012. Councilmember Holden asked when the City Administrator's performance review will be discussed. City Administrator Klaers stated that depending on schedules, the performance review will be discussed at a closed work session on September 10 or September 17. ADJOURN MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to adiourn. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). Mayo rant adjo rued the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:3 .m. Patrick Klaers David Grant City Administrator Mayor