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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-29-12-R '!Tt �- l"ILLS Approved: December 10, 2012 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 29,2012 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 7:03 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant, Councilmembers 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; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; and Deputy City Clerk Amy Died PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Holden requested that Item 5B be pulled from consent and discussed as item 6A. MOTION: Councilmember Tamble moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL None. 3. STAFF COMMENTS A. Transportation Update Public Works Director Maurer stated that the intersection of Hamline Avenue and County Road F is scheduled to be open by Wednesday, October 31. Crews are nearing completion of i ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— OCTOBER 29, 2012 2 reconstructing the intersection and installing the necessary underground electrical utilities for a new signal system to be installed next spring. Public Works Director Maurer noted that the Snelling Avenue to Hamline Avenue bridge will be open by December, as will the loop from northbound Snelling Avenue to westbound I-694. The loop to westbound Highway 10, however, will not be open until late 2013. Public Works Director Maurer explained that the ramp from westbound 1-694 to westbound Highway 10 will close in mid-November when traffic is switched to the new interstate lanes and will remain closed through the fall of 2013. Traffic will detour on westbound 1-694 to northbound 1-3 5W. Eastbound Highway 10 (Highway 96 to 1-694) is scheduled to be open by December. Public Works Director Maurer stated that the eastbound 1-694 exit to Lexington Avenue closed on October 15 for one month. It is scheduled to reopen mid-November. Public Works Director Maurer indicated that there will be various overnight lane restrictions on I-694. Public Works Director Maurer stated that the Highway 10 and County Road 10 ramps opened late on Friday, October 26. However, the ramps were closed this week from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily as grading work was finished. B. Water Billing Update Public Works Director Maurer explained that the City has received a lot of calls about the most recent water bills. Most of the callers were concerned that their bills were much higher than the ones that they received in the past. He stated that there were multiple reasons why customers' water billing was higher. First, the months of July, August, and September were the driest summer months since 2008. Second, new water rates were adopted in 2009. When water usage is in the 10,001 — 35,000 gallon range, the charge is $3.28 per 1,000 gallons. The highest tier is when usage exceeds 35,000 gallons and the charge is then $5.75 per 1,000 gallons. He noted that many customers had gone into that highest (and most expensive) usage rate level due to the dry summer conditions. Public Works Director Maurer stated that the third reason for higher water bills was due to the conversion of all residential customers to one billing cycle. Many had not experienced being billed in July, August, and September, which are traditionally higher water usage months. The fourth reason was because the billing quarter was slightly longer than usual. Due to failing water meter reader equipment, the City had to borrow equipment from a neighboring City. Since that City needed its equipment for its own water meter readings, Arden Hills was required to do its readings a week earlier than usual. Public Works Director Maurer noted that another reason for the higher water usage was due to the fact that some of the old equipment was failing to read low-volume usage. Turbo meters replaced compound meters and the new meters are now catching the low-volume usage during off-hours. He stated that in general, many residents are realizing just how much water they use. In some cases, customers simply had not been getting charged for the actual amount of water they ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 29, 2012 3 had used. With the new equipment being more accurate and able to detect lower-volume usage, the new billing has been a bit of a shock for some. Public Works Director Maurer stated that a few people have expressed concern over the accuracy of the new equipment. He assured the Council that the equipment is accurate. If people are convinced that there is a problem, they can pay $130 to have their water meter tested. If testing proves the equipment is accurate, they are not reimbursed their testing fee. If the equipment is not found to be accurate, the problem will be resolved and the customer will be reimbursed the $130 testing fee. He also noted that a few problems have been detected with leaking fixtures within residents' homes. Councilmember Werner stated that he does not have a concern with the water usage, but with the sewer rate. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson explained that the sewer rate is fixed based on water usage during the months of January, February, and March, which are the lowest usage months of the year, and that is the rate that is charged for the rest of the year. Councilmember Holden stated that she was someone who was shocked by her bill, but when she compared it to past usage, she knows that she truly consumed the amount of water that she was billed. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson noted that she spoke with one resident who had purchased a house and never checked how the sprinkler system was programmed. When he researched the programming of the system, he discovered that his sprinklers were running for five hours per day. Public Works Director Maurer stated that he spoke with someone who was using 9,000 gallons of water per day when the irrigation system was turned on. That customer is now using 7,000 gallons per month now that the irrigation system has been turned off for the year. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated that on a positive note, some people have found leaks that they never knew they had. Public Works Director Maurer noted that the Council had asked staff to aggressively contact the people who had not converted their water meter readers. He explained that during street sweeping time, there is some "down" time. During that time, doors were knocked on and as a result, they were able to complete more reader conversions. Public Works Directed Maurer also noted that an added benefit with the new meter readers is the fact that the Finance Department will receive alerts of properties that never go down to zero for usage. This will be useful for the `snow birds' that do not live here during the winter months in assisting in the detection of water leaks. Mayor Grant stated that he would like to find out from staff how much water the City buys from Roseville, and he would like to have a future discussion on that topic. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 29, 2012 4 Public Works Director Maurer confirmed that the City can read how much water is being taken from that system. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. September 24, 2012, City Council Work Session B. September 24, 2012, Regular City Council MOTION: Councilmember Tamble moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the September 24, 2012, City Council Work Session meeting minutes and the September 24, 2012, Regular City Council 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 Appr-eve ResoltAien 2012 038 Resolution Reseinding Or-dinanee 2012 005 to Lift the Me a M.vaitt l VY Multi Family Dwelling U11t J C. Motion to Appoint Dan Altstatt to the Economic Development Commission D. Motion to Approve Elmer L. Andersen Memorial Connections Trail — Final Payment #8 E. Motion to Approve the 2013-15 Agreement for Law Enforcement Services F. Motion to Approve the Website Policy G. Motion to Approve 2012 Capital Reimbursement to Lake Johanna Fire Department H. Motion to Acknowledge the Application of Hand In Hand Christian Montessori to Conduct a Raffle on December 1, 2012 I. Motion to Approve 2011 PMP Final Payment#4 J. Motion to Approve Lift Station#1 and#12 Improvements—Pay Request#4 K. Motion to Adopt Resolution 2012-037 Supporting the Application for an MCES Grant for the Elimination of Inflow and Infiltration MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner 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. Resolution 2012-038 — Resolution Rescinding Ordinance 2012-005 to Lift the Moratorium on Multi-Family Dwelling Units Councilmember Holden stated that she felt that this resolution does not make sense at this time. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that it is difficult for the project discussed earlier this evening at the work session to move forward unless the resolution is approved. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 29, 2012 5 City Administrator Klaers asked that the Council approve the resolution. If the Council does not like the section dealing with the square footage of the unit sizes, then those numbers can be discussed at a work session. He noted that changing the language in the ordinance would require a public hearing. Mayor Grant stated that the moratorium should be lifted. Councilmember Holmes agreed that the moratorium should be lifted, but that it does not preclude the City from amending the ordinance at a later date. Councilmember Holden stated that she does not want too much time to pass before the topic is discussed again. Mayor Grant suggested that this topic be put on the agenda for the January City Council meeting. MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 92012-038 — Resolution Rescinding Ordinance 2012-005 and to Lift the Moratorium on Multi-Family Dwelling Units. The motion carried (4-1) (Holden opposed). 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. 8. NEW BUSINESS A. Planning Case 12-015 — Zoning Code Amendment and CUP Application at 1160 Red Fox Road to Allow a Microbrewery with Taproom Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that the applicant, Bartley Blume who is representing Bent Brewstillery, is seeking to obtain a CUP to open a brewery and distillery at 1160 Red Fox Road. She noted that the application includes a taproom for the consumption of on-sale beer brewed on site, as well as off-sale sales of growlers and 750 ml bottles. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that the CUP calls for amendments to the Zoning Code to allow for the inclusion of microbreweries, microdistilleries, and brewpubs as land uses. She also noted that a City Code amendment is also required to create two new types of liquor licenses for on and off-sale sales of malt liquor brewed on site. Mayor Grant inquired as to whether or not staff has talked with the applicant regarding compliance checks and what would happen if he would fail. He also questioned if the applicant would be selling spirits. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that the applicant is aware of the compliance checks that are performed by the alcohol enforcement agent; however, she personally has not had a conversation with him regarding the penalties for failing to comply. She noted that ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 29, 2012 6 as a distillery,the applicant can manufacture spirits, but he cannot provide on-sale or off-sale sales of those products at the location in which they were brewed. Discussion ensued regarding the difference between a microbrewery, microdistillery, and brewpub. Bartley Blume, 3287 Owasso Heights Road, Shoreview, spoke about his plans for a microbrewery/distillery. He will serve regular and seasonal beers, and his establishment will be a taproom; not a bar or a restaurant. Mayor Grant stated that he has never been to a taproom. He inquired if the off-sale sales of growlers and bombers were the primary focus of the business. Mr. Blume stated that 50% of the business revenue will come from on-sale sales of craft beers brewed in the taproom. Mayor Grant questioned how many barrels of malt liquor Mr. Blume expects to brew. Mr. Blume said that he anticipates brewing somewhere between 300 and 400 barrels per year. He expects that he will sell about 80%of the beer he brews on-site at the taproom. Councilmember Holmes stated that at the Planning Commission meeting, Mr. Blume mentioned that he had been contacted by the Blue Fox over concerns regarding competing for business. She asked if Mr. Blume could tell the Council about that conversation. Mr. Blume noted that as he has not had a conversation with anyone at the Blue Fox yet, but he does not see the opening of his taproom to create competition for the Blue Fox since the types of business are so different. His business will only sell products that have been brewed on-site, so the product is very limited. The Blue Fox offers food, live bands, longer hours of operation, and serves many more beers and other products. He hopes to have a good working relationship with the area businesses, and he hopes that they will be interested in carrying some of his products. Councilmember Holden asked Mr. Blume about potential offensive odors caused by brewing beer. Mr. Blume stated that brewing beer in a small, confined space (i.e. brewing beer at home), can produce odors. He stated that with the taproom business, odors will be captured within the building. The steam generated will go up to the ceiling and will be recycled through the HVAC system, so there will not be an odor problem emanating from his business. Councilmember Holmes stated that there is nothing in the liquor ordinance referring to wine. Community Development Director Hutmacher noted that the definition in the Zoning Ordinance does include wine. The Zoning Ordinance was taken out of state statute, and it is how the state defines a microbrewery. She mentioned that the term "bombers" indicates 750 ml bottles, which is a standard wine bottle size. She agreed that the language included in the liquor ordinance is geared toward beer. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 29, 2012 7 Councilmember Holmes said that the Council should pass the ordinance as is, but the liquor ordinance should be modified to allow wine taprooms. She noted that the Zoning ordinance definition included wine; therefore, for consistency, the City Code liquor ordinance should also include wine. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to approve Planning Case 12-015 — Zoning Code Amendment and CUP Application at 1160 Red Fox Road to Allow a Microbrewery with Taproom with the five recommendations and conditions presented by staff. The motion carried (5-0). 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 10. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND STAFF UPDATES Councilmember Werner welcomed Dan Altstatt to the Economic Development Commission (EDC). He wanted to let people know that there are still openings on the EDC if anyone is interested. The EDC meets the first Wednesday of every month at 8:00 a.m. at City Hall. Councilmember Werner noted that the Ramsey County League of Local Governments annual meeting is November 15 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Shoreview. The topic of discussion is election recap and local impacts, and the guest speaker is Tom Hauser. Prior to November 8, the event is $20 for members and staff, and after November 8, the price is increased to $30. The public is invited, and the cost to non-members is $40. Councilmember Holmes stated that she received an email solicitation for the Safe Routes to School grant. She noted that there is Council concern regarding the lack of a trail from New Brighton to the Mounds View High School. She stated that the route is dark and traffic is an issue. A trail would be beneficial, especially if it qualified for the Safe Routes to School grant. Public Works Director Maurer stated that he and Parks and Recreation Manager Olson have talked about this topic, and Parks and Recreation Manager Olson is checking into it to see if the trail qualifies for the grant. Councilmember Holmes stated that the City needs to revisit the ordinance pertaining to rental registration. She received notification from a resident regarding six individuals living in a home, and she is wondering what can be done to enforce the ordinance. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that she will work with the City Attorney to see what the options are. Mayor Grant reminded everyone that the general election is Tuesday, November 6. Councilmember Holmes added that the City is offering absentee voting at City Hall. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 29, 2012 8 Mayor Grant asked Deputy Clerk Died to verify the hours of absentee voting. Deputy Clerk Dietl stated that City Hall is open for in-person absentee voting Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Extended hours are offered at City Hall from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 3. She noted that City Hall is also staying open until 5:00 p.m. on Monday,November 5. ADJOURN MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Tamble seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:35 p.m. and moved into a work session pp TCAAAP. Patrick Klaers David Grant City Administrator Mayor