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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-13-12-R RZEN HILLS Approved: December 10. 2012 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 13,2012 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 7:02 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; City Planner Meagan Beekman; and Deputy Clerk Amy Died PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Holden requested that Item 5C be pulled from consent and discussed as item 6A. MOTION: Councilmember Tamble moved and _Councilmember Werner 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 Hamline Avenue / Snelling Avenue crossing of I- 694 will be completed by the end of the month, and the bridge will be open in both directions. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 13, 2012 2 Public Works Director Maurer indicated that the loop from northbound Snelling Avenue to westbound 1-694 will also open around the end of the month. He noted that the second loop from northbound Snelling Avenue to westbound Highway 10 will not open until late 2013 because of the logistics of moving traffic on I-694 from old pavement to new pavement. Public Works Director Maurer stated that northbound I-35W to the eastbound I-694 ramp will also reopen prior to the end of the month. Public Works Director Maurer noted that the County Road F and Hamline Avenue intersection was reopened on October 31. He indicated that it will have an all-way stop when the bridge opens near the first of December and will continue to operate as an all-way stop until a signal system is installed next summer. Public Works Director Maurer stated that there is a change to the transportation update provided at the last meeting. He had previously announced that westbound Highway 10 was going to close and eastbound Highway 10 was going to open; however, MnDot has decided to leave Highway 10 between 1-694 and Highway 96 closed in both directions. MnDot will keep this section closed through most of 2013 for safety reasons and because of construction logistics due to the upcoming Highway 10 and Highway 96 project. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. October 8, 2012, Regular City Council MOTION: Councilmember Tamble moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the October 8, 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 Award the 2013 Tree Removal Services to Precision Landscape and Tree G Metio to Adopt Resolution 2012 039 Reee;. ing the 2013 Pavement Aifan. geffle D. Motion to Approve City Council Liaison Policies 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. 2013 Pavement Management Program — Resolution Receiving the Feasibility Report and Ordering the Public Hearing for Improvement ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 13, 2012 3 Councilmember Holmes stated that the report contains amounts for reconstruction and reclamation. Since the City is trying to keep expenses down, she wondered why reconstruction is a consideration. Public Works Director Maurer noted that any project changes would require Council approval before work would commence; therefore, the only decision that needs to be made at this time is whether or not to accept the report. He agreed that a reclamation project costs less and is less intrusive to trees and creates fewer damages than reconstruction projects. Councilmember Holmes stated that the report offers options for drainage of storm water, which is something that has not been included in the previous PMP reports. Public Works Director Maurer stated that meeting Rice Creek Watershed District requirements has been included in previous PMP's but maybe not the various options included in this PMP report. Councilmember Holmes stated that the costs seem high and may be unacceptable. Public Works Director Maurer stated that he cannot defend the Rice Creek Watershed rules, which directly affect the storm drainage costs. The financial numbers in the report are "worst case scenario" numbers. At this point, staff cannot come up with better estimates of costs until it is time to move forward with the design for the preferred project option. Mayor Grant noted that the scope of storm water projects is limited by the location of the neighborhood. Councilmember Holden stated that the storm water project done on Indian Oaks Trail was over $200,000, and she did not feel the price was that bad. Councilmember Tamble reiterated that the numbers in the report are worst case scenario and that with the way jobs are being bid these days, the cost could be much less. Public Works Director Maurer stated that he does not like surprises, so he makes certain that contingencies are built into the numbers; he feels the numbers will get better. He also noted that the Council will have opportunities going forward to stop the project if they determine the cost is too great. The only thing he is asking for at this time is for the Council to accept the Feasibility Study and order the public hearing. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #2012-039 — Resolution Receiving the 2013 Pavement Management Program Feasibility Report and Ordering Public Hearing for Improvement. The motion carried (5-0). 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Resolution 2012-040—Fox Ridge Trail Easement Vacation ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 13, 2012 4 City Planner Beekman stated that on June 16, 2011, the City Council approved the Final Plat of the Fox Ridge residential subdivision allowing the Pulte Group to construct single family homes. As part of the approval, the Pulte Group agreed to construct a boardwalk and trailway that would connect Keithson Drive with the City's existing trail system. City Planner Beekman noted that as the work began, it became apparent that the easement location was not the ideal location for the boardwalk and a portion of the trail. A better location was identified and Pulte dedicated to the City a new easement in the location of the actual boardwalk and trail. The request tonight is to vacate the portion of the original easement where the trail is not constructed. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:26 p.m. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Tamble seconded a motion to approve Resolution #2012-040 —vacating a portion of a certain trail easement located in the Fox Ridge Addition on Lot 18, Block 4. The motion carried (5-0). 8. NEW BUSINESS A. Resolution Certifying the 2012 Municipal Election Canvass Results Deputy Clerk Dietl presented Resolution 2012-041 and an election abstract certifying the 2012 municipal election results from the November 6, 2012, general election. She stated that the City Council is required by State Statute to certify the results of the municipal elections to the Ramsey County Auditor within three to ten days after the general election. She noted that the City of Arden Hills had two Councilmember seats open and those two seats will be filled by current Councilmember Brenda Holden and future Councilmember David McClung. She congratulated the two new Councilmembers and noted that they will be serving four-year terms beginning January 2013. MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 92012-041 — Certifying the 2012 Municipal Election Canvass Results. The motion carried (5-0). B. Karth Lake Improvement District Presentation Gary Gerding, Karth Lake Improvement District Board, provided an overview of the attributes of Karth Lake and described the duties and functions of the Karth Lake Improvement District Board. He explained that the lake is comprised of 15-20 acres of surface area with a 20 foot deep trench at the deepest depth. He noted that Karth Lake is surrounded by Cummings Park and 40+ homes. The area is inhabited by an array of wildlife and the shoreline offers many mature trees. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 13, 2012 5 Mr. Gerding stated that high lake levels threaten the foundation of some homes, kills trees along the shoreline, and causes erosion of the shoreline. The Karth Lake Improvement District (KLID) formed in September 2003 to address these concerns. The Board constructed a pumping system and pipeline to prevent damaging lake levels from rising. Mr. Gerding talked about the research projects that have been done and the comprehensive plan to eliminate pollution and improve and conserve the waters of Karth Lake. Councilmember Holden stated that the members of the Karth Lake Improvement District have done a wonderful job. She questioned if there is still a need for improvement. She also inquired as to why the City is involved and asked if a lake association could be formed instead. Mr. Gerding noted that it required a lot of legal work to set up the KLID; however, the members are looking into forming a lake association or other non-profit group. He stated that the KLID is saving City staff work because of all the efforts and research done by its members. He explained that the members will continue to get people involved in the maintenance of Karth Lake. Mayor Grant invited all of the Karth Lake Improvement District Boardmembers in attendance to stand. He noted that the KLID is an active board and he recognized their hard work. He stated that Karth Lake is a beautiful lake and he thanked the members for all of the work that they do. He also thanked Mr. Gerding for his presentation. C. City—County Joint Powers Agreement for TCAAP City Administrator Klaers stated that in 2011 and 2012, Ramsey County and the Minnesota Vikings proposed a stadium project on the TCAAP property. The City of Arden Hills supported the efforts and was open to any project that removed the abandoned buildings on the TCAAP site, remediated the environmental issues, and returned the site to productive use. City Administrator Klaers noted that during the stadium discussions, the County successfully negotiated a purchase price from the General Services Administration (GSA) for the TCAAP property. The County also successfully negotiated a contract with Bolander and Sons for the remediation of the property. City Administrator Klaers explained that although the stadium will not be built on the TCAAP site, Ramsey County is still committed to acquiring, remediating, and assisting with getting the property back into productive use. The County Board applied for a DEED grant to help finance the remediation of the TCAAP property. He noted that the County did not receive the DEED grant, but the County is continuing to work on the TCAAP project. The County Board has amended the Bolander contract, and the Offer to Purchase (OTP) between the County and the GSA has been extended until the end of the year. City Administrator Klaers stated that as the County continues to pursue the acquisition and remediation of the TCAAP property, they also want to solidify their partnership with the City. He noted that the County and City have been working on a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) that outlines the roles and responsibilities of each party as it relates to the TCAAP site. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 13, 2012 6 City Administrator Klaers stated that the JPA was discussed at the October 29, 2012, Council work session. He noted that most of the Council comments at the work session were in regard to the cost of trunk utilities and the cost for the planning documents - the Alternative Urban Areawide Review(AUAR) and the Master Plan. City Administrator Klaers stated that Mike Norton of Kennedy & Graven has been helping the City with the terms and conditions of the JPA, and has been the main author of the JPA document. He indicated that Mike Norton is present to answer questions from the Council on the JPA. Councilmember Holden questioned how many years it will take before build-out. City Administrator Klaers stated that it will likely take fifteen years or so to develop out all 300 acres. Councilmember Holden inquired if the County would be forced to take legal action against the GSA if more remediation needs to be done than what is currently expected. Mike Norton, Kennedy & Graven, stated that legal action is always possible but additional remediation is not expected to be a major issue. City Administrator Klaers noted that the TCAAP site consists of approximately 430 acres and only 30 of these acres are known to have remediation needs. Councilmember Holmes stated that she is trying to understand what the City expenses will be for this project. Mr. Norton explained that Schedule D outlines fees that will be charged to the developers. He stated that the County will fund the Joint Development Authority (JDA) activities. The JDA will be charging development fees and the County will attempt to sell land at fair market value to recover its expenses. The City's costs will include staff and consultant time for the creation of the JPA, and expenses for the AUAR and the Master Plan. Discussion took place regarding the County being responsible for off-site transportation improvements and concerns over access and traffic congestion. Councilmember Tamble stated that he likes the idea of working-with the County on this project and asked about County expenses associated with the JDA and how the City and County planned to recapture their costs into the project. Community Development Director Hutmacher and Mr. Norton offered comments about how the JPA identifies pay back opportunities for the County and City. Questions were raised about trunk utilities and the phasing-in of development projects. Public Works Director Maurer responded by discussing the typical municipal development process for installing public improvements. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 13, 2012 7 Mayor Grant offered comments on the insurance section of the JPA. Discussion took place over the financial risks to the City for moving ahead with the County on this proposed TCAAP redevelopment partnership; the need for a Gantt chart showing the sequence of events for the next few years; and when the partnership reaches a"point of no return" and is officially finalized. Discussion ensued regarding the Joint Powers Agreement. It was the consensus of the Council to further discuss the Joint Powers Agreement and review changes that were suggested during tonight's meeting at the November 19, 2012, work session. Staff will bring the TCAAP topic back to the regular City Council meeting on November 26, 2012. 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 10. COUNCIL COMMENTS A. Economic Development Commission Meeting Update Councilmember Werner stated that earlier tonight, the Council adopted a Council liaison policy. As part of that policy, it is the responsibility of the Council liaison to offer a report/update of their commission/committee at Council meetings. He noted that the Economic Development Commission met on November 7, 2012, for approximately two hours. The EDC is excited to have a new member on their commission and Councilmember Werner welcomed Dan Altstatt to the EDC. He explained that there are still several vacancies to fill on the EDC and the members on the commission are looking to be more active and more informed. At their most recent meeting, the EDC discussed economic gardening which is a new economic development strategy designed to grow"stage two"businesses and accelerate job creation. Councilmember Holmes stated that the Ulteig open house was on November 7, 2012, and those in attendance received a tour of the facility. She noted that Walgreens also had an open house. The Walgreens open house was on November 4, 2012, and those in attendance learned that this Walgreens building features a new concept, which is very open and has lots of lighting. The manager of the store welcomes comments or suggestions. Councilmember Holmes questioned if anything has been done in regard to the complaint from last week of too many people living in a rental property. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that staff has talked with the City Attorney who will be contacting the complainant to gather evidence that is needed to issue a citation. Councilmember Holden inquired if there is a more clear way to write the ordinance so it is easier to enforce. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 13, 2012 8 Mayor Grant stated that staff is currently working on several situations. Too many people in a rental is more difficult to enforce than objective or static situations, such as overgrown grass. Councilmember Holden stated that Ulteig moved 104 employees to Arden Hills and estimates to have more than 200 employees by 2017. Councilmember Tamble noted that the Communications Committee will soon be without an editor. If anyone is interested in serving on the Communications Committee, which is responsible for producing the City's Newsletter, they should contact City Hall. He stated that the front page of the November newsletter features an announcement regarding the launch of the City's new website. Mayor Grant stated that the Financial Planning and Analysis Committee (FPAC) met and one of their tasks is to review water rates and suggest payment structure options. Mayor Grant noted that "Breakfast with the Boss" event was recently held at the armory. A number of speakers were present, as were a number of employers and military personnel. ADJOURN MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to adiourn. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 9:/44 p.m. Patrick Klaers David Grant City Administrator Mayor lt' ,,-SIQEN HILLS CERTIFICATE OF ELECTION I,Amy Dietl, Deputy Clerk,do hereby certify that DAVE MCCLUNG has been declared elected to the office of COUNCILMEMBER by the City of Arden Hills Canvassing Board on November 13,2012. Witness my hand and official seal at the City of Arden Hills, Minnesota,on this 13th day of November,2012. lt ,-AR EN HILLS CERTIFICATE OF ELECTION I,Amy Dietl, Deputy Clerk,do hereby certify that BRENDA HOLDEN has been declared elected to the office of COUNCILMEMBER by the City of Arden Hills Canvassing Board on November 13,2012. Witness my hand and official seal at the City of Arden Hills,Minnesota,on this 13th day of November,2012. a