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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-17-12-Special ,!It �- DIEN_ HILLS Approved: February 11, 2013 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 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 special City Council meeting at 7:01 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant, Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, Nick Tamble, and Ed Werner Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; City Planner Meagan Beekman; and Deputy Clerk Amy Dietl PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Councilmember Tamble moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL Gregg Larson, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, discussed the City's website noting the recent updates improved the site greatly. However, he did find the new agenda format confusing and questioned when residents could address the Council at public meetings. He suggested this issue be reviewed by the Council. Mr. Larson discussed the City's out-of-state travel policy and encouraged the Council to follow this policy in the future. He encouraged all future out-of-state travel to be taken by Staff and not the Councilmembers. Dave Cmiel, 1861 West Highway 96, spoke about the grade separation at Highway 10 and County Road 96. He encouraged the Council and staff to review the plans for this intersection with MnDOT to ensure that the area is properly designed, landscaped, and graded. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 17, 2012_ 2 Mayor Grant requested staff review the agenda format on the City's website to assure that necessary information is included on all agendas for the residents of Arden Hills. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None. 4. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll B. Motion to Accept Stephen"Pete" Saxe's Retirement/Resignation Letter C. Motion to Authorize Advertisement for Public Works Maintenance Worker D. Motion to Approve Fire Protection Contract Renewal 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 (5-0). 5. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS None. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Planning Case 09-021 — Arden Village Development Agreement Amendment No. 3 Mayor Grant noted this item was discussed by the Council earlier this evening in work session. City Planner Beekman explained the Arden Village apartment building was approved in March of 2010. That approval included a four-story 55 unit affordable housing apartment building. The developer, Sand Companies, has requested an amendment to the Development Agreement, requesting to convert the units to 56 market rate and four affordable units. This change would adjust the unit mix within the building. She explained the developer was proposing 120 parking stalls and City Code requires 96 parking stalls. Staff was comfortable with allowing up to 20 of the surface parking stalls to be left as green space as proof of parking. If the site had a need in the future for additional parking, this proof of parking would be developed. City Planner Beekman indicated the footprint of the building would be amended slightly. The exterior and interior modifications were discussed in detail. She noted the outdoor features to the site stating six trees would be added to the original site plan along with a redesigned recreational ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 17, 2012 3 area. Staff recommended the Council approve the Development Agreement Amendment subject to one condition; that 20 surface parking spaces could be constructed as proof of parking. Councilmember Tamble was pleased with the proposed modifications and supported the Development Agreement Amendments. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Tamble seconded a motion to approve the Arden Village Development Agreement Amendment No. 3, based on the submitted revised plans, as presented in the December 17, 2012, report to the City Council. Councilmember Holden questioned if the Agreement should be amended to show that 20 of the proposed surface parking stalls will be constructed with proof of parking. City Planner Beekman suggested that this condition be located in a section of the Development Agreement as a condition for approval. She noted that Subsection 3.0(B) will state that up to 20 surface parking stalls may be constructed as proof of parking. The Council agreed with this recommendation. Mayor Grant supported the amendment as there would be less impervious surface in the development. AMENDMENT: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Tamble seconded a motion to amend Subsection 3.0(B) stating that up to 20 surface parking stalls may be constructed as proof of parking. The motion carried (5-0). The motion with the amendment carried (5-0). B. B2 Implementation Plan 1. Accept 2012 Plan 2. Consider Feasibility Study Proposal for the B-2 Plan Public Works Director Maurer stated that Marcus Thomas of Bolton & Menk was present this evening to provide the Council with a presentation on the B-2 Implementation Plan. Marcus Thomas, Bolton & Menk, discussed the final B-2 Implementation report with the Council stating the purpose of the plan was to revisit the goals and recommendations of the 2008 guiding plan for the district and how these goals relate to the County Road E corridor. A major part of the implementation plan was to engage public input which led to discussions with the Corridor Advisory Committee (CAC), individual business owner meetings, and City Council work session meetings. He was pleased with the involvement from the public and the comments revealed through this process. Mr. Thomas reviewed the proposed improvements for the County Road E corridor from Trunk Highway 51 to Lexington Avenue. The improvements would be completed in phases to balance ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 17, 2012 4 mobility and access along the corridor. He indicated the recommended concept maintains the existing roadway pavement which would be modified and restriped. He proposed the area near the Connelly Avenue intersection be better delineated and a double left turn lane onto Lexington Avenue be added. He noted the traffic signals would be upgraded to integrate the modifications proposed for the corridor. He then discussed the proposed landscaping and lighting improvements. Mr. Thomas estimated the project would cost $1.8 million. He explained the project would be coordinated with Ramsey County for cost sharing purposes. He recommended the Council proceed with a Feasibility Study for the B-2 plan. He discussed the proposed timeline stating plans would be completed in 2013 with construction anticipated in 2014. Councilmember Holmes suggested that the CAC members be sent a copy of the final B-2 Implementation Plan and that they should be thanked for their participation. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated she would be sending the final report to the members, along with the Council's decision this evening. Mayor Grant asked if additional meetings would be held with local business owners. Mr. Thomas explained these meetings would be conducted as part of the Feasibility Study. Councilmember Holmes questioned what steps would be taken after the Feasibility Study was complete. Mr. Thomas commented that after the Feasibility Study was complete, final design and the preparation of design documents for the project would be drafted. Councilmember Holden inquired if the project would be phased within the Feasibility Study. Mr. Thomas stated this could be considered within the Feasibility Study plans to allow the City to proceed with pieces of the plan over time as funds were available. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to accept the 2012 County Road E (B-2 District) Implementation Plan. Councilmember Werner noted he served as the Council liaison on the B-2 Implementation Plan. He was pleased with the level of participation from the local business owners. He fully supports the Plan and doing the Feasibility Study. The motion carried (5-0). Public Works Director Maurer requested the Council order the Feasibility Report for the B-2 District and authorize staff to enter into a contract with Bolton & Menk for completion of the Feasibility Report. He explained the expense for this study was estimated to be $56,760. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 17, 2012 5 Councilmember Holden recommended the Feasibility Report refer to the project being completed in phases. Public Works Director Maurer suggested the wording within the Resolution not be changed, but that staff be directed to establish phases in the report. MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #2012-054 — Ordering the Feasibility Report for the B-2 District and authorizing staff to enter into a contract with Bolton & Menk for completion of the Feasibility Report, directing staff to include phasing in the project. Councilmember Holmes referred to the estimated costs and asked why engineering was broken into two expenses. Mr. Thomas stated this covered the Feasibility Study and final design expenses. He then discussed the cost summary within the Implementation Plan noting the Feasibility Study and final design costs were included in the $1.8 million. Councilmember Holden questioned why the contingency percentage was set at 15% and not 10%, as has been done in the past. Mr. Thomas indicated the contingency percentage varied based on projects. He anticipated this percentage would be reduced as the planning process continued. Councilmember Holden inquired if City staff would be assisting with any of the engineering work. Public Works Director Maurer discussed the work that would be completed by City staff. He commented that overhead costs and contingencies would be adjusted as time went on. He explained that some of the construction costs would be funded by the County. He indicated that he would be meeting with the County in the near future to review the Implementation Plan and to gain their support on the project. It was his understanding the County supported the project but was not interested in managing the details. Councilmember Holden questioned why a 15% contingency was necessary. Public Works Director Maurer commented this was necessary due to the fact that detailed survey work was needed as there were unknowns on the City's part. As further information on the project was gained, the contingency percentage could be reduced. The motion carried (5-0). C. Planning Case 12-019—Master and Final PUD at 1201 County Road E City Planner Beekman stated the applicant was requesting Master and Final PUD to redevelop the property at 1201 County Road E into 75 rental units. The history of the property was noted. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 17, 2012 6 Staff explained that the former McGuire's restaurant and banquet facility would be converted into approximately 20,000 square feet of retail space. It was noted the existing hotel building had 155 hotel rooms that would be converted into 21 efficiency units, five (5) one-bedroom units, 18 two- bedroom units and 31 three or four bedroom units. Staff explained the applicant was not seeking a subdivision of the parcel at this time. City Planner Beekman commented that the applicant would install full kitchens consisting of a counter top, sink, refrigerator, base cabinet drawers and a range/oven in each unit. The applicant would bring the property up to building code requirements. She discussed the proposed amenities that would be added to the site, such as a fitness center, wi-fi lounge, theater room, gaming room, indoor bicycle parking, and storage for tenants on each floor. City Planner Beekman stated the applicant was proposing a number of site improvements. Included in these improvements are a complete reconstruction of the existing parking lot, inclusion of stormwater ponding, curb, gutter, and parking lot islands with landscaping as well as additional landscaping throughout the site. Staff discussed the Site Plan in detail with the Council noting the front portico would be removed which would increase the visibility from County Road E while updating the exterior of the building. City Planner Beekman explained the proposed improvements would be completed in a single phase. She discussed the layout of the proposed units in addition to the building exterior elevations. A traffic study was completed for the redevelopment and the study projected there to be 1,364 daily trips with an estimated 200 residents in the building. The traffic study concluded the proposed redevelopment would not have a significant impact on the intersection operations in the area. There were some concerns with access to the site from the east and west. The shared access layout was reviewed in detail with the Council and conditions for approval were written into the Resolution. City Planner Beekman indicated the County and the City requested easements from this project to accommodate the dual left turn lane. In addition, a sidewalk easement and gateway sign easement were requested from the City. She reported the applicant was participating in the Crime Free Multi-Family Housing Program and the lighting plan has been submitted and approved by the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department. City Planner Beekman stated the Planning Commission reviewed this on November 28th and recommended approval of the Master and Final PUD subject to the noted conditions. Staff recommended approval and requested the Council discuss the matter. Councilmember Holden asked if the site had enough green space for both parcels. City Planner Beekman indicated the minimum requirement was 20% and the subject property far exceeds this amount. Mayor Grant requested staff define the amenities included in a full kitchen. City Planner Beekman commented that a full kitchen included a counter top, sink, refrigerator, base cabinet drawers and a range/oven. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 17, 2012 7 Mayor Grant questioned how the parking lot would be reconstructed. City Planner Beekman explained the parking lot would be redone with islands and landscaping and that curb and gutter would be added. Rob Davidson, 3900 North Woods Drive, discussed the parking lot reconstruction noting the blacktop would have to be removed given its current deteriorated condition. He wanted to be assured the final paved surface work would support the proposed redevelopment. Councilmember Tamble asked where the retention pond would be located. Mr. Davidson stated this would be located on the rear of the property to manage the site's stormwater runoff. This was an upgrade to the parcels current condition. Councilmember Tamble questioned if the unit arrangement was acceptable to the applicant. Mr. Davidson believed his target market would be college students and the tentative layout would meet the market needs at this time. Mayor Grant inquired how the exterior of the building would be improved. He asked if the roofline would be modified. Mr. Davidson discussed the improvements with the Council in detail stating the retail area would complement the proposed modifications. He noted the sloped roofline would be removed, along with the portico. Councilmember Holden asked if the site would have any three bedroom units. City Planner Beekman stated the developer was requesting flexibility with regard to the three and four bedroom units, and allowing them to be built out as the market demanded. MOTION: Councilmember Tamble moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #2012-052 — Approving a Master and Final Planned Unit Development at 1201 County Road E, based on the submitted plans and Findings of Fact, as amended by the conditions in the December 17, 2012, report to the City Council. Councilmember Holden discussed the use of car ports as was done at University Commons near the University of Minnesota. She stated this could provide covered parking for 20-25 vehicles within the development. AMENDMENT: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to add Condition 23 requiring one aluminum car port holding 20-25 vehicles be constructed on the site. Mayor Grant questioned how this would benefit the site when it would have only 20-25 vehicles under the car port. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 17, 2012 8 Councilmember Holden stated there was room along the rear of the building for the car port and the expense of the proposed car port would be made up in rental fees. Councilmember Tamble appreciated the idea of the car ports, but felt this should be left up to the developer. Mayor Grant indicated if this was a brand new building, the site would have underground parking available to its residents. However, because this was a redevelopment, the proposed car ports would offer future residents an option for covered parking. He agreed the parking should be appealing and financially feasible. Councilmember Werner did not support the car port as they were not visually appealing. Councilmember Holden stated her issue was that the site would not have garages or underground parking available. The proposed car port would be a small convenience offered to a portion of the residents. Stuart Nolan, 1000 West 80th Street, Bloomington, introduced himself as Mr. Davidson's business partner and explained that he managed thousands of apartments in the Midwest. He understood that car ports served a purpose, but expressed concern with snow removal in the winter months if the car port was required. The amendment failed (2-3) (Tamble, Werner and Holmes opposed). Councilmember Holden indicated the proposed efficiency and one-bedroom units required a number of variances from the City. She requested the number of efficiency apartments be reduced by two. This would create 19 efficiency units and six (6) one-bedroom apartments. She expressed concern with the demand for a 350 square foot efficiency unit. AMENDMENT: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to add Condition 23 which would reduce the number of efficiency units to 19 and increasing the number of one-bedroom apartments by one. City Planner Beekman asked which efficiency units should be combined. Councilmember Holden requested the EUB units that were 358 square feet in size be combined into a one-bedroom unit. The amendment carried (3-2) (Tamble and Werner opposed). Councilmember Holmes questioned if the City had any rules as to the use of EIFS. City Planner Beekman discussed the design standards required on the front facade noting the minimum standards were being met. She stated the areas not being altered did not have to be brought up to meet the minimum standards. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 17, 2012 9 Mayor Grant asked if staff had an estimate on the expense to build the shared access along the westerly property line. He then requested further information on the easements. City Planner Beekman commented the City would have 10 years to build this shared access and estimated the expense to be $160,000. She further discussed the location of this shared access and proposed easements on the site. Councilmember Holden inquired how many parking stalls were proposed for this site. City Planner Beekman stated the plan showed 284 parking stalls which includes 28 stalls in the front of the building that the applicant is requesting that would encroach into the front setback. In total, the City requires 241 parking stalls. The plan did not take into account the shared access on the north side of the property, which would eliminate 22 parking stalls; however, with the addition of 28 front stalls there would be a net gain of six stalls on the site. Staff was comfortable with the proposed parking given the fact that the retail uses were unknown. Councilmember Holden suggested a portion of the parking remain proof of parking until the retail sites were further developed. City Planner Beekman did not object to this, but would want to discuss this further with the applicant. Mr. Davidson explained the parking lot would be reconstructed in May or June of this year and further information may be available at that time as to the retail tenants. He requested he be allowed to reserve the right to keep the lot as is, but would provide proof of parking if deemed appropriate. City Planner Beekman recommended that up to 25 parking stalls be held as proof of parking. This would leave the developer with the option. AMENDMENT: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to add Condition 24 recommending that up to 25 surface parking stalls be held as proof of parking. Mayor Grant expressed concern with removing 25 parking stalls given the amount of proposed retail in this development. He stated that the retail tenants were unknown and he did not support the motion amendment. City Planner Beekman indicated that the proof of parking stalls could be added in the future if the site had a need for additional parking spaces. Councilmember Holmes did not want to see the proof of parking become a burden to the applicant. Councilmember Holden stated that the retail parking was uncertain at this time and the proposed amendment would allow for additional flexibility for the developer. She indicated City Code ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 17, 2012 10 states the site only requires 241 parking stalls, while the developer was proposing 284 stalls. This led her to believe the site was over parked. Mr. Davidson stated that he appreciated the accommodation noting he would build the parking lot as proposed. The amendment carried (4-1) (Mayor Grant opposed). Councilmember Holden clarified the Resolution now included 24 conditions. The motion with the amendments carried (5-0). 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 9. COUNCIL COMMENTS/STAFF UPDATES Mayor Grant thanked Arlene Mitchell for her dedication and service to the City for the last seven years on the Communications Committee. Mayor Grant requested staff stay attuned to the Highway 10 and County Road 96 plans with MnDOT. Councilmember Tamble stated the Communications Committee did have a member step forward and volunteer to be the Chair. He also noted the City's new website was completed. Councilmember Holden asked that the Council discuss surcharges for properties that have excess police calls at a future work session meeting. Mayor Grant wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to adiourn. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the special City Council meeting at 9:06 p. Patrick Klaers David Grant City Administrator Mayor It..- ---ARPEN HILLS Request for Special Council Meeting A special meeting may be called by the Mayor or by any two Councilmembers. Reason for meeting: Former Holiday Inn, Arden Village, B2 Plan, and including but not limited to normal consent agenda items. Requested Date: 12/17/12 Requested time: 7:00 PM Open meeting X Closed meeting Signatureperson(s) m king request: 2i, -a /Z/ /C / /z Mayor or Council Member Date Council Member Date -This section to be completed by City staff- Date received: / / Date meeting to be held: 12/17/12 Time of meeting: 7:00 PM Location: Council Chambers, City Hall All necessary posting and notices have been completed. Signature of DepuVy Clerk Date City of Arden Hills * 1245 West Highway 96 Arden Hills,MN 55112-5743 Phone 651.792.7800 * Fax 651.634.5137 www.ci.arden-hills.mn.us