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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-19-13-WS PacketMayor : Address: David Grant 1245 West Highway 96 Arden Hills MN 55112 Councilmembers: Brenda Holden Phone: Fran Holmes Agenda 651.792.7800 Dave McClung Ed Werner Website: February 19, 2013 www.cityofardenhills.org City Council Work Session 5:00 PM CALL TO ORDER 1. AGENDA ITEMS Staff/Presenters Time A. Hwy 10/96 Discussion Joe Lux and/or Beth Engum 5:00 5:40 B. Discussion Regarding Park Events Michelle Olson 5:40 6:00 C. City Council Goals Update City Administrator & Directors 6:00 6:30 D. Lexington Station Concept PUD Review Meagan Beekman 6:30 7:15 E. Urban Fowl Discussion Meagan Beekman 7:15 7:30 F. Discuss Response to Trial Agenda Center Amy Dietl 7:30 7:45 Packet 2. COUNCIL COMMENTS ADJOURN AGENDA ITEM MEMORANDUM DATE: February 19, 2013 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers Patrick Klaers, City Administrator FROM: Terry Maurer, Public Works Director SUBJECT: Highway 10 / County Road 96 Discussion Requested Action Informational only. No action required. Discussion At Tuesday's Work Session representatives of Ramsey County, Joe Lux and/or Beth Engum, will be present to provide an update on the U.S. 10/Hwy 96 Grade Separation project as it heads towards construction. The project was bid about a week ago and MnDOT and Ramsey County are currently analyzing the bids. There is an open house for residents and businesses planned to be held sometime in March, the exact date is still being finalized. Joe and/or Beth will be able to give the Council a general idea of what to expect during construction and aw well as answer questions. 11 Page of AGENDA ITEM MEMORANDUM DATE: February 19, 2013 Honorable Mayor and City Council TO: Patrick Klaers, City Administrator Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Manager FROM: SUBECT: Park Events Requested Action Staff provided this information for Council review and discussion. Staff recommends that the Council give staff direction on what type of event they would like for the reopening of Valentine Park in 2013. If Council would like to run more events than that, staff recommends moving forward slowly on the various events in order to be able to gauge the success. Background At the October 15, 2012 City Council Work Session, staff presented a recap of the 2012 Celebrating Arden Hills Event with a budget summary. After reviewing the event, Council asked staff to research options for the future of the annual event and bring back for further discussion. After reviewing the options presented by staff at the November 26, 2012 City Council meeting, the City celebration for 2013 and to schedule a discussion at a future work session on whether or not to offer other type of smaller events in 2013 and beyond. Options presented at the November Council work session included: Outdoor movies on an inflatable screen in the park, concerts in the park, fireworks only or a combination of these. The memo of options (Attachment A) and minutes (Attachment B) from the meeting are included for Council review. Staff put together the following list of possible events in 2013 and/or years to come: Event Option 1.A: Valentine Park Grand re-opening Ribbon Cutting (Summer, 2013) Valentine Park is set to reopen early summer, 2013. Staff and Council have discussed having a Grand re-opening of the park. This event could be as simple as a ribbon cutting 13 Page of ceremony with Staff/Council/PTRC/neighbors/residents similar to the Elmer L. Andersen Memorial Trail Dedication. The ceremony would include dedication of the Don Messerly Picnic Shelter. Budget: Cost for this event would be minimal for supplies Staff Time: Minimal and event management Event Option 1.B: -Opening Ceremony (Summer, 2013) This may be an opportunity to utilize the grand re-opening as a reason to hold a smaller tures in a specific park. Once the play structures were all replaced, the event continued as an annual park event but was held at one of our bigger parks (Cummings, Perry or Hazelnut). The budget ranged from $2,000 for the smaller parks to $5,000 for the bigger parks, depending on the site and events. Activities were held from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on a Saturday. Events varied and included such things as: Petting zoo, soccer clinic, K-9 demos, booths from the PTRC, magicians, scavenger hunt, face painters, caricaturists, d.j., fire be a new trail from the Crystal/Glenview neighborhoods, on street parking would be available. Valentine Park could be the 20 and staff could look at changing the location based on park events for 2014 and beyond. every 3-5 years with a slightly bigger budget ($5,000). Budget: $2,000-$3,000 vendors/supplies Staff Time: 4 Public Works staff for 4-6 hours (set up/event/take down) 6-8 Seasonal Staff Michelle and Sara (planning/set up/event/take down) Event Option 2: City Public Works and Public Safety Open House (Summer or Fall) The idea for this would be to highlight City Services by hosting a 2-3 hour open house: Public Works, Lake Johanna Fire Department, City Public Works. The event could be held at either Lake Johanna Fire Station/Island Lake County Park on Victoria and feature tours of the station, fire vehicles, Allina ambulances, Ramsey County Sheriff City Council prefers having the venue in Arden Hills, it could be held either at the Arden Hills Maintenance Facility or Perry Park. Budget: Minimal Staff Time: 4-8 Public Works staff for 4-6 hours (prep/set up/event/take down) Michelle and Sara (planning/set up/event/take down) 23 Page of Event Option 3: 2 Concerts in the park on two separate dates (Summer) a.Concert 1: Shoreview Northern Lights Variety Band or Resisters (Adult) b.Concert 2: Teddy Bear Band or Splatter Sisters (Family) If the Council is interested in holding other family events in 2013, it could be the year to gauge the interest in concerts in the park. The average cost for these types of bands ranges from $600-$1,000 each for a one to two hour performance. Staff would ask audience members to bring their own blanket and/or chairs. If the City wanted to provide chairs, staff would need to rent, deliver, set up and take down. Budget: $600-$1,000 for 1 concert and $1,400-$2,000 for 2 concerts (depending on bands and if other small activities are offered) Staff Time: Event Option 4: Outdoor movies on an inflatable screen in the park:Offering a large screen movie at a City park (Summer) Having an inflatable movie night at a City park would be a nice family event. The City could work with Mosquito Productions to rent the inflatable movie equipment. They provide set up, sound, monitoring of the movie and take down. This would allow the City to manage the movie event with minimal staff. The City will also have to secure music licensing for each event. Budget: size) - approximately $595.00. Licensing is between $400-$600 for an estimated cost per event of $1,000-$1,200. Staff Time: Advertising could be handled with press releases, flyers to Recreation participants and email blasts of current participants. Requested Action Staff provided this information for Council review and discussion. Staff recommends that the Council give staff direction on what type of event they would like for the reopening of Valentine Park in 2013. If Council would like to run more events than that, staff recommends moving forward slowly on the various events in order to be able to gauge the success. Attachments Attachment A November 26, 2012, Council Work Session Memo of Options Attachment B Minutes from November 26, 2012, Council Work Session 33 Page of AGENDA ITEM MEMORANDUM DATE: February 19, 2013 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers FROM: Patrick Klaers, City Administrator SUBJECT: City Council Goals Background/Discussion On July 11, 2011, the City Council adopted the 2011 Goals Guiding Document. This document identified City Council priorities to be worked on by City staff over the next three years or so. The guiding document was approved after four City Council work sessions. The first staff check-in and discussion on the status of the goals was on January 30, 2012. At this meeting, the Council discussed the reporting form and requested that more detail be included in atus section be eliminated. The Council also requested brief memos to assist in the review of the goals. The second staff check-in and discussion on the status of the goals was on July 30, 2012. Attached for your information are the minutes from this meeting. February 19, 2013, will be our third check-in with the Council on the status of the goals. Attached is the updated Master 2011 Goals Worksheet-Status Report that reflects where we are at today; approximately a year and a half after adoption. Also attached is a status report memo from myself and the three City Directors. Some of the goals on the worksheet are related to the ongoing operation and management of City departments. On the other hand, some of the goals were new, one time work projects. Regardless of how the goal is classified, everything listed on the worksheet was identified as a priority for the Council. While TCAAP is not listed as a goal in this document, the first work session in February, 2011, was dedicated entirely to this issue. The Council acknowledged at that time that if activities related to the TCAAP site pick up, then the timing for work on the goals in the guiding document would need to be adjusted. As you know, TCAAP has been an extremely for the last 12 Page of two years; first with the stadium proposal, and now with the Joint Power Agreement with the County for the redevelopment of the property. at any time to more accurately reflect the current situation in the City. This work session is planned to be a verbal update on the items listed in the document and a general Q & A session with the Council. Attachments Attachment A: July 30, 2012 work session minutes Attachment B: Master 2011 Goals Worksheet-Status Report update Attachment C: Four (4) staff memos 22 Page of Master 2011 Goal Worksheet-Status Report 2/15/2013 2011 Goals Estimated Length to Complete Year Time Frame FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES StaffPriorityCurrent Status Initiated Maintain City RecordsSue 1 1aDevelop policies and procedures for records management including Central files2011Q3 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 1bReview Records Retention schedule and revise as needed on an annual basis2011Q3 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 1cTrain staff on records retention2012Q4 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 1dDevelop policy for storing records on laserfiche2012Q1 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Develop a system for scanning and retention of historical documents now housed in the High Medium Low Abandoned Initiated In Progress Completed basement 1e2012Q3 2013 2Establish and refine Human Resource functions within the CitySue 2aDraft operating procedures, forms, and policies2012Q2 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 2bTrain all supervisors on proper procedures20124Q 2012 High Medium Initiated Abandoned Low In Progress Completed 2cOrganize employee files2013Q1 2014 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 2dReview/update personnel policy2012Q1 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 2eProvide staff and Council training on: Sexual Harassment2012Q4 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Hostile Work Environment2012Q4 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Technology Use2012Q2 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 3Enhance employee relations and developmentSue 3aEstablish Safety Committee2011Q2 2011 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 3bEstablish Wellness Committee2012Q1 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 4Use current technology to further enhance efficiencies and communicationsSue 4aComplete employee intranet (SharePoint) set-up2011Q3 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 4bDraft procedures on use of technology2012Q2 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 5Provide training to staff and Council on technology useSue 5aTrain staff and Council on use of intranet (SharePoint)2011Q3 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 5bProvide on-going support and training on current and new technology on: SharePoint Messages2012Q3 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Forms2012Q3 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Information2012Q3 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Resources2012Q3 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Departments uses2012Q3 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Office 2013Q4 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Office Applications Excel2013Q4 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Word2013Q4 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Access2013Q4 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 2/15/20131P:\Admin\Council\Goals\2011\Master 2011 Goal Worksheet-Status Report Master 2011 Goal Worksheet-Status Report 2/15/2013 2011 Goals Estimated Length to Complete Year Time Frame ADMINISTRATION StaffPriorityCurrent Status Initiated Establish guidelines for how Council Liaisons interact with Commissions and 6CommitteesPat High Medium Initiated In Progress Abandoned Completed Low Place topic on Council work session agenda for City Council discussion and feedback 6a2012Q1 2012 Define the role and responsibilities of the Council Liaison for the: 6b Planning Commission 2012Q1 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Communications Committee 2012Q1 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee 2012Q1 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Economic Development Commission 2012Q1 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Financial Planning and Analysis Committee 2012Q1 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Karth Lake Improvement District 2012Q1 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Draft Council Liaison Policy 6c2012Q2 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Adopt Council Liaison Policy 6d2012Q2 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Review Police Contract and increase public awareness of public safety/crime 7issuesPat 7aReview Police Contract Invite Sheriff to City Council work session to discuss the Police Contract and the Abandoned Initiated In Progress Completed Police Budget 2011Q4 2012 High Medium Low City Council to review options for increasing services 2011Q4 2012 High Completed Low Initiated In Progress Medium Abandoned City Council to review options for reducing expenses 2011Q4 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed City Council to discuss options for changing providers of police services 2011Q4 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed City Council decides on direction to take regarding police services 2011Q4 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Increase public awareness of public safety/crime issues 7b Invite Sheriff to City Council work session to discuss crime prevention and public High Medium Low Abandoned Initiated In Progress Completed awareness programs2011Q4 2012 Promote participation in public awareness and crime prevention programs2011Q4 2012 Initiated In Progress Abandoned High Medium Completed Low Based on input from Sheriff, City Council decides if increased funding for programs High Medium Low Abandoned Initiated In Progress Completed is appropriate 2011Q4 2012 8Review Fire Joint Powers AgreementPat Invite Fire Chief to City Council work session to discuss JPA and the Lake Johanna Fire Abandoned Initiated In Progress Completed 8aDepartment (LJFD) capital and operating budgets2014Q2 2014 High Medium Low 8bCity Council to review options for increasing services2014Q2 2014 High Initiated Abandoned Medium Low In Progress Completed 8cCity Council to review options for reducing expenses2014Q2 2014 High Medium Low Initiated In Progress Abandoned Completed 8dCity Council to discuss options for changing providers of fire protection services2014Q2 2014 High Medium Low Initiated In Progress Abandoned Completed 8eCity Council decides on direction to take regarding fire protection services2014Q2 2014 High High Medium Medium Low Low Initiated In Progress Abandoned Completed 9Clarify City Council position on various communication issuesPat 9aCouncil to meet in work session to discuss and review: High Medium Low Abandoned Initiated In Progress Completed a policy on what content of Mayor and Council Newsletter articles is "disallowed" 2011Q4 2012 High Medium Low Abandoned Initiated In Progress Completed a policy on what "public information" is allowed or not allowed on the City website2011Q4 2012 if the benefits of a City compliant tracking program and procedure is worth the cost High Medium Low Abandoned Initiated In Progress Completed and the required staff time to implement 2013Q2 2013 a policy for when it is appropriate for Counci members to directly contract City staff High Medium Low Abandoned Initiated In Progress Completed versus going through the City Administrator2013Q4 2013 9bStaff drafts policies per direction of the Council2013Q4 2013 Initiated Abandoned Completed Medium Low High In Progress 9cCouncil adopts policies on communication issues2013Q4 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 2/15/20131P:\Admin\Council\Goals\2011\Master 2011 Goal Worksheet-Status Report Master 2011 Goal Worksheet-Status Report 2/15/2013 2011 Goals Estimated Length to Complete Year Time Frame COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT StaffPriorityCurrent Status Initiated Minimize complaints regarding single-family rental propertiesJill 10 10aMaximize participation in the 2011 rental registration program2011Q3 2011 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 10bEducate the community on the rental registration program2011Q2 2011 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 10cWork with Ramsey County on enforcement issues2011Q2 2011 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 10dResearch legal constraints and opportunities for enforcement2011Q1 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 10eResearch rental registration and licensing programs in other cities2011Q1 2012 High Medium Low Initiated In Progress Abandoned Completed 11Establish a detailed plan for private and public investment in the B2 DistrictJill 11aDetermine a process for selection of a consultant for a B2 Implementation Plan2011Q1 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 11bCreate realistic short- and long-term development goals for the B2 District2012Q2 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 11cAlign public funding to the City's development vision and goals2012Q2 2013 High Medium Initiated Abandoned Low In Progress Completed Maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the City's commissions, committees, and processes related to economic and community developmentJill 12 Work with the City Council to determine the role, mission, and goals for each commission and committee 12a2012Q1 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Completed In Progress Abandoned 12bResearch development coordination in other cities2012Q3 2012 High Initiated Medium In Progress Abandoned Low Completed 12cCreate a process to evealuate and form policy on development issues2012Q4 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 12dAlign available financial tools with achievement of City goals and vision2012Q4 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Foster civic pride and an awareness of the City's distinct character and attributesJill 13 13aInstall Gateway signs2012Q3 2014 High In Progress Completed Medium Initiated Abandoned Low 13bCreate a new, updated City website2011Q4 2012 High Initiated Abandoned Medium Low In Progress Completed 13cConsider enhanced electronic communications options2012Q4 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 13dCreate a commercial community identity2012Q4 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Develop relationships with the business community and establish a reputation as 14a business- and development-friendly CityJill 14aIncrease contacts with the business community2011Q4 2012 Medium High Low Completed In Progress Abandoned Initiated 14bSupport Arden Hills businesses2012Q3 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 14cResearch economic development and business outreach efforts in other cities2012Q4 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Complete an economic conditions survey to determine whether additional programs are needed to maintain a healthy economic environment 14d2013Q4 2014 High Medium Initiated Low In Progress Abandoned Completed 2/15/20131P:\Admin\Council\Goals\2011\Master 2011 Goal Worksheet-Status Report Master 2011 Goal Worksheet-Status Report 2/15/2013 2011 Goals Estimated Length to Complete Year Time Frame PUBLIC WORKS StaffPriorityCurrent Status Initiated 15Establish policies/procedures for the maintenance of city streetsTerry 15aAnnual Review of PMP (5 Year CIP)2011Q2 2011 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 15bMaintain PCI Rating System2011Q4 2011 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 15cReview/Amend/Adopt Policies Street Maintenance Policy2011Q1 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Snow Removal/Ice Control Policy2011Q4 2011 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Street Sweeping Policy2011Q4 2011 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Sign Management Policy2011Q1 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Assessment Policy2011Q3 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 16Establish policies/procedures for maintenance of City utilitiesTerry 16aSanitary Sewers Develop/Adopt Sewer Maintenance Policy2011Q4 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Sewer Cleaning/Televising2011Q4 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Lift Stations2011Q4 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 16bDevelopment Long-term Sewer Lining/Replacement Plan Elimination of Inflow and Infiltration (I&I)2011Q4 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Inspection of Sump Pumps2011Q4 2011 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Monitor Grant Opportunities2011Q1 2011 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 16cLift Stations Rehabilitate Four Lift Stations (1,12,13)2011Q4 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Standardize Operations of 14 Lift Stations2011Q4 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 16dConsider If and When to Implement SCADA System2011Q2 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 16eWater Develop/Adopt Water Maintenance Policy Flushing System2011Q2 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Exercising Valves2011Q2 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Lining Technology2011Q2 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Develop and Implement Water Tower Maintenance Periodic Inspections2012Q4 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Minor/Major Repairs2012Q3 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Repainting2013Q3 2014 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 16fStorm Water/Storm Sewer Implementation of MS4 Permit BMP MS4 Permit Renewal in 20112011Q4 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Update Surface Water Plan (required to be approved RCWD by 6/9/12)2011Q4 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Develop Long-Term Pond Maintenance Policy Pond Inventory (Public)2011Q4 2011 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Pond Testing and Prioritization2011Q4 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Pond Maintenance Funding2011Q2 2014 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 2/15/20131P:\Admin\Council\Goals\2011\Master 2011 Goal Worksheet-Status Report Master 2011 Goal Worksheet-Status Report 2/15/2013 2011 Goals Estimated Length to Complete Year Time Frame PUBLIC WORKS StaffPriorityCurrent Status Initiated 17Establish policies/procedures for maintenance of City parks and trailsTerry 17aPolicies Implement Park Maintenance Policy2011Q3 2011 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Develop/Adopt Trail Maintenance Policy Prioritize Trail Maintenance Activities2011Q2 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Program Trail Maintenance Activities2011Q2 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Develop/Adopt Emerald Ash Bore Policy Implement Policy2011Q3 2012 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 17bMonitor/Present Grant Opportunities2011Q2 2011 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Establish miscellaneous policies/procedures for operation of Public Works 18DepartmentTerry 18aDevelop/Adopt Fleet Management Policy Program 10 Year Fleet Expenditures2014Q1 2014 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Develop/Implement Service/Repair Tracking2011Q2 2011 High Initiated Medium Low In Progress Abandoned Completed 18bSafety Committee Ergonomic Analysis of Activities2011Q2 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Identify Ergonomic Risks2011Q2 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Develop Ergonomic Program2011Q3 2013 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed 18cTraining/Mentoring Internal Policy Safety Training (required)2011Q1 2011 High Medium Low Initiated Abandoned In Progress Completed Technical Training (how many, who, how often) Licenses (Sewer, Wter, Forestry, pesticide Sprayer, Playground Inspector, Etc) 2011Q1 2011 High Initiated Low Abandoned In Progress Completed Medium 2/15/20132P:\Admin\Council\Goals\2011\Master 2011 Goal Worksheet-Status Report ATTACHMENT C MEMORANDUM DATE: February 19, 2013 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers Patrick Klaers, City Administrator FROM: Sue Iverson, Director of Finance and Administrative Services SUBJECT: City Council Goals Update This memo is intended to provide a status update on the Finance and Administrative Services Department goals as established by the City Council in 2011. While the vacancy in the Deputy Clerk position for three months hindered some of the work on these goals, we have still made significant progress and are on track to meet our stated deadlines. This memo is laid out following the approved Goals Worksheet. Goal 1 Maintain City Records. Priority: Medium Year Initiated: 2011/2012 2011/2012 Action Items Staff is in the process of developing and writing policies and procedures for records management and Central files. The records retention schedule and guidelines have been revised and completed. Departments have received a copy of the records retention guidelines. The Deputy Clerk has been working individually with staff regarding their record retention needs. The Deputy Clerk has begun the process of cleaning and sorting through old records. Several boxes of unneeded records (per the Records Retention Schedule) have been identified and properly disposed of. Similarly, records requiring permanent retention have been identified and are being scanned and organized in LaserFiche. Finally, records that need to be retained for a determined amount of time are being cataloged and scheduled for future destruction dates. Although not previously identified as an action item, staff has made archived documents 13 Page of Goal 2 Establish and refine Human Resource functions within the City. Priority: High Year Initiated: 2012/2013 2012/2013 Action Items Staff has developed, updated, and revised forms relating to Human Resource functions. Draft procedures are being developed and some functions have been returned to the Human Resource division from other departments. The Springbrook Human Resource was implemented the week of July 30, 2012, and will aid in formalizing the procedures for Human Resources city-wide. Planning for a training session for all supervisors and managers had begun, but due to the demands of TCAAP and the water meter issues and water rate study, it has caused this item to be delayed. Organization of the employee files is well underway and significant progress has been made in this area making it easier to pull data and monitor issues. Inactive employee files have been pulled and relocated to archive storage. The Personnel Policy is being reviewed and revisions are being noted. Sample policies are being gathered to address updates to the policy concerning use of City property including cell phones, laptops, and technology. Some procedures have been changed related to safety, reporting of accidents, and workers compensation through work on the Safety Committee and the League of Minnesota Cities. Work has not yet begun to schedule training for staff and Council on Sexual Harassment and Hostile Work Environment, however, draft Technology and Social Media policies have been written. Goal 3 Enhance employee relations and development. Priority: Low Year Initiated: 2011/2012 2011/2012 Action Items The Safety Committee was re-established and has worked on a number of issues; however, we are still waiting for Council to approve the Safety Committee Policy which was worked on with the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust. We have not yet established a Wellness Committee, but research has begun on what other cities have done and what resources are available. Goal 4 Use current technology to further enhance efficiencies and communications. Priority: Medium Year Initiated: 2011/2012 2011/2012 Action Items SharePoint has been set-up and much progress has been made in establishing SharePoint as a central working document storage medium. Several departments and committees are using SharePoint on a daily basis. 23 Page of For example, the Communications Committee is actively utilizing SharePoint to upload and share documents and photos to collaborate on the newsletter process. Finance and all departments use it for monthly revenue and expenditure reports and for collecting data for budgeting. The City Council has a calendar for availability that has been used in the past and monthly financial reports are posted for Council review here. Human Resource and Finance forms are available to all personnel from this site also. (Training was provided to the City Council in 2009 on this and new members received this during their orientation however, another training session will be held for the City Council as part of Goal 5.) As stated in a previous item, draft technology policies are being worked on in conjunction with the Metro-INet group and in regard to other City equipment such as cell phones and tablets. Goal 5 Provide training to staff and Council on technology use. Priority: Medium Year Initiated: 2011/2012/2013 2011/2012/2013 Action Items Work on the new Web Site, TCAAP developments, the water meter replacements and water rate study, caused this item to fall to a lower priority in 2012. As time permits, training will be provided for all staff and Council. 33 Page of ATTACHMENT C MEMORANDUM DATE: February 19, 2013 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers FROM: Patrick Klaers, City Administrator SUBJECT: City Council Goals Four of the goals the City Council identified as priority work items in 2011 are my direct responsibility. I have given the goals some attention; but as you know, to a significant degree these goals have taken a back seat to other higher priority work projects, especially the TCAAP proposals. Below are some comments on the goals that the City Council identified for me. Goal 6 Establish guidelines for how Council Liaisons interact with Commissions and Committees. Priority: Medium Year Initiated: 2012 Goal Completed 2012 Action Items The City Council held work sessions on this topic on February 13, 2012, August 8, 2012, and September 17, 2012. On October 8, 2012, the City Council adopted the updated version to the City Commissions, Committees, and Task Forces: Recruitment, Appointment, and Term Limit Policy. On November 13, 2012, the City Council approved the City Council Liaison Policies. 13 Page of Goal 7 Review Police Contract and increase public awareness of public safety/crime issues. Priority: High Year Initiated: 2011 2012 Action Items This ongoing assignment relates to managing the police budget and the delivery of services. Sheriff Bostrom was at the August 20, 2012, City Council work session for a general discussion on services. RCSD added animal control services in 2012. The City Newsletter published RCSD related articles in the August/September and November editions. RCSD continues to work on better communications with the public through programs on the website such as Code Red, online warrant search, and Neighborhood Watch (added 2 new neighborhoods in Arden Hills in latter 2012). RCSD continues to work cooperatively with City staff on enforcement of parking regulations to better manage rental housing issues. Staff attends monthly RCSD meeting and provides the City Council with updates by way of the Admin Update reports. On October 19, 2012, the City Council renewed the RCSD Agreement for Law Enforcement Services. Goal 8 Review Fire Joint Powers Agreement Priority: Low Year Initiated: 2014 2012 Action Items This ongoing issue relates to fire protection services and the budget. The City Council representative on the LJFD Board and the City Administrator attend the bimonthly LJFD meetings. Updates on these meetings are typically provided by the City Council representative at City Council meetings and staff updates are provided in the Admin Update report. On December 17, 2012, the City Council adopted Resolution 2012-053 that extended the Fire Protection Service Contract through 2018. 23 Page of Goal 9 ssues. Priority: High/Medium Year Initiated: 2011/2012 2012 Action Items On October 15, 2012, the City Council discussed and on October 29, 2012, the City concerns. This is one of the 9a items. TCAAP 2012 Action Items After months of work, the City Council approved the City/County Joint Powers Agreement on November 26, 2012 and on February 11, 2013, appointed members to the Joint Development Authority. Other Work Projects Other projects that I have been involved with include: City Attorney recruitment and selection B2 Guiding Plan Implementation Phase I Holiday Inn reuse proposal Website upgrade 33 Page of ATTACHMENT C MEMORANDUM DATE: February 19, 2013 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers Patrick Klaers, City Administrator FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director SUBJECT: City Council Goals Update The Community Development Department has made significant progress on goals established by the City Council. Following is the 2012 annual status report on action items toward the achievement of Council goals. Goal 10 - Minimize complaints regarding single-family rental properties. Priority: High Year Initiated: 2011 Goal Completed 2012 Action Items registration program. Asked that the information be forwarded to students who live off- campus. s rental issues under existing City ordinances and State statutes. Worked with staff, the City Attorney, and the Ramsey County Sheriff to respond quickly to Councilmember and other complaints. Implemented reporting software for tracking of code enforcement violations. Goal 11 - Establish a detailed plan for private and public investment in the B2 district. Priority: High Year Initiated: 2011/2012 2012 Action Items Entered into a contract with Bolton & Menk for Phase I of the B-2 Implementation Plan. 13 Page of Visited each business in the B-2 District to inform them of the plan and opportunities to be involved. Established a Corridor Advisory Committee and held three meetings to garner business- focused feedback. Worked with Bolton & Menk and Ramsey County to recommend improvements to County Road E and the B-2 District. Reviewed and approved plans for Walgreens development that are consistent the B-2 District Guiding Plan and design standards. Reviewed multiple proposals for the former Holiday Inn site. Developed plan to reduce driveways and improve access to properties west of the Holiday Inn site. Entered into contract with Bolton & Menk for the B-2 Feasibility Report. Goal 12 - and processes related to economic and community development. Priority: Medium Year Initiated: 2012 2012 Action Items Worked with EDC to approve 2012 and 2013 work plans that are consistent with City nd marketing. Accomplished goals of 2012 EDC Work Plan. Held EDA meetings to consider EDA authority, role, and by-laws. Reviewed proposed changes to EDA by-laws. Goal 13 - Foster civic pride and an awareness attributes. Priority: High/Medium Year Initiated: 2011/2012 2012 Action Items Worked with Presbyterian Homes and MPCA to resolve environmental concerns on the triangle parcel in preparation for a gateway sign at that location. Gateway sign contractor chosen and design approved by City Council. Approved contract for design, hosting, and support of the new City website. Worked with ad hoc committee to design website navigation and homepage and department page layouts. Secured new user-friendly URL and e-mail addresses. Worked with staff to complete website training, content development, and content upload. Completed website project on time and on budget. Researched options for an on- environment, residential neighborhoods, and quality of life. 23 Page of Goal 14 - Develop relationships with the business community and establish a reputation as a business- and development-friendly City. Priority: Medium Year Initiated: 2011/2012/2013 2012 Action Items Joined the Arden Hills-Shoreview Rotary Club to foster business relationships. Joined the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce and attended events. Attended joint Chamber (Twin Cities North and SPACC) Shoreview-Arden Hills Business Council. Worked with the EDC to outline and draft content for the Business section of the new City website. Created a Business News page for the website. Worked with the EDC to publish business-focused newsletter articles. Attended new business open houses. ministrator and an EDC Commissioner, respectively. Visited or contacted every business and property owner in the B-2 District to provide information about the B-2 Implementation Plan and answer business questions. TCAAP Remediation and development of the TCAAP site was not included in the Council goals adopted in 2011. Nevertheless, Council discussion indicated that this project was a priority if an opportunity arose. In 2012, the City Administrator and Community Development Director devoted significant time to the TCAAP project. Work tasks have included: Attended regular meetings with Ramsey County regarding TCAAP project. Provided content to Ramsey County for a DEED grant application. Approved City resolution in support of Ramsey County acquisition. Maintained contact with legislators briefed during the 2011/2012 session. Met with market research consultants to discuss relevant City development goals. Met with potential grantors including Metropolitan Council and DEED. Participated in site tours with potential grantors and legislators. Outlined Master Plan and regulatory policies. Worked with attorney, City Administrator, and Ramsey County to draft, review, and secure City Council and County approval of Joint Powers Agreement for the remediation and redevelopment of TCAAP. 33 Page of ATTACHMENT C MEMORANDUM DATE: February 19, 2013 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers Patrick Klaers, City Administrator FROM: Terry Maurer, Public Works Director SUBJECT: City Council Goals Update This memo is intended to provide a status update on the Public Works Goals as established by the City Council in 2011 and updated July 30, 2012. The memo is laid out following the approved Goals Worksheet. Goal 15 Establish policies/procedures for the maintenance of City streets Priority: High Year Initiated: 2011 Goal Nearly Complete 2013 Action Items The only remaining item under this goal is to establish a sign maintenance policy. Since the Federal government has extended the deadlines by which this must be completed, staff is waiting for the League of Minnesota Cities to publish guidance for such a policy. Staff anticipates this to be available by the end of 2013. Goal 16 Establish policies/procedures for maintenance of City utilities Priority: High Year Initiated: 2011 2013 Action Items All of the sanitary sewer items (16a thru 16d) were completed in 2012. The 2010 I&I grant project was completed in Q4 2012. Staff is currently working on the 2013 I&I grant project, which should be complete by Q1 2014. Staff is working on preparing a water maintenance policy which should be presented to the Council by Q2/Q3 2013. 12 Page of Staff completed the water tower inspections (inside and outside) in Q3 2012. Staff is beginning work on the first repainting of the south water tower, anticipated to be completed by Q4 2013. The Surface Water Management Plan was adopted and approved in Q4 2012. MS4 permit. The new permit regulations are being contested at a Federal level. Staff will monitor this issue and proceed when directed by the MPCA. Goal 17 Establish policies/procedures for maintenance of City parks and trails. Priority: Low Year Initiated: 2011 Goal Completed 2013 Action Items Staff completed this goal in 2012. The first trail maintenance project was completed in Q4 2012. Staff is working on a trail maintenance project for 2013 and again expects it to be completed by Q4 2013. Goal 18 Establish miscellaneous policies/procedures for operation of Public Works Priority: Low Year Initiated: 2011 2013 Action Items Staff has initiated work on a ten year fleet expenditure program. This is not anticipated to be completed until 2014. The Safety Committee was established in 2012 and is working. 22 Page of MEMORANDUM DATE: February 19, 2013 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Patrick Klaers, City Administrator FROM: Meagan Beekman, City Planner SUBECT: Lexington Station Redevelopment Concept PUD Review Requested Action Robert’s Development Company is requesting a concept review of a possible Planning Unit Development (PUD) at the southwest corner of Red Fox Road and Lexington Avenue. The applicant is seeking feedback from the City Council on the concept. Concept PUD Review Process The concept review process is an opportunity for the City Council to provide comments, questions, concerns, and suggestions regarding proposed developments. A concept review is considered advisory and is nonbinding to the City and applicant (Section 1320.14 Subd 4 of the Zoning Code). No formal action can be taken at a work session. A formal application will be subject to the full review process, including a public hearing with Planning Commission and City Council review. Background Roberts Development Company owns the industrial/warehouse building at 3771 Lexington Avenue that has been converted to retail, as well as the property at 1130 Red Fox Road. They are currently under contract for the Blue Fox property, which consists of two parcels. The applicant is proposing a multi-phased redevelopment at the southwest corner of Red Fox Road and Lexington Avenue that would include all four parcels. Phase I would involve the demolition of the Blue Fox Restaurant and the construction of an approximately 15,000 square foot retail building for up to nine tenants. Three of the retail bays City of Arden Hills City Council Meeting for February 19, 2013 14 Page of would be for larger retail or restaurant users. The site plan includes a drive-up window that wraps around the eastern side of the property and outdoor seating areas. The applicant would be seeking flexibility from the Zoning Code to allow the building to be placed closer to the Lexington Avenue right of way. The building would be oriented to the west towards what would eventually become a larger retail center in Phases II and III. The applicant is also proposing to remove all three driveways associated with the Blue Fox property; however, they would like to add an additional curb cut entrance on the property at 3771 Lexington Avenue, across from Target’s southern drive access. The applicant would like to see a stop light installed at this new intersection. The County is reviewing this request and is considering doing a traffic study of the Lexington Avenue corridor from County Road E to 694 in order to evaluate a stoplight proposal, as well as address other traffic concerns related to this corridor. A formal application for a redevelopment would require a traffic study, which may be able to be incorporated into a larger traffic analysis of the corridor in conjunction with the County’s work. Phase II of the Master PUD development would include reconfiguring of the existing building at 1130 Red Fox Road to reorient it towards the east and the new retail building, as well as the construction of additional parking. The building is currently used as office and light manufacturing. The applicant intends to repurpose the building into larger retail users. Phase III would involve the demolition of the existing building at 3771 Lexington Avenue. Three new buildings would be constructed, two of which would be two stories with retail on the main floor and office above. The third building would be a single story and all retail. Discussion The Master Plan for the four parcels creates what could be a dynamic and visually attractive retail center in Arden Hills. The retail uses would complement the area and are a good fit with the adjacent land uses. The redevelopment also improves internal traffic circulation throughout the sites and eliminates driveways onto Lexington Avenue and Red Fox Road that are nearest to the intersection. The creation of a new intersection on the south side of the site also creates an alternative route for people exiting the development to avoid the Red Fox/Lexington stop light. Staff feels that additional traffic analysis is necessary, and would encourage Ramsey County to take a broader look at the corridor to determine if a second stop light that serves Target and this redevelopment is warranted. A second stop light would have the added benefit to existing employees and customers of businesses in the Red Fox/Grey Fox industrial area as an additional alternative to turning left onto Lexington Avenue. As a standalone development Phase I, and the orientation of the building away from Lexington Avenue, seems counter-intuitive; however, as a Master PUD that includes the two parcels to the City of Arden Hills City Council Meeting for February 19, 2013 24 Page of east and south the project as a whole creates better internal traffic circulation for the area and works well. The applicant would be requesting flexibility from the Zoning Code to construct the building 20 feet from the Lexington Avenue right of way, when the Code requires a 50 foot setback. Staff is generally supportive of this flexibility because moving the building towards Lexington allows driveways that are close to the Red Fox/Lexington intersection to be closed and pushes traffic circulation away from the intersection, improving access. In addition, the Ramsey County right of way in front of this property is unusually wide. There are 60 feet between the property line and the road in front of the Blue Fox property, whereas there are only 15 feet between the road and the property line on the other side of the street. The width of the right of way on the Arden Hills side of the street pushes buildings back farther from the road than is required on the Shoreview side of the street. This inconsistency makes it difficult for retail businesses which rely heavily on visibility from the road for their success, and becomes a detent to redevelopment. Additionally, the large expanse of grass is not as visually interesting as a more dynamic landscaped area that includes a multitude of plantings. Staff believes that the site plan needs additional work regarding the location and orientation of the drive-up window, which is shown as facing Lexington Avenue. Staff is concerned about wrapping the drive-up window aisle around the Lexington Avenue side of the building, and would prefer a less prominent location. Further, the location of service doors and trash collection on the Lexington Avenue façade is problematic. Staff would like to see additional landscaping to screen what would be the rear of the building, and architectural elements that create visual interest from Lexington Avenue. The front elevation, which would face west, appears to comply with the City’s design standards for the B-2 and B-3 Zoning Districts. The rear, or Lexington Avenue, side of the building would have minimal transparent glass; however, Staff recommends that the end caps of the building and the center bay offer enhanced architectural elements, including transparent glass to add height and interest to the building. Staff would also recommend expanding the outdoor seating areas; enhancing the outdoor experience with additional landscaping, particularly on the Lexington Avenue side of the building; and including a more prominent visual focal point at the Red Fox/Lexington Avenue intersection. The County does not allow commercial signage to be located in their rights of ways; however, they have indicated that landscaping would be permitted. Staff has not reviewed parking, landscape/greenspace requirements, or other zoning requirements as part of the Concept PUD review. A detailed evaluation of the project would be part of a formal application and review for a Master PUD. City of Arden Hills City Council Meeting for February 19, 2013 34 Page of Requested Action Robert’s Development Company is requesting a concept review of a possible Planning Unit Development (PUD) at the southwest corner of Red Fox Road and Lexington Avenue. The applicant is seeking feedback from the City Council on the concept. Attachments Attachment A – Project Narrative Attachment B – Proposed Concept PUD Plan Set City of Arden Hills City Council Meeting for February 19, 2013 44 Page of AttachmentA LS EXINGTONTATION PL ROJECTOCATION TPI694R HEROJECTSITEISLOCATEDSOUTHOFNTERSTATEONTHESOUTHWESTCORNEROFED RLA. FOXOADANDEXINGTONVE T7.574 HEPROJECTSITEISAPPROXIMATELYACRESANDISCOMPRISEDOFPARCELSWHICHARE CURRENTLYDEVELOPEDWITHTHEBLUEFOXBARANDTWOMULTITENANTINDUSTRIAL BR. UILDINGSOWNEDBYOBERTS DP EVELOPMENTLAN RSWRFR. OBERTSISPROPOSINGAMASTERPLANTOREDEVELOPTHECORNEROFEDOXDAND LA.,,/ EXINGTONVEINTOMULTIPLERETAILRESTAURANTSANDRETAILOFFICEBUILDINGSWITHA .R TRAINSTATIONFEELOBERTSSEESTHISCORNERASAVALUABLEENTRANCETOTHESOUTHERN AH PORTIONOFRDENILLSANDWOULDLIKETOBRINGBUSINESSTOTHECOMMUNITYTHATMIGHT .B, BETTERSERVETHERESIDENTSYINCORPORATINGCRITICALRETAILFAMILYFRIENDLYSITDOWN RESTAURANTSANDOFFICESWEWOULDBEBRINGINGMANYOFTHESERVICESRESIDENTSNEEDTO AH. RDENILLS PI HASE PBF HASEONEWOULDCOMPRISEOFDEMOLISHINGTHECURRENTLUEOXRESTAURANTAND 15,313 CONSTRUCTINGARETAILBUILDINGWITHATOTALBUILDINGAREAOFAPPROXIMATELY .A SQUAREFEETSCHEMATICPROJECTSITEPLANSHOWSTHATOVERALLDEVELOPMENTOFTHE RETAILSITEMAYINCLUDETHREEMAJORCRITICALRETAILANDORSMALLRESTAURANTTENANTS .T ANDSIXSMALLRETAILTENANTSHESITEPLANALSOSHOWSALARGEOUTDOORSEATINGAREA .API,R ANDADRIVETHRUSPARTOFHASEOBERTSISPROPOSINGREMOVINGTHETWODRIVEWAYS RFL, CLOSESTTOTHEINTERSECTIONOFEDOXANDEXINGTONMOVINGTHETHIRDDRIVEWAYTO T,. THESOUTHPROPERTYLINEDIRECTLYACROSSFROMARGETANDADDINGASIGNAL PII&III HASE P30,000 HASETWOWOULDINCLUDEMODIFYINGTHESQUAREFOOTBUILDINGTOACCOMMODATE .P MOREPARKINGANDPOSSIBLELARGERRETAILTENANTSHASETHREEWOULDINCLUDE 64,000 DEMOLISHINGTHESQUAREFOOTMULTITENANTINDUSTRIALBUILDINGAND , CONSTRUCTINGTHREEBUILDINGSMADEUPOFACOMBINATIONOFSINGLESTORYCRITICALRETAIL ,/ RESTAURANTSANDTWOSTORYRETAILOFFICEBUILDINGSWITHMOSTLIKELYANUNDERGROUND . PARKINGCOMPONENT MEMORANDUM DATE: February 19, 2013 TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members Patrick Klaers, City Administrator FROM: Meagan Beekman, City Planner SUBECT: Urban Fowl Discussion Requested Action Review the attached articles and provide direction to Staff on whether to move forward with an ordinance revision to allow urban fowl or not. Background Councilmember Werner has requested that the issue of keeping chickens and other fowl on residential properties be brought before the Council for discussion. Arden Hills Staff receives a few calls a year from residents asking if they are allowed to raise chickens on their property. In Arden Hills chickens and other fowl are not specifically prohibited. However, they are considered farm animals, and the City requires that containment areas for farm animals have to be kept a minimum of 200 feet away from any property line. This large setback prohibits nearly all of the properties in Arden Hills from having farm animals. Discussion Over the last several years the issue of raising urban fowl, specifically chickens, has become more popular. Many communities have spent time looking into this issue, and some have amended ordinances to allow residents to keep chickens or other kinds of poultry. The City of Cottage Grove is currently looking into the issue of the keeping of chickens and other fowl on residential properties. An article on the Cottage Grove debate, as well as articles regarding Maplewood, Bloomington, and Woodbury’s discussions is attached (Attachment A). City of Arden Hills City Council Meeting for February 19, 2013 12 Page of According to a survey done by Cottage Grove of 52 Metro-area communities, 19 communities allow residents to have chickens and other fowl while 35 have opted to prohibit them. Fridley, Maplewood, New Brighton, Shoreview, and Roseville are among communities that allow chickens and other fowl; Blaine, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, and Woodbury do not. Ordinances typically define fowl as separate from farm animals, and regulate which species are allowed, how many can be kept on a parcel of land, and the setbacks for coops. Some communities, such as Shoreview, allow chickens with a Conditional Use Permit granted by the City Council; others allow them through an administrative permit. Staff is seeking direction from Council on whether there is an interest to allow the keeping of fowl on residential properties in the City. If the City Council directs Staff to work on this issue we would research what other communities have done and work with the Planning Commission to recommend ordinance revisions that would allow fowl. The process would include identifying potential negative impacts on neighboring properties and the community, and the creation of regulations to minimize those impacts. Requested Action Review the attached articles and provide direction to Staff on whether to move forward with an ordinance revision to allow urban fowl or not. Attachments Attachment A – Newspaper Articles StarTribune -Print PagePage 1of 2 Cottage Grove joins other cities in debating whether fowl is fair Article by: JIM ANDERSON Star Tribune November 26, 2012 -9:53 AM Duke and Donald, with their feathery silken green heads, hardly look the part of outlaws. Neither does Lucky, clucking contentedly in the arms of her 11-year-old owner. But, for the moment at least, they are. Or more specifically, the two Bob Burtman keeps ducks in his Cottage Grove back yard, two mallards named Donald and Duke and two Pekins named families who live on opposite sides of Cottage Grove and own four Butter and Sunshine. ducks and three chickens are --at least in the eyes of the city. Glen Stubbe, Star Tribune Cottage Grove has joined a long list of Twin Cities communities confronting the issue of whether, or how, to allow chickens and other fowl in residential areas. The City Council, on the eve of a holiday at which oversized farm fowl are guests of honor, weighed an ordinance change allowing the birds on lots of less than 5 acres. Council members opted on Wednesday night to return the issue to the city's Planning Commission to come up with a recommendation, giving the birds running afoul of the law a reprieve --for now. At least two families in Cottage Grove, the Burtmans and the Aria Olson, 11, held Caramel, her favorite of three chickens the family has in the back yard of its Cottage Grove home. Olsons, have illicit fowl. They aren't trying to hide anything, but The city is weighing the issue of having farm animals within its borders. they are hoping the city will change the ordinance. Glen Stubbe, Star Tribune "I tell you what, I'd cry if the city told me I couldn't keep my ducks," said Bob Burtman, who keeps two drake mallards and two white Pekin ducks in his back yard. "They've just become a part of our SO ... WHO WANTS CHICKENS? family." Specific rules vary, but this is where cities stand on allowing residents to have chickens and other fowl in Brian and Rykna Olson, and their daughter, Aria,, have three urban areas: chickens in a small coop at their home, also in a residential Yes:Anoka, Bloomington, Burnsville, Duluth, Eagan, Fridley, Maplewood, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, New neighborhood. They enjoy collecting their three daily eggs, and the Brighton, New Hope Northfield, Oakdale, Ramsey, Richfield*, Rosemount, Roseville, St. Paul, Shoreview, neighborhood kids like to come and visit the birds, Rykna Olson Stillwater. said. No: Andover, Apple Valley, Blaine, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park,* Champlin, Chanhassen, Chaska, "They're smarter and have far more personality than I would have Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, Cottage Grove, Crystal,* Eden Prairie, Edina, Elk River, Faribault, expected," Brian Olson said. Farmington, Forest Lake, Golden Valley,* Hastings, Hopkins, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Plymouth, Prior Lake, Savage, Both families had fowl last year, but recent complaints have Shakopee, South St. Paul, St. Louis Park, West St. Paul, White Bear Lake, Woodbury. prompted the city to consider the change --and hold off on enforcing the ordinance. *In the process of evaluating ordinances. Source: Cities of Cottage Grove, St. Paul, Minneapolis Burtman said he is baffled by the one complaint about his ducks. He surveyed all his nearby neighbors. Some said they make less noise than dogs, or they didn't even know he had them; others didn't care. His next-door neighbor, he said, particularly enjoys them. One neighbor, however, submitted video of ducks quacking as they sat on their nearby deck. The Olsons know of only one neighbor who has a problem with their chickens. But that's all it takes to make the issue a public policy question. Cottage Grove has been bandying about the issue for much of this year, said John McCool, a senior planner with the city. Last spring, the city surveyed 19 Twin Cities communities to gauge their stands on chickens and other farm animals. The survey was expanded to 52 communities in September. The comprehensive study looked at an array of issues: property values, which animals to allow and how many, lot size and proximity to neighbors, license costs, coop requirements, whether slaughtering is allowed, input from neighbors, waste disposal, regulation of egg sales and whether to allow only hens or both hens and roosters. The survey found that, of the 52 communities, about two-thirds have so far opted against allowing farm animals in urban settings. "Our advantage there is that, one-third of cities have already done this," McCool said. "So we're able to learn from the kinds of challenges of what they've already had to deal with." Part of the problem revealed in the survey, he said, is trying to create an ordinance that is fair to everyone. "If you allow chickens, then do you allow for other fowl?" he said. "And then, where do you draw that line?" In some cases, cities that have allowed chickens have then been confronted with demands to allow potbellied pigs, goats, sheep and pigeons. "What we found [in the survey] is that in every community, it's such a small percentage of people that want to do this," McCool said. "But it becomes a big issue if a neighbor doesn't like it." Mayor Myron Bailey told the council Wednesday he had received a letter voicing concern about a "chicken fad," prompting him to survey his own neighbors. "The response was loudly and clearly, no way do they want chickens in their back yards." Jim Anderson • 651-925-5039 Twitter: @StribJAnderson http://www.startribune.com/printarticle/?id=1804515612/14/2013 StarTribune -Print PagePage 1of 1 Bloomington's looser roost rules still unhatched Article by: MARY JANE SMETANKA Star Tribune September 28, 2010 -9:25 PM Would allowing more people to keep chickens in Bloomington open the door to squalor and decay, or could it be a step in letting locavores have more control over their lives and diets? The City Council, which was expected to settle the chicken-keeping question on Monday, twice voted 3-3 on proposals for a reworked animal ordinance. The deadlocks push a decision to Nov. 1, when all seven council members are expected to be present. The proposed ordinance would allow up to four laying hens to be kept on residential lots as long as coops were at least 30 feet from lot lines and at least 50 feet from neighboring homes. Coops would have to be screened by at least 4 feet of solid fencing. That would allow about 80 percent of Bloomington residents who live in single-family homes to keep hens. At present, setback requirements dating from the 1950s permit less than one-half of 1 percent of homeowners --about 90 of 25,000 homes in the city --to legally keep chickens. Real estate agent Randi Bishop told the council that one chicken is too many. She called the proposed ordinance "part of the decline of Bloomington," a "monumental livability issue" and said property values would plummet. Other opponents said they wouldn't have moved to Bloomington had they known chickens could be kept there, and said that the birds are dirty, territorial and could transmit avian flu. Chicken advocates pooh-poohed the possibility of flu transmission and said the new ordinance supports people's desire to get their food locally. They said worries about hen manure, clucking and odors pale in comparison with the issues that multiple dogs create. Mayor Gene Winstead said he didn't want to start down the path of allowing farm animals in the community. Joining him in "no" votes were Amy Grady, who said she was torn but worried that not everyone would be a responsible chicken owner, and Vern Wilcox, who said a more liberal chicken ordinance was a Pandora's box. "Good luck enforcing four hens. We can't enforce four dogs," Wilcox said. "I think it's just a step in the wrong direction." On the other side were Steve Elkins, Thomas Hulting and Karen Nordstrom. Hulting said he trusted that people who go through the trouble of building a coop and buying chickens would take care of them. Nordstrom, who as a child had a pet chicken, agreed with Hulting that it was wise for the city to "keep outside of people's back yards." She said hens tend to be so low-key that most residents didn't even know they were being kept in the city. "I doubt I would have a problem moving next door to someone with chickens," she said. "I would have a problem moving next door to someone with four barking dogs." Unless one of the six changes his or her mind, the fate of the chickens already kept in Bloomington will rest with Steve Peterson, who missed this week's meeting. Mary Jane Smetanka • 612-673-7380 © 2011 Star Tribune http://www.startribune.com/printarticle/?id=1039724432/14/2013 StarTribune -Print PagePage 1of 1 Another roost for chickens in metro -- Maplewood Article by: TIM HARLOW Star Tribune July 17, 2011 -11:05 PM Some Maplewood residents have been raising chickens in their back yards for years, but starting in August they can do it without breaking the law. The City Council passed an ordinance last week that legalizes the An urban chicken in Bloomington practice and adds the east metro suburb to the growing number of Elizabeth Flores, Star Tribune file Twin Cities communities that allow urban agriculture. "It is a trend that some people are into," said City Council Member John Nephew, who voted in favor of the ordinance. "For people, it's a hobby or educational tool to teach kids where eggs come from. It's a fine thing for the very small number of people who are doing that, and we should not stand in the way." The ordinance will require anybody raising chickens to pay $75 to the city for a license and $50 to renew each year. Residents will be able to have as many as 10 hens --but no roosters --in a back-or side-yard coop that is at least 5 feet from any property line, and chickens must wear a leg band with the owner's name and phone number. The ordinance, passed on a 4-1 vote, also requires unanimous approval from owners of adjacent properties. It also requires that food be stored in rodent-proof containers and prohibits beheading within city limits. "They will have to cross the road to kill it," said City Manager Jim Antonen, who said the city will inspect coops to be sure they are in compliance. Maplewood joins communities such as Shoreview, Oakdale, Rosemount, Minneapolis, St. Paul and Burnsville, which also allow chickens. White Bear Lake considered a chicken ordinance, but voted against it. Antonen said the issue over chickens has been debated in Maplewood for more than two years after a few citizens approached the city's Environmental and Natural Resources Commission, which studied and recommended the ordinance. Nephew said it will give the city some leverage in dealing with complaints. Police Chief David Thomalla said there is no way of knowing how many undocumented chickens there are in the city, but that his department gets occasional complaints. That includes stray chickens. The city currently pays $42 for any animal --chicken or other --it brings to the Hillcrest Boarding facility, plus $18 a day. It also pays an animal control officer $82 per call plus $38 an hour. The leg bands will allow the city to identify the owner and require the owner to reimburse the city for any fees associated with containing strays, said Shann Finwall, the city's environmental planner. Not everybody is enthusiastic about the ordinance change. "I don't like that you are going to have chickens in Maplewood," said Shirley Taugner, a 52-year Maplewood resident whose neighbors have chickens in violation of the law. "They are dirty and they poop and do their stuff all over." But that is reason for the ordinance, said council Member James Llanas. "There needs to be rules regulating how chickens are treated, and for neighbors to be respectful," he said. Tim Harlow • 651-735-1824 Twitter: @timstrib © 2011 Star Tribune http://www.startribune.com/printarticle/?id=1257246382/14/2013 StarTribune -Print PagePage 1of 1 Woodbury combs through, amends animal rules September 18, 2010 -7:07 PM Woodbury has joined a growing list of suburbs confronting a question ruffling feathers across the Twin Cities: Should chickens and other animals considered livestock also be considered as pets? At a meeting earlier this month, the City Council voted 5-0 to amend ordinances governing animals to clarify, among other things, that chickens and other farm animals are not pets and therefore aren't allowed in areas of the city not zoned for agriculture. "The purpose of these changes is really to delineate the keeping of animals as pets and the keeping of animals for business purposes, such as kennels, or for production, such as livestock," said Melissa Douglas, the city's senior planner. The intent is not to add restrictions to pet ownership, she said, but to make clear what is and isn't allowed. The amendments are partly in response to a zoning code case involving a couple in a residential area about a mile north and east of City Hall. The couple was keeping a few chickens and contended that city ordinances don't explicitly say chickens are banned. "I'm from a small town, and if you wanted to have these types of animals, you lived on a farm or had some kind of acreage. And if you lived in town, you didn't have these kinds of animals," said Mayor Bill Hargis. "It really wasn't an issue back when I was growing up." White Bear Lake, Eden Prairie, Golden Valley and Bloomington are just a few of the cities that have dealt with chicken- related issues in recent months, weighing the interests of owners who enjoy them as pets or a source of eggs and neighbors who may not welcome them. The League of Minnesota Cities is researching the issue in response to requests from across the state. While the Woodbury council approved the clarifying amendments, members also said they would revisit the issue at some point in 2011. JIM ANDERSON © 2011 Star Tribune http://www.startribune.com/printarticle/?id=1030002242/14/2013 AGENDA ITEM MEMORANDUM DATE: February 19, 2013 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers Patrick Klaers, City Administrator FROM: Amy Dietl, Deputy Clerk SUBJECT: Discuss Response to Trial Agenda Center Packet Background A demonstration of the new Agenda Center (electronic agenda creation) module was presented at the City Council work session on February 11, 2013. This agenda creation technology is an available feature included as part . If the decision is made to take advantage of the agenda creation module, the look of the agenda packet will be slightly different. An example of an agenda packet created using this software th was also presented at the February 11 work session. Since there may be a considerable reduction in the amount staff time required to assemble agenda packets by using this new agenda creation feature, the consensus among the Council was to create tonights agenda packet as a trial run. Requested Action Staff would like to discuss the Councils response to the agenda packet created for tonights meeting using the Agenda Center module. 11 Page of