Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-28-13-WS 'It .-AlQEN� Iius Approved: June 24, 2013 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING MAY 28,2013 6:00 P.M. -ARDEN HILLS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Grant called to order the City Council work session meeting at 6:10 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant; Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, and Ed Werner Absent: Councilmember Dave McClung (excused) Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson; Community Development Intern Matthew Bachler; and Deputy Clerk Amy Died 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Council accepted the agenda as presented. 2. AGENDA ITEMS A. Public Involvement Plan (PIP) for TCAAP Master Plan Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that the first task in the master planning process is the development of the public engagement process. She then introduced the representatives from Kimley-Horn. Brian Smalkoski, Kimley-Horn, explained that the PIP is a living document and will be updated throughout the planning process. Jessica Laabs, Kimley-Horn, indicated that the planning process and first draft of the PIP has been reviewed with staff. She explained that Kimley-Horn has drafted a Public Involvement Plan (PIP) which describes the purpose of the PIP; and it includes the roles and responsibilities of staff, the Planning Commission, Council, Ramsey County, and the JDA. In addition, the PIP defines the goals, objectives, expected outcomes, project stakeholders, public involvement techniques, the ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 28, 2013 2 project schedule, and the evaluation of public involvement techniques and outcomes. She reviewed the document in further detail with the Council and requested comments or questions. Councilmember Holden asked if resident participation will occur prior to completion of the Master Plan. She questioned how residents can participate early in the process. Councilmember Holmes stated that she felt the proposed timeline offers very limited public involvement. She stated that the public is extremely interested in weighing in on this project. Mr. Smalkoski indicated that the first open house in September will be a great time for citizen input as this will be a listening session to allow for discovery. He noted that the developer panel in July will also allow for information to be shared. Ms. Laabs noted the public can also stay updated by visiting the website. Mayor Grant explained that until the AUAR process begins and the developmental parameters are established, it will be difficult for Kimley-Horn to take comments from the public. Councilmember Holmes commented that the public is very interested in this redevelopment and wants to be a part of this project and this desire for involvement needs to be addressed. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that the proposed developer panel could be more inclusive and interactive to allow for public input. Councilmember Holden encouraged the City to gain as much feedback as possible from the public because the previous vision and the comments made during the Ryan plan from years ago may not be pertinent to the Ramsey County project due to changing factors such as access and market conditions. Councilmember Holmes inquired if a resident vision should be created for the TCAAP site prior to the open house. She commented that this may assist in creating parameters for the redevelopment. Mayor Grant stated that the site is generating interest now given the fact that demolition activity is taking place. City Administrator Klaers explained that the JDA will be reviewing the PIP and the document will come back to the Council for approval at a future meeting. B. Transit Planning for Ramsey County Suburban Communities Jim McDonough, Ramsey County Board Commissioner, discussed the recently proposed sales tax increase to assist with transit improvements in the Metro area. He commented that there is a critical need for the region to come together to invest in transportation. He explained that investment in infrastructure will increase the economic competitiveness for the entire region. He then discussed proposed transit and roadway improvements needed in Ramsey County. He ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 28, 2013 3 commented that transit in and through TCAAP, such as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), is a crucial and important factor in the successful redevelopment of this site. Blake Huffman, Ramsey County Commissioner, agreed that TCAAP transit will be important as the site redevelops. He indicated that employers are making comments regarding the importance of transit options to northern Ramsey County. Councilmember Holmes stated that Arden Hills and northern Ramsey County have large employers such as Land O'Lakes, St. Jude Medical, Boston Scientific, and MedTronic, and at this time, there are no bus routes to those businesses. Mr. Huffman stated that this is a great point. He has also heard this concern voiced from Land O'Lakes. He understands the importance of good bus service and the proposed tax increase could assist in meeting the area's growing needs. Councilmember Holden questioned how the City could be assured it will receive funding if the tax increase is implemented. County Commissioner Huffman encouraged the City to be united with the region on the projects needed for this area. By having the east metro corridors ready for improvement, the region is more apt to receive funding. He commented that the region has to do a better job of advocating for the needs of the area. Mayor Grant stated it will be important for the region to have a common voice. John Doan, Metropolitan Council member for District 10, expressed concern with the attractiveness of light rail given it is a major expense. He explained that a dedicated long-term funding source is still needed for light rail. He commented that there will have to be compromises in order for the transit situation in the east metro to improve. He stated that the important thing in transit is to create efficient connections and to properly get people to and from work. Mayor Grant thanked each of the representatives for being present this evening and for providing the Council with a transit update. ADJOURN Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council work session meeting at 6:59 p.m. He noted that the work session will reconvene after the regular City Council meeting. RECONVENE Mayor Grant reconvened the City Council work session meeting at 8:06 p.m. C. Community Parks, Trails and Recreation Survey Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that one of the work items that the PTRC requested of Council at its March 18`"joint meeting was input on drafting a survey. The survey ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 28, 2013 4 will assist the committee in receiving input from the residents of Arden Hills on parks, recreation, and trails. She indicated that the Council consensus was to allow the PTRC the opportunity to create a survey for the Council to review. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson explained that the committee created a draft survey at their May 21" meeting. The PTRC recommends the survey be advertised on the City's website and in the newsletter and that a postcard mailing be sent to all residents. She indicated that the PTRC Committee Chair,Nancy O'Malley, was present to discuss this further with the Council. Nancy O'Malley, PTRC Chair, reviewed the potential survey with the Council. She explained that the last park survey was completed 10 years ago. She indicated that the PTRC is interested in receiving updated information regarding what residents of Arden Hills want in their parks as well as providing them a chance to be heard on this subject. She commented that the results will assist the PTRC in prioritizing their resources. She estimated that the expense for the postcard mailing to all residents will be approximately $300. Councilmember Holden suggested several language changes to the survey questions. She recommended a question be added to the survey regarding senior programming. Mayor Grant indicated that the last survey placed on the website only received 12 responses. He stated that there are many residents who have limited interest in the City's parks and will not complete the survey. He questioned how the results will be used by the PTRC. Ms. O'Malley commented that the results could be published in a future newsletter. In addition, the information will be reviewed and considered by the PTRC while planning for future projects. Councilmember Holden asked if the City had information on who is using the parks at this time. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that the City does not have specific numbers at this time. She is aware of those who sign up for City programs, but noted that the proposed survey could assist with providing this type of information. Mayor Grant proposed several other questions regarding the frequency of use of the various park facilities. He stated that as a decision maker it is important to him to know which facilities are being utilized and which are not in order to make informed decisions about park amenities in the future. He recommended adding a question to ask if residents like paved or natural trails. Councilmember Holden requested that the question regarding the number of trails be reworded. She recommended that the City put a note in an upcoming utility bill instead of sending out a separate postcard to each resident. She also suggested that the question regarding increased property taxes be amended to quantify how much more residents are willing to pay in taxes. Discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff regarding the wording of this question. The Council requested that the property tax question be removed. The Council directed staff and the PTRC to proceed with the survey based on the comments and suggestions made this evening. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 28, 2013 5 Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that the PTRC recommends painting the outside of the hockey rink at Freeway Park. A community project from the Army National Guard is taking place this weekend and we could utilize their time to do the painting. If Council supports painting the boards, she recommends that the outside of the rink be painted forest green. The Council supported this request. D. Parks and Open Space District and Park Preserve District Discussion Community Development Intern Bachler indicated that staff has been working on a Parks and Open Space Ordinance and Park Preserve Ordinance for the past two months. These ordinances will create formal zoning districts for park and open space land in the City. He commented that a Parks and Open Space Ordinance is necessary to bring the Zoning Code into compliance with the approved 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Community Development Intern Bachler explained that staff looked at several other cities across the metropolitan area to gain a sense of how each regulated park and open space land. After reviewing these documents, staff was able to create draft ordinances. He noted that these draft documents have been reviewed by the Planning Commission and the PTRC. He requested feedback and further direction from the Council on the draft documents. Councilmember Holmes questioned the purpose of the ordinances. Community Development Intern Bachler commented that at this time, the City does not have a park land zoning designation. Currently, all park and recreation property exists in the zoning code under residential or business districts and is allowed as a permitted or conditional use. He indicated that a separate district for these uses will further regulate the land uses, while adding another layer of protection to these resources. Councilmember Holmes discussed the permitted uses within publicly and privately owned parks. She asked how Ramsey County parks fit into the City's proposed ordinances. Community Development Intern Bachler indicated that Ramsey County has two parks in the City of Arden Hills. He noted that the City could draft language to zone that property and dictate how the park space is used. He stated that as the TCAAP property develops, these ordinances could greatly benefit the City. Councilmember Werner expressed concern that vegetables could be grown in a community garden space. City Administrator Klaers commented that this could be changed from a permitted use to a conditional use on City owned property. This change would allow for conditions to be placed on the use. Discussion ensued regarding conditional uses and permitted uses within the Park and Open Space Ordinance, in addition to the City regulation of publicly and privately owned park spaces. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 28, 2013 6 Councilmember Holmes asked if the renewable energy language is necessary within the park ordinances. She does not want to see wind turbines allowed on City owned property. Community Development Intern Bachler stated that there is potential for a renewable energy system to be installed in a City park, such as solar panels for electricity on top of a warming house. He commented that Items C and E could be removed from the proposed ordinance to reduce confusion. Councilmember Holmes understands that the Council can not anticipate every item that may come up in the future, but she is in favor of having additional language within the ordinance to address public and private park usage. Community Development Intern Bachler commented that the purpose statement could be reworded to provide clarity. Mayor Grant discussed the special regulations in the parks and open space district. It is his opinion that Item A is a goal and not a regulation. Community Development Intern Bachler recommended that Item A within this section be removed. City Administrator Klaers thanked the Council for their comments this evening. 3. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND STAFF UPDATES None. ADJOURN Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council Work Session mee 'ng at 9:38 p.m. Patrick Klaers David Grant City Administrator Mayor ­-S EN HILLS Request for Special City Council Work Session Meeting A special meeting may be called by the Mayor or by any two Councilmembers. Reason for meeting: Discuss Public Involvement Plan (PIP)for TCAAP Master Plan,Transit Planning for Ramsey County Suburban Communities PTRC—Survey Discussion, and Parks and Open Space and Park Preserve Zoning Districts Requested Date: 05/28/13 Requested time: 6:00 PM Open meeting X Closed meeting Signature of erson(s) making request: T Mayor or Councilmember Date Councilmember Date -This section to be completed by City staff- Date received:/ _;;�j / I ') Date meeting to be held: 05/28/13 Time of meeting: 6:00 PM Location: City Hall (downstairs—Community Room) All necessary posting and notices have been completed. Signature of Dep ty 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