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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-18-13 Jt City Council, PTRC, and PC 'It ,fiIZEN HILLS Approved: May 28, 2013 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA JOINT CITY COUNCIL, PTRC,AND PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MEETING MARCH 18, 2013 5:00 PM - COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Grant called to order the City Council work session meeting at 5:01 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant; Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Dave McClung, and Ed Werner (left at 5:40 p.m.). PTRC members Cindy Garretson, Phillip Kramlinger, Nancy O'Malley, Steve Scott, Matthew Trites, Chuck Michaelson, Rich Straumann, John Peck, Don Messerly, and John Van Valkenburg. Planning Commission members Clayton Larson, Andy Holewa, and Roberta Thompson Absent: Councilmember Holmes (excused); PTRC members Harold Peterson and Jane Larson; and Planning Commission members Clayton Zimmerman, Samuel Scott, Angela Hames, and Janet Stodola Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; City Planner Meagan Beekman; Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson; Building Official Dave Scherbel; and Deputy Clerk Amy Dietl APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Council accepted the agenda as presented. 1. AGENDA ITEMS A. Television and Storage Area Discussion Building Official Scherbel discussed the building plan to make a closet in the area currently used for the vending machine and coat hook storage. He stated that the closet will be used to store tables and chairs and that the flooring inside the closet will be concrete. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MARCH 18, 2013 2 City Administrator Klaers stated that the reason this item is being discussed is because the television in the lobby is outdated and needs to be replaced due to its graphic display issues. He noted that the television is currently housed in a built-in on the backside of the wall where the vending machine is currently located. Assuming a flat screen television replaces the current tube- style television, it will not fit in the built-in area. Mayor Grant confirmed that the television has not been working well. He stated the slides playing on the local cable access channel featuring upcoming events are almost unreadable. City Administrator Klaers stated that since more storage is needed for tables and chairs, it seemed like a good time for modest modifications to the television area. He noted that a flat- screen television could be mounted on the wall over the fireplace or it could be mounted on the wall the current television is located on. He suggested that if a television is mounted on the existing wall, a table or shelf placed underneath would be a good idea to keep people from running into it since it is a hallway area that has foot-traffic. Building Official Scherbel noted that it would be most cost-effective to leave the television on the wall where it is currently located. Councilmember Holden questioned whether the Audio Visual (AV) room (which also shares a wall with this area)will ever need to be expanded. Building Official Scherbel stated that the AV room is large. City Administrator Klaers indicated that staff would consult with the person who runs the AV equipment before proceeding with the project. Mayor Grant inquired what the costs would be for this project. Building Official Scherbel stated that he is waiting for two bids to be submitted. He estimated the expense would be less than$5,000. The consensus among the Council is to have staff email the cost, plus the price of the television, to all of the Councilmembers once the numbers are known. B. Utility Billing Discussion City Administrator Klaers stated that a resident appeared at the February 25, 2013, City Council meeting to discuss his utility bill and file a formal appeal, and it was Council consensus at that time to bring the item back for further discussion at a work session. City Administrator Klaers explained that staff has called the resident several times but he did not return the call. He asked what the Council would like to do since the resident did not appear tonight to discuss his bill. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MARCH 18, 2013 3 Councilmember Werner asked if staff calculated what the bill would be without the disputed water usage that occurred during the two-week period in which the resident stated he was out of the country. City Administrator Klaers stated that the flat consumption amount would be about$10. Mayor Grant stated that during the two-week period in question, 44,000 gallons of water usage was recorded. Public Works Director Maurer indicated that public works staff visited the home. He stated that both the valves and reader were checked and no problems with the system were found. Staff discussed a townhome property in Arden Hills that had an erratic meter reading in January. Councilmember McClung questioned if staff found any problems in the system that would create these erratic spikes in water usage. Public Works Director Maurer stated that he has not found any equipment problems. The only issues found have been human error within original input into the new system. Mayor Grant explained that more doubt has been raised in his mind since the second erratic reading occurred in a townhome during the winter months. This leads him to question the readers. Councilmember McClung indicated he too was questioning these cases because both property owners were away from home for two weeks when the spike in water usage occurred. He recommended that the situation be further investigated. Mayor Grant asked if the system could flag usage over 100 gallons per hour. Public Works Director Maurer stated that it could be done. He noted that if meter readers fail, they generally read less water usage rather than more. Mayor Grant stated he would be in favor of writing these expenses off. Councilmember Holden was not in favor of writing off the expense. She suggested the expense be split between the homeowner and the City. Councilmember Werner noted that he is more sympathetic to the property owner who shut his water valve off before traveling, and recommended an adjustment be made on his utility bill. Councilmember McClung supported the utility bill adjustment for the property owner. He recommended staff watch for this type of water usage spike in the future. Public Works Director Maurer stated that he would set peak levels within the system to assist staff with monitoring this type of situation. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MARCH 18, 2013 4 Councilmember Holden requested staff speak with the other homeowner who also had an abnormal spike in water usage and discuss the utility bill appeals process with him. The consensus among the Council is to have staff split the difference on the bill for the Beckman Avenue property. C. Verizon Wireless Communication Site Discussion City Planner Beekman stated that the City and Ramsey County have both been approached by Verizon Wireless regarding an underserved area near City Hall and the possibility of a ground lease for a monopole tower. She indicated that Verizon Wireless was seeking a location north of Highway 96 that could accommodate a 75-100 foot tower. The City is open to considering this request, but the final decision will rest with the Council. She explained that under current City Code, monopoles require co-location and are allowed through a conditional use permit. She stated she will investigate this matter further with Verizon and will report back to the Council. Councilmember Holden asked if the City Hall site had any height restrictions due to the helicopter flight paths. City Planner Beekman noted she will have to look into this. It was noted that one option is to place the monopole on the building. Mayor Grant questioned if Verizon was located on any water towers in the City. City Planner Beekman reviewed the current antenna tenants located within the City and noted that Verizon does not currently have an antenna in Arden Hills. She indicated the County property may be a better location for a monopole than City Hall. Mayor Grant stated he was not in favor of a monopole and suggested that the water tower site be recommended. Councilmember McClung indicated that he needs more information before making a decision on this issue. The consensus among the Council is to direct staff to investigate the Verizon Wireless monopole further. D. Discuss Proposal Increase in Metro Area Transit Sales Tax Mayor Grant stated he was contacted by the Regional Council of Mayors (RCM) regarding supporting the proposed increase in the sales tax for the metropolitan transit system. He commented the governor has not backed off on this issue. Councilmember McClung indicated the governor has actually recommended the rate be increased .75% to assure enough revenue is raised. It is estimated $791 million would be raised for transit by 2017. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MARCH 18, 2013 5 Councilmember Holden does not support the transit sales tax because it does not benefit the City of Arden Hills. Councilmember McClung agreed noting he will only support this if a light rail project is proposed for the 35W corridor. Mayor Grant explained the reason this issue is being discussed is due to the request of the regional mayors. He is not interested in signing off on this unless there is full Council support. He indicated he will send a note to the RCM based on the Council's comments. E. PTRC Goals and Work Plan Parks and Recreation Manager Olson indicated the PTRC has been working on a presentation for this evening that addressed their goals and work plan for 2013. PTRC Member O'Malley discussed the PTRC's purpose and mission. She stated the residents serving on the PTRC liked Arden Hills along with nature and the beauty of the City. The ongoing or as needed goals that help guide the committee's work plan are as follows: • Recommend actions that advance the vision for parks, trails and recreation. • Assist in identifying ongoing parks and trails maintenance/improvement priorities. • Recommend and review grant opportunities, sponsorships, and partnerships for parks and trails. • Assist, advise and monitor plans for parks, trails and recreation within TCAAP at the appropriate time. • Continue to work with Ramsey County on mutually beneficial trail/park projects and activities. • Monitor potential road improvements to encourage inclusion of pedestrian friendly infrastructure whenever possible. • Look to enhance/add recreational opportunities in our parks. • Recommend future enhancements for the five-year Capital Improvement Program each year. • Sponsor and organize community events such as clean up day and buckthorn removal day(s). • Prepare monthly articles that the Committee would like to see highlighted in the City newsletter. PTRC Member O'Malley noted the PTRC was interested in having meetings this summer at area parks which will assist in gaining feedback from residents. The group is also interested in completing a survey of park needs this year. The survey results will further assist in guiding the PTRC. The PTRC has assigned the following priorities for their 2013 work plan: • Trail Development—proposed trail segment map and priority listing included for Council review. • Freeway Park Enhancement — map of proposed improvements included for Council review. • New Picnic Shelter at Hazelnut Park. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MARCH 18, 2013 6 • Off Leash Dog Area. PTRC Member Kramlinger stated part of the mission of the PTRC is to review, advise and promote trail development. A proposed trail segment map was then discussed. A trail on the County Road E Bridge over Snelling Avenue is a top priority. He noted the bridge will be replaced in 2015. Another area of concern is Old Highway 10/Snelling Avenue from TH 51 to Highway 96. This area is unsafe and in need of trail connections. The other high priority listed is a much needed trail along Lake Valentine Road near the Mounds View High School. He recommended the City work with Ramsey County and the school district on this issue. PTRC Member Scott discussed the many benefits of the yearly PTRC park tour. He explained the park aesthetics for Freeway Park are a growing concern due to the high visibility of this park. Proposed park enhancements were reviewed in detail. PTRC Member Trites recommended a new picnic shelter be added to Hazelnut Park. He commented this would be an attractive amenity for this park and would increase park revenues. It was noted the park had adequate parking at this time. PTRC Member Michaelson stated off leash dog areas is another item the PTRC would like to pursue. The advantages and disadvantages of a dog park were reviewed with the Council. He noted the park size could be the size of a hockey rink or several acres. The expense to maintain the park will be minimal as the City has several hockey rinks that could be used in this capacity. PTRC Member Straumann indicated he was recently elected to the Ramsey County Friends of the Parks and Trails Board. He noted Ramsey County is currently working on a trail that will run from Highway 96 to downtown St. Paul. He further discussed other trail connections and amenities that Ramsey County will be working on in the coming years, along with a wildlife corridor. He noted the Tony Schmidt trail segment (Elmer Andersen trail extension from Indian Place to Tony Schmidt Park) is scheduled to be completed in 2016-2017 by the County. The trail segment south of the Mounds View High School is scheduled for completion 2018-2019. Councilmember Holden questioned which of the priorities are budgeted in 2013 for the PTRC. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated the 2013 budget includes maintenance and forestry funds. She explained that none of the proposed projects are budgeted, but the PTRC was still interested in working on the items for 2014. Councilmember Holden explained the City has spent a great deal on park improvements in the last several years. She does not anticipate that the City will have the same amount of money available each year for park improvements. Mayor Grant asked if the proposed shelter at Hazelnut Park would be similar to Cummings Park. PTRC Member Peck anticipated the shelter would be similar to the picnic shelter at Perry Park. He explained the shelter and restrooms would get greater use now with the soccer field improvements completed. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MARCH 18, 2013 7 Councilmember Holden inquired how the trail system could better serve the residents living in the southeast corner of the City. She noted there are not many connections in this area of the City. Councilmember McClung wanted to be assured the trail connections run north/south as well as east/west. PTRC Chair Garretson commented that these are good points and need to be considered in the trail plan. PTRC Member Peck indicated Arden Hills is drawing younger families due to the mature neighborhoods, trees and parks that are available in the City. PTRC Member O'Malley discussed the potential of completing a community survey through Survey Monkey. Councilmember Holden noted this was done several years ago and the City only received 12 responses. Mayor Grant did not object to the PTRC completing a survey through Survey Monkey as this was a budget-friendly alternative. He commented the dog park is something that should be further investigated and discussed. He noted the dog park will increase use of the hockey rink areas in the summer months. His concerns include maintenance/cleanup. Councilmember McClung viewed the dog park as a positive park amenity in Arden Hills. Mayor Grant discussed the proposed layout of Freeway Park noting several parking spaces may be lost to allow for the water truck to flood the rink in the winter months. Further discussion ensued regarding the layout of the pleasure skating rink and parking lot. Staff noted the expense for the proposed improvements at Freeway Park is $66,000. Councilmember McClung was supportive of the improvements if budgeted in the future. Councilmember Holden recommended the PTRC work this summer on the proposed improvements and report back to the Council in the fall. PTRC Member O'Malley asked if there are any issues the Council thought the PTRC should be considering. Mayor Grant encouraged the PTRC to continue speaking with the public and gaining feedback on the needs of the community. He encouraged the PTRC to begin working on plans for a dog park. The Council thanked the PTRC for their presentation and input this evening. F. Planning Commission Goals and Work Plan ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MARCH 18, 2013 8 Chair Larson discussed the 2013 Planning Commission Work Plan with the Council. He discussed the role, upcoming tasks, and items of concern for the Planning Commission. He noted the Planning Commission has two open seats at this time and will be working to find volunteers. He anticipated the development of the TCAAP site will be a major focus in the coming years. It was noted development in the metro area is beginning again. He hopes the zoning within TCAAP will be mixed use and flexible as this will assure the development meets the growing needs of the community. Councilmember Holden questioned if the B-2 design standards were finalized. City Planner Beekman discussed the design standards implemented in 2009 stating the Planning Commission was further considering the design standards to see if they work for the City. Mayor Grant asked if the sign code would be reviewed. City Planner Beekman reported the sign code was going to be reviewed given the fact recent requests were not in alignment with the City's vision. She indicated this would be important to complete with the pending development of the TCAAP site. Mayor Grant requested comment on the open space and park reserve zoning designation. City Planner Beekman stated in 2008 the City updated the Comprehensive Plan with two separate park land designations. She noted AHATS was park reserve with City parks designated as open space. State law requires the City to update the Zoning Code to match its Comprehensive Plan. A park zoning designation would protect the property from development in the future and would be an important tool for the City to have in place. Councilmember Holden asked what the difference would be between a park designation and an open space zoning designation. City Planner Beekman discussed this in detail stating the permitted use would vary and noted these zoning classifications would only apply to City owned property. Councilmember Holden questioned how the new variance requirements were affecting the Planning Commission. Chair Larson was pleased with the new requirements stating this has greatly assisted the Commission in reviewing requests. Further discuss ensued regarding the positive growth in the housing market. The Council thanked the Planning Commission for their presentation and input this evening. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MARCH 18, 2013 9 2. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Holden questioned what happened with the Resilient Communities Program Grant. Community Development Director Hutmacher commented the City did not receive the grant. She indicated the City of North St. Paul was awarded the grant. The City will receive feedback on the application in the next week or two. Mayor Grant recommended the gateway sign issue be addressed by the City this spring. City Administrator Klaers stated there will be an Open House on the 2013 PMP on March 19th from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at City Hall. The County Road 10/Highway 96 intersection Open House would be held on March 26h. Staff noted the County is planning an Open House on Tuesday, May 7th for TCAAP at the Marsden Room from 5:00-7:00 p.m. ADJOURN Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council work session meeting at 8:02 p.m. —0 0,,I�' /�Z"�� ia'12 Patrick Klaers David Grant City Administrator Mayor