HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-12-13-WS "It
�-AR�EN HILLS
Approved: September 9, 2013
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS,MINNESOTA
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING
AUGUST 12,2013
8:00 P.M. -ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Grant called to order the City Council work
session meeting at 8:06 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; and Deputy Clerk Amy Died
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The Council accepted the agenda as presented.
2. AGENDA ITEMS
A. E Street Flats Project Discussion
City Administrator Klaers stated that the E Street Flats redevelopment project continues to
make progress. Staff met with the project developers, Rob Davidson and Stuart Nolan, on
Monday, August 5, 2013, to discuss the overall project status. The main discussion item was
related to the City issuing a temporary certificate of occupancy (CO) so the tenants can move in
prior to the start of school in late August.
City Administrator Klaers reviewed a letter received from Mr. Davidson which outlines the
current status of the project and his request for a certificate of occupancy. He indicated that staff's
position during the August 5t" meeting was that the City cannot approve occupancy without all of
the development agreement requirements being met. These requirements include landscaping and
the final lift of blacktop.
City Administrator Klaers explained that he reviewed the situation with staff, the City Attorney,
and the Mayor and believes that an agreement can be reached that will address the concerns of
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—AUGUST 12, 2013 2
both parties. It should be noted that per the 2006 International Building Code, "The building
official is authorized to issue a temporary certificate of occupancy before the completion of the
entire work covered by the permit, provided that such portion or portions shall be occupied
safely."
City Administrator Klaers recommended that the Building Official issue temporary CO's for up
to 25 apartments provided all health and safety concerns are addressed and that no additional
permits are issued until 100% of the developer agreement requirements are completed.
Additionally, prior to issuing the temporary CO's, all past-due land use and legal bills for this
development project need to be paid in full. Staff requested that the Council discuss this item
further and provide direction on how to proceed.
Councilmember Holden questioned where the project was at this time.
Rob Davidson thanked the City for addressing his concerns this evening. He commented that the
second, third and fourth floors were complete. He explained that appliances will be installed this
week in the first floor units. It was noted that the common areas will be completed by August
23`d. He reported that the landscaping work began today and will be completed by August 25th.
City Administrator Klaers stated that the Building Official has spoken with the Ramsey County
Sheriff's Department and they do not have any problems with the temporary CO after all security
measures are in place.
Mr. Davidson explained that all security measures will be in place by August 181H
Councilmember Holden stated that she took offense to the editorial comment in the last
paragraph of the staff memo. She asked why staff is recommending that the Council approve
CO's for 25 units.
City Administrator Klaers commented that this number is based on 14 units already being
rented and the need for some flexibility for the applicant.
Councilmember Werner questioned where the 14 units are located in the building.
Mr. Davidson indicated that the 14 rented units are spread out between each of the four floors
within the building. He stated that the most commonly rented unit is the efficiency, and that the
three bedroom units have been the most difficult to lease at this time.
Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that wells on the site may have to be
closed per recommendation by the Minnesota Department of Health.
Mr. Davidson commented that this will be investigated further.
Councilmember Holden inquired what work needs to be completed onsite if a temporary CO is
granted by the City.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—AUGUST 12, 2013 3
Mr. Davidson stated that the main concern is the second layer of blacktop. He believed that 95%
of the landscape will be completed and the additional 5%will need to be finished. He noted there
may be other minor punch list items.
Councilmember Holden asked how long the temporary CO would be valid.
Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that the developer's agreement states
that the project must be completed by September 30th. Final occupancy permits will not be issued
for the remaining units until the work is finalized.
Mr. Davidson added that he is also required by his lender to finish the work.
The Council supported the issuance of a temporary CO for 25 units within E Street Flats.
3. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND STAFF UPDATES
None.
ADJOURN
Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council work session meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Patrick Klaers David Grant
City Administrator Mayor
It'
-- S DEN 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: To discuss the E Street Flats protect.
Requested Date: 08/12/13
Requested time: Immediately following the regular City Council meeting.
Open meeting X Closed meeting
Signatur f person(s)jmaking request:
�► " / 7 //-3
Mayor or Councilmember Date
Councilmember Date
-This section to be completed by City staff-
r"
Date received:
Date meeting to be held: 08/12/13
Time of meeting: Immediately following the regular City Council meeting.
Location: City Hall
All necessary posting and notices have been completed.
Mj J,N, 8 / -7 / 3
Signature of DepuYy 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