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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-24-13-R i ,-A IQEN HILLS Approved: August 26, 2013 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS,MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 24,2013 7:00 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor David Grant called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:03 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant, Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, Dave McClung, and Ed Werner Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Director of Finance and Administrative Services Sue Iverson; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; Community Development Intern Matthew Bachler; and Deputy Clerk Amy Died PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Grant requested that Item 3C be added to the agenda to allow for the discussion of trees and water level at Lake Johanna. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended addine Item 3C to discuss the Trees and Water Level at Lake Johanna. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIESANFORMATIONAL Mayor Grant stated that he would like to have TCAAP Redevelopment added to the City Council agenda as a Public Hearing at the first meeting each month. This public hearing would be an open invitation for the public to provide input to the Council on anything related to TCAAP. The Council agreed with the Mayor's proposal. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2013 2 Gregg Larson, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, recommended the Council support a mixed use concept for TCAAP to make the development a success. He encouraged the Council to approach the project with a "glass half-full" mentality. He suggested that all future developers be approached in a positive manner. Mr. Larson indicated that the TCAAP property and its expansion may financially affect all Arden Hills residents. He recommended that citizens become involved in this project to gain their support and suggested that the Council promote TCAAP whenever possible. He stated that the City needs strong leadership at this time and encouraged the Council to do better. Matt Westberg, 1455 Skiles Lane, asked if the City would be assisting residents with debris removal in easements, right-of-ways, and common areas. He explained that three very large pine trees fell onto City property and he would need assistance with the removal of these trees. A. Financial Award Presentation Robin Roland, GFOA Minnesota State Representative, presented the City with three awards which promote the best practices in budget and financial reporting. She explained that the first was the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, or CAFR Award, which is given to entities whose Comprehensive Annual Financial Report achieves the highest standards in government accounting and financial reporting. She noted that this is the City's sixth consecutive year in receiving this award. The second award presented to the City is the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting. This award is given to entities who publish a Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) and whose contents conform to program standards of creativity,presentation, understandability, and reader appeal. Ms. Roland indicated that the last award being presented to the City is the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award which represents a significant achievement by the entity. This reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meet the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the City of Arden Hills had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and a communications device. She commended the City Council and the Finance Department for their fine efforts. Mayor Grant congratulated the entire Finance Department. B. 2012 Audit Presentation Aaron Nielson, MMKR, reviewed the 2012 Financial Audit in detail with the Council. He explained the City received a clean opinion on the 2012 financial statements, which was the highest rating possible. The Arden Hills tax rate was compared to other cities in the metro area, noting it was below average. General Fund revenues and expenditures were further reviewed. Mr. Nielson thanked the Council for their time and asked for questions or comments. Councilmember Holmes appreciated the comparison chart showing the City's tax capacity and tax rate to neighboring communities in the County. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2013 3 Councilmember Holden discussed the enterprise fund balances and transfers. Mayor Grant reported that the City has maintained its AA+bond rating from Standard& Poor's. He congratulated staff and Council for this achievement. 3. STAFF COMMENTS A. TCAAP Update Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that demolition continues at the TCAAP site. She referred to a Star Tribune article that was recently printed noting that 90-95% of the materials from the property are being recycled. She then discussed the community events that will be held for TCAAP in the near future. Community Development Director Hutmacher reported that the first TCAAP public involvement event will be held on Tuesday, July 30, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Marsden Conference Room at the Ramsey County Public Works Facility. The event will begin with a panel discussion followed by a question and answer period. Following the panel discussion, small break-out groups will be held for facilitated discussion on the following topics: • Transportation and Access • Commercial and Residential Development • Active and Passive Open Space • Energy and Sustainability Community Development Director Hutmacher commented that this is a public event, but RSVPs are requested so the City can adequately plan for the number of tables, facilitators, and note takers needed for the break-out groups. A notice has been posted on the City's website and announcements are being made at City Council meetings. This is not an "open house" event, and attendees are asked to stay for the entire two-hour time period. Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that the first open house event has been tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, September 17, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in the Marsden Conference Room. Because this event will be structured in the "open house" style, attendees may arrive at any time that is convenient for them. Additional details regarding this event will be available in August. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that in addition to the public events that were just discussed, the City Council will hold a public hearing on TCAAP during the first Council meeting of every month. Residents are invited to attend the public hearings to offer their thoughts and opinions on TCAAP development. B. Transportation Update Public Works Director Maurer reported that the weather has been cooperating and work continues on the retaining wall on the northeast corner of the US Highway 10 and Highway 96 project. He stated that the bridge pier work and crushing will begin next week. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2013 4 Councilmember Holmes asked how the crushed material will be used by the contractor. Public Works Director Maurer anticipated that this material will be used by the contractor as a base material for US Highway 10 and Highway 96 due to the grade changes. C. Trees and Water Level at Lake Johanna Mayor Grant commented that the recent storm caused some damage to trees throughout the City. He questioned if the damage sustained throughout the community warranted assistance from the City. Public Works Director Maurer stated that he has driven the City and observed the tree damage throughout the City with the majority of the damage concentrated in the southwest quadrant of the City. He noted that the Public Works crews were out working all weekend cleaning up debris from public streets and keeping the lift stations operating. He estimated that there were 10 to 15 trees that fell into City right-of-ways. He stated that the City of Shoreview is offering a debris pickup program over the next two weeks. The City of Roseville will be offering pickup beginning July 8th and the City of St. Anthony will be picking up debris beginning July 1St Public Works Director Maurer estimated that it would take the Public Works Department two weeks to provide a tree cleanup service for the entire City. He discussed how the work would be accomplished noting that some equipment may have to be rented to complete the task. He estimated that the City has received 60-70 calls regarding the matter. He requested that the Council discuss the matter and direct staff on how to proceed. Mayor Grant asked if staff had an estimate for the expense involved with providing tree debris pickup for the entire City. Public Works Director Maurer stated that a clam truck and grinder would be needed and that this would cost the City $5,000-7,000 per piece to rent for two weeks. He recommended that the Council set specific beginning and ending dates of debris pickup as well as establishing a maximum tree diameter allowance, if the work were approved. Councilmember Werner questioned if the damage from 2006 was comparable to the most recent storm. Public Works Director Maurer explained that the storm damage cleanup in 2006 took the Public Works Department two months to complete. He commented that the Public Works crew will be cleaning up all tree damage in the City parks. Councilmember Holden wanted to see the City assist with the large tree trunks as this was the bigger concern for homeowners. Councilmember Holmes recommended that the Council proceed with tree debris cleanup in the same manner as the City of St. Anthony. Mayor Grant asked if the Council wanted to take action on this item. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2013 5 Councilmember Holmes stated that the City has received a large number of calls regarding this matter and that the neighboring communities are providing assistance to their residents. She is in favor of the City providing tree debris assistance. Councilmember McClung commented that the recent storm was not as severe as the 2006 storm. He is not in favor of providing City cleanup services from the recent storm. He suggested that the Council review this matter further at a future work session to create a tree debris policy. Mayor Grant agreed that a policy should be created, but he is unsure how to assess the amount of storm damage incurred in order for City assistance to be provided. Councilmember Holden stated that many of the larger trees that fell in the recent storm required professional assistance. She noted that her neighbor lost five trees, but that the majority of the City was spared. She does not support a City-wide cleanup from the recent storm. Councilmember Holmes saw the recent storm as a major event due to the fact that the City lost power for two days and roads were closed. She suggested that staff check into the availability of a clam truck and report back to the Council. She supports a City-wide cleanup. Councilmember Werner recommended the City provide cleanup services for its residents. Mayor Grant stated that some residents were greatly affected by the storm, but he does not feel the damage from the recent storm warrants City involvement. The consensus among the Council is to not provide storm damage cleanup. Mayor Grant discussed the water level of Lake Johanna stating that it was one-tenth of a foot below the agreed upon level and a no wake zone was not necessary at this time. He commented that the water level would continue to be monitored by staff. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. May 13, 2013, Special Work Session Meeting B. May 13, 2013, Regular City Council C. May 20, 2013, Work Session Meeting D. May 28, 2013, Work Session Meeting E. May 28, 2013, Regular City Council F. June 10, 2013, Closed Work Session Meeting MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the May 13, 2013, Special Work Session; May 13, 2013, Regular City Council; May 20, 2013, Work Session; May 28, 2013, Work Session; May 28, 2013, Regular City Council; and June 10, 2013, Closed Work Session meeting minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 5. CONSENT CALENDAR ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2013 6 A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll B. Motion to Accept 2012 Audit C. Motion to Accept 2012 Financial Reports D. Motion to Accept First Quarter 2013 Financial Reports E. Motion to Approve Bethel University CUP Amendment F. Motion to Approve 2013 Pavement Management Program—Payment#1 G. Motion to Authorize Consultant Proposals for West Round Lake Road Feasibility Report H. Motion to Approve Proposal for Classification/Compensation/Pay Equity Services I. Motion to Approve Lake Johanna Fire Department Capital Expenditure MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 6. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS None. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Delinquent Utilities Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated that a list of utility accounts with a delinquent balance was compiled and notices dated May 15, 2013, were mailed. These customers were informed of their delinquent account status and were asked to make payment of the balance by June 14, 2013. Utility accounts with an unpaid delinquent balance after June 14, 2013, will be certified to Ramsey County to be added to property taxes payable in 2014. The certification amount is equal to the unpaid delinquent balance plus an eight percent penalty. Staff recommended that the Council hold a public hearing and adopt Resolution 2013-030 certifying the delinquent utilities to Ramsey County. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 8:42 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 8:43 p.m. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to approve Resolution 2013-030 — Certifying the list of delinquent utility accounts to Ramsey County. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 8. NEW BUSINESS A. Resolution 2013-028: Approving the Rice Creek North Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2013 7 of Parks and Recreation Greg Mack, Ramsey County Director , thanked the Council for their time. He noted that the wildlife corridor was identified by the County as park land which allows for additional funding assistance for remediation of the property. Mr. Mack explained that Hoisington Koegler was hired by the County to assist with the project. Rita Trapp, Hoisington Koegler Group Inc., reviewed the Rice Creek North Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment in detail with the Council. She explained that the proposed area was crucial as it provides a four mile trail corridor from Anoka County to the Mississippi River. The evolution of the project was discussed. She noted that the master plan would be presented to the City of Shoreview, Ramsey County, and the Metropolitan Council. She requested the Council's support for the plan this evening. Councilmember Holden asked for the location of the wildlife corridor. Mr. Mack discussed the location with the Council stating this was now formally established. Councilmember Holmes requested further information on the planned regional trail. Mr. Mack discussed the trail route and explained that the regional trail would connect at County Road H and from there would have a grade crossing at I-35. He noted that this crossing was a priority to the County. Councilmember Holmes reviewed the whereas statements with the consultants and requested the Rice Creek North Regional Master Plan be referred to as (RCNRP) after its first reference. Councilmember Holden thanked the County for fighting for this property and for providing such a wonderful trail plan. She also thanked Councilmember Holmes for her efforts. Mayor Grant agreed stating that he looked forward to seeing the trails completed as it would create a park asset to the entire region. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2013-028 — Supporting the Amendment of the Rice Creek North Regional Trail Master Plan as amended above. The motion carried (5-0). B. B-2 District Zoning Code Amendment and Country Financial Conditional Use Permit Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that the City has received a proposal from Bob Revoir, Cushman & Wakefield, to obtain a CUP to allow a higher education use in the office building located at 2 Pine Tree Drive in the B-2 Zoning District. Mr. Revoir is a real estate broker representing Country Financial. Country Financial would like to lease space to Bethel University for administrative offices, classrooms, and meeting space. This application includes two distinct requests: ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2013 8 1. Zoning code amendment to allow schools for higher education as a conditional use in the B-2 District. 2. Approval of a conditional use permit to allow a higher education use as a tenant in the office building located at 2 Pine Tree Drive. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that Country Financial has received a request for leased space from Bethel University. Bethel would like to lease approximately 26,000 square feet for administrative offices, general and specialized classrooms, meeting rooms, common spaces, and other general educational and related purposes. Most classes will be held between 5:30 pm and 10:00 pm, Monday through Thursday. The tenant will also use the leased space during the hours of 8:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday through Friday and 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, although this use will be more limited during normal business hours and weekends. Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that according to information provided by Country Financial, Bethel students, guests, faculty, and administration will not exceed 4 per 1,000 rentable feet leased during normal business hours and no more than 8 per 1,000 rentable square feet after normal building hours. The property currently has approximately 777 surface parking stalls, or approximately one space per every 290 gross building square foot (one space per every 250 square feet of gross floor area is required by the Zoning Code for business and professional office uses). The applicant does not propose to add parking due to this use. The proposed use will not affect the exterior of the building. The tenant would like to sign a long-term lease for the facility with a scheduled occupancy date of August 15, 2013. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that the City approved a similar zoning amendment request on May 22, 2006, that was brought forward by Rob Davidson for property owned at 1212 Red Fox Road in the B-4 District. In that case, the City Council determined that higher education and special education uses were consistent with the purpose of the B-4 District, and a special use permit was approved. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that the Planning Commission held a public hearing and reviewed this item at their June 5, 2013, meeting. The Planning Commission recommended approval of Planning Case #13-008 for a zoning code amendment and conditional use permit at 2 Pine Tree Drive. The Planning Commission recommends the following three conditions be included with the approval: 1. The project shall be completed in accordance with the plans submitted as amended by the conditions of approval. Any significant changes to these plans, as determined by the City Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission. 2. The applicant will apply for City approval for any changes to exterior signage. 3. The applicant will request an amendment to the conditional use permit for any increase in square footage or in intensity of the higher education use. Councilmember Holden questioned why an interim use permit was not being suggested by staff versus the requested zoning code amendment. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2013 9 Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that this was the request of the applicant due to the fact that a long term lease was being sought by Bethel University. Mayor Grant asked how long the property would be leased to Bethel University. Bob Revoir, 3550 North American Boulevard, stated that a seven to ten year lease was being negotiated at this time. He explained that Bethel University would be investing a substantial amount of capital into the site which has led to the long term lease. He commented that the property was only 40% occupied right now and that the long term lease would greatly benefit the property. Councilmember McClung questioned if the City could amend only this property and not the entire B-2 Zoning District. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that she would need to consult with the City Attorney on this matter, but she did not believe this would be possible. Mayor Grant commented that by making Higher Education a conditional use, future requests would have to be reviewed by the Council. Councilmember Holmes did not want to see any undo restrictions placed on the applicant; however, she did not see the proposed use (higher education) as being consistent with the B-2 Zoning District. Mayor Grant inquired if the site would have adequate parking to handle the new tenant. Mr. Revoir explained that the site would have enough parking to meet the needs of Bethel University as the majority of classes offered from this location would take place during the evening hours. He reported that the property had 777 parking stalls at this time and could be increased in the future if deemed necessary. Councilmember Holden asked if there was anything more restrictive than a conditional use permit. Community Development Director Hutmacher reported that an interim use permit was more restrictive, but she did not know if this type of permit could be extended long-term. Randy Hagerty, Country Financial, thanked the Council for their consideration this evening. He stated that the proposed tenant would benefit the property and the City of Arden Hills. He wanted to see the County Road E corridor revitalized and he feels his request is a step in the right direction. Councilmember Holden wanted to see the corridor revitalized, while also protecting the redevelopment of current and future businesses. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2013 10 Councilmember McClung agreed stating that the Council had to consider the best interests of the entire City. He asked if the Council had to take action on this item tonight or if the item could be postponed to allow for consultation with the City Attorney. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that the 60 day time period expired on July 4, 2013. She indicated that the City could supply the petitioner with reasons requesting an additional 60 day period. Mayor Grant saw the proposed lease as a benefit to both Bethel University and Country Financial. He commented that it is beneficial to keep the City strong and its buildings occupied. Kathleen Nelson, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration at Bethel University, explained that Bethel University has leased property at Red Fox for the past seven years for its continuing adult education and has since outgrown the space. For that reason, 26,000 square feet of space is being pursued in the Country Financial building. Bethel prefers to lease space in the City of Arden Hills. A significant investment will be made in the Country Financial building to meet the needs of Bethel University which was why an interim use permit is not being requested. Ms. Nelson read the definition of specialized education within the B-2 Zoning District stating that this is currently a conditional use in the B-2 zoning district. It is her opinion that Bethel University is proposing this same type of use, albeit, for higher education, and should be approved. Mayor Grant questioned how long Bethel University is proposing to lease this space. Ms. Nelson was not prepared to respond to this question. Councilmember Holden asked when Bethel University would begin offering classes from the Country Financial property. Ms. Nelson indicated that Bethel University would like to have classes operating from this location January 1, 2014. She noted the vast majority of classes at this site would take place in the evening, but the Physician's Assistant program would be held during the day and the maximum number of students in this program would be 64. Mayor Grant inquired where Bethel University was in terms of their Master Plan. Ms. Nelson explained that the Master Plan was completed last May. She noted that the adult programs were not included in the campus Master Plan. Councilmember Holden recommended that the Council support the request this evening and not delay action to July. She stated that a million dollar investment in the building would greatly benefit the community. Councilmember McClung preferred to investigate the interim use permit; however, he could reluctantly support the recommendation of staff this evening. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2013 11 Mayor Grant found the request to be a good fit for Country Financial and Bethel University, as well as the City of Arden Hills. He does not want to see the request held up. Councilmember Werner supported the application. Councilmember Holmes had concerns, but appreciated tonight's comments provided by Bethel. For this reason, she supports staff's recommendations. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve Ordinance 2013-007 in Planning Case 13-008 to amend Section 1320.05 of the Zoning Code regarding Schools for Higher Education, as presented in the June 24, 2013, report to the City Council. The motion carried (5-0). MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve publishing a summary of Ordinance 2013-007. The motion carried (5-0). MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to approve Planning Case 13-008 for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) at 2 Pine Tree Drive to allow a higher education use as a tenant in the office building located at 2 Pine Tree Drive, based on the findings of fact and submitted plans, as amended by the conditions of approval as presented in the June 24, 2013, report to the City Council. The motion carried (5-0). MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to extend the City Council meeting for 15 minutes. The motion carried (4-1) (McClung opposed). C. 1201 County Road E Amendment and Sign Plan Community Development Intern Bachler stated that the applicant has requested a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment for a site-wide master sign plan to install monument, wall, and auxiliary signs at 1201 County Road E. Community Development Intern Bachler explained that on December 21, 2012, the City Council approved a Planned Unit Development (PUD) to remodel the existing structure at 1201 County Road E and construct 74 residential unit apartments and approximately 20,000 square feet of specialty retail space on the site in Planning Case 12-019. A signage plan for the property was not included in the approved PUD. Community Development Intern Bachler noted that two monument signs are proposed for the principal land uses on the property: the E Street Flats residential apartment building and the E Street retail stores. The sign copy area of the E Street Flats sign would measure 6.4 feet wide by 8 feet tall, or 51.2 square feet. The E Street Shoppes sign would also measure 6.4 feet wide by 8 feet tall, or 51.2 square feet. Both signs would sit on a two foot tall stone base designed to match the ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2013 12 new stone work being added to the building's south fagade. The signs would be located on County Road E adjacent to the two principal site entrances on the eastern and western end of the property. Community Development Intern Bachler stated that the applicant is proposing a wall sign measuring 25 feet by 3.5 feet (87.5 square feet) for the primary retail bay in the E Street Shoppes building. Both of the two smaller retail bays would be allowed wall signs measuring up to 50 square feet in area. An additional wall sign is proposed to help brand the property's retail component as the E Street Shoppes. The proposed E Street Shoppes sign is comprised of individual cut, back-lit letters at a maximum height of 24 inches. The total area of this sign would be 34 square feet. Community Development Intern Bachler explained that wall signage is proposed for the E Street Flats residential apartment building as well. One sign would be located on the south wall of the building facing County Road E and would measure 10 feet wide by 5 feet tall, which is a total area of 50 square feet. The second sign would be installed on the east building wall facing Lexington Avenue and would measure 18 feet wide by 3 feet tall, or an area of 54 square feet. Community Development Intern Bachler stated that auxiliary signage on the site would be used to provide direction and demarcate the parking lot. Each sign would have the same dimensions: 75 inches in height with a sign copy area of 24 inches by 18 inches. A total of 16 auxiliary signs are proposed. The signs would identify parking spaces as being reserved for customers, employees, renters, or guests, and would define a loading and delivery zone for the retail property. Community Development Intern Bachler commented that the applicant is proposing 87.5 square feet of wall signage for the largest retail bay, which exceeds the requirements by 27.5 square feet. This request is justified given that the tenant will occupy 114 feet of frontage. While there are no guidelines on permitted wall signage for property owners, the proposed E Street Shoppes sign, measuring 34 square feet, is less than what an individual business establishment would be allowed and is deemed reasonable in this case. All other proposed wall signage for the E Street Shoppes building meets the Sign Code requirements. Community Development Intern Bachler indicated that the applicant is requesting an additional 54 square feet of wall signage for the E Street Flats building. A total of 104 square feet of wall signage is proposed. This request for flexibility is reasonable because the size of the building and the large building setbacks from the public streets make signage difficult to see. The building is setback approximately 360 feet from Lexington Avenue and 70 feet from County Road E. The proposed wall signs would cover approximately 2.3% of the east building fagade and 0.5% of the south building fagade. Community Development Intern Bachler indicated that Section 1260.01 of the Sign Code permits adjustments to sign height, number, type, lighting, area, and/or location through the site plan review process if criteria number 1 or 2 is met and the required criteria number 3 is met. The criteria are as follows: 1. There are site conditions which require a sign adjustment to allow the sign to be reasonably visible from a street immediately adjacent to the site; or, ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2013 13 2. The sign adjustment will allow a sign of exceptional design or a style that will enhance the area or that is more consistent with the architecture and design of the site; and, 3. The sign adjustment will not result in a sign that is inconsistent with the purpose of the zoning district in which the property is located or the current land use. Community Development Intern Bachler stated that while the above criteria is not directly referenced or required for PUD Amendment requests to add signage to a property, it does provide guidance for evaluating these types of applications. In this case, criteria one and three are most applicable. The PUD process itself permits the City to be flexible with signage standards depending on the needs and impact of a particular use. Community Development Intern Bachler explained that the Planning Commission met and discussed this item on June 5, 2013, and recommended approval of Planning Case 13-009 for a Planned Unit Development Amendment at 1201 County Road E. Staff recommends the following five conditions be included with the approval: 1. The master sign plan shall be completed in accordance with the plans submitted as amended by the conditions of approval. Any significant changes to these plans, as determined by the City Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission. 2. Freestanding signs shall be monument type ground signs with the copy resting on and supported by a solid base of brick or rock-faced block in a color similar to or complimentary to the main structure on the site. The material of the base must extend at least one-half way up the sides of the sign face. 3. Freestanding signs shall be located at least five (5) feet from any property line and shall not project over the property line. 4. Wall signs shall be comprised of individual cut, back-lit letters and shall not extend more than twelve (12) inches from the wall they are attached to. 5. In the event that the property at 1201 County Road E is subdivided to create a new parcel abutting Lexington Avenue and County Road E, the new corner parcel will be permitted only one freestanding sign and this sign shall be located on Lexington Avenue. Councilmember McClung asked why City Code would allow for two freestanding monument signs. Community Development Intern Bachler explained that the City Code allows for two monument signs for properties that front more than one public street; however they should be located on two separate roadways. The applicant was proposing to place both monument signs on County Road E. He added that the property owner was contemplating subdividing the property, and once this was complete, an additional monument sign could be added. Councilmember Holden commented that the monument sign size measures the signage alone and does not include the monument base. Community Development Intern Bachler stated that this was the case. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2013 14 MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to extend the City Council meeting for 20 minutes. The motion carried (5-0). Councilmember Holden did not oppose the wall or auxiliary signage. It was her opinion the monument signs were too large. Councilmember Holmes supported the size of the monument signs stating it represented two separate entities. Councilmember McClung did not support the current proposal and suggested that the monument signs be reduced to 25 square feet. He recommended the wall signage be reduced from 325.5 square feet to 275 square feet. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to approve Planning Case 13-009 for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment at 1201 County Road E, based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the five conditions in the June 24, 2013, report to the City Council. AMENDMENT: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to amend the request and that the monument signs be reduced in size to 25 square feet. Mayor Grant commented that if two businesses were requesting the signs, the 50 square feet would be allowed. He supported the larger sign request. Councilmember Holden asked if the monument signs could be interchangeable. Community Development Intern Bachler indicated that the proposed monument signs were interchangeable. The amendment failed (2-3) (Holmes, Werner and Mayor Grant opposed). AMENDMENT: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to amend the request to cap the wall signage to 275 square feet to be split between the two E Street Flats and three retail tenant signs. The amendment carried (4-1) (Holmes opposed). The motion with the amendment carried (4-1) (McClung opposed). 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2013 15 10. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember McClung indicated that he may be late to the July 8, 2013, Council meeting. Councilmember Holden discussed the information she gained at a recent seminar regarding Respectful Communication. Councilmember Holmes stated that a car drove through the triangle property. She requested Public Works investigate this further. She would like to see plans from Bethel University on the library. Mayor Grant thanked the Council for attending the recent groundbreaking ceremony at TCAAP. He looked forward to gaining feedback from the residents at the upcoming public hearings. Mayor Grant thanked the Public Works Department for their efforts during the recent storm to keep the lift stations working. City Administrator Klaers noted the City's State Representatives would be attending the July 8t' City Council meeting. ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to adiourn. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the regular City Council Meeting at 10:38 Patrick Klaers David Grant City Administrator Mayor