HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-29-13-R 'It
WIZEN HILLS
Approved: September 9, 2013
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS,MINNESOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 29,2013
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 7:01 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; City Planner Ryan Streff;
Community Development Intern Matthew Bachler; and Deputy Clerk Amy Died
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Grant requested Item 9A be placed on the Consent Agenda as Item 5L for approval.
MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a
motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried
unanimously (5-0).
2. PUBLIC INQUIRIESANFORMATIONAL
None.
3. STAFF COMMENTS
A. TCAAP Update
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 29, 2013 2
City Administrator Klaers stated that the first TCAAP public involvement event will be held
tomorrow, July 30th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Marsden Conference Room located in the
Ramsey County Public Works Facility. The event will begin with a panel discussion of relevant
TCAAP development issues followed by a Q & A session. After the panel discussion and Q &A
session, small "break out" groups will hold facilitated discussions on the following topics:
• Transportation and Access
• Commercial and Residential Development
• Active and Passive Open Space
• Energy and Sustainability
City Administrator Klaers indicated that this July 30th event is open to the public, but RSVPs
are requested so the City can plan for the appropriate number of tables/chairs, facilitators, and
notetakers needed for the break out groups.
City Administrator Klaers stated that the Joint Development Authority (JDA) and staff will be
taking a trip to Denver on August 1st and 2nd. The group will be touring the Stapleton,
Fitzsimons, and Lowry redevelopment projects. He noted that the next meeting of the JDA is
scheduled for Monday, August 5, 2013, starting at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Mayor Grant noted that he and Councilmember Holden will be going on the Denver, Colorado
trip. All five members of the JDA will be in attendance along with two staff representatives from
Ramsey County. He noted that Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher, City Planner
Ryan Streff, and City Administrator Pat Klaers will be attending from City Staff. He explained
that the JDA will be covering the expense of the trip.
Councilmember Holmes indicated that Representative Blake Huffman could be contacted by
Arden Hills' residents if interested in touring the TCAAP property.
B. Transportation Update
Public Works Director Maurer reported that work continues on 1-694 and the TH 10/Highway
96 projects. He stated that all material has been crushed at County Road F. He commented that
a revised schedule has been approved by MnDOT due to the number of weather delays this
summer. The new timeline was discussed in detail with the Council. He noted that the TH
10/Highway 96 project will not be completed until 2014.
C. Night to Unite
Deputy Clerk Dietl stated that the fifth annual Night to Unite is Tuesday, August 6, 2013, and
will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Twenty-five neighborhoods in Arden Hills have signed up to
participate in holding a Night to Unite event. Community officials, fire departments, and Ramsey
County Sheriff's Office representatives will be visiting neighborhood gatherings. A final list of
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 29, 2013 3
neighborhoods participating in Night to Unite will be sent to the City Council on Monday,
August 5, 2013.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. June 10, 2013 Regular City Council
MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a
motion to approve the June 10, 2013, regular City Council meeting minutes
as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll
B. Motion to Approve Valentine Park Improvements—Payment#4
C. Motion to Approve 2013 Pavement Management Program—Payment#2
D. Motion to Approve Lift Station#1 and#12 Improvements—Final Payment#5
E. Motion to Approve Planning Case #13-003 — Lexington Station Development
Agreement
F. Motion to Approve Planning Case #13-009 — 1201 County Road E PUD
Amendment Agreement
G. Motion to Approve Resolution 2013-031 Cable Franchise Extension
H. Motion to Approve Ordinance 2013-008 Amending City Code Chapter 3, Section
350.11 (Administrative Fine, Suspension or Revocation)
I. Motion to Approve Interfund Transfers and Budget Adjustments for 2013
J. Motion to Approve 2013 2nd Quarter Actuals
K. Motion to Approve Special Budget Work Session—2014 Budget
L. Motion to Accept Round Lake Road Feasibility Report Consultant Selection
MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a
motion to approve the Consent Calendar as amended and to authorize
execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried
unanimously (5-0).
6. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
None.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Planning Case#13-010—Walgreens PUD Amendment
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 29, 2013 4
Community Development Intern Bachler stated that the applicant has requested a Planned
Unit Development (PUD) Amendment to include an additional 97.6 square feet of wall signage
on the exterior of the building located at 3585 Lexington Avenue North. He explained that on
July 13, 2009, the City Council approved Planning Case 09-011 for a Master PUD and Final
PUD for Phase One of the Arden Plaza Redevelopment Proposal. Phase One of the development
included the property at 3585 Lexington Avenue North where the Walgreens store is located. A
sign plan for the site was included in the PUD agreement.
Community Development Intern Bachler indicated that at the time of approval, the Walgreens
store was permitted up to 99 square feet of wall signage. The business has installed two
"Walgreens" signs each measuring 40.2 square feet on the east and south building walls. Two
"W" signs each measuring 8.6 square feet have also been installed on these facades above the
entry doorways located at the southeast corner of the building.
Community Development Intern Bachler indicated that the applicant has expressed concern
regarding the visibility of the Walgreens store from County Road E. Because the primary store
entrance and the property's wall signage are situated towards Lexington Avenue and the Arden
Plaza shopping center, the use of the building is not readily apparent to drivers travelling on
County Road E. By adding wall signage to the north and west sides of the building, the applicant
is hoping to increase commercial activity at the store.
Community Development Intern Bachler stated that the applicant is requesting an additional
97.6 square feet of wall signage for the exterior of the building. This total would be divided
between two "Walgreens" signs each measuring 40.2 square feet and two "W" signs each
measuring 8.6 square feet. The additional signs would be installed on the building to mirror the
existing wall signs, with the two larger signs placed on the middle portion of the north and west
building walls and the smaller signs located at the corner where the north and west walls meet.
Wall Signage
Sign District 5
Lexington 3585 Lexington 3585 Lexington
South of 694 Avenue Avenue
(Permitted) (Existing) (Proposed)
Total sign copy area 80 SF 97.6 SF 196.6 SF
Community Development Intern Bachler stated that the property at 3585 Lexington Avenue
North is located in Sign District 5. For developments not in a PUD, a typical property would be
permitted up to 80 square feet of wall signage. As mentioned previously, the PUD agreement for
the site allowed the property up to 99 square feet of wall signage. Currently, 97.6 square feet of
wall signage is installed on the building. The applicant has requested an additional 97.6 square
feet of wall signage, which would bring the total wall sign copy area allowed on the building to
196.6 square feet. This number represents an additional 116.6 square feet more than what is
permitted by the Sign Code.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 29, 2013 5
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:
I. 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,
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 based on the submitted plans and findings
of fact, the Planning Commission recommends approval of Planning Case 13-010 for a Planned
Unit Development Amendment at 3585 Lexington Avenue North. The Planning Commission
recommends the following five 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 and City
Council.
2. The 97.6 square feet of wall signage shall be divided between two wall signs measuring
40.2 square feet and 8.6 square feet to be located on the north building wall, and two wall
signs measuring 40.2 square feet and 8.6 square feet to be located on the west building
wall.
3. Wall signs shall be comprised of individual cut letters and shall not extend more than
twelve (12) inches from the wall they are attached to.
4. The applicant shall apply for a sign permit prior to installation of the signs.
5. Prior to the City's issuance of the sign permit, the applicant shall provide fully executed
revised development agreements pertaining to the property at 3585 Lexington Avenue.
Mayor Grant thanked staff for the report and asked for Council comments and questions.
Councilmember Holden asked if window signage was proposed for the west elevation of the
property.
Community Development Intern Bachler indicated this was not part of the PUD amendment
request.
Dustin Kresen, store manager for the Walgreens in Arden Hills, stated that visibility has been a
concern at this intersection because the windows of the building are grayed out. For this reason,
he is requesting additional signage.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 29, 2013 6
Mayor Grant encouraged Walgreens to reconsider their building design to address the stock
room security and gray window issues. He suggested that lighting be considered behind the gray
windows.
Councilmember McClung expressed concern because the signage issues were not addressed
when the original PUD was approved.
Councilmember Holmes stated that the Walgreens signs were scaled back from their original
sign request. She did not think the signage was fully considered by the Council given the
intersection where this building is located. She supports the additional signage as it will help
traffic along County Road E identify the building as a Walgreens.
Councilmember Holden recommended that the grayed windows be addressed prior to
approving additional signage on the building.
Mayor Grant asked who owned the outlots near Walgreens.
Community Development Intern Bachler stated that the outlots were owned by Wellington
Properties and Dennis Properties.
Councilmember Holmes questioned if corner properties were allowed more signage.
Community Development Intern Bachler stated that this is the case for freestanding signs but
not wall signage.
Mayor Grant did not object to more wall signage. He thought the elevation facing County Road
E should have a Walgreens sign.
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to approve Planning Case 13-010 for an amendment to the Final PUD
for Phase I for the Arden Plaza redevelopment proposal at 3585 Lexington
Avenue, based on the findings of fact and submitted plans, as amended by
the conditions in the July 29,2013, Staff Report to the City Council.
Councilmember Holden requested that a sixth condition be added for approval that would
require the north side of the building to have window treatments on two windows.
AMENDMENT: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion
to add a sixth condition for approval that would require the north
side of the building to have window treatments on two of the four
windows.
Mr. Kresen commented that he could do more research on the window stickers that were placed
on the Roseville Walgreens store.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 29, 2013 7
Mayor Grant was in favor of having the window treatments lit.
SECOND AMENDMENT: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a
motion to have the window treatments lit from the inside of the
Walgreens building.
Councilmember Holmes found this to be a tremendous burden for the Council to place on the
applicant. She questioned if the Roseville Walgreens still had stickers on their grayed windows.
Joe Wolf, Roseville Walgreens Manager, stated that his store had decals. He commented that
the decals were external, lasted approximately six or seven years, and cost approximately
$10,000.
Councilmember Holden questioned if the decals were lit.
Mr. Wolf stated that the decals were not lit from within the building.
Councilmember Holmes was in favor of having decals placed on the windows instead of having
electrical placed on the inside of the building.
Councilmember Holden questioned the timing of this case.
Community Development Intern Bachler indicated that the City's 60 day deadline is
September 24, 2013.
Councilmember Holden questioned when Walgreens wanted to have the signage in place.
Mr. Kresen stated that Walgreens will not be able to execute their sign plan by September 1,
2013. He stated that he will be able to provide the Council with decal options at the first Council
meeting in August. He agreed that the decals may benefit the store.
Councilmember Holden withdrew her amendment.
Mayor Grant concurred.
Mayor Grant withdrew his motion to amend the amendment.
Councilmember McClung concurred.
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to table action on Planning Case 13-010 to allow the applicant to
work with staff regarding the concerns brought forward this evening. The
motion carried (5-0).
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 29, 2013 8
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Round Lake Road Feasibility Report Consultant Selection
This item was moved to the Consent Agenda.
10. COUNCIL COMMENTS
A. 2014 LJFD Budget
City Administrator Klaers explained that the Lake Johanna Fire Department (LJFD) draft
budgets were presented and discussed at the July 17th Board meeting. No decisions were made at
this meeting and a special meeting of the Board is expected to be held in later August to consider
the budget. The City's share of the budget went down from 26.2% in 2013 to 25.6% in 2014.
Councilmember Holden stated that one option for the LJFD budget would have a 5.07%
increase and would add extra shifts to assist the department in reaching a 24/7 staffing model.
She explained that the second option has a 6.41% increase and creates an overnight shift for
Friday and Saturday nights.
Mayor Grant commented that the shift in staffing is supposed to reduce expenses in the long
run. He wants to see the department reach a full duty crew as the additional coverage will greatly
benefit the City of Arden Hills.
Councilmember Holmes noted that the difference between the options for the City was just over
$5,000.
Discussion ensued regarding the projected increases for the Sheriff's Department budget.
Mayor Grant questioned how the Council wanted to proceed on this item.
Councilmember McClung stated that the levy limits are a concern for him; however he supports
the full duty crew for the fire department and wants to see this item move forward.
Mayor Grant agreed stating that the full duty crew will benefit the City as it is a public safety
issue.
Councilmember Werner and Councilmember Holmes agreed.
Councilmember Holden thanked the Council for their input and noted that she will pass this
information along to the LJFD Board.
Councilmember McClung stated that he will be out of town August 4th through August 19th
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 29, 2013 9
Councilmember Werner explained that he recently toured several lift stations, the triangle
property, and the water tower that is being repainted. He thanked Public Works Director
Maurer for assisting him with this tour. He commended the Public Works Department for their
efforts during the June storm.
Councilmember Werner noted that there has been a lot of traffic at the newly improved
Valentine Park.
Councilmember Holden thanked Public Works Director Maurer for his efforts on completing
the triangle property.
Councilmember Holden noted that she has received several complaints regarding the speeding
traffic traveling down Keithson Drive.
Councilmember Holden requested that staff speak with Joe Mooney regarding the City
acquiring historical items from the TCAAP property. She suggested that the City be named as a
partner in the redevelopment of the TCAAP property.
Councilmember Holmes stated that there is a new business called Sweet Chocolate in Arden
Plaza. She encouraged residents to check out this new establishment.
Mayor Grant commented that on July 23rd, he took part in a round table discussion with
Governor Dayton and Senator Klobuchar regarding transportation and infrastructure.
Mayor Grant thanked staff for their efforts on the triangle property.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to
adiourn. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
Mayo Grant adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 8:29
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Patrick Klaers David Grant
City Administrator Mayor