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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-09-13-R - IzEN HILLS Approved: October 14, 2013 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS,MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 9,2013 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; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; Community Development Intern Matthew Bachler; City Planner Ryan Streff; and City Clerk Amy Died PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL None. 3. STAFF COMMENTS A. TCAAP Update Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that the TCAAP Open House will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2013, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Marsden Room in the Ramsey County Public Works Facility. She encouraged all to attend. She discussed a change order to the US10/Highway 96 project to build the intersection across from the North Heights ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 2 Church driveway that will provide access to TCAAP. She noted that the conduit for this intersection will be put in place, but the signals will be installed at a future date. B. Transportation Update Public Works Director Maurer reported that the ramp from westbound I-694 to Lexington Avenue was closed for signing. He then reviewed several photos with the Council and discussed the progress on the US10 and Highway 96 road construction project. It was noted that concrete was being completed at this time. Councilmember Holmes expressed concern with the high speed of merging traffic near County Road H from 35W and the Big Ten/Scherer Brothers temporary access. Public Works Director Maurer stated that he would communicate this concern to MnDOT. Councilmember Holden discussed the high level of traffic along County Road E. She requested that a County Sheriff assist with directing traffic in the mornings until the road construction is complete. Public Works Director Maurer indicated that he would speak with the County Sheriff's Department. C. State of the City Update Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that the State of the City will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2013, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Flaherty's Arden Bowl. She explained that businesses and residents are encouraged to attend. It was noted that Councilmembers will give presentations on the TCAAP project, planned improvements to County Road E, current development projects and current transportation projects. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. July 8, 2013, Regular City Council B. July 29, 2013, Regular City Council C. August 12, 2013, Regular City Council D. August 12, 2013, City Council Work Session Councilmember Holden requested a change to the August 12, 2013, work session minutes on page 2, noting her statement should read she took offense to the staff editorial comment. MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to approve the July 8, 2013, Regular City Council; July 29, 2013, Regular City Council; August 12, 2013, Regular City Council and August 12, 2013, City Council Work Session meeting minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously(5-0). 5. CONSENT CALENDAR ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 3 A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll B. Motion to Accept Donation from the Arden Hills Foundation C. Motion to Approve Deputy Clerk Title Change to City Clerk 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. TCAAP Development Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:18 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:19 p.m. 8. NEW BUSINESS A. 2014 Proposed Preliminary Budget and Tax Levy Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson reviewed the proposed 2014 preliminary budget and tax levy with the Council. She discussed the median value of homes in Arden Hills noting that property values were on the rise after five consecutive years of decreases. This is an encouraging sign that the housing market and economy are stabilizing. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson explained that property taxes make up 78% of the operating revenues in the General Fund. Staff has prepared a levy of 3.05% per City Council direction for preliminary discussion and will be reviewing and refining this over the coming weeks before setting the final levy in December. She commented that a public hearing will be held at the December 9, 2013, meeting to take public input before approving the final levy. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson displayed a chart addressing the tax levies for the past 10 years. She then discussed how the proposed 2014 levy will affect residential properties in Arden Hills. It was noted that the major increases in the 2014 budget are for public safety costs which account for 68.63% of the increase to the budget or 2.10% of the proposed levy increase. The other proposed increases in the budget were discussed in detail. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson indicated that the preliminary levy needs to be established and certified by September 15th of each year to the County, while the final levy would be adopted in December. Once a preliminary levy is established, the amount can be reduced, but cannot be increased. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 4 Councilmember Holden asked how many commercial and industrial properties are disputing their valuation at this time. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated that it was her understanding that there were ten to twenty commercial/industrial properties that are disputing their property valuation. Mayor Grant indicated that the median home value in Arden Hills went up 2.8% this past year while the County average was only 0.2%. He is pleased with this statistic and congratulated the Arden Hills residents for properly managing the housing stock. He explained that the levy amount approved this evening will be an amount not to exceed and the Council and staff will continue to pare items down within the budget. Councilmember McClung looked forward to additional budget discussions with the Council and is hoping to be able to further reduce the levy amount by December. Mayor Grant agreed but noted a large portion of the 2014 levy increase is due to Public Safety increases. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #2013-035, Setting the Preliminary Lew for Taxes Payable in 2014. The motion carried (5-0). B. Establishing 2013 Truth-In-Taxation Hearing Dates Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated that each year, the City is required to adopt and certify to Ramsey County a Truth-In-Taxation hearing date. She requested that the Council hold this hearing on December 9, 2013, prior to approving the 2014 budget and tax levy. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #2013-036, Adopting the Truth-In-Taxation Public Hearing Date for Proposed Taxes Payable in 2014. The motion carried (5-0). C. Planning Case 13-012—Signage Variance Application City Planner Streff stated that the applicant has requested a variance to deviate from the signage regulations in order to replace an existing manual gasoline price sign with a digital LED (light- emitting diode) price sign. The proposed sign would be approximately 15.35 sq. ft. (35" x 63 1/8") in size with twenty-four(24) inch tall numbers. City Planner Streff indicated that the applicant, Identi-Graphics, is proposing to replace a portion of the sign face on the existing pole sign that identifies the Shell Station located at 1306 County Road E. The property is located within the B-2 Zoning District, south of County Road E and east of Highway 51. This parcel contains three (3) structures that include the convenience store, gas pump islands and canopy, and carwash. The adjoining parcel to the south is also owned by ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 5 Theodore Brausen. The southern property has shared access through the Shell Station property and is used commercially as an auto repair shop. City Planner Streff commented that the sign, which the applicant intends to modify, is located in the northwest corner of the property. The existing sign is fifteen feet ten inches (15' 10") in height and has a sign copy area of eighty-four and one half square feet (84.50). The existing pole sign is described as being a legal non-conforming sign. It has been given this designation as "pole signs" are no longer allowed in Sign District 4 (County Road E Frontage). Freestanding signs in Sign District 4 are still permitted; however,they must be constructed as a monument type ground sign. City Planner Streff indicated that there is an existing cabinet area on the sign that measures thirty-five inches by sixty-three and one eighth inches (35" x 63 1/8") that the applicant intends to replace with a digital LED price sign. The digital section of this cabinet would be approximately 15.35 square feet in size with twenty-four (24) inch tall numbers to display the price. The remaining balance of the sign would be unchanged other than typical signage updates to the remaining cabinet sections.No other portions of the sign would be digital in nature. City Planner Streff noted that the property owner submitted a similar request in 2006, which was approved under the Site Plan Review process, to add a twenty (20) square foot electronic message board to an existing sign. This particular off-premise sign is currently used to market the auto repair shop just south of the subject property. The property has no frontage onto County Road E. City Planner Streff reviewed the surrounding area, the plan evaluation, the variance evaluation criteria and the findings of fact. Staff explained that the findings of fact for this variance request support a recommendation for approval. He noted that the Planning Commission met on September 4, 2013, and recommended the City Council approve the request with the following ten (10) conditions: 1. That the dynamic display portion of the sign shall not exceed 15.50 square feet. 2. That the dynamic display shall only display the cost of petroleum products. 3. That the dynamic display shall remain static other than to change the price of the one (1) petroleum product that is being sold. 4. That the dynamic display shall not display the price of multiple petroleum products during the course of any 24 hour period. 5. That no part of the sign including the dynamic display portion shall rotate, move, flash, blink, project, or be animated in any way. The display shall not incorporate rotating panels or technology that allows the sign face to present a series of images or displays. 6. That the total sign copy area of the sign shall not be increased or expanded. 7. That advertising not related to the business located at 1306 County Road E shall be strictly prohibited. 8. That the brightness of the dynamic display shall not distract automobile traffic. That the City may require the applicant to adjust the brightness of the sign if the City determines that the sign is distracting drivers. 9. That the intensity or brightness setting on the sign shall be adjusted during daylight and evening hours so that traffic is not distracted. 10. That a sign permit and electrical permit shall be obtained prior to the installation of the sign. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 6 Councilmember Werner asked if this sign request is similar to the Holiday Station sign. City Planner Streff commented that the digital sign at the Holiday Station was issued by a sign permit. Councilmember Holden questioned if the sign could be changed in the future to add more LED options. City Planner Streff stated that the existing sign could be changed but not expanded. Mayor Grant inquired if the City knew how bright the LED sign would be, or what color was proposed for the LED lighting. City Planner Streff explained that the LED sign would be red in color. James Nelson, 3620 Independence Avenue in St. Louis Park, a representative of Identi Graphics, further discussed the LED sign proposed for the Shell Gas Station. He noted that the LED sign would be brighter during the day and become less bright in the evening hours. Councilmember Holden asked if the sign was two-sided. Mr. Nelson stated this was the case. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to approve the sign variance for the Shell Station located at 1306 County Road E based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans as amended by the ten (10) conditions in the September 9, 2013, report to the City Council. The motion carried 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. PUD Amendment—Walgreens Sign Plan Community Development Intern Bachler stated on July 13, 2009, the Council approved a Master PUD for Phase One of the Arden Plaza redevelopment proposal. Phase One of the development included the property at 3585 Lexington Avenue where the Walgreens store is located. A sign plan for the site was included in the agreement and at the time of approval, the Walgreens store was permitted up to 99 square feet of wall signage total on all facades. Community Development Intern Bachler indicated that the applicant has expressed concerns about 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 east on County Road E. By adding wall signage and window decals to the north side of the building, the applicant is hoping to increase commercial activity at the store. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 7 Community Development Intern Bachler explained that the Council reviewed Planning Case 13-010 at their July 29, 2013, regular meeting and voted to table action on the case to give the applicant additional time to work with staff regarding concerns about the design of the north building fagade. Since then, City staff and the applicant have reviewed options to improve the appearance of the north building wall. The updated proposal includes a reduction in wall signage and the addition of window decals on the north fagade. Community Development Intern Bachler discussed the wall signage regulations for Sign District 5. It was noted that a typical property would be permitted up to 80 square feet of wall signage. Currently, 97.6 square feet of wall signage has been installed on the Walgreens building. The applicant has requested an additional 57.4 square feet of wall signage, which would bring the total wall sign area allowed to 156.4 square feet. The additional signage would be divided between one "Walgreens" sign measuring 40.2 square feet and two "W" signs each measuring 8.6 square feet. Community Development Intern Bachler commented that the applicant has proposed installing window decals on several windows on the north building fagade. The windows on this side of the building are grayed out and are not transparent. As a result, the store can have the appearance of being closed for those traveling along County Road E, adjacent to the north side of the building. The proposed decals will partially cover the darkened windows and help to lighten up the fagade. The "Walgreens" sign would be installed on the north building fagade and the "W" signs would be located at the corner where the north and west walls meet. Community Development Intern Bachler stated that the window decals would be placed on three of the north facing windows: the central window and the two windows on either end of the fagade. The decals would cover only the lower half of the windows, an area of 75 square feet. In total, 225 square feet of decals would be used across the three windows. Community Development Intern Bachler explained that for properties in Sign District 5, window signs are not permitted to cover more than 35% of the area of a window and cannot exceed 5% of the building fagade. On the windows where decals would be installed, 50% of the window area would be covered. The total area of the north fagade is approximately 2,600 square feet. The 225 square feet of proposed coverage by the window signs would represent 8.6% of the building fagade. Community Development Intern Bachler indicated that the design of the decals would be similar to the window decals used at the Walgreens store at the intersection of Lexington and Larpenteur Avenue in Roseville, Minnesota. These signs feature black and white photographs of nearby Como Park and images of historic Walgreens stores. It was noted that the applicant has expressed an interest in including photographs of sites and landmarks in Arden Hills. Community Development Intern Bachler reviewed the findings of fact as discussed by the Planning Commission at their July 10, 2013, meeting. Staff recommends the Council approve an amendment to the Final PUD for Phase I of the Arden Plaza redevelopment proposal at 3585 Lexington Avenue based on the findings of fact, the submitted plans and the seven conditions within the staff report. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 8 Councilmember McClung requested further information on the window decals and asked if these would count against the total wall signage. He wanted to be assured that the City was not setting precedence with this case. Community Development Intern Bachler explained that all window decals would be treated as window signage. Councilmember Holden stated this case was a PUD and each PUD stood on its own. Therefore, precedence would not be set with this case. Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that the PUD approval process did allow for flexibility within City Code. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner 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 seven (7) conditions in the September 9, 2013, report to the City Council. Councilmember Holden proposed an amendment to condition 7 suggesting that no more than 25% of the decals shall have a plain white background. AMENDMENT: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to revise condition 7 so no more than 25% of the decals shall have a plain white background. Mayor Grant requested further information from staff on how the proposed window decals would be installed. Community Development Intern Bachler reviewed the location of the proposed window decals on the north wall facade. Councilmember McClung was in favor of having the decals along all four panes along the bottom windows with no white decal. Mayor Grant did not support having four window decals as the photos would run into one another. It was his opinion that the white decal would provide separation between the photo decals. Dustin Kresen, Manager of the Arden Hills Walgreens, stated that he was in favor of moving forward with the three window panels as suggested by the Council. He requested the Council consider how the window panel with a door should be handled. Councilmember Holden amended her amendment to so that no more than 36% of the decals shall have a plain white background. This takes into consideration the window panel that includes a door. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 9 Councilmember Holmes agreed to this friendly amendment. AMENDMENT: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to revise condition 7 so no more than 36% of the decals shall have a plain white background. The amendment carried (5-0). Councilmember Holden questioned the expense of the decals on the Roseville Walgreens. Mr. Kresen stated that the decals cost approximately $10,000 in total but were located on three sides of the Roseville building. The amended motion carried (5-0). 10. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Holden discussed the upcoming Northeast Youth and Family Services Event and encouraged the Council to attend. Councilmember Holden requested that the water report be posted in an upcoming City newsletter. Councilmember Holmes reported that on Labor Day, her neighborhood had a picnic at the newly renovated Valentine Park. The event was very well attended. Mayor Grant commented that a limited Certificate of Occupancy was issued to E Street Flats and 14 units are leased. Mayor Grant thanked Public Works Director Maurer for providing the Council with photos on the US10/Highway 96 project. Mayor Grant noted that Presbyterian Homes was dedicating their new building on November 5, 2013. He asked if a member of the Council would be able to attend this event. Councilmember Holmes stated that she is available to attend. Mayor Grant asked if Valentine Park would be reseeded this fall. Public Works Director Maurer explained that the contractor has agreed to reseed the park within the next few weeks. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 10 ADJOURN MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to adiourn to a special City Council work session. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 8:43 p. .j Amy Died David Grant City Clerk Mayor