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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-21-13-WS Draft Minutes lt - HILLS Approved: CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING MAY 21,2012 5:00 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 City Council Work Session meeting at 5:03 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant, Council Members Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, Nick Tamble, and Ed Werner Absent: None. Also present: Director of Finance and Administrative Services Susan Iverson; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson; and City Planner Meagan Beekman 1. ADOPT AGENDA Mayor Grant indicated Councilmember Tamble would like to attend the TCAAP Restoration Advisory Board meeting which starts at 7:00 p.m. For that reason, he requested Item 2C be discussed before Item 2A. Councilmember Holden requested an item be added to the agenda to discuss long grass. Councilmember Holmes requested an item be added to discuss the stop signs after Item 2A. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 2. AGENDA ITEMS C. Gateway Signs City Planner Beekman presented the City Council with information on the installation of gateway signs in the City of Arden Hills. She commented that gateway signs were a goal for the ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 21, 2012 2 Council in 2012, and the Council has been working with the Economic Development Commission on this issue. At the December 19, 2011, work session meeting, the Council directed Staff to move forward with obtaining design and quotes for two signs to be installed in 2012, at the following two locations: County Road D and Lake Johanna Boulevard; and at County Road E at Lexington Avenue. City Planner Beekman explained the 2012-2016 CIP identifies $140,000 over three years for the installation of six gateway signs. It has been assumed that the cost of each gateway sign, with installation, lighting and landscaping would be approximately $25,000. In 2012, the CIP designates $65,000 for gateway sign installation which assumes two signs at a cost of $25,000 each, and a sign at Arden Plaza for a cost of$15,000 as the developer has agreed to pay for the sign base. City Planner Beekman commented Staff has met with two local sign contractors asking each to design several possible monument signs, and include price quotes for each. The only direction given to the contractors was that the City wanted a high quality design with long-lasting materials for a cost of less than $20,000 per sign. The quotes do not include the cost of lighting or landscaping, but do include installation. The quotes range in price from $7,600 to $12,900. Both sign companies have similar pricing in terms of installation and sign cost, though the designs vary in style and appearance. City Planner Beekman explained the sign quotes were much lower than Staff had anticipated, and that is due, in part, to the composite material that both sign companies propose to use. The sign would be made out of high density polyurethane, which is molded to imitate real brick or stone finishes. Staff found the material is long lasting and maintenance free. She requested the Council discuss the sign options and provide direction on a preferred sign contractor, sign design and use of budgeted funds. She suggested the Council also consider the height of each sign when making recommendations this evening. Councilmember Holmes asked if the material could withstand spray paint. City Planner Beekman commented Public Works Staff could attempt to remove spray paint, and if it could not be removed the panels were fairly inexpensive to replace, when compared to a brick and mortar sign. Councilmember Holmes noted Fourth Dimension Architectural Signage was located in Arden Hills and did really good work. She recommended the City work with this contractor. Councilmember Holden agreed stating she toured this facility last year. Mayor Grant commented the sign material was able to be hit by a hammer, but he recommended the Public Works Department be cautious with mowers and trimmers near the sign material. Councilmember Tamble explained he liked the flat-top sign presented at the last work session meeting. In addition, he would be in favor of an elevated sign to separate the sign from the landscaping. He suggested placing real stone in front of the signs further enhances the look of the stone sign. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 21, 2012 3 Councilmember Holden questioned if the gateway sign bases throughout the City should be matching or different. Councilmember Tamble was in favor of making each sign special. He stated the space available at each sign location would determine the use of the base material and depth of landscaping. City Planner Beekman was in favor of a consistent stone being used on each sign stating the signs could be set apart through their landscaping. She noted the City had leftover limestone from the City Hall that could be used in conjunction with the gateway signs. Councilmember Holmes was in favor of the sign with ivy on the top, but wanted to be assured the sign was cost effective. Councilmember Tamble stated this sign was more ornate. He was in favor of a square sign with space available on the bottom for landscaping. He recommended the Council review the sign costs as well. Councilmember Werner approved of the signs with the curved top. Mayor Grant questioned what material the sign was made out of. City Planner Beekman noted the sign and columns were all made from the foam material. Further discussion ensued regarding the proposed sign's design and landscaping. Mayor Grant was in favor of having stone on or around the sign. He did not support the modern, unfinished look of some designs. Councilmember Tamble asked if the Council was in favor of using the remaining stone from City Hall at the base of the signs. Councilmember Holden stated this could be done, so long as the stone did not need to be cut, as this would become costly. Mayor Grant summarized that the Council was in favor of using Fourth Dimension and using the foam material. He wanted the installers to use caution during installation to secure the corners of the panels correctly and eliminate the visual imperfections. Councilmember Holden questioned about the lighting for the signs. City Planner Beekman stated the City would have to hire an electrician to complete the lighting. Mayor Grant noted the Council was in favor of keeping the sign designs the same. He asked if the.Council wanted a solid base or open base on the sign. Councilmember Holden indicated she did not want to see perennials covering the sign as was done at the Lindey's triangle. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 21, 2012 4 Mayor Grant stated Staff would assist in selecting perennials that were the proper height to compliment the sign and not detract. Councilmember Tamble was in favor of a solid base on the sign. Councilmember Holmes agreed with this. City Planner Beekman asked if the Council was in favor of a square or curved sign. Councilmember Holden suggested the Council consider the size and scale of the signs throughout the City as some designs may look quite plain if enlarged. Councilmember Werner supported a curved design for the sign top. Councilmember Holmes was indifferent on this issue. Councilmember Holden was in favor of a slight curve on the top of the sign. Councilmember Tamble agreed. Mayor Grant asked if the Council wanted to have pillars on the signs. City Planner Beekman stated the pillars could be used at Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue as this sign would be larger. Councilmember Holmes agreed with this suggestion. Councilmember Holden was not in favor of the columns. Councilmember Werner stated the columns came up too high. The Council did not support the use of columns on the gateway signs. Mayor Grant was in favor of placing the signs on four inches of concrete and suggested the sign mounting be discussed further with Fourth Dimension. He questioned where the first two gateway signs would be located. Community Development Director Hutmacher recommended the Council proceed with one gateway sign at Walgreens and that a second be considered after installation of the first sign. This would allow for evaluation before the additional signs were purchased. Mayor Grant summarized that the Council was in favor of a stacked stone look with a slightly curved top. The base should be solid and columns would be an option. Councilmember Tamble questioned if the Council was in favor of the moss colored stone. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 21, 2012 5 Councilmember Holden expressed concern with the ability to read the sign if a moss color were chosen for the words instead of a light beige or white. Community Development Director Hutmacher asked if the Council wanted to pursue lighting and landscaping for the gateway signs. Mayor Grant was in favor of the lighting and landscaping as it would beautify the signs. City Planner Beekman commented she would bring the Council's requests to Fourth Dimension and bring this back to the Council for further review at a future meeting. A. Trail Maintenance Policy Public Works Director Maurer reviewed a Trail Maintenance Policy with the Council. He commented the policy would assist the City in assigning maintenance dollars for the City's trails. Staff attended a seminar presented by the Local Road Research Board and surveyed other organizations to better understand maintenance techniques. Public Works Director Maurer commented, through the survey of other organizations, he learned of a surface treatment called Trail-Mat, which is a cross between a slurry seal and a micro paving. This product has been used by Three Rivers Park District for some time. This product is not only long lasting, but tends to be accepted by all types of users. He noted the City has $50,000 budgeted in the 2012 CIP for trail maintenance. Staff recommended the Council discuss the use of this trail surface treatment and provide comment on the draft Trail Maintenance Policy. Councilmember Holden asked how much of the blacktop would be sealed through the 2012 CIP expenditure. Public Works Director Maurer estimated that 20% of the 14 miles of trails in the City would be resurfaced. He indicated all trails could be resurfaced in the next four to five years. Park and Recreation Manager Olson stated Staff was recommending the trails in the poorest condition for resurfacing in 2012. Mayor Grant was pleased with the proposed improvements that would be made to the City's trails. Public Works Director Maurer noted Staff would continue to review the condition of the City's trails to assure that they were being properly maintained. Councilmember Holden asked if the trails were edged on a yearly basis. Public Works Director Maurer stated the trails were edged each year, along with branches trimmed by the Public Works staff. Public Works Director Maurer questioned if the Council was in favor of proceeding with the proposed trail maintenance and if Staff should seek quotes for the resurfacing. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 21, 2012 6 Councilmember Tamble, Councilmember Werner and Councilmember Holmes each supported the proposed trail maintenance plan. Mayor Grant directed Staff seek quotes and report back to the Council. H. Stop Sign Councilmember Holmes discussed an email she received from a neighbor regarding an accident that occurred at the corner of Glenview and Dellview. The concerned citizen was requesting a stop sign at this intersection. The families at the corners of this intersection were not concerned with having a stop sign at this intersection but requested Staff's opinion on the matter. Public Works Director Maurer stated it was unfortunate there was an accident at this location. He explained statistically residential intersections were safer without additional controlling signs. Mayor Grant commented this intersection had clear sight lines. Councilmember Holmes indicated there was more traffic along Glenview than Fairview. She commented this was the first complaint received from the neighborhood regarding this intersection. Public Works Director Maurer explained the State would be passing along more and more responsibility to the City for sign maintenance. He indicated the use and location of signs would have to be further considered by the Council in the future. Councilmember Holden stated if this intersection were considered for a stop sign, the Council would have to consider every intersection that has had an accident. Public Works Director Maurer indicated traffic was not coming to a complete stop at many of the City's stop signs and another stop sign would not guarantee increased safety. Mayor Grant thanked the Council for discussing this issue and directed Staff to inform the concerned citizen that a stop sign would not be posted at this time. B. EAB Draft Management Plan Parks and Recreation Director Olson presented the City Council with information on the Emerald Ash Borer(EAB) draft management plan. She explained that EAB was found in St. Paul in 2009 and in Shoreview in 2011. At this rate, the entire county could be infested in approximately 10 to 15 years. The City of Arden Hills has begun the process to establish an Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan. Parks and Recreation Director Olson indicated two steps that the City needs to complete before a management plan could be established were revisions to the right of way ordinance and a tree inventory. The right of way revisions were completed in November of 2011 and a tree inventory was completed in the summer of 2011. It is estimated that as much as 12.3% of Arden Hills' urban forest is compiled of ash trees. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 21, 2012 7 Parks and Recreation Manager Olson commented the purpose of implementing a management plan is to attempt to mitigate the disruption to the City's urban forest caused by the infestation of the EAB. She encouraged the Council to take a proactive approach to the potential infestation as this would enable the City to address both public and private impacts in an efficient and effective manner. Staff researched the management plans established by surrounding cities and did not recommend treating trees at this time. She then reviewed actions the Council could take such as removing ash trees or replanting with new tree species. Councilmember Holmes was in favor of removing declining trees, but not healthy ash trees. Councilmember Werner indicated there were many parallels between EAB and Dutch Elm Disease. He was not in favor of removing all trees until there was a decline in the ash tree population. Mayor Grant commented it would be difficult for the City to slow the progress of the ash borers given the number of ash trees in the City. Councilmember Holden was in favor of securing or protecting the trees in Arden Manor. Mayor Grant suggested replanting new trees in Arden Manor. Councilmember Tamble stated the disease was not old enough to know how fast it will spread each year. He indicated he could make several calls to discuss new treatment options. He opposed cutting down healthy trees. Parks and Recreation Director Olson indicated residents may be interested in treating their own private trees. Councilmember Holden commented there has been some success on the East Coast with treating EAB with wasps. This may be an option for Arden Hills homeowners. Mayor Grant summarized that the Council was not in favor with options one through three within the Staff report. However, the Council did support the removal or trimming of declining trees. Councilmember Holmes questioned if the City had funds budgeted for tree trimming, removal and replacement. Parks and Recreation Director Olson stated funds were available within the CIP for tree removal over the next five years. She explained that additional funds may need to be added for tree replacement. Councilmember Holden commented she did not feel tree replacement on a one-to-one basis was necessary as some trees were planted so closely in the past,this would not be needed. Councilmember Tamble suggested a tree be replanted within the City somewhere, even if not in the same exact location as the removed ash tree. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 21, 2012 8 Parks and Recreation Director Olson explained that it has not been the City's practice to replace every tree in the City lost to Oak Wilt and Dutch Elm's Disease. Mayor Grant recommended this be reviewed on a case by case basis. This would assure that trees would be replaced when needed. Councilmember Holden asked if the chemical treatments were harmful to the bee population. Parks and Recreation Director Olson explained she was unaware of any harmful effects from Tree-Age. The treatment did not affect water quality either. She was uncertain the affect it would have on the bee population. Councilmember Holden questioned if the City would support the use of Tree-Age on private trees throughout the City. Parks and Recreation Director Olson indicated the City could have a list of certified vendors available for homeowners to contact to provide the chemical treatment or remove the infected tree. Councilmember Tamble commented the State was taking a "wait and see" approach. The City could do the same and remove trees once they have deteriorated. Mayor Grant summarized that the Council was not in favor of treating the City's ash trees. Councilmember Holden supported allowing residents to treat their affected trees and if not successful, the trees were to be removed within 30 days. She was not in favor of soil drenching. She questioned if the City should be involved in creating a list of contractors and requiring them to obtain a license from the City. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated the Council could elect to not proceed with a licensing process. The City could, however, provide a list of certified contractors that could provide services to Arden Hills residents. She reiterated that City Staff would not be making a recommendation based on any of the contractors, simply creating a list of contractors who are properly insured and certified. Councilmember Holden was not in favor of providing a list of preferred contractors. Instead, the City should be creating a list of recommended questions the residents should be asking of their contractor. This would better inform the public on the issues. Parks and Recreation Director Olson thanked the Council for their input this evening. She explained she would be making revisions based on the Council's comments this evening and bring this back to the Council for approval at a future meeting. D. Online City Video Tour Community Development Director Hutmacher stated at a recent National League of Cities conference, a Councilmember spoke to representatives from CGI Communications. CGI offers to ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 21, 2012 9 make free video tours for cities to post on their websites. The video tours can be used as an economic development tool and to promote the City to potential businesses and residents. In order to get a better understanding of the product that CGI offers and its relationship to municipalities, City staff has contacted other cities in the metro area who have worked with CGI. Community Development Director Hutmacher provided a further summary of the CGI on-line video project stating CGI would sell sponsorships to local businesses and would keep all advertising revenue. CGI requires the Mayor to sign a letter to local businesses asking them to consider sponsorships. This letter can be edited to clarify that the City is not asking for a contribution. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that in some cities that have participated in CGI's program, staff has received a few calls from businesses either upset by "strong-armed" sales pitches from CGI or simply calling to ask staff whether CGI is legitimate. In all of the cities that have been contacted, these issues have been resolved, and have not created lingering problems in the business community. Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated the video tours usually include approximately six one-minute individual videos with topics including a welcome, quality of life, education, housing and relocation, parks and recreation, and economic development. She commented the Council could choose what is featured in each video. For example, the City can highlight a specific park, City facility or business. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated CGI provides a videographer, draft script, professional voiceover, background music and all aspects of video production and editing. The City may wish to edit the draft script to create a unique product for the community. She noted the duration of the contract with CGI would be three years. After the contract period, CGI will update the video tour at no cost to the City and enter into another three-year contract. Generally, cities have been pleased with the results and reported positive working relationships with CGI. Community Development Director Hutmacher reviewed several online video tours created by CGI. The cities of Blaine, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids and Hastings were reviewed. Staff then discussed the concerns within the CGI contract stating a link no smaller than 149 by 181 pixels was required on the City's home page. This was likely too large for the City's new website design, and CGI has indicated that they could be flexible with the size and design of the home page link. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated depending on the project timing and how it coincides with the website development schedule, it may be difficult to designate significant staff time to editing the script and video to ensure that the script is unique to Arden Hills and that stock video footage is not being used. Assistance from the Communication Committee may be necessary in the event that the CGI project overlaps with final website development. Community Development Director Hutmacher commented the City may specify which features should be highlighted in the videos. Without this specificity, CGI may fill in with stock video. If the Council chooses to move forward with the CGI project, Staff would appreciate Council input ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 21, 2012 lo- on what should be featured. In addition,the CGI proposal requires the City to allow advertising to be placed on the City's website. This would require a City Council policy decision. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that the Economic Development Commission, Communications Committee and the Website Ad Hoc Committee discussed this issue and provided staff with feedback. The EDC was generally supportive of the CGI proposal. Given the investment that the City is making in the website, the EDC recommended the home page graphic be designed and sized appropriately. The Communications Committee discussed the CGI proposal as well. A committee member expressed interest in the project and a willingness to help with editing the script and video. The Website Ad Hoc Committee felt that the video tours could be a positive addition to the City's website if CGI could be flexible with the design of the home page graphic. Councilmember Holmes asked if a free intern would be available to assist with this project from a local college. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated this could be investigated further and has been done in the past. Community Development Director Hutmacher was in favor of this suggestion. Councilmember Holden questioned if the video tours would benefit the City. Councilmember Holmes commented there was a potential to bring in new businesses to the City of Arden Hills. In addition, new residents could view the videos. She explained that even though the videos were free, the project would consume a great deal of Staff's time. Mayor Grant asked what fees were being charged for the ads. Community Development Director Hutmacher was uncertain stating she heard the ads were somewhat expensive. Staff would remain out of this portion of the project. She discussed the ads she noticed on other cities' websites stating the majority were for local businesses. She inquired if the Council was comfortable with allowing advertising on the City's website. Councilmember Holmes explained there would have to be an understanding that the City was not sponsoring these ads. Mayor Grant commented in the past year the City has gotten itself on the map as it has a superfund site that needs cleaning up. He was interested in the community also learning about the other great businesses located in the City of Arden Hills. Community Development Director Hutmacher questioned if the Council was interested in proceeding with a contract with CGI. Councilmember Holmes asked Staff what the biggest concerns were with the project. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 21, 2012 11 Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the amount of time required from Staff was a concern in addition to the timing of the videos and how they would align with the City's new website. Councilmember Holden questioned what would be the proposed size for the CGI link on the City's website. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated 150 by 35 pixels would be the recommended size. Councilmember Holmes questioned if the videos could be completed in house with the assistance of an intern. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained it would be cheaper to proceed with CGI. If the Council was not comfortable with the potential advertising, the City could investigate completing one video tour on Arden Hills. Mayor Grant was in favor of moving forward with the project so long as the advertising letter could be edited to assure the business owners were made aware the advertisement was for CGI and not endorsed by the City of Arden Hills. In addition, there was no obligation for the local businesses to participate. Community Development Director Hutmacher recommended attaching an edited letter to the CGI contract to assure they review it prior to contract approval. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson asked if the work would be completed in 2012. Community Development Director Hutmacher was uncertain if the work could be completed in 2012, but wanted to leave space on the City's website for the CGI link on the home page if the project were to proceed. She would have to discuss the schedule further with CGI and anticipated the three year contract would begin in 2013. Councilmember Holmes was in favor of proceeding with the project. Mayor Grant questioned if the City would have a better product if C-TV were contacted. He inquired if cable franchise fees could be used to complete this task. Councilmember Holden was in favor of contacting C-TV as well stating this would allow for the information to be posted on the City's website and shared on C-TV. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson indicated cable funds could be used for this project in addition to the 100 hours available through the contract. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that by having the project completed locally, this would create greater freedom for the City and where the link would be located on the City's web page. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 21, 2012 12 Mayor Grant requested Staff contact C-TV to discuss the possibility of completing a video tour for the City of Arden Hills and report back to the Council. E. State of the City Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that in 2011, the Economic Development Commission (EDC) worked with Staff and the Council to hold the City's first business-oriented State of the City event. The event was held on September 14, 2011, the Wednesday prior to Celebrating Arden Hills. She discussed the items presented at the event. Approximately 50 people attended, in addition to Council and Staff. Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated at the May EDC meeting, Commissioners considered whether to hold a business-oriented State of the City event in 2012. The consensus of Commissioners was that the stadium proposal was a major draw for the 2011 event. Without a significant draw, Commissioners did not think the event would attract enough people to make it worthwhile. It was noted that separate public meetings would be held for the B- 2 District Implementation Plan. The EDC suggested that a bi-annual business-oriented State of the City event be held to justify the expense. The EDC suggested that the Council consider alternating years between a business-oriented event and resident-focused event. Staff requested the Council discuss the item further and provide feedback on how to proceed. Mayor Grant asked if the event had to coincide with Celebrating Arden Hills. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that the event could be held at any time. By holding the event the same week as Celebrating Arden Hills, it provided focus on the City and its business community. Councilmember Holden questioned what information would be passed along to residents this year if a resident-focused event was held this fall. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson commented that the event was well attended by the public the year TCAAP was discussed. She stated that the road construction and transportation issues surrounding the community could be reviewed this year. Mayor Grant stated the City was working on this issue to assist the residents and ease the pains being felt by all residents. Councilmember Holmes did not feel a State of the City event was necessary for 2012. Councilmember Holden did not feel like there were enough items to address with the public to hold a State of the City in 2012. She commented the main issue in the City this summer would be the large amount of road construction. Councilmember Holmes suggested a display be posted at Celebrating Arden Hills. She indicated a separate booth could be used and transportation information could be included in this display. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 21, 2012 13 Community Development Director Hutmacher stated if the booth were to have a "draw" the public may be more inclined to view the information available at the booth. j i Councilmember Holmes stated she would speak with the Celebrating Arden Hills Committee further about this issue. F. Discuss Budget Parameters Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson questioned if the Council had any input for Staff on the budget parameters for the 2013 budget. Councilmember Holden stated the fire department was going to have an 8.3% increase. In addition,the City should anticipate paying more for the City of Roseville computer contract. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson indicated the contract with Roseville would double, given the fact the number of emails and computer services provided, and would increase from $6,000 to $13,000 in 2013. She anticipated the Sheriff's services would increase 3- 4% as well. Mayor Grant questioned the levy increase for 2012. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated the levy increase for 2012 was 1.8%. Councilmember Holden asked if the City was anticipating any staffing changes in the coming year. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson did not foresee any changes in Staff. She reported that healthcare fees were anticipated to be relatively the same in 2013. Councilmember Holden stated she was not in favor of raising the levy in 2013 to assist with additional park expenditures. She explained the expense of Celebrating Arden Hills and the investments made in the City's parks could not continue into the future given the current budget constraints. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson questioned what percentage the Council anticipated raising the levy. She commented that the departments have kept operating costs below the previous year's budgets for the past three years and the Council used reserves in two of those years to balance the budget while contract services have continued to increase. Councilmember Holden expected a zero percent increase would not suffice for 2013. Councilmember Holmes estimated the levy would have to increase by three to four percent. Councilmember Werner questioned if the City would be expecting any additional revenue in 2013. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 21, 2012 14 I Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated revenues from permits were up in 2012 due to Pulte Homes and Walgreens. However, expenses were up for inspections. Councilmember Holmes asked for further information on the raises given to Staff in the past several years. She commented she has not received a raise in a number of years. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson reviewed the raises given over the past three years. Councilmember Holden requested Staff not increase the department operating budgets by more than 1.5%. Mayor Grant agreed with this suggestion stating this increase would be separate from the anticipated increases for contracted services. He questioned if the City needed to continue to purchase additional park benches each year. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated $5,000 was allotted within the CIP per year for park benches based on direction provided by the Council. The Council could make a change in the CIP prior to August if desired. Councilmember Holden reviewed the CIP items planned for 2013 in detail. Mayor Grant commented the Public Works Department has purchased a great deal of equipment recently. He encouraged Staff to take this into consideration when reviewing the CIP and purchases planned for 2013. Councilmember Holden suggested the City review further how to use its MSA funds. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson thanked the Council for their comments and explained this would provide Staff with a starting point when beginning to pull together the 2013 budget. G. Long Grass Councilmember Holden commented there were several locations throughout the City that had long grass. She stated Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue was an area of concern that was brought to Staff's attention. She requested the grass along Lexington Avenue be trimmed near the trail as it was over two feet tall. She asked that Staff draft a memo naming the property owners along this roadway. She wanted to see this corridor beautified. Community Development Director Hutmacher reported the Carroll's property was in foreclosure and the property should be under new ownership in June. The City had to follow the proper abatement process. Councilmember Holden explained that the County may be responsible for some of these properties. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 21, 2012 15 Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson commented that mowing was not a priority for the County this year and may have to be assumed by the City. Councilmember Holden requested the bus stop be mowed and maintained by the City. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that Arden Hills was a complaint based City and after noting the complaints this evening, Staff could investigate the matter further. She indicated the Council could make the policy decision to not be a complaint-based City. Councilmember Holden explained she would just like to see Staff take the initiative to fix things when they are broken without Council having to make lists. Further discussion ensured regarding complaints and maintenance issues in the City. Mayor Grant requested Staff review this matter further and report back to the Council with a plan of action. 3. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Mayor Grant stated he received a complaint about Thom Drive as the road was damaged from heavy trucks using the roadway for new construction. He indicated Thom Drive was in need of repair. He commented the Council may have to address this issue at a future meeting. Councilmember Holmes thanked the Council for helping her with a recent article. Councilmember Holden noted there was a large dead tree on Lake Johanna Boulevard near a home. She requested Staff speak with the property owner. She requested the Council discuss signs prior to this year's election. ADJOURN Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council Work Session meeting at 8:52 p.m. Patrick Klaers David Grant City Administrator Mayor