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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-30-13-R lt EN HILLS Approved: November 25, 2013 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS,MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 30,2013 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 7:02 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant, Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, Dave McClung, and Ed Werner Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; Finance Analyst Kyle Howard; Community Development Intern Matthew Bachler; and City Planner Ryan Streff 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 INQUIRIESANFORMATIONAL None. 3. STAFF COMMENTS A. TCAAP Update Community Development Director Hutmacher reported that the first open house for the TCAAP master planning process was held on September 17, 2013. The purpose of this open house was to provide information about the master planning process, share background information on the redevelopment site including site constraints, and solicit input on site ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 2 opportunities and issues. Over 80 people were in attendance. The following boards were on display and have been posted on the City's website: • Site context and features • Transportation and access • Environmental features • Topography and elevations • Parks,trails, and open space • Key lessons from developer panel/developer interviews Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that attendees were asked to comment on residential and commercial building types, open space types, and neighborhood patterns. Attendees also had an opportunity to participate in a land use exercise in which they could distribute their preferred mix of residential, retail, office, and park uses across the site. Photos were taken of each completed exercise and projected onto a screen in the room. Comments received at the open house largely addressed the following themes: • Emphasize trails and provide multi-modal connectivity • Limit the amount of development to preserve the natural environment • Create regional destination in the form of shopping centers or community attractions and amenities • Place non-residential uses on the west and residential on the east part of the site • Focus on small and local businesses • Incorporate indoor and outdoor sporting/recreation facilities • Provide lifecycle housing opportunities (young professionals, families,retirees) • Find a way to incorporate alternative energy production • Make sure there is ample green space and active space • Make provisions for transit service Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that input from public and stakeholder engagement, including City Council and JDA comments, will be utilized along with technical analysis of traffic, land use, and environmental factors to develop two scenarios for the Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) document. An AUAR is a form of environmental documentation through Minnesota State Rules that evaluates a development scenario (or several scenarios) for an entire geographical area rather than a specific project. The AUAR must include a scenario based on the existing comprehensive plan. Community Development Director Hutmacher reported the master planning process is on schedule. The consultants anticipate having a draft of the Master Plan prepared for Planning Commission and City Council review in December 2013. At the next TCAAP open house in January/February 2014, attendees will be asked to provide feedback on the draft Master Plan. The final Master Plan and the draft AUAR are both expected to be completed in spring 2014. B. Transportation Update Public Works Director Maurer discussed the US 10/Highway 96 road construction project with the Council. He reviewed several photographs that displayed the progress being made on the project. He commented the project has remained on schedule and would be completed yet this fall. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 3 Councilmember McClung thanked staff for the project update and photographs. C. . State of the City Report Community Development Director Hutmacher explained the State of the City event was held on September 12, 2013, at Flaherty's Arden Bowl. Approximately 75 people attended. Councilmembers and Economic Development Commission Chair Ed von Holtum spoke on the TCAAP project; economic development goals; current transportation and development projects; and improvements along County Road E. Foundation Board Member Tamble spoke on the Arden Hills Foundation. The event was videotaped by CTV and once the video is available, a link will be provided on the City's website. Councilmember Holmes thanked staff for their assistance with the State of the City. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None. 5. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll B. Motion to Authorize Purchase of Two Toro Zero-Turn Mowers C. Motion to Appoint Brent Bartel to the Planning Commission D. Motion to Approve Payment No. 1 to Classic Protective Coatings, Inc., for the South Water Tower Rehabilitation Project in the Amount of$151,050.00 E. Motion to Approve Payment No. 1 to SAK Construction, LLC, for the 2013 Sanitary Sewer Lining Improvements in the Amount of$292,178.73 F. Motion to Approve Payment #4 to North Valley, Inc., in the Amount of $115,012.46 for the 2013 Pavement Management Program G. Motion to Approve 2013 Capital Reimbursement to Lake Johanna Fire Department in the amount of$19,335.60 for Rescue Truck 4 MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Werner 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 Utility Bills Finance Analyst Howard stated that delinquent utility amounts are certified to Ramsey County quarterly. A list of utility accounts with a delinquent balance was compiled and notices dated ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 4 August 15, 2013, were mailed. These customers were informed of their delinquent status and were asked to make payment of the delinquent balance by September 20, 2013. Utility accounts with an unpaid delinquent balance after September 20, 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. Finance Analyst Howard indicated that the City will request that Ramsey County levy the delinquent balances against the respective properties. Staff recommended the Council hold a public hearing and approve a resolution certifying the list of delinquent utility accounts. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:17 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:18 p.m. Councilmember McClung encouraged homeowners to pay their utility bills in a timely manner. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve Resolution#2013-038,Adopting and Confirming Quarterly Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities. The motion carried unanimously iLq 8. NEW BUSINESS A. Lexington Station Signage Plan Community Development Intern Bachler stated that the applicant, Roberts Management Group, has requested a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment for a sign plan for the Lexington Station redevelopment project at 3833 Lexington Avenue North. Community Development Intern Bachler stated that on July 8, 2013,the City Council approved a Master Planned Unit Development and Final Planned Unit Development for Phase I of the Lexington Station redevelopment project at 3833 Lexington Avenue in Planning Case 13-003. A signage plan for the Phase I development was not included in the approved PUD. Roberts Management Group is now requesting an amendment to the existing PUD to include a sign plan for the property. The applicant has submitted plans that include the dimensions and locations of the proposed monument sign and wall signage. Community Development Intern Bachler explained that the monument sign would be located on Lexington Avenue towards the southern end of the Phase I development, adjacent to the access driveway currently serving 3771 Lexington Avenue. The sign copy area would measure 15 feet tall by 9 feet wide, or 135 square feet. The height of the sign would be 26 feet and 9 %2 inches. Community Development Intern Bachler indicated there are a total of ten retail bays in the Phase I building. For the two larger bays at the southern and northern ends of the building, the applicant has requested a total of 240 square feet of wall signage. The signage would be divided equally between the three building walls on the end units. For the remaining eight central bays, 115 square feet of wall signage is being requested. This amount would be divided between the ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 5 western facade facing the interior of the development and the eastern facade facing Lexington Avenue. Community Development Intern Bachler stated that small blade signs are also proposed to be located between retail bays on the western side of the building. These signs would measure four (4) square feet in area and would hang from a rod extending approximately three feet from the building wall. A total of seven blade signs are proposed. Site Data Future Land Use Plan: Commercial Existing Land Use: Vacant Zoning: B-3: Service Business District Current Lot Sizes: 1.34 Acres Topography: Level Community Development Intern Bachler reviewed the surrounding area, the Plan Evaluation along with portions of City Code Chapters 12 and 13. Community Development Intern Bachler provided the Findings of Fact for review: 1. The property is located in the B-3 Zoning District and in Sign District 5. 2. The Planned Unit Development at 3833 Lexington Avenue was approved by the City on July 8, 2013, in Planning Case 13-003. The approved Planned Unit Development did not include a sign plan for the property. 3. The applicant is proposing an amendment to the approved PUD for a sign plan that includes a monument sign and wall signage. 4. The City has adopted special design standards for the B-3 Zoning District, which include provisions on signage. 5. The proposed PUD Amendment is in considerable conformance with the requirements of the City's Sign Code. 6. The proposed PUD Amendment is in conformance with the requirements of the City's Zoning Code. 7. Where the plan is not in conformance with the City's Sign Code, flexibility has been requested by the applicant due to the site conditions unique to the property at 3833 Lexington Avenue. 8. The PUD Amendment approval process allows for flexibility within the City's regulations through a negotiated process with a developer. 9. The signage plan would not have a negative impact on adjacent properties or the City as a whole, and it is consistent with the size and orientation of the property on which the signs would be located. Community Development Intern Bachler explained that the Planning Commission discussed this item at their September 4, 2013, meeting. The Planning Commission recommended approval of Planning Case 13-014 for an amendment to the Final Planned Unit Development for Phase I of Lexington Station at 3833 Lexington Avenue, as amended by the following eleven (11) conditions: ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 6 1. The signage 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. The retail bay at the northern end of the Phase I building shall be permitted no more than 140 square feet of wall signage. The total wall signage shall be divided between 40 square feet on the west fagade, 60 square feet on the north fagade, and 40 square feet on the east fagade. 3. The retail bay at the southern end of the Phase I building shall be permitted no more than 140 square feet of wall signage. The total wall signage shall be divided between 40 square feet on the west fagade, 60 square feet on the south fagade, and 40 square feet on the east fagade. 4. Each of the eight central retail bays in the Phase I building shall be permitted no more than 80 square feet of wall signage. The total wall signage shall be divided between 40 square feet on the west fagade and 40 square feet on the east fagade. 5. In the event that a tenant occupies multiple retail bays in the Phase I building, the tenant shall be allowed up to 30 square feet of wall signage per additional bay occupied. This amount shall be divided between up to 15 square feet of signage on the west fagade and up to 15 square feet of signage on the east fagade. 6. Wall signs shall be comprised of individual cut letters and shall not extend more than 12 inches from the wall they are attached to. Wall signs shall be consistent in appearance and the spacing between signs shall be balanced. 7. Blade signs shall not extend beyond the front edge of the canopies on the west fagade and shall have an area of no more than four (4) square feet. Blade signs shall have a minimum vertical clearance of eight(8) feet from the sidewalk to the bottom of the sign. 8. The sign copy area on the blade sign shall not be included when calculating the permitted area for wall signage per tenant. 9. The monument sign on Lexington Avenue shall not exceed twenty-six feet and nine and on-half inches (26' — 9 1/2") in height. The monument sign shall be setback a minimum of five (5) feet from the property line. 10. Prior to approval of a PUD Amendment Agreement, the applicant shall submit a revised sign plan that removes the window banner coatings. 11. Sign permits shall be applied for prior to the installation of any signage on the property. Councilmember Holden asked if the blade signs would be lit. Community Development Intern Bachler indicated that the blade signs would not be lit, but the wall signs would be lit internally. Councilmember Holden stated the monument sign was too large. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve Planning Case 13-014 an amendment to the Final PUD for Phase 1 of the Lexington Station redevelopment proposal at 3833 Lexington Avenue, based on the findings of fact and submitted plans, as amended by the eleven (11) conditions in the September 30,2013 Report to the City Council. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 7 Councilmember Werner indicated that, according to the City sign ordinance, the proposed signs were excessive. Mayor Grant stated this was the case, but that this development was a PUD and for that reason, was allowed some flexibility. Councilmember Holden indicated she could support the 920 square feet of wall signs for the building. Councilmember Holmes agreed stating her main concerns were with the monument sign. She was in favor of having the monument sign not exceed 20 feet. Mayor Grant questioned why the monument sign was not proposed to have 10 tenant panel signs. Community Development Intern Bachler commented that the applicant understands that one tenants may occupy two or more spaces within the proposed development. For this reason, the applicant proposed to have seven tenant panel signs on the monument sign. Councilmember Holden wanted to see the monument sign reduced in size by one-third. She would like to see the height of the sign brought down to 17 feet and each tenant panel sign be 14 square feet in area. Councilmember McClung supported the Planning Commission's recommendation. He was initially hesitant on the proposed size, but was now in agreement. He stated that the sign was set back from the roadway. He recommended the Council approve the sign height at 20 feet. Councilmember Holden stated she could support this, except for the fact that the building would also have an excessive amount of wall signage. Mayor Grant asked if another monument sign would be added along Lexington Avenue during Phase 3 of the development. Community Development Intern Bachler indicated this-would likely be the case. Mayor Grant was not in favor of this development having two extremely large monument signs, and excessive wall signage within the development. AMENDMENT: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to revise Condition 9 reducing the height of the monument sign to 20 feet with the maximum sign area being 120 square feet. Councilmember McClung explained the proposed monument sign would be setback approximately 60 feet from Lexington Avenue and the sign height being 20 feet would assist with visibility. He commented that the applicant could have an additional monument sign with the Phase 1 development along Red Fox Road and was only requesting one. He stated this ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 8 development would spur further development in the area and he wanted to see it be extremely successful. Councilmember Holden expressed concern that Shannon Square tenants would come before the City requesting additional signage if this sign amendment were approved. Councilmember Holmes supported the monument sign at 20 feet. She requested clarification on the maximum sign area. Community Development Intern Bachler discussed the sign copy area of the sign in further detail with the Council. He stated the sign copy area recommended by staff originally was 135 square feet. Councilmember McClung commented that monument signs direct traffic into adjacent developments. He did not want to see the tenant panel signs made too small as this would make it difficult for passing traffic to read the signs. He recommended the Council offer the developer some level of flexibility on the monument sign. Councilmember Holden believed that a 20 foot monument sign would provide enough space for the tenant panel signs to be legible to passing traffic. She recommended the sign copy area be reduced to 100 square feet, as this would allow the monument sign to remain proportional. Mayor Grant questioned how far off the Lexington Avenue curb the monument sign would be placed. Community Development Intern Bachler explained the monument sign would be approximately 60 feet from the curb. Councilmember McClung called the question on the amendment motion. The amendment carried (5-0). Councilmember Holmes discussed the proposed window banner coatings and recommended these be included in the PUD Amendment request. This would ensure that the applicant would not have to reapply for an amendment to the sign plan in the future. Councilmember Holden questioned why the window banner coatings were requested by the applicant. Community Development Intern Bachler stated the window banner coatings were originally requested to allow the tenants to block out several windows of the corner bays. The applicant has since removed this request from consideration because the applicant is still negotiating leases for this space. He explained the applicant may use spandrel glass instead of coating the windows. He recommended the Council not address this issue at this time. Further discussion ensued regarding the use of spandrel glass versus transparent glass. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 9 Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated the original PUD allowed only for transparent glass. However, staff was in favor of allowing spandrel glass in lieu of banner coatings. Councilmember Holden asked if the Council should approve the use of spandrel glass. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained there were still a number of unknowns and suggested the Council hold off until the tenants for the corner bays were secured. Mayor Grant suggested the Council direct staff to report back once the tenants for the corner bays were secured by the applicant. Councilmember Holmes was in favor of allowing staff to negotiate this issue with the applicant. Councilmember Holden recommended that the applicant go through the PUD amendment process again if significant changes were made to the windows. City Planner Streff commented that the Council could direct staff to negotiate window coverage for store rooms and kitchens with the applicant. Councilmember Holmes asked if staff was comfortable with this suggestion. Community Development Director Hutmacher supported this recommendation. Councilmember McClung was in favor of retaining flexibility for staff and the developer, but stated a PUD amendment may be necessary considering the tenants were unknown. Mayor Grant requested comment from the applicant. Tim Gilbert, Roberts Management Group, 1851 Berkley Road in White Bear Lake, stated the possibility of spandrel glass was still unknown. He commented it may be necessary to use spandrel glass if a restaurant was to locate in one of the corner bays. Councilmember Holmes withdrew her recommendation and suggested the Council take no action addressing the windows at this time. Councilmember McClung questioned if Condition 10 should be removed. Community Development Intern Bachler recommended Condition 10 remain worded as is. The amended motion carried (5-0). 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 10. COUNCIL COMMENTS ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—SEPTEMBER 30, 2013 10 Councilmember McClung recommended staff post the photos of the US 10/Highway 96 road construction project on the City's website. He commented his road was recently reconstructed/restriped and this has assisted in slowing traffic in his neighborhood. Councilmember Werner stated that his schedule has changed and he will be in attendance at the October 14th City Council meeting. Councilmember Holden explained that Northeast Youth and Family Services is hosting an event this Thursday. Councilmember Holden stated that in looking at possible franchise fees, 46% of the City's taxable value is tax-exempt. Mayor Grant indicated that the e street flats now has a third sign on the building. He requested staff investigate this further. He questioned when the final Certificate of Occupancy would be issued for this property. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained the property was very close to receiving the Certificate of Occupancy. There are several minor issues that need to be addressed with the lobby seating and outdoor lighting. Mayor Grant reviewed a letter he received from Impact 7G regarding cell phone service. He stated the City of Shoreview sent him a letter regarding Shoreview's Wellhead Protection Plan. Mayor Grant requested an update on the water tower project. Public Works Director Maurer explained the tan color was almost done and the logos will take four days to complete. He anticipated the project would be finished by mid-October. City Administrator Klaers reported the fall cleanup day will be Saturday, October 5, 2013, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Public Works Facility. ADJOURN MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to adiourn. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). May G ant journe the regular City Council meeting at 8:35 .M' r G� Patrick Klaers David Grant City Administrator Mayor