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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-18-13-WS -A R,,,ENHILLS Approved: January 13, 2014 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS,MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 18,2013 5:00 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Grant called to order the City Council work session at 5:00 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; Park and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson; Finance Analyst Kyle Howard; City Planner Ryan Streff; and City Clerk Amy Dietl 1. AGENDA ITEMS A. 2014 Budget Adjustments City Administrator Klaers reviewed the 2014 budget adjustments as discussed by the Council at their November 12, 2013, work session. The TCAAP loan was discussed. He explained the 2014 budget had a proposed general fund increase of$120,000 and a tax levy increase of$97,797. He stated that at the last work session,the Council had discussed decreasing these amounts. Mayor Grant asked for comments from the Council. Councilmember McClung discussed the sales and use tax relief that the City would see in 2014. He estimated this tax relief could equate to a$12,000 reduction in the City's general fund budget. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson explained that she was still in conversation with the League of Minnesota Cities and the Department of Revenue regarding this matter. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 18, 2013 2 Mayor Grant recommended that the Council assume there would be sales and use tax relief close to $10,000 for 2014. Councilmember McClung suggested that the Council do away with work session meals and proposed meeting start times be adjusted. He was in favor of dropping the tuition reimbursement in 2014, along with expenses for training and conferences. He supported the three intern positions being removed from the budget and recommended the directors of these departments report back to the Council in 2014 as to the needs of their departments. He wanted to see the expense for Professional Services and Consultants in the Planning Department cut in half. He explained that these cuts would get him closer to a budget that he could support due to the fact it would be much closer to a 0% levy increase while still maintaining the City's priorities. Mayor Grant noted that the Council had discussed eliminating Celebrating Arden Hills for 2014. He proposed the Council discuss all further budget adjustments at the City Council meeting on December 9, 2013. Councilmember Holmes questioned the purpose of this agenda item if discussion was to be delayed until December 9th. Mayor Grant indicated that the discussion this evening would allow the Council to discuss which budget items they were in agreement with, and which they were not. He wanted to have all final decisions on camera on December 9th. Councilmember Holmes asked if the transfers to PIR will continue in 2014. City Administrator Klaers recommended that this transfer be removed from the general fund. Councilmember Holmes requested further information on the $500,000 TCAAP loan. She expressed concern that the City had a $500,000 expenditure in the budget with no guarantee of revenues for five to seven years to reimburse this expense. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson discussed the interfund TCAAP loan in further detail. She reported the loan was a 2013 expense. She indicated that the loan funds would be paid back to the City once SAC fees were collected for the TCAAP development. Councilmember McClung did not object to the TCAAP interfund loan noting that this type of loan was used rarely by the City. Mayor Grant commented that the loan could be undone, however, he found the $500,000 interfund loan to be a transparent solution to accounting for TCAAP expenses. He questioned if the Council wanted to change the interfund loan. Councilmember McClung saw no reason to change the loan. Councilmember Holden suggested that the Council address the TCAAP expense in a different manner. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 18, 2013 3 Further discussion ensued regarding the TCAAP interfund loan. Councilmember Holden recommended the Council accept that there will be a levy increase to cover the public safety cost increases. She stated these expenses will go up by $52,000 in 2014 and the public should be made aware of this increase. Councilmember Holmes asked if the intern was cut out of the Plannin g Department artment if the consulting fees in this department would rise exponentially. Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated the current intern was assisting the Planning Department in maintaining a certain level of service. She explained that Matthew Bachler was not completing the work of an intern, but was carrying a portion of the department's workload. Councilmember Werner commented that he felt the public would support the increases to public safety. He suggested a certain level of travel and training for staff be reestablished within the 2014 budget. Mayor Grant agreed that some level of training and travel should remain for staff. He then summarized the proposed budget adjustments with the Council (sales tax savings of $10,000; Mayor/Council meals of $2,000; Celebrating Arden Hills for a net of $10,000; and Council national training of$2,400) and asked if there was a consensus with the Council on any of these items. The Council supported these expenses being eliminated from the 2014 budget. Mayor Grant recommended all other budget concerns be addressed at the next public meeting before making a final decision on the 2014 budget and levy. He requested that staff adjust the budget on the items agreed upon this evening. B. Planning Case 13-017— 1201 West County Road E PUD Amendment Community Development Intern Bachler explained TAT Properties, LLC, is requesting a review of a proposed PUD amendment at 1201 West County Road E for a 17,000 square foot retail building to be located at the corner of West County Road E and Lexington Avenue. He reviewed the proposed plans in detail with the Council stating the current proposal would be to lease the 17,000 square foot retail building to Goodwill. Councilmember Holmes asked if the PUD amendment would require a traffic study. Community Development Intern Bachler indicated a traffic study would need to be completed before the case was reviewed by the Planning Commission. This was a City Code requirement for all redevelopment within the B-2 Zoning District. Rob Davidson, TAT Properties, LLC, thanked the Council for their time this evening. He indicated he has had discussions with Goodwill about locating a building at the corner of Lexington Avenue and West County Road E. His goal was to introduce the Council to this opportunity and receive feedback on the proposed redevelopment. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 18, 2013 4 Laurie Moore, Goodwill, commented that Goodwill was working to be a leader in the second hand goods industry in the metro area. She described the store proposed for Arden Hills, noting it would be well lit and have a great deal of natural light. Scott Nelson, DJR Architecture, Inc., discussed the proposed building in further detail noting the proposed energy efficiency of the building. He commented that the entry to the building would face the parking lot. The tree plantings and landscaping plan was reviewed with the Council. He noted that the building proposed for Arden Hills would closely resemble the Chanhassen and Maple Grove Goodwill stores. Councilmember Werner requested further information on the windows. Mr. Nelson discussed the windows proposed for the entry and throughout the entire building. Councilmember Holden asked how the revenue generated at this location would be used. Ms. Moore noted a portion would be used for a training program. She noted that Goodwill currently had 38 retail training programs. Councilmember Holden questioned where the trailer would be parked. Mr. Nelson described the location and stated that a trailer would be onsite at all times. He indicated the trailer would be used by Goodwill for recycling of second hand goods. He did not anticipate that the trailer would be visible from Lexington Avenue. Councilmember McClung stated the trailer would be visible from eastbound traffic along West County Road E. Mayor Grant commented that the applicant was proposing a large building for this location. He suggested the building size be reduced for a lower traffic volume business. He expressed concern with traffic volumes along West County Road E and how this building would be used if Goodwill were to move out of the space. Councilmember McClung expressed the same concerns with the size of the building and traffic along West County Road E. He asked what the applicant was asking from the City and what the applicant was willing to provide, in terms of a superior building. It was his opinion that the size and scale of the proposed building were too large for the parcel. Mayor Grant asked if the applicant should move forward with the traffic study. Councilmember Holden recommended that the consultant hired to complete the traffic study be different than the one that the developer initially hired for the E Street Flats redevelopment project. Mr. Davidson understood this concern and noted it had been discussed with staff. He was in favor of hiring his own consultant for the traffic analysis and then allowing the City to hire a third party consultant to review the information. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 18, 2013 5 Mayor Grant supported a commercial use on the corner of this property; however, it was his opinion that the proposed building was too large for the site. C. Planning Case 13-022 — Concept Review — Banquet, Catering and Retail Center (Carroll's Furniture Property) City Planner Streff explained Molly Behymer, owner of Creative Catering currently located in the Country Financial building, is requesting that the Council review a proposal for a Banquet, Catering and Retail Center at 1203 West County Road E at the former Carroll's Furniture property. The applicant is proposing to separate the building into three sections in order to accommodate the proposed uses. The upper level would be used for banquet and meeting room space. The lower level would be utilized for food production and catering services. The southern portion of the lower level would be constructed into retail bays and leased to third party tenants. Prior to purchasing the property, Ms. Behymer would like direction from the Council regarding the proposed use. City Planner Streff indicated the property was located within the B-2 Zoning District where banquet facilities and retail uses are permitted. Catering facilities are classified as "manufacturing and processing" and are only permitted as an accessory use. Under this classification the banquet facility would be the principal use and the catering activities would be an accessory use. Without a functioning banquet facility, the catering activities would have to cease as the Zoning Code does not allow accessory uses to operate as principle uses. City Planner Streff commented that staff had concerns regarding parking and access to the site. He noted the existing parking lot on the premises has a total of 35 parking spaces, which is not adequate for the proposed use. Of these 35 parking spaces, 17 spaces are likely to be removed if the City constructs a sidewalk in the existing easement. He reviewed the parking requirements as stated within City Code for restaurant and banquet uses. Based on the information provided to staff approximately 262 parking spaces would be required for the proposed use. The applicant is proposing to mitigate the parking deficiencies by securing shared parking agreements with surrounding property owners. Staff noted that the Zoning Code requires parking to be within 800 feet of the main entrance to the principal building. City Planner Streff reported that staff has discussed the sidewalk construction and easement along the southern side of the property, the possible driveway closure on the west side of the parking lot and the improvement of the shared driveway along the east side of the property line. The applicant stated that she was willing to work with the City to address these items. Councilmember Holden asked where additional parking would be gained for the proposed site. City Planner Streff stated that E Street Flats would be the preferred location. However, the applicant could have parking agreements with surrounding properties up to 800 feet to any side of the property. He noted Staples would be another option. Councilmember Holden stated she loved Creative Catering, but supported staff s recommendation; noting there would be parking issues at the proposed site. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 18, 2013 6 Molly Behymer, Creative Catering, explained she had spoken with Staples, Arden Plaza and Frattelone's regarding parking. She commented her parking needs would be mostly after business hours and on weekends. She stated that several of the local hotels provide shuttle services. Councilmember McClung did not object to the proposed use for the facility. However, he did have concerns with the parking. He did not see how the site would be competitive if the property did not have enough parking to meet the needs of her customers. Ms. Behymer proposed having valet parking and shuttle service available. Mayor Grant questioned how many catering events would be held at the banquet facility on a yearly basis. Ms. Behymer stated that events would be held on Friday and Saturday evenings. She explained her reason for the proposal was that the banquet facility would allow her to operate her business from a single location. She stated that banquet space was needed in this area of the metro. Mayor Grant asked what vision the applicant had for the retail bays. Ms. Behymer indicated her original thought was to have DJ services and a wedding rental business located in this space. She stated this would not have to be the case, but that it could provide one-stop shopping for brides. Councilmember Holmes commented there were no banquet spaces available in Arden Hills. It was her opinion that people would still attend the reception even if they had to cross the street to park. She indicated she would only be able to support this application if the shared parking situation was resolved. Mayor Grant summarized the Council's comments this evening noting there was support for the proposed catering and banquet facilities at the site. However, there was concern with the amount of parking available onsite and in close proximity. He recommended the applicant speak with the Fire Chief and the County Sheriff regarding safety concerns. E. Discussion Regarding the Possible Cancellation of the December 30, 2013, City Council Meeting City Clerk Died questioned if the Council wanted to meet on December 30, 2013. Councilmember Holden was in favor of canceling this meeting. The Council was in agreement. D. Planning Case 13-004 — Zoning Code Amendment — Parks and Open Space District and Conservation District Community Development Intern Bachler requested the Council review Ordinance Number 2013-010 for amendments to Section 1320 of the Zoning Code related to the proposed Conservation District, and also Ordinance Number 2013-011 for amendments to Section 1305.04 and Section 1320 of the Zoning Code related to the proposed Parks and Open Space District. He ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 18, 2013 7 stated the purpose of these ordinances was to meet state law requirements that the Zoning Code be consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan. Community Development Intern Bachler reviewed the City's Future Land Use Map in detail with the Council noting the City had 529 acres of land designated as "Park and Open Space". The City manages 153 acres, while Ramsey County maintains 338 acres. Discussion ensued regarding the current and future land use maps. Councilmember Holden questioned if staff had proposed zoning for the 150 foot trail through TCAAP. i Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the trail corridor would be zoned Park and Open Space. Councilmember Holden asked if staff had an inventory of the City's ponds and wetlands. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated the City had an inventory of the ponds the City was responsible for maintaining. Mayor Grant questioned if the Council had any proposed language amendments for the proposed Ordinances. Councilmember Holmes found the Ordinances to be acceptable. Councilmember Holden questioned the current zoning of the property the City had recently purchased along Hamline Avenue. Community Development Intern Bachler stated the parcel was zoned R-I Single Family Residential. Community Development Director Hutmacher commented the City purchased this property for conservation purposes which was reflected in the acquisition cost. She did not anticipate the City would be able to sell it for redevelopment. Mayor Grant asked if the City could zone property within Arden Hills that was owned by Ramsey County. Community Development Intern Bachler stated the County has to abide by the City's zoning regulations. He reported that the AHATS site, which was federally owned, did not have to abide by City zoning regulations. Mayor Grant recommended staff move this item forward to the next Council meeting for approval. E. 2014 Council Liaison Appointments ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 18, 2013 8 Mayor Grant reviewed the current Council Liaison Appointments and requested how the Council wanted to proceed with appointments for 2014. He stated he was willing to go to another committee and needed a volunteer to serve on the Financial Planning and Analysis Committee (FPAC). Councilmember McClung stated he was willing to serve another year as the Planning Commission Liaison but requested another member of the Council serve on the Communication Committee. Councilmember Holmes was in favor of moving to another Committee, which meant another member of Council would have to serve as the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee (PTRC) Liaison. Councilmember Holden was interested in remaining on the Lake Johanna Fire Department Board of Directors. Councilmember Werner currently serves on the Economic Development Commission (EDC). He indicated he was flexible and would be willing to make a change if necessary. Mayor Grant commented the Personnel Committee would remain himself and Councilmember Holden. Councilmember Holmes wanted to serve on the Planning Commission and FPAC. Councilmember McClung explained he could serve on the Ramsey County League, along with PTRC. Mayor Grant stated he could serve on the Communications Committee. Councilmember Werner indicated he would continue on the EDC and would also be willing to serve on the Communications Committee. Councilmember Holden questioned who would serve as the Mayor Pro-Tem in 2014. Mayor Grant questioned who was interested in serving as the Mayor Pro-Tem. Councilmembers McClung, Holden and Holmes were interested. Mayor Grant would speak with these Councilmembers and provide the Council with a decision at a future meeting. 2. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND STAFF UPDATES Councilmember Holmes expressed concern with how early the street sweeping was conducted this year. Mayor Grant recommended the Council wait to receive comment on this issue from Public Works Director Maurer. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 18, 2013 9 Councilmember Holden expressed concern with the lights on the Presbyterian Homes sign. She noted she spoke with a representative of Pres Homes and these lights would be swapped out. Councilmember McClung commented he drove on all of the new roadways on Saturday morning. He was pleased with the new construction and was hoping both lanes on Highway 96 would be open soon. Mayor Grant indicated he received a complaint about the speed of the railroad traffic, . specifically when they are traveling westbound towards New Brighton. City Administrator Klaers commented that staff would contact the railroad regarding this matter. Mayor Grant stated BFI was rolling through the City prior to 6:30 a.m. He requested the Council review the trash haulers MOU. Mayor Grant indicated that I-694 would be receiving another lane both eastbound and west bound from 35W to Rice Street. City Administrator Klaers reported the upcoming City newsletter would have an article on franchise fees. He noted an informational insert would be included in the December utility billing. Discussion ensued regarding the proposed franchise fee and the newsletter article. The Council recommended the article remain consistent with the conversation held at the October work session. Councilmember McClung commented he would review the franchise fee article prior to publication. ADJOURN Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council work session at 8:16 p.m. Amy Died David Grant City Clerk Mayor