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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-18-14 Jt Meeting It --AR�EN HILLS Approved: March 31, 2014 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION JOINT MEETING WITH PARKS,TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 18,2014 5:00 P.M. -ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 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 (arrived at 5:25 p.m.), Fran Holmes, Dave McClung, and Ed Werner Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; City Planner Ryan Streff; Associate Planner Matthew Bachler; Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson; and City Clerk Amy Died PTRC Members present: Matthew Trites, John Van Valkenburg, Chuck Michaelson, Nancy O'Malley, Harold Petersen, and Steve Scott 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Council accepted the agenda as presented. 2. AGENDA ITEMS A. CTV North Suburbs Update Cor Wilson, Executive Director of CTV, provided the Council with an update on the events taking place at CTV. She explained that the number of productions completed each year at CTV was on the rise as are the municipal assistance hours. She is pleased that the production and technical assistance facilities are being used. She reported that CTV recently completed a piece regarding the collaboration taking place between STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) and the TCAAP site. Ms. Wilson reviewed the number of students participating in the Youth Media Program. She stated that the community media programming was going well, but noted that the continued ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 18, 2014 2 viability of these programs will depend on how negotiations with Comcast are resolved. She discussed the Comcast negotiation situation in detail with the Council. She indicated that the Cable Commission had concerns with the rates being charged by Comcast, and she explained a rate review was conducted. Specifically, the Cable Commission questioned how Comcast was paying franchise fees for customers that had bundled cable packages. Comcast has since appealed the rate orders to the FCC. At this time, a stay has not been ordered by the FCC, and Comcast is awaiting further court action. Ms. Wilson indicated that Comcast is questioning the open meeting law for the Cable Commission meetings. She explained that the atmosphere for negotiation has been hampered, and for this reason, a formal process for negotiations has begun. She believes that the number of Comcast cable subscribers is on the decline. She provided further information on the Time Warner and Comcast merger and noted that she anticipates having more information on the franchise situation in April. Councilmember Werner asked for more information on the cable convertor box. Ms. Wilson explained that as part of the Comcast agreement, these boxes were initially supplied at no charge. Since January of 2013, customers are now charged $1.99 per month for the use of the convertor box; however, this rate order is currently being reviewed by the FCC. Councilmember Werner questioned why Comcast subscribers who have been customers for years are being charged fees to drop services. Ms. Wilson discussed the tiered rate system and stated that there is a lack of transparency when it comes to the rates being charged. There is also concern that new customers do not fully understand what they are signing up for. Many of the complaints received by CTV are from customers who sign up for bundle packages without having a clear understanding of the rates. Councilmember Holmes requested further information on the negotiation process with Comcast. Ms. Wilson discussed the formal and informal negotiation processes in further detail with the Council. She explained that it is a long process. She reported that the current franchise with Comcast expires in November of 2014. She reported that the informal and formal negotiating processes will continue as the law allows. However, if Comcast does not respond with reasonable counter-offers, the informal negotiations will cease. She noted that only four franchise cases have gone to federal court and in each of those cases, the local authority has won. It is her hope that Comcast will be cooperative while working through the negotiation process. Mayor Grant thanked Ms. Wilson for her report this evening. B. Parks and Open Space Zoning Associate Planner Bachler requested that the Council review the proposed list of properties to be rezoned to Parks and Open Space District or Conservation District. The parks managed by the City and Ramsey County were described noting that their current zoning is R-1 or R-2. He explained that last fall the Council approved two ordinances that created two new zoning districts: ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 18, 2014 3 the Parks and Open Space District and the Conservation District. He discussed these two zoning classifications in further detail and asked for direction from the Council on how to proceed. Mayor Grant questioned if the Chatham trails are owned by the City or the County. Associate Planner Bachler reported that the trail properties around the Chatham neighborhood are owned by the City of Arden Hills. Councilmember Holmes asked about the status of the County Road E2 trail to Old Highway 10. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that this area is a City sewer easement and not an official City trail. Councilmember Holden asked if the recently purchased property on Hamline Avenue will be a wetland or open space. Associate Planner Bachler explained that this property is not on the list of parcels to be rezoned Parks and Open Space. He commented that this parcel has a conservation easement, which restricts development. As of now, there are no plans for the property to function as a park or open space for the public. Councilmember Holden requested further clarification on the differences between parks and open spaces. Associate Planner Bachler discussed the definitions for parks and open space in detail with the Council. Mayor Grant recommended the recently acquired parcel on Hamline Avenue be added to the Parks and Open Space list. The Council concurred. Councilmember McClung asked if private park parcels were being addressed by the Council. Associate Planner Bachler stated that private parcels are not being addressed at this time. This is an issue that the Council may have to revisit in the future. Councilmember Holden recommended rezoning the entire AHATS property as Conservation District. Mayor Grant supported this as well, and suggested that the areas on the AHATS property currently zoned Civic Center be included in the rezoning. He recommended that staff revise the maps and bring this item back to the Council at a future meeting. The Council concurred. C. Public Works Equipment Discussion ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 18, 2014 4 Public Works Director Maurer explained that the Public Works Department has three pieces of equipment in the CIP for purchase in 2014. He indicated that the oldest plow truck in the fleet is scheduled for replacement. He reported that the City has an opportunity to buy a used truck from the County at a reduced price and noted that this would be a great value for the City. The price of the used truck is $128,250 with an additional $5,000 needed to repaint the truck to match the City's fleet. It was noted that the City budgeted $160,000 for a new plow truck. Public Works Director Maurer stated that the next piece of equipment to be purchased is a roller. He explained that the roller would assist the Public Works Department in paving and road maintenance efforts. However, he suggested that as the Public Works crew is getting into more paver laid bituminous work along with pot hole patching, that a larger roller may be more appropriate. He suggested that the City rent a larger roller for 2014 when needed and that a decision on this piece of equipment be made in 2015. Public Works Director Maurer indicated that the 2002 Groundmaster with snow blower was due for replacement in 2014. He suggested that this piece of equipment be replaced with a Tool Cat as it is a more functional piece of equipment. He reported that the Groundmaster would have little trade-in value and for this reason; an old mower deck could be installed on the unit. This mower could then be used along trails to knock down weeds saving wear and tear on the new"Z" mowers. He explained that the Tool Cat was $10,000 more expensive than the Groundmaster. The difference could be made up by trading in the 1990's John Deere tractor. This would make up half of the difference, and the remainder would be made up by the reduced price of the plow truck. Councilmember Holden supported the purchase of the used plow truck. She asked how the current roller was used by the City. She questioned what the City would do with the old roller. Public Works Director Maurer commented that the City's current roller is used for pothole and small patch jobs. He explained that a larger roller would provide a better finish on larger paver laid jobs. He anticipated that the City's current roller would be traded in if a new or used roller was purchased in the future. Mayor Grant inquired why the City was not keeping the current plow truck. Public Works Director Maurer stated that he is not opposed to keeping the plow truck in the fleet; however, there will be no indoor storage for it. In addition, this truck could need expensive repairs in the near future. He feels that the City would benefit most by taking the $20,000 trade in value on this piece of equipment. Mayor Grant asked if the City will need an additional plow after TCAAP is completely developed. Public Works Director Maurer stated that it would probably be five to ten years before another plow route is needed due to the development of TCAAP. Mayor Grant viewed the Tool Cat to be a superior product when compared to the Groundmasters, and it can be used year round. He supported the purchase of the Tool Cat. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 18, 2014 5 The Council indicated support for the recommendations. Public Works Director Maurer thanked the Council for their input and support. D. Parks,Trails and Recreation Committee Parks and Recreation Manager Olson explained that this meeting serves as the annual PTRC/Council joint work session. She commented that this meeting would allow both groups to discuss goals and expectations for the coming year. She stated that the PTRC members had a presentation for the Council. Chuck Michaelson, PTRC Member, indicated that the PTRC believes the City's parks, trails, natural resources, and recreation areas are valuable assets that make the City of Arden Hills a more desirable place to live and work. These assets improve property values as well as enhance the health and well-being of its residents and visitors. He stated that the PTRC represents the interests of Arden Hills' residents in maintaining, improving, and developing these resources. Matthew Trites, PTRC Member, discussed several suggested actions that would advance the vision for parks, trails and recreation in the City. He requested comment from the Council on ongoing issues or goals that were missing from the PTRC at this time. Councilmember Holden suggested that the PTRC consider speaking with neighboring communities regarding proper trail connections. Councilmember McClung agreed as he wanted connections from the City to be made between the County, along with the cities of Shoreview, Roseville,New Brighton and Mounds View. Mayor Grant requested further information on the proposed Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)park upgrades. Mr. Trites explained that the PTRC will be working with staff to prioritize upcoming park and trail improvement developments, including the Freeway Park enhancements. The PTRC will look at upgrades for amenities, such as trash barrels, bike racks, picnic tables and benches. The ADA parking lot enhancements will also be reviewed. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson added that the PTRC has concern that most of the City parks do not have ADA compliance from the parking lot or trail to the different amenities. One of the ways to address this concern would be to bring these parks into compliance when play structures are replaced. Councilmember Holden asked if the tennis courts would be repaired. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson commented that the City has three tennis courts in need of reconstruction. She stated that resurfacing the courts will not repair the cracks. The PTRC will be speaking with residents surrounding the parks to see if the tennis courts are being used or not. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 18, 2014 6 Councilmember Holmes stated that the tennis courts need to be properly maintained or they should be removed. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson explained that the City does have a resurfacing schedule for the tennis courts and that Floral, Royal Hills, and Hazelnut are all in need of reconstruction. She reported that the PTRC will be in contact with the neighborhoods before action is taken on the tennis courts. Councilmember McClung explained that he lived across the street from Royal Hills Park. He encouraged the PTRC to speak with a wide variety of residents in order to ensure that all voices are heard before decisions are made regarding the future of City parks. Mayor Grant agreed and stated that the City of Arden Hills population is aging. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson understood it would be important to gather a mix of input and to evaluate the information long-term before proposing changes to any City park. Mayor Grant requested further information on the proposed enhancements for Freeway Park. Nancy O'Malley, PTRC Member, explained that the proposed enhancements to Freeway Park were brought to the Council last year and were put in the CIP for 2015. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson discussed the proposed enhancements to Freeway Park and estimated that the cost for the improvements would be between $50 - $60,000 depending on the scope of improvements. Councilmember Holden expressed concern with the new parking lot expense. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson commented that the parking lot enhancements would improve access to the park while also offering parking for ice skating three months out of the year. John Van Valkenburg, Chair of the PTRC, discussed the health concerns of PTRC Member Don Messerly. Mr. Trites explained that the PTRC was considering the possibility of converting a large portion of existing free space at Lindey's park into a prairie area. The possible implementation date would be the summer of 2014. He reported that Don Messerly has been researching and exploring the topic for awhile. The disadvantages and advantages were being reviewed along with the cost to implement and maintain the prairie grasses. He stated that resident input would also be gathered regarding the possible conversion. Ms. O'Malley commented that five of the six neighboring properties supported the proposed prairie grass conversion. She indicated that a number of cities were converting open spaces to prairie grass for cost saving measures. Mayor Grant recommended that additional input be sought from the community. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 18, 2014 7 Mr. Trites indicated that the prairie grass restoration for the 4/10 of an acre at Lindey's would cost approximately $3,000 for start up and $2,100 for maintenance over the next three years. If the City would like to add wildflowers to the prairie grasses it would cost an additional $200. Councilmember Holden asked where the prairie grass would be located. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that the prairie grasses would be located in the main middle flat area. Councilmember Holden did not object to looking into this possibility, but noted that Lindey's park is used quite frequently by Bethel students. Mayor Grant agreed stating that he did not fully support this conversion. He questioned if there was another park or open space in the City that could be used for prairie grasses. Councilmember Holden suggested that the triangle property be considered for prairie grasses. Mayor Grant did not agree and stated that the triangle property should remain as is since it is an entrance point into the City and because it was recently irrigated and sodded. He recommended that staff investigate the level of use at Lindey's park. Mr. Van Valkenburg suggested the Council consider other park space that could be used for prairie grass conversion. He reported that the conversion would have some up front costs, but in the end, would reduce maintenance costs to the City. Mayor Grant stated that the bigger issue is park use and he is not in favor of converting park space that is being used by the public; even if it means reducing maintenance expenses. Councilmember McClung believed that the space at Lindey's is actively being used. He suggested the PTRC reevaluate if several compatible uses are proposed for the park. He stated that he could support a prairie grass restoration project, but it would have to be in the right location. Mayor Grant questioned if there is room at Valentine Park for a prairie grass conversion in front of the rain garden. Councilmember Holmes believed that the PTRC is providing the City with a solution when it did not have a problem. She does not see how the prairie grass conversion would fit at Lindey's. Mayor Grant summarized the Council's comments by stating that the Council has reservations about the prairie grass conversion at Lindey's. He recommended the PTRC evaluate and monitor the use of Lindey's Park over the summer. Ms. O'Malley reviewed the community survey analysis with the Council and noted that residents have a great deal of enthusiasm for the City's parks. The highest ranked initiatives the public is interested in are trail connections and adding more trails. In addition, there was a repeated theme that addressed safety within the trail system. She commented that the PTRC has been working to ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 18, 2014 8 prioritize trail segments and she understands that not all segments can be completed at once. She then discussed the trail connections with the highest priority. She reported that the PTRC was pleased with the information gathered from the community survey. It was noted that the results would be posted on the City's website and recommended that an article be drafted for an upcoming City newsletter. Councilmember McClung suggested that a member of the newsletter committee work with the PTRC to draft an article for the City newsletter. Mayor Grant recommended that the newsletter article be short and concise while directing residents to the City's website for additional information on the community survey. Ms. O'Malley thanked the Council for allowing the PTRC to complete the community survey. Councilmember McClung was pleased that 84 residents responded. He stated that the results will assist the City in prioritizing funding sources for future park improvements. Councilmember Holmes asked if the survey results pointed to any other park amenities that the Council should be aware of Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that pickle ball is growing in popularity, and a splash pad is also of interest to residents. Mr. Van Valkenburg explained that the PTRC created a subcommittee to address safety issues within the City's trail system. The subcommittee was focusing on the biggest needs, such as County Road E and Old Highway 10. He discussed the definition of a trail noting that this does not always entail an expensive paved surface. He commented that the PTRC wanted to improve connections throughout the City. Councilmember Holden stated that connectivity along New Brighton Road and County Road E are priorities, along with getting pedestrians/bicyclists to Perry Park. She indicated that the railroad crossing is a big concern. Mayor Grant suggested that the PTRC focus on public safety. He believed this is of the utmost concern. He recommended that the PTRC pursue grant opportunities as funding for new trail segments will be tight. Councilmember McClung agreed stating public safety should be the PTRC's first priority and bottlenecks are a second concern. A final concern would be major north/south or east/west connections to tie the neighborhoods within the City together. This would allow residents to get from one side of Arden Hills to the other. Councilmember Holden suggested that the PTRC investigate the worth that trails add to property value. This information would be important for residents to review if new trails are proposed in the future. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 18, 2014 9 Councilmember Werner commented that State and Legacy funds could assist the City in completing some important trail connections. Mayor Grant discussed the redevelopment of TCAAP and recommended that the PTRC review the proposed parks and trails for this area. He explained that the Master Planning process is still underway and he wants to see the PTRC taking an active role in the park planning. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson provided an update on the Elmer L. Andersen trail extension east to Tony Schmidt Regional Park. She explained that this work was slated to be completed by the County in 2016-2017. The Lake Johanna Boulevard trail from the Tony Schmidt Park entrance to Old Highway 10 is also scheduled to be completed in 2016-2017. Ms. O'Malley asked if the corporate businesses in Arden Hills have been approached to sponsor a trail segment. Councilmember Holden discussed the actions taken by several of the local businesses. She indicated that Bethel will be providing $800,000 for trail connections along County Road E. Councilmember Holmes commented that the Arden Hills Foundation may be another organization to contact for assistance with future trails. Mr. Van Valkenburg thanked the Council for the comments and input provided this evening. Mayor Grant thanked the PTRC members for their attendance this evening. E. Emerald Ash Borer Parks and Recreation Manager Olson provided the Council with an update on the treatment of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). She reported that the treatment of the Ash trees was discussed by the Council this fall. She explained that Precision completed an inventory of the Ash trees in City parks and found that there were 54 Ash trees in the parks and 38 could be treated. The expense for the treatment would be just over $3,000. The remaining trees are smaller or in poor condition. The expense to remove those trees would be $1,900. She indicated that if the trees are treated,the treatment would be needed every two years. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson commented that if the Council were to remove all 54 of the Ash trees it would cost the City over $10,000, and that price does not include replacement trees. She provided the Council with aerial views of the City's parks noting the location of the Ash trees. She stated that if the Council were to proceed with the treatment of the Ash trees it would be scheduled for late May or early June. She requested comments or questions from the Council. Councilmember Werner found the treatment costs to be extremely reasonable. He questioned how effective the treatments are. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 18, 2014 10 Parks and Recreation Manager Olson reported that the treatments are up to 90% effective if completed every two years on an EAB Ash tree. She further discussed the Department of Agriculture's success rate for the treatment product called Tree-Age. Councilmember Werner asked how much residents in Arden Hills would be charged to treat their Ash trees. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson explained that trees up to 24" would be $7.00 per caliper inch and trees over 24"would cost $9.00 per caliper inch. Mayor Grant supported treating the Ash trees. He did not want to see the City lose a large number of trees. Councilmember Holmes inquired how long the treatments would be needed. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that the treatments would be needed every two years, until the disease was under control, or has moved on. Councilmember McClung was uncertain how he feels about this issue. He does not want to see the City lose a large number of trees as this would impact the City's parks. He suggested that the significant trees within the City's parks be treated. He recommended that the City investigate supplemental tree plantings to assist in diversifying the conifers in the City's parks. Councilmember Holmes supported staff s plan to treat the EAB trees. She inquired if the City has funds to cover the expense for the treatment and removal of damaged trees. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that funds have been set aside in future years for tree removal. Mayor Grant suggested that the City treat the Ash trees this year and that in 2015 the Council reconsider the removal of damaged or declining trees. Councilmember Holden recommended that the untreated trees be removed as this would reduce the threat of EAB spreading further in the community. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that the City could easily remove the smaller 4" trees. Councilmember Holmes suggested that all trees 10" or smaller be removed. Public Works Director Maurer indicated that the trees could be treated in late May or early June and after that time, staff could report back to the Council with more detailed maps of the remaining Ash trees. This would allow for further discussion regarding which trees should and should not be removed. Mayor Grant questioned if this information should be reviewed by the PTRC. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 18, 2014 11 Parks and Recreation Manager Olson commented that she has provided the PTRC updates on the EAB situation in the City. The Council supported the Ash tree treatment and recommended that tree removal be discussed at a later date. 3. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND STAFF UPDATES Mayor Grant reviewed a letter received from the Minnesota GFOA noting that the City has been awarded the Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. This certificate of achievement is the highest form of recognition. He noted that a plaque will be sent to Sue Iverson and a presentation will be made at a future City Council meeting. He congratulated the Finance Department on their achievement and thanked them for their excellent work. Councilmember Holden questioned how much the City spends to submit an application for this award each year. City Administrator Klaers commented that staff will investigate this further and will report back to the Council. Councilmember Holmes believed the award is worth the expense. She asked if staff had an update on the potential lawsuit with TAT Properties. City Administrator Klaers stated that TAT Properties has had no contact with the City. Councilmember Werner reported that he will be attending the Shoreview/Arden Hills Business Council meeting tomorrow morning. Councilmember McClung indicated that the Ramsey County League of Local Governments would have a legislative "meet and greet" on Thursday, February 27, 2014. Councilmember McClung stated that he will be out of town and will miss the last Council meeting in March. Councilmember Holden reported that the TCAAP infrastructure improvements were not placed in the House bonding bill, but are still in Senate's bill. City Administrator Klaers stated that a staff member will soon be on maternity leave and that a temporary employee (Ariel Schmitz) has been hired. City Administrator Klaers indicated that the potential buyer of the former Carroll's Furniture property is having difficulty getting long-term parking agreements. For this reason, the proposal may not move forward as staff cannot recommend support of this application without proper parking. City Administrator Klaers discussed the lighting of the B-2 District. He requested that Public Works Director Maurer provide the Council with visuals on the lighting scheme as proposed by ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 18, 2014 12 Xcel Energy. He suggested that the Council discuss the B-2 plan in further detail at a future work session. City Administrator Klaers noted that the second public hearing on franchise fees will be held on February 24, 2014. He asked if the Council wanted staff to make the same presentation as the previous public hearing on February 10, 2014. Consensus among the Council is for the presentation to be done in the same manner. ADJOURN Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council work session at 8:13 p.m. Amy Died U David Grant City Clerk Mayor