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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-31-14-R 'It -S►. VEEN HILLS Approved: May 12, 2014 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS,MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 31,2014 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 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant, Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, Dave McClung, and Ed Werner Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; Associate Planner Matthew Bachler; City Planner Ryan Streff; Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson; and City Clerk Amy Dietl PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Holden requested that Items 6J and 6K be pulled from the Consent Agenda for discussion at a future City Council meeting. MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL Anil Khurana, 1280 Wynridge Drive, explained that he has lived in Arden Hills for the past 30 years. He expressed concern with a water bill he received last fall that was approximately $600 higher than his average utility bills. He explained that he contacted the City and questioned if his water meter should be checked. He was told by City staff that an inspection of the water meter would cost $140. Mr. Khurana reported that he had his sprinkler system checked and there were no concerns. He requested that the Council look into this matter further as he did not want to have a delinquent account with the City. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 31, 2014 2 Mayor Grant requested that staff review this matter further and provide Council with an update at an upcoming work session. Charlie Kachel, 1500 Arden Place, suggested that the City Council hold a Town Hall meeting in 2014. He believed this would be a good way to bring the community together. 3. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS A. 2014 Legislative Session Update Representative Barb Yarusso discussed the events taking place at the Legislature. She reported that TCAAP funding has been requested in a bonding bill. She reviewed the changes proposed within the tax bill, noting that the State was also looking to adjust the minimum wage. She commented that a pothole repair bill was also being considered at this time and it has support from the Governor. Mayor Grant requested further information on the TCAAP bonding bill. He understood that the Senate bonding bill included funding for TCAAP. Representative Yarusso stated that this was the case. The Senate is proposing funding for TCAAP, while the House has not proposed bonding for the TCAAP roadway improvements. However, the final House bonding bill is not complete and numerous people are working to ensure that TCAAP is included. She noted that the Governor has requested funding for TCAAP within his proposal. Councilmember Werner questioned if the Legislature had created any regulations for e- cigarettes. Representative Yarusso explained that the Governor does not want to see a bill this session on e- cigarettes. Councilmember Holden discussed LGA and stated that Arden Hills does not receive any of this funding from the State. She questioned if the State would be revising this formula. Representative Yarusso commented that an additional tax bill may be addressing this issue. B. Northeast Youth and Family Services (NYFS)Report to the Council Jerry Hromatka, President and CEO of NYFS, provided the Council with an update on the events taking place at Northeast Youth and Family Services. He reviewed the primary population served each year and discussed NYFS's three program areas, which include mental health, youth development, and day treatment programs. The numerous benefits of these programs along with the current trends were discussed in detail. Mr. Hromatka provided comment on the number of municipalities that support NYFS. He thanked Arden Hills for its continued support. Mayor Grant thanked Mr. Hromatka for his presentation and stated that he was pleased to see that this organization was adjusting to meet the needs of the community. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 31, 2014 3 Miriam Ward, City's NYFS Representative, thanked the Council for the being able to serve on the Board at Northeast Youth and Family Services. She has enjoyed her service with this organization. She encouraged Council and staff to attend the upcoming Leadership Luncheon being sponsored by NYFS on Wednesday, May 7, 2014. 4. STAFF COMMENTS A. TCAAP Update Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that the City and Ramsey County are working together on a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an infrastructure study that will consider roadways, utilities, surface water management, and grading. Ramsey County will be the lead agency for the contract which will include analysis and preliminary design for the spine road and other infrastructure. City utilities will be included in the study, and the City will be asked to enter into a cost-sharing agreement for its portion of the contract. Staff expects that the RFP will be released in early April, and a consultant will be selected by mid-May. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that special and regular City Council work sessions have been scheduled to discuss issues related to the Master Plan and City infrastructure. Discussion topics are tentatively planned as follows: March 31, 2014, special work session- following the regular meeting • Infrastructure Study Update • Metropolitan Council Sewer Availability Charge(SAC) Credit Discussion April 14, 2014, special work session at 5:30 pm • Review Draft Alternative Urban Areawide Review(AUAR) and Mitigation Plan • Financial Modeling for Trunk Utilities • Review of Public Comments on the Draft Master Plan April 21, 2014,regular work session at 5:00 pm • Ramsey County Economic Development and Redevelopment Goals for TCAAP • PTRC Recommendations for Park and Open Space • City Goals for Surface Water Management April 28, 2014, special work session- following the regular meeting • 1-35W/Highway 96 Intersection Design Recommendation Staff anticipates that additional regular and special work sessions will be scheduled to discuss TCAAP issues. Future meeting topics will be defined as those dates draw nearer. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. February 18, 2014, Work Session ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 31, 2014 4 MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the February 18, 2014, work session minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 6. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item- Claims and Payroll B. Motion to Approve No Parking Resolution for Round Lake Road C. Motion to Approve County Road E (B-2 District) Feasibility Report and Authorize Preparations for the Plans and Specs D. Motion to Authorize Purchase of a New Tool Cat E. Motion to Authorize Purchase of One-Ton Truck F. Motion to Authorize Upgrading Camera System for Sewer Televising G. Motion to Authorize Consultant Bridge Contract Between Arden Hills, New Brighton and Ramsey County H. Motion to Approve Perry Park Fencing Project for Field#3 I. Motion to Approve Premise Permit Application for Roseville Area Youth Hockey Association j. Motion to Approve Pr-eewement Policy K. Motion to Approve Fund Ba4anee Peliey L. Motion to Approve Planning Case 13-021 — Boston Scientific PUD Amendment Agreement M. Motion to Approve Planning Case 14-010 — Lexington Station PUD Amendment Agreement MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as amended removing Items 6J and 6K and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 7. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS None. 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Adopting and Confirming Quarterly Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities City Administrator Klaers 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 February 11, 2014, were mailed. These customers were informed of their delinquent status and were asked to make payment of the delinquent balance by March 12, 2014. Utility accounts with an unpaid delinquent balance after March 12, 2014, would be certified to Ramsey County to be added to property taxes and payable in 2015. The certification amount is equal to the unpaid delinquent balance plus an eight percent penalty. The City will request that Ramsey County levy ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 31, 2014 5 the delinquent balances against the respective properties. Staff recommended that the Council approve Resolution 2014-018 certifying the list of delinquent utility accounts to Ramsey County. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:46 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:47 p.m. Mayor Grant requested that the Council approve the list of delinquent utilities minus Anil Khurana, who spoke earlier this evening regarding his utility bill concern. MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to approve Resolution 2014-018, certifying the list of delinquent utility accounts to Ramsey County, removing Anil Khurana from the list. Councilmember Holden questioned why some of the delinquent accounts were $10 or less. She asked if it was worth the City's time to certify these amounts. The motion carried (5-0). 9. NEW BUSINESS A. 2013 and 2014 Budget Adjustments City Administrator Klaers stated that in 2013 the City Council did a budget adjustment for $500,000 for a TCAAP loan (from the PIR Fund to the General Fund) to cover the City's costs of the Kimley-Horn expenses for the planning and transportation studies. These expenses were also programmed into the 2014 budget. City Administrator Klaers explained that in talking with the City's auditor, staff feels it would be better to set up a separate capital fund for these transactions, as they are infrastructure related and capital in nature. By doing this, it will be more transparent and easier to track as the expenditures, fund balance, and revenue sources are expected to come over time as the property develops. By making this change, the General Fund will not have dramatic fluctuations from year-to-year, making it easier and more transparent for everyone to follow the costs and fund balances for both funds and the project. City Administrator Klaers indicated that staff discussed this matter with the Council at the March 17, 2014 work session and the Council directed staff to put this,item on the agenda. He reported that the budget adjustments are reflected in the amended budgets. Staff recommended the Council approve the budget adjustments for 2013 effective December 31, 2013, and to create a new fund called the TCAAP Capital Fund. In addition, staff requested that the Council approve budget adjustments for 2014 effective March 31, 2014. Councilmember McClung understood that the proposed budget adjustment would remove spikes to the General Fund for TCAAP expenses. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-MARCH 31, 2014 6 City Administrator Klaers stated that this was the case and that it would also provide more transparency for the City. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve budget adjustments for 2013 effective December 31, 2013, and to create a new fund called the TCAAP Capital Fund. The motion carried MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve budget adjustments for 2014 effective March 31, 2014. The motion carried (5- B. Presbyterian Homes Bond Refunding to Call Public Hearing John Utley, Kennedy & Graven, stated that it has been proposed that the City of Spring Park's $28,000,000 Housing and Health Care Revenue Note, Series 2010 be refunded by the issuance of three separate notes in the approximate amount of$9,300,000 each by three cities; Spring Park, St. Bonafacius, and Chanhassen for a total of $27,900,000. Host approval is required for the refunding notes as they still include facilities in the City of Arden Hills, so it is necessary for the issuers to request host approval by the City Council of Arden Hills. Mr. Utley stated that the notes cannot be issued as tax-exempt obligations unless a notice of public hearing is published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City, the City Council conducts a public hearing consistent with the terms of the public notice regarding approval of the notes, and following the public hearing the City Council approves the issuance of the notes. Mr. Utley explained that Presbyterian Homes has submitted an application to the City with respect to the requested host approval and has submitted a non-refundable application fee in the amount of $500 according to the City's procedure for application for Private Activity Revenue Bond Financing. Mr. Utley noted that the applicant is requesting that the Council set a public hearing date of Monday, April 28, 2013. He requested that the Council adopt Resolution 2014-021, a resolution calling for a public hearing on giving host approval to the issuance of housing and health care revenue refunding notes to refinance a project by Presbyterian Homes and Services and authorizing the publication of a notice of the hearing(PHS/Lake Minnetonka Campus Project). Councilmember Holden asked if there would be a cost to the City of Arden Hills for the proposed bond refunding. Mr. Utley explained that there would be no cost to Arden Hills. MOTION: Councilmember Werner moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2014-021, a resolution calling for a public hearing on giving host approval to the issuance of housing and health care revenue refunding notes to refinance a project by Presbyterian Homes and Services ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 31, 2014 7 and authorizing the publication of a notice of the hearing (PHS/Lake Minnetonka Campus Project). The motion carried (5-0). C. Planning Case 14-009—Multi-Family Design Standards City Planner Streff stated that in January 2013, the City Council requested that staff review the City's minimum unit size standards for multi-family dwelling units. Currently, these standards require multi-family dwelling units to be a minimum of 600 square feet, with an additional 100 square feet required for each bedroom. The Council expressed concerns that the standards could permit multi-bedroom apartments that do not provide adequate floor area per resident. City Planner Streff noted that staff collected information from seven cities in the metro region that have adopted minimum unit size standards. The cities included New Brighton, Blaine, White Bear Lake, Maplewood, Fridley, Coon Rapids, and Bloomington. An analysis was completed comparing the average square footage required per unit in these cities with Arden Hills' standards. Staff also looked at ten multi-family development projects that have recently been completed or that are under construction in outer-ring suburban communities to evaluate the average unit sizes currently being built in the private market. These projects are located in the communities of New Brighton, White Bear Lake, Arden Hills, Elk River, Apple Valley, Ramsey, Eagan, Osseo, and Maple Grove. City Planner Streff commented that at the City Council work session on January 13, 2014, staff reviewed this data with the Council. Based on the comments provided by the Council, staff drafted Ordinance 2014-003, which would revise the minimum unit size standards for multi- family dwelling units. City Planner Streff reported that the amendment to the multi-family design standards would decrease the required square footage for efficiency apartment units and increase the required square footage for two-bedroom and three-bedroom units, as well as the additional floor area required for each additional bedroom. The City Council directed staff to make these changes so that the City's standards better reflect the requirements used by other cities and what is currently being constructed by the private market. City Planner Streff explained that the Planning Commission reviewed Section 1325.045, Subd. 1 of the Multi-family Dwelling Units Additional Conditional Use Permit Criteria of the Zoning Ordinance during their meeting on March 5, 2014. The proposed changes to the Multi-family Design Standards were discussed by the Commission and the consensus was that the current standards for multi-family units do not need to be revised as they are sufficient for future development. However, the Commission believed that a reduction in size for efficiency units was reasonable. The Commission supported a change to between 450-550 square feet for efficiency units. City Planner Streff indicated that the Planning Commission thought the City should not be too restrictive with the multi-family design standards and that the market should be allowed to control the size of units built. It was also a concern that if a change did occur a significant amount of variances would be requested in the future to satisfy the needs of developers. The Commission did ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 31, 2014 8 not feel that increasing the size of multi-family units would ultimately ensure that the units built would be of high quality. City Planner Streff stated that the Planning Commission offers the following findings of fact: 1. That the Planning Commission reviewed the proposed amendments to Section 1325.045 at their March 5, 2014, meeting. 2. That Section 1325.045 addresses the minimum size standards for multi-family dwelling units. 3. That Section 1325.045, Subd. 1 of the Multi-family Dwelling Units Additional Conditional Use Permit Criteria of the Zoning Ordinance, as previously adopted by the City Council, sets sufficient standards for multi-family units. City Planner Streff reviewed the actions taken by the Planning Commission, stating that Commissioner Hames moved and Commissioner Holewa seconded a motion to recommend denial of Ordinance Number 14-003 in Planning Case 14-009 for an amendment to Section 1325.045, Subd. 1 —Multi-family Dwelling Units Additional Conditional Use Permit Criteria of the Zoning Code. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). The reason behind the decision was that the proposed minimum unit size standards are not consistent with the approved ordinances in surrounding communities and the Commission is recommending that the efficiency minimum unit size be revisited after staff speaks with the City Council regarding the Commission's discussion. City Planner Streff requested that the Council consider a motion to deny Ordinance Number 14- 003 in Planning Case 14-009 for an amendment to Section 1325.045, Subd. 1 — Multi-family Dwelling Units Additional Conditional Use Permit Criteria of the Zoning Code to revise the minimum unit size standards for multi-family dwelling units, as presented in the March 31, 2014, Report to the City Council. Councilmember Holden asked if any one came forward to speak at the Planning Commission's public hearing. City Planner Streff explained that no one spoke at the public hearing and no opinions were voiced for or against the Zoning Code Amendment prior to the meeting. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to approve Ordinance Number 14-003 in Planning Case 14-009 for an amendment to Section 1325.045, Subd. 1 — Multi-family Dwelling Units Additional Conditional Use Permit Criteria of the Zoning Code to revise the minimum unit size standards for multi-family dwelling units, as presented in the March 31, 2014, Report to the City Council, based on the following findings of fact: 1. The Council has reviewed in detail multiple times the changes proposed. 2. The limits were well within the standards, and do not exceed the size of units being built. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 31, 2014 9 3. Variances from the ordinance could be requested and therefore the City would be able to negotiate a safe building during the planning phase. 4. The development community has not spoken against the Ordinance. Mayor Grant requested further information from staff on the Planning Commission's recommendation. City Planner Streff reviewed the Planning Commission's recommendation. Councilmember McClung asked if the Planning Commission felt the proposed ordinance was too restrictive. City Planner Streff believed that the Planning Commission saw the proposed ordinance as being more restrictive than was necessary. Councilmember Holmes reported that the Planning Commission was in favor of decreasing the efficiency unit size to somewhere between 450 and 550 square feet. However, they did not support any of the proposed increases to the minimum unit size standards. The Planning Commission commented that there were houses in Arden Hills that were 1,200 square feet in size and they did not feel it was necessary for three-bedroom apartment units to be 1,200 square feet. The Planning Commission was in favor of letting the market, rather than City Code, decide the unit sizes. Councilmember McClung questioned if the City should have a policy in place requiring larger apartment units without an ordinance in place. City Planner Streff explained that new developments coming before the City would most likely be presented as PUD's. This would allow for some flexibility with the unit sizes. Councilmember Werner commented that the Planning Commission voted 5-0 to deny the proposed ordinance and he supported their recommendation. Councilmember Holden stated that the Council reviewed this ordinance on several occasions and she believed that unit standards are a policy decision of the City. She explained that developers could always request smaller units through a PUD. She supported the ordinance and wanted to see minimum standards put in place. Mayor Grant indicated that Arden Village developed according to the current minimum standards. He wanted the Council to keep in mind that these standards would be reviewed throughout the redevelopment of TCAAP. He appreciated the work completed by the Planning Commission but noted that he was in favor of establishing multi-family design standards as previously discussed by the City Council. He reported that future developers could always request a variance from the proposed standards. He wanted to see TCAAP developed to meet today's unit size standards. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 31, 2014 10 Councilmember McClung stated that future developments would most likely come in as PUD's and for this reason, he would be willing to support the proposed standards. Councilmember Werner thanked the Mayor for his comments. He noted that he now supported the ordinance. Councilmember Holden indicated that she fully supported the ordinance. Councilmember McClung asked if the motion on the floor was sufficient. City Planner Streff stated the motion on the floor was sufficient; however, the findings of fact needed clarification. Councilmember McClung requested that a friendly amendment to the motion include the findings of fact as recommended by staff. Councilmember Holden agreed to the friendly amendment. FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO INCLUDE THE FINDINGS OF FACT: 1. The proposed amendment advances the City's land use goals because it creates high development standards for multi-family housing that will visually enhance development and promote compatibility with nearby properties and neighborhood character. 2. The proposed amendment advances the City's implementation strategies identified in the Land Use Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan by developing design standards for multi-family housing that ensure the construction of high quality, sustainable, and aesthetically enhanced developments. 3. The proposed amendment advances the City's housing goals because it will promote the development of a variety of housing options by creating a framework and process for the City to approve high-quality housing opportunities that are suitable for a mix of ages,incomes, and household types. 4. The proposed amendment advances the City's implementation strategies identified in the Housing Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan by establishing design guidelines for new multi-family dwelling units. The amended motion carried (5-0). MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to direct staff to publish a summary of Ordinance Number 14-003. The motion carried unanimously(5-0). 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 31, 2014 11 11. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember McClung stated that the Friends of the Park tree sale deadline was April 181n He encouraged residents to take part in this event. Additional information regarding the tree sale could be found on the City's website. Councilmember Werner explained that the EDC would meet on Wednesday, April 2, 2014. He noted this group had several openings and those interested in serving on the EDC could contact City Hall for additional information. Councilmember Holden stated that Greg Mack was retiring from Ramsey County. She recommended the City adopt a resolution thanking Mr. Mack for his assistance over the years. Councilmember Holden suggested that the City work jointly with the school district and the City of New Brighton to draft a plan for a sidewalk connection near the high school. Councilmember Holden indicated that she was in favor of holding a Town Hall meeting and requested that this be further discussed by the Council. Councilmember Holmes discussed the Arden Hills Foundation and was pleased to announce this organization had received a tax deductible contribution in the amount of$57 which resulted from suggestions at a public hearing. This contribution was made by John VanValkenberg and he has challenged other members of the community to support the City's parks and trails. Mayor Grant stated that if a Town Hall meeting were held, additional information on the Arden Hills Foundation could be provided to the public. ADJOURN MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 8:36 m. Lot, Cl'l��G Amy Dietl David Grant City Clerk Mayor