HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-23-14 Special WS It
--.HILLS
Approved: August 11, 2014
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
JUNE 23, 2014
5:30 P.M.-ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Grant called to order the special City
Council work session at 5:45 p.m.
Present: Mayor David Grant; Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, and
Dave McClung
Absent: Councilmember Ed Werner
Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Public Works Director Terry Maurer;
and Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher
1. AGENDA ITEMS
A. Review Revisions to the Draft TCAAP Master Plan Land Use Map
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that the City Council met on Monday,
June 16, 2014, to review changes made to the December 2013 draft TCAAP master plan land use
map. On June 16th, the City Council gave direction for the following changes to be made:
• Remove the U10/12 soccer field from the Hill neighborhood park. Reducing the size of the
park will also decrease the size of the surrounding neighborhood and restore some acreage
to the flex business use area to the south.
• Remove one softball field and the ice skating facilities from the West Athletic Complex
along the spine road. It was believed that these changes would reduce the park to
approximately 5.0 acres.
• Change 5.0 acres of flex business to retail use at the Highway 96 access point.
Staff indicated that a map depicting these changes was made available to Council this evening.
Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that the Mayor and City
Administrator have discussed the results of the June 16, 2014, City Council meeting and think that
ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 23, 2014 2
a slight adjustment in the location of the softball facility is worth consideration. The adjustment
would move the remaining softball field to the east side of the spine road. Staff reviewed the
adjustments to the map in detail with the Council and requested comments on how to proceed.
Discussion ensued regarding the land use map options.
Councilmember Holden asked if a road could be placed at County Road I since the County was
already considering a roundabout.
Public Works Director Maurer stated that the consultant team working with Ramsey County
has discussed the interchange. He explained that MnDOT and the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) would require an Intersection Control Evaluation(ICE) report.
Councilmember Holden suggested that this intersection area remain gray in color on the map.
Mayor Grant reported that the Council has added back 10.3 acres to the flex space.
Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that this was the case with Option B.
Public Works Director Maurer explained that full disclosure would have to be made to the
neighborhood with the adult softball field making them aware that the field would be lit at night.
Councilmember McClung recommended that the ball field be eliminated rather than bringing it
into a residential neighborhood.
Councilmember Holmes questioned if the City had approached the National Guard about a
softball field.
Mayor Grant commented that he did not have that conversation. However, he did speak with
County Commissioner Rafael Ortega. He understood that Commissioner Ortega has spoken with
the National Guard and the Guard was considering a City use/National Guard use softball field.
This would provide the City with a field while the five acres set aside could be turned into
additional flex space.
Councilmember Holden recommended that the ball field remain in the master plan as it would
be used by Arden Hills' residents and businesses. She feared losing a field in the event that the
National Guard was not able to share a field with the City.
Councilmember Holmes suggested that the ball fields be located in the downtown area as this
would draw people into the Town Center and away from residential neighborhoods.
Discussion ensued regarding the balance between residential and commercial land uses.
Mayor Grant discussed transit issues the TCAAP site would face.
ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 23, 2014 3
Councilmember Holden believed that the County was more concerned with job creation rather
than the number of residential units. It would cost the City more to service residential units than
commercial properties. For this reason, she supported Option B.
Mayor Grant asked if the topography in another area of TCAAP would support a ball field.
Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that this may be an option if a grade
change was made.
Mayor Grant asked if the Council was leaning towards Option B.
Councilmember Holmes did not support Option B as she did not believe it made sense to put a
ball field in a residential area.
Councilmember McClung noted for the record that he objected to Option B. He commented that
his least favorite park in the City was Perry Park due to the adult softball field. He suggested that
the adult fields be eliminated from TCAAP before eliminating any residential development. He
believed that green space near business/commercial was a plus. He explained that he could
support Option A.
Public Works Director Maurer clarified that adult softball teams were generally organized by
employees of local businesses and not neighborhoods. He believed that additional businesses in
TCAAP could mean more softball teams. He understood that businesses would not locate in
TCAAP just because of the adult softball fields.
Mayor Grant opted to have an adult softball field in a residential area. He believed that it would
be problematic in the downtown area. He anticipated that teams would still visit the Town Center
area after games.
Councilmember Holden suggested that the Town Center park/green space be made into flex
space in order to increase the amount of flex space.
City Administrator Klaers commented that this could be done as part of Option A for the master
plan land use map.
Councilmember Holmes inquired if the County has requested that the softball field be moved.
Mayor Grant clarified that this was his suggestion.
Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that this field would be the last one
developed. If a softball field was not needed, tennis courts or a soccer field could be developed
which may be a better fit with the residential area.
City Administrator Klaers commented that he was pleased by the recommendations the Council
made at its last meeting. He stated that based on the comments this evening and unless directed
otherwise, Option A would proceed.
ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 23, 2014 4
Mayor Grant was uncertain if he would be able to support Option A.
Councilmember Holden suggested that both options be brought forward on June 30tH
Councilmember Holmes stated that she could support Option B given the fact that the high
density residential would not have to be supplemented. She recommended that the red area on the
map near Highway 96 be striped.
Councilmember McClung believed that by moving the ball field, the Council would need to
discuss density further. He recommended that the park be pulled out of the plan.
Community Development Director Hutmacher understood that the Council wanted the retail
area near Highway 96 to be flexible, with retail and business uses.
Councilmember Holden was in favor of keeping this area retail. She did not believe it would
deter from the Town Center area and would serve the traffic along Highway 96 well.
Mayor Grant stated that Option B should be presented on June 30th.
City Administrator Klaers discussed the agenda items planned for the June 30th meeting and
commented that staff would bring Option B to the City Council for approval on June 30tH
Councilmember McClung reported that he would have to leave the June 30`h meeting on or
before 10:00 p.m.
Councilmember Holmes recommended that any items that can be removed from the agenda, be
pushed to the first meeting in July.
The Council discussed how staff should present the master plan land use map at the June 30th
meeting to the public.
B. City Council TCAAP Meeting Schedule
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that staff was working with Kimley-Horn
and Gateway Planning on a detailed schedule for the regulations and policies component of the
master plan as well as the infrastructure study. The following draft schedule denotes discussion
topics at regular and special City Council work sessions through 2014. A few things to note
below:
1. The schedule includes numerous special meetings including the 4th Mondays of
months with five Mondays (September and December).
2. Gateway Planning will make three visits to the Twin Cities and will hold
workshops with the City Council during work sessions. The dates of the workshops
are tentatively scheduled for August 18, September 22, and November 17.
ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 23, 2014 5
3. The Planning Commission will be reviewing zoning regulations at their September
through December meetings. Planning Commissioners will be invited to attend the
City Council work sessions with Gateway Planning.
Community Development Director Hutmacher reviewed a detailed future meeting schedule
with the Council.
June 30, 2014, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm, Community Room
• Review Final AUAR and Mitigation Plan
• Introduce Infrastructure Team and Design Process (Infrastructure)
June 30, 2014, Regular Meeting at 7:00 pm, Council Chambers
• Consider approval of master plan land use map
• Municipal Consent for I-35W/Highway 96
July 14, 2014, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm, Community Room
• Stormwater system review(Infrastructure)
• Density and maximum residential unit discussion
July 28, 2014, Regular Meeting at 7:00 pm, Council Chambers
• Approve Final AUAR and Mitigation Plan
August 11, 2014, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm, Community Room
• Water and sewer system review(Infrastructure)
August 18 2014, Regular Work Session at 5:00 prn, Council Chambers
• Workshop with Gateway Planning
o Discuss Performance Based Zoning process
o Discuss zoning elements and framework
o Present Sections 1 through 7 of zoning contents (Introduction, Components of the Code,
Administration, Definitions, Schedule of Uses, Building Form and Site Development
Standards, Building Design Standards)
August 25, 2014, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm, Community Room
• Discuss Zoning Sections 1 through 5 (Introduction, Components of the Code,
Administration, Definitions, Schedule of Uses)
September 8, 2014, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm, Community Room
• Spine Road and Grading Design Review(Infrastructure)
• Review Zoning Section 6 (Building Form and Site Development Standards)
• Review Zoning Section 7 (Building Design Standards)
September 15, 2014, Regular Work Session at 5:00 pm, Council Chambers
• Review Zoning Section 6 (Building Form and Site Development Standards)
• Review Zoning Section 7 (Building Design Standards)
ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 23, 2014 6
September 22, 2014, Special Work Session at 5:00 pm, Council Chambers (4th of 5 Mondays)
• Workshop with Gateway Planning
o Final Council comments and direction on Sections 1 through 7
o Present Sections 8 through 12
September 29, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm, Community Room
• County Road I and Thumb Road Design Review(Infrastructure)
• Review Zoning Section 8 (Street Design Standards)
• Review Zoning Section 11 (Streetscape and Landscape Standards)
October 13, 2014, Special City Council Work Session at 5:30 pm, Community Room
• Stormwater system update (Infrastructure)
• Review Zoning Section 12 (Sign Standards)
October 20, 2014, Regular Council Work Session at 5:00 pm, Council Chambers
• Review Zoning Section 12 (Sign Standards)
October 27, 2014, Special City Council Work Session at 5:30 pm, Community Room
• Water and sewer system update (Infrastructure)
• Review Zoning Section 8 (Street Design Standards)
• Review Zoning Section 11 (Streetscape and Landscape Standards)
November 10, 2014, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm, Community Room
• Review Zoning Section 9 (Parkland Standards)
• Review Zoning Section 10 (Open Space Standards)
November 17, 2014, Regular Work Session at 5:00 pm, Council Chambers
• Workshop with Gateway Planning
o Review of Zoning Sections 9 and 10 (Parkland and Open Space Standards)
o Final Council comments and direction on Sections 8 through 12
o Review entire draft document including attachments
November 24, 2014, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm, Community Room
• Spine Road/County Road Uthumb road update (Infrastructure)
• Discuss any unresolved zoning issues
December 8, 2014, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm, Community Room
• Infrastructure Open House Preview Meeting (Infrastructure)
• Final review of draft zoning and design standards document
December 22, 2014, Special City Council meeting at 7:00 pm, Council Chambers (4th of 5
Mondays)
• Hold public hearing
• Approve TCAAP zoning
• Approve future land use map
ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 23, 2014 7
• Approve Comprehensive Plan amendment
Mayor Grant commented that the goal through the proposed meeting schedule was to approve
the TCAAP zoning, future land use map and comprehensive plan amendment by the end of 2014.
He indicated that staff should understand that the full Council may not be present at each meeting.
Public Works Director Maurer noted that this schedule includes the infrastructure study as well.
He noted that staff would be working with Ehler's to fine-tune the financial model as the
consultants work through the infrastructure studies.
Community Development Director Hutmacher discussed how the consultants would approach
topics with the Council noting that draft information would be provided to the Council prior to
each meeting.
Councilmember Holden expressed concern with the December 22nd meeting date. She did not
believe it would be wise to hold a public hearing for TCAAP issues two days before Christmas.
Councilmember Holmes agreed.
Mayor Grant commented that the schedule may have to be backed up in order to reach the goal
before the end of the year.
Councilmember McClung reiterated the fact that each Councilmember had a full-time job and
this had to be considered with the rigorous meeting schedule.
Mayor Grant understood this concern and believed that the Council may not be able to reach
unanimous agreement on every issue. In order to keep with the proposed timeline, just a
consensus of the majority of the Council will have to be acceptable on some issues.
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that staff could plan to hold a special
Council meeting on December 15, 2014, instead of December 22, 2014.
Councilmember Holden suggested that approval for these items be pushed out to the beginning
of January 2015 considering how busy people are between November and December.
Public Works Director Maurer commented that the infrastructure study discussions could be
pushed out to January 2015 to assist with the items needing approval in this calendar year.
Mayor Grant supported the aggressive goal as it would keep the Council moving forward.
Councilmember McClung agreed but did not see how the Council could stick to the proposed
deadline.
Community Development Director Hutmacher understood that the entire Council may not be
able to attend every work session. However, she encouraged the Council to be in attendance for
each of the Gateway Planning workshops. In this regard, she suggested that the September
tH
Gateway workshop be changed to September 15
ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 23, 2014 8
2. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND STAFF UPDATES
Councilmember Holmes discussed an email she received regarding the trains running through
Arden Hills.
Mayor Grant commented that the City could contact the NTSB (National Transportation Safety
Board).
City Administrator Klaers discussed a letter he received regarding this matter.
ADJOURN
Mayor Grant adjourned the special City Council work session at 7:44 p.m.
Patrick Klaers David Grant
City Administrator Mayor
"It'
---AEN HILLS
Request for Special City Council Work Session Meeting
A special meeting may be called by the Mayor or by any two Councilmembers.
Reason for meeting: Review Revisions to the Draft TCAAP Master Plan Land Use Map
Requested Date: 06/23/14
Requested time: 5:30 PM
Open meeting X Closed meeting
Signature of person(s) making request:
17
Mayor or Councilmember Date
Councilmember Date
-This section to be completed by City staff-
Date received: 6, / IL(
Date meeting to be held: 06/23/14
Time of meeting: 5:30 PM
Location: City Hall
All necessary posting and notices have been completed.
I I& tA1 �, / 1 -7
Signature of Ciig Clerk Date
City of Arden Hills + 1245 West Highway 96 * Arden Hills,MN 55112-5743
Phone 651-792-7800 * Fax 651-634-5137 * www.cityofardenhills.org