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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-30-14-R 'It ,--AIN,HILLS Approved: August 25, 2014 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 30,2014 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; City Planner Ryan Streff; and City Clerk Amy Dietl PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to approve the meetin a enda as resented. The motion carried pU � g U unanimously (5-0). 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIESANFORMATIONAL None. 3. STAFF COMMENTS A. TCAAP Update Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that at a special work session, the Council reviewed the draft final AUAR and draft mitigation plan. These plans will now be forwarded to State agencies for final review. Pending no objections, the Council will consider final approval of these documents on July 28, 2014. She commented that the Master Plan Land Use Map is being considered for approval by the Council this evening. It was noted that the ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 30, 2014 2 regulations and policies for TCAAP would be discussed by the Council with Gateway Planning at a work session on August 18, 2014. B. Transportation Update Public Works Director Maurer reported that the Highway 96/US 10 project was nearing completion. He explained that a guardrail and some concrete work remains but believed that this work would be completed shortly. He anticipated that the entire intersection would be open for use in the next week or two. C. Night to Unite Update City Clerk Dietl stated that Night to Unite will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2014, from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. She noted that anyone interested in hosting a neighborhood gathering should register their event by Friday, July 18th. Additional information and downloadable Night to Unite parry planning packets can be found on the County's website or by calling the Crime Prevention Unit at 651-266-7338. A link to this information is also available on the front page of the City's website. D. Single Sort Recycling Collection Update City Planner Streff stated that the City will be transitioning to single sort recycling on July 15th. He explained that there would be no change in the frequency or the days that recycling is collected. Residents south of 1-694 will continue to be picked up on Tuesdays and residents living north of 1-694 will have recycling pickup on Wednesdays. He commented that single sort will allow for additional plastics to be recycled, except for #3 and #6. He reported that residents will no longer need to sort their recyclables; all recyclables may be placed in a single bin. He indicated that a single sort recycling guide will be sent to residents by Eureka Recycling. Councilmember McClung expressed concern that the mailing from Eureka was not mailed sooner. Mayor Grant reported that sorted recycling will not be rejected next week. Councilmember Holden requested further information on#3 and#6 plastic. City Planner Streff stated that #3 plastic was typically PVC pipe and #6 plastic was Styrofoam. These items cannot be recycled in the single sort bins. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. April 21, 2014, Work Session B. April 28, 2014, Regular C. May 12, 2014, Work Session D. May 12, 2014, Regular MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to approve the April 21, 2014, work session minutes, the April 28, ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 30, 2014 3 2014, regular City Council minutes, the May 12, 2014, work session minutes, and the May 12, 2014, regular City Council minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 5. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll B. Motion to Approve Lake Johanna Fire Department Capital Expenditures C. Motion to Approve Planning Case 14-021 Temporary Wall Sign Extension — Arden Flats— 1290 County Road F West D. Motion to Approve Parks and Recreation Seasonal Positions E. Motion to Approve Charitable Gambling — St. Katherine Ukrainian Orthodox Church F. Motion to Approve Charitable Gambling—Chops, Inc. MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 6. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS None. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Adopting 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 May 19, 2014, were mailed. These customers were informed of their delinquent status and were asked to make payment of the delinquent balance by June 18, 2014. Utility accounts with an unpaid delinquent balance after June 18, 2014, would be certified to Ramsey County to be added to property taxes payable in 2015. The certification amount is equal to the unpaid delinquent balance plus an eight percent penalty. City Administrator Klaers reported that a list of remaining delinquent utility accounts, as of June 20, 2014, is attached. The City will request that Ramsey County levy the delinquent balances against the respective properties. Staff recommended that the Council approve a resolution certifying the attached list of delinquent utility accounts to Ramsey County. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:17 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:18 p.m. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 30, 2014 4 MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2014-035 certifying the list of delinquent utility accounts to Ramsey County. The motion carried (5-0). B. Highway 96/1-35W Interchange Municipal Consent • Consider Resolution 2014-034 Public Works Director Maurer stated that a new interchange is proposed at I-35W/Highway 96. The project is being led by Ramsey County with Beth Engum as the Project Manager. Some of the project funding is being provided by MnDOT. Ramsey County has hired SEH as the consultant to assist with the preliminary and final design of the project. Construction is anticipated to occur in 2015. This new interchange will provide improved freeway access to and from the redevelopment of TCAAP. Public Works Director Maurer indicated that the County and their consultant have gone through a long process evaluating alternative designs for the new interchange. Beth Engum has been before the Council at the May 27th work session to discuss the evaluation process and the chosen alternative. The chosen alternative is a Divergent Diamond Interchange (DDI). Staff recommended that the Council have Beth Engum make a brief presentation on the project, hold a public hearing and adopt Resolution 2014-034 approving the final layout of the proposed new interchange. Beth Engum, Ramsey County, discussed the I-35W/Highway 96 interchange. She explained that the goals for this interchange were to to reduce delays, improve safety, provide pedestrian/bicycle facilities including a regional trail connection and to provide for regional growth. She indicated that the concept plans began in the fall of 2013 with preliminary design taking place in the spring of 2014. Ms. Engum reviewed the Diverging Diamond Interchange design further with the Council. The advantages of this design were discussed. She commented that the conflict points would be reduced which would improve safety. She indicated that the bridge would be constructed in 2015 and would be completed in one season. The construction would be staged to minimize traffic disruption. She noted that the bridge would cost $13.5 million based on the preliminary geometric layout. The bridge would be funded by MnDOT, legislative grants, CSAH/County turnback funds, along with funding from Arden Hills and New Brighton. She reported that the City's portion of the project is currently estimated at $140,000 and this amount was eligible for State Aid dollars. Ms. Engum explained that the County was requesting municipal consent for the project and noted that a City/County Cooperative Agreement would be executed prior to construction of the bridge. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:28 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:29 p.m. Councilmember Holden requested discussion regarding other bridge work that would be completed in and around Arden Hills by the County and MnDOT. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 30, 2014 5 Ms. Engum reported that the Highway 96 and County Road F bridges would be reconstructed in 2015, along with the County Road E bridge over Highway 51. She indicated that in 2016, the County Road E2 and County Road H bridges would be reconstructed. She noted that the County Road F project would start early in the spring in order to impact only one school year. Councilmember Holden expressed concern that these projects would push into two construction seasons, similar to the Highway 96/US 10 project. Ms. Engum reported that bridge projects are less impacted by weather delays than road construction projects. For this reason, she did not believe the projects would span over two construction seasons. Mayor Grant encouraged the County to stick to the construction schedule as the community would be impacted by these projects. Councilmember Holmes asked why the City was being asked to contribute $140,000 to the Highway 96 project. Ms. Engum reported that these funds would be used to assist with cost sharing the pedestrian facilities. Councilmember McClung thanked Ms. Engum for her presentation. MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2014-034 — approving the final layout of the proposed new interchange. The motion carried (5-0). 8. NEW BUSINESS A. Consider Approval of Master Plan Land Use Map Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that the master planning process began on July 30, 2013, with a developer panel and stakeholder engagement event. This event provided the City and its planning consultants with important foundational information from developers regarding market forces and from residents regarding community needs. The planning consultants set to work gathering data and the first public open house was held on September 17, 2013. Information on site characteristics was presented, and attendees participated in land use exercises to inform consultants of community preferences for the mix and placement of land uses. Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that the draft Master Plan land use map was presented to the City Council at work sessions on December 16 and 26, 2013. During the months of January, February, and March, staff and consultants collected public comments on the draft Master Plan at meetings and events including: • Joint Development Authority meeting, January 6, 2014 • Planning Commission work session, January 8, 2014 • Public Open House, January 22, 2014 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 30, 2014 6 • Five Cities meeting, March 10, 2014 • Development Interviews, January 30, February 20, and March 12, 2014 Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that the City Council has discussed the draft master plan land use map at several work sessions and has made the following changes to the draft land use map presented in December: • Neighborhood parks in the Creek, Hill, and Town neighborhoods have been adjusted slightly to accommodate amenities recommended by the PTRC. It is important to note that the exact size, dimensions, and layouts of parks will be determined at a later date. • The Town neighborhood park adjacent to the existing water treatment facility has been more clearly identified as a park. The civic area adjacent to the park contains the water treatment facility and space for another civic use such as a small amphitheater or a historical marker/display. • In the Creek neighborhood, the park location has been shifted to be closer to the entrance to the neighborhood. This has been done to limit the amount of program-related traffic driving through the neighborhood. • Pocket parks were removed as they are too small to be maintained and programmed by the City. Developers will be encouraged to include pocket parks that will be privately owned and maintained. • A park has been added to the Hill neighborhood just east of the Spine Road and south of the surface water management area. • A block of residential development at the north end of the town neighborhood was removed to accommodate anticipated storm water management needs in that area. • A second access road was added to the Creek neighborhood. Ramsey County has informed the City that there is no funding source for the County Road I connection from the "California" portion of the TCAAP site at this time. Without a commitment for a County Road I connection at this location, a second access point is necessary for public safety. • Five acres of flex business use was changed to retail at the Highway 96 access point. Community Development Director Hutmacher commented that following City Council approval of the land use map, the City will begin working on the regulations and policies component of the master planning process. This component will include zoning, design standards, and other regulations relating to land development. A workshop with the City Council and planning consultants to discuss the first sections of the zoning document is tentatively scheduled for August 18, 2014, during the regular City Council work session at 5:00 pm in the Council Chambers. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 30, 2014 7 Andrew Dresdner, Cuningham Group, discussed the horizontal distribution of land within the TCAAP project. He explained that flexibility was an important element to this site, while also finding ways to tie this property into Arden Hills. The site organization was reviewed, along with the location of the three proposed neighborhoods. He reported that the thumb was an excellent site for a corporate campus. He anticipated that the TCAAP site would support approximately 4,000 jobs. Mr. Dresdner provided comment on the enhanced design standards that would be required at the entrances to TCAAP. He commented that TCAAP would have life cycle housing that would attract people both young and old. The potential look and feel for the Creek, Hill and Town neighborhoods were further reviewed. Mr. Dresdner discussed the planned green space, trail connections, open spaces, two neighborhood parks, and stormwater management for the TCAAP. He indicated that there would be a trail connection all the way through the site via the spine road. It was noted that this connection would continue into the wildlife corridor. He stated that stormwater management would provide access to nature, while cleaning/filtering the water runoff. It was noted that TCAAP would have five recreational parks. The unique features planned for the Town Center park were described. Mr. Dresdner explained that TCAAP would be like Arden Hills as it would have identifiable neighborhoods while having views of nature. He explained the ways that TCAAP would differ from the older portions of Arden Hills in that it would have a walkable downtown area with life cycle housing. He thanked Council and staff for their input throughout the entire planning process and asked for comments or questions. Councilmember Holden asked if Town Square was zoned civic or park. Ms. Dresdner clarified that this area was zoned park within the land use map. He explained that the water treatment facility was zoned civic and was approximately 2.5 acres in size. Councilmember Holden questioned how Mr. Dresdner determined a density of 1,500 to 1,700 units for the TCAAP site. Mr. Dresdner discussed his calculations for the site based on each neighborhood, noting this was based on the size of each neighborhood and the proposed density per acre. Councilmember Holden noted that the spine road amenities were unknown at this time. While she would love to have everything that is being presented tonight in the photographs from staff, this may be cost prohibitive. Mayor Grant discussed the flex district. He wanted to see quality buildings and high paying jobs on TCAAP. He encouraged the Council to take a 100 year view of this property, which should include the AHATS site. He explained that the map does not include a roundabout at the end of the spine road. He indicated that this proposed location for the roundabout was not within TCAAP and would be determined at a future date. He understood that the County was interested in extending the spine road into the thumb. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 30, 2014 8 Councilmember Holden stated that another reason the roundabout was removed was because the County needed time to complete further study. She commented that there were concerns with how the thumb road would connect to County Road I. Mayor Grant indicated that the City did not oppose a connection at County Road I. He then reviewed the minor adjustments that were made to the land use map by the Council. It was noted that the location of the spine road may change slightly based on soil conditions. Councilmember McClung stated that the Council originally discussed cutting back on green space and through recent discussions, green space was added near the Hill neighborhood for a ball field. He had concern with this adjustment as it took land away from residential. For this reason, he could not support the map as presented. He suggested that the ball field be moved to the east side of the spine road into the development flex space and that 2.5 acres of residential space be reinstated. He indicated that this would be a compromise on the land use map that he could support. Councilmember Holden understood these concerns; however, she believed that the current ball field location met the County's desire for an increased amount of development flex space. In addition, the ball field location would allow residents to use the green space without having to cross the spine road. Councilmember Werner objected to having 5.1 acres of green space on residential land. He feared how the ball field lights would impact the residents living in the Hill neighborhood. Mayor Grant discussed the flex business district and encouraged the Council to embrace this space. He was encouraged that the County was hoping to have 4,000 jobs on the TCAAP site. He addressed the financial benefits and believed that the site had a good balance between residential, green space and flex business space. He supported the land use map as presented and found it to be a good plan for the property. Councilmember Holmes asked if a ball field could be located on the other side of the spine road. Mr. Dresdner explained that this may be difficult given the location of potential intersections and the grade of the property. Councilmember McClung appreciated the comments made this evening, but noted that he would not be able to support the land use map as presented. Councilmember Werner indicated he would not be supporting the land use map either. Councilmember Holden supported the land use map as presented. She believed that the Council met the County's concerns while still having the site look and feel like Arden Hills. Mayor Grant understood that the National Guard may be constructing ball fields and that this may be a partnership the City and/or County should pursue. However, the Council was voting on the plan presented this evening and he believed it was well-balanced. He supported the land use map as presented. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 30, 2014 9 Councilmember Holmes explained that she supported the map along with the proposed green space. Councilmember McClung asked if the park in the Hill neighborhood would be programmed. Mr. Dresdner clarified that this would be determined by the City Council. Councilmember Holden believed that this would be a lit ball field and noted that this site may be the last park developed. She indicated that all residents purchasing property around the park would be made aware of the future plans for the park. Mayor Grant commented that soccer, rugby and lacrosse were growing in popularity. He commented that this park would be designed to meet the needs of the community when the site was developed. He did not believe that the Council knew how the site would be programmed at this time. Councilmember McClung stated that he was ready to vote on the land use map. Councilmember Holden explained that after reviewing the April 21St minutes she recalled that the Council previously had 19 acres of park land. Since April, the amount of park land has been reduced by 50%. She did not believe that additional green space should be removed. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve the Master Plan Land Use Map dated June 30,2014. ROLL CALL VOTE: Aye: Holden, Holmes, Grant. Nay: McClung, Werner. The motion carried 3-2 (McClunE and Werner opposed). 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Planning Case 14-014 Setback Variance— 1850 Venus Avenue City Planner Streff stated that at the May 27, 2014, City Council meeting, the applicants proposed to construct a twenty-four (24) foot by thirty-eight (38) foot attached garage on the east side of the single family dwelling. After reviewing their proposal following the meeting on May 27th, the applicants are now proposing a twenty-six (26) foot by thirty (30) foot garage addition to their home at 1850 Venus Avenue. The square footage of the structure has been reduced from 912 square feet to 780 square feet, which is a reduction of 132 square feet. As proposed, the new addition would now encroach eighteen (18) feet instead of the original thirty (30) feet into the forty(40) foot secondary front yard setback along the platted right-of-way for Rolling Hills Road. City Planner Streff indicated that the required forty (40) foot setback along Venus Avenue would be maintained along with the remaining rear and side yard setbacks. A variance to encroach eighteen (18) feet into the secondary front yard setback is being requested, which would leave a setback of twenty-two (22) feet from the east property line. The previous variance proposal would ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 30, 2014 10 have resulted in an encroachment of thirty (30) feet, leaving a setback of ten (10) feet from the east property line. City Planner Streff explained that grading would be conducted along the north and east sides of the home in order to prepare the new garage pad and driveway, and to reclaim the existing driveway area back to a natural vegetative state. The applicants have indicated that the fagade and roofing materials to be used on the new garage addition would match the materials on the existing home. Following the construction of the new addition, the existing tuck-under garage would be converted to functioning living space, the existing driveway and stairway up to the front door would be removed and new landscaping would be installed. City Planner Streff reviewed the Plan Evaluation in detail and offered the following Findings of Fact: General Findings: 1. The property is in the R-1 Single Family Residential Zoning District. 2. The lot is 15,569 square feet in size with approximate dimensions of 133.5 feet in width, and 116.5 feet in depth. Although the total square footage of the lot meets the requirements in the R-1 Zoning District, the actual dimensions of the lot do not meet the minimum size requirements. 3. The existing dwelling and attached tuck-under garage meet all property line setbacks. 4. The proposed garage addition would encroach eighteen (18) feet into the forty (40) foot secondary front yard setback along the right-of-way platted as Rolling Hills Road. 5. The proposed addition does not encroach into the rear yard setback or the front yard setback along Venus Avenue. 6. The platted section of right-of-way for Rolling Hills Road is used solely for the purposes of a city and county trail. 7. The unimproved right-of-way known as Rolling Hills Road extends approximately 200 feet from Venus Avenue, where it terminates at the adjacent property line for Tony Schmidt Regional Park. At this time, there are no plans to extend the right-of-way or construct a roadway in this area. 8. The existing garage would be converted into living space and the existing driveway would be removed if a variance is granted. 9. The proposed structure and landscaping coverage are within the zoning district requirements. 10. The dwelling with the proposed addition would not exceed the 35 foot height limit. 11. Single Family Dwellings are permitted structures within the R-1 Zoning District. 12. The existing dwelling and the proposed garage are outside of the 100-year flood plain, wetlands, and easements. 13. The property directly east of the subject property located at 1834 Venus Avenue encroaches into the secondary front yard setback along Rolling Hills Road approximately fifteen(15) feet. Variance Findings: 14. The proposal is in harmony with the purpose and intent of the Zoning Ordinance as the Ordinance generally allows flexibility for unique parcels and situations when impacts to surrounding properties are minimized. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 30, 2014 11 15. The proposal is consistent with the Arden Hills Comprehensive Plan as it allows the reasonable use of residential property. 16. Single family dwellings are permitted and a reasonable use within the R-1 Single Family Residential Zoning District. 17. The lot has rather unique characteristics for a corner lot within the City. The property is situated on a corner lot, of which only one of the right-of-ways, Venus Avenue, consists of an improved surface. The right-of-way known as Rolling Hills Road along the east side of the property is unimproved and is used for trail purposes only. There are no plans at this time to extend or improve this right-of-way. 18. The proposed addition would be visible from neighboring properties; however, the addition would not be inconsistent in terms of setbacks and lot coverage requirements for typical non-corner lots. The property owner would match the materials used for siding and roofing to the existing dwelling, which should minimize the impacts on surrounding property owners. 19. The proposed addition is unlikely to have negative impacts to the property or to the neighborhood as a whole. The trail that has been constructed within the right-of-way of Rolling Hills Road is not likely to be affected by the proposed addition. 20. The proposed plans and variance request for the addition to the single family dwelling does not appear to be based on economic considerations alone. City Planner Streff explained that the Planning Commission reviewed Planning Case 14-014 and recommends approval (5-1) of the variance request for the property located at 1850 Venus Avenue, based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans as presented in the June 30, 2014, Report to the City Council, as amended by the following seven (7) conditions: 1. That the project shall be completed in accordance with the plans submitted as amended by the conditions of approval. Any significant changes to these plans, as determined by the City Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission and City Council. 2. That the applicant shall obtain a Grading and Erosion Control Permit from the City before the building permit is issued. 3. That the final grade of the lot including the grade of the existing driveway shall be approved by the City. The final grade shall match the character of the neighborhood and the existing grade along the front of the home. 4. That grading shall not be allowed outside the property boundary lines without consent from the adjacent property owner. 5. That a tree preservation plan and financial surety or escrow for these improvements shall be submitted to the City before the building permit is issued. 6. That the structure shall conform to all other regulations in the City Code. That a building permit for the construction of the garage and a zoning permit for the construction of the driveway shall be required. 7. That the exterior fagade of the addition and the existing garage area shall be the same color and use the same construction materials as the existing structure. The final fagade shall be approved by the City Planner. Councilmember Holden questioned how close the driveway was to the lot line. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 30, 2014 12 City Planner Streff estimated that the driveway would come out an additional three or four feet, which would make the driveway 18 feet from the lot line. Mayor Grant asked if an expanded driveway could go to the lot line. City Planner Streff stated that this was the case. Councilmember Holmes expressed concern with the slope of the property and how the additional impervious driveway surface would flood the adjacent trail. She suggested that the garage be shifted 90 degrees to lessen the encroachment on the setback. Councilmember Holden agreed that the grade of the property was concerning. City Planner Streff commented that the Assistant City Engineer has reviewed the request and that there were no concerns that the new garage and driveway would flood the trail segment. Councilmember Holmes inquired why the requested driveway was so large. City Planner Streff deferred this question to the applicant. Councilmember McClung appreciated the fact that the applicant addressed the Council's concerns. He agreed that the driveway was quite large; however, after reviewing City Code, he understood that the driveway could be even larger than what was requested. He supported the revised plans as submitted by the applicant. Councilmember Holden believed that the City property and trail should be protected. She did not believe that the homeowner should be allowed to encroach into the setback. Councilmember Werner stated that the applicant has reduced the encroachment with the new proposal and he supported the request. Mayor Grant explained that he could support the request as well. MOTION: Councilmember Werner moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to approve Planning Case 14-014 for a variance at 1850 Venus Avenue to encroach eighteen (18) feet into the secondary front yard setback in order to construct a twenty-six (26) foot by thirty (30) foot garage addition, based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans as amended by the seven (7) conditions in the June 30, 2014, Report to the City Council. Councilmember Holmes did not support the request. It was her opinion that the driveway was too large. Mayor Grant questioned the distance from the garage to the trail. City Planner Streff estimated that the distance from the corner of the garage to the trail would be 42 feet. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 30, 2014 13 Councilmember McClung believed that the City had to see the positives with the request. He explained that the homeowner was willing to improve his property and a tuck-under home would be revitalized. Councilmember Holden could not support the request simply because a tuck-under garage was being eliminated. Mayor Grant understood that some trails in the City were quite close to homes. However, the easement for this trail was quite wide (42 feet). For this reason, he could support the request. The motion carried 3-2 (Holden and Holmes opposed). 10. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember McClung noted that he attended the Ramsey Council League of Local Government meeting last Thursday with Mayor Grant at Union Depot. The topic of discussion was rail transportation and mass transit. He noted that in September, the Ramsey County League of Local Government would be discussing I&I. In November, the group would be meeting at The Mermaid in Mounds View to provide a recap on the elections. Councilmember Werner stated that he would be absent from the August 11th Council meeting. Councilmember Holden discussed the Comcast franchise renewal and having the Mayor Pro- Tem attend meetings that the Mayor cannot attend. Councilmember Holmes explained that she attended the League of Minnesota Cities Conference in St. Cloud. Mayor Grant reported that he received a letter from the American Tobacco Coalition. He passed this letter along to staff. ADJOURN MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to adiourn. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 9:27 p.m. I/--ii -M'�1 �6 Avdl 1'vul Amy Dietl David Grant City Clerk Mayor