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Approved: September 8, 2014
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 14, 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 7:01 p.m.
Present: Mayor David Grant, Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, Dave
McClung, and Ed Werner
Absent: None
Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Director of Finance and Administrative
Services Sue Iverson; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Associate Planner Matthew
Bachler; City Planner Ryan Streff; and City Clerk Amy Dietl
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a
motion to approve the meeting agenda as presented. The motion carried
unanimously (5-0).
2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL
None.
3. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
A. Financial Awards Presentation
Darin Nelson, President-Elect on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Government Finance
Officers Association, stated that the Government Finance Officers Association of the United
States and Canada (GFOA) has three award programs which promote best practices in budget and
financial reporting. The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting is for
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 14, 2014 2
entities whose Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) achieves the highest standards in
government accounting and financial reporting. The CAFR is the City's financial statement.
Mr. Nelson stated that the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial
Reporting is given to entities who publish a Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) whose
contents conform to program standards of creativity, presentation, understandability and reader
appeal. This report is primarily for the "non-finance" person in an easy to understand format. This
report is sent out annually in the City newsletter.
Mr. Nelson reported that the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award represents a significant
achievement by the entity. It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meet the
highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the entity has
to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are
designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as a policy document, financial plan,
operations guide, and a communications device.
Mr. Nelson stated that he was pleased to inform the Council and the public that Arden Hills has
received not one, but all three awards from the GFOA. These awards are for: CAFR — 2012,
PAFR—2012, and Budget—2013.
Mr. Nelson commented that Arden Hills was only one of 20 cities in the State that received the
distinguished budget award. Much work goes into producing these documents. Success is due to
the work of the entire department with each staff member taking a lead role in preparing the
documents. He congratulated Sue Iverson and her staff as follows:
Kyle Howard, Finance Analyst—Budget Document, &Financial Report
Ashley Bertrand, Accounting Analyst—Financial Report
Pang Silseth, Accounting Clerk—Popular Financial Report
Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson explained that the City has received
both the CAFR and PAFR awards since the 2006 reports and the Budget award since the 2009
report. Staff has submitted the 2014 Budget and the 2013 financial reports to the awards program
and is confident that they fulfill the program requirements and the City will be receiving the
awards in the future.
Mayor Grant congratulated Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson and the
Finance Department for their dedication and hard work.
B. 2013 Audit Presentation
Aaron Nielson, the City's auditor from MMKR, introduced himself and reviewed the 2013 audit
in detail with the Council. He explained the auditor's role when reviewing the financial
statements, noting that the statements must be fairly presented in accordance with US GAAP. He
commented that the City received an unmodified opinion on the financial statements, which was
the auditor's highest rating. He reported that no deficiencies were found in the testing and review
of the City's finances, and the segregation of duties finding was not cited this year which is a
significant accomplishment for a City of this size and staff. Mr. Nielson then provided a summary
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 14, 2014 3
of the City's governmental funds and investment earnings. Tax capacity rates were reviewed
along with the general fund financial position. He commended the City for its financial standing
and asked for comments or questions from the Council.
Councilmember Holden asked what the City's current fund balance was and questioned if this
impacted the City's bond rating.
Mr. Nielson explained that the City had a 50% fund balance policy in place. He described how
the City's bond rating was impacted by its fund balance policy.
Councilmember Holmes expressed concern with the County's tax level and discussed how this
impacted the City's overall tax rate. She noted that Ramsey County had a much higher tax rate
than any other County in the metro area. She asked if the market value of the homes in Arden
Hills was going up or down.
Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson reported that the value of homes in
Arden Hills was on the rise in 2014. She commented that the numbers being reviewed this
evening were from 2013.
Councilmember Holden questioned when the City's FTE's increased.
Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson reported that the City's FTE's was
increased for engineering services from 2011 to 2012.
Mayor Grant thanked Mr. Nielson for his report.
4. STAFF COMMENTS
A. TCAAP Update
City Administrator Klaers stated that following the approval of the master plan land use map on
June 30, 2014, staff and consultants are scheduling work for the regulations and policies
component of the master planning process. A City Council workshop with Gateway Planning has
been scheduled for August 18, 2014, and a detailed framework of the draft TCAAP zoning will be
provided to the City Council prior to the workshop. The Planning Commission and TCAAP Joint
Development Authority have been notified of the workshop and invited to attend.
City Administrator Klaers stated 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:
July 28, 2014, Regular Meeting at 7:00 pm, Council Chambers
• Consider approval of Final AUAR and Mitigation Plan
August 11, 2014, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm, Community Room
• Water and Sewer System Review(Infrastructure)
• Density/Maximum Residential Unit Discussion
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 14, 2014 4
August 18, 2014, Regular Work Session at 5:00 pm, Council Chambers
• Workshop with Gateway Planning
o Discuss Performance Based Zoning process
o Discuss zoning elements and framework
o Present zoning sections 1 — 7 (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 — 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)
• Discuss Zoning Sections 6 — 7 (Building Form and Site Development Standards, Building
Design Standards)
September 15, 2014, Regular Work Session at 5:00 pm, Council Chambers
• Workshop with Gateway Planning
o Discuss comments and direction on Sections 1 — 7 (Introduction, Components of the
Code, Administration, Definitions, Schedule of Uses, Building Form and Site
Development Standards, Building Design Standards)
o Present Zoning Sections 8 — 12 (Street Design Standards, Parkland Standards, Open
Space Standards, Streetscape and Landscape Standards, Sign Standards)
September 22, 2014, Special Work Session at 5:00 pm, Council Chambers (4th of 5 Mondays)
• Final Discussion of Zoning Sections 1 — 7 (Introduction, Components of the Code,
Administration, Definitions, Schedule of Uses, Building Form and Site Development
Standards, Building Design Standards)
September 29, 2014, Special Work Session at 5:30 pm, Community Room
• County Road I and Thumb Road Design Review(Infrastructure)
• Discuss Zoning Sections 8 and 11 (Street Design Standards, Streetscape and Landscape
Standards)
Staff anticipated 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.
Councilmember Holmes suggested that the Council discuss cost-sharing of the stormwater
treatment expenses for TCAAP at a future work session.
Mayor Grant suggested that this item be brought back to the Council after discussions are held
by staff with the County.
Councilmember Holden commented that she has not heard any commitment from the County on
cost-sharing and believed further discussion should take place at a future work session.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 14, 2014 5
B. Transportation Update
Public Works Director Maurer discussed the traffic backups and the County construction work
along Highway 96. He commented that the red concrete panels were being replaced and lane
closures in Arden Hills should be done by the end of the week. He indicated that the lane closures
would continue into Shoreview in the coming weeks. He reported that with the US 10/Highway
96 project, the moisture content in the noise wall near Arden Manor was still too high for
painting. This wall will be painted when the moisture content comes down. He commented that
the advanced warning signs on Highway 96 would be installed in the near future. He is pleased to
report that this project is nearing completion.
Councilmember Holden asked if the County would be compensated for the red concrete.
Public Works Director Maurer did not believe that the County would be compensated for the
red concrete and understood that colored concrete has failed throughout the metro area.
C. Night to Unite Update
City Clerk Dietl stated that the sixth annual Night to Unite is Tuesday, August 5, 2014, and will
be held from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Anyone interested in hosting an event is encouraged to register
their party with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office by Friday, July 18th. Registration information
and activity packet forms are available on Ramsey County's website (a link is also available on
the City's site) or by calling the Crime Prevention Unit at 651-266-7338. Those who are
registered to host a neighborhood gathering will be visited by community officials, fire
departments, and Ramsey County Sheriff's Office representatives. A list of neighborhoods
participating in Night to Unite will be sent to the City Council when it becomes available.
Councilmember Holden requested that the Council be provided with single sort recycling
information prior to Night to Unite as this could be handed out to residents at neighborhood
gatherings.
D. Single Sort Recycling Collection Update
City Planner Streff explained that single sort recycling in Arden Hills would begin on July 15th
He explained that there would be no change to the frequency or the days recycling was collected.
Residents south of I-694 would continue to be picked up on Tuesdays and residents living north of
I-694 would have recycling pickup on Wednesdays. He commented that single sort recycling
would allow for additional plastics to be recycled, except for #3 and 96. He reported that
residents would no longer have to sort their recyclables because they can now be placed in a single
bin.
Councilmember Werner discussed the Eureka mailing and asked if the Council had considered
providing its residents with larger recycling bins.
Mayor Grant commented that the City's recycling contract was up for renewal next year so when
that time comes, the City will receive more information on the types of recycling containers that
will be available.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 14, 2014 6
Councilmember McClung clarified that homeowners north of I-694 would have their recycling
picked up on Wednesdays. He reported that this information was printed inaccurately in the
Eureka mailing.
City Planner Streff reported that he has had discussions with Eureka regarding this concern and
has spoken with residents to provide clarification on the misprint. He commented that Eureka
will be sending an updated mailing to the residents north of 1-694 to clarify their recycling day.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. May 19, 2014, Work Session
B. May 27, 2014, Work Session
C. May 27, 2014, Regular City Council
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Werner seconded a
motion to approve the May 19, 2014, work session minutes, the May 27, 2014,
work session minutes; and the May 27, 2014, regular City Council meeting
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 2013 City Financial Statement and Audit Report
C. Motion to Accept Final 2013 4th Quarter Financial Reports
D. Motion to Approve Fund Balance Transfer from General Fund to PIR Fund and a
Budget Amendment
E. Motion to Approve Planning Case 14-015 PUD Amendment Agreement — Boston
Scientific
F. Motion to Approve Round Lake Road Area Improvement—Payment#1
G. Motion to Award 2014 Seal Coat Improvement—Resolution#2014-036
MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember McClung 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).
7. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
None.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. TCAAP Development Discussion Opportunity for Residents
Mayor Grant stated that under the Public Hearing section, citizens have an opportunity to discuss
ideas regarding the TCAAP development.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 14, 2014 7
Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 8:10 p.m.
With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 8:11 p.m.
B. Consider Approval of Liquor License Application —Noodles and Company
City Clerk Dietl stated that The Noodle Shop, Co. —Colorado, Inc. dba Noodles & Company has
requested an on-sale wine and Sunday liquor license for their new restaurant in Arden Hills.
Noodles & Company is scheduled to open on August 11, 2014, at 3833 Lexington Avenue North,
Suite 109 (Lexington Station). Staff is in receipt of all the necessary paperwork and associated
fees, and background checks have been successfully completed by the Ramsey County Sheriff's
Office. In addition to holding a public hearing tonight, the on-sale wine and Sunday liquor license
application is also being presented for approval. All required information will be submitted to the
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Alcohol & Gambling Enforcement upon approval of the
license by the City Council.
City Clerk Dietl suggested that the Council hold a public hearing to receive input regarding an
on-sale wine and Sunday liquor license for Noodles & Company, located at 3833 Lexington
Avenue North, Suite 109, Arden Hills, Minnesota and approve the issuance of an on-sale wine
and Sunday liquor license.
Mayor Grant questioned how many liquor licenses the City was able to have.
City Clerk Dietl reported that Arden Hills could have six on-sale liquor licenses and based on
State Statute, this did not include restaurants or bowling establishments.
Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 8:14 p.m.
With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 8:15 p.m.
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to
approve the issuance of an on-sale wine and Sunday liquor license to Noodles
& Company, located at 3833 Lexington Avenue North, Suite 109, Arden Hills,
Minnesota.
Councilmember Holmes asked if the license included beer and wine.
Joshua Pederson, Store Manager for Noodles & Company, 3312 Blaisdale Avenue in
Minneapolis,reported that this was the case.
Councilmember Holden encouraged Mr. Pederson to hold a grand opening event and invite the
public to this new restaurant in Arden Hills.
The motion carried (5-0).
9. NEW BUSINESS
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 14, 2014 8
None.
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
11. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Holden asked when the PCI report would be made available for the Council.
Public Works Director Maurer commented that this would be provided to the Council next
week.
Councilmember Holmes recommended that staff invite Nick Roberts to attend a future work
session to ensure that he can provide the Council with his presentation.
City Planner Streff stated that staff would speak with Mr. Roberts and invite him back to another
work session.
Councilmember Holmes expressed concern with the level of water on the Safe Routes to School
trail near Perry Park.
Public Works Director Maurer discussed the design of the trail noting that no culverts were in
place. He indicated that the City had the second wettest June on record and it was taking time to
dry out.
Councilmember Holmes suggested that the Shorewood Hills neighborhood roads be considered
for improvement in 2015.
Mayor Grant stated that Grant Road and Noble Road were also in need of improvement. He
looked forward to reviewing the PCI ratings in the PMP.
Mayor Grant provided comment on the Smith's Medical Blood Mobile. He thanked Smith's
Medical for their assistance in making this blood mobile a reality.
Mayor Grant discussed a recent Cable Commission meeting held with the 10 member Mayors
and City Administrators. He explained a new governance structure was being proposed and how
this could impact Cable Commission appointees. There may be a shift away from appointed
members to elected officials. Further information would be provided to the Council at a future
meeting.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a
motion to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 14, 2014 9
Mayor Grant adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 8:38 p.m.
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Amy INiM David Grant
City Clerk Mayor