Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-24-14-WS ,�Tt WREN HILLS Approved: January 12, 2015 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS,MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 24, 2014 5:30 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Grant called to order the City Council work session at 5:34 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; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; Associate Planner Matthew Bachler; City Planner Ryan Streff; City Clerk Amy Dietl; City Attorney Joel Jamnik; and JDA Attorney Mike Norton 1. AGENDA ITEMS Mayor Grant recommended the 2015 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy be discussed as Item G. Councilmember Holden suggested the Recycling RFP as Item B. A. TCAAP Zoning Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that at the November 3, 2014, City Council work session, the Council discussed its vision for the Hill and Creek neighborhoods. Specifically, the Council supported single-family housing with varying lot sizes on the Hill and Creek neighborhoods with lot sizes increasing and density decreasing as development moved away from the Town Center and water resources corridor. A limited amount of townhomes may be acceptable in the Hill neighborhood in locations close to the water resources corridor or along the eastern perimeter of the site. The City Council directed staff to revise the draft TCAAP zoning to reflect the Council's vision. Community Development Director Hutmacher reported that two options have been drafted for City Council consideration. In both options, new definitions have been created. Also, new districts have been added to the Regulating Map with corresponding changes to the proposed land use table. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 24, 2014 2 Option A—Restrictions on Housing Type Under Option A, the Neighborhood District has been eliminated. New zoning districts have been created as follows: TRC— Sm MF TRC— Sm SF TRC—Med SF TRC—Lg SF Community Development Director Hutmacher reported that under Option A, definitions have been changed to prohibit twin homes in single family districts. The definition for small lot single family has been revised to include all lots of less than sixty feet. Lots narrower than fifty feet require a rear-loading garage, and developers have indicated that front-loading garages are preferable to most home-buyers. If there is a small single-family district (TRC — Sm SF), developers will need flexibility to create lots that are large enough for front-loading garages. The proposed new definitions are as follows: Single Family Use A building containing one primary living unit and which may include detached townhomes and cottage/patio homes. Small Lot Single Family A single-family residential lot that measures less than sixty (60) feet wide. Small Multi-Family Use A building containing two to eight residential units and which may include twin homes, townhomes, row homes, manor homes/multi-tenant houses, stacked flats, or triplexes/quadplexes. Medium Lot Single Family A single-family residential lot that measures sixty (60)feet to less than seventy-five (75)feet wide. Large Lot Single Family A single-family residential lot that measures seventy-five (75) feet or more in width. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that assuming a standard lot depth of 130 feet, the lot widths described above would result in the following net densities and approximately a maximum of 408 total residential units: Creek Neighborhood - 43 gross acres (31.2 net acres) Lot width Net Units % of Total Approx. (feet) per Acre Area Units 45-60 3.0-5.0 40 62 60-75 2.2-3.5 40 44 75-95 1.5 -2.5 20 16 Total 122 Note: Approximate units are calculated using the maximum in the range. Net acreage excludes right-of-way. Both gross and net acreage exclude parks. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 24, 2014 3 Hill Neighborhood - 66 gross acres (47.6 net acres) Lot width Net Units % of Total Approx. (feet) per Acre Area Units Sm MF 6.0- 10.0 30 143 45-60 3.0-5.0 20 48 60-75 2.2-3.5 50 83 75-95 1.5 -2.5 10 12 Total 286 Note: Approximate units are calculated using the maximum in the range. Net acreage excludes right-of-way. Both gross and net acreage exclude parks. Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that under Option A, the permitted use table would be adjusted as depicted in the staff memo. Option B—Restrictions on Density Community Development Director Hutmacher commented that under Option B, the Neighborhood District has been eliminated. In Option B, the definition of Single Family Use includes twin homes and detached townhomes. Small Lot Single Family is defined as only lots less than fifty feet wide since that definition was originally created to describe lots which would require rear-loading garages. New zoning districts have been created as follows: NB —Low Density NB—Med Density NB —High Density NB Low Density Single family use developed at a gross density of no greater than two (2) units per acre. NB Medium Density Single family use developed at a gross density of no greater than four (4) units per acre. NB High Density Single family or small multi family use developed at a gross density of no greater than six (6) units per acre. Single Family Use A building containing one or two primary living units and which may include twin homes, detached townhomes and cottage/patio homes. Small Lot Single Family A single-family residential lot that measures less than fifty (50) feet wide. Small Multi-Family Use A building containing three to eight residential units and which may include townhomes, row homes, manor homes/multi-tenant houses, stacked flats, or triplexes/quadplexes. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 24, 2014 4 Community Development Director Hutmacher reported that Option B allows developers more flexibility than Option A with regard to housing type, while still establishing strict controls over density. Estimates of total number of units under Option B are as follows: Creek Neighborhood - 43 gross acres (31.2 net acres) % of Total Gross Density Number Area Maximum of Units NB—Low Density 60 2 units/acre 52 NB—Med Density 30 4 units/acre 52 NB —High Density 10 6 units/acre 26 Total 130 Note: Net acreage excludes right-of-way. Both net and gross acreage exclude parks. _Hill Neighborhood - 66 gross acres (47.6 net acres) % of Total Gross Density Number Area Maximum of Units NB—Low Density 20 2 units/acre 26 NB —Med Density 40 4 units/acre 106 NB—High Density 40 6 units/acre 158 Total 290 Note: Net acreage excludes right-of-way. Both net and gross acreage exclude parks. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that Option B would result in approximately 420 maximum residential units. Developers may build at a density of less than the maximum in each district, so the total number of units could be less but not more. Under Option B, the permitted use table would be adjusted as depicted in the staff memo. Developers would have greater flexibility in the types of units built, so long as overall gross density did not exceed the maximum for the district. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that both Options A and B achieve the City Council's objectives for maximum number of residential units and are consistent with general market feedback. Option A would allow approximately 408 total residential units. Option B would allow approximately 420 units. At the November 3, 2014, City Council work session, Mayor Grant stated that he felt a total of 430 units between the Hill and Creek neighborhoods would be reasonable. Staff analysis based on market feedback was that the market could support approximately 405 residential units in the Hill and Creek neighborhoods. Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that regulations for single-family development can be found in Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9. The single-family regulations and design standards are summarized in the memo (which can be found in the agenda packet) from Brad Lonberger, Gateway Planning. Changes have been made to reflect recent City Council discussions. Community Development Director Hutmacher requested that the Council consider the following questions and provide staff with feedback: ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 24, 2014 5 1. Does the City Council prefer Option A or Option B for zoning in the Hill and Creek neighborhoods? Are there any additional changes that should be made to the zoning map for these neighborhoods? 2. Do the single family design regulations adequately reflect the Council's vision for high quality neighborhoods while still allowing reasonable developer flexibility? Community Development Director Hutmacher reported that staff and consultants will incorporate any additional City Council comments into red-lined drafts that will be presented to the City Council on January 12 (Chapters 6-7), January 20 (Chapters 1-3), and January 26 (Chapters 4-5)prior to the presentation of the final draft on February 2, 2014. Councilmember Holden asked if the proposed plans included a plus or minus 10% change for the JDA. Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that density was not something the JDA could make adjustments to. She explained that Option B would provide developers with more flexibility for unit types, as long as the development was within the density maximum. She reported that staff was bringing forward a density that was close to the Mayor's suggestion of 430 total units. Mayor Grant questioned if a third option was available. Community Development Director Hutmacher commented that Option A and Option B were the recommendations of staff at this time. Mayor Grant appreciated staff's work on these options as it provided the Council with a great deal of information on how the density of TCAAP could be broken down. Rick Packer, Mattamy Homes, appreciated the Council's time and the conversations he has had with staff. He believed that either option presented by staff were positive, viable options and would provide clear direction to developers as to the vision for the TCAAP neighborhoods. He encouraged the Council to not preclude any future developments from being able to come back for consideration. Mayor Grant summarized that either Option A or B would work for developers. Mr. Packer agreed with this comment and believed that the development community would be able to understand and be able to respond to either option. Mayor Grant inquired if the options had been shared with Gateway Planning or the County. Community Development Director Hutmacher reported that the two options were a City effort at this time. Councilmember McClung preferred Option B and stated that he wanted to see high quality building materials and neighborhoods in TCAAP. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 24, 2014 6 Further discussion ensued regarding TCAAP zoning options. Councilmember Holden questioned if the Planning Commission would review any of the proposed developments for TCAAP. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that the City would not review any developments unless they were rejected by the JDA, at which time the developer could then approach the City. The City Council could make zoning amendments, but would not review individual development proposals. As is currently the situation, the Planning Commission would review proposed zoning amendments and make recommendations to the City Council. Councilmember Holmes expressed concern that the zoning regulations will restrict the options for developers. She stated that she preferred Option B. Councilmember Werner supported the additional flexibility offered in Option B. Councilmember Holden requested that the building height language for residential buildings be reviewed. Mayor Grant summarized that the Council was more in favor of Option B. He recommended staff review the minimum densities in Option B. He suggested that quality building materials also be considered for the TCAAP homes. B. Recycling RFP Discussion City Attorney Jamnik stated that the City has received a letter from the Dorsey & Whitney Law Firm representing Garbage Haulers for Citizen Choice (GHCC) and the McGrann Shea Carnival Straughn & Lamb Law Firm representing the National Waste & Recycling Association (NW&RA). The two letters that have been received are in regard to the recent RFP for Comprehensive Recycling Services. City Attorney Jamnik explained that the two letters were claiming that because the RFP asked for potential expansion of materials collected, that this triggers the State requirement for public notice. He stated that if the City moves forward with the RFP and expands the nature of the recycling program to include organics/yard waste/electronics there is a threat of litigation. City Attorney Jamnik reviewed the options available to the Council stating the RFP could be pulled back and the City could follow the statutory procedures for organized collection. These procedures typically take a year or more. Another option for the Council would be to continue with the RFP process and see if a lawsuit followed. City Attorney Jamnik recommended that the Council continue with the current RFP process but that the City not add any large scale options at this point. He discussed the overall larger issue facing the City, County and State regarding organics pick-up. He advised that if a contract were to be considered with a different set of collected materials, he would have to reevaluate his decision. Councilmember Werner supported the recommendation of staff. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 24, 2014 7 Mayor Grant recommended that the City not add the additional services at this time. He believed that the County had issues to resolve before the City could move forward with organics collection. The Council concurred with this recommendation. C. Compensation Study Discussion Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson explained that Ann Antonsen from Springsted was present to discuss a recently completed Compensation Study. Ann Antonsen, Springsted, Inc, explained that she completed a classification and compensation for the City. She provided the Council with an update and preliminary information noting the final report was not yet completed. She reported that she was finalizing the survey and was having difficulty receiving survey results. Until further information was gathered regarding pay rates and benefits she would not be able to make a recommendation to the Council. Ms. Antonsen provided a summary of the information she has gathered to date and asked for questions or comments from the Council. Mayor Grant reiterated that the information presented did not include any benefit information. Councilmember Holmes asked if any changes to the pay grades should be considered at this time. Ms. Antonsen recommended that the Council hold off on making any decisions until a final report was submitted to the City. She suggested that the Council approve a 2-3% cost of living within the 2015 budget and that any other changes to the pay scale be further considered in the coming year. Mayor Grant recommended that after the surveys are completed and the study was finalized, that this information be reviewed by the Personnel Committee prior to coming to the Council. D. 2015 Council Liaison Appointments City Clerk Dietl stated that each year a Councilmember is appointed to serve as Council Liaison on the various committees and commissions in the City. For discussion purposes, a list of current commission/committee appointments is offered below. Planning Commission Council Liaison: Fran Holmes Staff City Planner Alternate: Community Development Director Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Council Liaison: Dave McClung Staff: Parks and Recreation Coordinator Alternate: Public Works Director ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 24, 2014 8 Communication Committee Council Liaison: David Grant Staff: City Clerk Alternate: Director of Finance and Administrative Services Financial Planning and Analysis Committee Council Liaison: Fran Holmes Staff: Director of Finance and Administrative Services Alternate: Finance Analyst Lake Johanna Fire Department Board of Directors Council Liaison: Brenda Holden Staff: City Administrator Alternate: Director of Finance and Administrative Services Economic Development Commission Council Liaison: Ed Werner Staff: Community Development Director Alternate: City Administrator Personnel Committee Council: David Grant Council: Brenda Holden Staff: City Administrator Staff Director of Finance and Administrative Services Ramsey County League Council Liaison: Dave McClung Alternates: David Grant, Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, and Ed Werner Mayor Grant recommended that the Council review the positions and provide him with input on the committees they were interested in serving on for 2015. He stated that he would bring this item back to the Council at a future meeting. Mayor Grant recessed the work session at 6:55 p.m. Mayor Grant reconvened the work session at 9:16 p.m. E. Public Entity Innovation Grant (PEIG) City Planner Streff stated that Ramsey County provides financial assistance to public entities for the purpose of creating and implementing innovative programs to increase source reduction and residential recycling efforts, initiate residential organic management programs, expand public space recycling and address bulky waste management through the Public Entity Innovation Grant (PEIG) program. Eligible applicants include municipalities, Independent School Districts, park boards, watershed districts, libraries and other public entities in Ramsey County. City Planner Streff reported that at this time, City staff is in the final stage of reviewing the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Residential Recycling Services. However, before the City proceeds with a ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 24, 2014 9 recommendation on a new contractor for residential recycling services, City staff would like to begin the grant process for a PEIG in order to obtain funding from the County for the purchase of recycling carts. City Planner Streff indicated that haulers were asked in the RFP to provide the cost of services with contractor-owned and City-owned recycling carts. From the review of these proposals, the review team determined that the option that provided the most cost savings for the City was with City-owned recycling carts. City staff has been in contact with Ramsey County and is prepared to begin the application process with the County for this purchase if the Council decides to proceed with the PEIG. Councilmember Holmes asked how much the City would be requesting for the PEIG grant. City Planner Streff indicated that the City would be requesting a grant that would cover the entire expense of the recycling carts which was roughly$130,000. The Council indicated its support for the grant application. F. Proposed 2015 Fee Schedule City Clerk Dietl explained that the City Council annually establishes a fee schedule for administrative, building construction, liquor licensing, copying of maps and ordinances, park and recreation facility usage, planning and zoning, utilities, business licenses, false alarms, utility fees, and other miscellaneous permits and penalties that are enforced by the City. She provided the Council with a brief recap of the fee schedule changes in recent years. City Clerk Dietl reported that staff has reviewed the fee schedule and has also researched the "Municipal License and Permit Fee Survey" results on Metro Cities' website to evaluate Arden Hills' rates to those of other cities. Staff has found the City's rates to be comparable to other cities. City Clerk Dietl noted that staff is not proposing any increases to building or land use fees at this time. However, in preparation for TCAAP development and the creation of a JDA fee schedule, staff will research fees and staff costs for planning/building review during the first half of 2015. Staff anticipates adjusting building and land use application fees in 2016 to be consistent with the adopted JDA fee schedule. Additionally, while working on the plans for installing utilities in TCAAP, staff and consultants (Ehlers) will be evaluating all of the City utility charges, fees, and rates. A few changes are being recommended, and are noted in red bold print on the 2015 Fee Schedule that is included in the agenda packet. A brief explanation of the reason for the changes is provided below. Miscellaneous/Retail Activities When the items in the fee schedule were increased 5% across the board in 2013, it was later learned that State Statute caps the limit on on-sale wine licenses at $2,000; therefore, that fee is being lowered (page two of fee schedule). Miscellaneous/Retail Activities The 3/" and 3" hydrant meter rental (page seven of the fee schedule) is being removed from the fee schedule. Anyone needing the use of water during repair work or construction activities will either use their own water truck or they will work directly with the Public Works Department. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 24, 2014 10 Utility Rates The utility rates and charges (i.e. SAC/WAC fees) proposed increase is 2%, and surface water charges per quarter is a 3% proposed increase based on City Council direction given at the December 10, 2012,meeting when the plan for future utility rates was approved. Councilmember Holden asked if garbage haulers were required to submit their rates to the City when applying for their licenses. City Clerk Dietl commented that an MOA (Memorandum of Understanding) and certification have been submitted by the haulers through the licensing process. The Council supported the fee schedule as proposed. G. 2015 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson reviewed the proposed 2015 budget and tax levy with the Council. She addressed questions from the Council and reviewed the impacts the staff changes in Recreation would have on the budget. Councilmember Holden wanted to see the final compensation study before making any decisions on wages. She stated she could only support a 1.5% cost of living increase until the final compensation study was presented. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson reported that any cost of living approved over and above 1.5%in 2015 could be paid retroactive. Further discussion ensued regarding home values and the County's proposed taxes for 2015. 2. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND STAFF UPDATES None. ADJOURN Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council work session at 9:36 p.m. Amy Dietl David rant City Clerk Mayor It' ---AEN HILLS Request for Special City Council Work Session A special meeting may be called by the Mayor or by any two Councilmembers. Topics for meeting: A. TCAAP Zoning B. Compensation Study Discussion C. 2015 Proposed Budget and Tax Levy D. Proposed 2015 Fee Schedule E. Recycling RFP Discussion F. Public Entity Innovation Grant(PEIG) G. 2015 Council Liaison Appointments Requested Date: 11/24/14 Requested time: 5:30 pm Open meeting X Closed meeting Signature of person(s) making request: M4/' 11/19/14 Mayor or Councilmember Date Councilmember Date -This section to be completed by City staff- Date received: ! / 115 / III Date meeting to be held: 11/24/14 Time of meeting: 5:30 pm Location: City Hall All necessary posting and notices have been completed. ' 1 / � g / �y Signature of City&rk 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