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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-15-15-WS lt ,-fiIQEN HILLS Approved: July 13, 2015 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION JUNE 15,2015 5:00 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 5:04 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant; Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, Dave McClung, and Robert Woodburn Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; City Attorney Joel Jamnik; Director of Finance and Administrative Services Sue Iverson; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; City Planner Ryan Streff; Associate Planner Matthew Bachler; and City Clerk Amy Dietl 1. AGENDA ITEMS A. TCAAP Infrastructure Funding Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that in May 2014, Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers, presented some preliminary information on the TCAAP financial issues that the City had to address. On April 13, 2015, Stacie was scheduled to update the Council on these issues and was planning to present the City TCAAP financial model based on current cost estimates for pre- development work, trunk utilities and storm water, and parks. That meeting ran long and there was not enough time for Ms. Kvilvang to give her presentation; however she has returned to provide the Council with information on the TCAAP Infrastructure. Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers & Associates, reviewed her April 13, 2015, TCAAP infrastructure memo with the Council. She described the costs that the City has spent to-date on TCAAP for predevelopment and noted that the amount is approximately $815,000. Further discussion ensued regarding the City financed expenses that Arden Hills would recoup upon development of the TCAAP site. Mayor Grant requested further information on the 429 assessment process. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 15, 2015 2 Ms. Kvilvang explained the 429 assessment process to the Council, and noted that assessments would be charged against PID's (property identification numbers). Councilmember Holden asked if utility rates could differ between TCAAP and the remainder of Arden Hills. Ms. Kvilvang commented that this could be done to cover the City's costs for TCAAP infrastructure and utilities. She noted that a rate study needs to be completed so that more information is available before this type of decision is made. Ms. Kvilvang discussed the expense for development of the four parks within TCAAP and estimated that this would cost the City $7 million (assuming land is dedicated). She discussed proposed park dedication fees for both commercial and residential properties. She indicated that the City would need to update their park dedication Ordinance prior to TCAAP developing. Councilmember Holmes questioned if the City was able to charge park dedication fees to commercial developments. City Attorney Jamnik stated that this is allowed by state law and is a common practice. Ms. Kvilvang recommended that a 10% park dedication fee be charged to commercial developments on TCAAP. This fee can be charged due to the fact that commercial employees will use the City's trails and parks. The Council discussed sewer and water fees and trunk assessments. Public Works Director Maurer explained the expenses for the water tower and booster station. Ms. Kvilvang noted that the City would not be responsible for any of the storm water ponding. However, if the City wanted to pursue water feature amenities, this would be at Arden Hills' expense. Public Works Director Maurer indicated that the County has allotted $1.7 million for storm water ponding enhancements which can be used for pond edging, vertical walls, rocks, etc. He explained that the City would be responsible for owning and maintaining the storm water ponds long-term. He anticipated that the final plans would have to be developed in stages in order to have enough water for the features to function. There being no further questions from the Council, Mayor Grant thanked Ms. Kvilvang for her attendance and for the information provided to the Council. B. Planning Case 14-036 Building 2 FaVade Review—Roberts Management City Planner Streff stated that on February 23, 2015, the City Council approved Planning Case 14-036 for a Master and Final PUD and CUP for the Red Fox Business Center located at 1235 Red Fox Road for the construction of two (2) multi-tenant light industrial buildings. During this meeting the Council discussed the need for additional fayade treatments on the southeast elevation ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 15, 2015 3 (loading dock area) of Building 2 in order to preserve the view of adjacent buildings and to reduce monotony. A motion was approved to add condition#18 that states: "The Developer shall provide additional fagade treatments on the south fagade (loading dock area) of Building 2 similar to the north fagade but not requiring use of the anodized aluminum materials". City Planner Streff indicated that staff has been working with Roberts Management Group to ensure that the building design meets the intent of condition#18. In order to satisfy this condition, Roberts Management Group has provided a fagade design that includes a horizontal sand colored band along the top edge of the building wall. Staff has reviewed this design and does not believe that the intent of the condition as approved by the City Council has been met by the proposal. He explained that Nick Roberts, Roberts Management Group, requested to speak with the Council to discuss the proposed building design and fagade treatments to be used on Building 2. Councilmember Holmes requested clarification between the two proposed designs. City Planner Streff discussed the fagade design plans in further detail with the Council. Nick Roberts, Roberts Management Group, thanked the Council for their time. He provided further clarification on the proposed fagade treatments and colors for Building 2. He reviewed a materials board and reiterated that it was his goal to have a beautiful, high quality building. He described how the acid washing and sand blasting would impact the finish. Mayor Grant commented that the orientation of Building 2 was a concern, in addition to the east elevation of this building. The Council discussed the close proximity of Building 2 to the adjacent property. Councilmember Holden did not like the band at the top of the building. Mr. Roberts agreed stating that he believed the building was nice-looking without the additional banding. Councilmember Holmes asked if the developer could pursue a third panel color. Mr. Roberts indicated that this would increase his costs exponentially and would put further delays on his project. He explained how he would rather acid wash or sandblast the panels to create a third color along the elevation. He provided further comment on the discussions he has had with his architect. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that from a staff perspective, she believed that the one band could not be considered as "the additional fagade treatments". Mayor Grant agreed. City Administrator Klaers inquired if the project would be delayed until next year if the Council did not believe the proposed band met with the intent of the additional fagade treatments. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 15, 2015 4 Mr. Roberts commented that each week the project was pushed back, it put him closer to winter. It was his hope that the City could provide him with direction to keep the project moving forward. Councilmember Holden asked if the blue panels were more expensive than the others. Mr. Roberts reported there was a slight upcharge for the blue panels. He requested that the Council approve of the sandblasted band around the back of the building. He believed that this would enhance the rear elevation of the building. Councilmember Holmes suggested that a second band be considered below the top band to add additional interest. Mr. Roberts stated that this could be done, but it would increase the expense of the building fayade. The Council discussed additional options for the building facade. Councilmember Woodburn supported the applicant's proposal to add the sandblasted banding. Councilmember Holmes agreed. Councilmember McClung stated that he could live with the sandblasting. He did not want to see the building delayed another year. Mayor Grant suggested that the ends of the building be slightly raised to enhance the architectural features on the building. Councilmember Holden disagreed with the applicant's proposal. Community Development Director Hutmacher affirmed that a majority of the Council was in agreement that the sandblasted band met with the conditions of approval. C. TCAAP Comprehensive Plan Amendment City Planner Streff stated that at the June 8, 2015, work session, the Council began discussion on the TCAAP Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA). Redlined versions of each updated chapter were provided to the Council. Staff noted that the Council revisions were highlighted. He explained that Kimley-Horn representatives were in attendance to discuss the CPA in further detail. Michael Lamb, Kimley Horn, provided comment on the improvements planned for transportation, infrastructure and utilities. He discussed the CPA noting that it was focused on the overall system and system impacts. The population projections were also discussed and comparisons with Met Council numbers were provided. Councilmember Holden requested further information on the pinch point on the north-south trail shown on Attachment C. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 15, 2015 5 Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that that the County has discussed a land swap to address the pinch point. She was uncertain if the land swap had occurred. Councilmember Holmes agreed that this issue should be addressed. She asked if TCAAP would have one or two entrances from County Road 1. Public Works Director Maurer commented that the County was proposing one entrance at this time. There may be a second entrance for a trailhead, but noted that this was being handled by the County and would not connect to TCAAP (Creek Neighborhood). Councilmember Holmes suggested changing the word "higher" to "better" in the first paragraph on page 11-10 and changing the word"local"to "internal" in the last paragraph on page 11-11. Councilmember Holmes asked if the A-line BRT route would be extended or if the existing park and ride would be increased in size. She discussed Section 11.3.4 further and noted that she was in favor of removing the first red-lined sentence on page 11-13 from the paragraph. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that initial findings have been reviewed by staff and the extended BRT line was being considered by the Metropolitan Council. Mayor Grant had the same understanding that the route was being considered. It was his hope that the BRT route would be extended as it would work well in this community. Further discussion ensued regarding bus routes and mass transit issues. Mr. Lamb recommended that the sentences remain in Section 11.3.4 as this would allow TCAAP to be developed in order to be transit-ready. Councilmember McClung recommended that"with bus shelters" be removed. Councilmember Holden suggested a terminology change to "transit supportive". Mayor Grant was in favor of this reading"transit ready". Councilmember Holden recommended that the City's vision be considered and reflected within the Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember Holmes believed that the City's goal for future land use was discussed in Chapter 6 in Attachment D. Councilmember Holden asked if the County has clearly defined what "good paying jobs"means. City Attorney Jamnik explained that the Comprehensive Plan should not include specific metrics, but rather should be aspirational goals. He advised that the more flexible the language, the better off the City would be. The Council further discussed the City's goals and objectives for TCAAP. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 15, 2015 6 City Planner Streff reviewed a section of City Code that addresses the City vision. Councilmember Holden questioned if owners of affordable housing units are able to sell their homes at market rate after living in them for a number of years. Community Development Director Hutmacher reviewed the affordable housing standards and models. She noted that in most cases, some level of affordability has to be maintained and that it would depend on what the terms were when the home was purchased. Discussion continued regarding affordable housing units on TCAAP. Mayor Grant commented that he did not support portions of Section 7.4.2 within Chapter 7. Councilmember Holmes requested further information on how the Met Council defined affordable housing. Community Development Director Hutmacher provided the Council with definitions on how Met Council defined affordable housing and subsidies. Councilmember Holden asked if either the Met Council or the County were expecting 10% of all housing units and 20% of all owner occupied units to be affordable housing. Community Development Director Hutmacher reviewed general income level expectations for affordable housing. Councilmember Holmes suggested that the language regarding 50 foot lots be adjusted to read: "these lots may accommodate affordable housing". Mayor Grant did not support the line that reads: "Additionally, certain zoning districts within the neighborhood residential land use classification could also be used for affordable housing on TCAAP". He wanted this sentence deleted as he did not support affordable housing within the Hill and Creek neighborhoods. Councilmember McClung stated that the only way he could support this amendment would be if the words "Town Center" and "Neighborhood Transition" were not called out in the second sentence. Councilmember Holden and Councilmember Holmes were in favor of the first sentence remaining and the next two sentences being eliminated. Mayor Grant explained that he would vote against the Comprehensive Plan if this were the direction the Council pursued. Councilmember Woodburn wanted to hear from each of the Councilmembers regarding this topic. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 15, 2015 7 City Administrator Klaers stated that it was staff's intent to only move forward and hold a Public Hearing with a Comprehensive Plan that the Council could support. Mayor Grant suggested that the Council offer up their comments regarding this matter. Councilmember Holden did not support the County purchasing this property or the price that was paid. She did not like the current plan for the property but believed it was a good compromise after years of work on the plan. She believed that the density was too high for Arden Hills, but understood that certain requirements had to be met. She understood that affordable housing was mandatory, but was uncertain as to how it should be regulated or what was fair. She commented that she could support the Comprehensive Plan at this time. Councilmember Woodburn believed that the TCAAP development was inconsistent with the rest of Arden Hills. He thought that Arden Hills was a great community to live in and noted that he was uncertain of his feelings regarding the Comprehensive Plan. He does not agree with social engineering. Councilmember McClung addressed Chapter 7 of the Comprehensive Plan. He reported that it was not his vision to limit where affordable housing could or could not be located on TCAAP. He wanted to see the City remain flexible on this topic going forward. He encouraged the Council to keep an open mind with broad visions as the City was uncertain of how developers would approach this site. He commented that he could support more density on this site. He was not thrilled with the framework of what was going on at TCAAP, but he was trying to make adjustments so that he could support the document. He did not support the Comprehensive Plan as presented at this time. Councilmember Holmes agreed with Councilmember McClung and believed that the TCAAP site would change and evolve as it develops. She was extremely concerned with the City more closely defining its goals and visions within the Comprehensive Plan. She did not want anyone in Arden Hills to think she would support pigeon holing affordable housing in only specific neighborhoods. Mayor Grant supported Councilmember Holden's comments and believed that the County paid too much for the property. He feels that the City has come a long way and that the project needs to move forward. There are things the City is being pushed on by the County, such as density, in order to meet certain targets. He provided comment on the proposed density for TCAAP along with land values for both the Hill and Creek neighborhoods. He understood that the Comprehensive Plan was an aspirational document. He did not want to go into the development allowing affordable housing everywhere. He has no guarantee from the County regarding the number of affordable units that they were interested in developing or the amount of financing they were pursuing. City Attorney Jamnik provided comment on the differences between the Zoning Ordinance and the Comprehensive Plan documents. He believed that the small lots within the Hill and Creek neighborhoods would have high enough land values that they would not become affordable units, without additional financing or grants. He advised that the Comprehensive Plan not indicate that the City is automatically saying no to affordable housing in the Hill and Creek neighborhoods. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 15, 2015 8 Discussion ensued regarding potential development scenarios for the Hill and Creek neighborhoods. Councilmember McClung stated that he felt comfortable with the City being flexible and becoming a little different of a community than it is today. He has no problem with change. Councilmember Holmes did not believe that the Comprehensive Plan would be approved as presented. She indicated that Chapters 7 and 9 were of the most concern to her. Mayor Grant reviewed the original document language regarding affordable housing with the Council. Councilmember Holmes commented that if the Council went along with Councilmember Holden's previous discussion, the Comprehensive Plan would be totally silent on TCAAP with regard to medium and high density zoning. Councilmember McClung could not support this recommendation. He did not believe that the Comprehensive Plan should have Section 7.4.2 called Affordable Housing, if TCAAP was not mentioned. Mayor Grant asked how many 50 foot lots were within the Creek neighborhood. Community Development Director Hutmacher reported that the Creek neighborhood did not have lot sizes predetermined, but rather had densities. She commented that NB-2 was zoned within the Creek which means there could be 32 lots with approximate widths at 50 feet within the Creek Neighborhood. Mayor Grant reviewed the potential number of affordable housing units that could develop on TCAAP. He indicated that 1,190 out of 1,431 could be made affordable. Councilmember McClung believed that the City would have a difficult time reaching 288 affordable units. He did not believe that the City should funnel or direct affordable housing into certain neighborhoods. Councilmember Holmes agreed. Mayor Grant discussed how the City currently defines affordable within City Code and requested staff read the code language aloud for the Council. City Planner Streff read the language aloud for the Council, noting that the City has allocated medium density residential, high density residential, and mixed residential for affordable housing. Mayor Grant asked what staff's rationale was for the original draft of the Comprehensive Plan. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that the intention was not to restrict affordable housing to only certain neighborhoods. For example, if a land trust wanted to come in and had enough money, affordable units could be built in any neighborhood. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 15, 2015 9 Mayor Grant stated that he was struggling with the fact that the City may not have the final say on future developments given that the JDA would be reviewing these matters. City Attorney Jamnik discussed how the Comprehensive Plan would be used to justify the appropriateness of an affordable housing development within TCAAP. He reported that language within the Zoning Ordinance was also important. He explained that additional language or wordsmithing could be done to address affordable housing. Another option would be for the Comprehensive Plan to be silent on the issue. Mayor Grant summarized the changes discussed this evening. He suggested"meant"be changed to "may" as previously discussed by the Council. He recommended that the second and third sentences regarding affordable housing be deleted. In addition, the first sentence should refer to TCAAP. The Council concurred with the Mayor's suggestions. Councilmember Holmes requested that staff review Appendix H and change all references to NB-1,NB-2 and NB-3 to Neighborhood Residential. She believed this would reduce confusion in the future. Community Development Director Hutmacher discussed the differences between the zoning designations and future land use map. She commented that staff could make a change if directed by the Council. Mayor Grant stated that he believed that the Comprehensive Plan should move forward with the amendments discussed by the Council this evening. City Administrator Klaers discussed the review and Public Hearing process. Mayor Grant supported the Public Hearing proceed to the Planning Commission on July 8h. The Council was in agreement. D. 2016-2020 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) The Council agreed to discuss this at the July work session. 2. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND STAFF UPDATES Councilmember Holmes stated that on Wednesday, June 17th the Planning Commission was holding a special work session to discuss the Comprehensive Plan. Since she is unavailable, she requested that a Councilmember attend this meeting. Councilmember Woodburn reported that he could attend the meeting. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 15, 2015 10 ADJOURN Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council work session at 9:11 p.m. axrtu,o�,t- - I hJ4 j 2e Amy Dietl David Grant City Clerk Mayor