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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-29-15-R lt �- RZEN HILLS Approved: August 10, 2015 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 29, 2015 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 Robert Woodburn Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Director of Finance and Administrative Services Sue Iverson; Finance Analyst Dave Perrault; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Assistant City Engineer John Anderson; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; Associate Planner Matthew Bachler; and City Clerk Amy Dietl PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Councilmember McClunlz moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL Frank Rikusky, 3170 Hamline Avenue North, discussed the construction work being completed on the bridge on County Road E. He encouraged the City to continue the south sidewalk after the bridge work was done for the safety of both Bethel students and Arden Hills' residents. Public Works Director Maurer commented that staff could provide an estimate on the sidewalk segment cost for Mr. Rikusky. He discussed the timing of this project and noted that payments from Bethel University would not begin until 2017. 3. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 29, 2015 2 A. Ramsey County Commissioner Jim McDonough Ramsey County Commissioner Jim McDonough introduced himself to the Council. He discussed the progress that was being made on TCAAP through both the City and County's efforts. He looked forward to future development and economic stimulus on this site. He explained that the County was interested in flexibility going forward in order to achieve vitality, uniqueness, and complex developments within TCAAP. He reported that he would continue to advocate for an extension of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) A-Line to TCAAP. He provided further comment on the proposed density on TCAAP, along with the new, unique neighborhoods. He indicated that Ramsey County was interested in securing a large amount of private investment on this site as a large amount of public investment will be made. He wanted to see the City and County begin from a point of flexibility in order to have the tough conversations with future developers. He provided the Council with a letter and requested that the Council consider densities that would allow for 1,700 units on the TCAAP site. He discussed the numerous benefits of this density level noting that it would provide a greater return on investment. He thanked the Council for their time and asked for questions or comments. Mayor Grant stated that based upon Commissioner McDonough's presentation he understood that the County was interested in flexibility, density,jobs, and transportation. He commented that transportation has been a concern for the City for quite some time given the current jobs available in Arden Hills. He proposed that the County and the Metropolitan Council pay attention to the jobs on the TCAAP site as this too would drive the transportation need. Commissioner McDonough agreed that jobs would drive transportation. He provided comment on how bigger investments would follow if the site flourished with both jobs and residential density. Councilmember Holmes explained that she has ridden the bus from Arden Hills for the past 25 years. She understood that the Metropolitan Council's plan for the northern suburbs was to create additional park and rides. She noted that there was a park and ride at County Road H already. She believed that the BRT was an inefficient option for Arden Hills' residents given its current route. Commissioner McDonough discussed the BRT A-Line and the light rail Green Line. He believed that these routes were quicker than driving a car downtown and offered other conveniences to transit riders. He commented that park and rides were important investments to the community, but that private investments are shown to follow the BRT. Councilmember Holden provided comment on the density proposed by the City Council stating that the City was proposing to have 9.6 units per acre. She commented that the AUAR proposed a maximum of 1,700 units on TCAAP, which was an overage of 8% given that there was a change in acreage on the TCAAP site. She recommended that the County reconsider their density needs for this site. Commissioner McDonough believed that the best starting point for density on TCAAP would be 1,700 units. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 29, 2015 3 Councilmember Holden discussed how the City's goals and visions differed from the goals of the County. She explained that the City was proposing to have a mix of residential lot sizes. She provided comment on the discussions that the Council held with local and regional developers. She encouraged the County to remember that Arden Hills wanted this portion of the City to reflect well on the remainder of the City. She believed that the City has already made numerous compromises to meet the needs of the County. Commissioner McDonough understood that the County and the City have both worked hard to reach a shared vision for this site. He explained that the development of TCAAP has been a complex process and understood that difficult conversations would be involved. He wanted to see the 427 acres on TCAAP developed with a high quality of life. Mayor Grant suggested a joint meeting between the City Council and the County Board be held. Councilmember McClung appreciated Commissioner McDonough's presentation this evening. He stated that there were differences between the City and the County and the groups may need to sit down together in order to align their visions. He understood the importance of flexibility on the TCAAP site and wanted to see the end product become a win-win for both the County and the City. He supported a higher density than the majority of the Council. Mayor Grant supported the County's effort to keep the site energy efficient. He encouraged all involved to keep in mind the uniqueness of the TCAAP site, along with the overall end goals. Councilmember Woodburn supported Councilmember Holden's comments and believed that the City has compromised a great deal already. He did not believe that the City wanted to be pushed much further. Commissioner McDonough appreciated and valued the work that has been completed by both the County and the City to date. He encouraged both parties to keep their eye on the prize going forward and to remain flexible. Mayor Grant thanked Commissioner McDonough for his presentation. He was proud of the progress that has been made to date and looked forward to working together with the County going forward. B. 2014 Audit Presentation Aaron Nielson, MMKR, reviewed the 2014 Audit results with the Council. He reported that the City received an unmodified, or clean, opinion on its financial statements, which was the highest opinion offered to municipalities. He discussed the estimated market values and tax capacity rates for the City. He then provided comment on the City's fund balances, revenues and expenditures for 2014. He commended the City on its financial efforts and asked for questions or comments from the Council. Councilmember Holmes discussed the City's net tax capacity and was pleased that the Arden Hills' tax rates were quite low when compared to neighboring communities in the metro area. She commented that the Ramsey County tax rate was quite high when compared to other counties ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 295 2015 4 in the metro area. She commented that these two rates made Arden Hills' tax bills comparable to those of other Twin City metro area cities. Mayor Grant thanked Mr.Nielson for his thorough presentation. C. Presentation of GFOA Awards Darin Nelson, President of MnGFOA, presented the City with three awards: A Certificate of Achievement for Financial Reporting, the Outstanding Achievement in Popular Financial Annual Reporting, and the Distinguished Budget Award. He commended the City and its staff on its financial professionalism and achievements. Mayor Grant congratulated the Finance Department for receiving each of these awards. He appreciated their dedicated efforts to the City of Arden Hills. D. Night to Unite Update and Proclamation City Clerk Dietl explained that the 2015 Night to Unite will be held Tuesday, August 4th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. If anyone is interested in hosting an event, they are encouraged to register their party with the Ramsey County Sheriff s Office by Friday, July 17th. 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 Sheriffs Office representatives. A list of neighborhoods participating in Night to Unite will be sent to the City Council when it becomes available. She reported that the Ramsey County Sheriffs Office has asked the Mayor and all City Councilmembers to sign a Night to Unite 2015 Proclamation. Mayor Grant read aloud for the record proclamation declaring August 4, 2015, to be Night to Unite in Arden Hills. He encouraged all Arden Hills residents to participate in this community event. 4. STAFF COMMENTS A. Rice Creek Commons—TCAAP Update Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that the City Council preliminarily approved the TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC) on May 26, 2015. The public hearing for the TRC and the Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) is scheduled for July 8, 20155 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. It was noted that the draft TRC and CPA are posted on the City's website with a link from the home page. Public Works Director Maurer provided comment on the preliminary infrastructure design report. He noted that this item would be discussed by the Council at a future work session. The Council directed staff to post this document on the City's website. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 29, 2015 5 Councilmember Holden asked if a change to the TCAAP density would need to be reviewed by the Metropolitan Council and surrounding reviewing jurisdictions. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that minor changes would not affect the timing of the review process, but any major or substantive changes may require additional time for affected jurisdiction review. She provided further comment on the TRC approval process. Councilmember Holden requested comment from staff on the recent meeting that City staff attended with the JDA Attorney. Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that a discussion was held between staff and the JDA Attorney regarding flexibility within the TRC. She reported that the group discussed flexibility provided by the Special Development Plan provision in the TRC. Both parties determined that the TRC had a level of flexibility already written into the document. However, all parties also agreed that there was no flexibility within the document with regard to density. Mayor Grant summarized his thoughts on Commissioner McDonough's presentation. It was his understanding that local government had authority over density. B. Transportation Update Public Works Director Maurer reported that the County Road E bridge construction was progressing nicely while work on the approaches was continuing. He anticipated that work would be completed in six weeks. Public Works Director Maurer explained that the County Road E improvements have continued and curb was poured on the north side of the road. In addition, concrete driveways would be poured this week. He reported that the lights were up on the south side of the roadway. He reported that southbound Lexington was open for traffic. Public Works Director Maurer indicated that the 35W/Highway 96 bridge interchange was in its third week of construction. He noted that the three week shut down would end on July 6th The interchange would then be open for traffic with limited access on the north side of the bridge. Public Works Director Maurer stated that the County Road F bridge was rebid on June 5th. He stated that MnDOT has awarded this project and work is to begin mid-July. Public Works Director Maurer reported that Round Lake Road was substantially complete. A walk through would be completed after the 4th of July with the contractor and a punch list would be created. Public Works Director Maurer commented that the Grant/Noble PMP project was paved last week. He stated that Xcel was finishing its work within the Venus neighborhood. Water lines would continue to be worked on within the Venus neighborhood in the coming weeks. Mayor Grant asked when trees would be planted along County Road E. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 29, 2015 6 Public Works Director Maurer reported that the trees would be planted towards the end of the project so as not to damage the trees during construction. He anticipated that the County Road E improvements would be substantially completed at the end of July. Councilmember Holmes asked if 35W would ever be closed at Highway 96. Public Works Director Maurer commented that 35W would be closed over a weekend to take down the existing bridge. It would likely be closed a few nights to allow the bridge beams to be placed. Councilmember Holmes questioned if the Venus PMP was behind schedule and inquired if all of the work would be completed this year. Public Works Director Maurer believed that work has been delayed due to the Xcel crews. Now that Xcel has finished its pipe work, he anticipated that the project would continue as scheduled and would be completed in a timely manner. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. May 4, 2015, Special City Council Work Session B. May 4, 2015, Special City Council Meeting C. May 11, 2015, Regular City Council Meeting D. May 18, 2015, City Council Work Session E. May 26, 2015, Regular City Council Meeting MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve the May 4, 2015, special City Council work session minutes, May 4, 2015, special City Council meeting minutes, May 11, 2015, regular City Council meeting minutes, May 18, 2015, City Council work session minutes; and May 26, 2015, 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 Planning Case 15-010—Minor Subdivison—3517 Siems Court C. Motion for Approval of PUD Amendment Agreement — Planning Case 14-031 — Presbyterian Homes D. Motion to Approve Planning Case 15-009 — CUP Amendment Agreement—Bethel University E. Motion to Authorize Presbyterian Homes Conduit Debt Financing F. Motion to Approve Planning Case 15-011 — Code Amendment — Parking Regulations G. Motion to Accept 2014 Audit Report H. Motion to Appoint Public Works Maintenance Worker ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 29, 2015 7 MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holmes 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. Adopting and Confirming Quarterly Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson requested that the Council adopt and confirm the quarterly special assessments for delinquent utilities with Ramsey County. She discussed the process followed by City staff in order to certify these assessments with the County. She indicated that the County would be levying these assessments against properties in 2016. Staff recommended that the Council hold a public hearing and after the hearing certify the list of delinquent utility accounts to Ramsey County. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 8:32 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 8:33 p.m. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #2015-036—Certifying the list of delinquent utility accounts to Ramsey County. The motion carried (5-0). 9. NEW BUSINESS None. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Recommendation on Compensation and Benefit Changes Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson explained that the Personnel Committee was making a recommendation to the Council to amend the City's compensation and benefits. She noted that this matter was discussed by the Council in work session. She provided comment on the recommendations in detail with the Council and recommended approval of the five recommendations. Mayor Grant questioned who would be considered a"new employee". Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson commented that a "new employee" would be anyone hired after these recommendations were approved by the Council. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 29, 2015 8 MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to change both Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve from a full one day holiday to one-half (1/2) day holiday in the p.m. and adding a floating holiday in exchange, effective January 1,2016. The motion carried (5-0). MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to change the PTO plan as presented for all new employees effective immediately, with current employees being grandfathered in under the previous plan. The motion carried (5-0). MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to cap the City contribution to the HSA account for employees electing single coverage to $500 annually for new employees effective immediately, and current employees being capped at $1,650 annually effective January 1, 2016. The motion carried (5-0). MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to approve all updated position descriptions. The motion carried (5-0). MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to approve the new compensation plan with Option 1 effective July 1, 2015, as presented and Option 2 as anniversary dates occur from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016. All employees will be hired in at the new plan effective immediately. The motion carried (5-0). B. Consider Motion to Appoint Deputy Clerk Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson reported that the City received 71 applications for the Deputy Clerk position. She explained that interviews were held for the top 10 candidates and staff was recommending the hire of Julie Hanson to the position of Deputy Clerk for the City of Arden Hills at Pay Grade 10, Step 4 and PTO at a level of 12 years contingent upon satisfactory reference checks. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to appoint Julie Hanson to the position of Deputy Clerk for the City of Arden Hills at Pay Grade 10, Step 4 and PTO at the 12 year level, contingent upon satisfactory reference checks. The motion carried (5-0). 10. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Holmes discussed the recent Supreme Court decision regarding the Fair Housing Act of 1968. She stated that while cities may not intentionally discriminate with regard to housing, she believed that the City has made the right decision with regard to low- income/subsidized housing on TCAAP. Councilmember Holmes noted that she would not be able to participate in Night to Unite on cn August 4 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 29, 2015 9 Councilmember Holmes indicated that she would not be able to attend the Planning Commission meeting on August 51h Councilmember Woodburn commented that he would be able to attend the August 5th Planning Commission meeting. Councilmember Holden asked how the City created its consultant list. Public Works Director Maurer stated that the City created a list prior to his coming to the City and this list has been used during his tenure. Councilmember McClung indicated that the Lake Johanna Fire Department would have 24 hour staffing at two of the four stations as of July 1St. He reported that this would reduce response times for fires and emergency situations in the City of Arden Hills, Shoreview and North Oaks. Councilmember Woodburn questioned why the fire department was responding to non-medical emergencies. Councilmember McClung discussed the fire department's protocol noting that all personnel were trained as EMT's. He stated that he would rather see the City over respond to emergency situations, rather than under-respond. Councilmember Holden provided comment regarding the history of the fire department and noted that the department was evolving over time to respond to medial emergencies. Mayor Grant indicated that the Ramsey County Sheriff has made the City aware of a fraudulent activity taking place via telephone. He encouraged residents to be aware of this scam. ADJOURN MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Woodburn seconded a motion to adiourn. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 8:53 in Amy Dietl David Grant City Clerk Mayor