Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-14-15-R lt ,- VEEN HILLS Approved: October 12, 2015 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 14,2015 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 Fran Holmes, Dave McClung, and Robert Woodburn Absent: Councilmember Brenda Holden(excused) Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Director of Finance and Administrative Services Sue Iverson; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; and Deputy Clerk Julie Hanson PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Grant requested Item 6D be pulled from the Consent Agenda for discussion under Pulled Consent Item 7A. MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Woodburn seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL Richard Wenzel, 1931 Noble Road, reported that he attended the Council's last meeting where he discussed his frustrations with the City's street improvement project. He stated that Public Works Director Maurer did come to his home the day after the meeting, but the project supervisor did not. He explained that City Staff stopped just short of accusing him of lying about the situation on his property. Mr. Wenzel indicated that he watched the Public Inquiries/Information portion of the last City Council meeting again and believed that his statements regarding the concerns on his property were fair and accurate. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 2 Mayor Grant understood that Mr. Wenzel had a list of concerns at his property. He reported that he was interested in meeting Mr. Wenzel's needs at this time. He requested comment from staff regarding the property at 1931 Noble Road. Public Works Director Maurer discussed the status of the property at 1931 Noble Road. He explained he met with Mr. Wenzel after the last City Council meeting and did not feel it was necessary to bring the project superintendent. He recalled that there were three issues of concern, with the first being the small area of bituminous base that is rutted near the stop sign. He explained that the pavement had been marked and would be corrected before the final lift was placed on the roadway. He reported that the invisible fencing issue had been resolved by the time he visited the property as the contractor had told Mr. Wenzel to have it repaired and the contractor (Valley Paving) would pay the bill. There was one area of concern still on the property which is turf issues. He indicated that Assistant City Engineer Anderson met with Mr. Wenzel and reported that when the turf contractor was onsite he would meet with Mr. Wenzel to address the grading and soil concerns. Mr. Wenzel discussed the number of his neighbors that have concerns with the street improvement project. He did not believe that the base was prepared correctly which has caused cracks to form already in the roadway surface. He did not want to see a patch simply put over the cracking at the stop sign, but rather wanted the subsurface issues to be addressed. Public Works Director Maurer explained that the area needing repair near the stop sign would be dug up, the base would be addressed and a patch would be placed over the surface prior to the wear course being put in place. 3. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS A. Ramsey County Sheriff's Office Update Ramsey County Sheriff Bostrom thanked the Council for their time. He provided an update on the activity taking place in the County. He discussed the positive outcomes from the Coffee with the Cop program that was being held on a monthly basis with Deputy Officers. He provided comment on how the Sheriff's Department was working to address drug issues within the County. He noted two forums would be held in the County to address this matter. The first forum would be held on October 8t' at North High School and the second would be held on October from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Mounds View High School. A prescription drug collection would be held at both events to encourage residents to clean out their medicine cabinets. Ramsey County Sheriff Bostrom stated another important issue within his department was the vision for policing in America. He explained the Sheriffs in Minnesota would be taking input regarding what was going well, what needed work and how the community could become involved in policing. He reported he would be coming back to the City to gain input regarding these matters and would also be holding some Town Hall meetings to gather feedback from the community. Ramsey County Sheriff Bostrom discussed the presentencing detention system in place within Ramsey County. He was pleased to report that email was now being offered for inmates which ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 3 allowed for secure messaging in a more timely manner. He explained that FAQ's were now being managed within Ramsey County's phone system which assisted with handling a large portion of questions regarding inmates. Ramsey County Sheriff Bostrom encouraged the Council and all Arden Hills' residents to visit Fright Fest as this was the department's largest fundraiser. He reported that all proceeds assisted with funding the DARE program and the school safety programs. He thanked the City Council for their continued support and he was proud to continue serving this community. Councilmember Woodburn asked if the rise in homicides throughout the nation due to less aggressive policing was a concern in Ramsey County. Ramsey County Sheriff Bostrom explained he has heard of this concern, however, he did not believe this to be the case in Ramsey County. He discussed the recent thank you's he has received from members of the community. He then provided comment on the highly qualified staff that surrounded him within his department. Councilmember Woodburn questioned if the City would require additional patrols upon the development of TCAAP. Ramsey County Sheriff Bostrom anticipated this would depend on the type of property that developed within TCAAP. He believed that the department would continue to evaluate the situation as the site developed. Councilmember Woodburn inquired if the commercial retail within Arden Hills required additional policing. Ramsey County Sheriff Bostrom commented that most major retailers and their needs for police services were quite predictable. Councilmember McClung stated he has not received a call in over a year from residents regarding police visibility in the City. He thanked the Sheriff's Department for the great work they do in the community to keep Arden Hills' residents safe. Mayor Grant discussed a recent ride along that he did with two different officers. He enjoyed this experience and encouraged the rest of the Council to take advantage of this opportunity. 4. STAFF COMMENTS A. Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) Update Community Development Director Hutmacher stated on June 29, 2015, the City of Arden Hills submitted the TCAAP Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) to all affected jurisdictions including Ramsey County, MnDOT, the Rice Creek Watershed District, the Mounds View School District, and the cities of Shoreview, Roseville, New Brighton, and Mounds View. The 60-day comment period for affected jurisdictions expired on September 1, 2015. Comments were received from every affected jurisdiction except for the cities of Shoreview and New Brighton. All ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 4 comments received were forwarded to the Metropolitan Council on September 2, 2015, for its 60- day review period. Staff expected to hear back from Met Council sometime in early November. B. Joint Development Authority Update Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the TCAAP Joint Development Authority meeting was scheduled for Monday, September 14, 2015, 5:30 pm in the Council Chambers. She reported Lee Merhkens and Beth Engum provided the JDA with presentations. C. State of The City Update Community Development Director Hutmacher stated two State of the City events will be held this year: • Tuesday, September 29, 6:30 to 8:00 pm at City Hall, and • Thursday, October 1, 7:30 to 9:00 am at Flaherty's Arden Bowl. Community Development Director Hutmacher reported Councilmembers will give presentations covering Rice Creek Commons/TCAAP, development projects, transportation improvements, and more. Arden Hills businesses and residents are encouraged to attend one of the events (the presentations will be the same at both events.) D. Transportation Update Public Works Director Maurer reported work continues on the Highway 96 and I35-W interchange. Traffic has been shifted to the north side of the bridge and re-rod cages were being erected for the center pier. Public Works Director Maurer explained the County Road F bridge was progressing. The abutment in Arden Hills was nearing completion and the center pier would be poured shortly. He discussed how traffic has been rerouted to address school traffic concerns. Public Works Director Maurer commented the County Road E bridge was substantially complete and the contractor has begun to work on the signals. He noted minor cleanup work was needed. He stated the County Road E roadway improvements were also nearing completion. Public Works Director Maurer indicated the PMP Venus neighborhood curb pour should be completed on Thursday of this week. He anticipated that the neighborhood would have asphalt within 3 to 4 weeks. Public Works Director Maurer stated the County recently milled and overlaid Lexington Avenue from Highway 96 to County Road 1. He anticipated the roadway would be restriped in the near future. Mayor Grant believed that the County Road E bridge was in need of lighting. It was his opinion that this was a safety issue and requested that staff come back to the Council with quotes to place lighting on this bridge. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 5 Councilmember Holmes thanked Assistant City Engineer Anderson and Kristie Elfering for attending her neighborhood picnic on Labor Day. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. August 17, 2015, City Council Work Session MOTION: Councilmember McClunjj moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve the Aullust 17, 2015, City Council Work Session meeting minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). 6. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll B. Motion to Approve County Road E/Pine Tree Drive Improvements Payment#5 C. Motion to Approve 2015 Pavement Management Program (PMP) Pay Estimate #4 D. Motion tt Accept Publ e W, rks Di ,to f/city igineef's Refi ... .,... 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 (4-0). 7. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS A. Accept Public Works Director/City Engineer's Retirement Mayor Grant expressed his appreciation to Public Works Director Maurer for his years of service to the City of Arden Hills. He discussed the hiring process that would have to be conducted in order for the Council to hire a new Public Works Director/City Engineer, in addition to the City Administrator. MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember McClunjZ seconded a motion to accept Public Works Director/City Engineer's Retirement effective October 2, 2015. The motion carried (4-0). 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) Development Discussion Opportunity for Residents Mayor Grant stated under the Public Hearing section, citizens would have an opportunity to discuss ideas regarding the Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) development. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:57 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:58 p.m. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 6 B. Adopting and Confirming Quarterly Special Assessment For Delinquent Utilities Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated delinquent utility amounts are certified to Ramsey County quarterly. A list of utility accounts with a delinquent balance was compiled and notices dated August 6, 2015, were mailed. These customers were informed of their delinquent status and were asked to make payment of the delinquent balance by September 2, 2015. Utility accounts with an unpaid delinquent balance after September 2, 2015, would be certified to Ramsey County to be added to property taxes payable in 2016. The certification amount is equal to the unpaid delinquent balance plus an eight percent penalty. It was noted the City will request that Ramsey County levy the delinquent balances against the respective properties. Staff recommended that the Council hold a public hearing and confirm the quarterly special assessments for delinquent utilities. Councilmember Holmes asked if the penalty amount could be increased. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson reported the 8% penalty rate was set by statute and noted the City also charged a late fee. Mayor Grant commented that residents could always sign up for electronic payment of their utility bills with the City. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson discussed the electronic payment options available to Arden Hills' residents. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 8:00 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 8:01 p.m. MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2015-040, Certifying the Delinquent Utility Accounts to Ramsey County. The motion carried (4-0). 9. NEW BUSINESS None. 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Grant stated that the City's website has a method to allow residents to report a concern. He requested that these concerns be passed along to the Mayor, along with any concerns that have been brought to staff over the past few months. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 14, 2015 7 Councilmember McClung requested this information be passed along to the entire City Council. Mayor Grant discussed his ride along with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department. He encouraged all Councilmembers to complete a ride along. Mayor Grant indicated last week he toured the Ramsey County 911 Dispatch Center and noted he was a member of the 911 Dispatch Committee. He was impressed by the technology and systems in place within the dispatch center. ADJOURN MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to adiourn. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). Mayor Grant ad'ourned the regular City Council meeting at 8:09 .m. J ie Hanson David Grant eputy Clerk Mayor