HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-14-15-R ---AZE!EN HILLS
Approved: January 11, 2016
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 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 Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, and
Dave McClung
Absent: None
Also present: Acting City Administrator Sue Iverson; Community Development Director
Jill Hutmacher; Acting Public Works Director John Anderson; City Planner Ryan Streff;
Associate Planner Matthew Bachler; and City Clerk Amy Dietl
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Grant requested that Items 6C and 6D be removed from the Consent Agenda for further
discussion as Items 9C and 91)under New Business.
MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried
unanimously (4-0).
2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL
None.
3. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
A. Mayoral Proclamation in Recognition of Pam Sweeney, Customer Support
Representative
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 14, 2015 2
Mayor Grant read a proclamation recognizing Pam Sweeney for her 16+ years of dedicated
service to the City of Arden Hills as its Customer Support Representative. He presented Ms.
Sweeney with the proclamation and a plaque.
Councilmember McClung thanked Ms. Sweeney for being the first smile residents see when
they enter City Hall. He appreciated the service she provided to the City and wished her well in
her retirement.
Councilmember Holden thanked Ms. Sweeney for providing a warm welcome to each and every
resident that visited City Hall. She stated that Ms. Sweeney will be greatly missed.
Councilmember Holmes thanked Ms. Sweeney for representing Arden Hills and wished her well
in her retirement.
4. STAFF COMMENTS
A. Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) Update
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that there is no new information to report
at this time. It was noted that the December TCAAP Joint Development Authority meeting was
cancelled.
Councilmember Holden asked if staff had a copy of the Request for Proposal (RFP).
Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that staff had reviewed the RFP and
provided comments to the County. She anticipated that the draft document would be provided to
JDA members later this week.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. November 23, 2015, Special City Council Work Session
B. November 30, 2015, Regular City Council
MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a
motion to approve the November 23, 2015, special City Council work session
minutes; and the November 30, 2015, regular City Council meeting minutes as
presented. The motion carried unanimously (4-0).
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll
B. Motion to Approve the Cancellation of the December 28, 2015, Regular City
Council Meeting {�
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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 14, 2015 3
E. Motion to Approve Ordinance 2015-012 Adopting the 2016 Fee Schedule and
Authorizing the Publication of the Ordinance Summary
F. Motion to Approve 2016 Liquor License Renewals
G. Motion to Approve 2016 Tobacco License Renewals
H. Motion to Adopt Resolution 2015-051 Setting the 2016 Recycling Fee
1. Motion to Accept Proposal for Lift station 13 Rehabilitation
J. Motion to Approve County Road E/Pine Tree Drive Improvements—Change Order
No. 1 and Payment#6
K. Motion to Approve Master Partnership Agreement with MnDOT
L. Motion to Approve Regulatory Sign Replacement
M. Motion to Approve Stormwater Outfall Inspections and Pond Assessment
N. Motion to Approve Publishing a Summary of Ordinance 2015-011 (Accessory
Antennas Code Updates—Approved at 11/30/15 Meeting)
O. Motion to Approve Publishing a Summary of Ordinance 2015-010 (Window
Transparency Code Update—Approved at 11/30/15 Meeting)
P. Motion to Approve Publishing a Summary of Ordinance 2015-008 (Cable
Television Franchise—Approved at 11/30/15 Meeting)
Q. Motion to Approve Lake Johanna Direct Department Capital Expenditures
R. Motion to Accept Resignation of EDC Chair Steve Heikkila
MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a
motion to approve the Consent Calendar as amended, and to authorize
execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried
unanimously (4-0).
7. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
None.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Rice Creek Commons (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.
Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:12 p.m.
With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:13 p.m.
B. Truth-In-Taxation Hearing
Acting City Administrator Iverson discussed the City's proposed budget and tax levy for 2016.
She provided clarification on why residents' property taxes vary from year-to-year. She explained
that property taxes were impacted by market value changes, special assessments, voter approved
referendums, in addition to Ramsey County and school district increases.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 14, 2015 4
Acting City Administrator Iverson provided comment on the changing market values for 2016
in Arden Hills and how the median value home would be impacted by the shift. She encouraged
homeowners that had questions with their estimated market value to contact Ramsey County. The
City's tax history was reviewed along with a comparison of the Arden Hills' tax rate compared to
neighboring communities. She reported that the City was proposing a 3.5% tax levy increase
which was primarily made up of public safety cost increases and employee COLA. The general
fund revenues and expenditures were also discussed.
Staff reviewed the budget further with the Council and recommended comments be taken from the
public.
Councilmember Holden questioned why staffing in recreation was going up 25% in 2016.
Acting City Administrator Iverson explained that this was due to a reclassification of the Park
and Recreation position within the City.
Mayor Grant requested the gateway sign expenditure be removed from the budget.
Acting City Administrator Iverson stated that this has been removed from the 2016 budget.
Councilmember Holden asked why the City was proposing to spend more than it was bringing
in.
Acting City Administrator Iverson indicated that staff prepared the budget according to
conservative estimates for both revenues and expenditures.
Mayor Grant opened the Truth-In-Taxation hearing at 7:40 p.m.
Grant Wishart, 1424 Arden Oaks Drive, reported that he has lived in the City for the past 32
years. He is concerned with the substantial increase (12%) to the value of his home. He
understood that this would have to be discussed with the County.
Acting City Administrator Iverson encouraged Mr. Wishart to contact Ramsey County to
discuss his homes value. She discussed how the County uses home sale comparables to set
property tax increases.
Gregg Larson, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, discussed the proposed budget and tax levy. He
feared that the comparisons being made by staff between the City's tax rate to neighboring
communities is meaningless due to varying populations, property values and percentage of
commercial property. He encouraged staff to find other ways to demonstrate that the City's
finances are being managed responsibly. He questioned why the City has not taken advantage of
low bond rates in order to fund critical park and trail needs. He believed that this would have
been a positive fiscal step for the City. He was surprised that the City presented a critical need to
the public that has not been addressed in the past two years. He mentioned that the citizens were
not in favor of franchise fees, but were more in favor of property increases to build reserve funds.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 14, 2015 5
Mayor Grant understood that there is a difference between cities. He provided further comment
on the City's financial standing within the community. He stated that historically,the City has not
used bonding, but anticipated that this may change when TCAAP begins to develop.
Mayor Grant closed the Truth-In-Taxation hearing at 7:57 p.m.
C. Resolution 2015-050 Adopting and Confirming Quarterly Special Assessments
for Delinquent Utilities
Acting City Administrator Iverson stated that delinquent utility amounts are certified to Ramsey
County quarterly. A list of utility accounts with a delinquent balance was compiled and notices
dated November 12, 2015, were mailed. These customers were informed of their delinquent status
and were asked to make payment of the delinquent balance by December 9, 2015. Utility accounts
with an unpaid delinquent balance after December 9, 2015, will 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. A list of remaining delinquent utility accounts,
as of December 11, 2015, is reviewed by staff. The City will request that Ramsey County levy the
delinquent balances against the respective properties.
Staff recommended that the Council confirm the quarterly special assessments for delinquent
utilities.
Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:58 p.m.
With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:59 p.m.
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution #2015-050 — Adopting and Confirming Quarterly
Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities. The motion carried (4-0).
9. NEW BUSINESS
A. Adoption of the 2016 Budget and Tax Levy
• Approve the 2016-2020 CIP
• Resolution 2015-054 Adopting the Proposed 2016 Budget in the
Amount of$11,527,350
• Resolution 2015-055 Setting the Final Tax Levy for Taxes Payable in
2016 in the Amount of$3,478,775
Acting City Administrator Iverson reviewed the proposed 2016 budget and final tax levy with
the Council. She requested that the Council approve the 2016-2020 CIP, the proposed budget and
the final tax levy.
MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to approve the 2016-2020 CIP as presented.
Councilmember Holmes fully supported the CIP as presented.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 14, 2015 6
The motion carried (4-0).
Mayor Grant asked if there were any changes to the 2016 budget.
Councilmember Holden asked if one seasonal employee could be cut in order to reduce expenses
for the City.
Acting Public Works Director Anderson reported that the maintenance provided within the
City's parks was dependent upon both the equipment used and the number of Public Works
Department employees. He feared that if the number of staff was reduced this would adversely
impact the City parks. He discussed how the seasonal employees as well as department
employees had to pick up the slack this summer after one seasonal worker was let go.
Councilmember McClung asked how much of a salary savings the City would gain due to the
retirement of both the City Administrator and the Public Works Director. He indicated that he
could support a 3% levy increase and was hoping that the salary savings would cover the
difference.
Acting City Administrator Iverson estimated this to be $58,000; however the City had to pay
out severance for both employees. She anticipated that there would be only a $15,000 savings in
2015. She reported that the Council could see a savings in 2016 depending on when new
employees were hired.
Councilmember Holden stated that the sidewalk from Pine Tree Drive to Bethel University was
a priority and that the expense for this project had to be undertaken. She discussed how this
project justified the proposed levy increase.
Mayor Grant provided further comment on the payments the City would be receiving from
Bethel University for the sidewalk connection. He indicated that while he wants to reduce the
budget further,he did not see any areas where cuts could be made.
Councilmember Holden explained that the City has also been involved in a number of MnDOT
projects over the past two years which led the City into completing sidewalk and trail projects.
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution #2015-054 — Adopting the 2016 Budget in the
amount of$11,102,350. The motion carried 3-1 (McClung opposed).
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution #2015-055 — Setting the Final Lew for Taxes
(3.5%) Payable in 2016 in the amount of$3,478,775.
Councilmember McClung commented that while he wanted to make an amendment, he feared it
would not be supported by the remaining Councilmembers.
The motion carried 3-1 (McClung opposed).,
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 14, 2015 7
B. Motion to Approve Ordinance 2015-009 in Planning Case 15-023 (Public Use
Dedication Ordinance) and Motion to Approve Publishing a Summary of
Ordinance 2015-009
Associate Planner Bachler stated that development results in new residents and employees that
have an impact on a community's existing public infrastructure, such as streets, utilities, and
parks. Minnesota State law authorizes cities to require as part of a subdivision approval that a
reasonable portion of buildable land be dedicated to the public or preserved for public use
specifically for parks, recreational facilities, playgrounds, trails, wetlands, or open space. The
City's current public use dedication requirements are found in Chapter 11 — Subdivisions, Section
1130.08 of the City Code.
Associate Planner Bachler indicated that with the pending redevelopment of the former Twin
Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) site, City staff has been working with the City Attorney
to update the public use dedication requirements to ensure that sufficient resources will be
available for park development on TCAAP. Additionally, the update to the ordinance is meant to
clarify park dedication requirements throughout the City and to affirm that these requirements
may apply to redevelopment or reuse projects as well.
Associate Planner Bachler reported that the City Council reviewed the proposed amendments to
Section 1130.08 at their work session on November 16, 2015. City staff presented a summary of
the changes to the park dedication ordinance, which would be updated to include two
requirements for subdivision or development approval: a land dedication requirement and a park
development fee. The land dedication requirement would allow the City to acquire land for park,
trail, and open space purposes. The park development fee would enable the City to collect fees to
be used for park development and improvements.
Associate Planner Bachler explained that the City's financial advisor, Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers
and Associates, provided an analysis of the estimated costs for park acquisition and development
on TCAAP at the Work Session. The City Council and Ms. Kvilvang discussed an appropriate
park development fee amount to ensure sufficient funds are available to develop the parks and
open spaces shown on the TCAAP Regulating Plan. Following their discussion the City Council
directed staff to schedule the required public hearing for the ordinance at the Planning
Commission meeting on December 9, 2015, and to place the ordinance on the City Council
agenda for December 14, 2015.
Associate Planner Bachler commented that the Planning Commission raised several issues
during their discussion on the proposed ordinance. Staff forwarded these questions to the City
Attorney who has since provided a revised version of Ordinance 2015-009. One change was made
under Subdivision 1, Paragraph B replacing the word "Council" with "City" for the purpose of
consistency. Staff explained the Planning Commission reviewed Planning Case 15-023 at their
regular meeting on December 9, 2015, and recommended approval (5-1, Zimmerman) of the
proposed amendments to Section 1130.08 of the Arden Hills City Code, as presented in the
December 14, 2015 Report to the City Council.
Councilmember Holden asked if the recommendation had been reviewed by the City Attorney.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 14, 2015 8
Associate Planner Bachler reported that the City Attorney worked closely with staff to draft the
proposed ordinance.
Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that many cities are moving to a parks
and open space ordinance similar to the one being proposed by staff. She explained it was the
City Attorney's opinion that the ordinance as drafted gave the City the strongest hand in
addressing park dedication fees when compared to current State Statute.
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to adopt Ordinance #2015-009 — an Amendment to Section 1130.08 of
the Arden Hills City Code, as presented in the December 14, 2015 Report to
the City Council. The motion carried (4-0).
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a
motion to approve Publishing a Summary of Ordinance 2015-009. The
motion carried (4-0).
C. Adoption of the 2016 Employee Compensation Plan—Non-Union Employees
Mayor Grant did not believe that the Council should take action on this item this evening. He
was in favor of tabling action on this item to a future City Council work session.
MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to
table action on this item to the December 21, 2015, City Council work session.
The motion carried 3-1 (Holmes opposed).
D. Adoption of the 2016 City Contribution for Employee Benefits
Mayor Grant did not believe that the Council should take action on this item this evening. He
was in favor of tabling action on this item to a future City Council work session.
MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to
table action on this item to the December 21, 2015, City Council work session.
The motion carried 3-1 (Holmes opposed).
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
11. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Holmes discussed a recent article from the National League of Cities regarding
the governing of signs. She anticipated that the City would have to make a change to its sign code
in the future.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 14, 2015 9
Councilmember Holmes indicated that applications for the vacant City Council seat were due by
Tuesday, December 15, 2015. She noted that interviews will be held on January 11th and January
13th
Councilmember Holmes stated that she will be missing the December 21"work session.
Councilmember Holden reported that she attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for Olive Me
Chiropractic. At this event, she learned that the City was a member of the Twin Cities North
Chamber of Commerce. She encouraged the chamber president to come and speak to the City
Council.
Councilmember Holden requested that the Council discuss the creation of a Wellness
Committee at an upcoming work session.
Councilmember Holden asked if staff had an update on the City Administrator position.
Mayor Grant stated that he would speak to this topic. He indicated that the City has finished
vetting the candidates and that the Council will need to determine if it wanted to offer the position
to one of the candidates or pursue an Interim City Administrator. He recommended that the
Council discuss this matter in the near future at a special City Council meeting. He requested that
staff set up a meeting on December 28th.
Mayor Grant encouraged residents to apply for the open City Council position and noted that
applications were available online and that applications had to be delivered to City Hall by
December 15th. He understood that the City had three applicants at this time.
Mayor Grant commented that he recently traveled over the new County Road F bridge. He was
pleased by how the trail was completed and believed that the safety railings would greatly benefit
the students traveling to Mounds View High School.
Mayor Grant discussed an upcoming luncheon where the Employee of the Year would be
recognized.
Mayor Grant reported that there would be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Army National
Guard at 1536 Ben Franklin Street to commemorate the new training and community center on
Friday, January 8, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Councilmember Holden asked why residents were no longer able to recycle plastic bags.
City Planner Streff explained that the plastic bags are getting tangled up in the equipment at the
Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), and for this reason, the hauler has requested that plastic bags
no longer be placed in recycling carts.
Community Development Director Hutmacher encouraged homeowners to not put their
recyclables in a plastic bag and then toss the entire bag into the recycling cart. She stated that
many times, these bags are tossed into the garbage because employees at the plant do not have the
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 14, 2015 10
time to untie and sort these items. Rather, residents are encouraged to place their recyclables
directly into their recycling cart.
City Planner Streff clarified that it is acceptable to place brown paper bags in recycling bins, but
not tied plastic bags.
Community Development Director Hutmacher commented that staff will be drafting a
newsletter article addressing the do's and don'ts of recycling in order to keep the public informed
on the City's new system in hopes of reducing the overall recycling expense to the City.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to
adiourn. The motion carried unanimously (4-0).
aor Grant adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 8:49 p. .
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Amy Dietl David Grant
City Clerk Mayor