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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-10-11-R lt �- I"EN HILLS Approved: November 14 2011 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 10,2011 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 City Council Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant; Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes,Nick Tamble and Ed Werner. Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; City Planner Meagan Beekman; Parks & Recreation Manager Michelle Olson; City Attorney Jerry Filla; and Deputy Clerk Rebecca Brazys 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Holmes requested that Item 4E be pulled from the Consent Agenda. MOTION: Counilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded the motion to approve the agenda as amended. The motion carried unanimously iLq 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL A. TCAAP/Stadium Proposal Update Community Development Director Hutmacher reported that Metropolitan Councilmembers, staff, and consultants toured the TCAAP site on Monday, September 26. City Administrator Klaers and Ms. Hutmacher also participated in the tour which was led by Mike Fix, U.S. Army Commander's Representative. The Metropolitan Council continues to work on the stadium risk assessment report requested by the Governor. The report is tentatively scheduled to be completed on October 15. A release schedule has not yet been announced. ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETNG—OCTOBER 10, 2011 2 Public Inquiries Gregg Larson, 3377 N Snelling, expressed his opposition to the proposed Vikings Stadium and referred to the fact that Arden Hills was recently named one of the best cities to live in by Money Magazine. He stated that the City doesn't need the stadium and the cost to Ramsey County residents for the stadium is excessive. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. September 12, 2011, Regular Council Meeting MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded the motion to approve the September 12, 2011 minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). 4. CONSENT AGENDA A. Claims and Payroll B. Motion to Approve Resolution 2011-050 Appointing Janet Stodola to the City of Arden Hills Planning Commission as Alternate. C. Approve Resolution 2011-049: Accepting Work Completed, Starting Two-Year Warranty and Authorizing Final Payment for the 2010 Pavement Management Program to T.A. Schifsky and Sons, Inc., in the Amount of$10,507.82. D. Motion to approve Payment #3 to Astech Corporation, of St. Cloud, Minnesota, in the amount of$317,357.47 for the 2011 Pavement Management Program. E. Metion to Approve-Or—mane. 2011 nno teCi� r r czzvrrv��xizcir�i�- y -�rCcmicrxccix - 1 -0din1i}Ee—as 13esekt@criirthe vct6bcr- 1�,-201rzcpvrc—c9 the City1.7 F. Motion to Approve Planning Case 11-016 — Approval of Arden Plaza, LLC Development Agreement G. Motion to Approve the Appointment of the Following Individuals to the Website Ad Hoc Committee: Councilmember Nick Tamble; Sam Scott, Planning Commission; Arlene Mitchell, Communications Committee; Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director; Meagan Beekman, City Planner. MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Tamble seconded a motion to Approve the Consent Agenda as amended and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 5. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS E. Approve Ordinance 2011-009, amending the City's Maintenance of the Right-of- Way Ordinance, as presented in the October 10, 2011, report to the City Council. Approve publication of a summary of Ordinance 2011-009. ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETNG—OCTOBER 10, 2011 3 City Planner Beekman explained that at their December 20, 2010 Work Session, the Council directed Staff to produce a right-of-way (ROW) ordinance that addresses the rights and responsibilities of residents, as well as the City, in the maintenance of the boulevards that separate roadways and adjacent properties. City Planner Beekman stated that the current ROW ordinance is in Chapter 3 and does not specify regulations for the maintenance of the ROW by adjacent property owners. Chapter 7 includes some regulations pertaining to the planting of trees in the ROW, but details are vague causing confusion. Chapter 7 also outlines a permitting process for homeowners to plant trees in the ROW; however, this process is largely not followed by property owners. City Planner Beekman further explained that at the July 18, 2011, Council Work Session, staff presented a draft of a new section of Chapter 3 that would address the concerns raised at the December meeting. Council discussed the ordinance, suggested revisions, and directed Staff to bring the item back to a regular Council meeting. City Planner Beekman stated that Councilmember Holmes had contacted her to review the ordinance amendments presented to Council in the packet for tonight's meeting. Based on that discussion, changes in the recommended revisions to the ROW Maintenance Ordinance are: • 360.30 Subd. 1 —amend last line to read: also called a"boulevard" (Page 3-11) • 360.30 Subd. 3.0 and 3.1) — amend "right-of-way adjacent to their property" to read: "boulevard between their property and the improved portion of the right-of-way" (Pages 3- • 13 and 3-14). City Planner Beekman stated the staff s recommendation is for a motion to Approve Ordinance 2011-009, amending the City's Maintenance of the Right-of-Way Ordinance as presented in the October 10, 2011, report to the City Council, as amended by the Staff presentation. And a motion to Approve Publication of a Summary of Ordinance 2011-009. Councilmember Holmes explained that she spoke with City Planner Beekman in an effort to "tighten up" some of the terms for consistency. Councilmember Holden asked what impact this has on residents. City Planner Beekman responded that all boulevard trees will be the responsibility of the adjacent property owners. This ordinance amendment clarifies who is responsible for boulevard trees and other items in the right-of-way. Councilmember Holden asked who will be responsible for the diseased trees previously identified by the City. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson responded that those trees have already been removed from the right-of-way. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded the motion to Approve Ordinance 2011-009, amending the City's Maintenance of ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETNG—OCTOBER 10, 2011 4 the Right-of-Way Ordinance, as presented in the October 10, 2011, report to the City Council, as amended by the Staff Presentation. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded the motion to Approve Publication of a Summary of Ordinance 2011-009. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS None 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Floral Park No Parking Discussion Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson explained that earlier this summer, staff received a request from Rick Morphew, an Arden Hills resident who lives at 1514 Arden Vista Court to change the No Parking on Royal Lane from the north side of the road to the south side of the road. Mr. Morphew indicates that he is concerned for the safety of pedestrians walking from parked cars to Floral Park due to the curve of the road and limited visibility for vehicles. • Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that staff researched the history of the No Parking at this park. Public Works staff indicated that it was their recollection that the No Parking was placed on the north side in order to prevent the hazard of children running down the hill and going between parked cars. After researching the park files, staff was able to locate correspondence between a neighbor and the City in 1994 that explains how the No Parking restriction began. A letter was written on May 19, 1994 by Sarah Rhude, who lived in the neighborhood at that time. The letter requested a reduction in organized baseball games and the addition of parking restrictions on Royal Drive and Floral Drive to alleviate safety concerns. Originally, parking was allowed on both sides of the road along Royal Drive. This resident stated in her letter that this caused safety issues for both pedestrians and vehicles due to the limited visibility on Royal Lane. Ms. Rhude met with the Parks and Recreation Director to discuss her concerns. The Director brought a recommendation to the May 27, 1994, City Council meeting for approval. The recommendation was to limit parking to only the south side of the road on Royal Lane and Floral Drive and posting No Parking restrictions along the north side of the road (park frontage). The reasoning for this choice was to keep the entrance of the park visible and also to keep pedestrians from walking into the road from between cars. The Council approved the recommendation on the consent calendar with no discussion. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson further explained that the No Parking restriction has been in place on the north side since that time. A cursory review by staff indicates no known problems with the current restrictions since they were implemented in 1994. One concern that has been noted by park staff has been that pedestrians and bicyclists utilizing the park walk down the hill • and steps to leave the park. If vehicles park on the north side of the road, pedestrians would walk between parked cars to leave the park, causing visibility issues. ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETNG—OCTOBER 10, 2011 5 Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that staff brought this item to the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee (PTRC) for discussion at their September 20, 2011 meeting. Mr. Morphew attended that meeting to present his concerns. After discussing this item, the PTRC made a motion to recommend to the City Council that the parking for Floral Park on Royal Lane and Floral Drive be changed from the south side to the north side (park frontage) of the road and to provide "no parking" for a reasonable pick-up/drop-off distance at the recommendation of the Public Works Director/City Engineer. The Public Works Director and Parks and Recreation Manager met on site and identified an approximate seventy (70) foot area directly in front of the park entrance for the drop off/pick up zone and also identified a small ten(10) foot area directly in front of the walking trail to be identified as "no parking" for access purposes. The PTRC felt this drop-off and pick-up area would minimize pedestrians from walking down the hill between parked cars. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson also explained that Staff reviewed the recommendation and feels some additional changes will be needed to allow parking on the north side of the road. There is a perennial garden on the hill along the park frontage that covers approximately 85 feet. This area has a relatively steep slope extending to the curb. If parking is allowed along the north side, passengers exit their vehicles directly into the garden and into the steep hill. Staff recommends that if parking is allowed on the north side of the road, that the garden (or a portion of the garden) is removed and in addition, a retaining wall be considered for a portion of the hill along the park frontage, depending on degree of slope in order to create an area sufficient for unloading and parking. In addition, the yellow paint along the curb will need to be removed. The Public Works staff recommends sand blasting. This is not a method our crew has the capability • of completing and therefore, would need to be contracted to an outside vendor. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that the action requested of the Council this evening is to approve a motion to support or deny the PTRC recommendation to change the parking restrictions (No Parking) on Floral Drive and Royal Lane from the north side (park frontage) to the south side of the road with the exception of an approximate seventy (70) foot area directly in front of the park entrance and a small ten (10) foot area directly in front of the walking trail. Councilmember Holden asked if there has been a cost estimate prepared for this change. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson responded that she has not yet done a cost estimate. Public Works Director Maurer explained that he had advised Ms. Olson not to do a cost estimate until there was more direction from the Council. He added that he doesn't anticipate that the change would be made until next spring. Councilmember Holden asked if there have been any accidents reported in this area. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that the Ramsey County Sheriff's deputy she spoke with did not recall any accidents in the area and was not aware of any problems. Councilmember Holden questioned what the other neighbors think of this proposal. ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETNG—OCTOBER 10, 2011 6 Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that staff had heard from one other resident who lives next to Floral Park, but he was more concerned with the number of cars parking in the area than where they park. Mayor Grant asked if there are any plans for a traffic study of the area. Public Works Director Maurer stated he does not believe that the traffic is a big problem. People generally drive slower in the area because of the park. But an argument could be made either way as far as the parking issue. Councilmember Holden questioned when the City Council would be getting the reevaluation of City streets. Public Works Director Maurer stated they will be on next Monday's Work Session agenda. Councilmember Holden suggested this matter be tabled and reviewed along with or after the discussion on City streets. Councilmember Tamble stated that it makes sense to move the traffic to the north side which would allow more line of vision. Parking should not be allowed near the corner of Royal Drive and Floral Park. • Councilmember Werner commented that the PTRC voted unanimously to support this change. Councilmember Holmes stated she would be interested in hearing the comments of the residents in this area. She also questioned if we should have no-parking zones on both sides of the street. She stated she would like to have more information. Mayor Grant commented that this needs to be thought out carefully. He also wants to hear from the rest of the neighborhood. This is not a time-critical issue and there might be an opportunity to tie this in with the PMP project. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded the motion to defer this to an upcoming work session with additional information. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None 9. COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Grant reported the following: • He attended the grand opening at Northwestern College for their new Billy Graham • Student Life Center and the groundbreaking ceremony for Presbyterian Homes. • He also attended the Roseville Area Schools, District 623, Early Childhood Center grand opening. ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETNG—OCTOBER 10, 2011 7 • The City of St. Paul Homeless Advisory Board is holding a workshop on November 1. • • The US Department of Commerce Census Report to cities will be sent out by October 24. • He presented an article from the Urban Planning magazine regarding the financing of economic development for cities. Councilmember Werner stated he also attended the Presbyterian Homes groundbreaking ceremony. Councilmember Holden stated the Communications Committee would like to upgrade the paper and color process for the City's monthly newsletter at a cost of $35 per month, which will be brought forward for the 2012 budget. The committee will continue to negotiate with our printer to see if they can get that price reduced. Councilmember Holden stated she recently read about a project the City of Shoreview was working on utilizing state funds and asked if Arden Hills would have access to such funds. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that she spoke to Shoreview and was advised that they were actually using funds from another Tax Increment Finance District (TIF). The legislature recently authorized cities to use funds from one TIF District for use in another TIF District for a limited time during the economic recovery. Councilmember Holden reported that the recent Taste of Northwest event raised $25,000. • Councilmember Holmes reported the following: • She attended the Northwestern College ribbon-cutting ceremony. • The Library Friends will hold their annual book sale at the Roseville library October 12 — 16. • October 29 is the grand opening for the New Brighton library. ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Tamble seconded a motion to adiourn to a Work Session. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:50 p.m. Patrick Klaers David Grant City Administrator Mayor •