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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-18-R ADEN HILLS Approved: March 12, 2018 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS,MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 12,2018 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 Steve Scott Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Dave Perrault; Public Works Director/City Engineer Sue Polka; City Planner Matthew Bachler; City Attorney Joel Jamnik; and City Clerk Julie Hanson PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Grant requested the Council amend the agenda adding Item 6K to the Consent Agenda. MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL Richard Wenzel, 1931 Noble Road, expressed concern about the property at 3415 Lake Johanna Boulevard noting the owners had moved a garage onto this property with no permit or variance. He explained the Planning Commission had recommended denial of a variance request for the garage and he would like to see the City take action. City Planner Bachler reported the City had followed up with the property owner and he had until April 1, 2018, to have the garage removed from the property. He commented the property owner was given additional time to remove the garage given the fact it was winter. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 12, 2018 2 Tim Graff, 3753 New Brighton Road, commented on the lot split being proposed for the property at 3685 New Brighton Road. He explained his family moved to Arden Hills two and a half years ago after searching for a property with wide open spaces. He stated his family loves their property and home as it is surrounded by woods, wildlife and wetland. He feared the new homes would impact the surrounding wetlands. He indicated he opposed the proposed lot split as it would take away from the neighborhood for the gain of a few. He reported there were a large number of children in his neighborhood and he requested the Council consider installing a trail or sidewalk segment to Perry Park along New Brighton Road. Lastly, he expressed concern with the speed of traffic along New Brighton Road. ! Mayor Grant explained Arden Hills has a Parks and Trail Committee that sets priorities for the City's trail segments. He clarified that New Brighton Road was a County Road and not a City street. He noted the County sets the speed limit for this roadway. Council Member Holden requested staff speak with the County to see if there could be a speed reduction on New Brighton Road. She asked that a crosswalk also be considered for this roadway. Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka stated she would speak with the County. Mayor Grant reported the Council would be reviewing the lot split request on Monday, March 12, 2018. Joe Federer, 3695 New Brighton Road, addressed the proposed lot split of 3685 New Brighton Road. He noted he sent an email to the Council regarding his concerns. He explained this lot was U-shaped and would become three lots. He expressed concern with the number of trees that would be lost from this parcel and feared how the wetlands would be impacted. He did not believe it was keeping in line with the neighborhood to have three homes on one parcel. He commented on the proposed maintenance plan for the stormwater basin and believed it was sketchy. He did not believe it was in the City's best interest to have a private homeowner responsible for maintaining and rebuilding this stormwater basin. He questioned how the basin would be rebuilt by a private party in 30 to 40 years when it failed. He reported 78% of the trees on the lot would be removed, which would dramatically impact the site. He commented on how additional driveways along Thom Drive would increase traffic and could become a safety concern. He encouraged the Council to not support the proposed lot split. Mayor Grant stated for the record he received Mr. Federer's email. Ivan Gilbert, 3707 New Brighton Road, stated he wanted to address the Council regarding the proposed lot split at 3685 New Brighton Road. He indicated the real concern he had was with the 1 fact the property owner had already sold one of the lots prior to the lot split even being approved by the City of Arden Hills. He questioned if the concerns being voiced by the neighbors would even be heard. City Attorney Jamnik reported it was not uncommon for developers to offer options or purchase agreements that were conditioned on a plat being approved. He explained a closing or transfer on the property could not occur until the subdivision was approved by the City. He advised any monies exchanged for the proposed purchase would be at the risk of the Purchaser. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 12, 2018 3 Eric Sanford, 3731 New Brighton Road, stated he agreed with the comments raised by his neighbors and he also opposed the lot split at 3685 New Brighton Road. He explained he loved his neighborhood and would be sad to see the density changed. He commented that an even less impressive proposal came before the City in 2006 for this property and was denied by the City. He indicated he did not trust the developer and encouraged the City to deny the lot split request. 3. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS A. Mayoral Proclamation in Recognition of Susan Cathey and Mary Nosek, Communications Committee Members Mayor Grant read two proclamations in full for the record recognizing Susan Cathey and Mary Nosek for their years of dedicated service to the Communications Committee and Arden Hills Notes. He presented the proclamations to Ms. Cathey and Ms. Nosek. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. 4. STAFF COMMENTS A. Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) and Joint Development Authority(JDA)Update City Administrator Perrault provided an update on TCAAP stating the JDA meeting for February was canceled. He reported the group would meet again on Monday, March 5. He explained the optimization study was now complete by the Army and was on the PCA website. He reported this document was being reviewed by the County and developer. Staff did not anticipate any changes would occur to the development based on the results of the study. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. January 16, 2018 City Council Work Session B. January 16, 2018 City Council Work Session (Closed Session) C. January 22, 2018 City Council Regular Councilmember Holmes requested a change to the January 16, 2018, work session minutes and q stated she would provide the City Clerk with her request. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to approve the January 16, 2018, City Council Work Session meeting minutes as amended, January 16, 2018, City Council Work Session (Closed Session) meeting minutes; and January 22, 2018, Regular City Council meeting minutes. The motion carried unanimously(5-0). 6. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll B. Motion to Approve Hiring and Termination Policy C. Motion to Approve Lake Johanna Fire Department Capital Expenditures ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 12, 2018 4 D. Motion to Approve Professional Services Agreement with WSB and Associates for Engineering and Other Support Services E. Motion to Approve Resolution 2018-010 Accepting a Joint Powers Agreement with Ramsey County GIS Users Group F. Motion to Approve Ramsey County Cooperative Agreement—County Road F G. Motion to Approve Findings of Fact and Decision Regarding Application for Site Plan Review at 1504 Edgewater Avenue in Planning Case 17-028 H. Motion to Approve Rice Creek Watershed District Maintenance Agreement for Stormwater Management Facilities—3930 and 3928 Northwoods Drive I. Motion to Approve Resolution 2018-012 Approving Purchase of Recycling Carts and Replacement Parts from Cascade Engineering J. Motion to Approve Resolution 2018-013 Approving LG230 Application to Conduct Off-Site Gambling for Merrick, Inc. at Flaherty's K. Motion to Accept the Resignation of Accounting Analyst and Authorization to Post for this Position Mayor Grant wished the City's Accounting Analyst well in her new position. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember McClung 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. County Road F Improvements • Resolution 2018-011 Ordering the Improvements and Approving Plans and Specifications Prepared by Ramsey County Pursuant to the Cooperative Agreement Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka stated Ramsey County has completed the design of the County Road F Improvements between Lexington Avenue and Hamline Avenue. The project includes widening County Road F, intersection improvements at County Road F and Innovation Way, a trail along the south side of the roadway, and City watermain replacement between Hamline Avenue and Innovation Way. Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka reported on November 27, 2017, the City Council adopted Resolution 2017-045, accepting the feasibility report for the project. On January 8, 2018, the City Council adopted Resolution 2018-004 ordering the Public Hearing to be held on February 12, 2018. Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka explained in November of 2017, the City Council accepted the feasibility report which outlines the proposed improvements and financing for the ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 12, 2018 5 County Road F improvements. Two properties are proposed to be assessed for traffic signal and intersection improvements — Land 0' Lakes and Boston Scientific. Staff has provided each property owner with the Feasibility Report and has conducted several meetings with the affected parties. The total project cost outlined in the feasibility report is approximately $200,000 lower than the current estimate due to plan revisions between 60%design and final design. Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka reported a portion of the City cost is proposed to be assessed to the Land 0' Lakes and Boston Scientific properties. The assessment method laid out in the Feasibility Report has 100%of the cost of the traffic signal evenly split between the two properties, with the turn lanes associated with the Land 0' Lakes project being assessed to them as well per their development agreement with the City. Staff anticipates further discussions between and among the parties to revise and reach agreement on the final cost share allocation for the traffic signal costs. Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka commented the purpose of the Public Hearing is to approve plans and specifications prepared by Ramsey County and to order the improvements as required by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 429 for projects that include special assessments. Mayor Grant clarified the plans and specifications for this project were drawn up by Ramsey County. Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka reported this was the case and noted the City's portion of the project would be bid out in separate line items. Councilmember Holden stated the last time the County worked on County Road F there were problems with the soil. She asked if enough borings have been completed to understand the soil conditions. Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka stated borings have been completed and this should not be a concern. Mayor Grant stated under the Public Hearing section, citizens would have an opportunity to discuss ideas regarding the TCAAP development. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:44 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:45 p.m. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #2018-011 Ordering the Improvements and Approving Plans and Specifications Prepared by Ramsey County Pursuant to the Cooperative Agreement. Councilmember Holden requested the signal timing at County Road F and Land O'Lakes be adjusted to meet the traffic needs. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 12, 2018 6 Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka commented that the signal timing will be adjusted. The motion carried (5-0). 9. NEW BUSINESS A. Resolution 2018-014 Approving Plans and Specifications and Authorizing Ad for Bids—2018 Old Snelling Trail and Watermain Project Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka stated final plans and specifications have been completed for the Old Snelling Trail from County Road E to Bethel Drive, Old Snelling Trail from Bethel Drive to County Road E2, County Road E2 Trail from Cleveland Avenue to New Brighton Road, and the Old Snelling/County Road E2 Watermain Loo Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka explained staff recommends bidding the Old Snelling Trail from Bethel Drive to County Road E2 and the watermain loop along Old Snelling Road as bid alternates. Staff recommends constructing the watermain replacement along CR E2 as there have been six breaks in this line since 2015. The watermain loop in Old Snelling Road is recommended to better feed the low-pressure system as with past watermain breaks, the system has to rely on temporary feeds from the high-pressure system (north of I694). Councilmember Holden asked if the City held neighborhood meetings for the proposed trails. Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka stated the City held two separate neighborhood meetings and noted adjustments were made to the plans based on public feedback received at these meetings. Councilmember Holmes requested further information regarding the cost breakdowns for each of the trails. Jim Stremel, WSB engineer for the project, provided the Council with a breakdown on the costs for each of the trails being proposed for completion. He noted one section was higher in price due to the need for retaining walls,the wetlands and storm sewer improvements required. Mayor Grant explained the different trail segments would be bid separately to allow the Council to consider which would be completed and which would not. Councilmember Holmes stated she did not support the completion of a trail from Bethel Drive to E2 given the high expense for the small segment. Councilmember McClung commented it was the City's goal to have a trail along this route whether now or at some point in the future. He indicated because of the topography of the land, this segment would be more expensive per foot than other trails in the City. He stated he was interested to see how the bids came in. Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka discussed how the County was allowing the City to use a portion of the shoulder for this trail segment to assist in reducing costs. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 12, 2018 7 Councilmember Holden questioned if the trail at Bethel Drive should be moved to the east side of the roadway given the fact there was crosswalk. She anticipated this may reduce costs. Mr. Stremel reported he had evaluated the trail being placed on the east side of the road and stated there would be similar impacts to the wetlands noting retaining walls would still be required. MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #2018-014 Approving Plans and Specifications and Authorizing Ad for Bids — 2018 Old Snelling Trail and Watermain Project. The motion carried (5-0). B. Communications Coordinator Temporary Hour Increase City Administrator Perrault stated it is being proposed to temporarily increase the Communications Coordinator's hours to forty hours per week for up to eight weeks. Assessing current workload with the website, increased Rice Creek Commons demand, and miscellaneous projects that the City would benefit from an increase in the Communications Coordinator's hours. The main drivers for the needed increase are the website platform upgrade, Rice Creek Commons and miscellaneous projects. City Administrator Perrault stated it should be noted that the Communications Coordinator continues to work on the newsletter, which accounts for about a quarter (or more) of their time. The administrative update is planning on being moved to the Communications Coordinator when possible, but still remains with the City Clerk Councilmember Scott asked if the Communications Coordinator would be able to accommodate the increased hours for up to eight weeks. City Administrator Perrault stated this was only a temporary increase and noted she could accommodate the increase hours. Councilmember Holden explained the Personnel Committee was split on this item. She stated the duties of the Communications Coordinator were going to be addressed by the Council at their upcoming retreat and for this reason, she supported the Council holding off on the increased hours until after the retreat was held. Mayor Grant asked if the hours could be pushed back to June and July versus March and April. City Administrator Perrault stated he would have to speak with the Communications Coordinator. Mayor Grant commented the Council would have to consider if they wanted to front load some of this work in order to get it completed. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 12, 2018 8 City Administrator Perrault reported the expense for the additional hours would cost the City $3,600 and he believed that staff has demonstrated the need for the additional work. He explained the work would be beneficial to the City. Councilmember Holden stated she would still like to wait to expand the hours until after the Council retreat was held. Councilmember McClung commented staff was not requesting a great deal of money for the extended hours, which was a plus for him. He noted the five items listed by staff would be nice to have completed, however he too supported the Council providing more direction to staff before work began on these tasks. Councilmember Holmes supported the extended hours beginning after the Council retreat as well. Councilmember Holden stated she could support the Communications Coordinator working on TCAAP and the website now. She recommended work on the other items be held off until after the Council retreat discussion. Councilmember Scott indicated he did not oppose the extended hours beginning right away given the amount of work the Communications Coordinator was facing with the website, the City newsletter and TCAAP communications. Mayor Grant proposed the Communications Coordinator be allowed to have six weeks of extended hours and that further consideration on the prescribed work list be given at the Council retreat. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve the temporary increase for the Communications Coordinators hours for up to six weeks for TCAAP and website development work. The motion carried (5-0). 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Scott stated last month he attended the League of Minnesota Cities conference for experienced officials. He discussed the sessions he attended during the event. Councilmember Scott noted he attended two neighborhood meetings last week for the upcoming street reconstruction projects. Councilmember Holmes commented Arden Hills was no longer in the running for the Amazon headquarters. She discussed the great press the Minneapolis/St. Paul area received from the Washington Post and the Star Tribune. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 12, 2018 9 Councilmember McClung stated he would not be able to attend the Council meeting on Monday, February 26. He indicated he would be late to the meeting on Tuesday, February 20. Councilmember Holden congratulated the Arden Hills Health Partners Clinic on their recent sock drive. Councilmember Holden commended Jim Tolaas with Ramsey County on a great career noting he worked for the County for over 43 years. She wished him well in his retirement. Councilmember Holden recommended the City draft a clarifying article in an upcoming newsletter regarding how the City manages snow removal. Councilmember Holden requested further information on how lot split requests from developers were reviewed by the City. City Planner Bachler explained these proposals were reviewed by himself, Public Works Director Polka, WSB and other agencies to ensure the plans meet all City requirements before being brought forward for consideration. Mayor Grant commented on the Amazon proposal and stated he was really pleased with how the document turned out. He was proud of the positive press the Twin Cities metro area received. Mayor Grant requested staff track the removal of the garage and fine the property owner for their actions. City Planner Bachler stated staff would be tracking the property owner to ensure the garage was removed by April 1, 2018. Mayor Grant reported he and Councilmembers Holden and Scott attended the grand opening for the new mental health facility that was opened by Health Partners and Regions Hospital at their Northwoods location. He believed that this new facility would be an asset to the community. ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:35 p.m. jeati J e Hanson David Grant C Clerk Mayor