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Approved: September 24, 2018
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 10, 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; Finance Director Gayle Bauman; City Attorney Joel Jamnik; and City Clerk
Julie Hanson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Grant requested Item 8D be removed from the agenda stating a Public Hearing was not
required for the preliminary tax levy.
Mayor Grant requested Item 6E be added to the Consent Agenda Terminating the Employment
of Anthony Nolan.
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried
unanimously (5-0).
2. PUBLIC INQUIRIESANFORMATIONAL
None.
3. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES
None.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 10, 2018 2
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 met on Tuesday,
September 4 where the group reviewed the Preliminary Master Development Agreement and an
executive summary of this document. He explained the executive summary was approved on a 3-
2 vote with Commissioners Grant and McClung in opposition. He reported negotiations would
continue between the City, the County and the developer. He stated the JDA would meet next on
Wednesday, September 19.
B. State of the City Update
City Administrator Perrault reported two State of the City events will be held this year:
• Thursday, September 27, 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at the Tavern Grill restaurant
• Tuesday, October 2, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at City Hall
City Administrator Perrault explained 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).
Councilmember Holden explained she had received a request from the National Guard to discuss
the AHATS property at the State of the City meetings.
Mayor Grant stated he supported the National Guard giving a presentation at the State of the
City meetings.
Councilmember McClung commented he had a work conflict and may not be able to attend the
Thursday, September 27 State of the City meeting.
A. Transportation Update
Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka reported County Road F watermain work would be
completed on Wednesday and Phase II of the project would begin shortly thereafter.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka stated the Old Snelling Trail project was making
great strides and paving of the trail would begin on Tuesday, September 11. She noted work on
the final retaining was wrapping up and the project would be substantially complete in two weeks.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka commented the PMP was on schedule and
explained pipe work within the Indian Oaks neighborhood should be completed by the end of the
week.
Councilmember Holden stated she was happy to see the curbing and driveway aprons in place in
the Floral neighborhood within the PMP.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 10, 2018 3
Councilmember Scott asked if the final lift of asphalt within the PMP would be put down this
fall.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka commented the final lift would be completed in
the spring.
Mayor Grant indicated there were two signs near Valentine Hills Elementary School that have
black bags over them and inquired if staff was aware of this.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka explained these bags would remain in place until
the work on County Road E2 was completed.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. August 13, 2018, Special City Council Worksession
B. August 13, 2018, Regular City Council
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to approve the August 13, 2018, Special City Council Work Session
meeting minutes, and August 13, 2018, 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 Communications Coordinator Temporary Hours Increase
C. Motion to Approve Changer Order No. 2 and Payment No. 3 —Northwest Asphalt,
Inc. —2018 Street and Utility Improvement Project
D. Motion to Approve Payment No. 4 — Sunram Construction, Inc. — Old Snelling
Watermain and Trail Improvement Project
E. Termination of Employment for Anthony Nolan
MOTION: Councilmember Holden 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. Quarterly Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities
Finance Director Bauman stated water customers whose account is 90 days past due were
informed that the City intends to certify delinquent charges to Ramsey County to be collected with
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 10, 2018 4
property taxes. These customers have the right to a hearing in front of the City Council to discuss
this matter prior to certification.
Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:20 p.m.
With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:21 p.m..
B. Special Assessments for Abatement of Nuisance at 1870 Glen Paul Avenue
Finance Director Bauman stated on September 11, 2017, the Council approved Resolution
2017-031 ordering accelerated nuisance abatement of 1870 Glen Paul Avenue for excessive
vegetation growth not in compliance with City regulations. The resolution authorized the City to
have the necessary work completed to remediate the nuisance(s) and charge 125% of the cost of
the work, including administrative costs, back to the property owner. The charge to complete the
work plus administrative costs is $1,750 ($875.00 each time the nuisance required remediation).
Finance Director Bauman explained the property owner was notified by mail in a letter dated
July 10, 2018, and given thirty (30) days to remit payment. The letter also served as the notice of
this public hearing and informed the property owner of the option to make payment of the entire
special assessment without interest within 30 days after its adoption and if not paid within that
thirty (30) days, interest will accrue at 4.5% per annum. To date payment has not been received;
therefore, the City intends to certify these charges to Ramsey County to be collected with property
taxes. The property owner has the right to a hearing in front of the City Council to discuss this
matter prior to certification.
Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:21 p.m.
With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:22 p.m.
C. Special Assessment for False Alarm Charges
Finance Director Bauman stated the owner of the property located at 4354 Round Lake Road
was notified in a letter dated February 28, 2018, of three false alarm charges occurring in 2017.
Two of the three false alarm charges have been paid. The property owner was notified in a letter
dated August 3, 2018, regarding the remaining delinquent charge as well as the intent to hold a
public hearing on September 10. To date, payment has not been received; therefore, the City
intends to certify the delinquent charges for user fees to Ramsey County to be collected with taxes
due against the property on which the alarm system is installed. The property owner has the right
to a hearing in front of the City Council to discuss this matter prior to certification.
Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:23 p.m.
With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:24 p.m.
D. Preliminary Levy and Establish Truth-in-Taxation for Proposed Taxes
Payable in 2019
This item was removed from the agenda.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 10, 2018 5
9. NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolution 2018-053 Adopting and Confirming Quarterly Special Assessments
for Delinquent Utilities
Finance Director Bauman 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, 2018 were mailed. These customers were informed of their delinquent status and were
asked to make payment of the delinquent balance by September 5, 2018. Utility accounts with an
unpaid delinquent balance after September 5, 2018 would be certified to Ramsey County to be
added to property taxes payable in 2019. The certification amount is equal to the unpaid
delinquent balance plus an eight percent penalty. The list of remaining delinquent utility accounts,
as of September 5, 2018 was reviewed with the Council. The City will request that Ramsey
County levy the delinquent balances against the respective properties.
MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution #2018-053 — Adopting and Confirming Quarterly
Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities to Ramsey County. The motion
carried (5-0).
B. Resolution 2018-054 Adopting Special Assessments for Abatement of
Nuisance at 1870 Glen Paul Avenue
Finance Director Bauman stated the City Council held a public hearing regarding special
assessment certification of charges related to the nuisance abatement for this property.
MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution #2018-054 approving Special Assessments related
to Unpaid Nuisance Abatement Charges for the property located at 1870 Glen
Paul Avenue. The motion carried (5-0).
C. Resolution 2018-055 Adopting Special Assessments for False Alarm Charges
Finance Director Bauman stated the City Council held a public hearing regarding special
assessment certification of charges related to delinquent charges for user fees against the property
on which the alarm is installed.
MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution #2018-055 Approving and Confirming Special
Assessments related to Unpaid False Alarm Charges. The motion carried (5-
D. 2019 Tax Levy and Truth in Taxation
• Resolution 2018-056 Setting the Preliminary Levy for Taxes Payable in
2019
• Resolution 2018-057 Adopting Truth in Taxation Public Hearing Date
for Proposed Taxes Payable in 2019
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 10, 2018 6
Finance Director Bauman stated State law requires that cities certify their proposed property tax
levies to the county auditor by September 30th. The proposed tax levy that is given preliminary
approval may be lowered but cannot be increased. Therefore, it is important that the proposed tax
levy provides adequate revenues to finance the 2019 Budget. The City Council needs to decide the
maximum levy that it is willing to approve and then adopt. The final levy will be set in December
2018. It was noted a budget workshop was held with the Council on August 20, 2018. Staff
provided a brief presentation on the preliminary levy and noted staff was not directed to make any
changes to the proposed 2019 General Fund Budget at this time. The effect the levy would have
on the median value home was reviewed with the Council. It was noted there will be another
budget workshop in either October or November, prior to the final levy and budget adoption
meeting in December.
Mayor Grant asked how revenues were coming in for 2018.
Finance Director Bauman reported revenues were going to come in higher than projected.
Mayor Grant questioned how the Council wanted to proceed with the Preliminary Levy.
Councilmember Holden stated she could support a 5% preliminary levy increase.
Mayor Grant commented he could support a 4.5%preliminary levy increase.
Councilmember Holmes supported a 5%preliminary levy increase.
Councilmember Scott indicated he supported a 5%preliminary levy increase as this offered more
flexibility noting the Council could always lower this amount.
Councilmember McClung explained the consensus was to move forward with a 5% preliminary
levy and noted he would be advocating for decreases prior to December.
MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution #2018-056 Setting the Preliminary Lew of 5% for
Taxes Payable in 2019. The motion carried (5-0).
MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution #2018-057 Approving the Truth in Taxation
Public Hearing Date for Proposed Taxes Payable in 2019. The motion carried
(5-0).
E. Resolution 2018-058 Accepting Bid and Awarding Old Snelling Bridge
Replacement Project Contract to Veit & Company, Inc.
Public Works Directory/City Engineer Polka stated on July 9, 2018, the City Council
authorized Kimley-Horn to complete the plans and move forward with bidding the bridge project.
Bids were opened on Tuesday, September 4, 2018. There were a total of four bids received. The
following table lists the bidders name and their total bid:
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 10, 2018 7
Bidder Total Bid
Veit & Company, Inc. $392,514.00
Alcon Construction Corp. $392,540.55
Forest Lake Contracting, Inc. $402,496.00
Eureka Construction, Inc. $419,538.00
Public Works Directory/City Engineer Polka explained the bids are lower than the Engineer's
estimate which is $508,420.00. It was noted Veit & Company, Inc. has completed similar projects
successfully in the metro area. A letter from Kimley-Horn recommending award to Veit as the
lowest responsible/responsive bidder was reviewed with the Council. Staff recommended
approval of Resolution 2018-058 awarding the Old Snelling Bridge Improvements to Veit in the
amount of$392,514.00.
Councilmember Holmes asked if the City would use grant funding for this project.
Public Works Directory/City Engineer Polka stated bridge bond funding would be used.
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution 42018-058 Awarding the Old Snelling Bridge
Replacement Contract to Veit & Company, Inc. in the amount of$392,514.
Councilmember Holden asked if soil work was completed for this project or if the City would be
receiving change orders.
Public Works Directory/City Engineer Polka explained soil work had been completed and it
was her hope change orders would not be received for this project.
The motion carried (5-0).
F. Possible Closed Session-Attorney/Client Privilege-Evaluation of Potential
Litigation Involving TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons Redevelopment
City Administrator Perrault stated the Council will discuss TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons
Redevelopment in a potential closed session meeting.
MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to
adiourn the City Council meeting to a Closed Session Meeting per Minnesota
State Statute 13D.05 Subd. 3B for the purposes of discussing with the City
Attorney possible litigation and other legal alternatives for the City regarding
recent County and JDA actions relating to the TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons
Redevelopment Proiect and to receive confidential legal advice regarding this
matter. The motion carried (5-0).
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
11. COUNCIL COMMENTS
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 10, 2018 8
Councilmember Scott stated last Saturday he attended the AHATS Open House.
Councilmember Scott reported the Third Annual Lexington Station Block Party would be held
on Thursday, September 13 and would be hosted by Roberts Management.
Councilmember Holmes indicated she would miss the October 15 Council worksession.
Councilmember Holmes reported she attended the AHATS Open House and stated this was a
wonderful community event.
Councilmember Holmes thanked staff for all of their hard work on the Johanna Marsh Park. She
stated the residents were very happy with how this park had been improved.
Councilmember Holden stated she too had attended the AHATS Open House.
Councilmember Holden explained NYFS would be holding their Taste of Northeast fundraising
event on Thursday, October 11.
Councilmember Holden indicated HealthPartners was holding a Family Fest Celebration on
Saturday, September 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Mayor Grant reported the City had an unfortunate event occur last week where a warming house
caught fire and was a total loss.
Mayor Grant explained he was looking forward to attending the Lexington Station Block Party
on Thursday of this week.
Mayor Grant stated Arden Hills now had a buckthorn remover for rent at City Hall. He
encouraged residents to consider taking advantage of this tool and consider removing buckthorn
this fall.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Polka reported the City picks up buckthorn every Friday
through the end of October.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to recess
to a Closed Session meeting. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:58 p.m.
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Jufi Hanson David Grant
CiV Clerk Mayor