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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 2019The Official City Newsletter for Arden Hills Residents April 2019 If you pay your city utility bills online, you will need to update your payment method, due to a system upgrade that took effect at the end of March. Saved payment methods for non-auto pay customers have been disabled and members need to re-enter their payment information on their profile page at https://cityofardenhills. merchanttransact.com/. If you signed up for auto pay you will receive up to three e-mails from noreply@merchanttransact.com until you update your information. If the information is not updated by the final email, your auto pay option will be disabled and you will need to pay by an alternate method until you reactivate your account. To learn more about paying your utility bills online, visit cityofardenhills.org and choose "Make A Payment" from the homepage. Alert: Update Your Online Payment InformationOn March 6, Ramsey County’s assistant county attorney sent a letter to the City of Arden Hills and its Council requesting that the city agree to terminate the Joint Powers Agreement and to dissolve the Joint Development Authority, which provides governance for the TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons development plan. Mayor David Grant issued the following reply: “The City of Arden Hills urges Ramsey County to stop trying to bully the taxpayers of Arden Hills and Ramsey County and to come to the table in the spirit of the agreement that all parties agreed to in 2016.” “The county has skipped public meetings, ignored the city’s attempts to compromise, put at risk $90 million in taxpayer dollars and asked the city to risk its own financial stability, without ever listening to the citizens of our city,” Grant continued. “The residents of Arden Hills and our neighboring communities have stated clearly that they are aligned with moving forward under the original plan that the city and the county agreed to. We hope the Ramsey County commissioners can restart our dialogue.” The county’s early March letter followed on the heels of the city’s response to decline a request from the county for mediation. The City Council said mediation was premature since the county had not yet responded to the city’s latest negotiating offer that was sent to the county back in October. The county halted negotiations with the city in November, citing the lack of a shared vision for the 427-acre former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) property. See Page 4 for a relationship timeline. City Asks County to Honor Previous Agreements Did you know you can now find a recreation calendar on the home page of the city website? You can search by date, find the class or event you would like to sign up for, and register directly via a calendar link to the city’s online registration system. You can also click on the Register for a Class button on the home page, which will take you to the online registration system. This button is easily accessed when you are visiting the site from your mobile phone. If you are unsure of which class you want or what is being offered, you can browse the programs online by visiting the Recreation Programs web page at cityofardenhills.org/recreationprograms. Register for Recreation Classes from the Web Home Page Arden Hills Service Directory 1245 West Highway 96 Arden Hills, MN 55112-5734 www.cityofardenhills.org 651-792-7800 Office Hours Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sheriff and Fire 911 Water and Sewer Problems (During non-business hours) 651-767-0640 Mayor David Grant 651-538-0747 dgrant@cityofardenhills.org Councilmembers Brenda Holden 651-636-2987 bholden@cityofardenhills.org Fran Holmes 612-599-2457 fholmes@cityofardenhills.org Dave McClung 651-332-0352 davemcclung@cityofardenhills.org Steve Scott 651-604-0919 sscott@cityofardenhills.org City Administrator Dave Perrault 651-792-7824 dperrault@cityofardenhills.org Communications Coordinator Dawn Skelly 651-792-7817 dskelly@cityofardenhills.org Communications Committee Council Liaisons Brenda Holden Fran Holmes Council meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are televised live on Cable Channel 16. Meetings of the Planning Commis- sion are televised as well. Please visit cityofardenhills.org for information about archived meeting playbacks. Arden Hills Notes is the official news- letter of the City of Arden Hills, an equal-opportunity employer. City News Updates The annual Scoops for Troops family-friendly event will be held Sunday, April 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Arden Hills Army Training Site, 4761 Hamline Avenue North. The event brings civilians, veterans and military families together in a shared spirit of patriotism. The day includes a 5K run, 3K walk, ice cream, food, celebrity guests, children’s activities, silent auction, music, games, military support organizations, displays and more. Come and meet Ronald McDonald, the Mitsubishi Polar Bear and Goldy the Gopher. Admission is free of charge, including the kids’ fun run (weather depending). Schedule: Silent Auction: 10:00 a.m.—2:30 p.m. Optional Ecumenical Worship Service: 11:15 a.m. 5K Run & 3K Walk: Noon (check-in begins at 10:00 a.m.) . To register, visit www.scoopsfortroops.net. Scoops for Troops set for April 28 This year’s Spring Cleanup Day will take place on Saturday, May 18, 7:00 a.m. to Noon at the Ramsey County Public Works Facility, 1425 Paul Kirkwold Drive (Hamline Avenue and Highway 96). The City of Arden Hills, in partnership with Shoreview, hosts spring and fall cleanup days each year to give residents an opportunity to dispose of electronics, mattresses, furniture and other household items for a fee. Spring Cleanup Day is May 18 An accurate count of people living in Arden Hills benefits the city. You can make a difference by applying for a census job. The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting thousands of people from throughout the country for 2020 Census address canvasing jobs. Applicants will receive training and begin work this summer to ensure a complete population count for our city and state. To learn more and to apply, visit www.2020census.gov/jobs. The U.S. Census Bureau is taking applications through June of this year. Census Bureau Seeks Applicants for 2020 Census If you are ready to get started on a home improvement project this spring, please note that some projects require permits from the city before work begins, particularly those with minimum standards set for both safety and performance. These projects must be inspected when completed to make sure that the minimum standards are met. The following are some of the projects that would not require a permit: • Replacing a faucet, sink or toilet • Retaining walls less than four feet in height • Painting, flooring, cabinets, countertops or similar work • Swings and/or playground equipment Projects that do require a permit are: • All accessory buildings or shed projects require a zoning permit. Buildings or sheds larger than 200 square feet also require a building permit. • All deck projects require a zoning permit. Decks higher than 30 inches Does Your Home Building or Remodeling Project Require a Permit? above grade or attached to the home also require a building permit. • Gas or wood fireplace (mechanical permit) • All fence projects require a zoning permit. • Replacement water heaters, furnaces, and AC (mechanical permit) • Replacing windows, siding and roofing (building permit) • Driveways, new or expanded (zoning permit) • Any interior remodels that involve demolishing, opening up walls, or moving or building walls (building permit) • Insulation (building permit) • Swimming pools that are in-ground (building permit and zoning permit for fencing) Most remodeling/building projects such as a deck, new homes, basement finish/ remodel and more require a building permit and sometimes a site plan to be submitted to the city for a plan review, which can take 7 to 10 days depending on the size of the project. Some permits can be obtained online, via fax, or at the front counter, such as windows, siding, re-roofing, furnace, water heater, fireplaces and insulation. Visit the city website at cityofardenhills.org/permits to learn more. For more information, contact Rob Ward, building official, at 651-792-7813, Terry Hagstrom, residential building inspector, at 651-792-7818 or Britt Pease, permit technician, at 651-792-7831. 1. All dogs and cats must be licensed. Visit the city website to apply online for a license. You will receive a license tag that your dog can wear on its collar. 2. Only domestic animals are allowed as pets (fish, dogs, cats and household birds). Chickens, horses, sheep, goats and other farm animals are prohibited (see the City Code for very limited exceptions). 3. Monitor your dog’s barking. According to Ramsey County Animal Control, the number one complaint received is barking dogs. 4. Report nuisance animals to the Animal Control Officer. A nuisance animal is an animal that disturbs the rights of, threatens the safety of or injures a member of the general public, or interferes with the use or enjoyment of a person’s property. Call the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office Public Safety Services Division, non-emergency dispatch, at 651-767-0640, to report a nuisance animal. or dangerous after one incident. It is important to report dog bites to law enforcement. 5. Clean up after your pet. Many people use Arden Hills’ trails and parks in all seasons, and it is important that it be an enjoyable experience for all. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up and disposing of feces in a sanitary manner. 6. Keep your pet on a leash in public areas (except in designated off-leash dog parks). 7. Call the Animal Control Officer for lost or stray pets. If a dog or cat is lost or stray, the officer will attempt to locate the owner. Pets are brought to a temporary shelter. You can check with the Animal Control Officer to see if your dog or cat is impounded by calling non-emergency dispatch at 651-767-0640. There may be fees and procedures to follow in order to have your pet returned. Seven Rules and Procedures for Pet Ownership in the City TCAAP Redevelopment Relationship Timeline with Ramsey CountyThe following timeline details the negotiations and actions between the City of Arden Hills and Ramsey County since 2012 when Ramsey County began its efforts to acquire the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) land. 2012 • The city and Ramsey County spend over a year drafting the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) that outlines the process for working together and explains that the county is in charge of land sales and the city is in charge of land use processes. • The city and county agree to the JPA establishing the Joint Development Authority (JDA), which was formed to govern the process. According to the JPA, the city was to complete the AUAR (environmental assessment) and Master Development Plan by a certain date. • Ramsey County approves an offer to purchase 427 acres from the GSA. 2013 • Ramsey County purchases the TCAAP property from the U.S. Army. • The city hires Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. to complete a Master Plan, Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR), and Regulation & Policies. 2014 • The city approves the AUAR and Master Land Use Plan for TCAAP. The city meets the completion deadlines per the JDA. 2015 • The city approves the TCAAP Redevelopment Code and an amendment to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan based on the city's vision and goals for the redevelopment. 2016 • Based on the approved Master Plan, the city and the county, via the JDA, select Alatus, LLC as the master developer on the site. • The city approves amendments to the TCAAP Redevelopment Code and the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, with county and developer input, to help facilitate the redevelopment plan proposed by Alatus. • The city and county both vote to accept the Master Plan. 2016-2017 • For 16 months, the county negotiates the land sale with the developer. Despite requests by the city to be present (but not participate) at these negotiations, the developer and the county turn down these requests. 2017-2018 • During the course of these years, a number of JDA meetings were cancelled by the county, which did not allow the city and county to meet face to face for discussion of the issues. 2018 • On March 14, the county and developer announce a framework for the Master Developer Agreement (MDA). With little notice to the city, the county and developer reach a master development agreement framework, which is based on the master plan, and schedule a press conference to announce it. The city has not seen the framework agreement. • On April 4, the city begins attending negotiations with the county and developer. The county presents the city with increased city fiscal responsibilities under the framework deal with no input by the city. Therefore, the city now starts negotiating with the county on the increased city fiscal responsibilities proposed by the county. During negotiations, the county states the city should be responsible for an additional $1.8 million more than the previously agreed to $8.2 million. The county also requests that the city not charge the Met Council sewer access charge (SAC) credits and questions the amount of the expense reimbursement to the city based upon the terms of the JPA. • On September 4, at the JDA meeting, the county moves for a vote on an executive summary for a master development agreement that the city had received with little time for review. The county has drafted an executive summary based on the previous approved plan, but also directs the negotiations to include that the city not charge $5.8 million in Met Council SAC credits. The JDA approves the executive summary of the master plan. • On October 24, the city sends its response proposal to the county, agreeing to several of the terms requested by the county, including a waiver on certain Met Council SAC credits. To date, the city has received no response to this proposal from the county. • On November 6, one week before the city holds a public forum to layout the draft proposal for residents, the county abruptly ends negotiations and contact with the city, saying it wants a break and citing concerns with the city's and county's previously agreed to density, affordable housing unit amounts, the city's financial contribution, as well as other issues. The county indicates that it is not wise to spend money to continue. The county pulls resources from the project stalling negotiations. 2019 • On January 7, the city calls and holds a JDA meeting, but the county does not attend. The city continues to push for a response from the county to resume negotiations. • On February 4, the city calls and holds a JDA meeting, and the county attends and agrees to a schedule for JDA meetings. When asked if they will fund the JDA, which is the responsibility of the county, the county declines, and states it will make a decision at a later date. The county requests mediation, and the JDA chair asks each party to bring their lists of differences to a February 20 JDA meeting first, prior to mediation. Timeline continued on Page 5 March 18, 2019 All items approved unanimously by 5-0 vote. • Approved appointment of Terence Hagstrom as the Building and Code Enforcement Inspector. • Approved two contracts with WSB for professional engineering services on the TCAAP project and for interim Public Works Director/City Engineer services. Both contracts will have the city’s former Public Works Director/City Engineer to perform these services on a consulting basis to ensure continuity on projects, and help to retain institutional knowledge. March 25, 2019 All items approved unanimously by 5-0 vote. • Conducted a public hearing and amended the city’s Tobacco Products Ordinance to raise the age to purchase tobacco to 21 and regulating (banning) the sale of flavored products (fruit, candy, gum, wintergreen, mint and menthol) in the city as a whole. Compliance with the amended ordinance will begin on July 1, 2019. • Authorized and awarded the contract for site work for the playground area and the purchase and installation of playground structures at Cummings Park. The existing play structure at Cummings Park was installed in the summer of 1998 and is in need of replacement. It does not meet current accessibility standards or safety guidelines and will be brought into compliance. • Adopted post-issuance debt compliance policy for tax-exempt and tax-advantaged governmental bonds and related policy and procedure documents. Updated the policy to incorporate changes that have taken place since last adopted and to comply with required SEC regulations. • Adopted the city’s Water Supply Plan and authorized the Interim Public Works Director to sign the Certificate of Adoption to be submitted to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). All cities in the seven-county metropolitan area must have a water supply plan approved by the DNR. The Water Supply Plan is also included in the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan. For a complete and detailed listing of recent City Council action, please review the meeting minutes on the city website at cityofardenhills.org and click on View Agendas & Minutes. • On February 8, the county board chair delivers a letter to the city requesting mediation, indicating the county will not participate in any further discussion and will only enter into mediation. The county does not attend the February 20 JDA meeting and asks the city to respond to a request for mediation by February 26. • On February 12, the county approves $1.5 million funding to complete engineering work and technical design for the TCAAP spine road (the major road through the development). • On February 19, the county adds the spine road to its Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for 2019 and the county appropriates $11.5 million towards road construction. • On February 25, the city declines the county's request for mediation, saying it is premature and asks the county to return to negotiations. The city requests information from the county concerning the specific items and amounts to be mediated. • On March 6, the county manager requests the city terminate the JPA. • On March 20, the city attorney responds by requesting that the full county board discuss termination and for both sides to continue negotiations. Timeline continued from Page 4 2019 Benchmarks: A Review of Recent Council Action City Seeks Seasonal Applicants The City of Arden Hills Parks & Recreation and Public Works Departments are accepting applications for the following seasonal positions: • Youth Soccer Official • Program Instructor II (Tennis) • Playground Instructor/Special Event Chaperone • Park Attendant • Maintenance Laborer • Program Instructor I (Various sports and camps) For more information and to apply, visit the city's Employment Opportunities web page. Postal Customer Inside Arden Hills, MN . 55112-5734 TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons Updates Homebuilding and Remodeling Permits Pet Rules and Procedures Scoops for Troops ECR-WSS PRST STD U.S. Postage Paid St. Paul, MN Permit #1962 Did you know the City of Arden Hills requires a license for the following? Door-to-Door Salespeople Vendors that wish to go door to door to promote their business are required to obtain a license. These solicitors and peddlers are subject to a background check and must carry the city-issued license on their person at all times. If a solicitor or peddler visits you, they must be able to produce their license if requested. These individuals are also subjected to regulations regarding hours of operation (9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., any day of the week). If you do not wish to receive peddlers or solicitors at your home, you are urged to display a sign or placard stating “Peddlers, Solicitors and Transient Merchants Prohibited,” or other similar statements. Food Truck Vendors (Mobile Food Units) Food truck vendors must submit a copy of their Department of Health issued license and be inspected by the Fire Marshal. A mobile food unit license can be applied for on a temporary basis (up to 7 days total during a calendar year) or annually (8 days or more during a calendar year). In order to be licensed by the City of Arden Hills, a Mobile Food Unit License Application must be completed and submitted with a certificate of insurance, a copy of the Minnesota Department of Health or County issued license, written consent from the private property owner, and payment of the fee. Follow City Licensing Rules and Keep our City Safe Tree Service Contractors All persons engaging in a business that maintains, trims, removes or treats trees or shrubs within the city must obtain an annual license from the city. This is to ensure the contractor carries adequate property damage insurance, general liability insurance and worker's compensation. The city maintains a current list of registered tree service contractors on its website. Please note: city staff are not authorized to recommend a specific contractor. For license applications or more information, visit cityofardenhills.org/licenses, or call City Hall staff at 651-792-7800. For a complete listing of the city’s administrative, building, parks & recreation, planning and zoning, utility fees and more, visit cityofardenhills.org/feeschedule.