HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-25-19-R 'It
EN HILLS
Approved: December 9, 2019
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS,MINNESOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 25,2019
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; Interim Public Works Director/City
Engineer Todd Blomstrom; Community Development Manager/City Planner Mike
Mrosla; Associate Planner Joe Hartmann; City Clerk Julie Hanson; Senior Engineering
Technician David Swearingen; and Assistant City Attorney James Monge
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to approve the meeting agenda as presented. The motion carried
unanimously (5-0).
2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL
None.
3. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES
A. Public Inquiry Response from November 12, 2019 City Council Meeting
City Administrator Perrault reviewed the response staff sent to a resident regarding the Met
Council's affordable housing requirements for the City of Arden Hills. He noted he spoke to the
resident and addressed the questions in detail. He reported the City's Comprehensive Plan was a
long-term guiding document and was not a short-term development plan. He explained Arden
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 25, 2019 2
Hills has met all of the Met Council's requirements, including the affordable housing
requirements. He reported the Met Council approved the City's Comprehensive Plan on
November 13.
4. STAFF COMMENTS
A. Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) and Joint Development Authority(JDA) Update
City Administrator Perrault provided an update on TCAAP stating litigation with Ramsey
County was ongoing.
B. Transportation Update
Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom reported MnDOT was completing
work on I-35W for the 2019 construction season. He explained MnDOT was shifting this project
to a winter configuration. He anticipated additional information for the 2020 construction season
will be available in March 2020.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. November 7, 2019, Special City Council Executive Session (Closed)
B. November 12, 2019, Regular City Council
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to approve the November 7, 2019, Special City Council Executive
Session (Closed) meeting minutes; and November 12, 2019, Regular City
Council meeting minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously(5-0).
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll
B. Motion to Approve Resolution 2019-040 Accepting the Liability Coverage Limits
from the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust(LMCIT)
C. Motion to Approve Resolution 2019-041 Adopting 2040 Comp Plan
D. Motion to Approve Payment No. 4 (Final)—VEIT& Company, Inc.—Old Snelling
Bridge Replacement Project
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.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 25, 2019 3
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Planning Case 19-010 — Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permit— 1770
County Road E2 W(Valentine Hills Elementary)
Associate Planner Hartmann stated Mounds View Public Schools ISD # 621 has submitted an
application for a site plan review at 1770 County Road E2 W ("Valentine Hills Elementary
School"). The subject property is located within the R-1, Single Family Residential District and is
guided as Institutional Use in the Land Use Plan. The Applicant is proposing to renovate the
building at two locations on site. The proposed additions would be located on the south and west
sides of the property and will match the existing architectural materials.
Associate Planner Hartmann explained the use as a public elementary school was originally
granted under a Conditional Use Permit when the school underwent a significant expansion in
1987 (Planning Case 87-03). The last major remodel to the property occurred in 2000 (Planning
Case 00-023) for a 10,000 square foot classroom addition. As per City Code Section 1320.075
Subd. 2, the Subject Property meets the special requirements for a general education school within
the Single Family Residential (R-1) District. The Zoning Ordinance requires a Conditional Use
Permit for a "general education school" in the R-1 Zoning District where the Subject Property is
located under City Code Section 1320.05. Because the renovation will expand the area of the
building, a Conditional Use Permit amendment is required for the Subject Property.
Associate Planner Hartmann commented per City Code Section 1355.06, an application for a
Conditional Use Permit amendment shall be administered in the same manner as required for a
new application. Any structural alteration, enlargement or intensification change in site plan, or
similar change not specially permitted, shall require City Council action and all procedures shall
apply as if a new application were being requested. Staff commented further on the request and
recommended the Council hold a Public Hearing.
Mayor Grant asked if the parcel directly behind the school was owned by the City.
Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom reported this was the case.
Councilmember Scott requested further information regarding the work that would be done on
the HVAC system.
Associate Planner Hartmann explained three new air handlers would be placed on the roof.
Councilmember Holden questioned what the new height of the school building would be.
Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated the school would be adding
one additional story and would blend into the existing fagade of the building. He indicated the
addition would be no higher than the existing structure.
Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:16 p.m.
With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:17 p.m.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 25, 2019 4
9. NEW BUSINESS
A. Planning Case 19-010 — Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permit — 1770
County Road E2 W(Valentine Hills Elementary)
Associate Planner Hartmann stated as per the plans submitted, the Applicant is proposing two
(2) building additions. The classroom addition is located on the south side of the building and is
highlighted in orange in the image above. This proposed addition is located on existing
greenspace onsite. The proposed addition will be two (2) stories totaling 9,000 square feet and
match the height of the existing school. The proposed addition will include flex learning space,
one (1) additional classroom and the relocation of existing academic programs that are currently
located within three (3) existing classrooms. The three (3) existing classrooms will then be
remodeled and utilized as standalone classrooms. The proposed addition on the west side of the
building is a 1,000-square foot addition to the existing cafeteria that will match the height of the
existing cafeteria.
Associate Planner Hartmann indicated the Zoning Ordinance requires a Conditional Use Permit
for a "general education school" in the R-1 Zoning District where the Subject Property is located
under City Code Section 1320.05. Because the renovation will expand the area of the building, a
Conditional Use Permit amendment is required for the Subject Property. Per City Code Section
1355.06, an application for a Conditional Use Permit amendment shall be administered in the
same manner as required for a new application. Any structural alteration, enlargement or
intensification change in site plan, or similar change not specially permitted, shall require City
Council action and all procedures shall apply as if a new application were being requested.
Associate Planner Hartmann reviewed the Plan Evaluation and offered the following Findings
of Fact:
1. Valentine Hills Elementary School is a two-story brick building located on a 10.92-acre
parcel within a residential area.
2. Mounds View Public Schools ISD #621 is requesting site plan review for a proposed
expansion to the Valentine Hills Elementary School.
3. The use of the Subject Property as a public elementary school is permitted under a
Conditional Use Permit.
4. Any expansion of the existing building would require the approval of a Conditional Use
Permit Amendment.
5. The new addition will allow for a new cafeteria renovation and expansion, and four
additional classrooms, as well as upgrades to the utilities and exterior lighting.
6. Zoning Code Review of the Subject Property regulations concludes that the proposed land
use application conforms to City district provisions.
7. The proposed site plan will not impact parking, loading, or circulation demands since the
addition is to better accommodate existing building uses and will not increase capacity or
intensity of use.
8. The proposal is not expected to adversely affect the surrounding area of the community as
a whole.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 25, 2019 5
Associate Planner Hartmann reported the Planning Commission reviewed this application at
their November 6, 2019 meeting. At that time, the Commission recommended approval by a 5-0
vote of the Mounds View School Districts application for Site Plan Review and Conditional Use
Permit amendment, based on the suggested findings of fact and subject to following conditions:
1. All conditions of the original Conditional Use Permit shall remain in full force and effect.
The Conditional Use Permit Amendment approvals shall expire one year from the date of
City Council approval unless a building permit has been requested or a time extension has
been granted by the City Council.
2. The project shall be completed in accordance with the plans submitted as amended by the
conditions of approval. Any significant changes to the plans, as determined by the City
Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission and City Council.
3. A Grading and Erosion permit shall be obtained from the city's Engineering Division prior
to commencing any grading, land disturbance or utility activities. The Applicant shall be
responsible for obtaining any permits necessary from other agencies, including but not
limited to, MPCA, Rice Creek Watershed District, and Ramsey County prior to the start of
any site activities.
4. Heavy duty silt fence and adequate erosion control around the entire construction site shall
be required and maintained by the Developer during construction to ensure that sediment
and storm water does not leave the project site.
5. The Applicant shall be responsible for protecting the proposed on-site storm sewer
infrastructure and components and any existing storm sewer from exposure to any and all
stormwater runoff, sediments and debris during all construction activities.
6. Prior to the issuance of a Grading and Erosion permit, the Engineering Department shall
review and approve final grading and utility plans in writing.
7. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, a landscape financial security of$2,500 shall be
submitted. Landscape financial security shall be held for two full growing seasons.
8. All rooftop or ground mounted mechanical equipment shall be hidden from view with the
same materials used on the building in accordance with City Code requirements.
9. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the Applicant shall submit a materials board to
be approved in writing by staff.
10. All light poles, including base, shall be a maximum of 25 feet in height and shall be
shoebox style, downward directed, with high-pressure sodium lamps or LED and flush
lenses. Other than wash or architectural lighting, attached security lighting shall be
shoebox style, downward directed with flush lenses. If complaints are received the
lighting adjacent to residential uses shall utilize house shields as directed by the City. In
addition, any lighting under canopies (building entries) shall be recessed and use a flush
lens.
MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to approve Planning Case 19-010 for a Site Plan Review and
Conditional Use Permit for Valentine Hills Elementary School located at 1770
County Road E2 W, based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans in
the November 25,2019 Report to the City Council.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 25, 2019 6
Councilmember Holden expressed frustration with the manner in which the school district has
conducted themselves with the High School renovations. She encouraged staff to be sure the
school was constructed the plans presented to the City for the Valentine Hills Elementary School.
Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated this would be staff's intention.
He commented any significant modifications to the plans would have to be approved by the City.
Councilmember McClung commented he supported the plan and noted the Planning
Commission had a nice discussion on this request with comments focused on water runoff and the
HVAC units.
The motion carried (5-0).
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
11. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Scott reported the heaviest travel day of the year may coincide with an
upcoming winter storm. He encouraged residents to use caution when traveling over the
Thanksgiving holiday weekend. He also thanked all first responders and the Public Works crews
for their dedicated service to the community over the holidays.
Councilmember McClung commented he would not be attending the December 91h City Council
meeting as he would be out for surgery. He wished everyone a safe and Happy Holidays.
Councilmember Holmes asked if the street lights had been installed near the Mounds View High
School.
Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom reported the City authorized the
installation of the street lights and these would be installed by Xcel in the next few weeks. He
commented further on the power lines that would be put underground by Comcast. It was noted
these lines would be put underground after the ground froze.
Councilmember Holmes reported Arden Hills had a Green Corp member on staff(Danica) and
this individual was working to make the City more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Councilmember Holden requested staff look into getting another projector in the Council
Chambers in order to allow staff presentations to be viewed by the public.
Mayor Grant commented he needed to receive committee requests from the City Council
members.
Mayor Grant congratulated the Planning staff for all of their efforts on the City's 2040
Comprehensive Plan.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 25, 2019 7
Mayor Grant wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously(5-0).
or Grant ad'o reed the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:29 p.
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Jul Hanson David Grant
Ciq Clerk Mayor