HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-09-19-R -fi` DEN HILLS
Approved: January 13, 2020
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 9,2019
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, and
Steve Scott
Absent: Councilmember Dave McClung (excused)
Also present: City Administrator Dave Perrault; Interim Public Works Director/City
Engineer Todd Blomstrom; Finance Director Gayle Bauman; Community Development
Manager/City Planner Mike Mrosla; and City Clerk Julie Hanson
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 (4-0).
2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL
None.
3. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES
None.
4. STAFF COMMENTS
A. Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) and Joint Development Authority (JDA) Update
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 9, 2019 2
City Administrator Perrault provided an update on TCAAP stating litigation with Ramsey
County was ongoing.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. November 18, 2019, City Council Work Session
B. November 20, 2019, Special City Council Work Session
C. November 25, 2019,Regular City Council
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to approve the November 18, 2019, City Council Work Session
meeting minutes, November 20, 2019, Special City Council Work Session
meeting minutes; and November 25, 2019, Regular City Council meeting
minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (4-0).
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll
B. Motion to Approve the 2020 Non-Union Employee Compensation Plan
C. Motion to Approve Resolution 2019-042 Approving the 2020 City Contribution to
Employee Monthly Benefits
D. Motion to Adopt Ordinance 2019-009 Approving the 2020 Fee Schedule and
Authorizing Publication of the Ordinance Summary
E. Motion to Cancel the December 23, 2019 Regular City Council Meeting
F. Motion to Approve Resolution 2019-043 —Appointing 2020 City Council Liaisons
for Commissions and Committees and Mayor Pro Tem
G. Motion to Adopt Ordinance No. 2019-008 Amending Chapter 10, Regulating
Nonessential Water Usage Upon a Critical Water Deficiency and Authorize
Publication of Summary Ordinance.
H. Motion to Approve Payment No. 3 — Pember Construction — Colleen Avenue
Drainage Improvements
Mayor Grant made one change to item 6F in that he removed Councilmember Holmes from the
Communications Committee and stated that Councilmember Scott would serve on this committee
along with Councilmember Holden.
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 (4-0).
7. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
None.
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 9, 2019 3
A. Quarterly Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities
Mayor Grant stated that because this item comes before the Council quarterly,there would be no
presentation necessary. He opened the public hearing at 7:04 p.m.
With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:05 p.m.
B. Special Assessments for Abatement of Nuisance at 1870 Glenpaul Avenue
Finance Director Bauman stated on September 23, 2019, the Council approved Resolution
2019-028 ordering accelerated nuisance abatement of 1870 Glenpaul Avenue for excessive
vegetation growth and debris not in compliance with City regulations.
Finance Director Bauman reported the property owner was notified by mail in a letter dated
November 6, 2019, and given thirty(30) days to remit payment.
Finance Director Bauman explained to date payment has not been received; therefore, the City
intends to certify these charges to Ramsey County to be collected with property taxes.
Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:06 p.m.
With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:07 p.m.
C. Truth-In-Taxation Hearing
Finance Director Bauman provided the Council with a presentation on the 2020 Budget and Tax
Levy. She discussed why tax bills change from year to year for residents. She explained how
property values are set by the County in order for the City to set property taxes. She described
how property taxes are calculated for median value homeowners. She commented on the General
Fund focusing on revenues and expenditures. She reported Arden Hills had the fifth lowest tax
rate in Ramsey County. The 2020 proposed tax levy was reviewed along with the city-wide
budget. A snapshot of the Capital Improvement Plan was discussed and staff noted resources that
were available to assist residents with property tax relief. Staff commented further on the
proposed budget and tax levy and asked for comments or questions.
Councilmember Holden requested further information regarding the City's enterprise funds.
Finance Director Bauman discussed the function of the City's enterprise funds noting these
generally served the City's utilities and were user fee based.
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.
9. NEW BUSINESS
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 9, 2019 4
A. Resolution 2019-044 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
November 7, 2019 were mailed.
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution #2019-044 — Adopting and Confirming Quarterly
Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities to Ramsey County. The motion
carried (4-0).
B. Resolution 2019-045 Adopting Special Assessments for Abatement of 1870
Glenpaul Avenue
Finance Director Bauman stated the City Council held a public hearing under Item 8B regarding
special assessment certification of charges related to the nuisance abatement for this property.
Staff recommended the Council approve the special assessment.
MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a
motion to approve Resolution #2019-045 adopting special assessments related
to unpaid nuisance abatement charges for the property located at 1870
Glenpaul Avenue. The motion carried (4-0).
D. Adoption of the 2020 Budget and Tax Levy
• Resolution 2019-046 Setting the Final Tax Levy for Taxes Payable in
2020
• Resolution 2019-047 Adopting the Proposed 2020 Budget
Finance Director Bauman stated a budget workshop was held with the Council on August 19,
2019. Staff was not directed to make any changes to the proposed 2020 General Fund Budget and
Council adopted a maximum tax levy increase of 5% on September 23, 2019. Another budget
workshop was held with the Council on November 18, 2019, in which staff was directed to make
a few changes to the 5-year CIP. These changes are included in the attached and they had no
impact on the proposed 5% levy increase.
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to approve Resolution #2019-046 Setting the Final Tax Lew for Taxes
Payable in 2020.
Councilmember Holden stated she had hoped the levy could be reduced but noted the City's
HVAC system was in need of replacement and for this reason the levy had to remain as is.
Councilmember Scott mentioned a notation that states part of the budget is going to be used to
maintain the City's audio and video equipment and a state of the art system. He explained that the
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 9, 2019 5
City is trying to keep pace with the progress of technology, not necessarily that the equipment
is state of the art.
Mayor Grant commented a large portion of the levy increase was due to police and fire increases.
Councilmember Holmes reiterated the fact that Arden Hills had the fifth lowest tax rate in
Ramsey County.
The motion carried (4-0).
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to approve Resolution #2019-047 Adopting the Proposed 2020 Budget.
The motion carried (4-0).
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
11. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Scott reported the community lost three National Guard soldiers last week in a
helicopter training exercise. He noted flags were flown at half-mast on Saturday in observance of
this sad event. He thanked Interim Director Blomstrom and other local businesses for recognizing
this event.
Councilmember Holmes stated lights had been ordered and would be installed near Mounds
View High School in the coming weeks. She reported the City was still working with the school
district to improve pedestrian safety.
Councilmember Holmes explained the City was collecting and recycling used or broken
Christmas lights at City Hall.
Councilmember Holmes discussed the Shop with a Cop event that was held this past weekend
and thanked all who donated to make this event possible, including the Arden Hills Davanni's and
North Heights Lutheran Church.
Councilmember Holden sent her sympathies to the three families of the National Guard soldiers
on behalf of the City of Arden Hills. She explained this was a tremendous loss for the National
Guard as well as the entire community.
Councilmember Holden stated she would like an update from staff on permits issued by the city.
Mayor Grant sent his condolences to the National Guard and noted this was a sad time for the
State of Minnesota. He also commented that the communication lines on Old Snelling that were
an issue have been addressed.
Mayor Grant wished Councilmember McClung a speed recovery.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 9, 2019 6
ADJOURN
MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to
adjourn. The motion carried unanimously (4-0).
ayor Grant adj rued the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:34,p.m.
J e Hanson David Grant
CVy Clerk Mayor