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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-28-2020-RIt ,-ARQEN HILLS Approved: October 26, 2020 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 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. Note: On March 20`h, the Mayor signed a determination allowing Councilmembers to participate in City Council meetings via telephone pursuant to State Statute 13D. 021 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 Todd Blomstrom; Community Development Manager/City Planner Mike Mrosla; and City Clerk Julie Hanson via telephone: Finance Director Gayle Bauman and City Attorney Joel Jamnik PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Holden requested the Council discuss the MnDOT letter on Highway 51 under New Business Item 1 OD. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve the meetin al4enda as amended. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried unanimously_• (5 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL None. 3. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 2 None. 4. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS A. Legislative Update State Senator Jason Isaacson thanked the Council for its time. He discussed the bonding bill that had been considered in a special legislative session. He stated if a bonding bill were not passed this year, this matter would be pushed off to 2021. He reported this session was quite piecemealed with a great deal of focus on police reform and COVID-19. He explained he would continue to work to provide businesses with financial support in order to get them through the COVID-19 pandemic. He commented on the CARES Act funding that was made available to local businesses. He then discussed the police reform that was passed by the State. Councilmember Holden requested comment on the State's smoking age change. Senator Isaacson explained the President passed down T21 mandates and now the State of Minnesota was addressing the businesses that had been impacted by this mandate. Councilmember Holmes commented on the contract the City had with Ramsey County for police services. She asked if there were any more developments in particular to qualified immunity and police contracts that are protected by State Statute. Senator Isaacson reported the original push was for widespread reform and in the end, it came down to some very specific items being addressed. He anticipated police reform would be addressed again in 2021. He questioned what the Council would like to see moving forward. Councilmember Holmes stated the knee holds were concerns for her, as well as the training. She indicated qualified immunity was also a concern. Senator Isaacson indicated he would like to see police officers having specialized training for social services or disability services. He commented there could not be a one size fits all approach to policing. He was hopeful that further reform could occur in the coming years. He thanked -the Council for its time and stated he was always available for questions or comments from his constituents. Councilmember Scott thanked Senator Isaacson for his efforts on behalf of the City of Arden Hills. Councilmember Holden thanked Senator Isaacson for bringing forward the bond issue. Mayor Grant thanked Senator Isaacson for all of his efforts on behalf of the City of Arden Hills. 5. STAFF COMMENTS A. COVID-19 Update ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 3 City Administrator Perrault provided the Council with an update on how the City was responding to COVID-19. He encouraged residents to visit the City's website for the most current and up to date information regarding COVID-19. He reported the Minnesota Department of Health and CDC also had websites with current guidelines and recommendations. He explained City Hall remains closed until further notice. He indicated City staff remains operational and can be reached via phone or email. He reported the City Council established a small business emergency assistance grant program noting this program was funded by CARES Act funds. He explained the Council would be considering an extension to this program later in this meeting. B. Transportation Update Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom reported Ramsey County would be closing New Brighton Road between I" Street SW and Thom Drive on Monday, October 5 to replace two culverts. He estimated the work would be completed in a week. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom provided the Council with an update on the I- 35W MNPASS project. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom explained the City received an official decision letter from MnDOT notifying the City that MnDOT would be modifying access at two intersections along Highway 51. He stated MnDOT would be permanently closing the center median on Snelling Avenue at Hamline Avenue. He indicated MnDOT would also permanently restrict eastbound traffic on Glenhill Road from making left turns onto northbound Snelling Avenue. He explained notifications would be sent to residents along Glenhill Road. He encouraged residents with questions to check the City's website for further information. Councilmember Holden noted signs were already posted on Glenhill Road stating this roadway would be closed on October 5. Councilmember McClung asked if the City has had anymore discussion with Ramsey County regarding the status of the Lexington Avenue project. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom indicated he has had discussions with Ramsey County staff and no firm decision has been made. At this time, he was under the impression that this project would shift to 2022. 6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. August 24, 2020, Special City Council Executive Session (Closed) B. August 24, 2020, Regular City Council Councilmember Holmes explained she communicated to staff a minor change to the August 24 Regular City Council minutes on Page 4. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve the August 24 2020, Special City Council Executive Work Session (Closed) meetinz minutes, and AuLyust 24, 2020, Regular Citv Council ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 LEl meeting minutes as amended. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 7. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll B. Motion to Approve Transferring Fund Balance from General Fund to Capital Funds C. Motion to Approve North Suburban Access Corporation (NSAC) Professional and Technical Services Agreement D. Motion to Approve Payment No. 5 — Bituminous Roadways — Tennis Court Improvements at Cummings and Royal Hills Parks E. Motion to Approve Resolution 2020-043 Authorizing Application to MnDOT Metro Standalone Noise Barrier Program F. Motion to Approve Revisions to the Snowplowing, Snow Removal and Ice Control Policy G. Motion to Approve Professional Services Agreement with HR Green for Risk & Resilience Assessment H. Motion to Approve Planning Case 20-018 — Final Plat — 3246 New Brighton Road (as amended) I. Motion to Approve Planning Case 19-001 and 19-021 — Development Agreement — Brausen Family Automotive Repair — 1310 West County Road E 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. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 8. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS None. 9. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Quarterly Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities Finance Director Bauman stated water customers whose accounts are 90 days past due were informed that the City intends to certify delinquent charges to Ramsey County to be collected with 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 7:39 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 5 B. Planning Case 20-010 — Master Planned Unit Development, Conditional Use Permit, Site Plan and Preliminary/Final Plat — Scannell Properties — 4200 Round Lake Road Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated Scannell Properties ("Applicant") has submitted an application for a Planned Unit Development, Conditional Use Permit, Site Plan, and Preliminary and Final Plat for a project located at 4200 Road Lake Road ("Subject Property"). The Applicant is proposing to construct a 250,000 square foot office and warehouse facility on the existing vacant land. The Applicant is also requesting to subdivide the subject parcel into two (2) lots of record. The Subject Property is zoned GB, Gateway Business District and is guided as Light Industrial & Office on the Land Use Plan. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported the Subject Property is currently owned by North American Land Company, LLC, a holding company related to Roberts Management Group. The Subject Property comprises two (2) parcels totaling approximately 26.08 acres located south of the cul-de-sac on Gateway Boulevard and north of Interstate 694 and east of 35W. There was a previously existing building located onsite that was removed in 2006. The Subject Property has had a few development proposals in the past. However, none of the projects have come to fruition. The Subject Property has since been vacant with wetlands located adjacent to Interstates ("35W and 694"). Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla commented the Applicant is proposing to construct a 250,000 square foot office and warehouse facility on the site. The site is highly visible from 694 and 35W. Separate access points to the site will be provided via Gateway Boulevard for employee parking and deliveries. The Applicant's proposal includes office space, warehousing, and ground level unloading access with 38 dock doors located on the north side of the building. The site proposal includes at -grade office parking lots located on the south side of the building. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reviewed the Plan Evaluation in further detail and requested the Council hold a public hearing. Councilmember Holden stated she was concerned about the proposed prairie grass and its future maintenance. She recommended the City have requirements in place to ensure the prairie grass would be properly maintained. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated this language would be included in the operations and maintenance agreement with the City. He indicated it has been his experience that once the prairie areas take, they do quite well. Councilmember Holden questioned if the proof of parking area took up any of the required landscaping space. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla commented the overall area would be impacted but would not set the site below the district standards. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 6 Councilmember Holden requested further information regarding the proposed signage for this site. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated per conversations with the Applicant, the signage would be requested by the individual tenants and shall meet the sign district standards. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 8:03 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 8:04 p.m. 10. NEW BUSINESS A. Resolution 2020-044 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 August 17, 2020 were mailed, informing customers of their delinquent status. Customers were asked to make payment of the delinquent balance by September 18, 2020 and informed that utility accounts with an unpaid delinquent balance would be certified to Ramsey County to be added to property taxes payable in 2021. The certification amount is equal to the unpaid delinquent balance plus an eight percent penalty. The City will request that Ramsey County levy the delinquent balances against the respective properties. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to adol2t Resolution #2020-044 — Certifying Delinquent Utilities to Ramsey County. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried 5-0 . B. Resolution 2020-045 — Planning Case 20-010 — Master Planned Unit Development, Conditional Use Permit, Site Plan and Preliminary/Final Plat — Scannell Properties — 4200 Round Lake Road Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated Scannell Properties ("Applicant") is proposing to construct a 250,000 square foot office and warehouse facility on the existing vacant land located at 4200 Road Lake Road ("Subject Property"). The Applicant is also requesting to subdivide the subject parcel into two (2) lots of record. The Subject Property is zoned GB, Gateway Business District and is guided as Light Industrial & Office on the Land Use Plan. The City Council was asked to hold the required public hearing for Planning Case 20-010 under Agenda Item 9B on September 28, 2020. Staff commented further on the request and offered the following Findings of Fact: 1. The Applicant has submitted an application for a Planned Unit Development, Conditional Use Permit and Preliminary/Final Plat at the Subject Property 4200 Round Lake Road. 2. The Applicant is proposing a 250,000 square foot office and warehouse facility on the Subject Property: 3. The Applicant has submitted a preliminary and final plat to plat two (2) properties. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 7 4. Flexibility through the PUD process has been requested in the following areas: district provisions, lot area, lot dimensions, parking setbacks, building height, minimum caliper inches, aesthetics, perennials and shrubberies. 5. The proposed development plan meets or exceeds the minimum requirements of the City Code in the following areas: building setbacks, landscape coverage, parking, planting islands, street trees, tree selection, floor area ratio, drainage wetlands and flood plain tree selection, lighting, screening. 6. Where the plan is not in conformance with the City Code, flexibility has been requested by the Applicant and/or conditions have been placed on an approval that would mitigate the nonconformity. 7. A traffic study has been completed for the proposed use and suggests that Ramsey County to add five (5) seconds to the signal timing for Round Lake Road and Hwy 96 to allow for more northbound left turns during the PM peak hour. 8. Existing public facilities and shall be able to absorb the additional demand for public services needed for the proposed use. 9. The Subject Property is located with the Gateway Business ("GB") District and is guided as Light Industrial & Office on the 2040 Land Use Plan. 10. The proposed Preliminary Plat and Final Plat are consistent with the Arden Hills Zoning Map and the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. 11. The application is not anticipated to create a negative impact on the immediate area or the community as a whole. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported the Planning Commission reviewed this application at their September 9 meeting and recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit, as well as approval of the PUD, Site Plan, Preliminary and Final Plat with the following conditions: 1. The project shall be completed in accordance with the plans submitted and 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 City Council. 2. The Preliminary Plat approval shall expire six months from the date of the City Council approval unless the Final Plat has recorded with Ramsey County or a time extension granted by the City Council. 3. The Applicant shall record the Final Plat with Ramsey County and a copy shall be provided to the City within sixty (90) days of the City's approval. 4. The Applicant shall be financially responsible for all applicable water and sanitary charges. Rates applied shall be those in effect at the time of Final Plat approval and shall be memorialized in the Development Agreement. 5. A Development Agreement shall be prepared by the City Attorney and subject to City Council approval. The Development Agreement shall be fully executed prior to release of a building permit. 6. The Applicant shall submit a park dedication fee that shall be seven and a half (7.5) percent of the fair market value of the unimproved land and subject to the approval of the City Council. The park dedication fee shall be submitted prior to the release of the Final Plat. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 7. Survey monuments shall be placed and installed at all block corners, angle points, points of curves in streets, and at intermediate points as shown on the Final Plat. Pipes or steel rods shall be placed at the corners of each lot. 8. The final plat shall provide dedication of a 60-ft wide right of way for Gateway Boulevard on Lot 2, Block 1 overlying the area currently encumbered by existing drainage and utility easement. 9. Prior to the issuance of a grading and erosion permit, planning staff shall approve in writing the final landscaping plan. 10. Prior to the issuance of a grading and erosion permit, engineering staff shall approve in writing the final location of the loading driveway access to align with adjacent commercial driveway or provide adequate offset distance. 11. A cross easement access and maintenance agreement for the proposed share access on Lot 2 shall be submitted and memorialized in the Development Agreement. 12. Site Plan approval shall be required for the construction of the proof of parking area. 13. 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. 14. A right of way permit shall be required for work performed within the City right of way. 15. A grading as -built and utility as -built plan shall be provided to the City upon completion of grading and utility work. 16. No exterior storage shall be permitted. 17. This approval does not include signs. A separate sign permit is required for all proposed signage. All signage shall meet the requirements of Sign District 6. 18. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, a landscape financial security of $50,000.00 dollars shall be submitted. Landscape financial security is held for two full growing seasons. 19. 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. 20. All fencing and retaining wall materials shall be complementary to the building materials and shall be approved in writing by the Planning Division prior to issuance of a building permit. Retaining walls greater than four (4) feet in height shall be engineered and detailed calculations shall be submitted to the City. 21. Prior to City Council consideration, the Applicant shall submit a materials board to be approved in writing by staff. 22. A Grading and Erosion permit shall be obtained from the City's Engineering Department prior to commencing any grading, land disturbance or utility activities. The Developer shall be responsible for obtaining any permits necessary from other agencies, including but not limited to, MPCA, Rice Creek Watershed District, and Ramsey County, MNDOT prior to the start of any site activities. 23. 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. Temporary stormwater facilities shall be installed to protect the quality aspect of the proposed and ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 9 existing stormwater facilities prior to and during construction activities. Maintenance of any and all temporary stormwater facilities shall be the responsibility of the Applicant. 24. Prior to the issuance of the Grading and Erosion permit, the Engineering Department shall review and approve final grading and utility plans in writing. Plans shall be amended to include detail drawings for connection to the sanitary sewer system in Gateway Boulevard, restoration of utility cuts within public streets, and inclusion of City details 3401, 3402, 3408, and 4000. 25. Any future trash enclosures shall utilize wooden gates and be constructed on three sides using the same materials and patterns used on the building. Locations shall be approved by the Planning Department. 26. The Applicant shall provide an executed copy of the City's standard stormwater maintenance and easement agreement prior to approval of the Development Agreement. 27. All disturbed boulevards shall be restored with sod. 28. All areas of the site, where practical, shall be sodded or seeded and maintained. The property owner shall mow and maintain all site boulevards to the curb line of the public streets. 29. Overnight trailer parking is prohibited onsite other than along the dock wall within the concrete dock apron. 30. The Applicant shall work with Ramsey County to add five (5) seconds to the signal timing for Round Lake Road and Hwy 96 to allow for more northbound left turns during the PM peak hour prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. 31. Warehousing and wholesaling shall not exceed 85 percent of the floor area tenant. The remaining 15 percent of floor area shall be non -warehouse uses such as a combination of uses including -but -not -limited -to office, manufacturing, production, research and development, lab and/or showroom per tenant. Councilmember Holden stated she would like further information from staff regarding each of the flexibility requests being made by the Applicant. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla explained the Applicant was requesting lot area flexibility and FAR flexibility in order to have 85% of the building be used for warehousing/wholesaling with 15% to be used for non -warehouse uses such as office. Councilmember Holden asked how R&D/lab space was different than an office. She explained she would like the remaining 15% of the building used for office space and not for R&D/labs. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla indicated the Applicant was requesting the flexibility to use the remaining 15% for office, R&D or lab space. Councilmember Holden stated she had an issue with this. Councilmember McClung commented the zoning code would not allow for more than 75% of the building to be used for warehousing/wholesaling. He explained the Applicant does not have any tenants signed up for the space, which meant the Applicant was seeking flexibility for 10% of the space without any basis for the need. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 10 Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated the Applicant was making the request in case they had a tenant with such needs. Councilmember McClung indicated he had some concerns with this request. He reported he had a much higher vision for this site. He feared that the City was not a big winner with this development given it was a highly visible piece of property in Arden Hills. Councilmember Holmes requested the Applicant speak to the Council regarding the concept plan. She clarified that the remaining 15% of the building just had to be non-warehousing/non- wholesaling. Dan Salzer, the Applicant on behalf of the proposal at 4200 Round Lake Road, explained the proposed building was based on market knowledge and market experience with this product type. He believed this building fit with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan for Light Industrial. He discussed how office/warehouse buildings functioned and noted the office footprint was diminishing. He stated his goal was to provide a building that was trending with market demands. He commented the average office space in the building to the north had only 10.73% office space. He indicated this building was being built without a known tenant and his goal was to use high finishes. His goal was to convert the pond to underground storage in order to create more parking. He commented at the end of the day he just needed the flexibility within the space. Councilmember Holden asked if technically, only 7% of the building would be office/R&D space because the building would be two stories. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated this was correct. Councilmember Holden explained the City used input from local businesses when drafting the Comprehensive Plan language in order to attract strong businesses. She expressed concern with allowing only 7% of the building to be office/R&D space. Mr. Salzer reported if a tenant requires the installation of a second floor this would require a mezzanine and the gross square footage of the building would be increased. He commented on how light industrial spaces are used today and noted a mix of uses was most desirable. He stated it was public knowledge that he just purchased the Deluxe campus in Shoreview. He discussed how Deluxe was changing the way they operate. He explained he was not asking for a maximum of 85% of warehouse but rather that this would be the minimum. He stated this would provide him with the flexibility to meet the needs of his future tenants. He indicated his goal was to find job - oriented businesses for this building. Councilmember Holden asked how many square feet would be included within 15% of the tenant space. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla commented this would be about 37,000 square feet. Councilmember Holden questioned if the 15% was "finished" could wholesaling be completed in this space. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 11 Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported this would be allowed. He explained this was addressed in Condition 31. He discussed how the City defined finished spaces, such as an office use, lunch room, and locker room. Mr. Salzer commented his specific request would be to have a maximum of 15% of the space be non -warehouse. He stated this would include office and lab space. Councilmember Holden inquired how manufacturing space would be finished. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla indicated a manufacturing space would look much like a warehousing space and would be unfinished. Mr. Salzer explained architects had to classify manufacturing spaces differently. He noted production components have different classifications and exit distances. He reported his goal was to create jobs and noted this would be greatly assisted by the City offering him flexibility in the building space design. Councilmember Scott stated he was not going to get bogged down by interior space allocation. He explained the City was facing a global pandemic and he appreciated the fact that the Applicant was working to bring good jobs to Arden Hills. Councilmember Holmes agreed with Councilmember Scott. She supported giving the Applicant the requested flexibility. She believed the Applicant was the expert on this type of space and understood there was a need for flexibility. She was not comfortable with the Council dictating how the interior space should be designated. Councilmember Holden commented if the focus was on the jobs, the most important space in the building would be the 15% that was being used for office space. She explained she would not be able to 'support the 15%. Councilmember McClung indicated the decrease of 10% was too much for him. He stated he could not support the requested level of flexibility. Mayor Grant explained he also believed 15% was too low for the amount of office space. He recalled from previous conversations that the Council had recommended this be set at 20%. Councilmember Holden stated she could support the office space being set at 20%. Mayor Grant requested the Council turn the discussion to the requested flexibility for the building height. Councilmember Scott indicated he supported the requested building height flexibility. Councilmember Holmes and Councilmember Holden concurred. Councilmember McClung stated the building height was not a concern for him. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 12 Mayor Grant requested the Council discuss the lot dimensions. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla discussed the proposed lot dimensions for the project in detail with the Council. Councilmember Holden asked if there were any problems with the proposed subdivision. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated staff did not object to the subdivision and noted the flag portion of Lot 2 would be an access easement. He indicated there was no development potential in that area. Councilmember Holden explained she supported the City offering flexibility in this area of the development. Councilmember Scott and Councilmember Holmes concurred. Councilmember McClung indicated this was already a non -conforming lot and generally when a lot is developed this is not made worse but rather the non-conformance is decreased. Mr. Salzer commented he worked hard with staff on how to increase the size of Lot 2 to meet the five acre minimum. He explained the proposal maximizes the developable area for each site. Ben Johnson, Kimley-Horn representative, indicated the north end of the triangle would be dedicated to right-of-way. Mayor Grant requested staff address the parking lot setbacks. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla commented on the requested parking lot setbacks. He explained the Gateway District requires a 50 foot setback and the Applicant was requesting a 20 foot setback on the north side of the subject property. However, if one was to measure from the parking area to the back to curb the 50 feet would be maintained. He noted a number of properties along Round Lake Road and Gateway Boulevard have similar parking setbacks. Councilmember Holden indicated this would be a standalone building for this area. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla agreed this was the case. He explained the building further up the road at 4440 Round Lake Road had a 12 foot parking lot setback and the property at 1987 Gateway Boulevard had a 20 foot parking lot setback. Councilmember Holden stated she supported the parking lot setback flexibility because this building was rather isolated. Mayor Grant agreed with the flexibility. Councilmember Holmes and Councilmember Scott concurred. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 13 Mayor Grant requested comment on the requested aesthetics flexibility. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated the Gateway District requires materials and colors to be compatible with the other buildings in the district. He explained the Applicant has selected a color palette that was similar to other buildings on Gateway Boulevard. He reported the building materials have to be a mixture of glass, brick, stone and accessory trim metals. He indicated the Applicant was requesting flexibility in exterior building materials to better compliment the proposed structure, noting the Applicant would like to use precast, glass, architectural metal panels and brick veneer. Councilmember Holden asked what metal panels were with concealed fasteners. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla commented these panels were seamless and would be used above the entrance doors. Mr. Salzer reported these were the most expensive pieces of the building exterior. Councilmember Holden questioned what portion of the building would be seen from 35W or 694. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated the main fayade and the wing fagade. Mayor Grant requested further information regarding the brick panels that would be used. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported the Applicant was proposing to use a brick veneer product on the building. He stated this would be used on the base of the building and on the parapet to break up the entrance. He reviewed other buildings in the City that have used a brick veneer product which included Brausen's, McDonalds, and the Marriott. Councilmember Holden questioned what percentage of the building would be brick and metal. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated 18% of the building would be metal panels and 18% would be brick. He noted 12% of the building would be glass and the remainder would be a precast product (52%). He then reviewed the percentages for the wings and ends of the building. Councilmember Holden inquired where the dock would be located. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported this would be on the side facing Gateway Boulevard. He noted this portion of the building has landscape screening surrounding it. Mayor Grant requested further information regarding the metal panels. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 14 Mr. Salzer explained the metal panels were manufactured by Alucobond and would have a high end finish. He indicated the panels would be mechanically fastened by concealed fasteners. He noted these panels were relatively common on office/warehouse buildings. Mayor Grant commented he could envision the brick and EIFS but stated he was having a hard time envisioning the metal panels. He reported the design of this building needed to be very presentable given the fact it fronted both 35W and 694. He indicated he didn't know if he could vote for this project because he was uncertain what the City was getting. He stated typically the City requires glass, brick and stone. He wondered why the developer did not go with tip up panels that had exposed stone. He questioned if the City had any buildings in close proximity that had these metal panels. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla explained the new additions at the Mounds View High School and Land O'Lakes both had metal panels. Councilmember Scott stated the Applicant had developed the proposed building design in order to compliment the surrounding buildings. He indicated he was not certain why the Council was hung up on this issue. Mayor Grant explained if he had examples of metal panels in the Gateway Business District than he would be a believer in this building material. Councilmember Holden stated the City Council spent months creating the Round Lake Road design standards. She reported this was an important property because it was visible from 694 and 35W. She wanted this property to look nice. Councilmember McClung commented one of the things about Arden Hills was that the City always wanted higher quality buildings than what some other communities would allow. He indicated this was a major visual focus of one of the larger interchanges in the Twin Cities. He explained this building exterior should be such that it provides a good viewpoint from either of the two freeways. He stated he was concerned with the requested flexibility in terms of aesthetics. Councilmember Holmes commented exterior flexibility has been requested, but noted the specifics of the exterior flexibility was not quantified. She agreed this corner of the City should look nice. She requested further information from staff regarding the aesthetic flexibility request. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla explained the metal panels required the aesthetic flexibility request. Councilmember Holmes asked if staff had pictures of the Applicant's Brooklyn Park building, so the metal panels could be viewed. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reviewed the pictures he had of the Applicants Brooklyn Park building. Councilmember Holden questioned what the life expectancy was for the metal panels. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 15 Mr. Salzer indicated the metal panels came with a 20 year warranty. He reiterated that these were very high quality, high end finish panels that were commonly used in building construction. Councilmember Scott stated if these metal panels were good enough for Land O'Lakes to place on their headquarters, he did not believe it was necessary for the Council to debate this issue further. He supported the metal panels being used on the proposed industrial building. Councilmember Holden indicated she did not oppose metal panels, but she wanted to be assured that the metal panels that were used were high quality, like the panels used by Land O'Lakes. Mayor Grant stated he wanted to see the building material and noted he was not comfortable with the building exterior yet. Mr. Salzer explained he had submitted to staff samples of the proposed building materials. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla clarified the City had not received the building samples to date. Councilmember Holden questioned where the Council was in this process and questioned if action on this item should be tabled. Mayor Grant reported the Council was not up against a time clock for this Planning Case. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated this was correct. He noted for the record there was an industrial building on Red Fox Road that used a similar metal panel. He explained these buildings were completed by Roberts Management. Mayor Grant indicated this building was on a gateway property that would be visible from 35W and 694. He stated he was not comfortable approving this request this evening. However, given the chance to review the building materials in further detail, he may be able to support the request. He commented he would be more comfortable with precast stone versus the proposed metal panels. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla indicated the PUD would require a 4- 1 majority vote. Mr. Salzer stated if the concern was with the metal panel, he would be happy to switch this out with exposed aggregate within a precast panel. He noted, for the record, the metal panels were a far superior product. Mayor Grant commented the Council was living in a COVID world right now and he was not comfortable with the proposed plans. He questioned how the Council wanted to proceed with this project. Councilmember Holmes indicated the Applicant has stated the metal panel was a better product than the aggregate stone. ARDENT HILLS CITY COUNCIL — SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 16 Mr. Salzer stated in his opinion the metal panels were superior to aggregate stone. Councilmember Holmes commented her view would be to support the expertise of the developer and she did not need to look at the building materials in order to move this item forward. Councilmember McClung explained the aesthetics and other concerns led him to believe the project should not move forward tonight. Councilmember Scott stated he supported the project moving forward but recommended the Council wait in order to have enough votes to approve the request. He encouraged the developer to have a building that was not monolithic in appearance. Councilmember Holden supported the Council postponing action on this item. City Administrator Perrault recommended the Council provide the Applicant with feedback on how to proceed if the item were tabled for future consideration. Mayor Grant understood this would be important. He noted the Council did still have several other items to address regarding the flexibility requests. He requested staff speak to the tree flexibility. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla discussed the tree preservation ordinance requirements and noted new buildings were to plant a certain number of trees based on the gross overall floor area. He explained this project required 624 2" caliper trees. He commented this site was limited as has been previously discussed due to wetlands and site impacts, which led the Applicant to propose to place 110 trees. Councilmember Holden questioned if money should be donated by the Applicant to allow for additional trees to be planted elsewhere in the City. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated the City could work with the developer on this. He commented the east side of the building did have open space that would allow for more tree plantings. He indicated he would have to review this matter further. Councilmember Holden reported she could support allowing the flexibility regarding the trees. She noted this was a barren site and she wanted it to be showcased. Councilmember Holmes indicated it appeared there were additional spaces on the site that would allow for more tree plantings. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reviewed the site plan in further detail with the Council and noted several locations where additional trees could be planted. Councilmember Holmes commented she would like to see the number of trees on the site increased. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 17 Mr. Salzer stated he would be happy to look at planting more trees but noted it would be impossible to get to 624 trees on this property due to the easements and wetlands on the site. Councilmember McClung explained he was concerned about the disparity in the caliper of trees that would be planted versus what City Code required. Mayor Grant recommended City staff work with the Applicant on this issue. He asked if there were any other. flexibility requests from the Applicant. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated the last request had to do with the . number of plantings and perennials. He explained the Applicant was proposing to . plant 170,000 square feet of prairie mix, which would serve as a perennial bed, but this was a unique request. Councilmember Holmes commented she supported this request so long as the Applicant ensured the prairie grass area was successful. Councilmember Holden stated she supported the prairie grass area but wanted to make sure the proper seed mix was selected. Mayor Grant recommended the maintenance of the prairie grass area be included within the development agreement. Councilmember McClung indicated he had no large concerns regarding this matter. He requested further comment from staff regarding park dedication fees. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla discussed the City's park dedication requirements for new developments. Councilmember Holden asked if the park dedication fees would be split between Lot 1 and Lot 2. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported this was the case. Mayor Grant questioned how staff would like the Council to proceed with this item. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla recommended the Council table action on this item to the next City Council worksession or regular meeting. MOTION:' Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to table action on this item to the October 12, 2020 Citv Council meeting. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried (5-0). C. Resolution 2020-046 to Amend the Program Parameters and Reopen the Application Submittal Period for Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 18 Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated at its August 24, 2020 meeting, the City Council adopted resolution 2020-035 establishing a Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the direction of the City Council, the City of Arden Hills made available $150,000.00 of CARES Act Funds to support the Grant Program. The intent of the grant program is to provide financial assistance to local businesses to help them continue their operations, preserve employment, and prevent business closures in an effort to encourage long-term economic vitality in Arden Hills. The program provides locally -owned and operated businesses with an emergency grant of up to $5,000. The established grant amount allows for up to 30 Arden Hills business to apply and receive funding. To be eligible to receive a grant, a business must demonstrate loss due to COVID-19 and meet the eligibility requirements and program parameters. The application window closed on Friday, September 25. At this time, City staff has received 18 applications and has awarded funds to 13 businesses. It was noted the City was close to awarding several other grants. Staff commented on the current program. and requested the Council . consider an amendment to the. parameters (allowing for less than three employees) and that the application window be reopened to run from September 29 through October 6. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #2020-046 removing the minimum employment criteria and reopeniny, the application window for the Small Business Emergencv Assistance Grant Program starting, Tuesday, September 29, 2020 through Tuesday, October 6, 2020. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried (5-0). D. MnDOT Letter regarding Highway 51 Councilmember Holden requested the City write a letter to MnDOT noting opposition to the proposed road closures. She stated she could not understand why pedestrians could cross Snelling Avenue, but this roadway was too dangerous for vehicles. She reported she attended a meeting in the Glenhill neighborhood this evening where over 50 people expressed their frustration with the proposed road closure. She explained this neighborhood would be writing a letter to the Governor. She anticipated that if Ramsey County enforced the speed limit many of MnDOT's concerns would go away. She suggested this information be included in the letter to MnDOT. Mayor Grant supported the City sending a letter to MnDOT. He recommended a letter also be placed on file at City Hall and be sent to the City Attorney. Councilmember McClung stated he supported the City sending a letter to MnDOT explaining the City believes MnDOT would be exacerbating an already dangerous situation by allowing pedestrian crossings. He indicated this portion of roadway was bad and would only get worse without proper enforcement from Ramsey County. He recommended a letter be sent to Ramsey County and the State Patrol regarding the traffic concerns for this stretch of roadway. Mayor Grant explained he would work with the City Administrator to draft a letter to MnDOT. Councilmember McClung recommended this letter be drafted as quickly as possible by the City. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 19 Council consensus was to direct the Mayor and City Administrator to draft a letter on behalf of the City Council addressing the concerns discussed. 11. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 12. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Scott commented he learned of an adult with special needs in Arden Hills that lives in a group home on Tiller Lane. Due to COVID, this group home was unable to put on a birthday bash for one of the residents turning 50. He explained he attended a drive by for this resident and thanked Lake Johanna Fire and the Ramsey County Sheriff's department for participating in this event. Councilmember Holden stated the Ramsey County League was holding a mental health seminar in the coming weeks. Councilmember Holden reported at the last meeting she was not advocating the City not support NYFS because of mental health but rather she wanted to ensure NYFS was utilizing the resources properly. Councilmember Holden explained the tennis courts had just been completed. She asked if there was some the City should be doing to maintain these new surfaces. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom reported staff had maintenance information and staff would be following these guidelines. Mayor Grant thanked Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom for reviewing City streets, drainage swales, dog parks, tennis courts and basketball courts with him. He stated he appreciated his time visiting these City amenities. ADJOURN MOTION: Ma vor Grant moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to adjourn. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 10:00 p.m. Julie Hanson City Clerk David Grant Mayor