Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-28-21-R �S �ENILLS Approved: July 26, 2021 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 28,2021 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, 2020 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 (joined the meeting at 7:02 p.m.), and Steve Scott Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Dave Perrault; Interim Public Works Director David Swearingen; Planning Consultant Jane Kansier; Senior Planner Jessica Jagoe; Finance Director Gayle Bauman; City Attorney Joel Jamnik; and City Clerk Julie Hanson 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Grant reported Item 6G had to be added to the Consent Agenda - Motion to Authorize to Begin Recruitment for a Building Inspector. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried (5- 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL None. 3. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES A. Response from June 14, 2021 City Council Meeting. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 28, 2021 2 City Administrator Perrault stated at the June 14, 2021 City Council meeting a resident spoke to the procedure the Council follows for taking public comment. He explained the Council's current agenda states members of the public may comment on items not on the agenda, however, items on the agenda would only have public comment if posted for a public hearing. He reported this was not a unique policy for Arden Hills as other local cities have the same policy for public comment in place. He commented the public is always encouraged to contact the City Council via email or phone for items that are on an upcoming agenda. Councilmember Holden indicated the person asked how the Council determines what to take public comment on. She reported some issues are areas of concern for some and not for others. She suggested the Council discuss this topic further at a future worksession meeting in order to address how the Council determines if public comment is taken for an item that does not require a public hearing. Mayor Grant supported the Council discussing this matter further at a future worksession meeting. 4. STAFF COMMENTS A. COVID-19 Update 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 staff has returned to the office and City Hall will be open to the public on July 1, 2021 and beginning on July 5, 2021 staff would be following summer hours through Labor Day. He explained in person meetings would resume after July 1, 2021 noting the first in person City Council meeting would be held on Monday, July 12, 2021. B. Transportation Update Interim Public Works Director Swearingen explained the 2021 PMP project was underway and the watermain replacement on Glen Paul Avenue was near completion. Interim Public Works Director Swearingen stated Gerald Avenue and a section of Edgewater Avenue would have pavement milled next Wednesday. Interim Public Works Director Swearingen commented the Hamline crosswalk project would begin on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. He estimated this project would take three weeks to complete. Mayor Grant reported there is no State Fair parking or State Fair transportation in the area of the 2021 PMP. C. Night to Unite Update ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 28, 2021 3 City Clerk Hanson stated Night to Unite will be held on Tuesday, August 3 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Individuals interested in hosting are encouraged to register their party by Friday, July 16, 2021, in order to ensure a deputy visit. She indicated that registration can be completed online at by visiting the Ramsey County Sheriffs Office webpage, which has more information about the event itself in general and noted that there is a registration link to the Sheriff's Office page on the City's website main page under News and Announcements. She said that currently there were 7 parties registered. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. May 17, 2021, City Council Work Session B. June 7, 2021, Special City Council Work Session Councilmember Holden stated she spoke with the City Clerk regarding a correction to the June 7, 2021 Special City Council Work Session meeting minutes. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve the May 17, 2021, City Council Work Session meeting minutes; and June 7, 2021, Special City Council Work Session meeting minutes as amended. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried (5-0). 6. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll B. Motion to Approve Resolution 2021-031 Flexibility for Local Businesses C. Motion to Award PSA Engineering Agreement for Snelling Avenue N Street and Utility Improvements D. Motion to Authorize to Begin Recruitment for a Building Official E. Motion to Approve Consent and Recognition Agreement with Scannell Properties F. Motion to Accept Building Inspector Resignation G. Motion to Authorize to Begin Recruitment for a Building Inspector 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 (5-0). 7. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS None. 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Lifelong Wealth Advisors Master PUD Planning Consultant Kansier stated the proposed development site is located at 1150 County Road E, is approximately 0.64 acres in size and is currently vacant. The property owner is Arden ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 28, 2021 4 Plaza, LLC, managed by Wellington Management. U+B Architecture and Design, Inc., on behalf of Lifelong Wealth Advisors has submitted an application for a Master Plan Planned Unit Development. The Applicant is requesting to construct a single story 5,600 square foot building with associated parking lot. The City Council discussed this project at a Work Session on May 17, 2021. A Master Plan PUD for Arden Plaza was approved in 2009. The original plan included four new buildings. Subsequent amendments reduced the number of new buildings to 3: Walgreens, the Tavern Grill, and a future building on Lot 2. In 2016, the City Council approved an amendment to the PUD to allow a neighborhood medical clinic on Lot 2, but the clinic chose not to build on the site. Staff commented further on the plan evaluation for this property and recommended the City Council hold a public hearing. Councilmember Holmes asked if this would be an appropriate time to ask how long the lights would be on in the evenings. Planning Consultant Kansier reported now would be a good time to ask the applicant this question. Jill Bills, U+B Architecture, explained she had not discussed the timing of the lighting with the applicant,but stated she would ensure the proposed lighting would meet the City's standards. Councilmember Holmes encouraged the applicant to meet the lighting for the surrounding properties given the fact this property is adjacent to a residential neighborhood. Councilmember Holden discussed the proposed building height and noted much of the lighting would be blocked by the building from the adjacent neighborhood. Planning Consultant Kansier reported this was the case as most of the lighting was directed to the south of the building. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:33 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. B. New Perspectives Comprehensive Plan Amendment Planning Consultant Kansier stated the applicant has officially withdrawn this request and no action was required. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:35 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:36 p.m. C. New Perspective PUD Amendment Planning Consultant Kansier stated the applicant has officially withdrawn this request and no action was required. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 28, 2021 5 Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:36 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:37 p.m. 9. NEW BUSINESS A. Lifelong Wealth Advisors Master PUD Planning Consultant Kansier stated U+B Architecture and Design, Inc., on behalf of Lifelong Wealth Advisors has submitted an application for a Master Plan Planned Unit Development. The proposed development site is located at 1150 County Road E, is approximately 0.64 acres in size and is currently vacant. The Applicant is requesting to construct a single story 5,600 square foot building with associated parking lot. A Planned Unit Development (PUD) is required for all new development and redevelopment in the B-2 District. In addition, a PUD would allow for performance standard flexibility. This proposal involves both the initial Master Plan PUD and the Final PUD. Staff commented further on the requestion and offered the following Findings of Fact: 1. The property located at 1150 Country Road E is zoned B-2 — General Business District and is located within the Master Plan PUD for Arden Plaza. 2. The property located at 1150 Country Road E is guided as Community Mixed Use in the Arden Hills 2040 Comprehensive Plan Land Use Chapter. 3. The applicant has requested a Master PUD to construct a single-story 5,600 square foot financial service office on the existing vacant lot. 4. The B-2 District permits financial institutions & services as well as offices. 5. The PUD substantially conforms with the requirements of the City Code. 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. Flexibility through the PUD process has been requested in the following areas: parking requirements, front setback line, building elevations, and planting islands. 8. The proposed development plan meets or exceeds the minimum requirements of the City Code in the following areas: district provisions, minimum caliper inches, drainage, lighting, screening, trash pickup, pedestrian and bicycle circulation, and signage. 9. All new developments or redevelopments in the B-2 district require a planned unit development. 10. The adjacent properties on all sides are zoned B-2 and are guided as Community Mixed Use in the Arden Hills 2040 Comprehensive Plan. 11. The application is not anticipated to create a negative impact on the immediate area or the community as a whole. Planning Consultant Kansier explained the Planning Commission reviewed this application at their June 9, 2021 meeting. At that time, they recommended approval of the Lifelong Wealth Advisors application for a Master Planned Unit Development and Final Planned Unit Development by a 5-0 vote. Staff recommended approval of Planning Case 21-014 for a Master Planned Unit Development at 1150 County Road E, based on the findings of fact based on the findings of fact and submitted plans, subject to the following conditions: ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 28, 2021 6 1. All conditions of the original Planned Unit Development shall remain in full force and effect. 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. The Planned Unit Development approval 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. 4. Prior to the issuance of a grading permit, the Applicant shall enter into a Development Agreement. 5. All disturbed boulevards shall be restored with sod. 6. 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. 7. The proposed structures shall conform to all other regulations in the City Code. 8. 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. 9. 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. 10. 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. 11. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, a landscape financial security equal to 125% of the cost of the landscaping to be installed on the site shall be submitted. The Applicant must submit a detailed cost estimate for the landscaping so staff can determine the final amount. Landscape financial security shall be held for two full growing seasons. 12. 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 4. 13. 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. 14. Prior to the issuance Grading and Erosion permit, the Engineering Department shall review and approve final grading and utility plans in writing. 15. The property owners shall complete snow removal, maintenance and replacement of all proposed sidewalks and trails unless a written agreement between the City and owner establishes a different requirement. Councilmember Scott recommended the applicant consider accommodating electrical vehicle parking on the property. Councilmember Holden requested further information regarding the proposed signage. Jill Bills, U+B Architecture, reported the signage would be approximately three feet eight inches by six foot nine inches wide. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 28, 2021 7 MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve Planning Case 21-014 for a Master Planned Unit Development at 1150 County Road E, based on the findings of fact and submitted plans, and the fifteen (15) conditions in the June 28, 2021, Report to the City Council. AMENDMENT: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to add Condition 16 to read: Lighting including the lighting of the sign be in conformity with the other businesses within Arden Plaza. Councilmember Holden stated she would not support this amendment because she did not understand what the lighting hours were for the adjacent businesses. Councilmember Holmes indicated she would be willing to accept a friendly amendment regarding the timing of the lighting for this business. She suggested the lighting be on until 10:00 p.m. Councilmember Scott commented he was inclined to not support this amendment because it was too vague. He reported outdoor lighting was a safety issue and he did not believe there was a need to restrict the outdoor lighting for this business. Councilmember Holden asked how late the Tavern Grill was open. She suggested that the outdoor lighting for the new business match the Tavern Grill. Councilmember Holmes stated she supported this recommendation. City Administrator Perrault reported the Tavern Grill was open Monday through Thursday till 9:00 p.m. and on the weekends till 10:00 p.m. He explained Walgreens was open until 10:00 p.m. seven days a week. Councilmember Holden stated she anticipated the hours of operation for the Tavern Grill would push back to midnight as this was the hours of operation pre-COVID. She indicated she would like to make a friendly amendment to Councilmember Holmes amendment or have the Council vote this amendment down in order to make a reword Condition 16. Councilmember Holmes withdrew her amendment. Councilmember McClung withdrew his second to the amendment. AMENDMENT: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to add Condition 16 to read: The lighting on the north side of the building will mirror the Tavern Grill shut down timing. Councilmember Holmes stated it may be beneficial for the applicant to have a specific time. Councilmember Holden agreed and withdrew her amendment. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 28, 2021 8 Mayor Grant withdrew his second to the amendment. Councilmember Scott suggested the Council focus more on the timing of Walgreens and Dunn Brothers Coffee versus focusing on The Tavern Grill. Mayor Grant requested the City Attorney propose language for Condition 16. City Attorney Jamnik explained the application before the Council was for an office building. He recommended the lighting for this building be tied to Walgreens and that a firm time (11:00 p.m.)be set on the building lighting. Councilmember Holden asked if the Council was talking about all of the lighting or just the lighting on the north side of the building. She reiterated that the lighting on the north side of the building is closest to any residential development. AMENDMENT: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion that the added Condition 16 should read: The sip-nage on the north side of the building be on no later than 11:00 p.m. Councilmember Scott commented the sign on the building was back lit and he did not believe this would be obtrusive. He did not support the City putting restrictions in place for this type of lighting. Councilmember Holden stated the Council didn't have a clear understanding as to how many lumens the sign would be and for this reason, she would be supporting the amendment. Mayor Grant requested further information regarding the proposed sign and how it would be lit. Ms. Bills explained the sign would be back lit and the letters are not translucent. She reported there would be a soft glow behind the sign. Mayor Grant supported the Council having a Condition in place to address the sign lighting. Councilmember Scott stated without knowing the hours of operation for Walgreens or Dunn Brothers he believed there would be an unfair advantage for these businesses if a time restriction were placed on the applicant. Councilmember McClung commented he supported the amendment as proposed. A roll call vote was taken. The amendment adding Condition 16 that the signage on the north side of the building be on no later than 11:00 p.m. carried 4-1 (Councilmember Scott opposed). A roll call vote was taken. The motion to approve Planning Case 21-014 for a Master Planned Unit Development at 1150 County Road E, based on the findings of fact and submitted plans, and the proposed fifteen (15) conditions ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 28, 2021 9 in the June 28, 2021, Report to the City Council to include the amendment adding condition 16 that the signau on the north side of the building be on no later than 11:00 p.m. carried (5-0). B. New Perspective Comprehensive Plan Amendment Planning Consultant Kansier stated the applicant has officially withdrawn this request and no action was required. C. New Perspective PUD Amendment Planning Consultant Kansier stated the applicant has officially withdrawn this request and no action was required. D. Planning Case 21-008—Ordinance 2021-004—Accessory Structure Planning Consultant Kansier stated the City Council held the required public hearing for Planning Case 21-008 on May 24, 2021. At that meeting, the City Council tabled action on the item in order to learn more about the lake classification. The Council reviewed the question about lake classifications at the June 7, 2021 Work Session. Staff offered the following.Findings of Fact: 1. The City of Arden Hills is proposing amendments to the language of Chapter 13 —Zoning Code of the City Code. 2. The City of Arden Hills is proposing to permit accessory storage sheds within the required structure setback from the ordinary high water level of up to 100 square feet in size and 8 feet in height. 3. Amendments to the Shoreland Regulations require approval from the Minnesota DNR. 4. Amendments to the Zoning Code regulations require a public hearing prior to action by the City Council. Planning Consultant Kansier reported the Planning Commission reviewed this application at their May 5, 2021 meeting. At that time, they recommended approval with amendments of Planning Case 21-008 for a Zoning Code Amendment to Chapter 13 of the Arden Hills City Code to permit accessory storage sheds of up to 100 square feet in size and 8 feet in height within the required structure setback from the ordinary high water level by a 4-0 vote. The following are motion language options for the City Council to consider. Staff commented further on the case and recommended approval of Planning Case 21-008 for a Zoning Code Amendment to Chapter 13 of the Arden Hills City Code to permit accessory storage sheds of up to 100 square feet in size and 8 feet in height within the required structure setback from the ordinary high water level as presented in the May 5, 2021 Report to the Planning Commission. Staff further reviewed the redlined Shoreland regulations amendment with the Council and recommended approval. Councilmember Holden questioned when the Shoreland amendment was reviewed by the Planning Commission. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 28, 2021 10 Planning Consultant Kansier explained the Planning Commission reviewed this item at their May 5, 2021 meeting. Councilmember Holmes reported the City Council also held a public hearing on this item. Mayor Grant commented this was the case. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve Planning Case 21-008, Ordinance 2021-004, for an amendment to the language Section 1330.03 Subd. 5, E of the Arden Hills City Code to permit accessory storage sheds within the required structure setback from the ordinary high water level of up to 100 square feet in size and 8 feet in height. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried (5-0). 10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 11. COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Grant reported the City Council, Commissions, Committees and the JDA would be moving to in-person meetings on July. Councilmember Scott stated during the month of July the Ramsey County mobile hazardous waste would be operating out of Arden Hills. He noted batteries of all types would be collected this Friday and Saturday at the mobile hazardous waste drop off site. Councilmember Holmes reviewed the public hearings that were discussed by the Planning Commission in June and noted the July Planning Commission meeting has been canceled. Councilmember Holmes explained she was quite pleased with progress that was being made on Item 6C on the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Holmes commented this was the Council's last Zoom meeting. She thanked everyone for their patience over the past year and a half as the Council conducted its business via Zoom. She stated she looked forward to the Council holding in person meetings again in July. Mayor Grant reported Pember Companies finished their catch basins and manhole covers. Mayor Grant noted he and Councilmember Holden met with the Chair of the PTRC and talked about the PTRC work plan. Mayor Grant thanked Nine North for all of their assistance of the past year and a half in order to host all City meetings via Zoom. He thanked Council and staff for being patient and working through the issues that occurred during the Zoom meetings. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 28, 2021 11 ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to adiourn. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:18 p.m. n�, 4/2�/A Julie anson David Grant City Verk Mayor