HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-23-21-R - AR EN_HILLS
September 27
Approved: Sep , 2021
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS,MINNESOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 23, 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.
Present: Mayor David Grant, Councilmembers Fran Holmes, Dave McClung
(attending remotely) and Steve Scott
Absent: Councilmember Brenda Holden (excused)
Also present: Finance Director Gayle Bauman; Interim Public Works Director David
Swearingen; Senior Planner Jessica Jagoe; City Attorney Joel Jamnik; and City Clerk Julie
Hanson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Scott seconded a motion
to approve the meeting agenda. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried
(4-0).
2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL
None.
3. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES
A. Public Inquiry Response from August 9, 2021 City Council Meeting
Finance Director Bauman stated a question was asked about the public comment section of the
agenda. She noted the Council discussed this topic at the August 16 worksession and the matter
was tabled to a September work session.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 23, 2021 2
4. STAFF COMMENTS
A. Transportation Update
Interim Public Works Director Swearingen reported the 2021 PMP project was getting closer
to completion. He noted the utility work that requires excavation has been completed. He
explained Glen Paul Avenue, Edge Water Avenue and the Gerald cul-de-sac have been paved
with the initial base course. He stated up to date information regarding the project was available
on the City's website.
Interim Public Works Director Swearingen stated the Hamline Avenue crosswalk was now
complete and all traffic control measures have been removed.
Interim Public Works Director Swearingen explained the 1-35W MNPASS project was nearing
completion and the majority of the traffic control measures have been removed. He noted the
temporary traffic signal has been removed at E2 and 35W. He indicated Ramsey County would be
conducting a traffic study to see if this traffic signal was warranted.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. July 19, 2021, City Council Work Session
B. July 26, 2021, Special City Council Work Session
C. July 26, 2021, Regular City Council
MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a
motion to approve the July 19, 2021, City Council Work Session minutes,July
26, 2021, Special City Council Work Session minutes, and July 26, 2021,
Regular City Council meeting minutes as presented. A roll call vote was
taken. The motion carried (4-0).
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll
B. Motion to Approve Resolution 2021-045 Accepting a Donation from the Aden
Hills Foundation
C. Motion to Approve Appointment of Building Inspector
D. Motion to Accept Resignation of Communications Coordinator
E. Motion to Approve Recruiting Communications Coordinator
MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Scott 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 (4-0).
7. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
None.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 23, 2021 3
8. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Arden Oaks Street Improvement Project
i Council adopted Resolution 2021-042
n July 26 2021 the City Larry Poppler, TKDA, stated o J y y p
receiving the feasibility report and calling for a public hearing to consider proposed improvements
for the Arden Oaks Street Improvements Project. Projects involving special assessments generally
require two public hearings commonly known as an improvement hearing and an assessment
hearing. The subject hearing for August 23 is the improvement hearing. The purpose of the
improvement hearing is for the City Council to discuss a specific local improvement before
ordering it done. The second public hearing is the assessment hearing which is scheduled after the
project has received contractor bids to provide property owners an opportunity to express
concerns about the actual special assessments.
Mr. Poppler discussed the existing conditions of the Arden Oaks Street Improvement area noting
it was originally constructed in the mid to late 1980's. He noted the pavement received a rating of
30 out of 100, but the concrete curb and gutter was in good condition. He did not recommend a
mill and overlay for this roadway. Rather, staff recommended a pavement reclamation be pursued.
It was noted as part of the project sanitary sewer rings would be replaced. The estimated costs for
the project were reviewed, along with the project timeline. The reclamation process was discussed
in further detail and staff recommended the Council hold a public hearing on the Arden Oaks
Street Improvement Project.
Councilmember Holmes explained the City was investigating the trucks that are turning around
in the neighborhood.
Mayor Grant discussed the City's assessment policy noting the expense for the street was split
50150 between the City and the benefiting residents.
Councilmember Scott asked if this project were to move forward, residents would pay
approximately$65.40 per month beginning in 2023.
Mayor Grant indicated residents have the ability to pay assessments up front or over time.
Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:30 p.m.
Paul Smyth, 1453 Arden Oaks Drive, asked how residents would get in and out of the
neighborhood during the project.
Mr. Poppler explained this project would not be as intrusive as a full reconstruction. He
discussed how long it would take for concrete work to cure and how this may require residents to
park next to the curb during this time. He commented at all other times during the project,
residents would have access to their driveways.
Tom House, 1483 Arden Oaks Drive, requested staff include the neighbors in the cul-de-sac
design. He reported the traffic that was going through the street was unacceptable. He requested
further information on how garbage and mail would be handled during construction.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 23, 2021 4
Mr. Poppler stated the contractor will be acutely aware of when garbage, delivery trucks and mail
came to ensure these services remained in place. He reported the existing mailboxes would stay in
their same location.
Barbara Muller, 1486 Arden Oaks Drive, stated she supported the use of rain gardens, but
explained she does not want one in her front yard.
Mr. Poppler explained an open house type meeting would be held in the near future where the
plans would be further discussed with the neighbors. He indicated feedback would be taken at the
open house meeting.
Terry Paulus, 1462 Arden Oaks Drive, commented he lived right on the cul-de-sac and stated he
supported the reduced circumference. He did not believe a rain garden would be feasible on his
property.
Dennis Foster, 1415 Arden Oaks Drive, questioned how an underground sprinkler would be
handled on his property.
Mr. Poppler encouraged residents with underground sprinklers to mark the heads with flags.
Interim Public Works Director Swearingen stated if the heads are damaged by a contractor, the
heads will be replaced. He noted invisible fences were the responsibility of the residents.
Colleen Paulus, 1462 Arden Oaks Drive, discussed the amount of water that collects on her
property from neighboring properties. She asked if those drainage lines should be marked.
Mr. Poppler recommended residents with private drainage lines send him an email regarding this
information.
Councilmember Holmes commented there would be future meetings where residents can address
staff regarding this project, or residents could contact staff at any time with comments or
questions.
Mark McCloskey, 1450 Arden Oaks Drive, stated he lived just off the cul-de-sac. He discussed
how difficult it was for the snow plows to maneuver through the cul-de-sac and back to the road
given the odd angle, noting chunks of street have been removed by the plow drivers.
Alex Schierman, 1476 Arden Oaks Drive, asked if street lights could be considered for this street.
He commented he has lived on this street for the past five years and his car has been broken into
three different times.
Interim Public Works Director Swearingen commented street light installation would have to
be coordinated with Xcel Energy and would not be part of the street improvement project.
Councilmember Scott discussed how important it was for homes to have exterior lighting in
order to deter crime.
With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:48 p.m.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 23, 2021 5
B. Lexington Avenue and Target Road Traffic Signal System Improvements
Interim Public Works Director Swearingen stated on August 9, 2021, City Council approved
Resolution 2021-044 receiving the feasibility report for the potential traffic signal system as part
of the Lexington Avenue Reconstruction Project and ordering the Improvement Public Hearing.
The feasibility report was prepared for the cities of Shoreview and Arden Hills to document
proposed improvements, project costs, funding, and assessments for a new traffic signal system
installed as part of the Ramsey County Lexington Avenue Reconstruction Project.
Interim Public Works Director Swearingen explained projects involving special assessments
generally require two public hearings commonly known as an improvement hearing and an
assessment hearing. The subject hearing for August 23 is the improvement hearing. The purpose
of the improvement hearing is for the City Council to discuss a specific local improvement before
ordering it done. The second public hearing is the assessment hearing which will be scheduled
after the project has been completed and the actual costs to construct the improvements have been
determined. This provides property owners an opportunity to express concerns about the actual
special assessments.
Interim Public Works Director Swearingen reported at the improvement hearing, interested
persons may voice their opinion regarding the proposed project improvements and whether or not
they are in the proposed assessment area. A reasonable estimate of the total amount to be assessed
and the description of the methodology used to calculate individual assessments for affected
parcels is contained within the feasibility report. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429,
notices of the public hearing were published in the Pioneer Press on August 10, 2021 and August
17, 2021. A notice was also mailed to each property within the draft assessment roll area on
August 10, 2021. Prior to opening the hearing, City staff will present general information
regarding the scope of the proposed improvements, the overall cost and funding for the project,
and assessments that apply for this project.
Interim Public Works Director Swearingen stated the master PUD agreement states that full
development of the Lexington Station commercial property will include a new access driveway
aligned with Target Road to replace the current access point along Lexington Avenue. The new
access is required to include the proposed traffic signal at Target Road based on a completed
traffic study. The master PUD agreement further requires the developer of the Lexington Station
site to pay for or accept an assessment against the project property for the cost of the access
improvements, including the traffic signal. Staff commented further on the project and
recommended the Council hold a public hearing.
Councilmember Holmes thanked staff for the detailed staff report. She appreciated the fact that
the signals along Lexington Avenue would be synchronized. She asked if Scenario 1 or Scenario 2
would be pursued.
Interim Public Works Director Swearingen explained after discussions with the property
owners, Scenario 2 would be brought forward at the assessment hearing.
Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:54 p.m.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 23, 2021 6
With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:55 p.m.
C. Planning Case 21-017 — Planned Unit Development Amendment — Mounds
View Public Schools
Senior Planner Jagoe stated at the May 22, 2019 and subsequently amended on April 27, 2020,
the City Council approved Planning Case 18-014 for a Planned Unit Development with Mounds
View Public Schools for Mounds View High School. The amendment added 14 additional
conditions to the Planned Unit Development to address existing traffic and pedestrian safety
issues based on the findings contained within the study report, an evaluation of existing site
conditions, and the Planned Unit Development Agreement. The terms of the PUD approval
require the School District to implement safety improvements on Lake Valentine Road to address
traffic and increased pedestrian crossings between the school building and the north parking lot,
including installation of turn lanes and other access improvements, trail and sidewalk
improvements, pedestrian signal, signage and striping modifications, and drainage and utility
improvements.
Senior Planner Jagoe reported the Applicant originally proposed two separate phases of traffic
and pedestrian safety improvements for Lake Valentine Road. Phase 1 safety improvements,
installed in 2020, which included installation of a pedestrian traffic signal system, crosswalk
markings, temporary painted center median, curb ramps and sidewalk pedestrian routes to the
front of the school.
Senior Planner Jagoe commented the Phase 2 traffic and pedestrian safety improvements were
scheduled for construction in 2021 in order to allow the School District to acquire additional
property from the State of Minnesota. This additional property would allow the relocation of the
west entrance to the north parking lot to align with the drop-off/pick-up lot on the south side of
Lake Valentine Road. Staff commented further on the request and recommended the Council hold
a public hearing.
Councilmember Holmes discussed the history of this project and noted the change was required
due to the fact the School District could not obtain land from the State of Minnesota.
Senior Planner Jagoe reported this was the case and noted the School District was for this review
seeking an extension of time under the PUD for completion of Phase 2 of the project.
Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:59 p.m.
With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 8:00 p.m.
D. Planning Case 21-018 — Ordinance Amendment Chapter 13, Zoning Code,
Section 1330.02, Subd. 1, Classification of Lakes
Senior Planner Jagoe stated earlier this year, the City Council had reviewed a variance request to
construct an accessory structure near the shoreline along Lake Johanna and amended the
Shoreland Regulations to permit accessory structures within the required structure setback from
the ordinary high water level of up to 100 square feet in size and 8 feet in height. During that
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 23, 2021 7
planning case review it was discovered that there was a discrepancy between the City's shoreland
lake classification for Lake Johanna and Little Johanna from the designation of the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Upon further research it was determined that action the
City Council had taken in May 1985 approving Resolution 85-22 was never formally processed
and approved by the DNR. This resolution had either not been submitted to the DNR or was
misplaced in processing on their end. The formal request of Resolution 85-22 to the DNR was for
shoreland reclassification of Lake Johanna, Little Johanna Lake, and Karth Lake from
Recreational Development to General Development.
Senior Planner Jagoe explained this past month City Staff contacted Dan Scollan, East Metro
Area Hydrologist with the DNR, regarding next steps and available options for proceeding with
Resolution 85-22. Mr. Scollan had indicated that the DNR had reviewed the 1984/85
documentation and would proceed with approval of Resolution 85-22 as submitted. Their decision
in support of the reclassifications is the result of the lake classification factors having not
appreciably changed since 1985. Looking at all of the classification criteria holistically, the DNR
still agreed with the City's reasoning presented in 1985 and concurred that the area development
is still consistent with the 1985 Council request as outlined. At the June 7, 2021, City Council
Special Work Session, staff was given direction to submit Resolution 85-22 to the DNR as
approved on May 13, 1985. This action necessitated an ordinance amendment to Section 1330.02
Subd. 1, Classification of Lakes to classify Little Johanna as General Development. Staff
commented further on the request and recommended the Council hold a public hearing.
Councilmember McClung indicated this item was taking the actions made in 1985 and making
them correct.
Senior Planner Jagoe reported this was the case, noting this was a housekeeping matter.
Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 8:04 p.m.
With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 8:05 p.m.
E. Planning Case 21-016 — Site Plan Review — 3900 Bethel Drive — Bolton &
Menk on behalf of Bethel University
Senior Planner Jagoe stated Bethel University was approved a Conditional Use Permit
Amendment on May 3, 2021 for stadium field upgrades which included the addition of a new
track around it and practice fields to be converted into multi-purpose fields in the southern
quadrant of their main campus at 3900 Bethel Drive. The CUP Amendment application noted that
Bethel University was proposing changes to the scoreboard. Conditions of the CUP Amendment
approval were that a separate permit shall be required for the scoreboard and that prior to
replacement of sound system, Bethel University would be required to submit new sound system
plans to the City Council for approval. The Applicant is proposing to convert the existing
electronic scoreboard to a LEDNideo capable scoreboard with a sound system fully contained
within the accessory structure. Staff reviewed the Site Data and Plan Evaluation in further detail
with the Council and recommended the Council hold a public hearing.
Mayor Grant questioned if the distance to the property line was to the railroad.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 23, 2021 8
Senior Planner Jagoe explained this was to the Bethel University property line.
Councilmember Holmes discussed the noise that would be generated from the new sound system
and asked what the top decibel level would be.
Jeff Besserman, Nevco representative, explained this was estimated to be 70 to 80 decibels. He
reported at the maximum level of the system directly out of the speakers would be 135 decibels
and stated this would be reduced as sound goes away from the sound speakers. He commented on
the speaker design further noting it was designed to direct sound towards the bleacher area.
Councilmember McClung asked how many times the scoreboard would be used each year.
Mark Posner, Bethel University representative, estimated there were up to eight home football
games and one possible graduation event each year.
Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 8:20 p.m.
Barbara Muller, 1486 Arden Oaks Drive, commented she did not particularly appreciate the
sound coming from the football games currently. She feared that the games would be even more
obtrusive on the neighbors given the fact the scoreboard size would be larger.
Mr. Besserman explained the existing sound system had no directional control. He reported the
new sound system would direct sound towards the bleacher/field area and away from the
neighborhood. He indicated this would reduce the noise and sound heard by the adjacent homes.
With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 8:26 p.m.
9. NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolution 2021-046 Ordering Improvements and Preparation of Plans and
Specifications—Arden Oaks Street Improvements Project
Interim Public Works Director Swearingen stated following the public hearing under agenda
item No. 8A, the next step in the project delivery process is to approve a resolution ordering the
improvements and the preparation of plans and specifications for the Arden Oaks Street
Improvements Project. The resolution document would order the improvements and plans in
accordance with the recommendations provided in the project feasibility report.
Councilmember McClung indicated this roadway needs to be replaced. He thanked all of the
residents that spoke this evening and encouraged these residents to continue to engage with the
City as this project moves forward.
Mayor Grant urged TKDA to address the concerns that were raised regarding the cul-de-sac.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 23, 2021 9
MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to adopt
Resolution #2021-046 — Ordering Improvement and Preparation of Plans and
Specifications for the Arden Oaks Street Improvement Proiect. A roll call
vote was taken. The motion carried (4-0).
B. Resolution 2021-047 Ordering Improvements and Preparation of Plans and
Specifications — Lexington Avenue and target Road Traffic Signal System
Improvements
Interim Public Works Director Swearingen stated following the public hearing under agenda
item No. 813, this next step in the project delivery process is to approve a resolution ordering the
improvements and the preparation of plans and specifications for Lexington Avenue and Target
Rd Traffic Signal System Improvements. The resolution document would order the improvements
and plans in accordance with the recommendations provided in the project feasibility report.
MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution #2021-047 Ordering Improvements and
Preparation of Plans and Specifications for the Lexington Avenue and Target
Road Traffic Signal System Improvements. A roll call vote was taken. The
motion carried (4-0).
C. Planning Case 21-017 — Planned Unit Development Amendment — Mounds
View Public Schools
Senior Planner Jagoe stated the City Council approved Planning Case 18-014 for a Planned Unit
Development with Mounds View Public Schools for Mounds View High School in 2019 and
subsequently amended in 2020. The amendment added 14 additional conditions to the existing
Planned Unit Development to address existing traffic and pedestrian safety issues based on the
findings contained within the study report, an evaluation of existing site conditions, and the
Planned Unit Development Agreement. The terms of the PUD approval requires the School
District to implement safety improvements on Lake Valentine Road in two phases to address
traffic and increased pedestrian crossings between the school building and the north parking lot,
including installation of turn lanes and other access improvements, trail and sidewalk
improvements, pedestrian signal, signage and striping modifications, and drainage and utility
improvements. The current schedule in the approved PUD does not allow the School District
sufficient time for completion in 2021 due to design changes for realignment on school district
land. The Applicant is requesting the City Council consider an extension of the deadline to 2022.
Senior Planner Jagoe offered the following Findings of Fact:
1. The properties located at 1900 and 1901 Lake Valentine Road are located in the R-1
Single Family Residential District.
2. The proposed conditions when implemented will create a safer environment for pedestrian
movement across Lake Valentine Road.
3. The proposed roadway improvements will improve traffic flow through the road section
adjacent to the school.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 23, 2021 10
4. With the applied conditions, the application is not anticipated to create a negative impact
on the immediate area or the community as a whole.
5. The traffic and pedestrian study was reviewed as part of the April 2020 Amended PUD
application by City and School District staff.
6. The City and School District staff concur on the proposed conditions and recommended
improvements.
7. A public hearing for a PUD Amendment request is required before the request can be
brought before the City Council.
8. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on August 4, 2021.
Senior Planner Jagoe explained the Planning Commission reviewed this application at their
August 4, 2021 meeting. At that time, they recommended approval of the Mounds View Public
Schools application for a Planned Unit Development Amendment by a 5-0 vote with the following
conditions:
1. Extension on timeline for construction and realignment of the west parking lot entrance to
align with the west school site entrance on the south side of Lake Valentine Road (Pick-
up/Drop-off Access) to be completed prior to the start of the 2022-2023 school year. The
School District shall submit a revised design and layout for the road and safety
improvements on existing school property Site Plan Review and approval no later than
December 31, 2021.
2. All other conditions of the original Planned Unit Development and Amended Planned Unit
Development shall remain in full force and effect.
Councilmember McClung asked if staff would have input on this project as it moves forward.
Interim Public Works Director Swearingen explained staff would see this project through to
completion.
MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a
motion to approve Planning Case 21-017 for a Planned Unit Development
Amendment for Mounds View Public Schools for an extension for the timing
of construction of road and safety improvements. A roll call vote was taken.
The motion carried (4-0).
D. Planning Case 21-18 — Ordinance 2021-007 Amending Chapter 13, Zoning
Code, Section 1330.02, Subd. 1, Classification of Lakes and Authorizing
Publication of Ordinance
Senior Planner Jagoe stated the City Council was asked to hold the required public hearing for
Planning Case 21-018 under Agenda Item 8D. A full evaluation of the proposed amendment and
supporting documents were included in the staff report under Agenda Item 8D. The remainder of
this memo focuses on the requested approvals, findings of fact and the staff recommended options
and motion language.
Senior Planner Jagoe offered the following Findings of Fact:
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 23, 2021 11
1. The City of Arden Hills is proposing amendments to the language of Chapter 13 —Zoning
Code of the City Code.
2. The Cityof Arden Hills is proposing to classify Little Johanna as a General Development
p p g �'
Lake.
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.
5. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on August 4, 2021.
Senior Planner Jagoe explained the Planning Commission reviewed this application at their
August 4, 2021 meeting. At that time, they recommended approval of Planning Case 21-018 for a
Zoning Code Amendment to Chapter 13 of the Arden Hills City Code to amend the lake
classification for Little Johanna from a Recreational Development Lake to a General Development
Lake by a 5-0 vote.
MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a
motion to approve Planning Case 21-018 for an amendment to the language
Section 1330.02 Subd. 1, of the Arden Hills City Code to amend the lake
classification for Little Johanna from a Recreational Development Lake to a
General Development Lake. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried (4-
E. Planning Case 21-016 — Resolution 2021-048 — Site Plan Review—3900 Bethel
Drive—Bolton & Menk on Behalf of Bethel University
Senior Planner Jagoe stated Bethel University was approved a Conditional Use Permit
Amendment on May 3, 2021 for stadium field upgrades which included the addition of a new
track around it and practice fields to be converted into multi-purpose fields in the southern
quadrant of their main campus at 3900 Bethel Drive. The CUP Amendment application noted that
Bethel University was proposing changes to the scoreboard. Conditions of the CUP Amendment
approval were that a separate permit shall be required for the scoreboard and that prior to
replacement of sound system, Bethel University would be required to submit new sound system
plans to the City Council for approval. The Applicant is proposing to convert the existing
electronic scoreboard to a LED/Video capable scoreboard with a sound system fully contained
within the accessory structure.
The City Council is not required to hold a public hearing for a Site Plan Review. For this
application, the public was given an opportunity to comment on Planning Case 21-016 under
Agenda Item 8E. A full evaluation of the proposed site plan review and improvements are
included in the staff report under Agenda Item 8E. Staff offered the following Findings of Fact:
General Findings:
1. The Bethel University main campus at 3900 Bethel Drive is located in the Institutional
Zoning District.
2. A Higher Education, College Campus is a Conditional Use in the Institutional District.
3. Bethel University operates under a Conditional Use Permit Master Plan.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 23, 2021 12
4. Athletic fields and accessory equipment are permitted under the CUP Master and
Amended Plan for Bethel University.
5. Bethel University has requested Site Plan Review approval for installation of a new
scoreboard and sound system in the stadium fields and track area.
6. The accessory structure and lighting would be in compliance with all provisions of the
Zoning Code.
7. A public hearing is not required for Site Plan Review.
8. The proposed application meets all setback requirements.
Site Plan Review Evaluation Findings:
9. The proposed plan is not anticipated to have any impact on traffic or parking conditions
because the additions do not include an increase in football field seating.
10. The proposed plan includes the addition of LED lights and will within a reasonable level
increase illumination around the stadium fields.
11. The proposed project is reasonable because scoreboards considered an accessory structures
are addressed in the Code as reasonable uses within educational athletic facilities.
12. The proposed plan will not produce any permanent noise, odors, vibration, smoke, dust, air
pollution, heat, liquid, or solid waste, and other nuisance characteristics.
13. The proposed plan will impact drainage on the site.
14. The proposed plan will not impact school population density.
15. The proposed plan is not expected to have a visual impact on surrounding properties or on
land use compatibility with uses and structures on surrounding land or adjoining land
values because of distance and existing foliage the new accessory structure will not be
easily visible from outside the Bethel University campus. 16. Park dedication requirements
are not applicable.
17. The proposed plan does not conflict with the general purpose and intent of the Zoning
Code or the Comprehensive Development Plan for the City.
18. A public hearing for a Site Plan Review is not required before the request can be brought
before the City Council.
19. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing to allow for comment on August 4,
2021.
Senior Planner Jagoe reported the Planning Commission reviewed this application at their
August 4, 2021 meeting. At that time, they recommended approval of the Bethel University
application for Site Plan Review by a 5-0 vote with the following conditions:
1) All conditions of the original Conditional Use Permit and Amendments shall remain in
full force and effect.
2) That the project shall be completed in accordance with the plans submitted as amended by
the conditions of approval. Any significant changes to these plans, as determined by the
Senior Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission and City
Council.
3) The proposed structure shall conform to all other regulations in the City Code.
4) A building permit shall be obtained for the proposed scoreboard.
5) That all building and setback requirements shall be met.
6) The scoreboard height shall not exceed 35 feet.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 23, 2021 13
7) That the sound system being installed within the scoreboard shall meet all applicable
standards set by the EPA and MPCA.
8) A separate sign permit shall be required and scoreboard signage must meet all
requirements of City Code Section 1250.
9) That the scoreboard shall not be used as a dynamic sign to display sponsorship advertising,
messages or videos.
10) A Bethel employee shall control the lighting and sound system at the football field.
11) The use of the sound system and lights at the football field be capped at 10:00 PM, except
on nights that have a Bethel University sponsored events.
12) That an automatic dimmer module shall be installed to reduce the nighttime light output of
the LED lighting of the scoreboard based on ambient light levels.
13) That the applicant shall cooperate with all reasonable requests from the City to modify
direction and intensity of light and sound emitted from the scoreboard to mitigate its
impact.
14) The Applicant shall be required to provide photometric calculations for the stadium
lighting including the LED lighting of the scoreboard at the property lines of all adjacent
residential properties indicating the plan meets ordinance requirements.
Councilmember McClung believed the proposed sound system would improve the sound that
was going into the neighborhood.
Mayor Grant commented on the scoreboard and sound system that was approved for the Mounds
View High School and noted there have not been any issues with the new system.
Councilmember Scott reported he lived to the north of the stadium near Boston Scientific. He
explained he could hear the fans and PA system on a sunny fall day. He thanked Bethel
University for being a responsive neighbor.
MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a
motion to approve Planning Case 21-016 for Site Plan Review for Bethel
University to update the scoreboard and sound system adjacent to the
stadium field and track located in the southern quadrant of the Bethel
University Campus. Specific improvements include replacing the electronic
scoreboard to an LEDNideo capable scoreboard with sound system upgrade
subject to the fourteen (14) conditions in the August 23, 2021 report to the
City Council. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried (4-0).
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
11. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember McClung reported he has recently had some medical issues noting he was
immune compromised, which means he must attend City meetings remotely. He explained he
was a fighter and he would continue to fight.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 23, 2021 14
Councilmember Scott congratulated Brandon Patterson for being appointed as the new City's
Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer.
Councilmember Scott thanked Gretchen Needham for her contributions as the Communications
Coordinator.
Councilmember Scott discussed the mandatory water restrictions that were in place at this time.
Councilmember Scott thanked the PTRC Committee for making a donation to the Arden Hills
Foundation for the purchase of a park bench.
Councilmember Holmes explained she served on the Communications Committee with Gretchen
Needham. She wished Gretchen all the best in her new endeavors.
Mayor Grant wished Gretchen Needham all the best and thanked her for her contributions to the
City of Arden Hills.
Mayor Grant reported staff would be moving back to regular hours at City Hall after the Labor
Day holiday.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to
adiourn. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried (4-0).
Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:48 p.m.
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Ju Hanson David Grant
Ci Clerk Mayor