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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 2011 ECR-WSS PRST STD U.S.Postage Paid St.Paul,MN NH S Permit#1962 Arden Hills,MN • 55112-5734 I TCAAP Site Considered for Stadium n Pulte Homes Project POSta C U StO fTl e r The Official City Newsletter for Arden Hills Residents March 2011 l Libraryfor Sale TCAAP considered as potential stadium site d Councilmember Holden Honored eaders from Ramsey County and The resolution does not address stadium On February 28,the the Minnesota Vikings are negotiat- funding and does not set any deadlines. Arden Hills City e Scott Freyberger is Employee of Year Ling to possibly bring a stadium to Council approved its Arden Hills. In a 6-1 vote February 15,the The County action was preceded by a resolution declar- Ramsey County Board of Commissioners letter from the Vikings owners expressing ing its intent to approved a resolution to study the viability interest in the TCAAP site but noting the work with all the of a public stadium on the western edge of Vikings organization is still pursuing other stakeholders to address the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant options as well.Eleven State Legislators environmental remediation (TCAAP),near Highway 10 and 1-35W. signed a letter to the County Board pro- issues and identify needed public The resolution notes that a stadium pres- testing the potential use of a County sales transportation and infrastructure improve- Notes from the City Council ents an opportunity to"cost-effectively tax increase to help finance the stadium. ments.The resolution also authorizes remediate the land and improve transporta- The letter also questions whether Vikings the City Manager to cooperate with the There has been a lot of media cover- rewards for the City?One big question is need to monitor the issue and ensure the tion infrastructure and stimulate economic officials are using the Arden Hills site as County on its due diligence analysis and age about Arden Hills,TCAAP,and how the stadium would get TCAAP land. City is not put at risk. development."The resolution provides a bargaining chip to secure a better deal directs staff to provide the County with a the Vikings.To tell the truth,I haven't yet Who would own the land and how would County contingency funding to analyze to rebuild the Metrodome at its current list of the major infrastructure and other given it a lot of thought since there are the Army transfer the land?Could the City In the meantime we are still negotiating the potential benefits and detriments of a location. On February 18 the Twin Cities requirements for City support.Like the about a million pieces that need to fall into demand a higher level of remediation on with Mn/DOT and the County on road stadium and authorizes County leaders to North Chamber of Commerce Board of County measure,the City resolution notes place before anything could ever happen. the stadium site?What will a City later construction projects,finishing the Coun- negotiate with City,State,and other inter- Directors unanimously passed a resolution the potential for a stadium to remediate the do with a 40-year-old stadium?How does cil priority-setting retreat,and learning to ested parties,all of which would have to supporting a stadium at TCAAR land,improve transportation infrastruc- TCAAP,we've been told,will be going up the City get tax revenue and how would it work together as a new Council. Hope it come together to approve a stadium plan. ture,and stimulate economic development. for public auction(sometime?).However, pay for public safety costs?I am open to stops snowing soon. Details are available on the City website. it is unlikely the state will allow the Army the possibility of the Vikings coming to Sincerely, to include just a general,non-specific TCAAP,but there still are many issues to Pulte Homes seeks to build 39 houses in Arden Hills remediation plan in the invitation for bid. overcome. So until the first couple items It would be difficult to define the cleanupon the list of a million happen,the Ci �' `t� ulte Group is purchasing 25 acres of which will create about 39 buildable home It would appear on the City Council's PP � City P � P g PP tY standard in writing before it is known isn't spending much time on the issue. We Brenda Holden,Councilmember undeveloped land at the southeast sites.Approximately six acres will be agenda soon thereafter.Watch the City what will be located on any particular corner of Highway 96 and Snelling used for roadways and wetland or pond- calendar,available on the City's website, Snow: w� N���onbly not done yet piece of TCAAP land.There is another -'' Avenue.After TCAAP,this is the largest ing areas.This leaves nearly 20 acres for for meeting dates and agendas. � � obstacle as well:A developer will need a contiguous piece of undeveloped land in home construction,which allows for lot substantial amount of up-front money to Reminders about snow-removal policy the City.It is zoned R-1,single-family sizes that meet or exceed the City's zon- Pulte Group is an award-winning home purchase,do remediation,demolish the The City's Snowplowing,Snow Removal,and Ice Control Policy states that"the residential. ing ordinances. builder with operations in 68 markets in buildings,and build infrastructure. practice of moving snow from driveways into the street causes a very serious traffic 29 states and the District of Columbia.The problem.When the snow freezes and a vehicle hits a rough spot,it could At the January 31 City Council work ses- The plan calls for building a new curving company started in 1950 when Bill Pulte That being said,and with the economy be thrown out of control and an accident might occur.It is prohibited to sion Pulte presented two conceptual plans street from Snelling Avenue to the south built his first home in Detroit.It became a still"sluggish,"TCAAP is going to need blow,shovel,or plow any snow back onto,or across any City street."This for dividing the land into lots and con- end of Keithson Drive and for extending publicly-traded company in 1969.By 2007 a large anchor tenant with money that can policy also prohibits moving snow from one private property to another. structing single-family homes.After dis- Royal Hills Drive north to meet this new Pulte Homes had delivered its 500,000th bring in other development to the TCAAP (i.e.,It is illegal to push snow from a private driveway across a public cussion,the Council encouraged Pulte to street.This plan not only gives the new home.It sells homes under four brand site.A Vikings stadium could bring much street on to the boulevard area of another private property.)This has been move forward with the less dense option, houses access to more than one entrance names:Pulte Homes(serving primarily to TCAAP,and to the surrounding a serious issue this season due to the amount of snow and the lack of stor- and exit route,but for the first time the move-up buyers),Centex(serving primar- I-694/35W infrastructure,all for ten games age areas. residents of Keithson Drive will have a ily first-time buyers;Centex became part a year. It could bring hotels,restaurants, second access route. of Pulte in 2009),Del Webb(homes in 21 businesses,jobs,and housing.TCAAP If you use a private contractor for snow removal please remind your contractor of the ^ states for active adults 55 and older),and could be developed in our lifetime! City policy.The contracor can contact City Hall with questions.If you see a private The City has tentatively scheduled the DiVosta Homes(housing communities contractor pushing snow into or across a City street and can identify the company name ® introduction of Pulte's plan for the March in Florida built specifically to withstand If a stadium came to Arden Hills,what please contact the Public Works Director.City staff will then contact the company and ® Planning Commission meeting,with the Florida's extreme weather). would be the cost and what would be the make it aware of the City policy. M_ERry a public hearing to be held a month later. .___ . Arden Hills Service Directory News from around the town Benchmarks: a review of recent City Council action 1245 West Highway 96 January 31, 2011 Approved Ordinance 2011-003 in February 14, 2011 Arden Hills, AN 55112-5734 Old library site is for sale (Holden excused) Planning Case 11-003 and approved (Tamble excused) The former Arden Hills Library,which closed at the end of 2010,is Planning Case 11-003 for a Con- Office Hours for sale.Interested buyers had until February 16 to submit a bid.The FOR Approved appointment of Nicholas ditional Use Permit Amendment at Adopted Resolution 2011-006 autho- County didn't set an asking price.The assessed value of the building 8 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. S J. � Tamble to Arden Hills City Council Mounds View High School at 1900 rizing final payment of$18,862 to Monday to Friday and land is$1.8 million.The site at 1942 West County Road E2 has ,_- (term expires December 31,2012)(3-0) Lake Valentine Road(for construction Lametti and Sons,Inc. for the 2010 three buildable acres and is zoned residential.The 8,200 square-foot 1 of a ticket sales and athletic equip- Sanitary Sewer Lining Project(4-0) 651-792-7800 library building was built in 1969. • Approved job description for Account- ment storage building)(4-0) www.ci.arden-hills.mn.us ing Analyst(4-0) Approved payment of$13,165 to Sheriff and Fire Emergency The new library at the New Brighton Family Service Center is scheduled to open next Approved Planning Case 11-002 for Lake Johanna Fire Department(Ar- 911 winter.Library administration held a community meeting and sent an e-mail survey last Approved Pay Equity Report dated a sign standard adjustment at 3920 den Hills'share of capital reimburse- Sheriff(non-emergency) month to gather input regarding user likes and dislikes and service preferences. For January 27,2011 (State mandated Northwoods Drive(allowing sign to ment)(4-0) 651-484-3366 more information go to www.rclreads.org. report)(4-0) be raised for visibility from I-694) Fire(non-emergency) (4-0) Approved contracting with Animal 651-633-2404 Developer closes on County Road F property Approved Resolution 2011-004 relat- Control Services for 2011 (4-0) Water and Sewer Problems Sand Companies has purchased the property at 1296 County Road F and plans to build ing to the organization of the City of Directed staff to proceed with the (During non-business hours a 55-unit affordable apartment complex,called Arden Village.The City approved the Arden Hills such as naming the of- planning and improvements process Approved Resolution 2011-007 ( g ) P P g ty PP de g P g p P PP 651-484-3366 for Valentine Park 4-0 - 0 development last year and has conditional) committed$225 000 in Tax Increment Fi- ficial depository,newspaper,er and other authorizing the North Suburban Com P Y Y g P rY P P Mayor: nancing or other financial support.The project has been held up because Sand Compa- administrative items(4-0) munication Commission to renegoti- David Grant 651-538-0747 nies has been unable to obtain financing subsidies from the Minnesota Housing Finance Accepted Metropolitan Council ate the Cable Franchise Agreement for Councilmembers: Agency and other sources.The developer plans to resubmit its application this spring. Approved Resolution 2011-005 ap- Environmental Services grant to Arden Hills(4-0) Brenda Holden 651-636-2987 proving plans and specifications and cover up to 25 percent of 2011 sewer Fran Holmes 651-631-1866 Counc►Imember Holden honored for youth service ordering advertisement for bid for the lining project to address inflow and Approved Resolution 2011-008 in Nick Tamble 612-819-7995 Councilmember Brenda Holden was recent) honored b the Northwest 2011 Pavement Management Program infiltration mitigation(City awarded support of Arden Village application Ed Werner 651-636-2546 Youth and Family Services(NYFS)and the Arden Hills Shoreview Rotary LL,u (Amble Road,Arden View Drive, $203,779 grant,requiring allocation to Ramsey County for Federal grant Arden View Court,Colleen Court, of additional City funds to project— funds 3-1 Holden City Administrator: with the Paul Harris Fellow Award.The honor recognizes people who Dellwood Street,Nursery Hill Court, actual amount dependent on bids) ( ) provide outstanding services or activities for the benefit of youth in our Patrick Klaers 651-792-7810 community."Brenda served on the board of Open Your Heart to the Hungry fry Nursery Hill Lane,Janet Court,Wyn- (4-0) and Homeless(OYH)for several years. OYH provides funds to organiza- crest Court,Wyncrest Lane,Wynridge Communications Committee: Drive)(4-0) tions to fill the gaps by providing services like school supplies for homeless students Arlene Mitchell,editor;Kristine and helping with maintenance for shelters for homeless or battered persons. She serves Goodrich;Brenda Holden; on the NYFS Board of Directors,which recognized her for supporting Safe Routes for • Council Liaison: Nick Tamble Schools. "Brenda is always looking out for the little guy,"said NYFS President and Scott Freyberger Is Employee of the Year Staff Liaison: Becky Brazys CEO Jerry Hromatka."She has spent her life making sure she looks at all sides of an Desktop Publisher: Mary Nosek issue and that everyone's voice is heard." ublic Works employee Scott Frey- years to come. Scott worked for a land- berger is the City's Employee of scaping company for more than 20 years Council meetings are held at City Hall the Year.Employees are invited to before coming to Arden Hills.He hopes to on the second and last Monday of the McDonald's to rebuild nominate a coworker for the award and stay with the City until he retires. month at 7 p.m.Meetings are televised A proposal before the City would replace the McDonald's restaurant building on an Employee Recognition Committee an- { live on Cable Channel 16.Meetings of County Road E just east of Highway 51,with the existing building being demolished nually chooses an honoree. Scott said he Public Works Director Terry Maurer the Planning Commission are televised in June and a new building opening by the end of September,weather permitting.This was unaware he was nominated and was said Scott is"truly a team player."Other at 6:30 p.m.on the first Wednesday McDonald's franchise is locally owned. "completely surprised"when his name nominating comments from his colleagues after the first Monday of the thonth. was announced. included: Playbacks of City meetings begin the The current building was constructed in 1974,with additions in 1983 and 1989.The Scott is always busy with something morning after the meeting and continue property lies within the City's B2 Business District and falls under the Guiding Plan for Scott has worked for the City since 1999. and is dedicated to doing what is in every day until the next City meeting. the B2 District,adopted in October 2008.The new design reorients the building: the He most enjoys that the job has a lot of the best interest of the City. Scott Freyberger;center,is pictured here with Mayor Playbacks are at 3 a.m., 11 a.m.,and front door and outside seating area face County Road E;the driveways remain in the variety. "Every day is different,"he said. He is a motivated,dependable hard David Grant,left,and Public Works Director Terry 7 p.m.Monday through Friday,and 7 current positions but parking is moved to the east side of the building;the drive-thru Scott and the other seven members of worker. Maurer. a.m.,2 p.m.,and 10 p.m. on Saturday will wrap around the north and west side of the building.When the bridge over High- the Public Works Department maintain Scott works every task with the same Four other employees were honored at a and Sunday.For web casts,visit way 51 is replaced,adding a pedestrian walkway,McDonald's will add a connecting many elements of the City's infrastruc- effort,no matter what it is. luncheon and a City Council meeting in www.ctvl5.org. sidewalk along County Road E.The majority of the exterior will be either brick or glass tore,including roads,utilities,and parks. Scott is a self-motivated person with January for reaching milestone years of and the grounds will be landscaped to meet City requirements. Sometimes that means working late nights, good morals who exercises a wide service to the City.In the Public Works Arden Hills Notes is the official news- early mornings,or weekends,but Scott range of abilities with a vast amount Department,Mike Schifsky has worked letter of the City of Arden Hills,an On January 5 the Planning Commission held a public hearing about the proposed said he doesn't mind the long hours.As the of knowledge that is carried on in his for the City for 30 years,and Tony Now- equal-opportunity employer. replacement of the McDonald's restaurant building and then voted to move it forward City forester,he leads care of the City's great attitude about his job. Ian and Jeff Frid each have worked five to the City Council for its consideration.On February 28 the City Council approved this trees.Last year he led improvements to the years.In the Community Development development project. landscaped islands on Highway 96 which Department,John Mennenga reached his 2 will ease maintenance and reduce costs for 3 fifth anniversary.