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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-09-23-R DEN_HILLS Approved: November 13, 2023 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2023 7:00 P.M. -ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor David Grant called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant, Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Emily Rousseau, Tena Monson and Tom Fabel Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Dave Perrault; Assistant Public Works Director Lucas Miller; Community Development Director Jessica Jagoe; and Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Julie Hanson PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as presented. The motion carried (LL 2. TCAAP/RICE CREEK COMMONS UPDATE City Administrator Perrault stated the JDA has met twice since the Council's last meeting. He reported at the September 27 meeting, the JDA received a presentation from Alatus on the 1,960 unit density scenario. He indicated the JDA was generally supportive of the scenario. He stated the JDA met again on October 2 where the group encouraged the City and County to consider changes to the TRC, reviewed proposals for Outlot A and made a recommendation for one of the proposals for the County Board to consider. He indicated the JDA also approved the energy advisory committee's vision and goal statements and approved the scope of work for a future energy consultant. He reported an open house would be held for Rice Creek Commons on November 1. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 9, 2023 2 Mayor Grant asked if any other density scenarios were presented by Alatus at the September 27 meeting. City Administrator Perrault stated only the 1,960 density scenario was presented to the JDA. Councilmember Monson explained she had asked the developer what a density scenario of 1,780 would look like. She indicated the 1,960 would be the maximum build to number and stated it would take 10 to 15 years for this project to be completed. Councilmember Holden questioned if the developer would build up to 1,960 units and a specific number of jobs. She asked when Outlot A would be developed. Councilmember Monson stated it was her understanding Outlot A would be constructed in as early as 2025 or 2026. She noted presumably if they're bidding and trying to buy property, they would be trying to build as fast as possible. Councilmember Rousseau inquired what information would be presented at the open house. City Administrator Perrault reported this event was still be planned, but noted information would be provided on the development plan, density scenarios, parks and infrastructure. He noted two presentations would be given at different times to allow for the public to arrive at staggered times. Councilmember Rousseau asked if the school district would be invited to this event. City Administrator Perrault stated this has yet to be determined. Councilmember Holden questioned if there would be a table with information on transportation and financing. City Administrator Perrault anticipated there would be a table with information on transportation,but not financing. 3. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL Richard Wenzel, 1931 Noble Road, stated over six months ago he asked the Council for the County's proposal for TCAAP. He commented in some of the Councilmembers campaign literature, they were calling for transparency with a better mindset. He noted the information stated the new Councilmembers would be answering questions from residents at meetings. He questioned where the County's proposal was at. He believed the Councilmembers were lying to the public and were not following through with their campaign promises. He expressed frustration that there were no answers from the Council even now, after six months of him asking what the plan was. He urged the new Councilmembers to do what they said they were going to do. Susan Johnson, 1220 Karth Lake Drive, thanked each of the Councilmembers for all they do on behalf of the community. She stated she was upset by the fact some of the Councilmembers were under attack. She believed even when people deeply disagreed, they should search for ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 9, 2023 3 commonality. She indicated she attended the JDA meeting and listened to the comments. While she understood there were disagreements, she appreciated the measures that have been taken to solve the TCAAP problem. She indicated none of the Councilmembers were responsible for what Ramsey County does, but she appreciated the dialogue that has been held. She was of the opinion the higher density was a moral imperative. She believed it was very important to provide people with affordable stable housing. She indicated this was the key to strong families and neighborhoods as well as being the key to a successful community. She anticipated the Council would be smart enough to find solutions, if traffic were to become a concern. She urged the Council and the City's residents to continue to work together and be civil. Donna Wiemann, 1406 Arden View Drive, explained at the JDA meeting last week a resident stated she would be happy to spend more in taxes in order to have more affordable housing on TCAAP. She urged the Council to keep in mind that more taxes may not be something that everyone could afford to pay. She reported according to the Met Council 6.9% of Arden Hills residents earn less than $34,000 a year. She discussed how residents would be impacted by the 1% sales tax increase that would go into effect on January 1, noting residents would also be impacted by the free breakfast/lunch program being created for all public schools. She asked the Council to not forget how these new programs and additional taxes would impact 6.9% of the residents of Arden Hills. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES None. 5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS None. 6. STAFF COMMENTS A. Transportation Update Assistant Public Works Director Miller reported Lexington Avenue was open to traffic and would have intermittent outside lane closures as the contractor finishes the trail and sidewalk construction. He noted this work would continue through the fall until the work is completed. Assistant Public Works Director Miller stated the roundabout at County Road E and Old Snelling was open to traffic in all directions, but was an active construction site. He indicated the final paving for Old Highway 10 was completed last week. He noted the roundabout would be paved the week of October 16, weather permitting. He urged vehicles passing through the site to pay close attention to the posted signage and heavy equipment. Councilmember Holden requested a "Bump" sign be posted on County Road E where the pavement was milled and overlayed. Assistant Public Works Director Miller explained he would look into this. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 9, 2023 4 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. September 11, 2023, Regular City Council MOTION: Councilmember Rousseau moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the September 11, 2023, Regular City Council meeting minutes as presented. The motion carried (5-0). 8. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll B. Motion To Acknowledge Application Of Catholic United Financial For An Exempt Permit To Conduct A Raffle With The Drawing Being March 7, 2024 With No Waiting Period C. Motion To Approve Legal Services With Campbell Knutson D. Motion To Approve Ideal Services, Inc., Invoice For Booster Station VFD Replacements E. Motion To Approve Service Agreement With GoodPointe Technology, LLC For Pavement Condition Data Collection F. Motion To Approve Termination And Release Of Assessment Agreement For Scannell Properties#486, LLC—4200 Round Lake Road G. Motion To Approve Estoppel Certificate On Stormwater Facilities Operation And Maintenance Agreement For Scannell Properties #486, LLC — 4200 Round Lake Road H. Motion To Approve Appointment Of Public Works Maintenance Employee I. Motion To Accept Resignation Of Accounting Clerk J. Motion To Approve Recruitment Of Accounting Clerk MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented and to authorize execution of all necessarN documents contained therein. The motion carried (5- 9. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS None. 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS None. 12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 9, 2023 5 None. 13. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Monson commented the Council was looking to hold a special meeting regarding the 1,960 density scenario as proposed by the JDA. Councilmember Monson stated she attended the flashlight pumpkin hunt with her son and niece. She thanked the City for hosting this wonderful community event. Councilmember Holden asked staff to look into getting a button battery box at City Hall. Councilmember Holden indicated in June she asked for information regarding how much the City was recycling. She asked that staff present a report with this information to the Council. Councilmember Holden reported she attended the flashlight pumpkin hunt as well. Councilmember Holden reminded the members of the JDA to consider the cost of providing stable housing, which included public safety. She recommended the JDA bring in some public safety expects to make sure the 1,960 density scenario doesn't lead to problems in the future. Councilmember Holden indicated there seemed to be some confusion at the last JDA meeting. She discussed how the City came upon the 1,460 density number. She reported the County had drawn the map and had chosen where they wanted certain zoning districts. She noted the original plan called for 1,200 units but this number was increased to 1,460 after holding meetings between the City, County and developer. She explained the TRC was created after agreement on the 1,460 number. She stated during mediation, the Council accepted an offer from the County that was significantly above 1,460 and the County decided that they did not want to move forward with their offer. She commented on the term sheet that had previously been negotiated for this project. She stated it was heard to say the City was stuck on 1,460 when the County never came forward with any information or term sheets to negotiate, rather they simply said no. She discussed how there was to be negotiations between the City and the County and asked that the blame stop being placed on the City. She feared if the lies continued, she would have to continue wasting everyone's time by providing factual historical information regarding this project. Councilmember Rousseau explained she was uncertain why the 1,460 number was still being discussed. She stated she was looking forward to having discussions regarding the 1,960 number. She invited the public to attend the community event that would be held on Wednesday, November 1 at the Ramsey County Facility in the Marsden Room. Councilmember Rousseau indicated the Council would be further discussing the density scenario at a special meeting on Thursday, November 2. Councilmember Rousseau stated a resident spoke to the Council about the importance of working together. She commented on how the Council had put together a tentative plan to work on group norms with the League of Minnesota Cities and to plan a Council Retreat. She indicated neither had happened this year. She hoped that the Council could bypass the norms conversation ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 9, 2023 6 but asked that the Council hold a retreat in January in order to set strategies, goals and priorities for 2024. Councilmember Monson agreed this was a great idea. Mayor Grant asked that staff bring this item back to the Council at a future worksession. Councilmember Rousseau commented that on Wednesday, October 4 the Planning Commission met and discussed ground mounted solar energy systems. She discussed how the applicant was being charged $1,900 in order to amend City Code. She stated the Planning Commission asked that these charged be reduced because many residents would benefit from this code amendment. She asked that the Council discuss this fee at a future worksession. Councilmember Fabel stated the TCAAP development project occupies an enormous amount of interest and energy in the community. He indicated this was a very large project that has many components. He explained this project was an enormous opportunity for the community. He stated at the core of the discussions surrounding this project was the residential density. He commented on the AUAR that was completed for this project and noted the site could support 1,500 to 2,500 residential units. He reported during the course of the last few years, there was sentiment amongst the voters who wanted something greater than 1,460 units on this site. He indicated the political impasse that went on between the City and the County has now passed and both parties were now working together on this project. He stated the proposal that has come forward from the developer for this project was for a density of 1,960 units, which was a compromise between 1,500 and 2,500 units. He understood residents had questions when it came to impacts on taxes and traffic. He explained there were also residents who fully supported the City committing to providing a higher level of affordable housing within this project. He commented on how one resident believed the City had a moral obligation to provide stable and affordable housing, he agreed with this statement. He discussed how the City would continue in a democratic manner in order to move this project forward. Mayor Grant stated a comment was made from the bench that the previously completed AUAR prescribed between 1,500 and 2,500 units. He explained this was not true. He noted there were two scenarios presented, the first was the zoning scenario with 1,500 units or less. He indicated the second scenario was a fallback that would allow the development to go over 1,500 units. He explained this number has been perpetuated to be something that it wasn't. He discussed the initial density was 1,280 and the developer requested additional housing, which led to a density of 1,430 and the developer then came back to the City at 1,460. He stated both the City and the County approved the 1,460 density in December of 2016. He explained he could not listen to comments stating the density within the AUAR was between a certain range, when that wasn't the case. He commented on how important jobs were to the development, along with providing a good education for the children living within this development. Mayor Grant reported the GSA auction of the primer tracer property was still underway. He noted the current bid was at $2.9 million. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 9, 2023 7 Mayor Grant stated at the recent JDA meeting the group reviewed proposals for Outlot A and made a recommendation to the County Board. He was of the opinion the JDA chose wisely when making this recommendation and he looked forward to seeing the final results for this site. Mayor Grant requested staff put a battery box at City Hall. Mayor Grant indicated he was out of state and was not able to attend the flashlight pumpkin hunt. He stated this was a great event for the community. ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to adiourn. The motion carried (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:52 p.m. Jul' Hanson David Grant CityClerk Mayor