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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 01-14-2002 . . . ~ ~~HILLS :\1EETING MINUTES CITY OF ARDEl'I HILLS, MIl'Il'IESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, JANUARY ]4,2002,7:00 P.M. CITY HALL COUI\CIL CHAMBERS, 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice lhereof, Mayor Dennis Probst called to order the regular City Council meeting al 7:08 p.m. Present: Mayor Demlis Probst, Councilmcmbers Beverly Aplikowski, David Grant, and Lois Rem. Absent: Councilmember Gregg Larson. Also present were City Administrator, Joe Lynch; City Accounta.tlt, Terrance Post; City Planner, Aaron Parrish; Interim Public Works Director and Parks & Recreation Director, Thomas Moore; City Engineer, Greg Brown, BRW; and Recording Secretary, Nancy Czajkowski. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA MOTIO:\f: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the January 14,2002, regular City Council meeting. Thc motion carried unanimollsly (4-0). APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. "Kovember 26, 2001 Regular COlmcil Meeting B. December 10,2001 Rcgular Council Meeting C. December 17,2001 City Council Worksession D. December 17, 2001 EDA Meeting E. December 17, 2001 Spccial City Council Meeting F. January 2, 2002 Special City Council Meeting Mr. Lynch requested removal of the November 26,2001 Regular Council Mceting minutes and December 10, 2001 Regular Council Mccting minutes. He asked that hc be given any changes. Councilmember Rem requested the fonowing change to December 17, 2001 EDA Meeting minutes: on the last page, the time of adjournnlent should be changed to 8:28 p.m. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 14,2002 2 MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the December 17, 2001 City Council Work session, the December 17, 2001 EDA Meeting, the Dccember 17, 2001 Special City Council Meeting, and the January 2, 2002 Special City Council Meeting minutes as corrected above. The motion cauied unanimously (4-0). CONSENT CALENDAR A. Claims and Payroll B. Rcsolution #02-01, Resolution Designating Depositories and Corporate Authorization C. Resolution #02-02, Resolution Designating Additional Money Market Depositories for investment Purposes D. Resolution #02-03, Resolution Designating Brokerage Fim1s for Investment In Financial Instmments Autborized By State Statue Consistent With The City Investment Policy E. Resolution #02-04, Resolution For Transfer Of Funds By Telephonic Instmctions Councilmember Grant asked about city ccll phones. Mr. Post responded the city has 10 Kextel phones and two other celJ phones used by the inspection department. Councilmember Grant asked about the monthly service fee. Mr. Post responded the Nextel fee is $34.99 per month. He stated the monthly charge might vary depending on usage. Councilmcmbcr Grant questioned the purchase of four laser printers. Mr. Post rcsponded the purchase order is issued directly to the distributor. He stated the City of Rose vi lie instalJs the printers and software. He noted they are replacement printers. MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and COlillcilmember Grant seconded a motion to approve the Conscnt Calendar and authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion canied unanimously (4-0). PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Probst invited those present to comc forward and address the Council on any items not already on the agenda. No public comments were made. U:"IFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Planning Cases Case #01-16, Shore1and Ordinance Mr. Parrish cxplaincd this is the second reading of Ordinance 334 City Shoreland Management Ordinance. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 14,2002 3 . MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to approve the second reading a.tld adoption of Ordinance #334, an Ordinance adopting shoreland management standards within the City of Arden Hills as recommended by Staff. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the publication of a summary ordinance of thc shoreland ordinance for the City of Ardcn Hills as recommended by Staff. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). B. Resolution #02-05, Resolution of Appreciation to Steve Erickson Mayor Probst read the Resolution in full. He stated he had the opp011unity to appoint Mr. Erickson to the Planning Conmlission. He noted Mr. Erickson has served in distinction. He addcd it was sad to see Mr. Ericksou leavc, but understood the reasons behind the decision. He stated the City Council needs to find some additional persons to serve on the Planning Commissions. He noted his personal thanks to Mr. Erickson for his servicc on the Planning Commission. . MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 02-05 Resolution of Appreciation to Mr. Steve Erickson. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). C. Resolution #02-06, Resolution of Appreciation to Warren Pakulski Councilmember Rem noted Mr. Pakulski's diligencc in assisting with the sign ordinancc. Mayor rcad the Resolution of Appreciation to WaITen Pakulski in li.& He stated he concurrcd with Councilmember Rem's comments. He noted publicly his thanks to Mr. Pakulski. MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 02-06 Resolution of Appreciation to Mr. Wan'en Pakulski. The motion caITied unanimously (4-0). D. Resolution #02-07, Resolution Approving 621 Foundation Charitable Gambling Bingo Hall Premises Permit Renewal Application CVlr. Post explained thc three items idcntified that warrants some discussion. Hc noted staffs recommendation. Mayor Probst asked if staff recommends leaving the 2001 accounting "as is". Mr. Post responded staffrecommends thcse mles be complied with during the next 24-month period. . Mr. McCauley stated thc have changed thc way they makc presentations. He noted thc presentations arc now made directly out of gambling ii.mds and not out of foundation funds. He added he would welcome othcr recommendations. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUKCTL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 14,2002 4 . COlillcilmember Grant asked if thc City intended to review this on an aruma I or quarterly basis. Mr. Post responded staff intcnded to review the compliance at thc end of the next two yeaT period. He stated thcre are many that choose not to comply in the interim and spend it in compliance at the end of the period. Mayor Probst stated the recourse for non-compliance would be denial of any subsequent premises pernlits. Councilmember Grant stated the rccord should note the agreement of the pm1ies that non- compliance shaJl reSLllt in a denial of the premises permit. MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 02-07 conditioned upon applicant wiJlingness to comply with the requirements of Ordinance No. 318 and properly compute the ten percent contribution requirement begimling with the December 2001 tax returns filled with the City. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). ADMINISTR~TOR COMMEI\TS A. Final Paymcnt Arden Manor/Old Highway 10 Project . Mr. Lynch explained the memo from Mr. Brown on the Highway 10 project. He stated there was about $5,000 in outstarding work to be done. He added the contractor has agreed to forfeit that atnount to wrap up the contract. He stated it was his understanding that it meets aJl the requirements of Ramsey County. He added lien waivers have been taken from all subcontractors. MOTION: Councilmembcr Grant moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the final paymcnt to Perkins Contracting for $20,368 conditioned upon the contractor obtaining all lien waivers from subcontractors and the understanding this is paymcnt in full. The motion canied unanimously (4-0). B. Ramsey County Public Works Facility Mr. Lynch explained thc lctter to Ramsey County regarding the public works facility. He stated staff collaborated on the list of concerns. He asked for comments. Councilmember Rem askecl for clarification on the requirements for special attention to the scrcening from the road way on the second page. Mr. Pan-ish responded screening used within the civic center zoning district is fairly broadly defined and utilized. Hc stated it could mean screening of the building. He noted the concern was more specifically related to the use of the building. He added a salt pile would be an example. . Mayor Probst stated the letter was well done. He notecl he would like to move forward with it. He added the City has stated in conversation with Ramsey County officials that it was interested in participating fully in the process. He stated it is important to get this on the record. He noted the signature page is intended for all Councilmembers to sign. He added Councilmember Larson is ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 14, 2002 5 . out of town until January 25,2002. He stated it is important that the action comc from the City C01111Cil to carry more weight. Councilmember Aplikowski stated it is two months too late so let us get it done. She noted the Mayor and thc City Administrator could sign the letter and list the Councilmembcrs. Councilmember Grant noted itcm three under Financial considerations. He added the City of Arden Hills is making a commitment. He stated the City Council is not aware of how large of commitment that is. Mr. Lynch stated this was based on City Councils previous discussions. He notcd the City could stand to the side and not have a way to shape that design. He added the City would then have to fund atl architect to change the drawings. He stated this would bc City Council direction to participate in the process. Mayor Probst stated the City Council wants a scat at the table when the consultant is selected. Hc suggested the City Administrator or a Councilmember be part of that process. Councilmember Grant asked for an approximation on the cost. Mayor Probst suggested predcsign services could cost somewherc between one and two percent of the total project cost. . Mayor Probst stated the estimate for the City's picce would be about 3.5 million dollars. He noted it would be ten percent oftwo percent. Mr. Post stated that would be about $60,000. Mayor Probst stated they did not know if it would be that high or not. Councilmember Grant asked about thc benefit of spending $60,000. Mayor Probst responded this is the first step in executing the project to build a public works facility. Councilmember Aplikowski stated the City could not afford to sit back. She noted the cost could be in the tens of thousands. She added irthc city does not come in to the project with a financial commitment, the city would not bc part of the design process. She stated if the City does not do a project with thc County, it does not a location for the public works facility. She noted if the City is not part of design process it would not bc satisfied with the outcomc. Mayor Probst stated some of the recommended outcome would include discussion of separate structures on a catnpus development sharing those things that could be shared. He noted that if that were the outcome the city would want to revisit sharing the design build concept. . Councilmcmbcr Grant statcd his concern that it commits the city to pm1icipate financially and council was not previously advised as to how much is being requested. Mayor Probst stated it is a fair concem, bLlt at this point in project, they need to decide whether they are going to participate or not. He noted that in order to participate in the design, the City . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 14,2002 6 would have to participate financially. He added they did not know what that dollar amount would be. He stated stafTknows that amount staff would have to bring it back for approval to the City Council. Councilmember Rem asked for some assurance on what the City was committing. Mr. Parrish responded the financial considerations have been made in a broad statement to increase the comf011level. He read the statement. He stated ifthc City was not comfortable later with the amount required for design build, it could back off the project. Mayor Probst statcd one reason to avoid a dollar amount at this point was that it created a target to come back to. He noted the intention of the letter is to say they would contribute financial1y. He added they do not have a choice. He statcd if they take out the commitment, the City would not be a player. He noted he was comfortable with submitting a letter and then seeing how the negotiations would play out. He added since the City has a place at the table, it would be able to somewhat control that. Councilmember Rem stated her concern about what they would be spending as the process goes on and other players become involved. Mayor Probst stated the fundamental purpose of the letter was not to encumber the City financially. He noted it is broad enough to allow the City room to negotiate. Hc added it is specific enough to let the County know not to allow the consultant to takc off in a certain way without considering the City's issucs. Councilmember Aplikowski stated thc City needs to be involved with the design process. She notcd if the City builds its own facility, it would put money into the design process. Councilmember Rem stated she agreed that they would have more control if they were part of the planning process. Mayor Probst askcd if the City Council wished to approve the proposed letter and directed it be submitted under the Mayor's and the City Administrator's signature. Councill1lember Aplikowski stated the Councilmember names should be copicd so the County knows they are all on board. Councilmember Grant stated that as Councilmembcrs they might view this as their participation in the project. He noted they could also view it as input into a facility that will be here within the City. He added they also want it to work well since it is on a major highway in the area. He stated that it is not just the City's facility they are concerncd about. Mayor Probst concurred. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 14,2002 7 MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to approve the letter and direct it be sent to Ramsey County with the following: a copy to Commissioner Bennett, a signature line for thc Mayor and the City Administrator, and noting the names ofthe City Councilmembers. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). C. Miscellaneous Mr. Lynch explained he was trying in graphical form to represent what the Governor's proposal as to further cuts in the City's lilllding. He noted that at this point it was just a pTOposal. Mayor Probst asked if the City had $12,000 at risk. Mr. Post responded that in rcgards to 2002, the specific line item to be eliminated is a revenue source in the gencral fund for $11,700. Hc statcd that approximately $ 32,000 related to the reduction in state credit aid. He notcd that if the proposal is adopted, the tax levy receipts would bc reduced accOTdingly. Councilmcmber Aplikowski stated amounts for Shorevicw and North Oaks has not bcenlisted. Mr. Post rcspondcd that Mr. Peterson, who prepared thc list, was trying to get something out quickly. He stated Mr. Peterson might not have all cities listed that are membcrs. Mr. Lynch noted the 35W Corridor Coalition's transportation summary is available. Mayor Probst stated that inforn1ation is being used to develop a work plan and legislative agenda. COUNCIL COlVLVlENTS Councilmcmber Grant stated he was appointed as liaison to the Maintenance Facility Task Force. He noted however, that there were no appointees to the task force. He added the Arden Hills Ordinance states those appointments would be made by the Mayor. He stated the Mayor needs to designate a chairperson. He requestcd that the Mayor appoint thc remaining members and pick a Chair. He stated the chair could call a meeting. Mayor Probst stated he hopes thc Councilmembers could otTer some names for this task force. He noted he does have one person who was a forn1er committee member and who would be interested. He added he would see what hc could do by the next City Council meeting. Councilmembcr Aplikowski stated that at a past meeting there were names on big sheets of paper of people who had expressed interests. She noted one of the public works employees might have some comments on that task forcc. Councilmember Grant stated the format of agenda has changed. He not cd it used to list the City's meetings for the month. He added it was helpful. He askcd if it would be on future agendas. Mr. Lynch rcsponded in the arIirmativc. Council member Rem stated the lists were very helpful. She concuned with the request for their return. ARDEl\ HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETlNG MINUTES JANUARY 14,2002 8 . Councilmember Aplikowski stated that even two months would be helpful. Councilmembcr Grant stated that in the Jetter sent to Colonel Lord, the City expressed its vicw of having vehicles 11l0ved on the TCAAP property to an area not visible from City HaJl. He noted he did not feel the tone oCthe lcttcr was appropriate. He added he wanted to exprcss publicly admiration for thc Army National Guard. He stated hc appreciated their assistance in the city obtaining this property. He noted it was not appropriate to state thc vehicles should he moved because they could be seen from City Hall. Mayor Probst statcd there have been several conversations with Coloncl Lord and his predecessors. He noted it is not the greatest front door to Arden Hills. He added the Rcserve had indicated that it had never been told formally to move the vehicles. lie stated this letter is intended to fonnalJy make such a request. lIe noted he also admired the Natioual Guard's assistancc. Councilmemher Grant stated hc would like to see the vehicles moved, but did not like the tone of the letter concerning them being visible from city hall as the reason. He noted the request should have been from the perspective of the City and not from the view from City HalJ. He added that he personaJly does not share this pcrspective. . Councilmember Rem stated she would have donc the letter differently. She noted her concern that if the letter \vas done as a foJlow up to previous conversations that could have bcen stated in the letter. She added the City wants the National Guard to cooperate in a number of things. Shc stated the view from City Hall would have bccn the last reason on her list. She noted a better approach would have been that thcy had received caJls from residents regarding the view from the highway. Councilmember Rem stated shc had received a call last week from a resident south ofPelTY Parle She noted the resident had been out of the county lor a few months. She added the resident had read in the Pioneer Prcss that the City was interested in taking the residcnt's property to bc part of Perry Park. She stated the resident was vcry concerned. She notcd it would be tactful on the city's pal1 to contact people personally early in the process. She added a COllple other properties had been in this situation. She stated it is good for city the city to be proactive. She noted the resident, Mr. Mat1in, stated he had sent 1ettcr to Mr. Moore today. She added she would like to see a copy ofMr. Martin's lettcr. She stated Mr. Martin wrote the letter to gct some things in writing between him and the City. She noted he hoped to receive somcthing back from thc City noting the il1lplications for his property. She added he was not adverse to the plans necessarily, but would like to talk about it first. . Mayor Probst stated the City must bc a little careful about committing to infoD11 people ahead oC time. He noted this was a group ofresidents in the community brainstorming about what thcy would like to do. He added there was no timeline or decisions from the City. He statcd this was similar to the Presbyicrian Homes issue. He noted thc City Counci I needs to be careful ahout how many processes it puts on these groups. Hc added they wanted people to be free thinking in the master planning phase. He stated it was logical to considcr the property, hLlt thcre are no funds and no master plan in place. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 14,2002 9 Councilmember Rem stated thcrc is a draft master plan that is out there for the public. She noted that in talking to Mr. Moore today, he said there wcre three residential properties affected by that plan. She added that if just a few specific properties were affected, it would not be out of line to contact them. She stated they would either spend time up front getting infonnation out or spend at least that amount of time putting out the fire. Shc noted the City Council should probably discuss this issuc again at some point. She added there is a master plan in draft form. Councilmember Rem stated the City Council had agreed to meet at 7:00 p.m. provided it was not prohibited by ordinance. She noted that if the Council wanted to changc the ordinance it could. She added they had recently adopted the ordinance with a start time of 7:30 p.m. under recodificaiton. She stated it seems that they should stand by it. Mayor Probst stated that unless there are concerns, he would like to move forward on changing the ordinance. He noted he would likc it to be set up so start time would be a City Council policy and not a specific time. He added it is relatively a trivial matter. Councilmembcr Rem stated Mr. FiJla had pointed out in his letter that the langLlagc was very restrictive. Mayor Probst stated if they desired that flexibility, they could direct staff to make those modifications. Councilmember Rem stated it makes complete sense to have that t1exibility. She noted the City Attorney had suggested it. She added there should be public notice in advance of a change in thc meeting time. Councilmember Grant stated it is important to follow the ordinances. He notcd they expect othcrs to do so. He added since that is how the ordinance is written, they should meet at 7:30 p.m. until they change the ordinance. He stated he approvcs of changing the ordinance. Councilmember Aplikowski stated it used to be that pcople had a family supper atld then went out. She noted 7:30 p.m. was considered an early start time. She added it was hard Cor hcr to be too conccrned about this issue. She stated it should be changed to be t1exibJe. She noted they should let the public know, but does not fcel anyone cares if the meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. Mayor Probst directed staff to speak to Mr. Filla regarding the appropriate language. Councilmember Aplikowski stated that concerning moving the jeeps and trucks she has been at City Hall during daytime meetings when people discussed being able to see the vehicles. Shc noted when her kids were little they loved watching the jeeps coming and going. Shc added that if their car got into a caravan, the kids were in heaven. She stated she did not have the same feeling about the vehicles. She noted it is a dilTcrent look from City Hall than from the highway. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETII\G MINUTES JANUARY 14,2002 10 . Councilmemher Aplikowski asked ifthcrc was some way the City Council could determine a date for the town hall mecting so they could schedule a dedication for City Hall. She asked about the Day in the Park date. Mr. Moore responded it was schcduled for June 22, 2002. Councilmember Aplikowski stated the City Council should deternIine whether the dedication would be the same date as the town mecting. She noted she suggests the second Saturday after Easter as a possible date. Mayor Probst stated they should proceed. Hc notcd he would like to do it in combination with the town hall meeting. He added that in April they should be ahle to accommodate the parking hcrc. He stated he was happy with the suggested date. Councilmembcr Rem stated it would not work for her. Councilmember Aplikowski suggested April 20, 2002. Councilmembers Rem and Grant concuned. . Mayor Probst stated the city has a deadline to get comments in about the redistricting. He noted he was curious to see if anyone has accesscd the website. He added he would appreciate staff review of the proposal. He stated they would not be concerncd in there was to be no change affecting Arden Hills. Councilmcmbcr Aplikowski stated there was a movement by one political patiy to move i\rden Hills over to the New Brighton area. Mayor Probst stated everything he had sccn had been about the congrcssional district. He noted this area was a bullseyc where all the machinations are going on. Mayor Probst stated the Fire Department is requesting advancing a vehicle purchase. He noted a suggestion to wait for Councilmember Larson's return. He added staff should look at the request. He stated they had a sinking fund for such capital improvements. He noted that if the money is there he would prefer to do it this ycar. He added he would like to have the infornlation necessary to have that discussion. . Mayor Probst stated Councilmember Rem, Mr. Lynch, and himself participated in a meeting with staff of the offices of Scnator Wellstone, Representative McCollum, Congressman Sabo and others on the arsenal property. He noted it was a forthright and good disCllssion. He added he thought he was quitc clcar and direct as to the city's interest. He stated it remains his impression that an opportunity exists to move things along. He noted that with the exception ofthe Anny Reservc thc other parties arc on track. He added a local point of contact is missing. He suggestcd that it should be the City of Arden Hills. He stated an of parties should decide on the path and go back to congressional delegation. He noted he learned some things that the AmIY National Guard has in the works. He asked for a specific consensus that they wanted to continue atId put themselves in the lead position as this matter goes forward. Hc stated the City would then continue to do those things necessary to forward this activity. He noted he was approachcd by the ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 14, 2002 11 . Mayor of New Brighton. He added he is trying to put together some infoilllation for the congressional delegation to take up while they are in Washington. Mayor Probst statcd thc two developers he thought were interested havc not made contact with Mr. Lynch. He noted another party has been in contact. He added Mills Corporation has contacted him about another strategy. He stated he would like them to take a specific position on moving forward with onc party no later than next month. He noted there should be some agreement. He added he would like it as an agenda item at the worksession. He stated other partics are interested in this property. He notcd that if they did not move forward other things would happen that could jeopardize their development oflhe property. COllDcilmember Gratlt asked about the Mills Corporation. He stated that at a previous meeting thcre was some consensus to not move forward with Mills Corporation. Mayor Probst responded his recollection was that they were not interested in that approach, but chosc to seek other possible parl11ers. He stated that clearly his impression is that givcn their options it seems unlikely MilJs Corporation would be the pre felTed choice. . COll11cilmember Aplikowski stated she also felt the MilJs Corporation was not as good of a choice as the second developer. She noted it never hurts to hear what they have to say. She added they do not need another MalJ of America in the northern suburbs, but more retail may be possible. She stated Centex seemed to have a more realistic approach. She noted she did not have a problem with the Mayor being the point person. Mayor Probst statcd he is convinced that the Washington delegation is preparcd to help them go down this path. He noted that if they do not take control of thc situation they would see some federal entities start to cherry pick. He added he thinks they would have the support of the surrounding communities. He stated there might even have broader support than just the four surrounding cities. Councilmembcr Rcm statcd it would be helpful to have a map showing the areas not be claimed by the National Guard or the Anny Reserve. Mr. Parrish responded thc composite map is a pretty busy map. He stated one could see what areas the city would like to acquire and the areas for the National Guard. He noted they had the Minnesota National Guard acquisition map. Councilmember Rem stated that perhaps they should have maps of the best case scenario and the worst case sccnario. . Mayor Probst stated he thought the National Guard has been true to the Vento drawing. He noted it appeared that the acreage was up. He added all the differences are along the interior boundary. He stated there are certainly going to be more discussions about how exactly that should be laid out. He notcd it is critical to make a decision to attempt to take control of what is happening. Hc added that he hoped they could convince the Washington delegation to request this with the help ofthc other communities. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she does think they have a choice. She notcd her concern they did not have the staff availablc to do all that is ncccssary. She added she thought they as a City