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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 01-28-2002 . . . ~ ~1~JIILLS MEETING MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MII\I\ESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2002, 7:30 P.M. CITY IIALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Dennis Probst callcd to order the rcgular City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. Present: ~1ayor Dennis Probst, Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, David Grant, Gregg Larson, atld Lois Rem. Absent: None. Also present were City Administrator, Joe Lynch; City Accountatlt, TelTatlCe Post; City Attomey, Jerry Filla; City Planner, Aaron Pan-ish; Interim Public Works Dircctor and Parks & Recreation Director, Thomas Moore; and Recording Sccretary, Nancy Czajkowski. APPROV AI, OF MEETING AGENDA Mr. Lynch recommended the City Council schedule an executive session at the end oCthe meeting to discuss labor negotiations. Mayor Probst noted it would be added as agenda item 10. N[OTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the January 28,2002, regular City Council rnecting. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. November 26,2001 Regular Council Meeting B. December 10, 2001 Regular Council Meeting C. December 17,2001 EDA N[ccting D. Jat1Uary 14, 2002 RegLllar Council Meeting Minutes Councilmember Rem requested thc following changes to the January 14, 2002 Regular Council Mccting Minutes: 1. On page 4, undcr administrator comments, the final paymcnt, in the motion was made to Dave Perkins Contracting Inc. 2. On page 4, under itcm B, in the second paragraph, in the second line, screening from the "road way" instead of "boat way". . . . ARDE:\f HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETIl'IG MINUTES JAr<UARY 28, 2002 2 3. On page 8, in the second paragraph from the bottom, in thc fourth line down, replace "Feny"with ""Perry". Councilmember Larson requested thc following change to thc December 10, 2001 Regular Council Meeting Minutes: on page 10, in thc fourth line down, after "landscaping", insert "was". COlll1cilmember Larson requested the following change to the January 14, 2002 Regular Council Meeting Minutes: on the first page, delete Councilmember Larson from "Present". Mayor Probst requested the following changcs to the November 26, 2001Regular Council Mecting'v1inutcs: 1. On page 5, in the last paragraph, in the fourth Jinc, replace "that paperwork does not exist" with "that paperwork does not apparently exist". 2. On page 7, in the first full paragraph, in the first line, rcplace "begged to diffcr" with "differed". Mayor Probst rcqucsted the following changes to thc January 14, 2002 Rcgular Council Mecting Minutes: 1. On pagc 8, in the last paragraph, in the fifth line, replace "they might kill the brainstorming" with "wanted people to be fi-eethinking in the master planning phase". 2. On page 10, in the last paragraph, in the first sentence, he noted they met with the staff from the various offices and not with elected representativcs. Councilmember Rem requested the foJlowing change to the Novembcr 26, 2001Regular Council Mcetiug Minutes: Hamline Avenue is misspeJled on page 8 a.tld page 9. MOTION: Mayor Probst moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the November 26, 2001 Regular Council Meeting, the December 10, 2001 Regular Council Meeting, and the January 14,2002 Regular Meeting Minutes Council Meeting minutes as cOlTected above and the December 17, 2001 EDA Minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). CONSENT CALENDAR A. Claims and Payroll B. Recreation Program Budget C. Rochon Corporation Pay Request #15 and # 16 D. Rochon Corporation change ordcr #7 E. Dascom Systems Group pay request F. Electronic Interiors final invoice G. ree Schedule cha.tlges H. City Hall Building Use 1. Ordinance #336 Restrictions and Limitations of Water Use . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 28, 2002 3 J. K. Resolution #02-09 Resolution of Appreciation to Fran Holmes Resolution #02-10 Identifying Transportation and Redevelopmcnt Priorities Mayor Probst rcad the Resolution regarding Ms. Fran Holmes in full. He noted his personal thanks to Ms. Holmes for hcr many years of service to the committee. MOTIOl'\: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmembcr Grant seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar and authorize execution of a]] neccssary documents contained therein. The motion calTied unanimously (5-0). PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Probst invited those present to come forward and address the Council on any items not alrcady on the agcnda. No public comments were made. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Planning Case #01-29 Little Brothers Mr. Pan'ish explained this matter is actua]]y threc actions. He noted this would accommodate an additional 90,000 square foot structure for institutional housing. He stated the principal use would be not significantly different from the cUlTent use of the site. He added it would a]]ow thc addition of some overnight stays. Mr. PalTish stated the Site Plan Rcvicw identified no signilieant issues. He noted thc plan met or exceeded all requirements. He added thc parking would be comprised of 10 bituminous spaces and seven grass spaces. He stated the intent is to make it more consistcnt with the adjacent rcsidcntial properties. He noted that conceming the special use pemlit the site is cUlTently a]]owed overnight stays. Hc added the only modification changes it to up to 10 people. He stated the Planning Commission heard this application and recommended it unanimously for approval. Ms. Therese Koenig, Executive Director ofthc l'vlinneapolis/St. Paul Little Brothers Affiliatc, stated this is a proud moment. She noted they have rcached the point ormaturity to use more lully the properties left to them by Mr. Bradford several ycars ago. She added she is very happy abOllt that prospect. She statcd she wanted the Ci ty COlmcil to knovv that they approach in the fu]] spirit of cooperation. She noted she would be happy to answer any questions if there are concerns. Mayor Probst asked if the proposal is to demolish the existing building. 'vis. Koenig responded in the affinnative. She stated there was an attcmpt to expand the currcnt building. She notcd that due to the condition of the building it is not a viable proposition. Mr. L~mch stated the construction is based on the ability to fund raise the moncys needed. Ms. Koenig concurred. She stated they are currently in the midst of a feasibility study. She noted it ARDEN HILLS CITY COL1\CIL MEETTI\G MINUTES JANUARY 28, 2002 4 . is revealing some interesting ideas about levels of support. She added they are fecling good about it. 'vlr. Lynch askcd about the timeframe. Mr. PaITish responded the site plan approval is good for one year. He stated that at that time the applicant may request an extension to that approval. Councilmember Larson asked ifthcrc were plans to takc down one ofthc two outbuildings. Ms. Koenig respondcd they are hoping to prescrvc the cottage. Shc stated it has cnormous charm and maybe potential for oCliccs. She noted the garagc would be eventually replaced as pan of this project. Councilmcmbcr Larson asked if the cottagc would be used for bedrooms. Ms. Koenig responded it WOLlld bc probably quiet meeting space or work space. Shc stated it would not be a bedroom. She noted it was not the most practical building, but the fireplace that Mr. John Bradford himsclf built is gorgeous. Mayor Probst stated the potential for it to be a library was indicated on the plan. COLll1cilmember Grant asked if they had choscn the builder. Ms. Koenig responded McGough Construction has agreed to takc on this process. Shc stated they have waived some fees. She noted the builder is also trying to approach vendors to give them matcrials at cost. . Mayor Probst statcd he thought it was an attractive solution. He congratulated the organization and their consultants. He noted they have sclccted a one ofthc finest contractors. Ms. Koenig stated McGough Construction hosts an annual tea and one of their bigger picnics. Shc noted McGough Construction has been tremendously supportivc. Councilmember Grant statcd he would abstain from the vote because of his prcvious indirect ties to McGough Construction. He noted he did support the project. MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmcmber Larson seconded a motion to approvc in P1amling Case #01-29, the Site Plan subject to the conditions contained in the staff report as recommcnded by Staff. The motion carried unanimously (4-0-1 Grant abstained). B. Resolution #02-08 Resolution Approving Light Brigade, Inc., Charitable Gambling Premises Permit Renewal Application At Blue Fox Mr. Lynch explained the Resolution. lIe noted staff did a background investigation and found no problems. He added staffrecommends approval. Counci1member Aplikowski statcd she understood Mr. Herb King was rctiring as a volunteer. . Mr. King stat cd he was retiring after 13 ycars in March. He noted that 13 ycars ago there was no such organization in Arden Hills. He added hc is glad to see thc City Council approve this request. He stated that ovcr those 13 years this organization has contributed several million . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 28, 2002 5 dollars in support for schools, parks, and playgrounds. He noted thcy would continue to scrve the Youth. He added he would remain on thc Board. Councilmembcr Aplikowski thanked him for his hard work. MOTION: COLlncilmembcr Grant moved and Councilmcmber Aplikowski secondcd a motion to approve Resolution #02-08 Approving Light Brigadc Inc. Charitable Gambling Premises Pelmit Renewal Application at the Blue Fox Inn. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). C. MAMA and CGMC Labor Relations Subscriber Service Mr. LY11ch explained stated this is an annual rcqucst by the Metropolitan Area Ma.tlagement Association and the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities Members. He notcd this coalition of cities takes advantagc of labor relations services. He add cd the City did not participate last year. Hc stated he believes the city missed om on some valuable information regarding labor rates, contracts, etc. He noted the dues amount and duration of the contract. Hc added it is a valuablc service a.tld he recommends that the City rejoin for thc year 2002 to 2003. Councilmember Larson asked about actual services providcd during negotiations. Mr. Lynch rcspondcd thc scrvicc would assist the city by preparing information and by attending thc mcctings. Hc stated a reprcscntative sat in on negotiations ofthc first contract they settled whcn he first came to the city. Councilmember Larson asked ifthere were any limit to assistance provided. Mr. Lynch responded it was unlimited to the best of his knowledge. Hc noted it was limited to as much as the union wOLLld allow. MOTI01\: Councilmember Aplikowski movcd and Councilmember Larson seconded a motion to approve subscription to thc Metropolita.tl Area Managcment Association Labor Relations Subscribcr Service for the subscriber year March 15, 2002 through March 14, 2003 for the amount of $2,830. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS Mr. Lynch stated staff has reccived applications for the Planning Commission and the Park, Trails and Recreation Committcc. He noted the City council nccds to set a date for intervicws. Mr. Lynch noted his attcndance at the Ramsey County PLlblic Works Facility meeting last Thursday. He added thc County has received 11 proposals. Hc stated this Thursday at noon there is a meeting to sort through those proposals. He noted thcy would make a dete1ll1ination on whom to intcrview. He addcd the County is proceeding quickly. Hc stated the City needs to havc task force to dete1ll1ine what scrviccs thcy want the County to take look at. lIe noted staffs general assumption would be the city would have palt of the building and not a separate building. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 28, 2002 6 . COUNCIL CO:VIMENTS Councilmember Grant noted the importance of appointing 8 Maintenance Facility Task Force. He noted he was aware the Mayor was working on it. He added it appeared that the Ramsey County process was moving forward quickly based on Mr. Lynch's commeuts. Mayor Probst stated his commitment to have recommendations ready for thc next council mceting. He noted suggcsted scheduling time at the 'vlarch work session to discuss that on some expanded basis. He added he thinks thc .\1arch work session would be soon enough. He stated he would like to suggest some broader discussion on the Commission structure and where the City wants to do. Councilmembcr Larson asked about the City's response to the Fire Department regarding reschcduling the capital fund purchase the budget receivcd was not complete. Hc noted the budget did not have the cost of the truck replacement on it. Hc added they had a tankcr truck purchase scheduled in 2004. He stated in 2002, there was a $209,000 contribution that was part of that truck replacement. He asked iftheywcrc going to pick up both costs in this year. Mr. Lynch responded no. He stated he was only awarc of the purchase orthc generator. Councilmember Larson stated the capital cost was for a generator. He noted the issue is whether the City wanted to piek up this cost this year or wanted to usc Alliant Tech funds to be repaid . next year. Mayor Probst askcd if there was enough money to covcr both expenditLlres. Mr. LY~lCh responded the fund does have enough money in it. Mayor Probst stated that as long as the fund balance was adequate hc would rather procecd with paymcnt. Hc not cd this is what the money has been allocated for. He askcd if it would be appropriate for the City Council to offer that direction tonight. He stated if not, they should schedule a discussion at thc next meeting. Councilmember Larson stated thc purchase was agreeable to him. TIe noted this is cssentially a truck to benefit North Oaks more than the othcr two cities. He addcd that if Arden Hills obtains some high buildings he hopes there would be a similar willingness to pay for fire protection costs and additional equipmcnt needed for such larger lmildings. He asked ifthc Councilmembers agreed with the purchase. Councilmembers indicated ycs. . Councilmember Larson stated thcrc are a number of ways contributions are made to the Pension Fund at the Fire Department. Hc noted one way is through contributions the citics make. He added another one is a reqLlest by thc Fire DepaJ1ment to usc other funds. He statcd the Fire Department has requested an additional $25,000 for the Rctircment Fund from the Alliant Tech moneys. He noted that at the Fire Board mccting he asked that thcy delay that decision to make comparisons of other cities to see what is being providing in pension benefit areas. He described the table he put together. He stated he would like some guidance from the City Council on what they should be doing. He questioncd where the city ShOLrld be in relation to other cities. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETTNG MINUTES JANUARY 28, 2002 7 . Councilmember Aplikowski statcd being in the middle is good. She noted they shonld look at Roseville. She added they should bc closer to Roseville. Councilmember Larson stated the Fire Department has said that every department is different. He noted he did not deny that. He added he does not know what is diCfercnt. Mayor Probst stated that with retirement compensation for lire employees the City has tried not to bc low or at thc top. He noted he was comfortable with the middle or slightly abovc the middle. He added they should also look at the rate of acceleration. He stated that from 1999 to 2000 it went to double digits. He noted they had to look at why there was acceleration. He added that was of concem to him. He expressed concern that the Fire Department was building that expectation they could not keep up. Councilmember Larson stated the Fire Department argues a healthy pension helps in recruitment and retention. Councilmember Grant stated that in determining middle, Roscville might have some other factor that was not carricd through. He asked ifthey could look at the number of employees [ather than taking the aggregatc. . Councilmember Larson stated the information did indicate the number of employees. He notcd that was why he chose these five citics. He added he suggests they look at these five cities and throw out thc lowest as an anomaly. He stated they could use thc others to deternline a mean. He noted they could try to rcmain close to these livc. Councilmember Grant stated that would make sense sincc Roseville is so far below the others. Councilmember Aplikowski asked iCthcsc cities had mostly a residential or commercial base. She knows thcy use it as a recruitment tool. She added it is a valid factor. She askcd if commercial versus rcsidential is a driving Corcc. Mr. LY11Ch responded two percent of insurance is derived from homeowncr insurance. He stated that to the extent thcse agencies have a higher percentage of homes would assist their pensions. Councilmcmbcr Aplikowski noted the City received an application from Ms. Liz Modesette. She added Ms. Modesctte is a valid asset to both bodies. Sbe stated they have a group going now for the next event. Shc noted her request that a task force be approved. She added part of it would be to plan the City Hall dedication on April 20, 2002 and the Day in the Park on June 22, 2002. Mayor Probst asked Councilmcmber Aplikowski to obtain a list of names as a starting point. . Councilmember Aplikowski stated all Councilmembers aTe expected for the parade on June 22, 2002. She notcd her attendance at the League of Minnesota Cities workshop on the Govemor's proposal. Shc added she would distribute her notes to anyone intcrcsted. She stated thc proposal would affect the City, but is not delinitc. She added they would soon know what the lcgislaturc thinks of it. She stated there are many ideas floating around. She noted one problem would be the market value c[edit assessments. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JAl\UARY 28, 2002 8 Councilmcmbcr Rem stated the Communications Committee is mccting on Wednesday morning. She noted this month's newslettcr is almost all on the Planning Commission's recent cases and issues. She added the back page has an article on Buckthorn removal. Councilmember Rem statcd that next month the newsletter would focus on the new City Hall. She noted they would mention the dedication. Councilmember Larson asked ifit were possible to put a box on the front pagc to put dates ofthc dedication and Day in the Park. Councilmcmber Rem respondcd they would consider it. Councihnember Rem noted thc non-agenda packet had a letter from Statc Farm Insurance with a check for $500 for the good neighbor program. She added it enclosed a list of associates who volunteered. She asked who was responsiblc for this and what fund this money goes into. Mr. Lynch rcspondcd Mr. Don Messerly is the individual responsible. He stated Mr. Mcsserly is a fonner State Farol employee. lIe noted the money goes into the Gencral Fund and would go to offset the park or recreation bndgets. He added they do not have a fund for parks. He statcd the donor requested it offset parks expenditures. Councill1lember Rem stated she hopcd the City had the namcs of the voluntcers and sent thank yous. She notcd the volunteer be able to indicated where the money goes. Mayor Probst noted the letter from Chesapeake Companies regarding its interest in purchasing thc rcmaining parcel at 96 and West Round Lake Road. Hc asked for consensus of the City Council with rcgard to pursuing those disCLlssions. lIe stated he thought it was worth pursuing. Councilmember Larson statcd he did not know what an appraisal would cost, but that thcy should look into it. He noted it is unclear what the valuc for the land might be especialJy with improvements on the interchangc. He added he thought it was a good idea to enter into negotiations. Mayor Probst stated thc cost for the appraisal could be two thousand dollars. Councilmember Grant stated thc otTer was more than a half a milJion dollars. He noted hc believes the city has more than that tied up. He added it was wise to have an appraisal. He stated $ 2,000 is a smalJ amount in the overall value orthc propelty. :\1ayor Probst asked if staff should be dirccted to obtain an appraisal. Councilmember Aplikowski responded she was not surc it was worth that kind of money. She stated Chesapeake Companies has done their appraisal. Shc noted she was morc concemed about thc oppOltunity they want to talk about. Mayor Probst statcd they did not realJy have any other basis for an appraisal. lIe noted the full cost now is morc than $800,000. He concUlTed with the appraisal suggestion. He added that if the appraised value is less than the offer, the city would accept it. Councilmcmber Rem statcd it made sense to get an appraisal. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COLKCIL MEETIl\G MINUTES JAl\LiARY 28, 2002 9 Mayor Probst directed staff to get an appraisal. Mr. Lynch stated it would probably be an Economic Development Authority expense. Mayor Probst stated a meeting occurred before this one regarding the non-military parties involved in the TCAAP discussion. He noted it was a vcry good discussion. He added the parties were gencrally very supportive of the city's position. He stated the discussed several things. He noted they discussed the desire to get all non-military folks on the same page. He added the discussed agreement on Arden Hills being the spokesperson. He noted they are going to prepare a specific proposal that would go to Representative McCollum's office and then be circulated to the other patties. He added the document would then be brought back to the group for their concurrence. He stated they would then submit a f01l11al request to Reprcsemative McCollum and at least the two Senators. He noted there would be additional discussions this week with the National Guard about their Phase IT request. He added hc felt close to an agreement on having unanimous support. lIe stated Shoreview and Mounds View were not prcsent. He noted that from previous discussions with them, he felt Arden Hills would get that support. He addcd the need to take f01111al actions on these matters and to seek formal actions from the other parities. He stated the Representative McCullum's staff indicated that is desired. COll11cilmember Rem stated that generally the group is unanimously in support. She noted there needs to be a bit of discussion on what details were wanted. She added a cleaf legible meaningful map on thc clear platlS for this property is needed. She stated the support of the greater community was vcry important to Represcntative McCollum. She noted one other group mentioned was the school district because of its interest in athletic fields. She added the school distfict should be added as a party. She stated it was a pretty good rcpresentative group. She notcd it was a long discussion. Shc noted everyone fclt it was a good idca to get together again in a month or so. Mayor Probst complimented all of the Councilmcmbers on the rctreat this past Saturday. He statcd it was one of the best they had as a group. ADJOURN Mayor Probst adjourned to atl executive session at 8:39 p.m. NonCE OF MEETINGS The next Council Meeting will be held Monday, Febmary 11, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arden Hills Council chambers.