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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 02-11-2002 . - . ~ ~!-lILLS MEETING MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL ~IEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2002, 7:30 P.M. CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 1245 WEST mGHW A Y 96 CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Delmis Probst callcd to order the regLllar City Council meeting at 7:32 p.m. Present: Mayor Demlis Probst, Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, David Grant, Gregg Larson, and Lois Rem. Absent: None. Also present were City Administrator, Joe Lynch; City Accountant, Tenance Post; City Attorney, Jerry Filla; City Platmer, Aaron Panish; Interim Public Works Director and Parks & Recreation Director, Thomas Moore; and Recording Secrctary, ).laney Czajkowski. APPRO V AL OF MEETING AGENDA Mr. Lynch rcquestcd Agcnda Item 6. E be amended (0 be Agcnda Item 6. A. Councilmember Rem recommcndcd adjournment to a closed cxccutive session to discuss a perfoDl1ance evaluation. MOTION: COLlncilmember Grant moved and Couneilmcmber Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt thc agenda for the February 1 l, 2002, regular City Council meeting, as amended. The motion carried unanimonsly (5-0). APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. JaJ1Llary 22,2002 Workscsson Councilmember Larson recommcndcd the following changes: 1. On the first page, in the first line, #01-32, should be inserted. 2. On page 2, in thc eighth lines down, in the top paragraph, insert "with" aIler "dcal". 3. On page 2, in the ninth line, in the top paragraph, deletc "developed". . - . ARDEN HILLS CITY COlfc\lCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 11,2002 2 4. On page 3, in the third line from the top, delete one "American Tower". 5. On page 3, under 2002 Fee Schedule, replace "Larson asked" with "Grant asked". Mayor Probst requested the following change: on page 4, in the first paragraph under Council Comments, replace "Keller" with "Kelliher". MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to approve the January 22, 2002 W orksession minutes as correctcd above. The motion carried unat1imously (5-0). CONSENT CALENDAR A. B. e. D. E. Claims and Payroll North Metro I-35W Corridor Coalition Agreement Appointments Joint Public Works Facility Study Group Digital Camera purchasc Contribution Agreement Cities of Arden Hills, North Oaks and Shoreview, Lakc Johanna fire Depmtment Ordinance #337, Resolution #02-12, Resolution #02-13, Amending Arden Hills Municipal Code rcgarding city Council salaries and mccting time SEll Scope of Services atnendment F. G. COllllcilmember Larson requested the title of Resolution #02-12 be amended to read "A Rcsolution Dctcrmining The Timing of Salary Payment For the Mayor and the City Council". Councilmember Rem stated Agenda Item D is also on the agenda for discussion at the worksession. Mr. Lynch noted staff made a dccision to bring the matter forward at this time. He added some other expenditures werc not as large as they were estimated to be. He stated this provided an opportunity to bring this purchase fonvard. He noted the CUlTent digital camera is not compatible and up to date. He added the matter could be discussed at thc worksession. Councilmembe[ Aplikowski stated staff should go forward on what they have selected. She noted they should buy good qLlalitybccause it benefits the City in the end. MOTION: Councilmember Rem moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar, as amended in Agenda Item F., and authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion can.ied unanimously (5-0). PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Probst invited those present to come forward and address the Council on any itcms not already on the agenda. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUl'iCIL MEETING MINUTES FEl3RUARY 11,2002 3 No public comments wcrc made. Ul'\l''INISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. NSYA Big Ten Supper Club Mr. Post explained his memo to Mr. Lynch included in the Council packet. He noted the organization has mct the trade and spending requirements with ease. He added staff recommends approval. Mr. Frank Maddsen complimented the City Council on its new chambers. He statcd he was happy to be back and looked forward to making and distributing money in the Arden HiH's community. MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve Resolution No. 02-11, Resolution Approving North Suburban Youth Foundation Charitable Gambling Prel1lises Permit Rcnewal Application at the Big Ten Supper Club as recommended by Staff The motion carried unanimously (5-0). B. Xcel Energy Utility Line Construction Mr. Lynch explaincd his February 17, 2002 memorandum regarding constmction of utility lines on the west side of Lexington A venue. Hc noted the three options as proposed by staff. Mr. John Weltish stated he was the Community Rclations Manager for Xccl out of the White l3ear Lake Avenue office. He noted he was there to answer questions. He added the original $400,000 estimate to place the wircs underground does not include removing the cxisting over grOLl1ld service. He stated there were also carrying costs. He noted the surcharge tariff was approved in conccpt. He added Xcel is going through a compliance filing. He stated there are things in the original tariff the Commission wanted clarified or changed. He noted the basic structure had been approvcd. He added there are di ffercnt thresholds on how Xcel is allowed to coHect this money to try to protect the ratepayer from large increases. He stated there are built in mechanisms to keep the rates low. Mr. Lynch asked for clarification on the lines to bc instaHed. Mr. Wcrtish responded our system is integrated and redundant by design. Hc stated it would be tied in to existing infrastmcture that services Arden Hills. He noted it would provide back up service for Arden Hills. lIe added the system is not unique to one city, but is all tied together. Mayor Probst askcd for clarification. Mr. Wertish responded this effort started three years ago. He stated Xcel backed off and did some reconfiguration. He notcd it is critical to havc the line in beforc thc cooling season arrives. He added they havc looked at several sccnarios. He stated this was the proj ect of choice. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mf.\!UTES FEBRUARY II, 2002 4 Mayor Probst stated he had hoped fi'om the last cncounter that Xcel would have recognized the sensitivity ofthe Arden Hills community to overhead lines. He notcd the line would be paid for by the residents of Arden Hills when the line services Shoreview. He added the line gocs underground when it goes into Shoreview. Mr. Wertish stated express feeder lines are a different sccnario. lIe noted Xce1 did not decide against overhead lines at Lexington. He added that position was adopted by thc Public Utility Commission. Mayor Probst stated Xcel is required to follow the requircments of the community it operates in. He noted the City has the legal right to control its right of way. Mr. Wertish stated the project was approved by the County. He noted Xcel has County pcrmits. He added Xcel's legal staffhas determined a city permit is not required. He statcd the County has jurisdiction. Hc notcd not that Xcel should not work with the City. \1r. Pan-ish stated he spoke to a County Specialist. He noted one component of the permit is to obtain any pCl1nits of thc municipality. He added Ramsey County docs not do any follow up on that point. \1r. Filla stated that since 1971 thc City of Arden Halls has bad regLllations to require underground utility lines. He noted most deal with new devclopment requiring the developcr to place lines underground. He added the utility rcgulations in 1971 talked about thc existing distribution lincs and thc proccss. He stated the City would need to get together with the energy company and discuss how the underground line was to be paid for. He noted nothing requircs the utility company automatically to pay for it. He added that since 1971 Minnesota courts have fOll1ld that cities have the authority to rcquire underground lines, but that utility companies have the right to be reimbursed for that cost. He stated one way is to rcquire a surcharge. He noted that in this case the City did not have the choice to decidc whether it wanted to underground the line and decide the costs. He added he thought Xcel should have gone through the City's permitting proccss. Hc stated the Public Utility Commission has takcn the position that the incremental cost be absorbed by the municipality, Councilmember Larson asked how Xcel decided to put part ofthc line underground. Mr. Wertish responded there is no other option in the right-of-way. He stated there is an existing overhead line. He noted there is not enough room to put the line in the right-a-way and keep Xccl's clcarance. He added sincc it is the only option the line must go underground at Xcel's cost. Councilmember Larson stated that is more expensive than running an underground linc in the Arscnal property where there is no dcvclopment. Mr. \Vertish agreed. Councilmember Larson stated he was told therc is a real need to atlticipate a significant load this summcr to provide redundancy so customers north of Arden Hills have reliable power. Mr. Wertish concuned. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETTNG MINUTES FEBRUARY 11,2002 5 . Councilmcmbcr Larson stated the Commerce Department told him that a 35.5 and 65 KV line could be a distribution line. He noted therc is a seven-point test. Mr. Wertish respondcd Xcel uses a 34.5 as a distribution line. Councilmember Larson stated it is not clear to him that this cost would fall to the residcnts of Arden Hills since there is not a dircct gain to having that linc installed. He noted ifthis is a transmission line, then the issue of who pays is a morc complicated question. He added he docs not feel he could support any option, but to require Xcel to place the linc underground linc. He stated that given the way this has unfoldcd in that the City was not given the opportunity to discuss the project ahead oftimc, he is concemed. He qucstioned why the City should have to pay Jor removal ofthc current line when they were given no input on thc project. He notcd he is sorry that work has gone into line, but is not sure that this should become the City's responsibility. . Councilmembcr Aplikowski stated she does not understand why part of this line is to be placed underground and some of it above ground. She noted she did not undeTStand why Arden HilJs must pay fm this line, but Shorcview does not need to make any payment at all. She added she knows the electric lincs bcnefit of all. Mr. Wertish responded he empathized with the comment that this line did not benefit Arden Hills. He stated the electricity for Arden Hills passes through other communities and Arden Hills does not pay for changes in those lines. He noted the systcm is integrated. He addcd that if there is strong winds or a St01111, they could shift the load and serve the parts that are out because lines are out. He stated the system is built to be redundant. He noted there is no room in thc right of way and putting the lines above ground has a much lower cost. He added Xccl must keep costs down as much as possiblc to protect the overall rate paycrs. He statcd the requester of underground lines should pay for it when it is done as an aesthetic improvement only. He notcd this concept has bcen supported for ycars. Mayor Probst stated there is a set of lines on thc east side now. Hc noted Xcel is choosing to run the lines above ground of the west sidc, which is in Arden Hills. Mr. Wertish rcsponded they do not want to have two feeders on the same pole. Mayor Probst stated they might bc at risk from a car, but the weather would be the same on both sides of the street. Councilmember Grant stated this is a major grid and a transmission feeder. He asked if there were some voltage point above which Xce1 does not transmit the cost back to a city. Mr. Lynch asked at what KV rate docs the cost not come back to a city. Mr. Wertish responded that ifthe cost to put thc line in is for the public good, it is spread out. He stated the gencral rate base picks up that cost. . Mr. Lynch asked at what load does Xcel tap into the local community for contribution. Mr. Wertish responded 34.5 is the highest distribution voltage. He stated voltage is like pressure. He noted the more robust it is thc more efficient it is. . . . ARDEJ\ HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MTNjjTES FEBRUARY 11,2002 6 Councilmember Grant stated that if it is a local street the underground cost is picked up by the local community. He asked a what point does Xcel not assess the cost back as it progresscs to thc high lincs. :\1r. Filla stated a city's request for an underground line triggers the discussion on how to pay for it. He noted the city would just pay the incremental cost of putting the line underground. He added if other issues make underground the only option for Xcel thc cost becomes part of the rate structure. Mayor Probst asked if there wcre situations with distribution lincs that go underground and no one pays an additional charge. Mr. Wertish responded yes and no. He stated Xccl's practice ill new residential at'eas is to put the lines undcrground. He noted there is a lot revenue generated by Wispark to offset the charges. He added the developer wants to develop 100 lots so hc has to pay for it. Hc statcd evcrything is cost justified. Councilmember Aplikowski asked why Wispark is not picking up the cxtra cost for these lines since it need them. Mr. Wertish rcsponded Arden Hills has requcsted the line to be undcrground. Councilmember Aplikowski stated the Wispark development triggered the need for this line. She asked if this line would bcncfit any new development in Ardcn Hills. Mr. Wertish rcsponded that for additional development they wOlLld need additional feeders from Substation 10. He stated this line benefits Arden Hill because the system is tied together. Mr. Lynch statcd currently underground line running in Hamlin Avenue in thc TCAAP property. He noted Mr. Wertish had claimed earlier Xcel would have to replace that line in the next five years. He asked who would pay for that cost. Mr. Wel1ish respondcd general rate payers everywhere would pick that cost up. He stated if they havc to upgrade or reconstruct a line, that is a cost of doing business. Mr. Lynch asked for clarification. Mr. Wertish responded it costs more to go underground. He stated they are obligated by the commission and the ratepayers to use thc most cost efficient way to construct a line. He noted south of Highway 96 they havc no options. Mr. Lynch asked whether it would be possible to upgrade the line through Hamline Avenue to meet these needs. Mr. Wertish respondcd no. He stated they necdcd another circuit. Councilmember Larson stated one conceivable option would have been to move up replacement of that line rather than huild this line. Mr. Wertish responded the incremental increase is not enough. He stated they needed another eirCllit. Hc noted that with an upgrade of the Hamline Avenue line the incremental gain is minimal. Councilmember Larson stated a double circuit could have been placed on metal poles. He noted it would not have cost more than what Xcel is doing. :\1r. Wcrtish responded operations did not want to put both lines on the same pole. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 11, 2002 7 Councilmember Larson asked if they could not do othcr things to allow a double circuit. He stated they could have put up a bigger pole to be more resistant to damagc. Mr. Wertish responded this was the most practical way to get the job done. Councilmembcr Larson stated it does not address thc needs of this community. He noted that property will remain park land. Mr. Wertish rcsponded he understood. Mayor Probst statcd he did not think Mr. Wertish did understand. Mr. Wertish responded they worked with the County. Mayor Probst statcd Mr. Wertish should nol take his comments personaJ1y, but he thinks it is unconscionable that the City was not contacted. He noted it was unconscionable that other options were not explored. He added they should have considered additional services on the west side rather than having lines on both sides ofthat property. He stated he is mystified why thc Wispark devclopment is not part of this discussion when the additional load is caused by it. Mr. Weltish responded Xcel is not charging anybody. He stated Arden Hills is reqLlesting the underground Jines. Councilmember Grant stated this line servcs Wisp ark. He noted it is a new developmcnt and has no charge for underground servicc. He added that County Road F the lines are Imdcrground at no charge. Hc stated this section is overhead with no other options considered. He noted it is fmstrating to Council, since the rate payers arc left to pay the bill. Hc added Xcel needs the capacity and the redundancy. He statcd Xcel should have approached Arden HiJ1s just as the County indicates in its permit process. Mr. Wertish responded they were not told of this new rcquiremcnt whcn they received their pem1its. He stated some things fell through the cracks. He noted he is sorry the City feels this linc would just benefit Wispark. He added it benefits Arden HiJ1s too since the system is integrated. Councilmember Grant stated that thc best practice for the future is to notify the city involved as the normal course of action. Councilmember Aplikowski asked how big an issue this $450,000 cost is. She statcd they did not notice these lines going up until some one call the city. She questioned how important it is for the city to have that strctch of line underground. Mayor Probst stated the PUC regulations are not in place. Hc noted there were other ways of solving this problcm. He added there are many ways to protect those polcs on the other sidc of the street. He stated they havc not noticed the lines because Xcel has been building north to south. Hc notcd thcrc are not a lot ofresidents there to notice. Mr. Lynch stated that by ordinance the city policy is that the lines should go under ground. Councilmember Aplikowski slated ifthc City requests it have to pay for it. She notcd money is the bottom line. Shc added she knows the pennit policy was not followed. She added they are going to spend money either way. She stated the issue is what is thc best use of the rcsidents money. ARDEN HILLS CITY COlil\TIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 11,2002 8 . Councilmember Rem stated that whatever the process, right now they aTe talking about money the residents would have to pay to go underground. She noted they have situations where they deal with county right of ways. She added whatever they do is going to cost them money in some fOllli or fashion. She stated she has a hard time feeling they should put this on the backs of the Arden Hills' residents. Mayor Probst stated he was concerned about this on several levels. He noted that first this is the wrong way to solve problems. He added the City was not involved in the discussion. He stated this is a bullying technique. lIe noted it is wrong [or Xcel or others to comc in without discussing and say it has already been done. He directed staff to investigate what options they have to pursuing this by either legal action or letters. He stated hc was not sure what the next step would be. . Councilmember Larson stated he did not want the City to pick up the cost. He noted he is not convinced at this point that that is a foregone conclusion. He added when he had talked to a person at the Commerce Department, the contact did not get feel it would necessarily be the City's cost. He stated the contact had indicated that this size linc could be in either category. He noted it was a seven-part tcst. He added the decision tonight is whether they want the line to eontinuc until they know what is at risk. He stated it would give the City Attorney more time to look into these issues. He noted they have 38 poles. Mr. Filla stated the City could ask Xcel to stop, but it probably would not comply. He noted thcrc is no grcat likclihood of injunctive relief. He added they would have to prove the likelihood of Xcel prevailing is good. He stated the major problcm is the overhead cost versus the requested underground cost. lIe noted another major problem would be Xcel would argue it is a county road and not a city road. He add cd it would be different ifthis was happening in a local city street. He stated this discussion is almost after the fact instead of before the fact. He noted the city has not had the chance to negotiate anything other than this option. Councilmember Grant stated he was not intcrested in assessing the city or the ratepayers 5450,000. He asked what the cost would be to remove what had already been put in. Mr. Wertish responded he would not take long to remove the line. He stated thcrc would be some salvagc. Councilmember Larson stated the issue is whether thcy needed to come before the City as well as the County to put the line in. Mr. Filla stated the language is not as clear as that for a city street. He noted he did not know the case law on this issue. He added that if they had no obligation to come before thc City, then the underground issue should be approached purely as matter of community relations. He stated Xcel has admitted that part had been blown. . Councilmcmbcr Rcm stated the City needs a better sense of its rights in the county right of way. She noted that iftbe County prevails, then there is not a lot to discuss. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 11, 2002 9 Mr. Filla stated he cOLlld have an answer soon, but not before the meeting is over. Hc noted that the issue is whethcr or the City would request Xcel to stop. He added his expcctation that Xce1 is not going to stop. Councilmcmber Larson statcd the staff memo asks the City Council to choose one of three options. He noted the best thing would be to table thc matter ulltil the next mceting and ask the City Attomey to look into it further. He added the Council should ask Xcel not to go forward until thc City can respond. He stated he understands that Xcc1 might not stop. He notcd it is a small request to stop the process for one or two weeks. He added XceI has not been a good neighbor to this point. Mayor Probst asked if the staff or City Attomey should send a letter to Xcel with such a request. Councilmember Larson responded in the affirmative. MOTIO:\f: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to table further action on options that staff put forward until determination by the City of Attorney of the City's jurisdiction and to request Xce1 not proceed 111ltil the City has time to make such a determination. The motion carricd (4-1 Aplikowski). c. Park Warming House Replacement Mr. Lynch explained that during thc 2002 budget discussion the Park Rccreation and Trails Committee recommend replacement of two wanning houscs. He stated the Committee has changed its recommendation. He noted the Committee would prioritize other capital improvements over other things in the Comprehensive Park Plan. Councilmember Aplikowski stated since there would be a delay in the replacemcnt, she would like the Committee to look at the design. Shc noted the Committee should discuss if the parks should havc the samc design or a design unique to each park. Mr. Moore stated the Committee liked the style of Tony Schmidt Park. He noted one option would be to match the Tony Schmidt Park style in all building stmcturcs in this park. Cowlcilmember Larson stated the CUlTent recommcndation of the Park Recreation and Trails Committee is to replace the two warming houses in 2005 and 2006. He noted that this year thc Committee rccommcnds no capital improvements until the plan is completed. D. Tony Schmidt Underpass Funding Councilmember Rem asked about the Tony Schmidt underpass. Mr. Moore responded the Parks Recrcation and Trails Committee voted to spend up to S50,000 from the park fund for funding the Tony Schmidt underpass. Councilmember Larson asked whether the City wantcd to make some financial commitment to the underpass proj ect. He stated that proposal is number I on the County Park recommendation. He noted the recommended commitment of$50,000. He added he was not sure the City had to . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COlJl'ICTL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 11,2002 10 approve that amount. He stated a lesser amount could still indicate the City's wilJingncss to help with the project. He noted some of it could come fi'om Park Funds. He added Mr. Post has mentioned another possible sourcc. Mr. Post stated the City has received $16,000 as unanticipated rcvenue fi'om St. Mary's for park use. Councilmember Larson statcd it was hard to know if the County would proceed without a commitmcnt since it is number one on the priority list. He noted the total cost is $321,000. He added this underpass is an essential part of the City's trail system. He stated the rail road tracks are significant. He noted it is a safety issue. Mayor Probst stated he supported participation. He noted the issue is the appropriate amount for the City's participation. Councilmember Grant slated he was not sure he could support anything more than 550,000. Mayor Probst stated tcn percent would be $32,500. He noted it would be a logical atDount. He added he did not know if the County had rcquested additional grant money. Councilmember Aplikowski stated the recommendcd contribution is $16,000. She notcd doubling that number would be about thc same amount sLlggcsted by Mayor Probst. Councilmember Larson stated he was comfortable with amount. He noted ifit was not enough the County would notify them. Mr. Lynch asked for direction for staff on what Park Funds should bc utilized for since there are limited dolJars. Mayor Probst responded that historicalJy the Park Fund was utilized for new capital projects. He stated there might be some gray areas concerning rebuilding new structures. Councilmcmber Grant stated the City Council has not receivcd the park plan yet. He noted he would like to see a copy ofthe latest draft presented at a work session. He added he would like to see the entire framework to see how projects fit into the overall plan. He stated the Park, Trails, and Rccreation Committee has done a lot ofworlc He noted he would like to be respect that work. MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Larson seconded a motion to approve support for the Tony Schmidt Underpass Project, to lund 532,000 for the project in the belief it would fmthcr the project, and to utilize the $16,000 from St. Mary's to fund half of this commitment. The motion carricd unanimously (5-0). ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 11, 2002 11 . E. Planning Commission, PTRC, Appointments, Chair, Memhers Mayor Probst explained the bench handout on chair appointments for the Plamling Commission and the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee. Councilmember Rem suggcsted a letter-notifying people appointed to committees. She stated thc letter could list the telephone number for the Chair and indicate the first meeting. She notcd new appointments should not find out from the newsletter about the appointment. MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to appoint Mr. David Satld, Chair ofthc Planning Commission and Mr. Rich Straumatm, Chair ofthe Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS A. TCAAP resolutions Mr. Lynch cxplaincd proposed resolutions in support of the TCAAP Reusc and Acquisition. . Councilmember Rem requcstcd the following changes: 1. In the sixth WHEREAS paragraph, the map attached nccds to be more detail cd to be helpful to everyone. 2. In thc scvcnth WHEREAS paragraph, thc Vento Plan should bc an attaclmlent. 3. In the ninth WHEREAS paragraph, the National Guard should bc mentioned by name. Councilmember Rem noted that the clean up activities wonld continue until the propel1y is suitable, but she wondered how that fi ts in the timc1ine being released. She added the City could request that the contract with AJliant Tech not be renewed as referenced in the Fourth provision. She stated however the Anny could still renew the contract. She noted her assumption that the non-military group would reccive this draft. Mayor Probst stated he welcomed the recommendations Councilmember Rem made to the proposed resolution. Hc explained his proposal for distribution and the timing of the process. Ile noted his meeting with Col. Lord ofthc National Guard last Friday. He added Co!. Lord aSSLlred him that the National Guard would continue to work with the City and would support thc City's proposal. He stated the City would receive everything not under guard license. He noted the first step would be to approvc this resolution with the proposed amendments. . Councilmember Aplikowski asked i fthe timcline was practical. Shc questioned why it was so intense. Mayor Probst responded he thought it was achievable although incredihly ambitious. He stated thcrc is some urgency due to the other requests that are appearing. He noted this needs to be the baseline for aU judgments on thc other requests. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COlJ:\fC1L MEETING YllNUTES FEBRUARY 11,2002 12 Councilmember Aplikowski stated she could see the value oflegislative action. She noted she is apprehensive about the decision of a development partnership Councilmemher Larson asked for clarification on the acreage. Mayor Probst stated the Vento plan had 1100 acres for parks and open spaces and 800 to 1000 acres for development. He noted the National Guard's cun-ent proposal would only leave 500 acres outside of its control. Councilmember Larson asked if the City is giving up too much by agreeing to the land the National Guard has left. He questioned whether they should use the figure suggested by the Vento Plan. He stated it appeared the city is ceding that land to the National Guard. Mayor Probst stated that from the discussions and correspondences he felt any change would unravel what they are trying to accomplish. He noted they could continue to work with the 1\ ational Guard to seek other parts of the property to seek other parts we think are impOliant. Councill1lember Larson stated the language has a range from 500 to 800 acres. He noted he would prefer to see just the higher figurc. Mayor Probst stated they could easily remove the number atld just indicatc the remaining land. He noted Representative McCullum wanted almost a legal description. Councilmember Larson agreed to deleting the number. Councilmember Rem stated thcy should phrase it as much as possible to work with the National Guard. Shc noted thc l\ ational Guard is key to the City obtaining approval. Shc added that perhaps they should mention the DNR. Councilmember Grant asked if the school district should be added as a part. Mayor Probst responded he was not sure orthe school district's interest. Councilmember Larson stated he is prepared to support the two resolutions. He noted the Council has made a number of changes. He asked whether the Council could vote on them with the understanding someone would fax the Councilmembers the rcvised Resolution. Hc stated thcn the Councilmembcrs could indicate their approval and fax a copy back to staff. Mr. Lynch stated he would prefer to use email. Councilmcmber Larson concurred. MOTION: Councilmembcr Lat'son moved and Councilmcmber Aplikowski secondcd a motion to approve Resolutions for SUppOlt For The Reuse ofTCAAP Property and Suppoli For TCAAP Reuse and Acquisition, subject to changes by staff in light of the discussion, and provided staff transmit rcvised resolutions for approval by Councilmembers prior to distribution. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING ),11NUTES FEBRUARY 11,2002 13 Mr. Lynch stated that he would meet with representativcs of Ramsey County tomon'ow for the final selection of the architect fOT the Public Works facility. He noted thc meeting would bc held at City Hall. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Aplikowski slated she publicly congratulated thc ncwest millionaire in Arden HilJs. She noted she was sorry she missed out on the patrol car. Councilmember Aplikowski asked if the City Council could rcview the job descriptions for the restructuring as soon as possible. Councilmembcr Aplikowski stated that concerning the Xcelmatter she knows it is a matter of principal. She noted that in practicality thc City must leave the lines above ground or pays the $450,000. She added that if they go to court it might meant $550,000. She stated that ifthere had to be a stretch ofland with these lines, this \vould be her choice. Shc noted the bottom line is that to do atly1hing else would cost the City a lot of money. Mayor Probst statcd he is angered by the fact that this is the second timc this had happened. He noted the last time Xcel did not come to thc City the issue went away after a series of difficult meetings. He added it infuriated him that Xcel decided on a plan without even a discussion with the City. He staled Councilmember Larson mentioned options that may not have cost $450,000. He notcd thcy may still end up with the plan that was presented today, but he is frustrated with Xce!'s reliability. He added there are multiplc outages in his neighborhood. He statcd that in the past when there were issues, hc could contact them and gct straight answers. He noted he calJed them as thc Mayor of the community and was givcn an address that did not exist as the place that Xcel employees were working. Councilmcmbcr Rem noted that the newsletter draft copy is due in on Wednesday of this week. She added this issue would feature thc ncw city hall and thc web site. Councilmember Rem statcd Northwest Youth and Family services had its annual retreat for new board membcrs. She noted they were ablc to cut S I 00,000 from the budget without cutting salaries or laying anyone off. Shc added contributions arc down. Mayor Probst noted the status of Trinity Lutheran Church and its parking lot. Hc added the City should not deal with past practices, but should movc forward. Councilmember Aplikowski concurred that it was important to go forward as quickly as possible or they would be landlocked. The other Councilmembers concurred. Mayor Probst directed staff to move forward on that basis. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 11,2002 14 Mayor Probst stated stall had becn following the County garbagc hauling practices. He asked staff to find out whether the County could dictate number of haulers in a community. Mayor Probst noted the number or Ardcn Hills residents that unitized the Resource Center this month. He added 19 residents werc assisted and two residents are seeking construction consultation. Mayor Probst stated the annual meeting of the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce would be held on February 26,2002. He noted he would not be able to attend. ADJOURN Mayor Probs} adjour 'd the regnlar meeting to a closed session to discuss a pcrfomlance evaluation <i 9:48 p l. I '/] "1 /. -,,>~ .,.~ .f" .' ..i' ./ . / /1 /..../.;.v..'....../.. / .' :.....;/ I Ii.!?!.. "/. //;'/f1I/;;:< /' 11,; ""[--/~/4-/i\,.. .(IJlAJf/ .---? y ------L- I .... Lo '- / . Joe Lynch CI{y Administrator / Dcnnis Pro Mayor NOTICE OF MEETI:'<GS The next Council Meeting will be held Monday, February 25, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arden Hills Council chambers.