HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 04-30-2001
.
.
.
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING, TCAAP DISCUSSION
APRIL 30, 2001
6:30 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Dennis Probst called to order the regular
City Council meeting at 6:40 p.m.
Present:
Mayor Dennis Probst, Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, David Grant,
Gregg Larson, and Lois Rem.
Absent:
None.
Also present were City Administrator, Joe Lynch; Parks & Recreation and Interim Public
Works Director, Tom Moore; and Planner, Jennifer Chaput.
TWIN CITIES ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT (TCAAP) DISCUSSION
Mayor Probst reviewed previous meeting discussions regarding development of the Twin
Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP).
RECESS
At 7:30 p.m., Mayor Probst recessed the meeting and reconvened the regular meeting in.
the City Hall Council Chambers.
.
.
.
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 30, 2001
7:30 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
RECONVENE/CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Dennis Probst called to order the regular
City Council meeting at 7:34 p.m.
Present:
Mayor Dennis Probst, Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, David Grant,
Gregg Larson, and Lois Rem.
Absent:
None.
Also present were City Administrator, Joe Lynch; City Accountant, Terrance Post; City
Planner, Jennifer Chaput; and Recording Secretary, Nancy Czajkowski.
APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Mr. Lynch requested that Agenda Item 3 e. 2001 Water Tower maintenance Project, Award of
Bid be pulled off of the consent agenda since there are no recommendations from staff.
MOTION:
Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion
to adopt the agenda for the April 30, 2001, regular City Council meeting. The
motion carried unanimously (5-0).
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Claims and Payroll
B. Architectural Alliance Invoice, Professional Services through March 23,2001
C. Pay Request #7, Rochon Corporation, $284,946.87
D. Approved 2001 Street Seal Coating Project, Authorize Advertisement for Bids
(Budgeted 2001 Maintenance Item)
E. Approved 2001 Water Tower Maintenance Project, Award of Bid (Budgeted 2001
Maintenance Item)
F. Approved 2001 Day in the Park Staff Participation
MOTION:
Councilmember Larsen moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a
motion to approve the Consent Calendar and authorize execution of all necessary
documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Probst invited those present to come forward and address the Council on any items not
already on the agenda.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 30, 2001
2
No public comments were made.
.
UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
A. Planning Cases
1. Planning case 01-02 Guidant Corporation, 4100 Hamline Avenue North,
Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment, Site Plan Review
Ms. Chaput explained the applicant is requesting an amendment to Guidant's Master Planned
Unit Development for a change in the location of a parking ramp to the west of where it currently
exists on the Master PUD, and the addition of Building I, a two level office building. She stated
the application has also been made for site plan review for the parking ramp in its new proposed.
location. She noted the Planning Commission tabled it in February and reheard it in April. She
added the ramp is 10 feet higher than the zoning district permits. She stated it is within the PUD
application, which allows flexibility in zoning. She noted the Planning Commission looked at
tradeoffs to the entire campus. She added action must be taken tonight since the application has
already had the sixty (60) days extended. She stated staff and the Planning Commission
recommend approval of the parking ramp with the conditions listed. She reviewed the
conditions.
.
Mr. Dave Reimer, Director of Facilities for Guidant Corporation, stated they had 2.5 billion sales
worldwide last year and currently have 9,000 employees worldwide. He noted the campus along
Hamline Avenue is the headquarters for the cardiac division and has close to 2400 employees.
He added they are growing at 24 % a year and with the purchase of the Control Data site they
have a million square feet. He stated the Councilmembers were all invited to come and get a tour
of the facility.
Mr. Judd Brash and Mr. John Larson from RSP architects gave a brief presentation. Mr. Brash
showed photographs and diagrams to indicate the location of the current building and the revised
plan. He stated that with the acquisition of the Control Data property they added a lot of surface
parking. He noted they would like to work with the city on the heights of the buildings in the
conceptual plan. He added in the master PUD they would reach full capacity in 2020.
Mr. Larson stated the center of the site is a natural place for the taller structures. He noted they
would maintain a lower profile around the perimeter. He added the parking structures would be
at the four to five level range. He stated they would maintain 30% of greenspace.
.
Mayor Probst stated that he had an opportunity to tour the facilities and he stated Arden Hills
essentially has its Medtronic in Guidant Corporation on this expanded campus. He noted that
hopefully they have a mutual interest in working on these issues. He added it is an exciting
opportunity for the city. He asked about the vertical treatment of the ramp given the horizontal
nature of the campus. Mr. Larson responded it is an attempt to provide a rhythm of material
behind the trees that picks up the vertical nature of what people are looking through. He stated at
this comer it is a logical approach, but not every ramp would necessarily look that way.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 30, 2001
3
.
Councilmember Aplikowski asked about the height of the taller buildings. Mr. Larson responded
they would like seven to eight levels if possible. He stated they are trying to clear out some of
the site so they can develop the next phase. He noted that with the parking ramp they would
have 400 additional parking spots.
Mr. Reimer stated they have huge parking lots and they would like to break them up and add
additional greenspace. He noted the parking ramp allows them to do that and add the
greenspace.
Councilmember Grant asked about the proposed buildings and ramps impact on traffic flow. Mr.
Rymer responded that is all part of the planning to be done. He stated parking studies and lot
flows need to be studied. He noted he doubts they would have all that information by the end of
the year.
Mayor Probst asked ifthe parking ramp is to set the stage for future changes. Mr. Reimer
responded in the affirmative. He stated the ramp would serve buildings A, B, & C. He stated
that frees up a lot of surface parking.
MOTION:
Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion
to receive approve Planning Case 01-02, PUD Amendment and Site Plan Review
with all the conditions recommended by the Planning Commission. The motion
carried unanimously (5-0).
.
2.
Planning Case 01-06, Jon Lundin, 1164 Amble Drive, Variance (Lakeshore
setback).
Ms. Chaput explained the applicant is requesting a variance from the ordinary high water mark
setback ofKarth Lake (43 feet proposed, with cantilever). She stated 75 feet is required for the
expansion of an existing deck with an enclosed patio on grade. She noted the new deck would
be slightly larger and would be located no closer to the Ordinary High Water (OHW) setback
from Karth Lake than the existing deck. She added this is the second variance from the OHW of
Karth Lake within the last six months. She stated the Planning Commission has based their
recommendation on the assumption the setback would be amended from 75 to 50 feet in May.
She noted the Commission recommended that development on this property be permitted no
closer than 50 feet to the lake. She added the deadline for Agency actions is May 11,2001. She
added there was a letter of opposition received from the city by Dr. Cesar Farrell. She stated he
was concerned about the quality of the lake and the affect of moving a structure closer. She
noted that after an explanation of the project, he was not as concerned. She read the
recommendations of the Planning Commission.
.
Mr. Jon Lundin stated his wife and he request this approval for a variance for a new deck with a
screened porch underneath. He noted no part of the screened porch would go outside the existing
footprint. He added they are getting a little cantilever because there would be better drainage.
He stated the deck has been there for 22 years and is 45 feet from the lake. He noted they used
an architect to enhance the appearance of the home. He added they have been told others have
been successful in requests for variances before so he paid the money for site a survey. He stated
.
.
.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 30, 2001
4
they have the support of the neighbors on both sides. He noted they were not moving closer to
lake. He added the Planning Commission approved them going back 50 feet with the cantilever.
He stated he went back to the architect and asked about drawing the deck back five feet. He
noted his architect would cause the layout to be long and narrow. He added it would greatly
reduce airflow, design, and utility. He stated the change does not seem to work well. He noted
ifhe loses his mid-may window, he could not start the project until fall. He thanked the council
for its time.
Ms. Chaput stated the Planning Commission felt there could not be findings for a hardship. She
noted since they are going to amend the ordinance to match the Minnesota rules back to 50 feet,
the Planning Commission felt they could approve it without making findings of hardship with the
50-foot change. She added the reason for the variance is that they are expanding the area ofthe
building. She stated if the ordinance is changed, the variance would be less.
Mayor Probst noted there had not been a building there before, only a deck.
Mr. Lundin stated it was a permanent deck up above and a legitimate footprint.
Councilmember Larson stated his difficulty is that he does not think the requirements for a
variance hardship are there. He noted he can sympathize that the family has had the deck for
some time, but they have to show hardship.
Mr. Lundin stated he thinks the hardship is that they could not go further towards lake and to
have to go back another five feet would make the porch narrow.
Councilmember Grant asked the airflow issue. Mr. Lundin explained the changes and the
airflow pattern. He stated this is not a three-season porch.
Mayor Probst stated they are expanding the nonconformity by adding an enclosed space into the
setback. Mr. Lundin stated he is under the impression they could put a screened porch under the
existing deck and get a building permit.
Ms. Chaput concurred.
Councilmember Larson asked if there is an existing variance for this house. Ms. Chaput
responded no. She stated that it appeared that Karth Lake did not have an outlet, so the homes
are closer to the lake than they should be.
Mayor Probst stated he does not have a problem with the Planning Commission's
recommendations. He noted there are a number of plan configurations that would be allowed in
this plan.
Mr. Filla stated the application is for a 43-foot setback. He noted Mr. Lundin has not made
application for a 50-foot setback. He added they need to respond to the application. He stated
Mr. Lundin has right to a reaction to his application. He noted Mr. Lundin has not consented to
the 50-foot setback. He added they would still have to go back to finding a hardship. He stated
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 30, 2001
5
.
in order to expand the non-conforming use there needs to be a variance. He reviewed the three
traditional factors for a variance. He stated that if the council determines there is a hardship then
they could grant the variance.
Counci1member Ap1ikowski stated she is in favor of granting the variance, because it meets the
first factors for a hardship. She noted the third factor might be a stretch, but it is a reasonable use
of the area. She added she thinks anybody who has a home on the lake should have full use of
that amenity. She stated she does not think it is changing the character of neighborhood or
impacting the neighbors. She noted she is willing to go the extra mile and grant this variance.
Councilmember Grant stated based on the fact they are not increasing the non-conformity he is
inclined to grant the variance.
Ms. Chaput stated they have allowed overhangs if the structure is not already placed.
Councilmember Larson stated he is opposed to granting the variance. He noted he does not feel
there is a demonstrated hardship. He added he does feel there is a difference when people have a
drainage problem or an unusual lot configuration. He stated he does empathize with Mr. Lundin,
but does not think the plan that was submitted is the only way to accomplish the same thing.
.
Councilmember Rem stated it seems like a trap that Council must consider was applied for is
what is before them. She noted she believes there are some options. She added she understands
the difficulty with the construction season, but they are not what the applicant has requested
action on.
Councilmember Aplikowski stated she thinks it is reasonable request and still finds it favorable.
Mayor Probst stated he has to oppose the request. He noted they are bound to take actions based
on the facts of the case and he does not see a hardship. He added he would not rehash the
arguments already expressed.
Councilmember Larson asked if this is turned down would Mr. Lundin come back with a
different plan. Mr. Filla responded it depends on the new plan. He stated if the city adopts the
50 foot setback and Mr. Lundin meets that, then he would only need a building permit.
Mayor Probst asked if Mr. Lundin could come back next week. Mr. Filla responded ifhe
changes the application, it would go back to the Planning Commission. He stated if there is no
change, Mr. Lundin could not come back for six months.
Mayor Probst stated they could table the matter and then he could change the change application.
Mr. Filla stated the structure does include the deck. He noted modifications would be all right as
long as they do not expand it.
. Mayor Probst stated he offers a recommendation to consider tabling it. He noted Mr. Lundin
could come in tomorrow and verify he can build it as is with the building official. He added by
.
.
.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 30, 2001
6
tabling it Mr. Lundin would not incur another fee. He stated his concern is that the building
official might renders a different opinion once he has all of the facts.
Councilmember Grant stated they are dealing with a porch that faces a lake and not another
neighbor's yards. He noted they are only adding on 45 square feet. He added it does not
increase the non-conformity except for the overhang, which was recommended by the Planning
Commission. He stated the project could be done without the overhang. He noted if this plan
had moved footings closer to lake than it would be a major issue.
Mayor Probst stated they are required to deal only with facts and in his view the facts do not
support a hardship. He noted if they do approve it, it would set a precedent for any homeowner
in Karth Lake to have a 45-foot setback.
Mr. Lundin stated it would have to be a person on the lake that built a screened porch under a
deck.
Mayor Probst stated he is not trying to be obstinate, but it is his interpretation this does not meet
the standards. He noted that he is offering to table it since the votes are such that it might fail.
He added if Mr. Lundin would rather not risk the fee, it would give him time to confirm that he
could build on the other footprint or alter his plan. He stated he is trying to offer some
flexibility.
Mr. Lynch stated they would want to extend the time limit on the application by 60 days.
MOTION:
Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a
motion to table the matter. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
Ms. Chaput asked what is expected from staff. Mayor Probst responded it is his understanding
that ifthe applicant can build where it is now, he can withdraw his application. He stated ifhe
can not build he can bring it back for the Council to reconsider the changes.
B. Ramsey County Construction Project, County Road E-2
Mr. Post stated staff was directed to contact Ramsey County with respect to options on the
proposed cold in place recycle of County Road E2 between Interstate 35W and Old Snelling
Avenue. He noted they asked the county to reconsider reconstructing the road. He discussed it
with Ms. Kathy Jaschke. She stated the county would be willing to reconsider if the city is
willing to finance most of the project.
Mr. Lynch stated the county would not narrow the road to allow a separate path to be built.
Mayor Probst stated he still does not support cold-in-place recycle and is dismayed with the
county's position. He noted he does not believe the road has to be 44 feet wide from 35 W to
Old Snelling. He added he is a frequent driver of the previously cold-in-place recycled
Cleveland A venue, and believes it to be as bad as it was before the work was done. He stated he
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 30, 2001
7
.
would like to ask the city engineer to take a look at the cost estimate. He noted he would like
some confirmation on the estimated county costs of cold-in-place recycling.
Mr. Lynch stated since our current existing firm does work for the county this might be an
apparent conflict of interest. He suggested they use a different engineering firm.
Mayor Probst indicated he is in favor of the City paying for the reconstruction of County Road
E-2 and assessing the cost per the City's Assessment Policy.
Councilmember Granted stated he could not see the City or the residents paying the estimated
amount for reconstructing that road.
Councilmember Aplikowski stated she drives it every day and there is always something in the
way. She noted she does not agree it can be narrower. She added the recycle would be all right
if it was well done.
Mayor Probst stated it does not cure the inherent defect of the roadbed.
Councilmember Larson stated he is also dismayed by the county's response. He noted he agrees
the road around the school area should not be narrower and they could design parking bays. He
added the other part of the road does not need to be that wide. He stated it appears they do not
want to consider a trail.
. Councilmember Larson stated, if the choice is waiting until 2010 for reconstruction, he does not
think the road surface can wait until then.
Councilmember Aplikowski stated they need to widen up the road by the bridge also. She noted
it does not make sense to narrow the road after the school. She added she does not see any
reason to not keep it one width.
Councilmember Grant stated the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee feels this road has a lot
of pedestrian traffic. He noted leaving the road its current width provides a certain amount of
safety for that pedestrian traffic.
Councilmember Rem stated if county does a cold-in-place recycle, the city does not spend any
money. She noted that at this point she does not think they want to spend that kind of money for
reconstruction. She added she would like to take some time to work through all of the issues.
She stated this would at least get something done now.
Mayor Probst stated he would vote against it. He noted one advantage of the reconstruct would
be that they could potentially move the roadway off center ofthe right-of-way and get a trail.
MOTION:
Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to
approve the cold-in-place recycle of County Road E2 between Interstate 35W and
Old Snelling Avenue. The motion carried (3-2 Probst and Aplikowski).
.
.
.
.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 30, 2001
8
C. Resident Request, Paving of Lake Lane (Hugh Bradley, 3191 Lake Lane).
Mr. Lynch explained the city has heard from Mr. Bradley before. He stated Mr. Bradley is
requesting some consideration not to wait to pave the southernmost portion of Lake Lane.
Mr. Moore stated it is a designated city street. He noted the city's Public Works Department
plows it and patches potholes in the spring.
Mr. Lynch stated Mr. Bradley's home is literally the only home that has access ofthat part of the
road.
Councilmember Larson asked how many other property owners are affected by it. Mr. Lynch
responded five other property owners would be affected.
Mayor Probst stated he is not opposed to taking it on and assessing at the 50 percent level. He
noted he would like see more than one resident seeking to having them do something there.
Councilmember Aplikowski stated it is a terrible road.
Mr. Moore stated the plows use Mr. Bradley's driveway to turn around.
Councilmember Aplikowski stated they could pave it "as is". Mr. Lynch responded it would be
expensive for a short piece of road.
Mayor Probst stated they would be assessing at 100 percent if a petitioned improvement.
Councilmember Larson stated if they have roads that are still gravel they should be looking at
paving them. He noted that maybe they should also look at improving the stormwater
management system. He added he is in favor of taking a look at it and having the city engineer
look at the feasibility and cost.
MOTION:
Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a
motion to direct the city engineer to evaluate the costs for paving and
improvements to the southern most portion of Lake Lane. The motion carried
unanimously (5-0).
D. Operations and Finance Committee Recommendation, Lake Johanna Buoys,
Ordinance 181 Enforcement
Councilmember Grant stated the city received letter from Mr. Price. He noted Mr. Price
approached the Operations and Finance Committee at its April 19 meeting regarding buoys on
Lake Johanna. He added city ordinance 181 does outline use of buoys on Lake Johanna. He
stated they contacted staff to obtain more information. He noted the Operations and Finance
Committee passed a motion to bring to the council a recommendation to deploy buoys.
.
.
.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 30, 2001
9
Mayor Probst stated that to his knowledge the city has never had buoys on the lake even though
the ordinance requires them. He noted he is not interested in doing this. He added he thinks the
aesthetic of the lake is improved, but safety is not enhanced. He stated he does not want the city
to deal with this and is not in favor of going down this path.
Mr. Lynch stated the Ramsey County Water Patrol has enforcement responsibility and it is not
clear they have a responsibility for buoy placement. He noted the city would have to pay fee to
put them in and pull them out.
Mayor Probst stated that part of this ordinance sets the area for no wake zone, yet there are
occasions when people get closer than 250 feet.
Mr. Lynch states it is the same as enforcement anywhere in state, the act is already done and the
police are trying to make a determination that a violation has occurred.
Mr. Filla stated they have had three violations because it is so difficult to enforce. He noted it
would be hard to determine the location of the buoy and the speed of the watercraft.
Councilmember Rem stated it seems to make sense to do it since they do not stop striping lanes
because of the difficulty in enforcement. She noted if people want to ignore them, at least they
should establish where they are. She added they are also talking about this without talking about
the costs.
Councilmember Aplikowski stated the cost does not matter. She noted it is an ordinance and
they either enforce it or take it off the books.
Mayor Probst stated Lake Johanna has an unusual speed policy. He noted the moment they open
any part of the ordinance they would lose all of it. He added that therefore the desire has been to
leave the ordinance alone.
Councilmember Larson stated that on one hand he could see it happen. He noted people are
driving close to shore and eroding it. Yet, he added the difficulty is the uneven shoreline so it is
hard to demarcate the 250 line. He stated the buoys just do not seem a very satisfactory way to
do it. He noted he would like to see improvement of the signs.
Councilmember Larson stated it does not say who is responsible. He stated the Lakeshore
Association could also be responsible. He noted he does not know how other people on lake feel
about it. He added there might be something the Lakeshore Association wants to do. He stated
it could be left to individual property owners. He stated people are using swimming rafts to keep
people from coming too close.
Councilmember Rem asked about potential liability from a city ordinance they are not enforcing.
Mr. Filla responded it is not a good idea to have a regulation that regulates speed and not enforce
it. He stated the regulation sounds like it was adopted because of safety concerns. He noted a
city council adopted this. He added he agrees with Councilmember Aplikowski in that if they do
not want to enforce it they should get rid of it. He stated it might be more complicated than that.
.
.
.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 30, 2001
10
Councilmember Larson stated they could not change the ordinance without losing grandfathered
DNR status.
Mayor Probst stated the new state requirements are less restrictive.
Mr. Filla stated then they should look at enforcing it.
Mayor Probst stated in order to make it enforceable they need to be close to defining a zone.
Councilmember Larson stated the upper limit is 40 mph so something needs be done there as
well. He noted they should pick a number that satisfies the ordinance, mark the points and the
center shallow area. He added they could start out with a small number and see if it makes a
difference.
Mr. Lynch stated the recent recodification adopts the Minnesota rules.
Mayor Probst stated he would like to suggest they ask the Lake Johanna Association to take a
look at this and come back with some recommendations. He noted he does not think it
appropriate to do something based on the request of one resident.
Councilmember Rem stated the request is to enforce the city's ordinance.
Councilmember Aplikowski stated she would like to have staff look into the costs.
Councilmember Larson stated he agrees that the question is how to enforce this.
MOTION:
Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion
to direct staff to investigate the cost of buoys for Lake Johanna and to seek input
from the Ramsey County water patrol on this issue. The motion carried
unanimously (5-0).
E. Disposition of 2000 General Fund Operating Surplus
Mr. Post stated this is an item from the last Worksession. He noted staff seeks the direction of
the council at this time, since the council could not take action at that meeting.
Mayor Probst stated they seem to be split between alternatives one and two and he would favor
alternative two.
Councilmember Rem stated she would also agree with alternative two after reflection and further
investigation.
Councilmember Grant stated that a lot of what they are calling surplus is essentially interest
income from not doing the Ingerson Road project.
.
.
.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 30, 2001
11
Mr. Post stated it is actually a result from the higher than budgeted level of licenses and permit
revenue.
Councilmember Grant stated the city did not spend a million dollars on the Ingerson project. He
noted he would like to see $50,000 moved to the PIR fund for future road improvements.
Mayor Probst stated this is surplus and not interest income.
Councilmember Grant stated the money regardless of where it was put earned interest. He noted
he estimates the City earns five percent on its money. He added the City is essentially deferring
doing road projects and making money offthat. He stated five percent of a million would be
$50,000.
Councilmember Aplikowski stated in the capital funds they have some large expenditures
coming with the new building. She noted to move it to the other fund would mean they would
have to use it to build roads. She added she is in favor of it going to the Municipal Land and
Buildings Fund.
Councilmember Rem stated she thought to makes sense to put the excess into the road fund. She
noted every time they go through the bid process she is shocked at how the cost goes up. She
added it is clear there is always a need for more money.
MOTION:
Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion
to approve the transfer of$150,000 to the Land and Municipal Buildings Capital
Fund No. 408. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
In order to accommodate the discussion, Mayor Probst skipped Agenda Item 5 f. He noted it
would be discussed last.
G. Personnel Actions
1. Non-Bargaining Unit Employees, Increase in Health and Dental Insurance
City Reimbursement from $350 to $400 per month (Effective 1/1/01),
consistent with I.U.O.E. Local 49 Contract Renewal.
2, Interim Public Works Director Salary Adjustment
3. Bargaining Unit Trial Policy, Time Off Requests
MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Larson seconded a motion to
approve Agenda Items G 1, G2 and G3. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
Councilmember Larson stated city staff and Mr. Tom Moore has done a nice job filling in with
Mr. Stafford's absence. He noted it seems to be a seamless transition.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 30, 2001
12
H.
Resolution #01-10, "Resolution regarding Meeting Ending Time for City-Related
Meetings" .
.
Mr. Lynch explained this resolution would set standard meeting times and set a standard of 10:00
p.m. for all meetings to end.
Councilmember Larson stated they should amend the resolution and not set a commencement
time. He noted they should only require all city meetings should end by 10:00 p.m.
Councilmember Aplikowski asked if this is a requirement for all city meetings. She stated her
concern is that they should ask the committee members how they feel about it. She noted the
Planning Commission meetings frequently go past 10:00 p.m.
Councilmember Larson stated he thinks this is an instance were they are setting a policy for the
committees. He noted otherwise it places a burden on citizens to not be home by 10:00 p.m. He
added it is also good for staff. He stated also the best decisions are not made when everyone is
tired. He noted it affects a lot of people.
MOTION:
Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to
approve the Resolution #01-10 regarding meeting Ending Time for City -Related
Meetings as amended to strike the language "that begin at 7:30 p.m.,". The
motion carried unanimously (5-0).
.
I.
Fire Station No.1 Roof Repairs, Lake Johanna Volunteer Fire Department,
Adjustment of Capital Improvement Plan (eIP) Projected Expenditures
Mr. Lynch explained the Lake Johanna Fire Departments approach regarding roof repairs. He
stated Fire Chief Scott showed staff the rust resulting from the leaking roof. He noted the
original portion of the roof that was not replaced is leaking. He added there is also not sufficient
drainage from the northern portion of the roof. He stated the roof drains are not of a sufficient
size. He noted the replacement cost is $18,000. He added the Building Inspector says $5,000 is
enough to add a larger roof drain to solve the problem. He suggests doing this work in exchange
for the bay floor resurfacing that was scheduled. He stated the bay floor project would be
adjusted to 2004.
Mayor Probst asked if they are redoing the insulation as well. Mr. Post responded he did not
think they were adding any R-value in the roof.
Councilmember Aplikowski stated $ 50,000 sounds like a lot for a flat roof. Mr. Post responded
the City spent $ 45,000 for maintenance garage rooflast year.
MOTION:
Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a
motion to approve staff s recommendation to expend an amount not to exceed
$25,000 to replace the Lake Johanna Volunteer Fire Department Roof Repairs and
to reschedule the resurfacing of the bay floors at that facility. The motion carried
unanimously (5-0).
.
.
.
.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 30, 2001
13
F.
City Staff Reorganization
Mr. Lynch explained this was a follow up to a presentation at the workshop. He stated he made
an assessment of a four leg stool and a three leg stool. He noted the difference would be the
Community Developer Director position versus new titles. He reviewed the recommendations in
his memo.
Councilmember Aplikowski asked if they are looking at hiring somebody other than that for the
treasurer position or a non-development type person. Mr. Lynch responded they would fill the
city accountant and treasurer function with another position. He stated they would not look for a
Community Development Director as part of the services provided by the additional staff person.
He noted the emphasis would be on community development.
Councilmember Rem stated this made her think of looking at this as a hiring of support staff
persons since more discussion is needed on a three-legged versus four-legged approach. She
noted staff could do the second part of the recommendation. She added that, since this step takes
a fair amount oftime, they would fit it into the work plan for the year.
Mayor Probst stated if staff knows where they should be going they might as well get there.
Councilmember Aplikowski stated that two weeks ago she would have said she is not happy with
a three-leg stool alternative. She noted she could live with it if there is more outsourcing of work
at least for the next season until everything comes into place. She added it would be with the
understanding that this is an open posting with the current in-house staff.
Councilmember Larson concurred.
Councilmember Grant stated he is in favor of a four-legged stool. He noted he thinks it is more
of a walk before run approach. He added he would like to feel more comfortable as current
positions are combined for the Director of Maintenance and Operations new position. He stated
he is not convinced it is a one-person job.
Councilmember Rem stated she personally feels more comfortable with a four-legged stool. She
noted she has concerns on how everything would work together.
Mayor Probst stated he is in support of the three-legged option. He noted he frankly feels it is
time for them to move on and get staffed up and going. He added they directed the City
Administrator to tell them how he wanted to organize his staff. He stated they had open slots
that have remained open. He noted he does not know if more time would change any opinions.
He added he is prepared to support the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Aplikowski stated she is hesitant to do this, but watching staff over the last few
weeks has made her feel more comfortable. She noted the only measure of the operation is the
current staff that has stepped up to plate and done a wonderful job.
.
.
.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 30, 2001
14
MOTION:
Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a
motion to authorize the City Administrator to hire two Office Support Specialists
at this time, to direct the City Administrator to begin the hiring process and to
authorize the City Administrator to bring back information and a recommendation
on Job Descriptions for all the new positions, and process for filling those
positions. The motion carried (3-2 Grant and Rem).
ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS
None.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Grant stated the Operations and Finance Committee would like some direction
from the City Council on what the Council would like them to work on. He asked each
Councilmember and staff person to give it some thought. He noted he would like it to be a
discussion topic for the next council meeting.
Councilmember Larson stated he concurs with Councilmember Grant's recommendation that
they need to provide additional direction. He noted they had a very productive Parks, Trails and
Recreation and Trails Committee meeting. He added they have the survey results from the
planning process. He stated they have revisited the vision of what their recommendations should
be and developed goals to meet that vision.
Councilmember Aplikowski stated she would bring in the budget for the Events Committee at
the next council meeting. She noted she is making a request from the events committee that the
city council ride in the parade. She added if they want to walk they could do it. She stated they
would be last so if the parade needs to be expanded they would each have their own car and if it
needs to be shortened they would ride together. She noted they do not want to lose track ofthe
Boy Scout Eagle Scouts and the Girl Scout Gold awards.
Councilmember Rem stated there is a newsletter meeting Wednesday morning for the final
verSIOn.
Mayor Probst stated he spoke to the Mayor of Maple Grove about a possible tour and the
tentative date is 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 16,2001. He noted the purpose of the tour is to
view the redevelopment of the gravel pit area. He added he encourages all to attend the
Community Leadership Breakfast.
.
.
.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 30, 2001
15
ADJOURN
MOTION:
Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Larson seconded a motion to
adjourn the meeting at 10:29 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
NOTICE OF MEETINGS
The next Council Meeting will be held Monday, May 14,2001 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arden Hills
Council chambers.