Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 05-14-2001 . . . CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING, TCAAP DISCUSSION MAY 14, 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 6:35 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; and Parks & Recreation and Interim Public Works Director, Tom Moore. TWIN CITIES ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT (TCAAP) DISCUSSION Mayor Probst reviewed discussions from previous meetings. 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 MAY 14,2001 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; Parks & Recreation Director, Thomas Moore; City Engineer, Greg Brown, BRW; and Recording Secretary, Nancy Czajkowski. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA Mr. Lynch requested the Council table Agenda Item 6. E based on the earlier discussion and the fact there is no staff recommendation. He stated that the urgent request was needed to be fulfilled in order to complete construction in a timely fashion. He noted he had not had a chance to review it with the architect. He added he is trying to get better numbers together for the council. He stated he would supply the information at the work session and move the item forward on the consent agenda at the May 29,2001 meeting. MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the May 14, 2001, regular City Council meeting, as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. March 26, 2001 Regular Council Meeting, TCAAP Discussion B. March 26, 2001 Regular Council Meeting C. March 26, 2001 Closed Executive Session D. April 2, 2001 Special Council Meeting E. April 9, 2001 Regular Council Meeting F. April 16, 2001 Council Worksession Councilmember Grant requested the following changes to the April 9, 2001 Regular Council Meeting minutes: 1. On page 7, first paragraph, after "read from joint letter", insert "from the Public Works Director and the City Treasurer", Delete the last sentence in that paragraph. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 14,2001 2 2. On page 7, in the seventh paragraph, replace the first sentence with "Councilmember Grant asked the Council for a recommendation". In the second sentence, replace "staff' with "the city". 3. On page 7, in the seventh paragraph, replace the third sentence with " He noted the first follow up should be with a letter". 4. On page 9, under Other Comments, replace the fist sentence with "Councilmember Grant stated there is a May meeting of the Ramsey County League of Local Government featuring the Ramsey County Commissioners." Councilmember Grant requested the following changes to the March 26, 2001 Regular Council Meeting minutes: 1. On page 6, replace the first sentence of the first paragraph, with "Councilmember Larson asked if there is some reason to have that in there". 2. On page 6, in the fourth paragraph down, replace the second sentence with "He noted he did not see the use of colored architectural precast concrete or EFIS in that context." Councilmember Aplikowski requested the following change to the April 9, 2001, Regular Council Meeting minutes: on page 2, in the third paragraph from the bottom, strike "which" and insert "who" before "is not trained". Councilmember Rem requested the following changes to the March 26, 2001, Regular Council Meeting minutes: 1. Page 4, in the fifth paragraph, delete the fourth sentence from the bottom regarding the specific roof'. 2. Page 9, replace the top paragraph, with "Councilmember Rem asked if buildings that are constructed on smaller lots would be considered accessory. She questioned whether this limited the number of smaller buildings that they can have. Mr. Carlson responded there is a maximum of two small lots overall and that all buildings on the property would be considered principal buildings." 3. Page 9, in the fourth paragraph from the bottom, replace "sight" with "site". Replace the second sentence with "She noted this becomes a major issue just north of that site with other buildings on Gateway Boulevard." Councilmember Rem requested the following change to the April 9, Regular Council Meeting minutes: on page 3, in the paragraph following the motion, after "stated" insert "in response to a question from one of the other bidders". MOTION: Mayor Probst moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the March 26, 2001 Regular Council Meeting, TCAAP Discussion, . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 14,2001 3 March 26,2001, Closed Executive Session, April 2, 2001, Special Council Meeting, April 9, 2001, Regular Council Meeting, and April 16, 2001, Council Worksession Meeting minutes as corrected above and to defer approval of the March 26,2001, Regular Council Meeting Minutes. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). CONSENT CALENDAR A. Claims and Payroll B. Lift Station #8, Gridor Construction, Pay Request C. Summer Hours of Operation Councilmember Grant asked for clarification if a public works employee responds to an incident on Friday afternoon if it would be considered overtime. Mr. Lynch responded it would be overtime. MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Grant 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. No public comments were made. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Planning Cases 1. Case #00-39, City of Arden Hills, Right-of-Way Ordinance (First Read) Ms. Chaput explained the North Suburban Communication Commission (NSCC) submitted a model right-of-way ordinance based on the League of Minnesota Cities' (League) model. She stated it has been circulated around the cities within their cable area. She noted the League indicates it is a fairly successful, uniform set of regulations to govern the right-of-way. She added the memorandum dated May 7, 2001 lists the comments from the City Engineer and Public Works Director. She requested further direction from the Council. Mayor Probst stated this is a basic issue and a path the city has to go down. He noted he did not want to break any new ground and end up with an ordinance that was unenforceable. He asked about the status of this ordinance with the other communities within the cable area. Ms. Chaput responded that all but three communities have adopted this ordinance. She stated Roseville has almost exactly the same ordinance as this sample. She noted it would be helpful if the entire . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 14,2001 4 cable area has same language. She added the majority of the communities have adopted language similar to this one. Councilmember Rem asked if the text deleted on page 4 of 32, in the definition section, number h, should be included some other place in the document. She stated it is clear the language needs to be changed. She noted however, the language makes sense and seems to belong some place else. Mr. Brown responded the previous language defined equipment by what it was not and the new language defines equipment by what it is. Councilmember Grant asked about changing the time limit of restoration from 36 months to 12 months. Mr. Brown responded a more realistic number is 12 months. He stated usually after one year, it is homeowner's responsibility. He noted staffthought 36 months was excessive. Councilmember Grant stated he was surprised by the 36 months language. Mr. Brown responded sod usually has a 30 days guarantee. Mayor Probst stated shrub material has a normal warranty of a year. Mr. Brown stated they could make the language more specific: sod could have a 30-day guarantee and plantings could have a 12-month guarantee. MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to direct staff to make the necessary changes and bring the corrected Ordinance back at the first June regular Council Meeting. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Councilmember Lynch stated he does have a concern about fencing, stone, gardens, etc. placed in the right-of-way by homeowners. He noted that, ifthe city damages something with snowplowing, they have to replace it. He added they should take a look at including some language to provide a disincentive to do that. He stated they should talk what would be allowable in the right-of-way. Councilmember Rem stated there should be an ongoing reminder to tell people what is appropriate. Mayor Probst stated they should establish a policy or do an article reminding residents that there are things the city would pay for. He noted the city does not cover the cost of landscaping, rocks, or fences that are damaged. Councilmember Larson stated staff should take look at what the other cities have adopted. He noted it gives the city more control over what is restored. He added he is reluctant to give that up. Mr. Brown responded 24 months is fairly common in state contracts. B. City Hall Construction Project, Furnishings, Award Bid ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 14,2001 5 . Mr. Lynch explained no one bidder had bid on all of the items. He stated there were six separate bidders with low bids on some of the items. He noted there were many items on the State of Minnesota contract. He added the budget estimates for furniture was $155,000. He stated the bid is $34,121.91 under the budget estimate. He noted kitchen appliances, lower level storage shelving, or facility artwork was not included in the bid packet. He added they are planning a end of July move in date. Councilmember Grant asked for clarification. Mr. Lynch responded the difference is a result of. competitive bids. MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Larson seconded a motion to award the Furniture bid to the six low item bidders (Albinsons, F.S.I., General Office Products, KI, Pink, and Playscape) in an amount not to exceed $120,878.09, and to authorize the City Administrator to execute all necessary documents and contracts to proceed with purchase and installation. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). C. 2001 Water Tower Maintenance Project, Award of Bid (Budgeted 2001 Maintenance Item) . Mr. Moore explained the tower maintenance project for 2001 would consist of cleaning, repairing and painting the North Tower. He stated the North Tower is currently painted 'Arden Hills Tan'. He noted a safety ladder (ladder modifications) would be installed on the South Tower. He added two options were included in the maintenance project. He stated Option A is placing the new City Logo on the North Tower and Option B is placing the new City logo on the South Tower. He noted the maintenance project would start on or before June 4, 2001 and be completed on or before July 6, 2001. He added the bid opening was held on April 19, 2001. He stated there were four bidders. He noted Champion Coatings, Inc. was the low bidder. Councilmember Larson asked if the option was for the South Tower to be painted Arden Hills tan. Mr. Moore responded that the option was to only paint a 10% section and not to paint the entire tower to change the color from blue to tan. He noted the cost estimate to repaint the entire tower was $140,000. Councilmember Larson asked if it was a single logo or on two sides. Mr. Moore responded a single logo south facing and able to be seen from Highway 694. Councilmember Grant asked if this was a line item in the budget. Mr. Post responded it was budgeted in the water utility budget for $40,0000. MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Larson seconded a motion to award to Champion Coatings, Inc. the contract for the cleaning, repairing and painting of the 500,000 gallon Hydropillar (North Tower) and ladder modifications on the 1.0 MMG Hydropillar (South Tower) at a cost not to exceed $24,800 and to authorize Option A, the placing of the new City Logo on the North Tower at a cost not to exceed $13,675. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 14,2001 6 . D. N. M. 1-35 W Corridor Coalition, Coalition Housing Resource Center Creation Mr. Lynch stated the city is being asked to contribute to a resource for existing or potential residents. He noted it would be a one-stop shop for information on the construction, financing, and permitting process. He added the City of Roseville has such a resource and finds it successful. He stated it helps residents find out how to do improvements and raise financing. He noted the City of Blaine has opted out of this because it has already contracted to provide similar functions. Mayor Probst stated Blaine is under contract for another two years. He noted Coon Rapids has asked to participate and will provide $50,000 this year. He noted Roseville has a successful program. He added the total annual budget is $600,000 and the remaining money would come from grants. He stated he speaks strongly in favor of this program. He noted it is a non- budgeted item. He noted it is a one stop shop for housing issues whether a person is looking to add on or if building to suit. He added they assist in finding funding and contractors, etc. He stated all communities that are participating have found this to be very successful. He noted he feels it is an asset for our residents. Councilmember Aplikowski asked if it was a qualified program. Mayor Probst responded there are no qualifications for receiving help. . Councilmember Aplikowski asked about promotion. Mayor Probst responded there has not been a lot of discussion on how it would be promoted. He stated he presumes they could do it with the newsletter. He noted he was not sure about a mass mailing. He added the City of Roseville has done some promotion through other means. He stated he has seen handouts. Councilmember Larson stated he thought one of the items to come out of their participation in the coalition was they would have a housing code to use. Ms. Chaput stated this standard is being worked on. Councilmember Larson asked how much use they would get out of this service in the absence of a housing code. Mayor Probst responded there were recently two instances where citizens with problems concerning their homes used a lot of staff time. He stated staff spent time working with the individuals trying to help them solve their problems. He noted this resource center could have handled those issues. He added they do have some areas in the community ripe for modifications. He stated rather than have them struggle through process they could go here and get ideas on how to solve those problems. . Councilmember Grant stated the letter references a number of handouts, but does not say what the organization is going to do, what its mission is, and why it was created. He noted while it is good to hear from the coalition that he would like to see documents on the purpose of the resource center. He asked about assistance for those in violation. Mayor Probst responded in City of Roseville when violation letters are sent they send the telephone number of the center where people are sent to get help to solve their problems. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 14,2001 7 Councilmember Grant stated rather than take action he would like the matter to come back with information on its purpose and scope. He noted since they are requesting $3, 700 he would like to get information on them. Councilmember Aplikowski asked if the success of the grants depends on the participation. Mayor Probst stated if down the road they are not able to attract grant money, there would be a significant funding tail. He noted there is not yet a solution to that. He added each community would have to decide if they want to continue and whether there is some value to them or not. Councilmember Rem stated she would appreciate more information on this and was hoping that some ofthe attachments would have been with this letter. Mayor Probst stated GMMHC already runs a center in northeast Minneapolis. He noted the City of St. Paul has tried to get them to operate one there. He added the City of Coon Rapids has also been trying to get plugged into this operation. He stated the existing office would stay there and a new office set up in the coalition area plus Coon Rapids. He noted they are looking at space in Roseville and Shoreview. Councilmember Rem asked about staff. Mayor Probst responded there are about six in total. He stated one person stays in the office and the rest are in the field to come out to the homes. He noted they would handle questions on whether some one is doing something correctly. He added there are no income limitations high or low. Councilmember Aplikowski asked what would happen if they do not participate. Mayor Probst responded the project would proceed, but Arden Hills residents would not be able to use this servIce. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she thinks the concept is good, but more information would make it easier to understand. Mayor Probst suggested they hold the matter over until May 29, 2001 meeting and get an information package at the worksession. Councilmember Larson asked for a status report on the housing code at the same time. E. 2001 Sealcoat Project, Award of Bid (Budgeted 2001 Maintenance Item) Mr. Brown explained bids were opened for the sealcoating project on May 8, 2001. He stated all of the bids were correct and simple. He noted the low bidder was Allied Blacktop Company, which has done a lot of work for the city in the last few years. He added there were two factors that resulted in a low bid. He stated the oil prices have dropped a little over last year. He noted the biggest factor was the bidder's workload. He added they looked at doing some additional work. He stated the estimate for this area was $14,000. He stated they would still be under the budgeted amount. He noted they could add it as a change order. He noted the low bidder is responsible and has done good work in the past. He indicated the proposed scope expansion area on the map. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 14, 2001 8 Councilmember Grant asked if they would be adding the Wyncrest and Nursery Hill . neighborhoods. Mr. Brown responded in the affirmative. MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to award the 2001 Seal Coating Project to Allied Blacktop Company for the bid price of $35,900.34 and directs staff to include in a change order the other parts in the West Karth Lake area up to an additional $14,000. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). F. Council Direction to the Operations & Finance Committee Regarding Prioritization of Goals Councilmember Grant explained the Operations & Finance Committee requested direction from the City Council. He read the Committee's suggested goals. Mr. Post stated this committee was created July 15, 1999. He reviewed the original five goals of the Committee. Councilmember Aplikowski noted the Committee has spent a lot of hours on City street lighting information including what kinds are acceptable and the procedure on how to go about getting them. . Mayor Probst stated there are policies on many of these areas. He noted the current street lighting policy that also addresses the fixtures. Councilmember Grant stated there is one issue regarding the policy and it is, should there be a uniform street light design standard for the city. Mayor Probst stated there are a number of committee issues here. He asked if the Council wants to prioritize them. He noted they need to be careful on assignment because there are other groups that would have input. Councilmember Aplikowski stated they should visit with the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee on the issue of the level of trail maintenance. . Councilmember Larson stated they are developing a new master plan for the parks. He noted his view is he does not think the city should have committees unless they are statutory or for a specific area that they need help on. He added task forces deliver a better product. He stated standing committees are frustrating for people who serve with no specific direction. He noted there does not seem much meat to work on for this Committee. He added the contribution of their time may not feel worthwhile. He stated he would not be opposed for thanking them for the work they have done and asking them back if needed again next year. He noted if they could not give them something worthwhile, we are not doing a good job utilizing the Committee member's time. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 14,2001 9 . Councilmember Grant stated they are looking for direction. He noted in the past they have done work on sewer water rates and some good work consolidating trash hauling services and recycling into single day service. He added the group has a lot to offer and the Council should encourage them. He stated they are willing to work and asking what would the Council would like them to work on. Councilmember Rem stated one of the comments made was that they have not had a lot of direction from the Council. She noted they feel they have worked hard and their work has been set aside as the Council takes another direction. She added it is good to have resident input on issues. She noted a pavement management program is one thing that gets put on the back burner. She added it would be interesting to have someone not involved look at that process. She stated they could provide some recommendations on how to conduct the public information process. She noted that it is an area in which the city needs to make some progress. . Councilmember Aplikowski stated she favors committees over a task force. She noted they shortchange themselves if the only committee they have is the Planning Commission. She added it would then be the only training ground for the Council. She stated obtaining the viewpoint of people who do not meet the Planning Commission requirements is important. She noted it would be good to have another group look at an issue and give recommendations back to the Council. She added they have already dropped two committees. She added she hears what Councilmember Larson is saying, but there are a lot of people willing to serve and it is good training. She stated they could help the city on how to do the road improvement program, which includes how to get it out to people so they understand it. She noted they could utilize them to talk to the community and use the Committee to get people organized. Mayor Probst stated there is a fundamental difference. He noted the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee has taken an active role making recommendations about the parks. He added they have taken it upon themselves to take look at parks and make capital budget recommendations. Councilmember Aplikowski stated the Pavement Management Program (PMP) issue is the same thing. She noted they have not let the Committee do it. She asked why they should not transfer that power back to that committee. Councilmember Grant stated with the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee it is clear what the scope of their work is. He noted when one looks at the Operation and Finance Committee; it runs the whole gamut ofthe city. He stated this group of talented individuals has asked in what area the Council would like them to specialize. He noted if the Council wants to define narrowly one specific issue like a task force, the Committee would be agreeable. He added they want to be of value to the city. . Councilmember Rem stated the value of a standing committee is it challenges the council. She noted they have residents willing to help the city and the Council needs to focus on ways to make meaningful use of this help and assistance. She added it is one of way of reminding them the city runs on resident input. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 14,2001 10 Mayor Probst stated it is on the schedule to have the Pavement Management Program on the agenda for next Monday night. Councilmember Grant stated the Committee has a meeting on May 17,2000. Councilmember Larson stated if pavement management is going on the Committee's agenda, it should be on the Council's agenda first. Mayor Probst stated he sees no harm in alerting them that that is the way the Council is going. He noted they could give them more specific direction later. Councilmember Grant stated the Council gave them direction on the maintenance facility at the last meeting. He noted and tonight Council has noted the pavement management is area where council wishes input. ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS A. City Hall Construction, Architectural Alliance Correspondence, Roof Drains Mr. Lynch stated there is a umesolved disagreement on whom is responsible for the cost of roof drains on city hall. He noted staff maintains the architect or city engineer missed a code item. Mr. Lynch noted the city is losing city planner, Jennifer Chaput. He added she has accepted a job with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Mr. Lynch added the Army National Guard Army Reserve Center property expansion request would be on the May 29, 2001 meeting agenda. He stated the tour of Maple Grove and the Flower Garden event would be posted. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Larson stated he wanted to express his appreciation for Ms. Chaput's work here and the good job she has done. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she would not be able to attend the flower garden planting event. She asked the council how they wanted to ride in the parade. Councilmember Larson stated he would prefer them to ride as a group. Councilmember Aplikowski stated the Committee would let them know what is decided. Mr. Moore stated the County might not complete Tony Schmidt Park in time. He noted they would try to get seed and sod down. He added they do not control the weather and are having a shortage of funding. He stated there would be concrete pads but no picnic tables. He noted there would be power and water. He added there would be a lot of dirt areas left. He stated they are going to be planting prairie flowers, which takes three years for full growth. He noted there . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 14,2001 11 would be a meeting this Thursday to discuss the park. He added all three play structures are up, but no benches are there yet. He stated they have fireworks mapped out. He noted they also have sites and locations for the vendors and the pony rides. Councilmember Aplikowski stated the program itself is wonderful. She noted the Committee has worked very hard. Mr. Moore stated they have up to 45 units for the parade. He noted the tents, bands, and vendors are scheduled. He noted there would also be a waterski show and a boat parade on Lake Johanna. Councilmember Aplikowski stated contributions are coming in from small businesses. Mayor Probst stated he and Mr. Lynch appeared before the citizens forum. He noted it was a good publicity opportunity for them. He added he attended the Ramsey County library kickoff at the Roseville library. He stated there are a good series of activities coming up. He noted they are interested in making Arden Hills more of an environmentalleaming center, than a traditional library. ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to adjour the meeting at 9:31 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next Council Meeting will be held Tuesday, May 29,2001 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arden Hills Council chambers.