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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 05-29-2001 . . . CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING, TCAAP DISCUSSION MAY 29, 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 6:36 p.m. Present: Mayor Dennis Probst, Council Members Gregg Larson, Beverly Aplikowski, Lois Rem, David Grant, City Administrator Joseph Lynch. Absent: None. TWIN CITIES ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT (TCAAP) DISCUSSION The Mayor reviewed the two issues that he would like see addressed during the course of the meeting and those are: 1. Proposed legislation to transfer the land to the City of Arden Hills. 2. Response to the proposal by Mills Development. Council also talked about what kind of idea they had in mind for the development of the property. It needed to reflect the character of the City of Arden Hills. The Mayor indicated that his vision for the property is generally the same as the Reutilization Committee Plan. Council Member Rem showed a map indicating the clean up sites on the property. The Mayor tried to get council consensus on whether or not to pursue legislation. Council indicating that they are in agreement with pursuing Representative McCullom to see if she is going to help us with specific legislation for acquisition of the property along the lines ofthe new property or delineation between Army National Guard and the City. The Council also indicated agreement with a desire to continue discussion with Mills on their possible assistance in acquisition of the property for the City of Arden Hills but to also inquire about other types of development with other developers and at least seeing how their concepts for development of the TCAAP property. The Council indicated that they would like to have at their June 11 th, 2001, City Council meeting a discussion about road management as previously discussed covering the features of a road management plan and the process. The discussion should take place at 6:30 p.m. . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL, TCAAP DISCUSSION - MAY 29, 2001 2 RECESS . . . CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 29, 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 7:32 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 Attorney Jerry Filla; and Recording Secretary, Nancy Czajkowski. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA Mr. Lynch requested the Council remove Agenda Item 3.c. He stated the minutes ofthe April 30th meeting are the same as the April 9, 2001 meeting minutes. Councilmember Larson requested the addition of Agenda Item 6.d. Park, Trails, and Recreation Committee Appointments. He stated it was with regard to the appointment of two women to the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee. MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the May 29, 2001, regular City Council meeting. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. March 26, 2001 Regular Council Meeting B. April 9, 2001 Regular City Council Meeting, TCAAP Discussion C. April 30, 2001 Regular City Council Meeting, TCAAP Discussion D. April 30, 2001 Regular City Council Meeting Councilmember Grant requested the following changes to the April 30, 2001 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes: 1. On page 6, in the second paragraph, in the first line, replace "other" with "another". 2. On page 7, add a paragraph after the second paragraph that states "Mayor Probst stated he would like to see the city reconstructing County Road E 2 and assessing the cost back to the residents per the assessment policy." . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 29, 2001 2 Mayor Probst stated he had said the city would participate in the cost per its assessment policy. Councilmember Grant requested the following chai1ge to the April 30, 2001 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes: replace the third paragraph, which has become the fourth paragraph with "Councilmember Grant stated he could not see the city or the residents paying the estimated amount for reconstructing the road". Councilmember Larson requested the following changes to the April 30, 2001 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes: 1. On page 4, in the first line at the top of the page, insert "were" after "He noted they". 2. On page 4, in the first paragraph, in the fourth line, replace "if' with "it". 3. On page 4, in the second paragraph, replace "have" with "be". 4. On page 5, in the fifth paragraph, in the first line, insert "not" after "he does". 5. On page 5, in the fifth paragraph, in the last line, replace "do" with "does". Councilmember Rem requested the following changes to the April 30, 2001, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes: 1. On page 3, in the paragraph before the motion, in the last sentence, insert "surface" before parking". 2. On page 5, in the sixth paragraph, replace the first sentence with "Councilmember Rem stated the Councilmembers must consider what was applied for and is before them". At the end of the paragraph, add "She stated there are options, but they are not what the applicant has requested action on." 3. On page 5, in the ninth paragraph, replace "Phillips" with "Filla". Councilmember Rem asked if staff reviews the minutes. She noted many of the errors might be the result of too many people reviewing the minutes. MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to approve the March 26,2001 Regular Council Meeting, the April 9, 2001 Regular City Council Meeting, TCAAP Discussion, and the April 30, 2001 Regular City Council Meeting minutes as corrected above. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). CONSENT CALENDAR A. Claims and Payroll . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 29,2001 3 B. C. D. E. Probationary Appointments, Office Support Specialists (2) Interim Planning Services, Michael Cronin & Associates Receive 2000 Audit Report, Abdo, Eick & Meyers Res. #01-12, American Business Women's Lady Slipper Chapter's Gambling Premises Permit Renewal 2001 Seal Coating Project, Award of Bid West Round Lake Road Trail, Nott Company Easement U.S. Army Reserve, Land Transfer Request City Hall Construction Project, Pay Application #8 (Revised), Rochon Corporation City Events Task Force, Approval of Revised Budget Schedule Public Information Meeting, Lake Johanna Buoys F. G. H. 1. J. K. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she is glad they are filling the open support positions. MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Larson 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. "Mini-Mobile Drive" Interrogator Purchase Approval, Water Utility (unbudgeted 2001 CIP Request) Mr. Lynch explained the city made a conversion to radio read technology in 1997. He stated the Personal Interrogator (PI) purchased was a used model and has not been reliable of late. He noted the PI is now at the contractor's shop to be repaired. He added Mr. Post has indicated it would be advantageous to purchase a "Mini-Mobile Drive" interrogator. He stated this device would be an automobile mounted unit and more powerful. He noted in 1997 the purchase price was too large to consider purchasing one, but subsequently the price has been reduced. He added that staff had considered purchasing one with the City of Shore view. He stated that at this time Shoreview was not interested in sharing a device. He noted since the price is now more competitive it is affordable. He added staff recommends revising the Water Utility CIP to cover such a purchase. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she is amazed at how things designed to save the city money end up costing it more money than anticipated. She noted she does not have a problem with the purchase, but she is disappointed that they always have to buy additional items to keep up with savmg money. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 29, 2001 4 Councilmember Larson stated he is in support of this purchase and is glad that staff had spoken to Shoreview regarding sharing this equipment. He asked if this unit would be used only four times a year. Mr. Lynch responded the city would like to go to monthly utility billings. He stated that with this unit they should be able to read the city in three days. Councilmember Larson stated he would like to collaborate and it would be nice to have another city to share this cost. He noted he would like staff to check with a few more cities to see if they have an interest in sharing the cost of the equipment. Mr. Lynch stated New Brighton does not have a similar system. He noted the City of Shoreview might come to the City of Arden Hills later for sharing this unit for use in its residential service. Councilmember Grant asked about maintenance. Mr. Lynch responded the unit is similar to a computer. He stated the price indicated does not include a maintenance contract. Councilmember Grant stated he would encourage staff to check out the option of a maintenance contract and indicated that he supports this purchase. MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to revise the Water Utility CIP to include an unbudgeted 2001 purchase of a new Badger Mini-Mobile Drive at a cost of $15,000; and further direct staffto place an order for such equipment before May 31, 2001. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). B. Planning Cases 1. Public Hearing, Case #01-09, Chesapeake Companies, 1-35W and 1-694, (Morris Communications Property) A. Final Plat Approval B. Res. #01-11, Public Hearing, Vacation and Dedication of Easement Mayor Probst opened the public hearing at 7:50 p.m. Mr. Lynch explained this case was referred to the Council earlier and is coming back for final action on the final plat. He stated during the process some easements were discovered. He noted the solution is the return of some street easements to the city and the dedication of some land to the city. He added the dedication would create Outlots A and B for the Morris Co. Mr. Filla stated the easements were acquired by condemnation. He noted the county would not accept the area for platting if these road easements were still reflected. He added there is a pie- shaped piece, which would remain part ofthe public right of way. He stated the only easements to be released are those portions of the easements, which are part of this property. He reviewed the conditions attached to plat approval. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 29, 2001 5 . Councilmember Larson asked about the cost of acquiring these easements through condemnation. Mr. Filla responded he does not know the cost. He stated one of them was acquired when this area was still part of New Brighton. Mayor Probst stated given the development proposals for this parcel it is likely the city would be vacating these pieces of streets. He noted he is curious of the implications of that and asked if the Council would be looking at this again. Mr. Filla responded in the affirmative and noted the city would have to vacate the street that is now being dedicated. Mayor Probst asked what advantage it was to the developer in doing it now. Mr. Filla responded the developer wants to market this parcel and needs to show it is platted. He stated this is a step towards that goal. He suggested that condition three should be memorialized in some way. He noted the city should have the developer sign a restrictive covenant showing that the blocks would not be developed separately and that all parcels would be consolidated. Ms. Diane Fredeen, of the Chesapeake Companies, stated part of the reason for this approach is that they have a pending purchase agreement on the Morris property, but not on the other two sites. She noted state statute requires them to dedicate a road if there is an easement to the city. She added that when they have purchased all three sites then they would ask for a vacation on the dedication. She stated they have a closing date on the purchase of the Morris property and are still in negotiations on the other two sites. She noted they would eventually be combining all three into one property. . Mr. Filla asked if one condition of the purchase is that, the property would be platted. Ms. Fredeen responded in the affirmative. She stated it is related to the outlots. She noted the seller wanted legal title to the outlots. As no one else wished to appear, Mayor Probst closed the public hearing at 8:03 p.m. Mayor Probst stated a revised resolution states, "Those positions" should be replaced with "Those portions". MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve Resolution #01-11 and Planning Case #01-09, final plat of the property located in the Northeast quadrant ofl-694 and 1-35W, for reasons outlined in Resolution #01-11 and subject to the following: the conditions stated in the staff report and an additional requirement that the Developer execute a restrictive covenant memorializing condition 3 as stated therein. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 2. Case #01-12A, Manufacturers' Services, 4300 Round Lake Road, pun Amendment (Phase I Parking) . Mr. Lynch explained the applicant has requested the ability to expand the existing parking lot in two phases. He stated the Planning Commission recommended acceptance of the Phase I plan ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 29,2001 6 . and tabled the Phase II plan. He noted the applicant would like to add 38 parking spaces to allow for additional parking. Mayor Probst asked if this modification still keeps the landscape plan within the requirements. Mr. Charles Habiger, HKS services, responded that he represents the applicant. He stated in Phase I they would still comply with the landscape PUD requirements. He noted the Phase II plan would put them slightly under the 35 percent landscape requirement. Councilmember Larson asked if Mr. Habiger's company was the manager of the building. Mr. Habiger responded his firm is a consulting firm retained by Manufacturers' Services, a tenant in the building. Ms. Kelly Oertli, of United Properties, stated her company is the property manager and that Manufacturers' Services is the single tenant and has the need for this expansion. She noted this tenant has a longer-term lease. She added this project is what is needed to accommodate their building growth. Councilmember Larson stated in the past there has been some sentiment to have United Properties come in and tell the Council how they are going to rethink the way the parking is set up. Ms. Oertli responded the Council would see that plan next month. She stated she had visited the Planning Commission two months ago and that they were asked to rethink the screening. She noted they have done so and would return to the Planning Commission at its next meeting. . MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to approve Planning Case #01-12, PUD Amendment for Manufacturers' Services to expand the existing parking area of 408 spaces by 38 spaces in Phase I, subject to the seven stated conditions. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 3. Case #01-11, City of Arden Hills, Zoning Ordinance Amendment (Lakeshore Setbacks) A. Ordinance #325 Adoption Mr. Lynch explained this is also an issue the Council has discussed previously. He stated there was a recent case before the city noting the Planning Commissions' recommendation to reconsider changing the Lakeshore Setbacks of the Zoning Ordinance. He noted at this time, staff has recommended consideration of making the setbacks consistent with the DNR requirements. He added this gives additional flexibility to the residents. He reviewed the classifications of the lakes and the changes. Mayor Probst asked if a public hearing was required. Mr. Lynch responded the public hearing was held at the Planning Commission's meeting. MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to approve the amendment of Section 6 (C) #1 (d) the Zoning Ordinances as per Ordinance #325. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 29, 2001 7 C. 1-35 W Corridor Coalition, Coalition Housing Resource Center . Mr. Lynch explained this is the reference information for the GMMHC proposal for a Housing Resource center. He stated the City of Coon Rapids wants to participate each year for $50,000. Mayor Probst stated that is a three-year commitment of $50,000 each year. Mr. Lynch reviewed the recommendation and noted the amount could be in the 2001 or 2002 budget. Mayor Probst stated he believes three other cities have acted on this matter in the affirmative. He noted he would lobby strongly in support of this program. He added it is a great opportunity for the residents. He stated there was an article in the paper last week, quoting some Roseville residents. He noted in one example a resident saved $10,000 on a project. He added the city has had a couple of examples of distressed properties, which would have saved the city more than the amount requested in staff time. He stated he strongly urges support of this program. Councilmember Grant stated at the last meeting this particular item was described as one place where residents could inquire about building codes and get answers. He noted there are a number of other services that goes far beyond city code questions. He asked for clarification that these services are available to everyone regardless of the value the home. Mayor Probst responded there is no means test for the delivery of these services. . Councilmember Aplikowski asked how they would let residents know this service is available. Mayor Probst responded he has seen the City of Roseville's handouts. He stated he presumes they would do something in the newsletter to alert people and make them aware of what is available. Councilmember Rem stated she would suggest use of the newsletter, a quarterly water billing insert and the cable channel. Councilmember Larson stated this is good idea and the contribution is small. He noted there is a signification amount of money that is going to come from other sources. He added the cities are not bearing the burden of financing this service. He stated he hopes that the next time they request participation they would be able to show the Council how many residents of Arden Hills have used this facility. Councilmember Grant asked if this commitment was for one or three years. Mayor Probst responded he believes it is the city's choice. MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the expenditure of$3,707.13 for one year participation by the City of Arden Hills in the Coalitions HousingResource Center ™ program, as suggested by the GMMHC. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 29, 2001 8 D. Appointments to Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee Councilmember Larson explained currently there are no women on the committee. He stated they would be going out soon to neighborhoods and talking about the Comprehensive Park Plan. He noted it seemed that they need the representations of both genders. He apologized for not having something in the packet, but the issue had been discussed before. Mayor Probst stated it is the Mayor's appointment upon recommendations from the council to proceed. MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to endorse the appointment of Ginny Michaels and Roberta Thompson to the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee, effective upon the mayor's signature. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS Mr. Lynch stated the summer hours of operation would begin June 4, 2001. He noted the city would not be able to paint the water tower the exact logo color requested. He added they would match the existing color. Councilmember Aplikowski asked for clarification. Mr. Lynch responded they do not have the same color identification scheme the painters do. He stated that ifthey paint it our proper logo color, the remaining tower stem would not match since they are only painting the bulb. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Grant stated the Operations and Finance Committee did not meet this month. He noted he would be working with the City Accountant to ensure that they have a June 21 meeting. He added he would like an update regarding the possibility of a joint effort with the County on the maintenance facility. Mr. Lynch responded that he had met with the Ramsey County Engineer. He stated that he had indicated their limited staffing and the County had indicated a willingness to draft an RFQ. He noted they County would have the city review it and control the responses. He added all responses would be sent to the city directly. Councilmember Larson stated he had volunteered to work on the Highway 10 Interregional Corridor Study. He noted the part of Highway 10 east ofI-35W has been excluded from the study. He added he spoke to staff and indicated he would not be attending any additional meetings. He stated it does not seem that the City of Arden Hills has much a role to play. He noted unless someone feels differently that he would no longer attend these meetings. Mayor Probst stated the City needs to find some means of staying informed on what is going on. Mr. Lynch stated they are emailing him the agendas and the minutes. He noted he had a similar conversation with the MnDOT representative. He added their primary concern is west ofI-35W. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 29,2001 9 . Councilmember Aplikowski stated the Planning Commission is working on reviewing the sign ordinance. She asked the Councilmembers to look at business signage in Arden Hills. She invited them to relay comments to her on what is good and what is bad for businesses in Arden Hills. Councilmember Aplikowski stated the Events Committee has finalized the parade details and it is coming together well. She noted they have spoken to Ramsey County in case the site becomes too muddy and someone would be bringing in enough hay to cover it. She added she requested the council be placed together in a vehicle of some kind. She stated anyone of them could walk next to the vehicle ifthey wanted to. Councilmember Rem stated the sign ordinance-working group is meeting. She noted there are a few members of the Planning Commission, one representative from local business and one representative from the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce. She added other business representatives have expressed interest and would be included. Councilmember Rem stated she is attending one day of the League of Minnesota Cities Conference in Duluth. She noted the newsletter meeting would be held tomorrow and that issue should arrive shortly before the 50th Anniversary celebration. She added the next newsletter deadline is June 14. She stated she has suggested to the committee that they put off the issue so they could have a wrap up of the 50th Anniversary June 23 event. She noted she did not know their feelings on the subject. . Councilmember Aplikowski stated they usually combine July and August issues. Mayor Probst asked if they would still be on track to announce the opening of city hall. Councilmember Rem responded, given the time lag, she thinks it would be good to put in an announcement that city hall would be opening. She suggested they would not do an issue on it until they are moved into the facility. Councilmember Larson stated the Fire Board meeting is tomorrow. He noted they would look at the budget for next year and the concept of having some fireman on duty during the day to answer calls. He added this concept was raised at a previous Fire Board Meeting. Councilmember Larson stated recognizing they are going to review some proposals soon for retail development, he found the trip to Maple Grove very helpful. He noted he hopes to go to some of the other examples such as Hennepin County's facility in Medina and the new City of Minneapolis facility. Mayor Probst requested the Councilmembers bring their calendars next meeting to set dates for these tours. . Mayor Probst explained the 1-35W Corridor Coalition has initiated the Coalition Institute in addition to the regular board meetings held every other month. He stated the institute sessions are held over a lunch hour. He noted he encouraged the Councilmembers to follow the agenda . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 29,2001 10 and attend any of interest. He added the next session would be held on June 13 in Shoreview. He stated he believes there would be an update on the transportation study at that meeting. ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adjo e meeting at 8:49 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next Council Meeting will be held Monday, June 11,2001 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arden Hills Council chambers.