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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 03-13-1995 I Ie I I I I I I I Ie I I I I I I I Ie I MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN lULLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 13, 1995 7:30 P.M. - NEW BRIGHTON CITY HALL CALL TO ORDERIROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Dennis Probst called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. Present: Mayor Dennis Probst; Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, Dale Hicks, Susan Keirn, and Paul Malone. Also present were: Clerk! Administrator, Brian Fritsinger; Parks and Recreation Director, Cindy Walsh; City Accountant, Terrance Post; and Recording Secretary, Lorri Kopischke. ADOPT AGENDA MOTION: Aplikowski moved and Keirn seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the March 13, 1995 City Council meeting as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES February 27, 1995 Councilmember Malone noted on page two, first paragraph, after "although" it should read based on past practice an assessment for a resident could be approximatelv $30 Der front foot. Councilmember Aplikowski noted on page four, first paragraph, the address should be 1779 West County Road F. She also noted on page .13, paragraph seven, it should read A'plikowski indicated concern for the new Metropolitan Council information and feels there are more changes to come. MOTION: Hicks moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the February 27,1995 regular City Council meeting as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). I I. I I I I I I I I- I I I I I I I I. I ARDEN HIllS CITY COUNCIl. - MARCH 13. 1995 2 CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approve Claims and Payroll. MOTION: Malone moved and Hicks seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented, and authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Probst invited the audience to address Council with any matters of concern during this portion of the meeting. Mr. Mark Chapin of 3947 Rolling Hills Road, indicated concern regarding the townhouse development. He thanked the City Council for the opportunity of the public hearing on March 27th. He reported that a committee called the ''Neighbors of Valentine Hills" had been formed and a representative would be present at all future City Council meetings. Mr. Craig Wilson of 1677 County Road F, indicated he had been present and spoke at the meeting February 27th. He stated that since that time he has spoke with Mr. Stonehouse, consulting engineer of the project, and looked at some alternatives for County Road F. He indicated he would like to see changes made to reduce the speed, make the road safer and save the mature trees which are located on the south side of the road. Consulting Engineer, Mr. Greg Stonehouse, indicated they are making every effort to save the trees in this specific area and other areas. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS PLANNING CASE #95-6: RAMADA SITE PLAN REVIEW City Admini!<trator Fritsinger reviewed the planning case. He indicated the Site Plan review is being submitted by the applicant in two phases. Phase I will be for an exterior facelift of the building which will include a dark green rooffacia and screening of the existing satellite dish and rooftop mechanical equipment. He indicated there will be some changes to the exterior of the building including a stucco-type finish. The brick building will remain intact with new columns which will be bright white to offset the brick finish. He distributed a brochure with samples of the materials for Council review. Mr. Fritsinger noted the intent was to modernize the facility. He explained phase 2 would include other site changes such as landscaping and parking. He indicated the Planning Commission had recommended approval of the case with no changes and minimal comments. I I. I I I I I I I Ie I I I I I I I I- I ~.aDENJill,LS CITY COUNCIL - MARGH.i3--1995 3 Councilmember Malone inquired if there would still be a restaurant in this facility. The applicant was present and indicated the restaurant will remain the same, but the name will be changed. MOTION: Hicks moved and Malone seconded a motion to approve Planning Case 95-6, Site Plan Review-Ramada The motion passed unanimously (5-0). Mayor Probst requested that agenda item 6b be deferred until Mr. Dan Winkel arrived as it was a proclamation of appreciation for Mr. Winkel's 16 years of service to the City. NATIONAL SECURITY SEMINAR NOMINATION Lieutenant Colonel Callahan was present to extend an invitation to nominate one or more community members to attend the 1995 National Security Seminar in Washington, D.C. He explained the nominee would be flown to Washington in a military aircraft. They would then attend briefings at the Pentagon, tour Arlington Cemetery, and be flown back to the Twin Cities, in a military aircraft, on Sunday. He indicated the ouly cost to the nominee would be lodging and meals. Lieutenant Colonel Callahan indicated he would also like to initiate a Community Support Advisory Council. He requested Council supply names of any individuals they felt were interested. This Committee would serve as a communication link between the Army Reserve and the citizens. He stressed it was very important for the two entities to have an understanding of each other. Mayor Probst indicated the Council needed to resolve who would attend the seminar by Friday. He stated the Community Support Advisory Council was a great opportunity to improve the relationship between the Army Reserve and the community. He stated he would be unable to attend the Seminar but suggested another Councilmember attend and possibly a staff member. He indicated the City, through the Council budget, could pay for the expenses. Councilmember Keim indicated she would like to attend the seminar. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she felt the Community Support Advisory Council was a great opportunity to open the communications between the Army Reserve and the community. She indicated it was a good way to develop an active civil defense. She stated she was not prepared to suggest any names but the Council would discuss the matter. Lieutenant Colonel Callahan indicated he would submit the names of the nominees to attend the Seminar and the names will be reviewed and may be selected. The number of persons selected would depend on the number submitted. He provided his telephone number in case there were any questions. I I. I . I I I I I .e . . . I I . . I. . hRnE1LHlLlS CID COUNCIL - MARCH 13. 1995 4 Mayor Probst stated this was a great opportunity and encouraged all Councilmembers to think of qualified persons for the Conummity Support Advisory Council and submit them to Mr. Fritsinger. Mayor Probst indicated the next two agenda items would be discussed together. ADOPT RESOLUTION 95-20. RECEIVING THE FEASmILITY REPORT AND ORDERING A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE IMPROVEMENT IN THE MATTER OF STREET MAINTENANCE IMPROVEMENT OF 1995 AND ADOPT RESOLUTION 95-21. ORDERING PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS IN THE MATTER OF THE STREET MAINTENANCE IMPROVEMENT OF 1995 Consulting Engineer Stonehouse indicated this project includes seal coat, bituminous overlayment, and reconstruction of Stowe Avenue. He indicated the factors involved in determination of the 1995 maintenance program were based on the 1992 Pavement Management Report, input from Public Works Staff, and recent visual street inspections conducted by the Engineer. He then presented a map indicating where improvements were needed. He explained that Stowe Avenue was similar to County Road F in that it was a Ramsey County turn back street He indicated he will be meeting with Mr. Tim Mayasich of Ramsey County tomorrow to finalize the turn back issue. He explained that streets are rated on a scale of 1-100, with 100 being a new street. He indicated that streets rated between 90 and 95 are conducive to maintenance in the form of seal coating. He stated that streets rated between 69 and 89 require bituminous overlayment. These streets have a degree of cracking and breaking that sea1coat cannot repair. He indicated that streets rated under 69 require complete reconstruction. Mr. Stonehouse explained that Stowe Avenue was rated 39.7 in 1993. He stated a petition for reconstruction of Stowe Avenue had been presented in 1991 but due to the necessity of incorporating curbs, gutters, and storm sewer improvements, the project was postponed. Mr. Stonehouse presented an overhead outlining the proposed cost and funding sources for each portion of the project. He explained that the City will fund the cost of all seal coating being performed. The citizen's will be assessed for 50% of the cost of the overlay projects and the Stowe Avenue Reconstruction. He explained that the reconstruction of Stowe Avenue will be eligible for funding from the Municipal State Aid system and the City's Surface Water Management program. Mr. Stonehouse outlined the schedule for the project being as follows. March 13, 1995, receive feasibility study, order preparation of plans and specifications. and order public hearing and informational meeting. April 3, 1995, hold informational meeting. April 10, 1995, hold public hearing, approve plans and specifications, and order project and advertise for bids. May 10, 1995, open bids. May 29, 1995, receive bids and order assessment hearing. June 26, 1995, hold assessment hearing and award contract He stated the project will be completed by the end of September, 1995. Mayor Probst inquired if the Ramsey County money was identified to assist Stowe Avenue for the entire length from Cleveland to Johanna Boulevard. I I. I I I I I I I Ie I I I I I I I I. I ARDRN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH-13. 1995 5 Mr. Stonehouse was not certain, but he believed it was funding for Stowe Avenue between New Brighton Road and Lake Johanna Boulevard. Councilmember Keirn asked Mr. Stonehouse why the street was ouly 32 feet across when Municipal State Aid recommended 38 feet across. She also asked if the street would still be eligible for state aid funds at that width. Mr. Stonehouse stated that parking required the further width. Since this area will only have parking on one side, it will only require 32 feet. He indicated it will still be eligible for state aid funding. Councilmember Hicks inquired why Lametti Lane was requiring overlay and Lametti Circle was only in need of seal coating, as they were built at the same time. Mr. Stonehouse indicated that a cul-de-sac is more difficult to pave than a straight roadway and deteriorates faster. Councilmember Malone inquired as to the landscape island on Shorewood Drive. He stated it was difficult to turn in that area due to the island. Mr. Stonehouse indicated there were several trees in the island and the island would remain intact. MOTION: Hicks moved and Malone seconded a motion to approve Resolution 95-20, Receiving the Feasibility Report and ordering a Public Informational Meeting Scheduled for April 3, 1995 and a Public Hearing Scheduled for April 10, 1995 on the Improvement in the Matter of the Street Maintenance Improvement of 1995. Motion carried nnanimously (5-0). MOTION: Hicks moved and Keirn seconded a motion to approve Resolution 95-21, Ordering the Preparation of Plans and Specifications in the Matter of the Street Maintenance Improvement of 1995. Motion carried nnanimously (5-0). ADOPT RESOLUTION 95-22. AUTHORIZING PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE CHARLES PERRY PARK REDEVELOPMENT Parks and Recreation Director Walsh stated there are continuing problems at Perry Park. The five main problems and safety issues include an overlapping of outfields, erosion and drainage issues which are affecting the park and the adjoining homes, nonconformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, quality of the ba1lfields, and inadequate parking areas. She stated the City had received $50,000 rather than $200,000 from the Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Grant. She stated they have now developed a specific marketing scheme to target other fund sources and have received commitments to contribute in a total amount of$102,000. Megan Ricke, Parks and Recreation Board, indicated they are hoping to receive funding from firms such as Land 0' Lakes and Burlington Northern. She stated the Parks and Recreation Commission is in support of the redevelopment. I I. I I I I I I I Ie I I I I I I I I- I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCE 13. 1995 6 Councilmember Hicks inquired what amount of the $450,000 estimated cost the Parks and Recreation Department was attempting to raise. Ms. Ricke indicated they intend to raise as much funding as possible. Councilmember Hicks asked if the Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Grant would provide additional funds in another calendar year. Ms. Walsh indicated that the grant money is project specific and they are allowed three years in which to allocate the funds. Councilmember Keim asked Ms. Walsh to describe the two phases of the project. Ms. Walsh stated that phase I will complete the redevelopment of the fields so as not to lose a season of play. This will include the regrading of the area, seeding/sodding, insta1lation of fences, and other items necessary to make the fields playable. Phases II and III will include the addition of lighting on the two south fields and the installation of playground equipment. The playground would be near the entrance and needs to be installed within three years. Mayor Probst indicated he continued to support the project going forward. He felt the budget should be checked in the interim, before proceeding with the final planning, as he questioned the initial estimate. Councilmember Malone indicated he felt it was necessary to look at all options. He stated the Council had not yet debated the alternatives and options for this project He felt the project was contingent upon the funds being available. He stated the Council had made no commitments. Councilmember Keim expressed her concern for a commitment from the Council. She stated they needed to have the Council's consent to go forward. She stressed the Park and Recreation Department cannot approach companies asking for funding and then not do the project. She asserted this would make the City look bad. Mayor Probst stated he thought that when the Council examined this project earlier, it was agreed to do the project if the contingent funds were obtained. Ms. Maureen Bodene, Parks and Recreation Department, stated she has participated in presentations to obtain funding for this project and does not want to misrepresent the commitment the City has for this project. She thought there was a commitment with the State of Minnesota Grant and a commitment to spend a certain amount of the Park Dedication Funds. She indicated if this was misrepresentation, she did not want to continue. She asked what type of options the Council wanted the Park and Recreation Department to investigate. She stated the condition of the park was a dangerous situation. She stated there were men playing in the fields adjacent to the little league. She indicated Perry Park had four of the six softball fields in the City. She stated the Park and Recreation Department had looked at other facilities to improve or find alternatives but there were no other solutions. I I. I I I I I I I Ie I I I I I I I I- I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH L3. 1995 7 Councilmember Aplikowski stated she thought there was a commitment from the Council. She agreed that the park is dangerous and falling apart. Ms. Ricke stated that it may be necessary to review the Council minutes and determine if there had been a commitment made. Councilmember Malone indicated the Council had not discussed the alternatives. He stated the Council had not formally voted to spend the $200,000 and it is possible a vote may fail. The Council may state they support the project but it is not guaranteed until supported by a vote. Ms. Bodene stated that she understood this. She asked that if all the additional funds were raised and the $200,000 in park dedication was used, if the Council would then back the project. Councilmember Hicks stated that he supported the project in principle. He stated he supports the project contingent on the funds being raised. Councilmember Malone indicated there was a difference in principle and in actual dollars. He stated he agreed with Councilmember Hicks but it was still in principle and not the result of a vote. Ms. Bodene stated there were no alternatives but Perry Park. She stated that the project can be completed in various stages. Mayor Probst asked that staff review the record to see what action had or hadn't been taken by the Council. Councilmember Keirn indicated that she had already done so. There was no record in the minutes of any commitments being made. Councilmember Hicks stated he thought there had been discussion regarding the project but no further action had been taken. Mayor Probst stated that he would like to examine some budget proposals in hopes the cost could be reduced. He commended the Committee on their success at raising funds. MOTION: Aplikowski moved and Hicks seconded a motion to approve Resolution 95-22, Authorizing Preparation of Plans and Specifications for the Charles Perry Park Redevelopment, including providing of interim cost estimates from the engineer. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). ~GSPARKLEASEAGREEMENT I I. I I I I I I I I. I I I I I I I I- I ARD.ENJ:IILLS CITY COUNCIl. - MARCH 13. 1995 B . City Administrator Brian Fritsinger reported that the City had previously signed a lease agreement with Control Data for parking space at Olmmings Park. The lease expired in 1985 and bas not been renewed. He recommended that the lease be renewed at this time but that it would be prudent to explore long term solutions for parking at Cummings Park. He reported that Control Data may be interested in deeding the area they own at the northwest comer of their property to the City. Arden Hills could then construct their own parking lot. MOTION: Aplikowski moved and Hicks seconded to authorize staff to sign the lease agreement for 1995 and take whatever steps necessary with Control Data Corporation to obtain the land necessary to build a municipal parking lot. Motion carried unanimously (5- 0). SHEEHY LAND DONATION UPDATE Park and Recreation Director Walsh reported that the City of Arden Hills bas taken title to the property. Ms. Walsh recommended that the area be maintained as City property until a specific use is identified. She stated that at some point it may be appropriate to put a floating walkway around the area She suggested that it would be appropriate to invite Mr. Shacker and Mr. Sheehy to a Council meeting to recognize their contribution. Mayor Probst asked Mr. Fritsinger to prepare a proclamation of appreciation for Mr. Shacker and Mr. Sheehy. Ms. Walsh indicated she would like to see the tennis court removed as soon as possible, as the bituminous is cracked and poses a safety hazard. Mayor Probst expressed his concern with removing the tennis court as it is the only high and dry spot in the entire area ADOPT RESOLUTION 95-19. SUPPORTING THE MINNESOTA EMERGING COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE ACT OF 1995 Mr. Fritsinger indicated it was important for the City Council to support this resolution. MOTION: Malone moved and Keim seconded approval of Resolution 95-19, Supporting the Minnesota Emerging Communications Service Act of 1995. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). ADOPT PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING DAN WINKEL Mayor Probst read the proclamation recognizing Mr. Dan Winkel. MOTION: Malone moved and Aplikowski seconded adoption of a proclamation recognizing Dan Winkel. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). I I. I I I I I I I .. I . . . . . . .e . ARDF.N HILLS CITY COUtiCl!. - MARCH 13 1995 Q PUBLIC COMMENTS - CONTINUED Mr. Jay Schrankler of 1748 Venus Avenue, stated he was a member of the Minnesota Non-Profit Organization, Neighbors of V alentine Lake. He stated there will be many neighbors present at the March 27th meeting to express their concern of preserving the open space and recommending denial of the special use pennit for the property. Ms. Fran Holmes, of 1804 Venus Avenue, indicated she trusts the decisions the Council is making but would like to reach a resolution everyone agrees to. She stated she had studied the Zoning Ordinance and concluded there is not much to go on except that she believes this would affecl the public health, safety and general welfare of the community. She indicated there is so little open space left in the City and this is one of the most beautiful areas that are left. Mayor Probst stated that the Council is in a difficult situation as this land is in private ownership. He stated the Council could deny the immediate proposal, but this proposal may have much less impact than building single family housing in the area. He indicated the Council clearly understands the importance of this issue to the community. Craig Wilson of 1677 West County Road F, indicated there is a tape available of the meeting at Bethel and he suggested Mayor Probst view this tape. Mr. Scbrankler indicated he understood that the land was in private ownership. He stated the issue was relative to the comprehensive plan and the zoning plan. He stated he has been a resident of Arden Hills for over ten years and in that time the communication from the City to the residents has decreased dramatically. He stated he didn't believe this proposal had been a topic at prior Council meetings. He hoped the Council would reconsider the easements and the special use pennits and delay this project so everyone can work together and do the right thing. Mayor Probst indicated that the City does have more control through the PUD approach. He indicated that a lot of proposals never get past the planning stages. The proposal was discussed at one meeting before the Planning Commission and there will be a public hearing. He stated that staff tries their best to keep the public informed. Mayor Probst and Councilmember Hicks stated they would also like to view the tape of the Bethel meeting. ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS City Administrator Fritsinger had no items for discussion. I I- I I I I I I I Ie I I I I I I I I. I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL ~ MARCRJ 3 1995 10 COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Aplikowski indicated she was in attendance at the Bethel meeting. She reported the meeting was well run and she commended the neighbors for pulling together. She stated a lot of residents would like to see a Town Crier again. She indicated, if Council approved, she would like to explore this possibility. She stated that she believed the Community Support Advisory Council was a great opportunity and suggested Bill Gillies be contacted. She stated there were many people who watched the Council on cable television and thanked them for their support. Councilmember Keirn reported there were a lot of people at the Bethel meeting who were upset with the lack of communication from the City. She stated there needs to be more communication and the City cannot rely on cable television as the only means of communication. Mayor Probst reported his attendance at the National League of Cities meeting in Washington, D.C. He reported that he and the mayors of New Brighton, Shoreview, and Mounds View, met with three congressional delegates. Mayor Probst indicated there was nothing to report regarding the TCAAP. He stated he would have to leave early on March 27th and asked if the meeting could start earlier. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the public hearing would have to remain at 7:30 but the other agenda items could be discussed earlier. Council consensus was reached to begin the Council meeting on March 27th at 7:00 p.m. ADJOURN MOTION: Malone moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:03 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). ,~* Dennis Probst Mayor Brian Fritsinger City Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next regular Council meeting will be held March 27, 1995, at 7:00 p.m., at New Brighton City Hall.