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Home My WebLink AboutCC 03-17-1994 I I I- I I I I I I I. I I I I . I I .e I MJ:NUTES CITY OF ARDEN BILLS, MINNESOTA WORKSESSION March 17, 1994 4:30 P.M. - City Ball - Conference Room CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Sather called to order the City Council worksession at 4:30 p.m. Present: Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, Paul Malone, Dennis Probst and Dale Hicks. Also present were: City Accountant, Terry Post; Community Planning Coordinator, Brian Fritsinger; Park & Recreation Director, Cynthia Severtson, City Administrator, Dorothy Person; and Parks & Recreation Committee Chairperson, David Sand. ADOPT AGENDA MOTION: Aplikowski moved, seconded by Malone, to adopt the March 17, 1994 worksession agenda as submitted. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). MCCLUNG TRAIL EASEMENT/ PARK DEDICATION UPDATE Parks and Recreation Committee Chairperson, David Sand reviewed with Council the John McClung's proposed park dedication. The land McClung has proposed to dedicate would provide an important link in the City'S trail system. It would connect a trail that runs south from City Hall to Colleen Avenue. It would then be possible for users to connect with Floral Park from Colleen Avenue. Some of the land McClung has proposed to dedicate is marshy and would probably require a floating bridge. Higher ground would be more ideal, however, probably not possible. The McClung preliminary plat is at the Planning Commission level. The Parks and Recreation Committee would like to proceed when the plat is approved. The Planning Commission has some concerns with the preliminary plat and is reviewing it at this time. I I I- I I I I I I I. I I I I I . . .. . Arden Hills Council 2 March 17, 1994 DISCUSSION OF PRELIMINARY UNAUDITED 1993 OPERATING RESULTS Treasurer Terry Post presented a preliminary synopsis of 1993 General Fund results. The revenues are expected to fall $50,000 under budget due to property taxes ($125,000) less than expected; fiscal disparities at ($25,000) less; while MSA (Minnesota State Aids) for road maintenance by $45,000; DOT (Department of Transportation) by $10,000; Fund 225 (Community Services) transfer ($12,000) all exceeded budget. Expenditures beyond budget expectations in Management Consultants ($8,000); Unused sick and vacation ($36,000); Oak Grove settlement ($27,000); Government Building ($13,000); Building ($18,000). Council agreed it was appropriate to accrue the $14,000 ordinance codification in 1993. Expenditures under budget - Planning ($7,000); Police ($31,000); Fire ($14,000); Park Maintenance ($18,000); Streets ($3,000); OP Transfer to 224 - Community Services ($3,000) . COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL VALUATION UPDATE Terry Post also reviewed the Commercial/Industrial valuations for Arden Hills. valuations have continued to decrease (see attached listing) on some properties. Pharmacia Deltec at 1265 Grey Fox Road reduced from $8,715,400 to 1994 EMV $6,570,000 (24.6%). City share is 12.9%. This equates to a City income decrease of $18,325 (1.1% of total 1994 net levy). December and January tax settlements were reduced by $13,000 and $47,000 for tax abatement and accrued interest. December's reduction was based primarily on Northpark group from 1992 petition (1210 County Road E; 1200 County Road E; 8 pine Tree Drive; and 6 Pine Tree Drive) . January's reduction is based primarily on MSI 1992 petitions. The July 1994 reduction is based on January 1994 four properties in MSI Corporate complex - $91,825.66. From the County Property Revenue Department, 30% of petitions on average are resolved in one year, 70% in two years and the balance in three or more years; these reductions are considered to be a structural change and apart from delinquency, ie: a "shrinkage" statistic; 1994 I I Ie I I I I I I Ie I I I I I I I Ie I Arden Hills Council March 17, 1994 3 determination is needed to decide if the 5% shrinkage in the budget is adequate to accommodate both delinquencies and "shrinkage". COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Hicks reviewed space needs for Northwest Youth & Family Services as their current lease expires in 1995. The League of Minnesota Cities Building would be an option, as the League will be vacating their current facility in the near future. The NYFS could purchase this building and lease the top floor to others. A fund drive would be a possibility to raise monies to pay for the cost to remodel the building as needed. Councilmember Aplikowski reviewed the survey and letter that will be sent to Arden Hills' businesses from the Economic Development Committee. Suggestions were made. Aplikowski commented that the intent of the survey is to raise red flags and that the Committee will followup individually. Councilmember Aplikowski advised the Council that Barbara Younaszai resigned as Chair and member of the Human Rights Commission and that none of the members in attendance at the meeting were willing to take the Chair's responsibility. The Council discussed the Human Rights Chair's vacancy, possible replacement, the Commission's activities and changing role. The consensus was to change the ordinance to allow for this Commission to broaden their range of duties, and for the Commission itself to be voluntary. Staff will followup on the change to a voluntary status. Councilmember Aplikowski advised the Council she had a request regarding Mobile Home Park water quality. Community Planning Coordinator Fritsinger offered an update on the review of water needs at Arden Manor Mobile Home Park. The Department of Health had been working with the Park during the past year on a backup water system. The primary well has safe water, the issue is with the State Health Department's involvement. Councilmember Probst requested that staff research a change in ordinance on the hours of recreational boating on Lake Johanna. It was noted that between the hours of 11:00 am and 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm and 7:00 am on each day of the week, no motorboat shall be operated at a speed in excess of five (5) miles per hour. Councilmember Probst requested a change to shorten the hours between 7:00 pm and 7:00 am to 8:00 pm I I I- I I I I I I I. I I I I I I I Ie I Arden Hills Council March ~7. ~994 4 and 7:00 am. Upon further discussion it was suggested to shorten the hours to 9:00 pm and 7:00 am. Councilmember Probst also noted that he would like to take time following a hearing, such as what occurred at the March ~4, ~994 meeting regarding the ~994 Pavement Maintenance Improvement project, to advise the citizens of the way he is voting and reasons why. Council concurred. Council discussed the Planning Commission role, as well as, the Council and staff roles in case review. Council asked staff to set up a meeting with the Planning Commission, as soon as possible, to discuss this matter. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. Dorothy A. Person, City Administrator Thomas R. Sather, Mayor