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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 07-21-1994 I I. I I I I I I I Ie I I I I I I I I- I nRftFT MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA WORKSESSION July 21, 1994 . 4:30PM. - CITYHALL - PUBLlCWORKSL1JNCHROOM CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereot: Mayor Probst called to order the City Council worksession at 4:30P.M. Present: Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowskiand Paul Malone; City Administrator Dorothy A Person; City Accountant, Terry Post; Community Planning Coordinator, Brian Fritsinger; Park &Recreation Director, Cynthia Severtson; Public Works Superintendent, Dan Wmkel; Rick Ruzicka, Animal Control Officer, ASCI; Recording Secretary, Kim Moore-Sykes. TCAAP: Probst indicated that he felt it is important to move the process along at a more rapid pace because decisions will have to be made and the City cannot afford to be left out of the decision making process. Malone agreed. Transportation will become an issue along Hwy. 96 once development starts. The City needs to look into the need for a utilization committee as one way of getting residents and other interested people involved. Probst identified Jobs with Peace as a group that has voiced their interest in the disposition of the TCAAP property. Other groups that he felt needed to be included as part of a utilization committee were DNR, Arden Hills, Ramsey County and National Guard. He stated that others who might be interested in being involved in city committees would be people such as Steve Erickson. Aplikowski suggested that anyone from ParkslRecreation, Public Works, Economic Development Committee, Finance Committee, etc should also be involved. Fritsinger stated that it might also be important to have a consultant involved in this committee. Probst stated that this is a big effort and lots of people will eventually be involved. There is an overa\I plan, but nothing is set or settled on. Aplikowski stated that citizen committees are important, but felt they are more important when more planning of the site is completed. Probst stated that part of what is considered by citizen committees should be what land gets developed, how it should be used, what infrastructure should be put into place, etc. This is a major charge for these committees to deal with, as this piece of property comprises fully one third I \ , ) I I. I I I I I I I Ie I I I I I I I I. I Worksession Minutes 2 July 21, 1994 the area of Arden Hills. The Army to this point has also been involved; they have been very cooperative and open to various ideas but there will be restrictions. Malone felt that someone with some authority and who can act for the City, needs to be in close contact with this community group. With the City being an active participant in the process, more staff time and support will be required. Council agreed Probst should continue City efforts with Staff support for the time being. AMBLE DRIVE STORM SEWER: Council had discussed earlier, the issue of diverting storm water drainage from Karth Lake. An estimate of $70,000 had been received from MSA stating this would be the cost to replace the storm sewer drainage from Amble Drive to Pleasant Drive. If the project was just to replace the piping that is currently at Amble Drive, the cost would be about $27,500. Staff reported also that minutes from the 5/27/86 Council Meeting that stated that this neighborhood would be responsible for controlling the storm water run-off into the Lake either through pumping or some other method of control that they felt comfortable with. Malone was not convinced that storm run-off from Amble Drive and Pleasant Drive raises the level ofKarth Lake to a noticeable level. There was discussion about the need for a lift station to handle the level of the lake. Malone believes it takes alot of water to get the water level up to affect even the lift stations, but if there is interest in this idea, those interested should contact City Hall. He also added that there seems to be confusion or misunderstanding about what the 1986 minutes say on this issue. It was suggested that Staff put together a letter from the Mayor to this neighborhood group regarding the City's position and include information from the May 1986 minutes. Dan Wmke~ Public Works Superintendent said that he would have this letter prepared for the Mayor's signature and out to this group by July 27. ANIMAL CONTROL: The discussion on Anima1 Control Ordinance began in March, 1994 and a request from the Association of Dog Owners to review the kennel requirement was the result. Rick Ruzicka, the Anima1 Control Officer for the City of Arden Hills and Brian Fritsinger, Community Planning Coordinator both have reviewed the current City ordinance. The primary issue seems to be the number of dogs a resident can have. Staffhas recommended that a 1imit be set at three dogs per household kennel but the Council of Dog Owners felt this limitation is too strict. They feel that it unfairly penalizes those residents that have hobby kennels and they want the allowance of six adult dogs. In researching this ordinance, Brian reported that originally, the Zoning Code allowed only two dogs per household kennel. Bev Aplikowski asked about puppies; whether they are addressed in the ordinance. Ruzicka said that puppies should be allowed to stay with the mother until they are three months but after that time they are able to leave the mother. If they are allowed to stay longer, typically they become a I I. I I I I I I I Ie I I I I I I I Ie I Worksession Minutes 3 July 21, 1994 nuisance to the neighborhood through noise and property destructive behaviors. Aplikowski said that this issue will continue to come up and she can see it become a matter of personality. Mayor Probst said that all the feedback has been from the State or others who are not residents of Arden Hills. He asked if the Staffhas heard anything from the residents. Fritsinger said no. Aplikowski asked if there were any hobby kennels in Arden Hills and Ruzicka answered yes; he has heard of people with more than 2 dogs. He also reported that there are people in Arden Hills who act as "foster parents" for dogs without homes. But this is a temporary situation as they actively seek homes for these lInimlll~. city Administrator Person asked ifhe has seen anything that is presenting problems and Ruzicka said no. He said it is his feeling that Arden Hills is a different community in that regard. Mayor Probst and Malone agreed with him. It is apparent that people in Arden Hills do have consideration for their neighbor's property investment and desire a peaceful enjoyment of their property. The Staff recommends the allowance of2 dogs per household without a permit. Additional animals would be allowed provided the owners obtained the appropriate permit from the City. This same recommendation was given to the Council earlier this spring. A permit process would allow Ruzicka to inspect the premises. He would like to see the owner get signatures from surrounding neighbors before a permit is issued. Discussion followed. It was generally agreed to consider amending the ordinance to allow 3 dogs with a kennel license from the City. Rabies: Brian Fritsinger reported that he had received a letter from a veterinarian requesting that the City remove the issue of rabies to another area of the City Code as current languages affects other anima1s besides cats and dogs. Fritsinger said that he was not convinced that a separate ordinance on rabies was necessary but suggested that the language could use some "fine tuning." Currently, Arden Hills does not have a problem with rabies. Ruzicka responded that there is a quarantine process in effect for dogs and cats should rabies be reported. Fritsinger said that he would like a better understanding from the Council on why licenses are issued and what the issues are in licensing lInimlll~. He asked what is the purpose - disease control or tracking of animals. Ruzicka suggested that it is both. Many cities are requiring that dogs and cats be licensed every year. They are also requiring rabies vaccination every 2 years; it is more effective as a vaccination if given every 2 years rather than every 3 years. The City now licenses every two years. Mayor Probst agreed that a shorter licensing period is a good idea in that it will be easier to track the vaccination history of the animal thus insuring the animals are vaccinated. Malone also agreed; he has never been anywhere that had a longer licensing period. Ruzicka said the he is trying to put together a rabies clinic for next year. He said that coordinlltillg a rabies clinic is difficult because vets do make their money from vaccinations and I I. I I I I I I I Ie I I I I I I I Ie I Worksession Minutes 4 July 21, 1994 are afraid of getting in each other's way. When asked about an impounding fee, Ruzicka said that he is not charging one as a fee was never established. It was agreed that the Council will go with Staff recommendation. Ruzicka said that the average rate is between $15 - $25, with $25 being closer to the average. He advised against setting the rate too high as owners won't pick up the dog or cat. Mayor Probst asked how many dogs are impounded in a year. Ruzicka responded that last year, he impounded 16 dogs. This year that number is less; he's having more of a problem with cats. Mayor Probst said he doesn't want the fee to be revenue generating, but wants the fee set so that the City can recover the costs ofkeeping an animal. Aplikowski asked if the fee would be the same for cats; Ruzicka suggested that it should be the same for dogs and cats. Mayor Probst said that he wants the fee to be in line with other communities; likes the idea. of having a "sliding scale" fee. The impounding fee would increase each time the same animal is picked up. Both Malone and Aplikowski agreed that there is a need for a licensing fee that also would include cats. Ruzicka suggested a licensing fee oUIO to run from December to December. The Council agreed to change the current two year $15 year license to the one year $10 license for both cat and dogs. Mayor Probst said that in order to amend the Zoning Code to fix the number of dogs allowed in a household, a Public Hearing is required. He would like to take care of all of these issues taken care of at one meeting. (That meeting has yet to be determined.) BUDGET: Terry Post reported that the prt.1iminaryI995 budget represents an earlier direction of "holding the line" from Council. The Staff's budget as presented represents an increase of2.5%. City AdminiAtrator Person reported that there are no major changes in the Mayor/Council budget except: a. Community Survey - $13,000 b. Elections - $2,500 in case a referendum is presented in 1995 c. Legal - costs continue to increase despite attempts by Staff to limit use. d. Sheriff - (3. 7"10 increase) Primary factors are: I. Insurance - looking for reduction in workers' compensation, personal protection and vehicle under MCIT. This reduction may amount to several thousand do1Iars. 2. Rice Creek Corridor - Five cities required more coverage last year. As a result, Arden Hills may see an increase of2% in 1996. There will be no increase for 1995. e. Fire Department - CbiefDan Wmkel reported that the cost to the City will remain the same. There may be a 1% - 2% drop in capital expenditures; operating costs will be the same. I I. I . I . I I I Ie I . I I I I I .e I Worksession Minutes 5 July 21, 1994 Malone said that with the increased number of contracts, he would like to see a benefit to the City. Wmkel agreed but the increased number of customers allows the fire department to hold the line on costs and to also hold costs at the same level for the City's contribution to the Firefighters Pension Association. Malone asked who have the equity stakes in Station #2. Wmkel said that the operating budget for Station #2 is paid by Shoreview and North Oaks. Malone said the Arden Hills funded Station # 1 but do not have an equity stake in it; yet Station #2 benefits Shoreview and North Oaks alot more than Arden Hills. Wmkel reported that Station #2 is a first responder station and is closer to Shoreview and North Oaks, so it seems that these cities have primary use of this station. Mayor Probst asked who holds the title to the property; Arden Hills has funded vehicles and equipments, yet have no equity stake in the station. He would like to have the contract re-evaluated. Malone stated that it is unfair that the smaIl revenue coming in from the fire contracts is being put into the Fire Department's Capital Improvement Pian despite the $100,000 annua1 payment. He too thinks that Shoreview and North Oaks receiving the "lion's share" of the service. f. Operating Transfer - Cindy Severtson reported a decrease in shade tree needs. She is seeing less usage for this service. The Council asked her how desirable a "Tree City" designation is since there will be no further increase in funds or use for these services. Severtson reported that originally, it was very important as it focused on a need to preserve and increase the tree stock in the community. Now Arden Hills is working to maintain the trees that have been planted. Dave Wmke1 now spends about 5% of his time working on the trees rather than the original 15% of his time. Also, less money is required to remove diseasedldead trees. g. Operating Transfers Out - Building of new Public Works/City Hall facility. h. Anima1 Control - Brian Fritsinger reported that ACSI is paid $525/month for their services. There is an anticipated increased need for cat control but the cost will remain the same for 1995. i. Cable TV - This will be the same as 1994. It is anticipated that due to changes in technology, there will be an increase in franchise fees and revenues. j. Recycling - This item will remain the same for 1995. The Council discussed the possibility of going out for bids later this year or by mid-year 1995. They all had received inquiries from a number of haulers had indicated interest in participating in a future bidding process. k. PIanning - There is an increase of $1400 in this line item due to the purchase ofPIanning software package that will provide a Zoning and permit tracking program. Otherwise, the department budget will stay the same for 1995. I. TCAAP - This is the "wildcard" for the 1995 budget. City Administrator r I. I I I I I I I Ie I I I I I I I Ie I Worksession Minutes 6 July 21, 1994 Person reported that $1000 has been used from the p1anning/consulting fund. m. Protective Inspection - This item will remain the same for 1995. There are no "big projects" anticipated for 1995 or 1996. The contracts are not expected to change; there may be a change in the building surcharge fees. n. Economic Development - Some of the projects that are being looked at for 1995 include Gateway. Fritsinger reported that he is trying to identifY future costs, especially in developing the Gateway project and TIF. He also reported that he would like to have $50,000 added to this budget for either an economic development consultant to help with this area. He would also recommend that the Council approve the hiring of an intern to do the economic development ground work rather than a consultant. He estimated that the money saved in having an intern - approximately $25,000 - would pay the salary of an intern. There was some discussion by the Council regarding this recommendation. The Council thought that an intern would be helpful on the Gateway, Everest and Round Lake development projects. o. Public Works - Government Buildings repair and maintenance costs will increase. Dan Wmkel reported that the roofs on both the City Hall and Public Works buildings will have to be reevaluated. Wmkel said if the roofs have to be re-roofed, the costs could be substantial. Insurance costs for the buildings will also increase due to their age. Money currently in the fund would be used for minor emergency repairs. Street Department - Salt/sand for the winter is up $500; gas and diesel prices have dropped. 1995 Pavement Management Plan - Wmkel reported that the budget for this project is expected to be less as they will be maintaining streets under the plan. There is one reconstruction plan scheduled to be funded by the savings from the 1994 Pavement Management Plan. Mayor Probst asked about the work scheduled for County Road F. Wmkel said that funding for this project will be mostly from outside funding sources. $500,000 is available in 1995 for the reconstruction. Storm water money is available for installing curb and gutters on County Road F. Wmkel reported that he is meeting with Ramsey County on Stowe Avenue and they want to do east Stowe Avenue this year yet. Maurer had told Wmkel that a recycling process would be adequate for Stowe Avenue. Mayor Probst wants this street reconstructed because $70,000 is available now from the County. He also believes that the curb and gutters should be done as well. Malone asked if the estimate of $450,000 is an accurate figure for this project. Wmkel said that he felt it might a little high; he suggested that $250,000 - $300,000 is closer to the true costs, I I I- I I I I I I .e . I . . . . . .- . Worksession Minutes 7 July 21, 1994 although storm sewers would increase costs. Mayor Probst asked what the County has told residents; have they re-notified residents. Wmkel said he didn't know. The Council asked ifhe would ask the County about resident notification. County Road E - turn lane - Wmkel reported that there is money available for this project. Mayor Probst said he is not concerned that this turn lane needs to be widened. Capital Outlay - Wmke1 reported that this item will not increase much. The only purchase that is needed is a pick-up truck. Water Meters - Wmkel reported that a $60,000 annual funding installment is budgeted as part of the overall residential water meter redevelopment project. He reported that installation could be phased in or done all at once. They will also need to purchase software, hand-held computers that can read the meters, hardware, etc. He mentioned that the New Brighton Finance Director, Margaret Egan, has offered to help Staff with this project as New Brighton installed new water meters last year. He also said that she indicated a willingness to do the water billings as they have the excess capacity on their computer system and utility software. Water/Sewer - Wmkel reported that water consumption is expected to stay at the same level. As a result, no increase in fees is expected. One aspect of higher costs will be engineer fees. An engineering consultant is planned to be hired to evaluate lift stations and sewers. Metro Waste - In 1992, they overbilled the City $9,000. The City received a credit in 1994 but because of over-use in 1993, as increase of3.4% will be assessed. City Administrator Person asked Wmkel about infiltration. He said that infiltration is a problem in Arden Hills and part of the problem is because sump pumps are sending sewer directly into the City's sewers. Fritsinger said that this is a code violation, but it is a big enforcement problem as no one on staff is available to cite homeowners violating the code. It was suggested that installation of water meters would provide a good opportunity to cite homeowners who inappropriately use sump pumps. Surface Water Management - Wmkel reported that he is budgeting $49,000 to this program. $27,000 to be used on the 1995 Cannon Avenue reconstruction/sewer and gutter project. The balance of the money would go back to overlay projects. Maintenance of Storm Sewers - $60,000 is budgeted for the County Road I I. I I I I I I I Ie I I I I I I I Ie I Worksession Minutes 8 July 21, 1994 FNalentine Road - 509 project. Winkel said that he is working on how to do this project in co~unction with the planned road construction for County Road F. Malone stated that he sees the budget increasing incrementally while revenue is going down. He suggested that the City may have to look at this situation. It may be that another staffposition will have to be cut. p. Summer Playground Program - Cindy Severtson reported that she is cutting the program to half days at the park near Arden Manor and Perry Park. She said she looked at the numbers and found that they are low. For some reason, parents are not signing up their children for summer programs. Skating Rinks - Severtson reported that she also plans on cutting this program a bit as well. Again, due to the lack of interest, she is planning on cutting back weekend evening hours. The need for temporary help will also be decreased. Park Maintenance - Severtson reported that she is budgeting $57,000 for the purchase ofa one-ton pick-up truck and $23,000 for a Toro mower. Grounds Maintenance - Severtson reported that there is $14,500 in the budget that she anticipates will not be spent on Perry Park due to a grant she bas applied for. Should the City be awarded a grant for the redevelopment of Perry Park, then she would like to use this money for needed improvements at Valentine Park. She would like to move the infield and blacktop the parking lot. She felt that the blacktopping might cost less if it could be blacktopped in conjunction with Public Work's blacktopping project. q. Finance Department - Terry Post reported that he still bas no information from Ramsey County regarding tax abatements by businesses in Arden Hills. Expenditure Plan - Post said that he doesn't see significant changes in other non-tax revenues. Malone asked that without a levy change, is there an expected revenue increase. Post reported that there is an anticipated 4.25% increase in home values, but this is offset by decrease in valuations of businesses in Arden Hills. Again, he bas not yet received that information from the County. Mayor Probst stated that based on this information, he is comfortable with a levy increase of 4 % - 5% range; more specifically, 3.6% - 4.6%. Filling Council vacancy - Mayor Probst indicated that he would be in favor offilling Council vacancy if there were scheduling issues for the rest of the Counilmembers. His concern was whether or not there would not be a quorum at Council Meetings. Other Counci1members have I I. I I I I I I I Ie I I I I I I I Ie I Worksession Minutes 9 July 21, 1994 indicated that they do not have a strong opinion about filling the vacancy. They would agree only if they could find someone who could step in immediately and be able to function in that position without spending a10t of time getting up to speed. It was agreed to function with the current number of Councilmembers until the elections unless it becomes apparent that there is a need to fill the vacancy. MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and seconded by Councilmember Aplikowski to adjourn the work session. Motion carried unanimously (3-0). The work session adjourned at 9:10PM.