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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 01-30-1989 r I MINUTES OF THE ARDEN HILLS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING M~day, January 30, 1989, 7:30 p.m. - Village Hall CALL TO ORDER Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Thomas Sather called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. ~ ROLL CALL The roll being called the following members were present: Mayor Thomas Sather, Councilmembers Nancy Hansen, Paul Malone and JoAnn Growe. Also present: Newly appointed Councilmember Thomas Maho~ald, Attorney James Lynden, Engineer Barry Peters, Treasurer Frank Green, Public Works Supervisor Robert Raddatz, Clerk Administrator Gary Berger and Deputy Clerk Catherine Iago. RES. #89-09; FILL COUNCIL VACANCY, THOMAS MAHOWALD APPT'D Malone moved, seconded by Growe, that Council approve Resolution No. 89-09, Filling Council Vacancy, by appointing Thomas Mahowald, to serve the unexpired term until December 31, 1990. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) OATH OF OFFICE and Council offered Clerk Administrator Berger administered the Oath of Office to newly appointed Councilmember Thomas Mahowald their congratulations and welcomed Mahowald. APPROVE MINUTES Hansen moved, seconded by Malone, that Council approve the Minutes of the January 9, 1989, Regular Council Meeting as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) BUSINESS FROM FLOOR . REPORT OF TREASURER INVESTMENTS Treasurer Green reported on the following investments: 1/17/89 - 1/18/89 - 1/18/89 $107,198.61 invested at 1st Minnesota, @9.10%, to mature 1/12/90. $100,000.00 invested in CD, Material Bank of California, @9.25%, to mature 1/16/89. $100,000.00 invested in CD, Southern California S & L, @9.2%, to mature 1/16/89. Hansen moved, seconded by Growe, that Council ratify the Treasurer's report. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) COUNCIL APPOINTMENT Larry Jones, reporter for the New Brighton Bulletin, questioned how and when Council arrived at the decision to appoint the new Councilmember; he stated there had been no regularly scheduled Council meeting since January ~ 1989. . Mayor Sather explained at the Regular Council meeting held 1/9/89 the Council had scheduled a Special Meeting on January 26 to interview candidates for the council vacancy. He advised applications for the position were accepted until January 20 and the three candidates were interviewed in an open meeting at the Village Hall on 1/26/89. Sather stated the Council voted unanimously at the 1/26/89 meeting to appoint Mahowald and Minutes of the meeting would be available at the Village Hall, after Council approval at their first regular meeting in February. REPORT OF ATTORNEY ORD. #251; EXT. BLDG. COMPLETION Council was referred to a memorandum from the Clerk Administrator relative to adoption of the Exterior Building Completion Ordinance. Attorney Lynden explained the Ordinance had been presented to Council approximately one year ago and Council recommended an amendment to the Nuisance Ordinance be prepared for their review. Lynden referred Council to Section 3 of Ordinance No. 251 and reviewed the additional language under Section 3(d), page 3 of the proposed ordinance. He stated Council had previously introduced the Ordinance by title and it is now before Council for second reading and passage. Hansen moved, seconded by Malone, that Council waive ~ final reading of Ordinance No. 251. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) \ ~ Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, January 30, 1989 Page 2 ~ ORD. #251 (Cont'd) Council questioned what steps would be necessary to enforce the Ordinance. Lynden advised after publication the Ordinance becomes effective; letters could be sent to property owners advising they have two years to complete any exterior building construction. He noted if residents are unable to complete the project ... within two years, Council has the option of granting an extension. ~ Malone moved, seconded by Hansen, that Council adopt Ordinance No. 251, AMENDING SECTIONS 6-75 AND 6-128 OF ARDEN HILLS CODE TO ESTABLISH TIME LIMITS FOR COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION ONE-OR TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS AND ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS OR IMPROVEMENTS THERETO (OR TO ACCESSORY STRUCTURES THEREOF) AND TO REQUIRE BUILDING INSPECTOR TO MAKE DETERMINATION THAT CONSTRUCTION COMPLETED BEFORE ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY AND AMENDING SECTION 16-2(d) OF ARDEN HILLS CODE TO ADD NOT COMPLETED BUILDINGS AND APPURTENANCES TO ILLUSTRATIVE LIST OF NUISANCES. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) RENDERING PLANT RPT. Attorney Lynden reported to Council on the negotiations between the City and Kern Milling Company. He requested the Mayor, Clerk Administrator and himself be authorized to meet with Kern Milling representatives on Thursday, February 2, at 9:30 a.m., in Lynden's office. Council concurred to authorize the meeting. Council questioned the status of the MPCA permit for the rendering plant; Lynden advised Kern Milling has discussed doing the necessary upgrade to the plant to bring it into conformance and obtain the permit, however, it is his understanding the matter is dormant at this time. . PUBLIC HEARING IMPROVEMENTS; CO. RD. E-2 & CLEVELAND 18 and 25, 1989 and Mayor Sather opened the public hearing at 7:41 p.m. and the Clerk Administrator verified publication of the Notice of Hearing in the New Brighton Bulletin on January mailing to affected residents on January 18, 1989. Engineer Barry Peters explained the proposed improvements consisting of construction of sanitary sewer lift station or a pumping station, gravity sewermains and watermains. He advised the general area under consideration is located between County Road E-2 and Thorn Drive, and on Cleveland Avenue in the area approximately halfway between Cleveland Avenue and New Brighton Road. Peters advised the project was initiated by proposed development on the southeast corner of County Road E-2 and Cleveland Avenue; the area needs sanitary sewer and presently gravity sewer cannot be provided. He explained at their Regular Meeting held 12/12/88, Council authorized preparation of a feasibility report to investigate providing sewer for this site and the unsewered properties south of ... this site along Cleveland Avenue. Peters stated the feasibility report prepared investigated options for a lift station and providing water service to the proposed development site. He advised the feasibility report was presented to Council at their Regular Meeting held 12/27/88, at which time Council requested additional information on extending the watermain along Cleveland to Thorn Drive and looping the watermain system. Peters stated providing a gravity sewermain system along Cleveland Avenue was also investigated. Council then ordered a Public Hearing be held this date. The Engineer described the site and stated there are high, developable properties along the perimeter of the project and it is feasible that sewer can be provided by some means. He described the location of an existing gravity sewermain and stated there is watermain along New Brighton Road and County Road E-2. . M~nutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, January 30, 1989 P,ge 3 IMPRVMTS (Cont'd) Peters reviewed the estimated costs for the proposed improvements: . Sanitary Sewer Lift Station, Forcemain and Street Alternate #1 - Wet Well/Dry Well Structure Alternate #2 - Submersible Structure Repair $141,710.00 93,580.00 Gravity Sewer (For Property South of Site) 25,750.00 Watermain Extension (Cleveland to Thorn Drive) 67,790.00 The Engineer advised the cost estimates include 10% for contingencies and 25% for engineering, legal and administrative costs. He stated the assessments to benefitted property owners have been calculated at approximately $6,932.00 per acre for the submersible structure and $10,497.00 per acre for the wet well/dry well structure. Peters advised the estimated assessment for the gravity sewer improvements on a front footage basis would be $22.39 per front foot; calculated on the basis of 1,150 ft. of frontage and project costs of $25,750. He explained the watermain improvement assessment per front foot is estimated at $38.08 per front foot; calculated on the basis of 1,780 ft. of front footage and project costs of $67,790.00. Peters advised he would be available after the public hearing to review the assessment breakdown by individual properties. The Engineer outlined the estimated schedule for the project as follows: . Authorize preparation of plans & specifications to be presented to Council at their regular meeting of 2/27/89. Authorize advertisement for bids and schedule bid opening on 3/24/89. Construction estimated to begin in April and be completed in June 1989. Engineer Peters stated the improvements are feasible and if Council approves proceeding with the project, he would recommended construction of the submersible lift station, gravity sewermains and watermains as shown in the report submitted. Council questioned if there would be a cost savings to residents if the watermain extension, as included by Council request, were constructed at this time. Peters advised there would be a cost savings as larger projects usually have lower costs. Council questioned if the land is developable as it currently exists with no water and sewer and if the land value would increase with the improvements as proposed. . Peters advised the land is developable with buildable lot sizes and the potential land value will increase, as well as the fire protection status due to the increased water pressure. Glen Johnson, 3803 New Brighton Road, questioned how the Engineer had determined the land is buildable and if soil borings had been taken in the area. Peters stated there have not been soil borings taken at this time, however, he has talked with a resident who had taken borings and determined there is high ground which is developable. Mertis St. Aoro, 3783 New Brighton Road, stated when the power lines were constructed the residents were advised no buildings could be constructed under the power lines and the land was wetland and peat. He stated the land has no access. The Engineer explained that no permanent structures can be placed on the power line easement, however, there is property behind the easement to the east that is developable. It was his opinion there is no problem to obtain access for a driveway over the power line easement and parking lots may be allowed in the easement area. Peters explained the wetland area would have to be defined by DNR representatives. . Mayor Sather asked if there was anyone present who wished to be heard either in favor of or opposed to the improvement project. James Milton, 3731 New Brighton Road, advised he is trying to sell his property along Cleveland Avenue; he favored the proposed improvements. ~ Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, January 30, 1989 Page 4 . IMPRVMTS (Cont'd) Dick Baker, 2043 Thom'Drive, stated water residence is more than sufficient at this proposed improvements and stated he did not see the his area. pressure at his time. He did benefit to the not favor the residences in Councilmember Hansen explained the necessity for increased water pressure when fighting fires. . Dean Anderson, 2247 Thorn Drive, questioned if property abuts the benefitted properties would the owner share in the costs. Peters explained only the properties identified as receiving benefit would be assessed; he referred to the map which displayed the areas affected. Francine St. Aoro, 3783 New Brighton Road, stated she did not feel the improvements would benefit her property. She requested the assessment figures that relate directly to her property and stated she does not favor the improvements. Hans Hagen, owner of the proposed development site at Cleveland and County Road E-2, favored the improvement project. Mayor Sather asked if there were any further comments from the floor; hearing none, he closed the public hearing at 8:10 p.m. Council discussed the necessity of the proposed extension of the project along Cleveland Avenue. . Engineer Peters advised the lift station construction is necessary in order to provide sewer to the properties along Cleveland Avenue at a future date; the property owners would be assessed for the lift station based on future benefit. He stated the extension of the watermain improvements does not have to be done at this time, however, in the event the project is requested in the future they would be assessed at that time. Council discussed the possible alternatives for action: 1. Hans Hagen could undertake the project privately. 2. The City could install the improvements as originally proposed to benefit only the Hagen site. 3. The City could extend the project southward creating a looped system, watermain to Thorn Drive and supplying sewer service to properties along Cleveland Avenue. There was discussion relative to what percentage of the land along Cleveland Avenue would be developable. Peters stated at least 50% of the property involved is developable. . Malone favored all proposed improvements; he cited the land value for future development, City installation of the lift station, public safety and general service as reasons for justification of all improvements being constructed at this time. There was discussion relative to the City assessment policy and whether or not the City should share the assessment costs; Mayor Sather advised a discussion of the City assessment policy could be held until the assessment hearing for the project. Council suggested directing the Engineer to draft plans and specifications for the project which include the alternative for the watermain extension and sewer service; and could then bid the project two ways. Malone moved, seconded by Growe, that Council authorize SEH to prepare plans and specifications for the installation of a lift station along Cleveland Avenue, and a forcemain along County Road E-2 to New Brighton Road, as well as, a watermain to the intersection of Cleveland and County Road E-2 as one option, and, as the second option to prepare plans and specifications . which include the extension of the watermain along Cleveland Avenue to Thorn Drive and gravity sewer service from the lift station to the south properties. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) r M~utes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, January 30, 1989 Page 5 AWARD BID; ROYAL HILLS DITCH IMPRVMT. Council was referred to the Engineer's memorandum of 1-30-89, relative to the bids received for the Royal Hills ditch construction. Peters advised six bids were received and he recommended award of bid to the low bidder, HRS Construction of Forest Lake. He stated the ditch improvement should ~ be completed by March and the final sodding would be completed by June 1, 1989. Hansen moved, seconded by Malone, that Council award bid for the Royal Hills Ditch construction to HRS Construction of Forest Lake, in the amount of $10,213.90. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) REPORT OF CLERK ADMINISTRATOR RES. #89-10; TRAF. SIGNAL, CO. RD. E & PINETREE DRIVE Council was referred to the memorandum from the Clerk Administrator dated 1-24-89, regarding the proposed signalization at County Road E and Pine Tree Drive. Dan Sol~, Ramsey County Traffic Engineer, was present to discuss cost analysis and signal prioritization study. Mayor Sather explained the Ramsey County Capital Improvement Plan program does not include installation of a traffic signal at this location in their current three year plan; signalization would not occur until the year 1992. He advised the proposed resolution expresses Arden Hills support of the signalization of this intersection and requests the County include the signal in their 1992 Capital Improvement Plan. . Council discussed the possibility of the City bearing the costs for installation of the signal at this time and the funds being reimbursed by Ramsey County in 1992 and questioned if there was Some other method to expedite the signal installation. Council questioned to what extent the priorities changed from year to year and when the information included in the report was compiled. Soler explained that all cities in Ramsey County submit requests for signalization and he outlined the factors that determine prioritization of the requests. He stated the information was compiled in 1987/1988; he believes they are within 1 percent of existing conditions. Kevin Carroll, representing Carroll's Furniture, and Mike Flannagan, representing St. Paul Book & Stationary, were present to discuss realignment of driveway access and traffic flow on their adjacent properties. There was discussion regarding the necessity of a variance for the green space requirement to accomplish the common driveways between the two businesses; he stated there may be other options. Council suggested the business representatives and staff work together to recommend a mutually agreeable access plan. Councilmember Malone stated that this tit suggestion does not imply a variance would be granted. Wally Anderson, representing the Arden Hills Medical/Dental bUilding, advised he would like to be included in the planning of the access; he suggested the possibility of eliminating "right turns on red" to help resolve the traffic problems. Sol~ advised the State of Minnesota would have to determine if right turns on red should be prohibited. Malone moved, seconded by Hansen, that Council approve Resolution No. 89-10, Requesting Ramsey County To Include Installation of Traffic Signal At Intersection Of County Road E And Pine Tree Drive In Their Capital Improvement Plan At the Earliest Possible Convenience. ~!otion carried. (5-0) Dan Soler stated the installation of the signal could be expedited if done in conjunction with another proposed project in the City, dependent upon the funds available. . Council concurred to direct staff to contact Ramsey County to pursue methods to expedite the installation of the traffic signal and further that staff along with representatives of the local businesses discuss access issues. Councilmember Hansen suggested staff discuss the elimination of right turns on red lights be reviewed with Glen Van Wormer of SEH. Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, January 30, 1989 Page 6 ~ APPTMT. FINANCE COMMITTEE Council was referred to a memorandum from Berger dated 1-11-89, relative to a request for appointment to the Finance Committeee Mayor Sather advised he had contacted Carl Rundquist and he would like to serve on the committee; Sather nominated Rundquist for the appointment. . Malone moved, seconded by Mahowald, that Council ratify the Mayor's appointment of Carl Rundquist to the Finance Committee. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) RFP; DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT Council was referred to a memorandum from Berger dated 1-23-89, regarding the "Request for Proposal" for a development consultant. Dennis Probst, Planning Commission Chair, was present and questioned if Council is required to send the RFP; he expressed concern with the time frame for this process and suggested the process be expedited so that tax increments are not los t. Mayor Sather advised that Council concurred to go through the RFP process although it is not necessary; he stated Council shares the same concerns as Probst. In discussion, Council agreed to include terminology in the "Selection Criteria" of the RFP stating "consideration will be given to those with the ability to begin the project in a timely manner". . Hansen moved, seconded by Growe, that Council authorize the Clerk Administrator distribute to the RFP, as amended to include the terminology relative to beginning the project in a timely manner. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) REVISE FINANCE PROCEDURES Council was referred to a memorandum from the Clerk Administrator dated 1-25-89, relative to streamlining claims payment procedures. Berger advised he had discussed the proposal with the City's auditor, Gary Groen, as to whether Council initialing statements is an auditing requirement. He explained Groen had stated it was not required and if the procedure were eliminated it would save staff time. Council questioned if the Clerk Administrator reviews all the invoices and requested the Clerk provide an explanation for any unusual statements on the list of claims. Berger stated he does review all invoices and he will provide the necessary explanation for unusual invoices. He advised all the invoices would be available for Council review prior to the Council meetings. . Moved by Hansen, seconded by Malone, that Council approve the elimination of Council liaisons initialing of bills and to have all the bills/invoices available at Council meetings for review. Motion carried. (5-0) RES. //89-11; 1989 COMPARABLE WORTH & ANNUAL SAL. INCR. Council was referred to a memorandum from Berger dated 1-25-89, relative to 1989 Comparable Worth/Annual Salary Increases and Compensation Plan. Berger explained the proposal outlined in his memorandum meets the requirements of the comparable worth law; he reviewed the materials with the labor consultant and she advised the plan is within the standard compensation practise throughout the State. He stated the plan meets the recommendations of the Finance Committee and is within the 1989 budgeted funds for salaries. The Clerk Administrator stated the plan meets requirements for internal equity as required by State law, however, it does not provide for external equity. He referred Council to page 2 of his report which outlines several items for Council consideration. Berger noted that some staff members were unhappy with the proposed increase they received; displeasure was based on salary compensation . with comparable positions in other communities. r 'Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, January 30, 1989 Pi~e 7 SALARIES (Cont'd) Malone moved, seconded by Growe, that Council authorize the 1989 compensation plan as outlined in the Clerk Administrator's salary report and adopt Resolution No. 89-11, Adopting 1989 Pay Schedule For City Employees, with salary increases retroactive to January 1, 1989. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) . PERSONNEL SYSTEM Clerk Administrator Berger reported to Council relative to initial work being completed by staff in order to establish a personnel system for the City. He stated employee information is being compiled, surveying other cities policies as relate to salaries and personnel, and requesting samples of employee performance evaluations. PERFORMANCE EVAL.; CLERK ADMINISTRATOR Clerk Administrator Berger requested Council consider a date for his performance evaluation; he explained City policy requires such an evaluation at the end of an employee's six month probationary period. Berger stated he has requested information from the ICMA relating to evaluating an administrator; he will include the materials in the Council information packets. Council concurred to place this item on the 2/13/89 Council agenda and a date would be set at that time. APPRV. LICENSES; CHARITABLE GAMBLING Council was referred to a memorandum from Berger dated 1-30-89, relative to new and renewal of charitable licenses. . Hansen moved, seconded by Malone, that Council approve the Charitable Gambling Licenses as outlined in the 1-30-89 memorandum from Clerk Administrator Berger. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Clerk Administrator Berger advised Council he had researched the City's ability to set a priority for issuing licenses to local charities; a draft ordinance was received for Council review. CLAIMS & PAYROLL Hansen moved, seconded by Growe, that Council approve Claims and Payroll as submitted. Motion carried. (5-0) OTHER BUSINESS MISC; RCLLG MTG. Councilmember Hansen advised she would be unable to attend the RCLLG meeting; Malone stated he would attend. MISC; COUNCIL ABSENCE, GROWE Councilmember Growe advised she would be unable to attend the Regular Council meeting of 2/13/89. APPT. LIAISON; PKS/NEWSLETTER COMMITTEES Mayor Sather appointed Councilmember Mahowald as liaison to the Parks and Newsletter committees. Council concurred with the appointments. . SCHEDULE WKSESSION; 2/20/89 Council concurred to schedule a worksession on 2/20/89, at 7:30 p.m., to discuss the RFP for the development consultant and planning commission issues. The Clerk Administrator was requested to determine if a council meeting could be scheduled on a legal holiday. SPECIAL MEETING; 2/22/89 Council concurred to schedule a Special Meeting on 2/22/89, at 7:30 p.m., at the Village Hall, to discuss the concerns with the engineering consultant. LETTER; VILLAGE EMPLOYEES Mayor Sather asked for Council consideration to draft a letter to the Village employees relative to appropriate channels for registering personnel complaints with supervisors or coworkers. He stated problems should be discussed directly with the immediate supervisor and if not satisfactorily resolved, the matter should be brought to the attention of the entire Council at an open meeting. Sather explained the rationale for the letter is to advise the employees of apprQpriate procedures and to develop staff cohesiveness. . Councilmember Hansen was opposed to the letter and stated if the problem deals directly with the supervisor it may be difficult to resolve. Sather commented the employee would then be directed to the Council to resolve the problem. Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, January 30, 1989 Page 8 LETTER (Cont' d) Hansen stated the letter could be interpreted by staff as indicating Council would not be receptive to inpute Councilmember Malone favored the letter; he stated the employees need to go through proper channels with problems. Malone explained the letter would accomplish two items; it would give the employees a route for grievances and instruct managers/supervisors that they have a responsibility to employees to resolve the problems. Councilmember Growe agreed; she recommended the letter advise the employees if the problem continues after discussions with the supervisor, the employee should then approach the Council. It was suggested the employee could forward a letter to Council, rather than appear at a meeting. Councilmember Mahowald favored the letter; he stated it would indicate proper protocol, promote confidence in the staff, and encourage good working relationships between employees; he noted he did not view the letter as "shutting off" employee relationships with the Council. He suggested this matter could be outlined in the proposed personnel system. . , . . Malone moved, seconded by Growe, that Council ratify the recommendation of Mayor Sather to forward a letter to all City employees which outlines the appropriate channels/route for directing grievances and concerns. Motion carried. (Malone, Growe, Sather and Mahowald voting in favor; Hansen . opposed) (4-1) ADJOURNMENT Hansen moved, seconded by Growe, that the meeting be adjourned at 9:35 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Gb~~ Clerk Administrator ~ IU-- Thomas R. Sather Mayor NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next Regular Council Meeting will be held on Monday, February 13, 1989, at 7:30 p.m., at the Village Hall. . .