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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 02-08-1988 .. ftL~UL~~ U~ Tn~ AKU~N HILLS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING · Monday, February 8, 1988, 7:00 p.m. - Village Hall CALL TO ORDER . Pursuant to dus call and notice thereof, Mayor Woodburn callsd ths masting to ordsr st 7100 p.m. ROLL CALL The roll being called the following members were present: Mayor Robert Woodburn, Councilmembers Nancy Hansen, Thomas Sether, Gary Peck end Jeanne Winiecki. Also pressnt: Treasurer Frank Green, Parks & Recreation Director John Buckley, Public Works Supervisor Robert Raddatz, Clerk Adminietrator Patricia Morrison and Deputy Clerk Catherine la80. CLOSED MEETING; LABOR NEGOTIATIONS Council discussed labor negotiations at a closed meeting batwasn 7100 and 7130 p.m. CERT. OF APPREC.; DEP. FRANK HERBST Councilmembara a~tended their sincere appreciation to Ramsey County Deputy Frank Herbst for nine years of aervice, on duty.and off duty, to the Village. Mayor Deputy Herbat with a Certificate and, on behalf of tha Frank for hia involvement in community activities. Woodburn presented -Council, commended Commander Bergeron advised Council that the County has reaseigned Frank to School Patrol Duty; he stated that the County ia very proud of Frank and confident he will do sn excellent job working with children in the area. " Mayor Wbodburn introduced and welcomed Deputy Bill Szeny, who has served the community for the last five years during tha midnight shift, and will replace Daputy Harbat on tha day shift. - Deputy Szeny thanked the Council and stated he is looking forward to his new aUignment. . APPROVE MINUTES Councilmember Winiecki requested the minutes of the Ragular Council Kaating of 1/25/88 bs amendsd es followal Paga 3, paragraph I: "Win1ecki questioned if tbe tuting to be performed would be eepllrata from tha sami-annual teara perfo11ll8d." Hanaen moved, secon~ed by Sather, that Council approve the minutes of the Regular Counc:il MaaUn8 of January 25, 1988, as corracted. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) BUSINESS FROM FLOOR None. FINAL READING; ORDINANCE #252 Mayor Woodburn read Ordinance No. 252, Amending Chapter 21, Section 21-7; limiting the issuance ~f Speciel Event signs in Comaercial Districta. Councilman Sather queationed if the amendment would rastrict developers of retail or office from placing banner signa, which advertiae leasing of their facilities, to ths ten day period. . Zoning Administrator Iago advised tbere is provision in the Ordinance for placement of banner aigns for lsasing, in Commercial Districts; the aigns are permitted until such time aa tha facility haa reached a percentage of leaaable space available. Hansen moved, aeconded by Winiecki, that Council approve Final Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 252. AMENDING CHAPTER 21, SECTION 21-7 OF THE ARDEN HILLS CODE BY ADDING THERETO A NEW SU8SECTION (H) LIMITING THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL EVENT SIGNS IN COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS, effective June 1, 1988. Kotion carried unsnimously. (5-0) REPORT OF PLANNER CASE '88-01; MN/DOT TRUCK SITE, REZONING R-1 TO 1-2, COUNCIL Council was referred ~o a letter from Planner Bergly, 1-9-88. and Council minutes of 1-25-88; both explain rationale and recommendation for Council initiating a Rezoning of the MnDot property located on County Road I. . Bergly explained the matter waa tabled by Council until sucb time as the required four votes by Council could be obtained; the Planning Commiasion, at their meating of 1/6/88, reviewed the aite plan and questioned whether or not the property should be Rezoned to 1-2 to correspond with the State property to the east of this parcel. Bergly advised the present zoning of the property is R-1; he outlined the area' to be rezoned for Council review. Minutes 0L the Regular Lounc11 Meeting, February 8, 1988 Page 2 . " CASE #88-01 (Cont'd) Hansen moved, seconded by Winiecki, that Council initiate the Rezoning from R-1 to 1-2 of the property outlined by the Planner, and that a public hearing be held on this mat$er at the Regular Council Meeting of March 14, 1988, at the Village Hall. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) DRIVEWAY WIDTH REQUIREMENTS Council was rsferred to Planning Commission minutae of 2-3-88; regarding permitted drivewsy widths as required by State, County and Arden Hills standards. Bergly advised the Planning Commission had discussed the conflict between Arden Hills Zoning Code required driveway widths and those required by the State and County; he advised he had discussed the survey results with the traffic consultant at SEH and both concurred it would be more appropriate for the City to adopt the aame ragulationa aa tha County and Stata. . The Planner Commission has recommended Council initiate action to amend the Zoning Ordinance to include the driveway width recommendations, as outlined in the Planner's report of 2-3-88 and made part of the Planning Commies ion minutes of 2-3-88; he advised this would require a public hearing. Council 4uggested that the Attorney review the proposed amendment. Sather moved, seconded by Hansen, that the Village Attorney be directed to draft an amendment to the Zoning Ordinence for Council review, which includes the recommended changes in driveway widths in the City, as outlined in the Planner's memorandum of 2-3-88 and recommended by Planning COmmission at their meeting of 2-3-88. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) CASE #88-02; SITE REVIEW, AMER. FAM. INS., NORTHWOODS Council was referred to Planning Commission minutes, 2-3-88 and Planner'e memorandum of 2-3-88; regarding the Site Plan Review for the propoeed American Family Insurance Claim Center, to be.located on Parcel A, Lot 2 I, of the Northwoods Development, Northwoods Drive. . Block Planner Bergly explained the City had reviewed the Development Plan for Northwoods Development in 1985; a redivision of one of the lots and a concept development plan were approved in the fall of 1987, Parcel A was propoeed for the claims center and Parcel B was proposed for s daycare center and office building or the office building only. Bergly advised the claims center site plan was slightlY'modified from the original concept plan submitted; he noted the relocation of the drive-thru claims improves the traffic circulation pattern on the eite. He stated the site plan eubmitted is in compliance with all ordinance requirements and the building plan, landscape plan and signage are well done. Bergly noted applicant has bermed the entire eaet, south and a portion of the west area of the site, as well ss provided effective screening by landscaping on top of the berm. The Planner explained there was a slight problem with the mechanical equipment, 4It located on the side of the building, there was not enough space provided to a ecreened wall around the equipment and still have enough room for proper air circulation around the mechanical units. He advised the berm was extended and landscaping provided around the equipment to screen the units from view into the site. Bergly advised the Planning Commission had recommended Council approval. subject to the Engineer's review and approval of the drainage plan and the applicant submission of a landscape bond. Bob Worthington, representing Opus Corporation, was present and displayed drawings of the building exterior and interior; he explained the building would be one story, all brick veneer, tinted glass and be compatible with the completed Phase I office building at 3900 Northwoods Drive. Worthington reviewed the interior floor plan and stated vehicles brought to the claims center for examination would not be stored at the site; he stated only passenger vehicles would be viewed at the center,' no heavy equipment vehicles. Councilwoman Winiecki questioned if vehicles would be towed to the center for examination; if so, how many. . Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting. February 8. 1988 Page 3 . CASE #88-02; (Cont'd) Worthington stated very few vehicles would be towed to the claims center on Northwoods; he advised there is a facility at anther location specifically for towed vehicles and an adjuster from the Northwoods facility would be sent to that location to view the vehicle. Worthington explained it would be a unique circumstance for a vehicle to be towed to the Northwoods facility; he pointed out that the height of the doors at this facility it would be difficult for a tow truck to tow a vehicle into the garage. Councilman Sather stated the proposed development of the site was well done. He advised Worthington of the stipulation attached to approval of Phase I at Northwoods; all remaining park dedication fees for Phase I of the Northwoods must be paid prior to issuance of a Building Permit for Phase II, and. park dedication for Phase II and III parcels be negotiated and resolved prior to issuance of Certificate of Occupancy for ~ach parcel of the Northwoods site. Worthington advised he would convey thie information.to the new project manager .for the Northwoods site. Councilwoman Winiecki referred to the parking ramp shown on the revised concept plan; she explained the ramp would not automatically be approved by Council because it now appears on the concept plan revision and requested this be noted for the"'record. Council questioned if Opue has plans for an over-height building in the Northwoods Development. . Worthington explained the over-height building. as well as the parking ramp shown on the concept plan are speculation and there are no definite plans for the Phase III parcel at this time. Mayor Woodburn questioned if the claims center building would be sprinkled. meet all safety regulations for occupancy and Fire Code standarde. Worthington etated the building is sprinkled and should meet all Fire Code requirements. Council discussed inspection by the Opus architect to insure the building meets all safety codes; Councilman Sather expressed the opinion the City should be responsible for determining if all codes are met. Mayor Woodburn questioned if approval by the Fire Chief should' be included as a . condition of approval. Clerk Administrator advised Council the Building Inspector reviews the building plans as they relate to building codes and forwards them to the Fire Chief for review as they relate to the Fire Code. She noted that the State Fire Marshall's office may be called to assiet the Fire Chief if an inspection of the premises is warranted. . Council discussed inepection procedures and the possibility of fees being reimbursed by the applicant; consensus was to address this matter in the future. Moved by Sather, seconded by Peck. that Council approve Case No. 88-02, Site Plan Review for American Family Insurance Claima Center, Northwoods. subject to the applicant provision of a Landscape Bond. City Engineer review and approval of the site drainage plan, and satisfaction of the Park Dedication prior to occupancy. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) UNDEVELOPED LAND STUDY. I-694/35W Planner Bergly distributed copies of a Planning Study he had prepared for Planning Commission, relating to issues and optional development approaches for the development of the land located at the intersections of Highways 1-694 and 1-35W. He advised Council the Planning Commission had continued this matter to the March 1988 meeting in order to review the report prior to discussion. REPORT OF PARKS DIRECTOR . RINK SUPERVISORS Council was referred to a memorandum from Parks Director Buckley. 2-4-88. requesting approval for additional rink supervisors. Buckley advised eight supervisors were approved on 12/14/87; five additional are proposed. Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting, February 8, 1988 Page 4 RINKS (CONT'D) Council questioned the difference in the hourly salary rate. Buckley stated that Village policy has been to set the salary for college students at a higher rate than high school students. Sather moved, seconded by Winiecki, that Council approve the Rink Supervisors, as outlined in the Parks Director's Memorandum of 2-4-88. . Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) 1988 PARK IMPRVMENTS Council was referred to Parks Director's memorandum of 2-4-88; outlining the proposed 1988 Park Development were tentatively approved the Council when the 1988 Budget was plans that approved. Buckley requested permission from Council to contact vendors for price quo tee on play equipment for installation at North Snelling Park and Arden Manor; he noted that the summer months would be extremely busy, therefore, he requested apprcval ,for ordering the equipment in March, after securing the quotations, so installation may begin in April. Buckley outlined the equipment to be ordered: Scftball Backstop and Play Equipment at North Snelling Park, and Play Equipment at Arden Manor. Buckley,~dvised he would be preparing specifications for a double tennis court/hard court area at North Snelling Park, and advertising for bids in February. He stated he would return the bid results to Council for approval, and hopefully would begin installation in the spring; $50,000 is budgeted for this park development. Sather moved, seconded by Peck, that Council authorize ~ the Parks Director to receive price quotes on the Softball Backstop at North Snelling Park, as a separate item, the Play Equipment at North Snelling Park, as a separate item, the Play Equipment at Arden Manor, as a separate item, and, upon securing three quotes for each item, return to Council for approval. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Sather moved, seconded by Peck , that Council instruct Mr. Buckley to prepare plans and specifications for double tennis/hard court area at North Snelling Park, and, upon completion of such plans and specifications to advertise for bids in February and a bid opening to be set thirty days from the date of advertisement; furthermore, such bids to be tabulated and returned to Council at the next Regular Council meeting for award of bid. Council discussed procedures fcr preparation of plans and specifications; it was the Council consensus that the plans and specifications should be' prepared and reviewed by Council prior to bid advertisement. It was suggested that the bid opening could be set within ten days after advertisement for bids. There was discussion relative to maintenance costs for tennis courts, level of usage, and funding for maintenance of the courts. . Hansen moved to amend the motion and adopt the following Resolution, seconded by Peck, that Council adopt Resolution No. 88-6; Ordering Preparation of Report on North Snellin~ Park (Tennis Court); and request the Parks Director prepare the plans and specifications prior to the next Regular Council meeting of February 29, 1988. Amendment to motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Original motion as amended carried unanimously. (5-0) 1988 PARK DEVLPMT PLAN Council was referred to the minutes of the Parks & Recreation Committee meeting, 1-26-88, and the proposed 1988 Park Development Plan. Councilmember Hansen questioned the status of' securing a west access to Ingerson Park this year; Buckley advised this item is included each year in the event the access would become available for purchase. He explained the land is not available at this time. ' Mayor Woodburn questioned the funding for the Planner's services in 1988 and the surfacing of trails, which had not been in the budget previously. Buckley explained the planner services may be needed and there is no provision in the general budget for planner's services to be used for park planning. He noted that the trail surfacing had been in the proposed development plan previously and residents have stated they would prefer hard surfaced trails. . Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting, February 8, 1988 Page 5 PARK PLAN (CONT'D) The Mayor expressed concern relative to the budgeting process. Buckley sdvised all proposed expenditures would be presented to Council for their review and approval prior to proceeding with these plans. ... Hansen moved, seconded by Sather, that Council approve the 1988 Proposed Park Development Plan, as submitted, budget items to include the Planner Services and Color Coating at Sampson Park. NO VOTE TAKEN After discussion, Council determined it was unnecessary to take formal action on this matter at this .time, as these items would be reviewed and approved individually as the plan proceeds. 1988 SPRING PROGRAM Sather moved, seconded by Winiecki, that Council approve the 1988 Spring Program Proposal, as submitted by Parks ,Director Buckley. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) , ARMY RESERVE TRAINING CENTER RECOMMENDATION Council was referred to the Parks Committee minutes of 1-26-88; outlining their recommendations relative to the proposed training facility at the arsenal site. '. . Parks Director Buckley reviewed the Committee's concerns re: traffic problems, site location inconsistent with long term land use policy, City services should not be extended until finalized plans for the center have been reviewed by Staff and Council, and, Council should express our concerns and seek support from Public Officials to insure these concerns are addressed by the Army or other persons in charge of the project. Councilmember Hansen advised she has discussed issues with neighboring cities and supported the Parks Committee recommendations; proposed a letter be drafted from the Council to Public Officials at the Federal, State and County level, stating: 1. We request their support in working with the Army and encouraging them to move the facility to another location on the arsenal property, for reasons of preservation of the site and traffic management; 2. Request they help us encourage the Army to meet Arden Hills Zoning requirements, as they relate to the project. 3. Request they encourage the Army to meet Rice Creek Watershed requirements, as they have violated such requirements in the past. Hansen further recommended that Council reconaider granting extenaion of sewer and water provision, and Police and Fire protection, if so requested by the Army, until communication has been established between Council and the project manager. Winiecki strongly agreed with the recommendation; she reviewed a file she has kept relating to the arsenal property, including ths water contamination on the site. contamination of Round Lake and various other incidents which point out that the Army has not been a "good neighbor" in the past. . Hansen moved, seconded by Winiecki, that Council authorize the Clerk Administrator to draft and send a letter to Federal, State and County Public Officials, which encourages them to support Arden Hills concerns as listed below, and request the Army to cooperate with Council and staff to preserve the arsenal property for future generations: 1. Relocation of the training facility from Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue to a more northwesterly site, 2. Meet Arden Hills Zoning Code requirements as they relate to site development, 3. Comply with all other agencies requirements, such as the Rice Creek Watershed District, and 4. Consideration of construction of an enhanced public facility to incorporate space for recreational use by the City. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) The Clerk Administrator advised she has spoken to Army personnel relative to the project, and they assured a representative from Fort Snelling would attend a Council meeting or work session; to date she has not been contacted by such an .individual. Morrison stated a'Councilmember may receive more cooperation from the project manager; suggested a representative of Council contact the proper representative. . After discussion, Council determined that Councilman Sather, or any other Councilmember, may contact the Army representatives. Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting, February 8, 1988 Page 6 REPORT OF TREASURER INVESTMENTS Treasurer Frank Green reported on the following investments: 1/20/88 - $100,000.00, at First Minnesota, @ 7.30%, to mature on 1/17/89. 1/20/88 - $150.000.00, at First Minnesota, @ 7.30%, to mature on 12/15/88. . Moved by Hansen. seconded by Peck, that Council ratify the Treasurer's report. Motion carried' unanimously. (5-0) Creen advised he is. preparing an alternative investment option report, the League of Minnesota Cities 4M Fund. and will discuss the matter at a future meeting. PARK DEDICATION RPTi DAYBRIDGE DAY CARE Councilman Sather reported on negotiations for Park Dedication resolution for the Daybridge Daycare site at Highway 96 and Hamline Avenue. He stated that Daybridge , was issued a two week temporary Certificate of Occupancy, which expires on 2-12-88, and there will be no subsequent temporary arrangements made until such time as the park dedication has been satisfied. Sather ,~xplained the initial contact with Daybridge they indicated it was their understanding the park dedication had been satisfied, however, documentation to support this statement has not been received. Sather requested Council consideration of approval based on telephone contact, in the event a reasonable settlement of the park dedication has been reached; Council consensus was to proceed in this manner. . OTHER BUSINESS WATER TOWER DISC. Councilmember Winiecki questioned the request by the Engineer to hold the discussion of the water tower level prior to the regular Council meeting time on 2/29/88; it was her opinion that the matter should be heard on the regular Council agenda, after 8:00 p.m., in order to allow time for Councilmember Hansen to arrive at the meeting. Sather reminded Council that until labor negotiations are resolved. Council will hold closed meetings between 7-7:30 p.m.; it was his opinion the negotiations would preclude this request. Councilmember Hansen advised she would arrive at the Regular Council meeting of 2/29/88, after 8:00 p.m. SEWER BACK-UP; FAIRVIEW AVE. Councilmember Hansen questioned the sewer back-up problem at the Hawkins residence on Fairview Avenue North; she requested the Public Works Supervisor explain to Council reoccurred. why this problem has Raddatz reported he was only familiar with one occurrence; suggested it could be . tree roots in the line, however, Mrs. Hawkins questioned if the line may not be large enough to handle the flow. Raddatz advised the line could be jetted more often. however. that would not guarantee the line will remain clear. Hansen questioned policy regarding reimbursement for clean-up. Council concurred that the City does not reimburse residents for clean-up under this type of circumstance; the Public Works Supervisor was requested to jet the line more often, at least annually. WATER METER RDING; SIEMS COURT Councilmember Hansen questioned the water meter reading discrepancy. as per Raddatz's memorandum of 2-5-88. She asked if a meter card was returned by 'the resident. Raddatz explained that he had not reviewed all the returned meter cards distributed for survey purposes last fall. He reviewed the meter information he received from Badger and advised that the meter would not register if the water had not been used. After discussion Council concurred that the Public Works Supervisor should determine if this resident returned the meter card; if the card was returned and . shows a discrepancy amnesty should be granted. if not the bill must be paid. Raddatz advised he would report back to Council on this matter. . . . . Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting, February 8, 1988 Page 7 CABLE PORN Council discussed a letter received relative to Cable pornographic movies; Sather reported the Cable company has received many calls relative to this matter, he advised a group may request to appear before Council at a future meeting. REPORT OF CLERK ADMINISTRATOR PURCH. ELECTION EQUIP; OPTEC III Council WaS referred to a memorandum from the Deputy Clerk Iago, 2-5-88, indicating research she had done looking at new'election equipment. Morrison advised that our current election equipment has been decertified by the State, due to its inability to designate parties in the primary election. She noted that Mounds View was in the same position and, after researching available options, reviewing equipment functions, and discussions with the Mounds View Administrator it is her recommendation that the Council authorize the purchase of four (4) Optech III Electronic Voting Systems to be used in Arden Hills. The 'cost, as indicated in Cathy's memorandum, is $20,260.00 for the four units. Morrison noted that at some point a back-up counter should be secured, however, Cathy has had discussions with the City of St. Paul and they indicate we could use one of their machines at no cost, should the need arise. '. The Clerk Administrator stated this item has not been budgeted for 1988; she recommended the interest from investments in the PIR fund be used to purchase the equipment. Council discussed the options listed in the memorandum, other alternatives and if a trade-in of our current equipment had been discussed. Morrison advised that staff is currently negotiating the trade-in with the vendor and information should be available later in the week. Hansen moved, seconded by Peck, that Council authorize the purchase of the OPTECH III System, four units (one per precinct), at a cost of $20,260.00, encourage the staff to pursue the trade-in negotiations for our current election equipment, and the monies to be expended from the interest on investment earnings of the PIR fund. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) MTG; NEW BRIGHTON, RE: RENDERING PLANT Council discussed a tentative date for a joint meeting with New Brighton and Arden H~lls Mayor and one Council person from each city; it was determined that 2/23/88, at 7:30 p.m. would be agreeable for the Mayor and Councilmember Win~ecki. Hansen commented she would prefer to see a designated contact person for enforcement on after hours and weekend issues discussed. CLAIMS & PAYROLL Sather moved, seconded by Winiecki, that Council approve Claims and Payroll as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) ADJOURNMENT Moved by Hansen, seconded by Peck, that the meeting be adjourned at 10:05 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) ,<<dt;??h/~./~iP>'~ Robert L. Woodburn Mayor NOTICE OF MEETINGS There will be a Closed Meeting held on Monday; February 29, 1988, at 7:00 p.m., at the Village Hall, to discuss Labor Negotiations. The next Regular Council Meeting will be held on Monday, February 29, 1998, at 7:30 p.m., at the Village Hall.