Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 09-14-1987 MINUTES OF THE ~ HILLS REGULAR COUNCIL IfEF:rINf' Monday, September 14, 1987, 7:00 p.m. - Village Hall CALL TO ORDER -. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Woodburn called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL The roll being called the following members were present: Mayor Robert Woodburn, Councilmembers Nancy Hansen, Gary Peck and Jeanne Winiecki. Absent: Councilmember Thomas Sather. Also present: Planner Orlyn Miller, Parks Director John Buckley, Public Works Supervi~or Robert Raddat~, Clerk Administrator Patricia Morrison and Deputy Clerk Catherine Iago. PAVEMENT MGMT PLAN Council reviewed the Pavement Management Plan Study with Engineer Barry Peters and Dick Hoore of SEH. Mr. Hoore advised of total costs of program. if implemented in 1988: ID1!! Costs Do Nothing Overlay Sealcoat Reconstruct Total Bit Gravel Grand Total 13.28 5.45 6.67 1.97 27.37 .43 27.80 $ 592,155.84 $ 131,651. 75 $ 933.357.02 $1,657.64.61 $1.657,164.61 -. He further advised the sealcoating and overlay programs were of higher priority than the reconstruction; that it was a Council decision as to how the program was financed and over what period of time; and. that SEH recommended $60,000 be budgeted for the program in 1988, in addition to the $40.000 for sealcoating. AWARDS FOR GARDENS Council was advised this was the third annuiJYard Beautification Contest to encourage citizens to beautify the City and the response was outstanding. Public Works Supervisor Raddatz and Yard Beautification Committee Chairman Don Messerly videotaped the contest winners yards for Council review; Messerly narrated the tape. Mayor Woodburn presented the Certificates of Appreciation to the winners who were present: - Anton Martinjako, 1270 Wyncrest Lane - Yvonne Opsahl. 3471 Siems Court - Pat Sharma, 1462 Arden Oaks Drive The Mayor advised the winners who were not present would be mailed their certificates: '. - Andrew Holewa, 4480 Pleasant Drive - Herschel Sando, 4613 North Prior On behalf of the Councilmembers and residents of the Village, Mayor Woodburn thanked the winners and all the participants for beautifying Arden Hills. APPROVE MINUTES; 8/31/87 & 9/2/87 Clerk Administrator Morrison noted a correction on page 10 of the August 31st Regular Council minutes; the time of adjournment should be 12:45 a.m. rather than 1:45 s.m. Councilmember Hansen noted a correction on page 8 of the August 31st Regular Council minutes; she stated that she had no direct contact with the City of Roseville regarding the boat direction travel, she was only commenting on the letter the Village received from Roseville. Hansen suggested the wording be changed to read: "Councilmember Hansen commented on the letter from the City of Roseville, relative to the boat travel direction on Lake Josephine". Peck moved, seconded by Hansen, that Council approve the minutes of the Regular Council meeting of August 31, 1987, as amended and approve the minutes of the September 2, 1987, Special Council meeting as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) -. BUSINESS FROM FLOOR None. RES. #87-58; DELINQ. SEWER & WATER ACCTS. Mayor Woodburn opened the Public Hearing at 7:55 p.m. and asked the Clerk Administrator to verify the publication and mailing of the Notice of Hearing on the assessments for delinquent sewer and water accounts. Minutes of the Regular~Cil Meeting. September 14, l~ Page 2 RES. 87-58 (Cont'd) Morrison advised that due notice was published in the New Bri~hton Bulletin on August 26, and mailed to affected property owners on August 28, 1987. . Larry Erickson, 1860 Indian Place, disputed his utility bill of $136.53 from the second quarter billing; he advised that his normal bill is approximately $60.00 and it was his opinion the higher amount was due to the replacement of the inside water meter at his residence. Erickson explained that his meter may have been defective for the past five years; he stated he was being indirectly penalized because his meter had been replaced, and advised all residences should be checked for such discrepancies. He noted his most recent bill was $46.44. Council questioned responsibility for repair of water meters inside residences. Raddatz advised that City staff is usually called to repair inside meters, however, it is the homeowners responsibility to see the meter is kept in good working condition and report breakdowns. Hansen advised that it is the opinion of the Public Safety/Works Committee members that discrepancies should be paid by the homeowner, since the water was used by them. She questioned if the inside or outside meter was more accurate. Raddatz explained that the outside meter takes impulses from the inside meter to change the number readings; temperature changes could affect the movement of the numbers on the outside meters and it is the manufacturers opinion that the inside meters are the more accurate of the two; he also noted that . manufacturers have proven the meters are never in the City's favor. Council questioned how many of the other delinquent utility bills from residences were due to defective meters. Raddatz advised that the only other defective meter bill being certified to the County was for an industrial user. Raddatz explained to Council that the bill may seem high. in a lump sum, however, the meter may not have been working for the last five years and the cost accumulated. Mayor Woodburn commented that the meter readings to determine the extent of this type of problem will commence with this quarterly period and an amnesty provision is included on the cards for residents who determine there is a problem. He questioned how long the City can go back to correct any error of this type; it was his opinion that Erickson should not be charged for the overage when other residents who will identify this problem will be granted amnesty. After determining there were no further comments from the floor, Mayor Woodburn ... closed the public hearing at 8:15 p.m. Hansen moved, seconded by Peck, that Council grant Larry Erickson amnesty for the discrepancy remaining on his unpaid water bill as provided on the water meter reading cards which will be distributed to residences throughout the City, rationale for granting amnesty is that the meter was defective, Erickson has brought the defective meter to our attention, and, even though the Public Safety/Works Committee is of the opinion that residents should be responsible for water used, a program for granting a grace period to residents who identify such discrepancies has been initiated in the City at this time. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Winiecki clarified the fact that because Mr. Erickson identified the defective meter is the reason for the vote of amnesty; trying to make it clear that a precedent is not being set in case other cases arise in the future. Moved by Hansen, seconded by Peck, that Council approve Resolution No. 87-58. ADOPTING 'AND CONFIRMING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR DELI~QUENT SEWER AND WATER ACCOUNTS, and, furthermore, that Larry Erickson's name be deleted from the assessment roll. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) . Councilmember Peck questioned the City's authority to shut off water delinquent accounts become extremely excessive. Council concurred to this matter under Other Business on the Agenda. before the discuss Minutes of the Regu. Council Heeting, September 14,.87 Page .3 RES. #87-59; ASSMT DIS. TREE REMOVAL Mayor Woodburn opened the Public Hearing at 8:18 p.m. and asked the Clerk Administrator to verify the publication and mailing of the Notice of Hearing on the special assessments for diseased tree removal. . Morrison advised that due notice was published in the New Briahton Bulletin on August 26th and mailed on August 28, 1987. Mayor Woodburn asked if there were any comments from the floor. After determining there were no comments from the floor, Mayor Woodburn closed the public hearing at 8:19 p.m. Moved by Hansen, seconded by Peck, that Council approve Resolution No. 87-59, ADOPTING AND CONFIRMING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR DISEASED TREE REMOVAL. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) RES. #87-60; ASSMT ROSEVILLE WATER Mayor Woodburn opened the Public Hearing at 8:20 p.m. and asked the Clerk Administrator to verify the publication and mailing of the Notice of Hearing on the special assessment for the Roseville Water Connection. Morrison advised that due notice was published in the New Briahton Bulletin on August 26th, and mailed on August 28, 1987. Mayor Woodburn asked if there were any comments from the floor. . After determining there were no comments from the floor, Mayor Woodburn closed the public hearing at 8:21 p.m. Peck moved, seconded by Hansen, that Council approve Resolution No. 87-60, ADOPTING AND CONFIRMING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR ROSEVILLE WATER CONNECTION. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) CASE #87-28; SUP ANTENNA, 1541 EIlGEWATER, KAIlNKE Council was referred to Planner's report, 8-26-87, and Planning Commission Minutes, 9-2-87, relative to the Special Use Permit application for a Radio Antenna at 1541 Edgewater Avenue, Joseph Kahnke. Planner Miller explained the applicant is proposing to install an amateur radio antenna in the rear yard of his home; 35 ft. in height, 2 inches in diameter, does not require guy wires, and will be located approximately 35 ft. from his home and from each side lot line. The tower will be approximately 60 ft. from the rear lot line and, in case of windfall, it would clear the house and adjacent properties. Miller discussed the aesthetics of the tower and noted that the tower will be visible from adjacent properties and residents across the street, however, because of the scale of this antenna, it would have no greater impact than a regular TV antenna or a flagpole. . Miller advised that the Planning Commission had recommended approval and reviewed the conditions stipulated. Joseph Kahnke, 1541 Edgewater, was present to answer any questions. Council questioned if there would be additional apparatus on the antenna. Kahnke explained that he was not certain at this time; it would depend on reception. He commented that if extensions were to be added at a later date, they would be approximately 14 feet vertically, with rods measuring 1 inch in diameter. Winiecki asked if a 14 ft. span would be the largest the antenna would support. Kahnke stated that was correct. Council discussed whether or not the antenna would interfere with radio or television reception in the area. . Winiecki commented it was clearly pointed out at the Planning Commission meeting that the low level transmission does not interfere with either radio or television reception. Planner Miller adVised he has had discussions with experts who stated if appropriate equipment is used that should not be a problem; he is not aware of any complaints given those currently operating in the City. ' Minutes of the Regular .ncil Meeting, September 14, 19. 87 Page 4 CASE #87-28 (Cont'd) There was discussion relative to recourse if neighborhood complaints are received relative to interference with reception. . Moved by Hansen, seconded by Winiecki, that Council approve the Special Use Permit for Amateur Radio Antenna at 1541 Edgewater Avenue, Joseph Kahnke, contingent upon the antenna not exceeding 35 feet in height, 2 inches in diameter, with no guy wires, with no horizontal mast attached, to be located according to the plan submitted by the applicant, and that the permit would expires upon lapse of Kahnke's FCC license or his vacating the premises, whichever comes first. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) CASE #87-29; DIV. LOT 2, BLOCK I, NORTHWOODS, OPUS Council was referred to Planner's report of August 26, and Planning Commission minutes of 9/2/87, relative to division of Lot 2, Block 1, of Northwoods. Miller explained that Northwoods plat was approved in 1985 by the City and reviewed the proposed development presented at that time. He advised that one of the buildings proposed has not been constructed at this time, apparently due to market conditions, and an insurance company has offered to purchase a portion of Lot 2 for construction of a claims service center. The applicant is requesting approval of the lot division in order to accommodate the insurance claims center; Miller noted that a claims service center is a permitted use in the 1-2 District and two such centers alreadr exist in the City. The Planner stated that Opus Corporation has submitted two alternative revised master development plans; Plan A indicates the attachment of the remainder of . the original lot to the adjacent lot to the northwest, and Plan B uses the north lot for a day care center. Robert Worthington, representing Opus Corporation, was present to answer Council questions. There was discussion relative the two plans outlined by Miller. Peck moved, seconded by Winiecki, that Council approve Case #87-29, Division of Lot 2, Block 1, Northwoods, Opus Corporation, as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) EDGEWATER ESTATES; STATUS OF EASEMENT Planner Miller advised Council that the owner of the Edgewater Estates development has been attempting to receive a release of the easement on two single family lots, to make them more buildable, from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department. Miller was advised today that U.S. Fish and Wildlife has requested a land trade; U.S. Fish and Wildlife would convey to Edgewater Estates the remainder of the easement on the single family lots if McGuire would transfer ownership of the large open space area designated in the PUD development. He advised that this was initially brought to his attention in March of this year and his . initial reaction was that there should not be a problem with the land transfer if certain restrictions were imposed at the time of transfer: - The large open space area would remain as permanent open space. - Recognition that the open space area was used for density calculations for the Edgewater Estates plat would be noted on the transfer. - The open space land would not be used for public access to the lake; U. S. Fish and Wildlife has indicated that they would use the land for access to the dam. - If an improved road for access to the dam were constructed, it would be placed in such a manner so as not to encroach on the privacy of adjacent residents. Miller explained that Council may choose to consider this proposal carefully before expressing their concerns to McGuire's attorney. He displayed a diagram of the area to familiarize Council with the proposal. Miller commented that Council consider referring this matter to the Attorney for his comments relative to imposing the above restrictions on a Federal agency; on privately owned property this can be accomplished with deed restrictions and can be enforced by Court injunction. Miller was unsure if such . deed restrictions would apply to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Agency, since the City does not have jurisdiction on Federal land. Minutes Page 5 of the Regular4ltuncil Meeting, September 14, l~ EDGEWATER (Cont'd) Council expressed concerns relative to public access in this area, if the area could become a park, if the residents of the townhouse development would be restricted from use of the land and if the land transfer would affect the assessments on the property. . Miller advised that all assessments were charged to the developer and this transfer of land should not effect those assessments; the transfer would create 8 buildable lots in the single family portion of the Edgewater development. Miller noted that if the City cannot legally enforce such restrictions and was not comfortable with the land conveyance, it would revert back to the current situation on the single family lots, with one Or two unbuildable lots. Council discussed the density calculations for the parcel which included the open space as an amenity: also discussed if a precedent would be set for other developable land in the City. Miller advised that in terms of density, if property were stipulated to remain as permanent open space, the density remains the same regardless of ownership. In terms of use or maintenance of the land, that could change and public access may be a concern. After discussion, Council concurred that they would prefer more time to review this matter and instructed the Planner to convey their initial concerns to the owner's attorney. Furthermore, they instructed staff to contact the attorney for his opinion regarding the placement of restrictions on the property if . conveyed to a Federal agency. OWNERSHIP OF CAP. EQUIP.: FIRE DEPT Council was referred to a letter from the City of Shoreview , 9/1/87, requesting information relative to Arden Hills position on the ownership of future fire equipment in the City. After discussion, Council concurred that the Clerk Administrator be directed to respond to the City of Shor.view that Arden Hills position is to own future capital equipment if purchased by the City; this matter will be discussed in conjunction with the Arden Hills contract with the LJVFD. RECYCLING; COMM. RECOMMENDATIONS Council was referred to the minutes of the Solid Waste Management Sub-Committee meeting, 8/17/87; recoDDllending proposed implementation of a recycling program. Paul Malone, Sub-Committee member, was present and outlined the cODDllittee objectives: . - Institute a curbside pickup program for recyclables. - Fund curbside pickup via a surcharge on the haulers' billings. - Establish volume-based refuse collection fees. - Maintain an open hauling systems. Malone advised that the eight licensed haulers in the City were invited to attend; three of the eight were present. He stated that the haulers were not in favor of the City adopting an organized hauling system and did not appear to be interested in establishing and enforcing a volume-based rate plan. The haulers discussed separate pickup of lawn and garden refuse, however, there is no adequate dumping site available, at present, large enough to accommodate significant amounts of material. Malone advised that after cODDllittee discussion, the following recommendations for Council consideration were made: . 1. Arden Hills should maintain an open hauling system. 2. A bi-weekly curbside pickup program for recyclables should be implemented. 3. Funding of the curbside pickup could be accomplished through a flat surcharge on the City's utility bills. (Bi-weekly pickup is estimated to cost $26,000 per year, $9.00 per household. A $1.00 per-month charge was recoDDllended) 4. Encourage haulers to offer volume-based pricing (approximately 15% below current rates). 5. Further consider separate pickup of yard waste; explore possible sites that would be adequate to handle the garden refuse. Minutes of the Regular ~Cil Meeting, September 14, 19~ Page 6 RECYCLING (Cont'd) Malone explained that the City has the option to do nothing at this time to implement recycling, however, it will be mandated eventually; he suggested that if the Council favors implementation of a recycling program to begin in 1988, the implementation and advertising of the program should begin immediately. ~ Winiecki stated that the committee had done an excellent job. Hansen questioned the availability of grant funds to help fund the implementation of the recycling program. Malone advised that the next cycle for application for grant monies begins in January of 1988, which coincides with the expiration of the rubbish haulers' licenses. Peck questioned the calculation of the $1.00 surcharge per-household; he asked where the excess monies would be placed. Malone explained that the calculations were done on the presumption that there would be additional costs; such as, administration of the program, fees for containers (if purchased). He stated that this program was not being established as a money making operation; fee could be reduced or increased as necessary to cover costs of the program. Council questioned if the composting site in Arden Hills was being depleted; Raddatz advised the compost is completely gone. . After discussion Council concurred that this item should be continued to a future meeting; they noted the Finance Committee would then have an opportunity to review this item in the proposed 1988 Budget. Council generally agreed with the Committee recommendations for recycling. INCR. INSURANCE FOR CONTRACTORS Council was referred to Finance Committee minutes of 8/27/87; recommending an increased insurance requirements for licensed contractors. Moved by Hansen. seconded by Peck, that Council approve increased insurance requirements for licensed contractors to $300,000 aggregate and $100.000 property damage, in accordance with Mr. Hite's review. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) PRO-RATING FEES FOR CONTRACTORS Counci1member Hansen reported that she has discussed with the Clerk Administrator the current practise of pro-rating fees for contractors. Morrison advised that the current contractors license fee is $25.00 per year; when the license is purchased toward the end of the year, the fee does not cover administrative costs for issuing the license. Hansen recommended eliminating the pro-rating of the the contractors license fee. . Morrison noted that the City Attorney was presently drafting an ordinance amendment which reflects the license fee increases; she suggested the elimination of the pro-rating for the contractors license fee could be incorporated in the draft of the ordinance amendment, if Council concurred. Council consensus was to direct the Attorney to incorporate the elimination of the pro-rated fee for Contractors License into the Ordinance amendment he is currently drafting which pertains to license fees. OTHER BUSINESS COMMITTEE APPTMENTS Council was referred to the applications received from Village residents who would like to serve on committees; were vacancies on the Human Rights and Finance Morrison advised there Committee. There was Council discussion regarding if the appointments should be made at this time or held until the first of the year, and if Council should review the applications or the Committee chairpersons. . After discussion, Council concurred that the Chairpersons of the Human Rights , and Finance Committees should contact the interested applicants and make recommendation to the Council. RCLLG MEETING Councilmember Hansen reported that the Ramsey County League of Local Government meeting would be held at the Arden Hills Village Hall on September 16th; topic will be latch-key children. Minutes of the Regular Lcu Meeting, September 14, 1. Page 7 SCREENING MECH. EQUIP. POT 0' GOLD Councilmember Hansen questioned the status of screening the mechanical equipment at the Pot O'Gold Bingo Parlor. . Clerk Administrator advised that she and the Zoning Administrator had discussed this matter with Jim Adams and explained that the current plantings were not sufficient to accomplish the screening of the mechanical units at the Bingo Parlor. Morrison stated that Adams explained he would contact the landscape company and report back to City staff. Iagoexplained that she had tried to contact Adams this date; she did not receive a return call. Hansen suggested the owner be advised to accomplish the screening and be given a specific deadline. SPEC. EVENT SIGN; AMOCO Councilmember Hansen questioned if the Amoco Station, County Road E, had exceeded the 10 day period for their Special Even Sign permit. Morrison advised she would review the permit and contact Amoco if they had exceeded the expiration date. DELIQ. UTILITY ACCT; CEPECK Councilmember Hansen questioned if the delinquent utility account for Mr. Cepeck, 1175 Amble Drive, would be considered for amnesty since Erickson's account was given such consideration and removed from the assessment roll. Public Works Supervisor explained that the Cepeck situation was different; Cepeck has received credit for a portion of water consumption, due to the fact . that the defective meter was returned to the company and the discrepancy could not be proven. ABSENT: PS/W MTG. Councilmember Hansen reported that she would be absent from the Public Safety/Works Committee meeting of 9/24; she would be attending a Fire Pension meeting. WATER SHUT-OFF; DELIQ. UTILITIES Counci1member Peck suggested Council discuss the establishment of a policy for shutting off water to residents/businesses that have delinquent utility accounts. He questioned if Council would have the authority to reject applications from contractors and other residents in the Village if their utility accounts are delinquent. Council discussed an appropriate time-frame for notification of water shut off, penalties that could be imposed and how to deal with hardship cases. After discussion, Council concurred that it would be appropriate to notify residents/businesses of water shut off if the account is delinquent for two quarters and payment arrangements have not been made with the City within 10 working days. Council directed the Clerk Administrator to conduct a survey of surrounding communities regarding their time-frame for water shut off, any ... problems relating to water shut-off for residences, and amounts of penalties imposed on delinquent accounts. There was discussion regarding increasing the current amount of penalty imposed: 8 percent is initially charged or adding an additional 8 percent penalty at the end of the quarter. Council discussed establishing guidelines for hardship cases; concurred that the standards for hardship cases could be set after reviewing the survey information. REPORT OF CLERK ADMINISTRATOR SPEC. EVENT SIGN; KEITHSON ADDITION Council was referred to an informational letter from the Clerk Administrator; regarding an aerial special event sign at the Keithson Addition, that is being displayed in conjunction with the Parade of Homes. Morrison stated that Council approval is not required for special event signs in a residential districts; however, the sign exceeds the 35 ft. height requirements. She questioned if Council favored allowing the height variation. "'After discussion, Council concurred that the aerial sign should be brought into conformance with the 35 ft. height requirement. Minutes of the Regular~cil Meeting, September 14, l~ Page 8 MOUNDS VIEW LGTING Councilmember Winiecki explained that the Light Brigade had contacted Pot O'Gold Bingo and that charitable gambling funds would be used to pay for the lighting at Mounds View High School and payment should be accomplished within 7 or 8 months. . Council suggested Pot O'Gold may consider donating funds toward a Senior Citizen Van and toward the Youth Services Bureau. DOOR COMPLT: ALPO FOODS Mayor Woodburn reported that he had checked the odor complaint at Alpo Foods: referred to letter from Harvey Stewart, Manager of Alpo Foods. Woodburn advised that the loading dock doors had been left open on the evening in question; after the doors were closed the odor subsided. He commented that Alpo has been working toward eliminating the odor emissions. YOUTH SERV BUREAU o'UTSTANDING CONTR. Counci1member Hansen commented that the Youth Service Bureau requested recommendations for outstanding contributions to youth in the area; she commented that Johanna Shores for possible recommendations. she could contact PURCHASE COMPUTER DEPUTY CLERK OFC. Council was referred to a letter from Deputy Clerk Iago dated 9/10/87; requesting the purchase of computer equipment for her office use. Iago and Marshall had visited Ameridata and viewed the two computers compared in the memorandum; Iago had recommended the IBM PS/2 Model 30 be purchased, with an IBM Wheelwriter 3 printer, in the amount of $3,338.00. Iago had also requested an additional $200.00 for furniture to house the computer equipment. . There was discussion of the printer unit proposed and equipment compatibility with the computers currently in use. Morrison advised that compatibility had been considered. noting the comparison between the IBM PS/2 and the Ameridata Computer, however, it was determined that the work load was not interchanged and the trend is toward the smaller disks. Iago advised that a disk adapter may be purchased, should the necessity arise. Moved by Hansen, seconded by Winiecki, that Council authorize the purchase of a computer system for use by the Deputy Clerk and to meet the needs of her office workload. at a cost not to exceed $3,600.00. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) CLAIMS & PAYROLL Hansen moved, seconded by Peck, that Council approve Claims and Payroll as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) JOINT MEETING; COUNCIL/FINANCE Hansen moved, seconded by Peck, that Council schedule a Joint Meeting of Council and Finance Committee. to be held on ThurSday, September 17th, at 7:00 p.m., at the Village Hall. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) . ADJOURNMENT Moved by Hansen, seconded by Peck, that the meeting be adjourned at 11:30 p.m. Motion carried unanimously (4-0) ~j-.-~ni\.U':-' Patricia J. 0 ison Clerk Administrator -7 If/~~~. l /?'..L"' .J,. e~ 'Robert L. Woodburn Mayor NOTICE OF MEETINGS There will be a Joint Council/Finance Committee meeting held on September 17, 1987, at 7:00 p.m., at the Village Hall. The next Regular Council meeting will be held on September 28, 1987, at 7:30 p.m., at the Village Hall. .