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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-24-R - DI�EN HILLS Approved: March 11, 2024 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS,MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 12,2024 7:00 P.M. -ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor David Grant called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant, Councilmembers Tom Fabel, Brenda Holden, Tena Monson and Emily Rousseau Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Dave Perrault; Public Works Director/City Engineer David Swearingen; Community Development Director Jessica Jagoe; Finance Director Joua Yang; City Attorney Amy Schmidt; and Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Julie Hanson PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Holden requested Items 8C and 8I be pulled from the Consent Agenda for discussion as Items 9A and 9B. Councilmember Monson requested Item 8F be pulled from the Consent Agenda for discussion as Item 9C. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried (5-0). 2. TCAAP/RICE CREEK COMMONS UPDATE City Administrator Perrault stated since the last City Council meeting, the Joint Development Authority has not met, but a few notable items have taken place. First is the County has announced the potential buyer of the Outlot A parcel, known as the thumb, the potential buyer is Ryan Companies. Ryan has 15 months to complete a due diligence period and finalize the sale of the property. Also, Rasmey County has selected Evergreen Energy and LHB as the energy consultant to help guide sustainability efforts on the project, a kick off meeting was held last week ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 12, 2024 2 between County and City Staff; they will continue to work on sustainability initiatives through the end of the year. The County is close to releasing its RFP for the Spine Road on the RCC project, 0 'll bringthe design of the Spine Road to 100/o completion and shovel ready. Lastly, at this RFP will g p p tonight's meeting, the City Council will be considering the proposal for the Alternative Urban g g� Y g Areawide Review, the AUAR, update with Kimley Horn, this is required by State Statute to be updated every five years, the last update was done in 2019. That concludes my Rice Creek Commons Update. Councilmember Holden asked if the Spine Road was at 60% design at this time. City Administrator Perrault reported this was the case. Councilmember Holden asked for clarification for the record that the JDA did meet on Monday, February 5. City Administrator Perrault stated this was correct. He noted he missed this meeting and could pass along the agenda topics to the Council. Councilmember Holden indicated she would like a copy of the document that was provided to the JDA by Bob Lux regarding Site K. City Administrator Perrault indicated he would check with staff to locate this document. 3. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL None. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES None. 5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS None. 6. STAFF COMMENTS None. 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. December 18, 2023, City Council Work Session B. December 18, 2023, Special City Council C. January 3, 2024, City Council Work Session D. January 8, 2024, Special City Council Work Session E. January 8, 2024, Regular City Council Mayor Grant stated amendments to the minutes have been passed along to staff. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 12, 2024 3 MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the December 18, 2023, City Council Work Session meeting minutes as amended, the December 18, 2023, Special City Council meeting minutes and January 3, 2024, City Council Work Session meeting _minutes as presented, and the January 8, 2024, Special Citv Council Work Session meeting minutes and January 8, 2024, Regular City Council meeting minutes as amended. The motion carried (5-0). 8. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll B. Motion To Approve 2023 Budget Carryovers G. Me ion T—e Ap m oTzciee-Creek commons Altemative T T b A ,ate (ATTAR) Update D. Motion To Approve 2024 Collective Bargaining Updates E. Motion To Approve Resolution 2024-007 — Variance At 1666 Oak Avenue (Planning Case 23-023) And--Ordering Advertisement- For- Bids 2824 PN4P Stfeet And Utih4y lli' " o r R, 0 e4 G. Motion To Approve Ordinances 2023-013 And 2023-014 Relating To Ground- Mounted Solar Energy Systems In Residential Zoning Districts (Planning Case 23- 018)And Authorization To Publish Summary Ordinances 2023-013 And 2023-014 H. Motion To Approve Change Order Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 And 5 And Payment Nos. 1 And 2—County Road E And Old Snelling Avenue Improvements j N(etio„ T Approve Resolution 2024 009 Appointing Elizabeth 7,.t.«,....,. T The YY v c�T-vv 1 N.111U, 11GL11J J. Motion To Approve City Hall Parking Lot Improvements—Payment No. 4 & Final Closeout K. Motion To Approve Public Works 2024 Equipment Purchase L. Motion To Approve Resolution 2024-010 Approving Plans And Specifications And Ordering Advertisement For Bids - 2024 CIPP Lining Project M. Motion To Approve Acknowledgment Of The Application Of Ducks Unlimited North Suburban Chapter 239 For An Exempt Permit To Conduct A Raffle With The Event Being April 27, 2024 With No Waiting Period MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as amended removing Items 8C, 8F and 8I and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried (5-0). 9. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS A. Motion To Approve Rice Creek Commons Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) Update Councilmember Holden stated with Costco still in the works for this site, she questioned if an alternative bid was being considered. She asked if a traffic study would be completed with and without a big box retailer. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 12, 2024 4 City Administrator Perrault explained it was his understanding a specific use, such as a large big box, could be considered within the AUAR and Kimley Horn could then complete the plans with one or two alternatives. He did not believe intersections outside of the AUAR would be completed within this plan but could possibly be done for an additional fee. Councilmember Holden commented that the County now has a traffic study and has had this document since November. She stated the County may be changing their assumptions based on the raw data from this study. She recommended the City complete their own traffic study in order to better inform the residents in Arden Hills. Councilmember Monson supported the City having a big box scenario included within the AUAR. Councilmember Fabel indicated the City was several years away from knowing who might occupy the property on Rice Creek Commons, what their use may be, or how intense the traffic would be. He explained the AUAR would accommodate the generally anticipated uses for this development. He did not support the City spending additional money on a big box scenario and recommended the AUAR be approved as proposed. Mayor Grant stated in looking at this, after speaking with Alatus, Bob Lux has consistently stated he wants the retail component to be successful. He explained this means there would have to be large traffic counts driving through Rice Creek Commons, which may mean a large box retailer such as Costco may be located on the site. He was of the opinion it would benefit the City to run an AUAR scenario taking into consideration a big box retailer on the site. He indicated not including a big box retailer at all, would be an oversight. He stated the residents on Hamline, Lexington, County Road 96 and Old 10 would be seeing large increases in traffic and he believed the City owed it to these residents to have the potential traffic patterns studied. Councilmember Rousseau commented there were a lot of variables to consider, such as a big box and potential senior housing at North Heights. She questioned what the gap of data was between the AUAR and the traffic study that had already been completed by the County. Mayor Grant stated it made sense to study the potential scenarios that would be located on the development and how the surrounding traffic would be impacted. He explained Alatus has made it very clear that they want a successful retail development within Rice Creek Commons, which may include a traffic retailer. He believed it was in the City's best interests to include this as an alternative within the AUAR. Councilmember Holden reported the City has not seen the County's traffic study, which was concerning to her. She stated it would be difficult for the City to draw any conclusions from this information until it was presented to the City. She commented further on how Bob Lux has stated Costco wants to be located within this development. Councilmember Monson explained the AUAR would study the property and surrounding intersections. She noted the County's study only studied County Road 96. She indicated Costco would be a large traffic generator and she believed it would be smart to have a high traffic retailer within the development. She supported the AUAR having a big box scenario to assist with better planning for the development. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 12, 2024 5 Councilmember Holden stated she agreed with Councilmember Monson. She commented on how the commercial developers want to ensure the development was set up properly to support the smaller retail that would surround Costco. Mayor Grant explained Costco drives a lot of traffic for both their retail and gas station. He supported the AUAR studying a big box scenario and noted he also wanted to review the County's traffic study numbers. He reiterated that the City was required to complete an AUAR. Councilmember Monson indicated she supported the AUAR being completed with a big box scenario but did not support an additional traffic study for County Road 96 until this has been discussed by the JDA and the County traffic report had been presented to the City. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to Approve Rice Creek Commons Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) Update with an alternative that includes a bia box scenario. The motion carried (5- B. Motion To Approve Resolution 2024-009 Appointing Elizabeth Johnson To The Parks, Trails And Recreation Committee (PTRC) Councilmember Holden asked what neighborhood Elizabeth Johnson lived in. Councilmember Fabel indicated Ms. Johnson lives in the Glenhill neighborhood. Councilmember Monson stated she was pleased to see Ms. Johnson was willing to serve the City in this capacity. Councilmember Rousseau indicated she visited the Bartz Brothers snow sculpture and afterwards she saw the two co-chairs speaking with Ms. Johnson in order to prepare her for her new position. She looked forward to seeing the great work that would continue to be done by the PTRC. MOTION: Councilmember Fabel moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a motion to Approve Resolution 2024-009 Appointiny- Elizabeth Johnson To The Parks, Trails And Recreation Committee (PTRC). The motion carried (L!!1 C. Motion To Approve Resolution 2024-008 Approving Plans And Specifications And Ordering Advertisement For Bids — 2024 PMP Street And Utility Improvement Project Councilmember Monson asked if this project included a sidewalk on Royal Lane. She recalled the Council had discussed a sidewalk beginning at Norma and extending to the park. She questioned if this sidewalk section could be included within the project as a design alternative. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported there were brief discussions of the addition of a trail along Royal Lane. He explained the trail improvement from Floral up to the Parkway had been included in this project. He reported the trail from Norma to the park wasn't necessarily needed given the straight site lines. He noted this matter could be further discussed by ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 12, 2024 6 the Council at a future worksession meeting and a design amendment and change order could be pursued. Mayor Grant stated delaying action on this item would push the advertisement for bid back, which was somewhat ill advised. He noted the City receives better pricing the earlier its projects are bid. Councilmember Monson stated it appears the project could still be bid and the additional sidewalk could be added as a change order or bid alternative. She asked if the Council was interested in adding this portion of sidewalk. Councilmember Holden commented before she supported this portion of sidewalk moving forward, she would like to know what the cost would be. She indicated she could support this item going to a future worksession for further discussion. MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to Approve Resolution 2024-008 Approving Plans And Specifications And Ordering Advertisement For Bids — 2024 PMP Street And Utility Improvement Proiect. The motion carried (5-0). 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Planning Case 23-024 — Conditional Use Permit — 3751 Lexington Avenue N (Mister Carwash) Community Development Director Jagoe stated the Applicant has submitted a land use application for Master Planned Unit Development, Final Planned Unit Development, Conditional Use Permit, and Site Plan Review, proposing to redevelop a 1.26-acre site located at 3751 Lexington Avenue N. The Subject Property is currently owned by CS&M Arden Hills LLC and the building was previously occupied by Arby's restaurant which closed in early 2023. The Applicant is proposing to demolish the existing building and redevelop the site. The Applicant is proposing a one-story car wash tunnel building of approximately 5,400 square feet as well as 17 dual purpose parking/vacuum stalls for customer self-serve use. There are also five (5) additional dedicated parking spaces for employees and maintenance personnel. The car wash proposal also includes two detached accessory structures for an attendant shelter and canopy as part of the drive-through design. Community Development Director Jagoe explained the Applicant presented a concept plan at the City Council Work session on November 27, 2023. Councilmembers provided feedback on the building appearance and materials, parking, landscaping, lighting, fencing and other items. This commercial corridor includes Red Fox and Grey Fox roads and is bounded by Lexington Avenue, Highway 51, Interstate 694, and the Canadian Pacific railway. This area is used by a number of small and large businesses for a variety of retail, manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, and office uses. This area was largely developed between the 1950s and 1970s, though the retail area along Lexington Avenue has had some new development and redevelopment in the last 15 years. This area is marked as an area of possible redevelopment in 2040. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 12, 2024 7 Community Development Director Jagoe reviewed the Plan Evaluation and Design Standards in further detail and recommended the Council hold a public hearing. Councilmember Holden explained when the item went to the Planning Commission, the applicant was asking for 12 areas of flexibility. She understood this has been reduced to four. She requested further information regarding the building positioning and asked why the applicant needed an 80 foot setback. Community Development Director Jagoe reported the applicant is asking to utilize the configuration of the existing center island, which was an agreement with the property to the north. She indicated if a 50 foot setback were required, a traffic hazard would be created. She stated the 80 foot setback would create a wider turning radius and better traffic safety. Councilmember Holden questioned what the life span was of a composite fence versus a wooden fence. Community Development Director Jagoe anticipated a composite fence would last longer than a wooden fence based on industry standards and durability. Mayor Grant commented he drove through the old Arby's site last week and understood the existing wooden fence was in poor condition. Councilmember Monson asked why a composite fence wasn't allowed within City Ordinance. Community Development Director Jagoe stated when she reviewed the fencing portion of code, composite materials were not carried over into the B-2 and B-3 zoning district. Councilmember Monson explained the fence that the City was building next to Lindey's would be a composite fence. Community Development Director Jagoe reported this was the case. Councilmember Monson requested further information regarding how the internal signage was measured. Community Development Director Jagoe described how sign copy areas were measured by staff. Councilmember Monson questioned how the EDC was doing on revising the sign code. Community Development Director Jagoe reported the EDC was working through understanding the current code and would be looking at recommendations to make to the Planning Commission. Councilmember Holden questioned if the 57.4 square feet includes the top sparkle and if it would be less if this did not include the height of the sparkle. Community Development Director Jagoe stated she was going from the top point of the I on the sparkle for her measurement. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 12, 2024 8 Mayor Grant asked why the monument sign for Mister Car Wash included the language free vacuums. Chris Campbell, Mister Car Wash representative, stated the free vacuum language was included because a number of self-standing car washes charge for vacuum use. Councilmember Fabel questioned if individuals could use the vacuums without paying for a car wash. Mr. Campbell indicated this does occur from time to time. Councilmember Holden asked if every sign would be illuminated 24/7 and inquired what the hours of operation would be. Mr. Campbell stated the hours of operation would be 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 or 8:00 p.m. Joseph Mercado, Mister Car Wash representative, reported the vacuum lights would turn off. He noted the branding lights on the high tower would be illuminated throughout the day. He stated he wanted to be a good neighbor and would take advisement from the City but noted any of the branding lights would remain on 24/7. Councilmember Holden requested the applicant provide the Council with a materials board. Mr. Campbell reviewed the materials board with the Council. He commented on the texture and color of the proposed composite fence. Councilmember Fabel encouraged Mister Car Wash to have compressed air for patrons to use to fill their tires. Councilmember Rousseau thanked Mister Car Wash for providing information on how the water would be recycled. Mr. Campbell explained 50% of the water that is used would be recycled. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 8:15 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 8:16 p.m. 11. NEW BUSINESS A. Resolution 2024-011 — Conditional Use Permit At 3751 Lexington Avenue N (Mister Carwash)—PC 23-024 Community Development Director Jagoe stated the Applicant has submitted a land use application for Master Planned Unit Development, Final Planned Unit Development, Conditional Use Permit, and Site Plan Review, proposing to redevelop a 1.26-acre site located at 3751 Lexington Avenue N. The Subject Property is currently owned by CS&M Arden Hills LLC and the building was previously occupied by Arby's restaurant which closed in early 2023. The Applicant is proposing to demolish the existing building and redevelop the site. The Applicant is ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 12, 2024 9 proposing a one-story car wash tunnel building of approximately 5,400 square feet as well as 17 parking stalls with vacuums for self-serve use. The car wash proposal also includes two detached accessory structures for an attendant shelter and canopy as part of the drive-through design. The Applicant presented a concept plan at the City Council Work Session on November 27, 2023. Councilmembers provided feedback on the building appearance and materials, parking, landscaping, lighting, fencing and other items. Community Development Director Jagoe commented further on the requested action and offered the following Findings of Fact as recommended by the Planning Commission: 1. The property located at 3751 Lexington Avenue N. is designated for Commercial uses on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. 2. New building construction or site modification identified requires the submittal of a Site Plan Review application prior to construction. 3. For proposals for new construction, redevelopment of a site, and significant modifications to existing sites, a PUD is required. 4. The PUD process allows for flexibility within the City's regulations through a negotiated process with a Developer. 5. The Applicant has proposed a Master and Final Planned Unit Development for the development of one approximate 5,400 square foot exterior drive-through car wash on the Subject Property. 6. The Master and Final Planned Unit Development generally conforms to the requirements of the City Zoning Code and design standards. 7. Where the plan is not in conformance with the City Code, flexibility has been requested by the Applicant. 8. Flexibility through the PUD process has been requested in the following areas: building positioning and signage. 9. A public hearing for a Master Planned Unit Development, Final Planned Unit Development, and Conditional Use Permit request is required before the request can be brought before the City Council. 10. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on January 3, 2024. Community Development Director Jagoe explained the Planning Commission reviewed this application at their January 3, 2024 meeting. At that time, they recommended approval with conditions of the Mister Car Wash application for a Master Planned Unit Development, Final Planned Unit Development, Conditional Use Permit, and Site Plan Review by a 6-0 vote with the following conditions: 1. The project shall be completed in accordance with the submitted plans as amended by the conditions of approval. Any significant changes to these plans, as determined by the City Planner, shall require review and approval by the Planning Commission and City Council. 2. The Master and Final Planned Unit Development approval shall expire one year from the date of City Council approval unless a building permit has been requested or a time extension has been granted by the City Council. The City Council may extend the expiration date of such approval upon written application by the person to whom the approval was granted. 3. A violation of any condition set forth in the permit shall be a violation of this Code, and shall be cause for revocation of the permit. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 12, 2024 10 4. A Master and Final PUD Development Agreement shall be prepared by the City Attorney and subject to City Council approval for the Development for the exterior car wash. The Master and Final PUD Development Agreement shall be fully executed prior to the issuance of building permits. 5. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, a landscape financial security equal to 125% of the cost of the landscaping to be installed on the site shall be submitted. The Applicant must submit a detailed cost estimate for the landscaping so staff can determine the final amount. Landscape financial security shall be held for two full growing seasons. For any landscaping that is not in accordance with the approved landscaping plan at the end of two growing seasons, the Developer shall replace the material to the satisfaction of the City before the guarantee is released. Where this is not done, the City, at its sole discretion, may use the proceeds of the performance guarantee to accomplish performance. 6. A Grading and Erosion permit shall be obtained from the city's Engineering Division prior to commencing any grading, land disturbance or utility activities. The Applicant shall be responsible for obtaining any permits necessary from other agencies, including but not limited to, MPCA, Rice Creek Watershed District, MnDOT and Ramsey County (i.e. ROW or access)prior to the start of any site activities. 7. The final plans shall be subject to approval by the City Engineer, Building Official, and Fire Marshal prior to the issuance of a grading and erosion control permit. 8. Final grading, drainage, utility, and site plans shall be subject to approval by the Public Works Director, City Engineer, and City Planner prior to the issuance of a grading and erosion control permit or other development permits. 9. Upon completion of grading and utility work on the site, a grading as-built and utility as- built shall be provided to the City for review. 10. Heavy duty silt fence and adequate erosion control around the entire construction site shall be required and maintained by the Developer during construction to ensure that sediment and storm water does not leave the project site. 11. The Applicant shall be responsible for protecting the proposed on-site storm sewer infrastructure and components and any existing storm sewer from exposure to any and all stormwater runoff, sediments and debris during all construction activities. Temporary stormwater facilities shall be installed to protect the quality aspect of the proposed and existing stormwater facilities prior to and during construction activities. Maintenance of any and all temporary stormwater facilities shall be the responsibility of the Applicant. 12. All light poles, including base, shall be a maximum of 25 feet in height and shall be shoebox style, downward directed, with high-pressure sodium lamps or LED and flush lenses. 13. All rooftop or ground mounted mechanical equipment shall be hidden from view with the same materials used on the building in accordance with City Code requirements. 14. A separate zoning permit shall be required for a new fence on the site. 15. A separate sign permit shall be required for all signs on the site. 16. Any future trash and vacuum enclosures shall utilize gates and be constructed on three sides using the same materials and patterns used on the building. Locations shall be approved by the Planning Department. 17. The Applicant shall be financially responsible for all applicable water and sanitary charges. Rates applied shall be memorialized in the Development Agreement. 18. All disturbed boulevards shall be restored with sod. All areas of the site, where practical, shall be sodded or seeded and maintained. The property owner shall mow and maintain all site boulevards to the curb line of the public streets. 19. The proposed structures shall conform to all other regulations in the City Code. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 12, 2024 11 20. The Applicant shall provide a copy of the Stormwater Management Report and verification of Rice Creek Watershed approval prior to the approval of Development Agreement. 21. The Applicant shall provide a diagram of the 19 parking spaces provided for the site through the Reciprocal Easement Agreement. 22. Prior to the issuance of a grading permit, all items identified in the February 12, 2024 Engineering Division memo including the review comments noted on the plan sheets shall be addressed. All comments shall be adopted herein by reference. 23. Applicant shall be responsible for addressing Ramsey County review comments as noted in the February 12, 2024 report to the City Council. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a _motion to approve Resolution 24-011 for Planning Case 23-024 for a Master Planned Unit Development, Final Planned Unit Development, Conditional Use Permit, and Site Plan Review at 3751 Lexington Avenue North, based on the findings of fact and submitted plans, and the conditions in the February 12, 2024,Report to the City Council. Councilmember Rousseau stated she supported providing flexibility for a composite fence. AMENDMENT: Councilmember Rousseau moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to add Condition 24: The City supports providing the Applicant PUD flexibility to allow for a composite fence along the west and south property lines as illustrated on the site plan. Mayor Grant asked if Mister Car Wash has installed other composite fences. Mr. Campbell explained he has not been required to install many other fences, but when required, he installs composite fences. He indicated the industry states these fences will last 20 to 25 years and were maintenance free. Councilmember Monson stated she supported the proposed amendment because a higher quality product would be installed within this development. The amendment carried (5-0). Councilmember Monson explained she supported the building positioning for traffic safety purposes, along with the canopy. In addition, she supported the auxiliary signs as proposed. She commented on the externally illuminated sign and noted she could support this whether it was it internally or externally lit. Councilmember Holden recommended the sign be internally lit and all electricity would be behind the wall. AMENDMENT: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to add Condition 25: The sparkles on the front of the east side of the building shall be internally lit. I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 12, 2024 12 Mayor Grant supported this sign being internally lit so the entire building was not washed with light. Councilmember Monson questioned why the City would require the graphic sign to be externally illuminated. She recommended the EDC investigate this requirement further. Community Development Director Jagoe explained this might be a requirement because graphic signs could be painted onto a building and therefore could not be internally lit. Councilmember Holden stated many logo signs were graphics that extend off a building and could be lit externally. Mayor Grant recommended the west sparkle also be internally illuminated. Councilmember Monson indicated she could make this Condition 26 unless Councilmember Holden was open to amending her motion. Councilmember Holden stated she would be willing to amend her motion. AMENDMENT: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to add Condition 25: The Applicant shall be granted PUD flexibility to allow the graphic signs of sparkles on the east and west elevations of the building to have internal illumination. Councilmember Fabel anticipated the residents of Arden Hills would rather see a high end book store or restaurant at this location. The amendment carried (5-0). Mayor Grant stated with there being no further discussion, he would like to call the question for the motion as amended by the 25 conditions. The amended motion to approve Resolution 24-011 for Planning Case 23-024 for a Master Planned Unit Development, Final Planned Unit Development, Conditional Use Permit, and Site Plan Review at 3751 Lexington Avenue North, based on the fmdings of fact and submitted plans, and the conditions in the February 12, 2024, Report to the City Council and the addition of conditions 24 and 25 carried (5-0). 12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 13. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Rousseau apologized to the residents and staff member that sat through the open comments period at the last Council meeting. She stated racist and anti-semitic comments were being made by speakers. She explained City business was not being addressed and these speakers should have been immediate stopped. She thanked City Administrator Perrault and the ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 12, 2024 13 City Attorney for taking action before another speaker could attack another group of people. She stated after the last Rice Creek Commons meeting, a postcard was sent to her home with vile anti- semitic messaging. She anticipated this messaging was being targeted on the City because of Rice Creek Commons. Councilmember Rousseau explained Arden Hills ranked #2 in the hot housing index, noting the average price per square foot was up 19%, houses sold six days faster than average and the great school district was mentioned. Councilmember Rousseau stated the Planning Commission did not meet in February. Councilmember Rousseau explained the Economic Development Commission met in October, December and February. She noted the first meeting was an orientation. She indicated this group would like to begin meeting monthly versus every other month. She stated the EDC would be looking at setting goals and establishing a code of conduct for the coming year. Councilmember Rousseau reported NYFS would be hosting an open house in Shoreview on Monday, February 26 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Councilmember Fabel commented on the State of the City meeting that was held this past Saturday. He commended City Administrator Perrault and the Senior Communications Coordinator for their outstanding work on this event. He appreciated their good work and believed the information that was presented was beneficial to the residents of Arden Hills. Councilmember Holden stated she was hoping to have more residents in attendance at the State of the City given the fact it was moved to Saturday. She hoped this event could grow next year. Councilmember Holden reported the speakers at the last Council meeting who were speaking vilely were people who attended the meeting via Zoom. She anticipated these individuals were not from Arden Hills. She did not believe the attacks had to do with Rice Creek Commons, but rather had to do with the environment the City was in right now because the same kind of attacks were happening in other cities. Councilmember Holden explained she was honored to attend the 34 h Infantry Division Deployment ceremony on Thursday, February 1 at 10:00 a.m. She explained over 550 soldiers were being deployed to the Mid East. She encouraged the public to keep these soldiers in their thoughts and prayers. Councilmember Holden commented on the bonding bus that came through Arden Hills. She appreciated the discussions that were held with legislators and thanked the Public Works Director for his great presentation. Councilmember Holden reported she received three phone calls from residents in the Chatham neighborhood after they received a sheet of paper from the "City Naturalist". She explained she informed these residents that the City did not have a City Naturalist on staff. Councilmember Holden stated at the January 8 City Council meeting, the Council discussed the affordability levels on Rice Creek Commons. She reported the AMI levels would be 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% and higher. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 12, 2024 14 Councilmember Monson reported she believed the State of the City event was very well done. She thanked the City Councilmembers for providing excellent presentations and thanked staff for all of their efforts in planning this event. Councilmember Monson commented she toured the Ramsey County waste processing plant in Newport where all of the garbage from Ramsey and Washington County's were received. She discussed how the site would be piloting an organics recycling program. Councilmember Monson stated the Lake Johanna Fire Department held its first meeting of the year and noted a new firefighter was serving on the board. She explained the six new captains have been hired and would begin service in February. She reported the big focus for this group was on the fire station noting construction would begin this year in hopes of having the facility complete in 2025. She indicated this group would also be working to update the bylaws. Councilmember Monson indicated she attended the bonding tour with Councilmember Holden stating she learned a great deal at this event. Mayor Grant stated he was taken aback by the vile comments that were made at the last Council meeting. He indicated the comments were made via Zoom and he appreciated the fact City Administrator Perrault cut them off as soon as possible. He noted the comments were made by people who do not live in the community. Mayor Grant explained he received calls regarding the Arden Hills "Naturalist". He stated he does not know much about this flyer and he lives in the Chatham neighborhood. Mayor Grant stated the Twin Cities Gateway Bureau met and he was happy to report the City's hotels were doing very well. Mayor Grant thanked staff for all of their efforts on the State of the City event. He stated he received several comments after the event noting there were concerns with the fact the JDA had tried to continue to have open communication with the County and the County had not shown up. He believed the City did everything they could to keep communication lines open. Mayor Grant indicated the other question he received after the State of the City was about the City's tax rate. He described how the City's tax rate was calculated and noted Arden Hills' tax rate was 24.49%. He explained Arden Hills had the lowest tax rate in Ramsey County. He commented further on how the City's tax rate impacts Arden Hills' taxpayers. He suggested the slides created to assist with this explanation be posted on the City's website. ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to adiourn. The motion carried (5-0). Mayor Grant adj urned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:5 p.m. Juli anson David Grant Merk Mayor