HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-11-24-R AI EEN HILLS
Approved: April 8, 2024
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 11, 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 Brenda Holden, Emily Rousseau,
Tena Monson and Tom Fabel
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
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a
motion to approve the meeting agenda as presented. The motion carried (5-
2. TCAAP/RICE CREEK COMMONS UPDATE
City Administrator Perrault stated since the last City Council meeting, the Joint Development
Authority has not met, neither has the advisory committee. The energy committee did hear a
presentation from Xcel energy on their upcoming goals and mandates, and how those may be able
to be combined with Rice Creek Commons. Kimley Horn has begun work on the draft AUAR, it
is anticipated Council will see a draft of their findings in the next month or so for preliminary
discussion, Kimley Horn did agree to consider a scenario with a big box retailer on the site like
Council requested. Staff is still working on the initial infrastructure financing terms for the project
and who will be responsible for what costs, most recently the City's financial advisor provided a
proposed breakdown of the horizontal infrastructure costs and their allocations. Alatus is still in
the process of vetting those numbers. Also, Alatus did review soil conditions on the site, at this
point it is not anticipated they will make any suggestions for possible changes to building
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 11, 2024 2
placement but rather work within the existing confines of the project. Lastly, the County's RFP
for the spine road design will likely be issued in the coming weeks, they anticipate having
proposals by June 1st and a chosen firm by July 1st
Councilmember Holden requested highlights from the February JDA meeting.
City Administrator Perrault explained the JDA received updates on the traffic study, reviewed
the infrastructure schedule, received updates from the Energy Advisory Committee, reviewed the
development agreement and reviewed the roadmap for 2024. He stated the only action taken by
the JDA at the February meeting was to approve the meeting schedule.
3. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL
Lynn Diaz, 1143 Ingerson Road, recommended the Council extend an existing sidewalk on the
west side of Lexington Avenue between County Road E and D. She indicated there was an
asphalt path on the Shoreview side but not on the Arden Hills side. She stated this was a very
busy roadway and it was risky for pedestrians to cross Lexington Avenue. She reported she was
almost hit when trying to cross this roadway on two different occasions. She requested the
Council consider extending the sidewalk or paved path on the west side of Lexington Avenue for
the safety of all Arden Hills residents.
Donna Wiemann, 1406 Arden View Drive, commented on the possibility of having a big box
retailer on Rice Creek Commons. She understood a Councilmember met with representatives
from Costco and was very positive about this businesses corporate culture. She discussed how a
big box retailer would bring a great deal of traffic to Rice Creek Commons. She recommended the
traffic study completed by Ramsey County be reconsidered to include a big box retailer within the
development in order to have updated and transparent information for Arden Hills residents.
4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES
None.
5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
None.
6. STAFF COMMENTS
None.
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. February 12, 2024, Special City Council Work Session
B. February 12, 2024, Regular City Council
Councilmember Monson reported staff was provided with amendments to both sets of minutes
prior to this meeting.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 11, 2024 3
MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a
motion to approve the February 12, 2024, Special City Council Work Session
meeting minutes as amended and the February 12, 2024, Regular City
Council meeting minutes as amended. The motion carried 4-0-1
(Councilmember Rousseau abstained).
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll
B. Motion To Approve 60-Day Extension Until June 24, 2024, For PC 23-006 — Site
Plan Review, Mark And Tracy Lindemer
C. Motion To Approve Payments No. 3 And 4 — 2022/2023 Tree Plan Project —
Margolis Company
D. Motion To Approve Payment No. 1 — Arden Manor And Floral Park
Improvements Project—Peterson Companies, Inc.
E. Motion To Approve 2024 Purchase Of 2025 Ford F450 Truck And Plow
F. Motion To Approve Resolution 2024-012 Declaring Costs To Be Assessed And
Ordering The Preparation Of The Proposed Assessments And Calling For A Public
Hearing On Proposed Assessments—2024 PMP Accept Bids And Call For Special
Assessment Hearing
G. Motion To Approve 2024 Institution/Community Work Crew (ICWC) Program
Contract
H. Motion To Approve Development Agreement For Mister Car Wash (CWP West,
LLC)—Planning Case 23-024
I. Motion To Approve Resolution 2024-014 Arden Manor Park Hardcourt — DNR
Outdoor Recreation Grant
J. Motion To Accept Resignation Of Building Official
K. Motion To Approve Recruitment For Applicants For Future Building Inspector
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a
motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented and to authorize
execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried
(5-0).
9. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
None.
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Planning Case 24-004 — Vacation Of Drainage And Utility Easement — 1594
Lake Johanna Boulevard
Community Development Director Jagoe stated on February 20, 2024, the City received a land
use application for a Vacation of Drainage Utility Easement for the property at 1594 Lake
Johanna Boulevard. The property is the site of a Drainage and Utility Easement per the Plat of
Lake Johanna Woods as well as a Conservation Easement that overlay a drainage and utility pond
and a delineated wetland located on the Subject Property. The easement legally described
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 11, 2024 4
boundaries for the plat encompasses both the Drainage and Utility easement and the Conservation
Easement.
Community Development Director Jagoe reported the Applicant is requesting to partially
vacate the existing drainage and utility easement to allow for the expansion of an existing deck in
the rear yard. The Certificate of Survey showing the area of the request for partial vacation of the
Drainage and Utility Easement was reviewed by staff. The proposed deck would be 448 square
feet that would take the place of a 370 square foot deck which has started to deteriorate. The
proposed location of the deck would encroach on the current drainage and utility easement. The
proposed vacation is for a triangle at the southwest of the existing buildable pad on the plat. The
proposed would not vacate or encroach on any of the conservation easement.
Community Development Director Jagoe explained the Public Works Director has reviewed
the proposed easement vacation and provided a memo in support of the vacation request. It has
been verified that the proposed area to be vacated would not impact ongoing maintenance or
functionality of an adjacent storm sewer outlet with the grading plan as submitted by the
Applicant. Staff has shared the proposed easement vacation with representatives of the Minnesota
Board of Water and Soil Resources and Rice Creek Watershed District and the proposal did not
raise concerns. The Applicant confirmed with Rice Creek Watershed District that additional
permitting from that entity would not be required. A request for a Vacation of Easement requires
a public hearing before the City Council.
Councilmember Holden asked if these were wetlands or stormwater ponds.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained the property had a stormwater
retention pond directly west of the house that the City maintains. He noted this stormwater pond
drains into a wetland.
Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:16 p.m.
With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:17 p.m.
11. NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolution 2024-013—Vacation Of Drainage And Utility Easement Vacation—
1594 Lake Johanna Boulevard—Planning Case 24-004
Community Development Director Jagoe stated on February 20, 2024 the City received a land
use application for a Vacation of Drainage Utility Easement for the property at 1594 Lake
Johanna Boulevard. The property is the site of a Drainage and Utility Easement per the Plat of
Lake Johanna Woods as well as a Conservation Easement. The request for a partial vacation is for
the Drainage and Utility Easement. The Applicant is requesting to partially vacate the existing
drainage and utility easement to allow for the expansion of an existing deck in the rear yard. It
was noted staff is recommending approval of a Partial Vacation of Drainage and Utility Easement
lying within Lot 2, Block 1, Lake Johanna Woods plat.
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution 2024-013 — Vacation Of Drainage And Utility
Easement Vacation— 1594 Lake Johanna Boulevard.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 11, 2024 5
Councilmember Fabel asked if there was any reason why the Council should not approve this
request.
Community Development Director Jagoe reported in the City's due diligence with this case,
staff had not identified any reason to deny this request.
The motion carried (5-0).
12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Rousseau requested staff pass along the Council's thanks to the City's Building
Official.
Councilmember Fabel commented on the ICWC contract and discussed how the City utilized
these crews to assist with completing projects in the community. He was delighted that the City
worked with this organization and appreciated the fact the City was bringing former offenders
into the community for service projects.
Councilmember Holden explained she fought really hard to get the City into the ICWC program.
Councilmember Holden questioned what the status was of Building 14 at Boston Scientific.
City Administrator Perrault stated a neighbor had reached out to staff and Boston Scientific
with complaints. He noted a follow up noise study would be completed at Boston Scientific in
April or May once all of the equipment was installed.
Councilmember Holden asked if the Fernwood channel was part of the City's maintenance plan
for 2024.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained a routine inspection of the
channel occurred in 2023 and this would occur again in 2024.
Councilmember Monson stated the Council approved a Resolution for hardcourts for Arden
Manor Park. She indicated the City would be pursuing grants to assist with this project.
Councilmember Monson wished Building Official Steve Thorpe all the best, noting he was
retiring.
Mayor Grant thanked Building Official Thorpe for his service to the community and wished him
a long and healthy retirement.
Mayor Grant stated he was in Pasadena recently where he visited a no name grocery store.
Mayor Grant explained this was the seventh or eighth year the City has worked with ICWC. He
appreciated the great work ICWC completed in the community.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 11, 2024 6
Mayor Grant reported there was a chain link fence south of the railroad crossing that was in need
of maintenance. He stated he made staff aware of this concern.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to
adjourn. The motion carried (5-0).
Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:29 p.m.
Jul' anson David Grant
Cit Clerk Mayor