Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-08-24-R �EN_HILLS Approved: April 22, 2024 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS,MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 8, 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; and Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Julie Hanson PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Fabel requested an item be added to the Consent Agenda for a Proclamation to Recognize April 2024 as Fair Housing Month in the City of Arden Hills. Councilmember Fabel requested Item 8L be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion as Item 9A. Councilmember Holden requested Item 8F be removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion as Item 9B. City Administrator Perrault asked if Councilmember Fabel's new item would be added under Public Presentations or the Consent Agenda. Mayor Grant indicated this item would be added to the Consent Agenda. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried (5-0). ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 8, 2024 2 2. TCAAP/RICE CREEK COMMONS UPDATE CityAdministrator Perrault stated the Joint Development Authority last met on April 1 st at p Y p that meeting the JDA received updates on communications, the County's Bonding request, the energy committee, and the status of ongoing discussions. As far as development discussions go, City and County Staff, Alatus and Ehlers have been working on funding for the horizontal infrastructure. Latest estimates have put the cost of the horizontal infrastructure somewhere between $86 million and $100 million. We won't know what the exact gap in funding is until we know how much, if any, of the County's request for State Funding is decided at the legislature. Once we know how much the State is going to fund, we'll know what still needs to be solved for and work on identifying additional funding sources. Other development news, the Met Council officially approved the Comp Plan amendments, which allow for a maximum density of 1,960 housing units and later on tonight's agenda the Council will be reviewing a TRC amendment that is cleaning up language regarding the process development approvals. The energy committee recently heard a presentation by Xcel Energy on residential and commercial programs they offer to assist in making projects more sustainable, these programs will be open to RCC and Alatus is already very familiar with them. The advisory committee has not met since the last JDA meeting. Councilmember Holden stated at the last JDA meeting a comment was made about the developer already having$13 million in debt with this project. City Administrator Perrault explained the County had asked the developer if or what they could invest in regarding the horizontal infrastructure in order to get the project moving and Alatus has identified somewhere between$10 and $15 million for the horizontal infrastructure. Councilmember Holden requested further information regarding who would be responsible for the City s portion of the water utilities if the development were to halt. She then read a portion of the minutes from the Council's last meeting, noting the City's position was that if the development halts, the assessments would fall on the property owner, which was Ramsey County, and meaning the City would not be stuck holding debt for these improvements. She asked how the City would get debt service money from the County. City Administrator Perrault stated the County would have to agree to an assessment agreement like any other entity. He reported it was his understanding the County could be assessed like a private entity. He indicated this was Ehlers understanding as well and was memorialized and approved in the JPA from 2012 or 2013. He explained the development agreement would have to affirm this language. Councilmember Holden questioned if the JPA was a real agreement. City Administrator Perrault stated the JPA was a legally enforceable agreement. He indicated the JPA states the City will recover costs through its special assessment process or the 429 process. Councilmember Holden expressed concern that the City would be responsible for costs if the project halts unless another agreement is put in place with the County. City Administrator Perrault explained this would be approved by the developing parties (City, County and developer) when the financing mechanisms are determined. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 8, 2024 3 Councilmember Monson indicated this agreement would be put in place prior to development of the site. Councilmember Holden questioned if Ehlers was tweaking the developers horizontal numbers. City Administrator Perrault reported the latest numbers show the horizontal numbers were between $86 and $100 million. He stated these numbers have not been tweaked. He indicated the City was waiting on the State funding from the legislature and if the County would be receiving $25 million from the legislature. Councilmember Holden stated it appears there would not be a financial meeting to discuss how to fill the gap until the County hears from the legislature. City Administrator Perrault reported he does not have a finance meeting scheduled between now and May, but noted the JDA requested to discuss finances in May. He commented at the last meeting with the County, he made it clear that while the County was issuing an RFP for the spine road design which included the City's trunk utilities, that the design can be done, but the City would recommend to not move forward with the project until the project finances or funding sources have been identified. Councilmember Monson indicated the Energy Advisory Committee met last week and Xcel presented their eco programs. She commented further on the free programs Xcel has in place to assist with energy modeling for builders and developers. She suggested the City encourage the TCAAP developers to work with Xcel on the energy modeling program. 3. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL Linda Swanson, 1124 Ingerson Road, addressed the Council and made a request to receive documentation prior to the April 20 meeting. She also asked that this documentation be made available to the residents who attend the April 20 meeting. She indicated she was a long-time resident who has been paying City taxes for years and she wanted to know where the City's money goes. She requested the City also provide her with year-end reports that identify revenues and expenditures for years 2019 through 2023. She understood the City was projecting a deficit and requested the City also provide her with revenue and expenditure reports for years 2024 through 2028. She stated if the City withholds this information from residents, who have a right to the information, she requested written documentation that details why the information was being withheld and the identity of any Councilmember that was trying to withhold this information. Mark Kelliher, 3712 Chatham Court, reported in January the Council discussed the 1,960 units for Rice Creek Commons. He indicated he was not opposed to this many units, but he feared the slate in their haste to rush the project forward has not done their homework. He explained both Mayor Grant and Councilmember Holden had questioned if this was the right number of units. Rather than answer this question, Councilmember Monson criticized them for talking too much and dismissed their concerns. He stated after seeing such a defensive reaction he was set on his own quest to answer this very question. He noted he has listened to all of the Council worksessions and meetings. He explained he had exchanged emails with Councilmember Monson and had a conversation with Councilmember Fabel, along with various members from staff. He reported he received a copy of the consultants forecast and thoroughly examined this. He was of the opinion the 1,960 unit number came about because it satisfies two goals, first the County ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 8, 2024 4 wants more housing and second, this project has to be sufficiently profitable for the builder. Other than those two metrics, choosing the 1,960 number was arbitrary. He indicated the County and the developer's needs are being met by the 1,960 units, but what about the City's needs. He questioned why the members of the slate are not advocating for the City's needs. He discussed how the consultants projections show Rice Creek Commons will be a budgetary drain on Arden Hills for at least the next 15 years. He reported he has spent his career analyzing numbers and putting together projections. He feared the City's analysts had done a disservice to the community. He explained the projections from the consultant for the next 15 years will blow the City's budget apart. He questioned where the City would come up with $750,000 a year for this project. He commented on how all of the residents not living on Rice Creek Commons would be responsible for coming up with this funding. He stated he understood the slate votes lock and step in solidarity and there was little he could do to change things. He recommended more transparency be provided and explain how the budgetary blow out would be covered. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES None. 5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS None. 6. STAFF COMMENTS None. 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. March 11, 2024, Special City Council Work Session B. March 11, 2024, Regular City Council MOTION: Counedmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to approve the March 11, 2024, Special City Council Work Session meeting minutes as amended and the March 11, 2024, Regular City Council meeting minutes as presented. The motion carried (5-0). 8. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item- Claims and Payroll B. Motion To Approve Resolution 2024-015 Relating To Mow Less May For Arden Hills Residents And Businesses C. Motion To Approve Hiring Of Building Official D. Motion To Approve Hardcourt Rehabilitation — Cummings, Valentine And Ingerson Parks E. Motion To Approve Resignation Of Planning Commission Alternate Steven Jones M do T n,..,..,-eve Resolution 2024 ni 6 ppeinfin. Steve Er4e.To The P �vivcro �vracrorri�z�-vTv c=pporrrmr�ozc r ....... �.. �..,.�.w......b ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 8, 2024 5 G. Motion To Acknowledge The Application Of Fishing For Life For An Exempt Permit To Conduct A Raffle With The Drawing Being April 13, 2024 With No Waiting Period H. Motion To Approve Resolution 2024-017 Approving A Site Plan Review At 1230 Red Fox Road And 1221 Cummings Park Drive—Water Tower Security Fencing— Planning Case 24-003 I. Motion To Approve A One Year Extension Until April 10, 2025 For A Minor Subdivision And Variance At 1174 Edgewater Avenue—Planning Case 23-003 J. Motion To Approve Resolution 2024-018 Accepting Bid And Authorizing Award Of Contract To Hydro-Klean, LLC—2024 CIPP Lining Project K. Motion To Approve Resolution 2024-019 Recommending The City Of Coon Rapids Award The 2024 Street Maintenance Program M. Motion To Approve Professional Services Agreement For Design Services With Bolten& Menk, Inc. —Arden Oaks And Free Parks Project N. Motion To Approve 2024 Stormwater Management Grant Agreement With Rice Creek Watershed District—2024 PMP Street And Utility Improvements Project O. Motion To Approve Resolution 2024-023 Declaring Costs To Be Assessed And Ordering Preparation Of Proposed Assessment And Calling For A Public Hearing On The Proposed Assessment Related To 1570 McClung Drive—2024 PMP Street And Utility Improvement Project P. Proclamation to Recognize April 2024 as Fair Housing Month in the City of Arden Hills. MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as amended and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried (5-0). 9. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS A. Motion To Approve Professional Services Agreement With Rainbow Tree PP g Care Councilmember Fabel stated it was an expensive process to have ash trees treated. He questioned if the City had sought proposals from any other companies for this work. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported staff solicited proposals from several companies a couple of years ago and the City went with Rainbow Tree Care because their rates were well under the competition. He stated another bonus was that Rainbow Tree Care provided a discounted rate to Arden Hills' residents. MOTION: Councilmember Fabel moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to Approve Professional Services Agreement with Rainbow Tree Care. The motion carried (5-0). B. Motion To Approve Resolution 2024-016 Appointing Steve Erler To The Planning Commission As a Regular Member ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 8, 2024 6 Councilmember Holden questioned why the City was advertising for a Planning Commission member again when two other members of the public had applied for the position along with Steve Erler. City Administrator Perrault explained he did not sit in on the recent interviews. However, he understood the process was to advertise for the Commission positions, hold interviews and make appointments. Councilmember Holden stated she was surprised the City did not contact the other two individuals that previously applied to see if they were interested in serving. City Administrator Perrault indicated he could not speak to their credentials from the dais, but noted the City was following the typical process. Mayor Grant recalled in the past the City had gone back to applications that were on file and staff spoke with those applicants. City Administrator Perrault reported he did not believe the City had a formal written policy in place for this process,but rather actions were based on past practice. Councilmember Rousseau stated Mr. Erler applied for this position. Councilmember Holden explained she understood this to be the case, but her question was why the City was advertising for this position again when the City had two recent applicants on file. She wanted to ensure the City was being inclusive of everyone that was applying for City positions. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to Approve Resolution 2024-016 Appointing Steve Erler to the Planning Commission as a Regular Member. The motion carried (5-0). 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Quarterly Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities Finance Director Yang stated water customers whose accounts are 90 days past due were informed that the City intends to certify delinquent charges to Ramsey County to be collected with property taxes. These customers have the right to a hearing in front of the City Council to discuss this matter prior to certification. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:31 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:32 p.m. B. Planning Case 24-006 Amending Chapter 13, Section 1380 — TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC)—Development Flow Chart Community Development Director Jagoe stated in November 2012, the City Council approved a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with Ramsey County which establishes a partnership between ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 8, 2024 7 the City of Arden Hills and Ramsey County with the goal of the remediation and redevelopment of the 427-acre Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) site. Under the JPA, the City and County created a Joint Development Authority (JDA) that is the joint governing entity of the TCAAP site as allowed by the Joint Powers Act and MN State Laws. The JDA is the authority responsible for,but not limited to, environmental remediation, elimination of blight, infrastructure construction and financing, comprehensive planning and zoning, and economic development and redevelopment. The JDA Board is comprised of two County Commissioners, two City Councilmembers, and an additional non-elected City appointee as the Chair. Key points of the JPA are as follows: • The County will purchase the site from the U.S. Government and will work with Bolander and Sons to remediate the site to a residential standard including the demolition of remaining buildings. • The City will prepare an Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) and Master Plan. The Master Plan will be approved by both the City and the County and will be implemented by the JDA. • The City and County are responsible for installing their respective public infrastructure as outlined by the JPA. Community Development Director Jagoe reported between 2013 —2016, the City facilitated the process of developing the Master Plan for the TCAAP site, which as noted above was the responsibility of the City under the JPA. Planning elements of the Master Plan included defining the public engagement process, land use, circulation and movement, utilities, environmental remediation, parks and open space, implementation plan, and a regulatory plan. In 2015, the City adopted the TRC, Section 1380 of the zoning code which includes the regulating plan, land use table, design standards, and other regulations related to land development that are specific to the TCAAP site. Community Development Director Jagoe discussed the proposed zoning code text amendments in further detail and requested the Council hold a public hearing. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:37 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:38 p.m. C. 2024 PMP Street And Utility Improvements Project Draft Special Assessment Roll Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated on February 12, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution 2024-008 Approving the Plans and Specifications and Ordering the Advertisement for Bids for the 2024 PMP Street & Utility Improvement Project. Bids were solicited and opened on March 6, 2024. A portion of the costs for the 2024 PMP Street & Utility Improvement Project are proposed to be assessed against the benefitting properties according to the City's Assessment Policy. In order to assess these costs, the City must follow the process outlined in State Statute 429. On March 11, 2024, after the bids were opened, the City Council adopted Resolution 2024-012 Declaring Costs to be Assessed and set today as the date for the assessment hearing. A public hearing prior to adopting the assessments is a requirement of State Statute 429. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 8, 2024 8 Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained the Assessment Roll related to Resolution 2024-012 has been amended to remove the property at 1570 McClung Drive. City staff was notified of an error with the property owner information from the Ramsey County recorder's office. Per advice from the City Attorney, the assessment process must be redone for the actual property owner, but the amended assessment roll can continue as it relates to Resolution 2024-021 (New Business Item 11 D). Brad Fisher, Bolton & Menk, reviewed the bid process that was followed and broke down the costs for this project. He stated the project is proposed to be assessed consistent with the City's Assessment Policy and past practices, which states that 50% of the costs for roadway improvements will be assessed in residential areas, with the remaining portion financed by City funds. Financing for the project is consistent with City policy and past practice. The current assessment policy states that the typical overhead rate for a public improvement project is 37% of the construction costs. Staff believes this percentage is higher than necessary and recommends that approximately 27% of the construction costs be used as overhead when calculating the assessment rates. Staff has made this recommendation on the past PMPs since 2021. The breakdown of the overhead costs were further discussed. Mr. Fisher reported the Council must establish the interest rate at tonight's Council Meeting. Many cities set their interest rate for assessments at two (2) percentage points over the bond interest rate. The City's assessment policy states that the interest rate used for the assessment shall be designated at the prime rate plus two (2) percentage points. For the past four PMPs, the assessment interest rates were set at two (2) percentage points over the assumed bond interest rates which were based on current market conditions at the time, the City's AAA bond rating, plus 15 basis points. Mr. Fisher indicated our current assumed bond interest rate is 2.75% and the prime rate is 8.50%. Staff would recommend following the City's assessment policy and setting the assessment rate at 4.75%. The total project costs were analyzed for the assessable cost. The calculation of the amount to be assessed as approved by Council Resolution 2024-012 was further discussed. The assessments related to the project are calculated in accordance with the City's Assessment policy, is half of the street project cost for residential properties and dependent on the type of pavement rehabilitation. Staff commented on the project in further detail and recommended the Council hold the Assessment Hearing. Councilmember Rousseau requested further information on why the City charges 2% above the bond interest. Mr. Fisher explained this was written out in the City's assessment policy and was to cover administrative costs as well as the expense for certifying the assessments. Councilmember Holden reported the City would only be assessing for 50% for streets costs and all other expenses would be paid 100%by the City. She stated out of an almost $3 million project, the City would only be assessing$718,000. Mr. Fisher reported this was the case. He indicated the City had received a $70,000 grant from Rice Creek Watershed for this project that would assist with covering the expense of the stormwater improvements. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 8, 2024 9 Mayor Grant noted the City assesses for streets only and does not assess for water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, trails or parking areas. Mr. Fisher stated this was correct. He commented on the regional improvements that would be made to the parking area on Royal Lane adjacent to the park. He explained the City would be paying the full expense for this parking area. Councilmember Holden questioned if the increase in the assessment amount from the 2022 street project was due to an increased price in asphalt or salaries for workers. Mr. Fisher reported the price for asphalt has stabilized,but noted labor costs were on the rise. Councilmember Holden asked if the City or consultant had experience working with this contractor. Mr. Fisher explained this contractor was out of Jordan, Minnesota and his office has a lot of projects in the south metro where this contractor has been utilized and has a good work product. Councilmember Holden requested staff speak with the public about how to schedule grad parties or other special occasions being planned for this summer. Mr. Fisher stated he would be speaking to residents regarding this matter. Mayor Grant opened the Assessment Hearing at 7:52 p.m. Ed Robinson, 1370 Colleen Avenue, stated he received the assessment allocation letter from the City and noted his assessment was slated to be $12,000 for the project. He indicated he supported the project but stated the $12,000 was quite high, especially given the fact he was retired. He reported he went back into the records and noted the Council had waived his application for his side lot, which was unbuildable. He indicated this lot was next to the pond, generates no traffic and has no driveway. He stated he sent a letter to Mr. Swearingen noting in 1997 he received a similar assessment and the Council heard the same comments from him. The Council in 1997 excluded the portion of the assessment that was applicable to the side lot. He indicated he provided staff with a copy of the letter from 1997. He reported if this lot were sold for any reason, he would be happy to pay the additional costs for the assessment, but requested the Council provide some relief for the assessment on the side lot at this time. Jackie Moe, 1479 Colleen Avenue, asked what pond would be dredged and what would this work look like. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained the pond at Colleen and Hamline Avenues as well as the pond on the south side of McClung Drive and Snelling Avenue would be dredged. He reported maintenance would be done on the ponds to bring their full function back. He stated the work completed would involve removing sediment from the pond to improve the water quality within the ponds. Ms. Moe questioned how the City determined overlay versus a reclamation. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 8, 2024 10 Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated soil borings and core samples were taken to determine the degradation of the pavement. He reported the borings determine what type of rehab work was necessary for the roadway. Ms. Moe commented on how the homes that received a cheaper assessment due to the fact they get a mill & overlay project, would be driving over her new street, and she would be paying a much higher assessment. She believed the overall costs should be more evenly split between the homes in the project area. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained another reason why a portion of the homes within the project area were receiving a mill and overlay, was because their roadway was reconstructed in 2007. Dan Nordby, 1532 Royal Hills Drive, asked if the new asphalt would go from curb to curb or would his concrete driveway be lost. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated along this street, it was a pavement rehab project that for the most part, would stay within the curb lines. He explained this may be different in areas where drainage needs to be addressed. He reported for the most part, driveways should not be impacted. He encouraged Mr. Nordby be in contact with staff to discuss this matter further. Mayor Grant closed the Assessment Hearing at 8:01 p.m. 11. NEW BUSINESS A. Future Agenda Setting/Council Priorities/Future Topic Discussion City Administrator Perrault stated this item was requested to be added as the first item of New Business at this evening's meeting, it is intended to have Council formalize a process for agenda and priority setting. No formal policy exists today, but in the past the Mayor and City Administrator set meeting agendas in-advance of the meetings. The pro to this method is it provides flexibility in agenda setting, but the con is it does not account for consideration from the rest of the City Council. Also included in the memo is a list of Council priorities that Council ranked previously, some of these items have been addressed or are in the process of being addressed. Pending how Council wants to set agendas, it should also discuss how it wants to address future priorities and new priorities when they arise. Should Council want to move a formal policy forward, Staff can bring a completed policy for approval at a future meeting. Mayor Grant commented this list was drafted by himself and City Administrator Perrault based on the list of priorities. He explained some items were time critical while others were not. He believed the Council had knocked a lot of items off the list and would get the other items in time. He was of the opinion the way the Council was going about things was good and proper. He stated the Council would be meeting on April 15 and April 22 and would be knocking items off this list. Councilmember Rousseau stated she liked the suggestion of having the Council discuss at a worksession what would be addressed at the next worksession meeting. She indicated she has been disappointed by the fact the Council has not discussed strategic planning, which the Council ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 8, 2024 11 agreed to work on. She noted this was a timely issue that should be addressed prior to the June budget discussions. She believed the 5:30 p.m. worksession meeting time was not working. She supported the Council holding its worksession meetings at 5:00 p.m. Councilmember Holden indicated she would not object going back to 5:00 p.m. but noted when the Councilmembers were elected, the third Monday of the month meetings were to be held at 5:00 p.m. and the other two meetings were to begin at 7:00 p.m. She stated due to personal reasons, she could not be at meetings prior to 5:00 p.m. She hoped the Council would keep meetings times so that all members could attend. She understood Councilmembers wanted to spend more time with their families and noted this could be accomplished by spreading out the committee appointments. She believed it would be complicated to have the Council rating items by priority at each worksession meeting. Councilmember Monson stated she generally felt neutral about the agenda setting policy until recently when it became clear that the Council's priorities were not clear and the Council did not hold a strategic goal setting meeting. She commented on how challenging it was to call a special Council worksession for April 15 and therefore she did not believe the current agenda setting policy was working. She indicated she was willing to give this a go and could rely on the Mayor during worksessions to set aside several minutes at the end of each meeting to discuss upcoming priorities. Councilmember Fabel reported he was comfortable with the proposal. Mayor Grant indicated he was not comfortable with the proposal. He believed the list was long now and would be knocked off shortly. He stated if the Council wanted to get through these items, he did not believe specific procedures had to be put in place, rather the items had to be discussed in a concise matter and the Council had to move on. He suggested before procedural changes are made, that the Council be allowed to work through items on April 15 and April 22 and after that time the list will narrow. Councilmember Holden stated back in November when the scheduling changes were made for the worksessions, she was told the changes were being made for staff. She believed adding worksessions would now be burdensome for staff. She indicated the strategic planning retreat was nixed because the Council was told these items could be addressed at regular worksessions. She questioned which items were a priority for the City versus a personal priority. She suggested some of the items be addressed by staff versus being further vetted by the Council. Mayor Grant reported the Old Snelling matter would not take long to discuss. He understood there were difficulties in getting to all the items. However, he was of the opinion the Council could get through all of the items without putting new policies in place. MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a motion to approve the agenda setting policy as outlined in the memorandum from staff dated March 11,2024. Councilmember Holden stated approving this policy would take any power away from the Mayor to set an agenda. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 8, 2024 12 Mayor Grant reported this was the case and stated this group was not willing to wait until April 22 to see if these policies were necessary. Councilmember Holden asked if the intent was to have the Mayor not be a part of the agenda from this point on. Councilmember Monson indicated there were some unfair comments being made. She made it clear that she has tried to get things on the agenda and it was not happening. She discussed how difficult it was to get a special worksession scheduled in order to check items off this list. She explained she was supporting this change because she was not willing to do nothing and topics needed to be addressed. She reported because this item came to the Council as a business item, a vote was being taken, when this item could have been discussed at a worksession and questions could have been asked and answered. She indicated this item could always be revisited. She commented there were other cities that set agendas in this manner. She anticipated if the Council had held a strategic planning session, this policy would not have been necessary. She stated the Council has been put into this position now due to the inability to put items on an agenda. Councilmember Holden stated the Council used to be able to put items on an agenda, but now all matters have to go through a worksession and those meetings have been shortened. She did not approve of taking this item away from the Mayor. She reiterated that back in November, when she brought up the fact moving to two shorter meetings may not provide enough time to discuss all matters, the Council moved forward with the worksession changes regardless of her concerns. She stated now all of the sudden this was the Mayor and staff s problem. She commented on the amount of give and take that was necessary when setting an agenda. Councilmember Holden called the question. MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to table action on this item to April 22, 2024. A roll call vote was taken. The motion failed 2-3 (Councilmembers Fabel, Monson, and Rousseau opposed). A roll call vote was taken on the original motion. The motion carried 3-2 (Councilmember Holden and Mayor Grant opposed). B. Resolution 2024-020 Adopting And Confirming Quarterly Special Assessments For Delinquent Utilities Finance Director Yang stated delinquent utility amounts are certified to Ramsey County quarterly. A list of utility accounts with a delinquent balance was compiled and notices dated February 28, 2024 were mailed. These customers were informed of their delinquent status and were asked to make payment of the delinquent balance by March 29, 2024. Utility accounts with an unpaid delinquent balance would be certified to Ramsey County to be added to property taxes payable in 2025. The certification amount is equal to the unpaid delinquent balance plus an eight percent penalty. The City will request that Ramsey County levy the delinquent balances against the respective properties. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2024-020, Certifying Delinquent Utilities to Ramsey County. The motion carried (5-0). ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 8, 2024 13 C. Final Planning Case 24-006 — Chapter 13, Section 1380 — TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC)—Development Flow Chart • Ordinance 2024-002 Amending Chapter 13, Section 1380 Concerning the Development Flow Chart of the TRC Community Development Director Jagoe stated between August 2016 and December 2016, the City Council and other participants of the TCAAP Development Team met to discuss several Comprehensive Plan and TCAAP Redevelopment Code amendments that would be necessary for the implementation of the plan. On December 12, 2016, the City Council approved Ord. 2016-012 which adopted the entirety of the TRC as the new Section 1380 in the city code. Within that ordinance, one of those amendments included striking the previously identified Section 3.4, Special Development Plan in its entirety. Community Development Director Jagoe discussed the Zoning Code Text Amendments in further detail and offered the following Findings of Fact: 1. The City of Arden Hills is proposing amendments to the illustration of Chapter 13 — Zoning Code, Section 1380 — TCAAP Redevelopment Code, Attachment 3 — Development Flow Chart of the City Code. 2. The proposed ordinance will correct the exhibit to be consistent with the ordinance language in Section 3.3 which outlines the Joint Development Review Process. 3. The proposed amendment is not modifying procedures as currently outlined in the TRC of the Arden Hills City Code. 4. Amendments to the Zoning Code regulations require a public hearing prior to action by the City Council. 5. If the zoning amendments were approved, an Applicant would be required to submit a land use application that would be subject to the formal review process. 6. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on March 6, 2024. Community Development Director Jagoe reported the Planning Commission reviewed this application at their March 6, 2024 meeting. At the time, they recommended approval as presented of Planning Case 24-006 for TRC Code Amendment to Chapter 13 by a 6-0 vote. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to adopt Ordinance 2024-002 for Planning Case 24-006 for Zoning Code Amendments to Chapter 13, Section 1380 — TCAAP Redevelopment Code to amend Attachment 3 — Development Flow Chart of Zoning Code Chapter 13, Section 1380 — TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC) and authorize staff to publish a Summary Ordinance of 2024-002 for Planning Case 24-006. The motion carried (5-0). D. Resolution 2024-021 Adopting Special Assessment Roll —2024 PMP Street And Utility Improvements Project Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated this item was presented to the Council under Item 1 OC. Staff requested the Council approve the assessment roll for the 2024 PMP Street and Utility Improvement Project. He indicated the Council would have to take separate action for the property at 1370 Colleen Avenue due to the objection made by the property owner. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 8, 2024 14 Councilmember Holden stated she supported moving the discussion for the appealed property on Colleen Avenue to a future meeting in order to learn more about how the lot and side lot was platted. Councilmember Rousseau asked if there were other properties in Arden Hills that were like this, or was this property unique. Councilmember Fabel supported the Council having more information regarding the property on Colleen Avenue before making a determination on the appeal. MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Fabel seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2024-021, Approving Assessment Roll for the 2024 PMP Street & Utility Improvement Proiect as amended, removing the properties located at 1370 Colleen Avenue and 1570 McClung Drive for future consideration. Councilmember Monson asked when the working group discussed and decided how properties in Arden Hills should be assessed. Mayor Grant reported the working group met in 2004. Councilmember Monson questioned if there was an appetite whether or not the City should be rolling assessments into the levy or to consider what other options were available to the City for assessing. Councilmember Holden encouraged Councilmember Monson to read all of the working group minutes in order to understand the amount of work they did when considering the City's assessment policy. Councilmember Monson stated she could read through the notes. Councilmember Holden commented it was something interesting to consider but noted the majority of cities in the State use an assessment policy. The motion carried (5- Mayor Grant requested the Council now set the interest rate for the street improvement project. MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to set the interest rate for the 2024 PMP Street Improvement and Utility Improvement Proiect to be 4.75%, which is 2% on top of the bond rate. The motion carried (5-0). E. Resolution 2024-022 Accepting Bid And Authorizing Award Of Contract To S.M. Hentges And Sons, Inc. — 2024 PMP Street And Utility Improvements Project Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated on February 12, 2024, the City Council approved plans & specifications and ordered advertisement for bids for the 2024 PMP ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 8, 2024 15 Street & Utility Improvement Project. The proposed improvements include bituminous paving, storm water improvements, watermain improvements on James Avenue, concrete curb and gutter repair, and appurtenant work on the following streets: Streets proposed for Full-Depth Reclamation: • Keithson Drive from County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 96 West to 800 feet south of CSAH 96 West • Royal Hills Drive from Snelling Avenue North to Arden View Drive • Colleen Avenue from McClung Drive to Hamline Avenue North • Norma Avenue from Dawn Circle to Briarknoll Drive • Norma Avenue from Briarknoll Drive to Colleen Avenue • James Avenue from Indian Oaks Trail to Colleen Avenue Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported Full-Depth Reclamation consists of grinding the existing pavement, shaping the generated aggregate material to raise the center crown to improve pavement drainage and repaving the roadway with 4- inches of bituminous pavement. Streets proposed for Mill & Overla: • Briarknoll Circle • Briarknoll Drive from Snelling Avenue North to Norma Avenue • Royal Lane from Norma Avenue to Floral Drive West • McClung Drive from Snelling Avenue North to Colleen Avenue • Colleen Circle • Arden Vista Court Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained Mill & Overlay consists of grinding and removing the top 2-inches of existing pavement and repaving the roadway with 2- inches of bituminous pavement. Pursuant of Resolution 2024-008, bids were opened on March 6, 2024, after receiving 7 bids for the project. The four lowest bids were: Company Bid Amount S.M. Hentges and Sons, Inc. $2,238,418.15 OMG Midwest dba MN Paving &Materials $2,276,211.14 Park Construction $2,303,048.55 GMH Asphalt Corp $2,320,447.29 Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated S.M. Hentges & Sons, Inc. has completed similar projects successfully in the metro area and staff has had direct experience working with this contractor in the past. A letter from Bolton & Menk recommending award to S.M. Hentges & Sons, Inc. as the lowest responsible/responsive bidder was reviewed by staff. Staff recommends adoption of Resolution 2024-022. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2024-022, A-,yarding the 2024 PMP Street and Utility Improvements Contract to S.M. Hentges & Sons, Inc. in the amount of $2,238,418.15. The motion carried (5-0). ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 8, 2024 16 12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 13. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Rousseau thanked Steven Jones for serving the City as a Planning Commissioner. Councilmember Rousseau stated previously she and the Mayor met with the City Administrator and Mayor of Mounds View to discuss potentially partnering on recreation programs. Councilmember Rousseau explained her nephew and seven year old daughter attended the easter egg hunt. She thanked staff and all of the volunteers who made this event possible. She indicated she sent personal thank you notes to the Lions and NHS group thanking them for their efforts. She stated last spring she had asked that a volunteer recognition process be created and questioned if the Personnel Committee had addressed this matter. City Administrator Perrault explained this could be addressed by the Personnel Committee at their next meeting. Councilmember Rousseau noted she and PTRC Member Kate Olson met with the Rotary Club. She stated a member from the Arden Hills Foundation attended the recent PTRC meeting. She also noted members of the PTRC met with the Lions as well in approximately November 2023. She stated the PTRC is looking to develop strategic partnerships with organizations that have similar missions. Councilmember Rousseau commented she provided the Mayor with a draft Code of Conduct document. Councilmember Rousseau discussed the bills Representative Moller and Senator Marty authored to authorize $2 million for a trail along Old Highway 10. Councilmember Rousseau stated the Gateway Visitor's Bureau does not have Arden Hills listed on their website. She noted the New Brighton Gnome Search was on the website. She suggested events like touch a truck be advertised with this organization. Mayor Grant explained the focus of the Gateway Visitor's Bureau was to get "heads in beds". He noted he would check into this matter at the group's next meeting. Councilmember Fabel stated the major financial issue with Rice Creek Commons was the funding need to complete the spine road. He indicated he was closely following a $25 million bonding request that Ramsey County has requested from the State. He reported this past week he met with Republic Representative Dean Urdahl who sits on the bonding committee. Councilmember Fabel explained a citizen (Mr. Bonine) spoke at the worksession who raised the issue of an encroachment on the trails. He noted this resident provided the Council with a detailed and thoughtful letter. He understood this resident wanted to be part of a broader discussions that would address trail encroachments throughout the community. He stated the Council made no ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 8, 2024 17 decisions at the March 11 meeting and supported the Council having further discussions regarding this matter. Councilmember Fabel discussed the comments Mr. Kelliher made regarding the budgetary impacts of Rice Creek Commons would have on the City. He noted the document was mislabeled. He stated the spreadsheet only has a partial listing of some of the costs and does not account for a contingency. He requested staff respond to this item at the next Council meeting in order to correct some of the comments made by Mr. Kelliher. Councilmember Holden reported on January 8 the City received financial information from Stacie Kvilvang with Ehlers and this information could be provided to Mr. Kelliher. She indicated this was the most current financial information the City had. Councilmember Holden explained two residents called her regarding Representative Moller and the information provided to her regarding the City's stance on single family zoning. She questioned what information was given the fact it has not been discussed by the Council. Councilmember Monson indicated she spoke with Senator Moller about bonding but that an official City stance from the Council was not provided on the missing middle housing. She noted they did iterate from the LMC's perspective and asked for more City input into the bill. Councilmember Holden supported a letter being sent from the City with its official stance. Councilmember Monson stated she was not opposed to this did but not believe this was necessary given the fact the proposed bill has been amended extensively and it will likely not go through this year. However, if the City wants to put forward its stance this could be done but that she does not think it's worthwhile at this point as it is unlikely to get through the session. Councilmember Holden supported the City sending a letter in order to make Representative Moller aware of what this community wants should another bill be drafted in the future as the City can help her develop the bill based on what her community wants. She noted a lot happens in the summer with bills. Councilmember Holden indicated she supported the Council further reviewing the encroachment policy. Councilmember Monson reported she attended the egg hunt with her kids and they had a really good time. Councilmember Monson commented she attended a fire board meeting and the focus continues to be on the new fire station and State grant funding. Councilmember Monson explained she supported reviewing the encroachment policy at a future worksession. Councilmember Monson stated she would like to see the code of conduct that was presented by Councilmember Rousseau. Mayor Grant thanked Steven Jones for his time on the Planning Commission. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 8 2024 18 Mayor Grant stated the Gateway Visitor Bureau has finished its 2023 finances and noted the City would be receiving a grant in the amount of$18,390. Mayor Grant explained he had a draft copy of a code of conduct and noted he and Councilmember Rousseau would continue to work on this before bringing it before the Council. Mayor Grant requested the City contact the local bussing company in order to have a school bus at the touch a truck event. Mayor Grant stated he met with Councilmember Rousseau along with the Mayor of Mounds View to discuss sharing resources or facilities for recreation programs. City Administrator Perrault commented he would share the Rice Creek Commons spreadsheet with Mr. Kelliher and would provide Ms. Swanson with the financial information from the City that she requested. ADJOURN MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to adiourn. The motion carried (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 9:02 p.m. cot& 1111ev"', J i Hanson David Grant C Clerk Mayor