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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-10-24-SWS'It -texQEN HILLS Request for Special City Council Work Session A special meeting may be called by the Mayor or by any two Councilmembers. Reason for meeting: 1. Public Inquiries/Informational 2. Response to Public Inquiries 3. Agenda Items A. 4293 and 4295 Lexington Avenue Concept Plan Review B. Highway 96/TH 10 Corridor Landscaping and Irrigation Maintenance C. 2025 Park Improvement Project D. Spring Lake Park Lions Club Donation Discussion E. Council Code of Conduct F. Strategic Planning Discussion Follow-up G. Rice Creek Commons/TCAAP Discussion H. Agenda Planning 4. Council/Staff Comments Adjourn Requested Date: 06/10/2024 Requested time: 5:00 pm Open meeting X Signature of person(s) making request: i Mayor or Council Member Council Member Date received: 06/06/2024 Date meeting to be held: Time of meeting: 5:00 pm Location: Citv Hall Closed meeting 06/06/2024 Date Date -This section to be completed by City staff - 06/ 10/2024 All necessary posting and notices have been completed. 06/06/2024 Signature of City Clerk Date City of Arden Hills • 1245 West Highway 96 • Arden Hills Minnesota 55112 Phone 651.792.7800 • Fax 651.634.5137 • www.cityofardenhills.org -fiITEN HILLS Approved: July 8, 2024 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION JUNE 10,2024 5:00 P.M. -ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Grant called to order the Special City Council Work Session at 5:00 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; Assistant Public Works Director Lucas Miller; Community Development Director Jessica Jagoe and Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Julie Hanson 1. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL Mark Kelliher, 3712 Chatham Court, stated despite receiving an email from Councilmember Fabel where he was threatened with action if he does not stop asking questions that he finds inconvenient or annoying, he would not be bullied by him, nor dissuaded from his constitutional right to free speech. He explained he wanted to show his support for agenda Item 3E. He supported each member of the Council receiving a tune-up when it comes to communication skills, with some having more need then others. He could envision Councilmember Rousseau roaming the halls making unauthorized and adhoc demands of staff such as running reports and answering her questions in a quest to vanquish her next political foe. He indicated this type of behavior was unhealthy for any work culture because staff is left questioning who their boss was. He fully supported each Councilmember being required to run their requests through the City Administrator. He believed Dave Perrault should be directing traffic and staff was responsible to him. He noticed Item 3E discussed how the Council should use decorum and civility when addressing staff. He suggested the Council expand the scope for Item 3E to address how Councilmembers speak to residents. He stated disrespectful comments regarding residents are made on a regular basis by Councilmember Rousseau and Councilmember Fabel. He was of the opinion Councilmember Monson was the only member of the slate that could communicate with residents. He recommended Item 3E be expanded so members of the public can broach their concerns with the Council without fear of intimidation and belittlement. ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 10, 2024 2 2. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES None. 3. AGENDA ITEMS A. 4293 and 4295 Lexington Avenue Concept Plan Review Megan Rogers, Larkin Hoffinan, thanked the Council for their time. She provided the Council with a presentation on a concept plan for the two parcels adjacent to Cummings Park. She reported she would need a rezoning and text amendment to allow for a school and house of worship within the 1-1 zoning district. She believed the proposed site would suit the school and house of worship use given its location within the community. She commented on how schools require a larger parcel in order to accommodate a campus. She recommended the text amendment only permit this use under certain conditions. She discussed the project objectives in further detail with the Council. She reviewed the existing site conditions and noted her client appreciated the fact there was a full-sized kitchen and cafeteria that could be utilized by the school. She commented on how traffic would flow to and from the site. She commented further as to the benefits of having all of their students on one campus. It was her hope the Council would support the proposed concept plan on this site. Mayor Grant asked what type of school would be coming into the community. Ms. Rogers explained she has kept her clients name confidential because they have had three purchase agreements where other schools have come in and offered more money for those sites. She reported if the Council did not support the use on this property, she would let her client know, but noted she would be keeping the name of her client confidential. She indicated this was an expensive site and a significant amount of fundraising would have to occur before the purchase could be made. Councilmember Holden inquired if the exterior of the building would be changed. Ms. Rogers reported the exterior of the building would not be changed. Councilmember Holden questioned how the 400 students would get to school on a daily basis. Ms. Rogers stated there would be both bussing and parents dropping off students. Councilmember Holden indicated she was worried about the flow of traffic given the fact this was a high traffic area. In addition, she was concerned about the fact this site did not have a playground. Ms. Rogers noted 273 students currently take the bus to school. She indicated the site had 693 parking stalls and 400 would be attributable to the two southern buildings. She explained the busses would be parked off site. She discussed where a potential playground could be located on the property. Councilmember Holden questioned what the hours of operation were for the school. ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 10, 2024 3 Ms. Rogers commented the school currently operates from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. She noted after care was offered through 6:00 p.m. She indicated the school does offer some after school activities for its middle school students. Councilmember Rousseau discussed how she lived in the neighborhood across from Karth Lake and she understood the neighbors have been working to improve the water quality for the lake. She indicated she had concerns with how the lake would be impacted. She commented on how the neighbors can hear the kids playing at the park on the weekends. She stated she would be concerned about the noise being generated by the proposed school if it were to locate on this property. She explained she was also concerned about traffic flowing to and from this site. Mayor Grant indicated he was concerned about how this property was supposed to be used to Y p p Y pP generate jobs. He anticipated there were other locations in Arden Hills that could be used for a house of worship. He stated the City would be losing a sizeable chunk of its Industrial property if this property were rezoned. He noted he had concerns with this. Councilmember Monson commented she liked the idea of having a school and church. She indicated she was not overly concerned about noise, but feared the site would be limited with parking and outdoor activities. She reported she would be very hard pressed to support the school using public facilities. She felt like there were a lot of hurdles with this request. Councilmember Fabel stated these hurdles would have to be overcome by the applicant. Councilmember Monson reported this was the case and noted the City had 15 properties where a house of worship would be allowed in the community. Further discussion ensued regarding how this use would impact the surrounding properties. Ms. Rogers commented the school was not proposing to use the public facilities but noted her client did appreciate how this property felt like it was part of the community. Councilmember Holden indicated she did not have a problem with a house of worship at this location, but she did have a problem with a school. She feared the site did not have proper capacity for traffic, parking and future expansion. Councilmember Monson questioned what other alternatives the school had considered. Ms. Rogers stated building a campus from scratch would be difficult because a large vacant property would be needed. For this reason, many schools were transitioning to industrials sites with large amounts of parking. Another option would be to purchase old charter schools that were already zoned for the use. She commented further on how it was necessary to rezone this site in order to accommodate the proposed use. Mayor Grant questioned how far students would be bussed. Ms. Rogers indicated students would be coming from Minneapolis and noted she has looked for property in Columbus, Blaine and Fridley. She indicated one of her boardmembers became aware of this property. ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 10, 2024 4 Councilmember Fabel asked if the school had an affiliation with Bethel or Northwestern. Ms. Rogers stated the school did not, but noted the graduates could consider attending either school after graduation. Mayor Grant indicated he could support the house of worship use, but explained he was concerned with how the school would fit. In addition, he was concerned about losing this large industrial parcel and the jobs it created. Ms. Rogers stated she would bring the Council's feedback to her board and explained she appreciated the Council's thoughtful consideration. B. Highway hwa 96/TH10 Corridor Landscaping and Irrigation ation Maintenance Assistant Public Works Director Miller stated Public Works staff has been aware of the viability issues of the landscaping around the Lakeshore Place retaining wall (near the intersection of Highways 96 and 10 southwest quadrant) for the last couple years and adjusted to try to include it as part of the City's maintenance cycle per the cooperative agreement with Ramsey County approved by City Council on March 10, 2023. This effort of maintenance is solely dependent on daily workload and staff availability. Based on concerns stated by residents in the area, staff is trying to come up with A) a more realistic and consistent maintenance option for the longevity of the plantings and trees in the area and B) direction to replace the shrubs that are in heavy decline in the area. Arden Hills is required to maintain the area per the cooperative agreement with Ramsey County. Assistant Public Works Director Miller explained similarly, the Highway 96 corridor landscaping maintenance is the responsibility of Arden Hills. The City has invested nearly $80,000 into tree replacements annually since 2022. In order to ensure the viability and success of the trees, large amounts of watering is required. These trees require Public Works staff to fill watering bags in order for the trees to thrive throughout the spring, summer and fall months in a very tough environment for growth along a highway boulevard. This effort of maintenance is solely dependent on daily workload and staff availability. Safety is also a concern with this effort, as well. The amount of time staff works along live traffic out of their vehicles should be minimized as much as possible along the corridor of Highway 96, one of the busiest roadways in Arden Hills and posted speed limit of 55 mph. This work is often performed by seasonal staff with little field experience. Staff is interested in gauging the Council's interest in permanently installing an irrigation system to limit the amount of exposure staff has along live traffic, as well as consistently helping the longevity and viability of the trees that we have invested in and replaced in the corridor recently and give them the best chance to survive. Assistant Public Works Director Miller reported recently, Public Works staff inspected the existing condition of the remaining trees along TH-96. Approximately 30 more trees are in major decline. A good portion of the trees have been identified with Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) disease and have been treated over the years, but treatment is no longer a viable option and the trees need to be removed and possibly replaced. Staff would propose replacing these trees in the same fashion, consistent with the annual projects since 2022 using the Tree Replacement Fund, which has an approximate balance of$34,000 that could be utilized for this work. ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 10, 2024 5 Councilmember Monson understood the trees and shrubs were not surviving due to lack of irrigation. She explained an alternative to installing an irrigation system was providing adequate water for the trees and shrubs for the first five years. She commented further on the cost of installing an irrigation system versus the cost for manually watering the trees and shrubs. Councilmember Fabel reviewed the agreement with the County noting the County providing the plantings and the City was to provide all care and upkeep of the landscaped areas. He questioned if the City was holding up its end of the agreement. Assistant Public Works Director Miller explained City staff was doing its best to water and maintain the landscaping. He reported an irrigation system would help with providing more consistency. s Councilmember Fabel stated given the condition of the plants right now, he questioned if the City was properly maintaining them at this time. Assistant Public Works Director Miller stated there were 17 shrubs in decline that were being attacked by rabbits. He reiterated that staff was doing the best it can to maintain these shrubs. Councilmember Fabel asked if the City was fulfilling the intent and purpose of the agreement with the County. Assistant Public Works Director Miller believed the City was fulfilling its portion of the agreement. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported in 2012 when this interchange was completed, MNDOT turned over the maintenance to Ramsey County and Ramsey County was going to remove the boulevard trees because they will not maintain them. It was in the Council's interest at that time to acquire the trees and the City would be responsible for the maintenance. He explained the City was doing the best it could to maintain this space and indicated the proposed irrigation would relieve some of the resources that were being focused on watering this area. He stated the residents in this area supported an irrigation system, especially given the recent droughts. Councilmember Holden questioned if the seasonals were allowed to operate the water truck. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained a Class B license was required to operate the water truck, which meant a fulltime employee was required to complete this work. He indicated seasonals could assist. Councilmember Holden stated Ramsey County never maintained this property after the trees were installed. She commented on how $200,000 was a lot of money and would buy a lot of park equipment. Councilmember Monson inquired if the City had to keep the trees, or could a pollinator garden be considered,because this would require less water. ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 10, 2024 6 Assistant Public Works Director Miller explained he had a list of shrubs that were being considered to assist with screening the traffic. He indicated only 17 shrubs were being proposed to be replaced. Councilmember Rousseau asked if the irrigation system could be installed next year with the 30 trees and 17 shrubs being replaced this year. Assistant Public Works Director Miller commented he would appreciate the Council considering this request as soon as possible. Councilmember Rousseau discussed how valuable the trees were to block out noise for the adjacent neighborhood. Mayor Grant stated a better solution may be required given the fact the City was now responsible for the trees at TH10 and Highway 96. He understood that a number of trees that were declining were ash trees. Assistant Public Works Director Miller reported this was the case. He noted 14 trees were recently replaced by Margolis. Mayor Grant believed the residents of Arden Hills appreciated the trees along Highway 96. He supported the City finding a solution for Shoreline Lane this year. Budgetarily, he anticipated the City would have to consider how and when to fund the irrigation project. Assistant Public Works Director Miller commented further on the proposed dripline that could be installed along Highway 96. Councilmember Fabel asked if these young trees take at some point and require less watering. Assistant Public Works Director Miller explained this takes approximately five years. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen discussed how this was a harsh environment for trees and watering was very important in order to get them to the five year mark. Councilmember Holden stated that many of the trees along this corridor should not have been planted. She said if the majority that were dying were ash trees, she understood they would have to be replaced. She commented on how the drought impacted the trees and she appreciated the fact that the new trees selected were hardier. Councilmember Rousseau questioned what the County has been doing for the median with Shoreview. She asked if Shoreview had an irrigation system or if they used water trucks. Assistant Public Works Director Miller anticipated Shoreview was responsible for maintaining their medians. He indicated he was uncertain if Shoreview had an irrigation system in place. Councilmember Holden reported Shoreview had an ICWC crew that maintained the watering of medians for Shoreview. Mayor Grant asked if this was an option for Arden Hills. ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 10, 2024 7 Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported Arden Hills only had the ICWC crews on the weekends. Councilmember Monson stated she was skeptical about continuing to put money into this. She indicated half of the trees and shrubs have died or were in decline. She explained she was having a hard time with understanding why they should be maintained instead of removed. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen indicated years ago trees were removed and not replaced. However, after receiving direction from the Council, the trees along the Highway 96 corridor were replaced. He stated he was trying to find solutions in order to react to the comments being received from Council and residents. Councilmember Monson anticipated that it would continue to be difficult to maintain the trees along this corridor. She suggested a solid plan be created to address how many trees should be planted and maintained going forward and how much it will cost. Councilmember Rousseau asked how many trees were surviving and doing well. Assistant Public Works Director Miller explained of the 213 trees, 110 were in decline. He estimated the 25 of the 30 that were recently inspected as needed to be replaced were due to emerald ash borer. Mayor Grant asked if the Council wanted to replant the trees along the trees along Lakeshore Place. Councilmember Monson stated she would only support this if the City was required per the agreement. Mayor Grant indicated he could support the tree replacement on Lakeshore Place. Councilmember Rousseau stated she could support the tree placement on Lakeshore Place as well. Mayor Grant asked if the Council could support the tree placement along Lakeshore Place. Councilmember Monson indicated she would only support this if required by the agreement. Councilmember Rousseau believed the City was exceeding its requirements for this roadway and she was not in favor of it. Councilmember Holden stated she supported the replanting because the homeowners purchased homes along this roadway and MNDOT came in and significantly increased the level of traffic on Highway 10. She suggested at least half of the trees be replaced. Councilmember Fabel agreed the trees should not be replaced. Councilmember Holden commented if nothing was done the trees will die and more plants will be required to be purchased. ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 10, 2024 8 Councilmember Monson indicated she wanted to better understand what was required of the City for beautification. She stated if staff came up with a concrete plan for these areas, taking into consideration what was required by the City, she would be happy to reconsider how to approach these projects. Councilmember Fabel feared the City was throwing good money at bad. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated staff would continue to water with the resources staff had. Councilmember Monson explained she would need more details from staff on the irrigation system. She indicated she could not support purchasing and replanting 17 more shrubs that would just die again in this environment. Councilmember Fabel anticipated that ongoing watering would be necessary in order to maintain any vegetation or landscaping at this corner. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated residents in this area were very concerned that this corner was not being watered properly and this was why this matter was brought to the City Council. Councilmember Rousseau questioned how many new trees were being watered. Assistant Public Works Director Miller indicated half of the spruce trees were planted last year. Councilmember Rousseau stated these trees have to be watered. Councilmember Monson stated she was hearing from staff that there was a need for this area to be irrigated. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen indicated he believed this was the case given the amount of resident feedback staff has received. Councilmember Fabel supported this area being irrigated as well. Mayor Grant stated this meant staff had support from four Councilmembers to irrigate this area. He questioned how the Council wanted to address Highway 96. Councilmember Holden suggested there be half the number of trees without an irrigation system. She recommended that if a tree were to die that it not be replaced. Mayor Grant indicated he supported the trees being watered. Councilmember Rousseau agreed. Councilmember Monson explained she did not support an irrigation system for this portion of roadway in 2024. She indicated she wanted to see a full plan for Highway 96 and wanted to understand if the 30 trees had to be replaced. ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 10, 2024 9 Councilmember Holden stated one of the ideas was to wait until so many trees were gone and then to hire a firm to plant the proper trees and maintain them for two of three years. Councilmember Rousseau reported she valued the canopy of trees in Arden Hills and she recommended the 30 trees be replaced with something that would be resistant. Councilmember Holden questioned if the 30 trees would be replaced this fall. Assistant Public Works Director Miller anticipated the trees would be replaced in November. Councilmember Holden suggested staff bring this item back to the Council this fall. Councilmember Fabel indicated he would like to take a closer look at the Highway 96 corridor. He did not believe the trees provided any privacy to the adjacent homes. Mayor Grant agreed the trees did not provide a great deal of privacy. Councilmember Holden indicated trees do provide a nice amount of shade for those walking along this corridor. Mayor Grant requested staff bring this item back to the Council in September or October. C. 2024 Park Improvement Project Assistant Public Works Director Miller stated at the March 11, 2024 Work Session, Staff presented to City Council an introduction to the Arden Oaks Park & Freeway Park Improvement Project. Arden Oaks Park and Freeway Park play structures and swings were built in 1999 and 1998, respectively. Through the City's Park Maintenance Management Plan, park equipment is to be considered for replacement on a 20-year cycle. Within the 2024-2028 CIP, Arden Oaks Park and Freeway Park are programmed for improvements in 2025. According to the City's Park Maintenance Management Plan, hardcourts are to be considered for resurfacing every 5-8 years, with a life expectancy of 25-35 years depending on conditions. Arden Oaks Park and Freeway Park are scheduled for resurfacing in 2025. By visual inspection, the surface is showing signs for replacement,but the underlying soils do not appear to have an issue with significant heaving. Assistant Public Works Director Miller explained the 2025 Park Improvement Project, as programmed in the 2024-2028 CIP, is only budgeted for the replacement of the play structures, rehabilitation of the hardcourts and some miscellaneous items that relate to the play structure or hardcourts or items that have been consistent in recent past Park Improvement Projects. Assistant Public Works Director Miller reported Public Works Staff and PTRC have each performed site visits and listed feedback for potential park improvements, in addition to the play structures and hardcourts, which is over and above what had been budgeted for in the CIP. This feedback was presented to Council at the March 11 Work Session. Council was interested in considering all of these items presented at that Work Session and requested staff to go through the process of receiving feedback from Public outreach and providing preliminary planning level cost estimates of these items prior to determining the final scope of the project. ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 10, 2024 10 Assistant Public Works Director Miller stated considering Council's desire to be flexible at the early stages of the project with the design and the current broad scope of the project, Staff requested that Bolton and Menk, Inc. (BMI) provide a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) that only included the following: complete online survey development, public involvement, survey analysis, planning level cost estimates based on feedback and a Public meeting presentation to Council. This PSA with BMI was approved by Council at the April 8, 2024 Council Meeting. Council was able to see the presentation from BMI and the packet information g A the put together, breaking down in detail the survey results at the Work Session on May 28, they g g Y Y 2024. Assistant Public Works Director Miller commented for the Work Session, Council will need to define more, the scope of the project, which will lead the project into the design phase. A PSA amendment will be requested from Bolton & Menk related to that project scope for the Arden Oaks Park & Freeway Park Improvement Project. Councilmember Monson supported the City having a Parks Master Plan in place because this would give the City a vision for budgeting and overall vision for park amenities. Councilmember Rousseau stated after speaking with the consultant regarding the proposed park improvements, she understood there were a lot of opportunities at Freeway Park. She supported the City having a Master Plan in place, but also incorporating other values such as environmental stewardship and invasive species. Councilmember Holden indicated she was having trouble envisioning Freeway Park any other way, given its size and how it was surrounded by two major roadways. She suggested more planning be completed for Arden Oaks Park. Councilmember Monson supported these two parks moving forward as is and that a Master Plan be put in place for all future parks. Councilmember Fabel stated he liked the idea of a Parks Master Plan. He feared the Council was micromanaging parks from the Council level. He reported he was a fan of the plans for Freeway Park. Councilmember Rousseau was of the opinion Freeway Park may have more opportunities. Mayor Grant discussed that what the City does today has to fit into the plans for tomorrow. He agreed Arden Oaks Park could have more amenities added in the future. Councilmember Holden asked what parks were coming up for improvements. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated in 2027, Ingerson and Sampson would be improved, and in 2029 the playground structure would be replaced at Royal Hills. He stated in 2033, Valentine Park would be improved. He asked if it made sense to put the brakes on the plans for Arden Oaks and Freeway Parks in order to pursue a Parks Master Plan. Councilmember Holden reported she supported these two parks moving forward given the fact the City has told residents these parks were going to be improved. ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 10, 2024 11 Councilmember Monson agreed. She asked if staff was being asked to pursue a Parks Master Plan. Councilmember Rousseau requested this matter be further discussed during the Council's strategic planning session. Councilmember Holden suggested the Parks Master Plan be addressed at a future meeting. Mayor Grant requested staff narrow down the scope for Freeway Park and Arden Oaks Park. He questioned if staff had to stay within the budget for these parks. Councilmember Holden recommended staff stick to the budget. Councilmember Monson supported staff sticking to the budget as close as possible. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen commented he was looking for direction on the amenities that should be included within the park. He was of the opinion this direction should be community driven and not be determined by staff. Councilmember Monson indicated she would rather have a really cool play structure versus minor accessories within the park. However, she understood a lot of decisions had to be made regarding the park improvements. Councilmember Rousseau agreed the first things parents and children notice within parks were the playground structures. She supported both of these parks having standout playground structures that differed from each other. Councilmember Holden stated she supported Freeway Park having picnic tables because this was a request from the neighbors. Councilmember Fabel believed this discussion should be held by the PTRC and staff. Councilmember Monson explained after looking at the park plans, she noted it would be $270,000 for Arden Oaks and $234,000 for Freeway Park. She commented she could support going slightly over budget in order to create two unique parks. Councilmember Holden suggested each Councilmember provide staff with recommendations for each park for further consideration. The City Council recessed the worksession until after the City Council meeting at 6:50 p.m. The City Council reconvened the work session at 8:30 p.m. Arden Oaks discussion Mayor Grant asked how the Council wanted to proceed with Arden Oaks Park. Councilmember Holden recommended the Council talk through the amenities in order to provided staff additional feedback. She reported she supported Option 1, existing perimeter. ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 10, 2024 12 Councilmember Monson and Councilmember Rousseau supported this option as well. The Council did not support the picnic shelter but supported the park having some sort of shade structure. The Council recommended the basketball court be resurfaced, new hoops be purchased, and that the court be striped for pickleball. The Council did not support bicycle parking. Councilmember Monson indicated she would like to have an ADA port-a- otty for this park. p p Councilmember Rousseau and Councilmember Holden supported this recommendation. The Council supported Arden Oaks Park having two benches and one picnic table. The Council supported purchasing new trash receptacles if needed. The Council recommended the dog waste station be removed. The Council supported the sign being replaced. The Council wanted to see a gaga pit installed. The Council did not support the park having wayfinding signs. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated these amenities and improvements would cost around $230,000. Freeway Park discussion Mayor Grant questioned what improvements the Council wanted included in Freeway Park. The Council did not support the accessible trail construction, parking lot or tree removal. Assistant Public Works Director Miller explained there were trees that had to be removed within this park. The Council supported tree trimming being completed. The Council recommended the playground equipment being updated. The Council did not support the rink being updated but recommended it be repainted. The Council supported the concrete for the hockey rink being considered at a future date. The Council recommended the basketball court and hoop being replaced. The Council supported the lights being replaced with LED. The Council did not recommend the building being replaced or repaired. Councilmember Holden recommended the building maintenance be separated out from the park improvements project. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated he could separate this expense out in order to have the siding and windows repaired. The Council did not support a bike rack for Freeway Park. The Council recommended a portable restroom (non-ADA) be included in the park. The Council supported the park having two picnic tables and the reuse of the two existing benches. The Council recommended the trash receptacles be replaced. The Council did not support a dog waste station. The Council recommended the gaga pit not be installed. The Council supported the fencing being reinstalled, but not the wayfinding signs. Councilmember Holden asked about fencing as this was one of items wanted. ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 10, 2024 13 Assistant Public Works Director Miller acknowledged the request for fencing, stating it was missing from the list. A discussion ensued regarding fencing. Councilmember Monson supported both parks receiving several new trees with the cost coming out of the tree replacement fund. Councilmember Monson supported City staff pursuing grants for the next round of parks that were slated for improvement. Councilmember Holden asked if trees are cut down and new trees are planted, could those trees grow to adulthood since that was already a pretty heavily wooded area. Assistant Public Works Director Miller stated that there are large trees that are hazards, noting they grow in clumps which will make it challenge. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated if there was interest in replacement trees, he could bring options back for the Council to consider with the concept plan. He reported Freeway Park would cost approximately $216,000 plus the cost for the fence. D. Spring Lake Park Lions Club Donation Discussion Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated the Spring Lake Park Lions Club contacted staff about donating funds with the intent of it to be used towards Park improvements. On May 13, 2024, through Resolution 2024-027, the City Council accepted the donation in the amount of $15,000. Since 1986, the SLP Lions Club has been one of Minnesota's Largest Charitable Gambling Organizations, and they run a pull-tab booth in the City. The SLP Lions Club aims to help those in need within the community through various fundraising activities. They are active in the Arden Hills' community and wanted to see these funds used towards Park improvements. Mayor Grant suggested a timer switch be purchased for the Freeway Park hockey rink lights. Councilmember Monson supported this funding being focused on Freeway Park or Arden Oaks Park. Councilmember Rousseau suggested a community garden be installed at Freeway Park or Arden Manor. Councilmember Holden reported the City had tried a community garden at Arden Manor and it did not turn out well. Councilmember Monson asked if the City had a community garden at the substation. Mayor Grant reported this was the case. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated the community garden fills up quickly each year. ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 10, 2024 14 Councilmember Monson suggested the fence at Freeway Park be covered by this donation. Councilmember Holden supported this recommendation. E. Council Code of Conduct This item will be discussed at a future worksession. F. Strategic Planning Discussion Follow Up This item will be discussed at a future worksession. Rice Creek Commons/TCAAP Discussion This item will be discussed at a future worksession. G. Agenda Planning City Administrator Perrault stated per Council's adopted policy on agenda setting, please find proposed agendas below for upcoming meetings. Due dates have not been added to the below items, but will be as the process evolves. June 24th Worksession • Planning Consultant Kickoff(time sensitive) • Old Highway 10 Trail Design Discussion (time sensitive) • Great River Greening Update(not time sensitive) • RCC/TCAAP Discussion (not time sensitive) • Agenda Planning(time sensitive) July 8th Worksession • Compensation Study Update(time sensitive—August 2024) • Tobacco Moratorium (time sensitive—November 2024) • Encroachment Discussion(not time sensitive) • RCC/TCAAP Discussion (not time sensitive) • Agenda Planning (time sensitive) Councilmember Monson recommended a Mounds View recap discussion be held on June 24 or July 8. Mayor Grant supported this item being discussed on June 24. Councilmember Rousseau suggested the Great River Greening Update be moved to July 8. Councilmember Monson agreed. She recommended Code of Conduct be placed on the June 24 agenda. Mayor Grant agreed and noted items that were not addressed would be at a later date. ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 10, 2024 15 Mayor Grant reviewed the July 8t' items and suggested the Encroachment Discussion be moved to August. The Council was in agreement. Councilmember Holden explained she would like to discuss how to address people who are going around representing the City. Councilmember Rousseau indicated the rain garden issue being addressed by the PTRC would need the same consideration. Councilmember Holden asked what was happening with the goats as far as feeding and watering. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen noted they were working on the details with the goat providers. 4. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND STAFF UPDATES City Administrator Perrault noted the upcoming meeting with the Mounds View City Council. ADJOURN Mayor Grant adjourned the Special City Council Work Session at 9:10 p.m. 0A J i Hanson David Grant &Clerk Mayor