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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCWS 06-19-2006 . ~ ~~HILLS Approved: 7/10/06 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MONDAY, JUNE 19,2006,5:00 P.M. CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Aplikowski, Councilmembers: Gregg Larson, Brenda Holden, and Vince Pellegrin Absent: Councilmember David Grant (Excused) Staff present: City Administrator, Michelle Wolfe; Chief Financial Officer, Murtuza Siddiqui; Assistant City Administrator, Schawn Johnson; Civil Engineer, Kris Giga; . Conunuuity Development Director, Karen Barton; Building Official, Dave Scherbel; and Recreation Program Supervisor Michelle Olson Others Present: Ramsey County Engineer, Jim Tolaas; Ramsey County Engineer, Ken Haider; and I-35W Corridor Coalition Member, Bob Benke Mayor Aplikowski called the work scssion to order at 5:00 p.m. Rel!ional Transportation Issues-Hil!hwav 96 and Hil!hwav 10 City Administrator Michelle Wolfe provided the City Council with an overview ofthe Highway 96 and Highway 10 transportation discussion. Since the City has rejoined the I- 35W Corridor Coalition, members of the City Council indicated that it was important for the City to discuss and hopefully come to a consensus regarding local transportation issues. A few years ago, members of the City Council discussed the following local transportation issues relating to Highways 9 and 10: . Local Access; . Should Highway 10 remain a part of the State's highway system, or become more of a local street or parkway? . If Highway 10 remains part of the highway system, should it be a full interchange or an overpass over Highway 96? It was noted that MnDOT has tcntativeiy scheduled road improvements for 694 after the - year 2014 (scheduled for 2015-2023). Road improvements for I-35W are not currently part of MnDOT's 2030 plan. . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - JUNE 19, 2006 2 Since the last time the City Council discussed local transportation issues, the TCAAP framework vision has been adopted. The framework will provide the City Council with more background information regarding future transportation improvemcnt issues. Mayor Aplikowski noted that a number of changes have occurred to the City and rcgion since the City Council last discussed transportation issues and previous proposals may be outdated. Councilmember Larson asked if MnDOT was proposing to keep Highway 10 as a regional short cut for commuters. Ramscy County Engincer Jim Tolaas stated that Highway 10 currently handles approximately 60,000 vehicles per day. If Highway 10 was relocated or turned into a County roadway, I-35W could not handle the additional traffic flow. Councilmcmber Holden asked who completed the initial road modeling for this area. Mr. Tolaas said that the State of Minncsota has completed some preliminary modeling for tl1is area. The modeling reports were forwarded to the Federal Government for further review. . Mr. Bob Benke stated that the I-35W Corridor Coalition is requesting that traffic modeling be completed by MnDOT to dctcrmine the transportation nceds for this area. At this time, the I-35W Corridor Coalition is requesting funding from the State of Minnesota and the federal government for the proposed traffic modeling study. Mayor Aplikowski asked if highway loops are part of the preliminary transportation design discussion. Mr. Tolaas said that it is difficult to say at this time, but loops may be a part of future plans. Councilmembcr Larson said that he is concerned that the City will lose local access with the proposed improvements to Highway 10, Highway 96, and I-35W. Mayor Aplikowksi said that she is also concerned with future transportation access in Arden Hills. Councilmcmber Larson asked if the City has any local control over state road improvement projects. Must the City Council approve the propos cd road improvement proj ect? . e ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - JUNE 19,2006 3 Mr. Kcn Haider said that the City Council must approve a proposed improvement project before it can proceed. However, MnDOT has the ability to appeal a decision made by the City Council. Mr. Benke said that the I-35W Corridor Coalition is attempting to balance the local and regional needs of this area. It is important for the City Council to discuss and prioritize the transportation needs for Arden Hills. Mr. Jim Tolaas said that it was especially important for the City Council to discuss transportation needs with the possibility of a TCAAP development project in the future. The City may have an additional 30,000 vehicles on local streets if the TCAAP project becomes a reality. Mayor Aplikowski said that the City Council is in a better position at this time to discuss future transportation issues for the City. Councilmember Holden requested that maps of the proposed road improvement project for Arden Hills be provided at a future work session meeting. Mr. Jim T olaas said that MnDOT does have preliminary maps with proposed road improvements for Highway 10, 96, and I-35W. . Mayor Aplikowski noted that homes and pre-manufactured homes located in the City may be impacted by future road improvement projects. It is important that the City Council reviews the maps and discusses a transportation improvement plan for the City. Councilmember Pellegrin requested that the City Council has a meeting with engineering staff from MnDOT and Ramsey County to discuss flyovers and other access issues for the City. Mr. Jim Tolaas said that Ramsey County will provide background and maps for the City Council to review at a future meeting. Mcmbers ofthe City Council requested that the regional transportation topic be placed on a future work session agenda for further discussion. Animal Control Ordinanee Assistant City Administrator Schawn Johnson provided the City Council with an overview ofthe proposed Animal Control Ordinance. City Attorney Jerry Filla has reviewed the proposed ordinance and has incorporated Minnesota Statutes 347.50 through 347.56 into the draft ordinance. City staff has also added language pertaining to animal leashing and the intentional feeding of wild animals. e . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - JUNE 19, 2006 4 Councilmember Holden asked what is the difference between a dangerous dog and a vicious dog. City Attorney Jerry Filla stated that a dangerous dog is defined by state statute. A vicious dog wonld be defined by tl1e City's ordinance. Councilmember Holden noted that City staff wants minimal involvement with the public hearing portion of a dangerous dog case. Does thc proposed language require City staff to be involved with the hearing process? City Attorney Jerry Filla stated that the person assigned to the dangerous dog hearing is appointed by the City Administrator. The City Administrator has the discrction to assign a staff member or bring someone from the outside to conduct the hearing. Councilmember Holden asked if a dangerous dog is running loose can the City's animal control officer pick-up the animal. City Attorney Filla said that the animal control officer does have the authority to pick-up a dangerous dog that is running loose. City Attorney Filla asked the City Council if they were comfortable with the proposed . process and procedure for handling a dangerous dog situation and having the City Administrator handle the situation in the future without City Council involvement. Councilmember Pellegrin said that he does not believe that the City Council should be involved with dangerous dog hearings. Mayor Aplikowski asked what would happen to a dangerous dog if the owner refuses to have a microchip inserted into the animal. City Attorney Filla said that the animal could be destroyed according to Minnesota State Statute. Animal Control Officer Rick Ruzicka mentioned that the City of Arden Hills could have an organization called LEAP handle the City's registration requirements for dangerous dogs. The City of St. Paul currently uses the LEAP organization to register dangerous dogs. Mayor Aplikowski asked if ducks would be included in the City's wild animal definition. City Attorney Jerry Filla said that ducks would be considered a wild animal and residents would not be allowed to feed thcm. e . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION -JUNE 19,2006 5 Animal Control Officer Rick Ruzicka noted that the City's proposcd ordinance does not address invisible fencing requirements. Resident Tim Allen, 1234 Wyndridge Drive, stated that he is a dog owner and that has invisible fencing at his home. Dogs are trained where the invisible fencing begins and ends. The invisible fencing works well for controlling the home owner's pet, but it does not stop other animals from coming into the yard. Mr. Allen also recommend that the City require home owner's to have invisible fencing signage on the property to warn residents that may be walking by. City Attorney Filla suggested that the City consider permitting invisible fencing, but require thc home owner to install invisible fencing signage along the boulevard or right of way. Councilmember Larson asked if invisible fencing would be a permitted use for the dog not to be collared. City Attorney Jerry Filla said that invisible fencing would a permitted use for a dog not to be collared. . Members ofthe City Council reconunended that City staff make the recommendcd changes to the draft ordinance and place this item on a future City Council meeting agenda for further discussion. Warminl! House Inventory and Improvements Recreation Program Supervisor Michclle Olson provided the City Cowlcil with scveral different options to consider regarding the status of the existing warming houses at Hazclnut, Freeway, and Valentine Parks. Based upon previous feedback from the City Council, the following additional options were presented by Ms. Olson. These options are in addition to those presented at the May 8 City Council meeting: 1. Option A-Replace the existing siding on the warming houses Witll cedar paneling. The estimated cost for cedar tonguc and groove siding is $571.60. A second option is smartside tongue and groove siding at an estimated cost of $469.60. 2. Option D-Contract with Home Depot to construct a TUFF shed that can be utilized as a warming house in the winter months. 3. Option E-Move the existing warming house buildings from Cummings Park and Valentine Park to Freeway Park and Hazelnut Park. The City has received a quote of $6,496 per site. The estimated cost does not include the cost for tear down of the existing building, post rcmoval and restoration, gate removal and restoration, tree trinuning, and electrical hook-ups. . --- . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - JUNE 19, 2006 6 After further analysis, City staff is reconunending the following options for the City Council to consider: . For Freeway Park and Hazelnut Park staff recommends that the existing structures at Cummings Park and Valentine Park be moved to replace the existing buildings. Minor repairs can be made by painting or residing the buildings that will make thcm more aesthetically pleasing. . For Valentine Park, staffreconnnends either discontinuing the staffing of the building or removing the building and bringing in a portable unit. The drainage issues at Valentine Park make it very difficult to place a permanent building at this park. Recreation Program Supervisor Michelle Olson noted that the recommended proposals have not been presented to the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Conunittee. However staff will be prescnting this information at the June 20th meeting. Building Official Dave Scherbel noted that it is difficult to determine ifthere are structural problems to the warming houses. A number of the warming houses are in need of roofing repairs. The warming house at Freeway Park is in poor condition due to the rodent infestation. The sheet rock, ceiling, and woodwork would have to replaced or sealed in order to eliminate the foul smell at the Freeway Park warming housc. . Councilmember Holden said that she is concerned about losing the Valentine Park warming house. The warming house is used regularly by the neighborhood. City Administrator Michelle Wolfe noted that thc City could consider placing a mobile unit at this location. The problem is that this location continually floods in the spring. Mayor Aplikowski asked ifthere would be a problem with rotted wood if the existing warming houses at Cummings Park and Valentine Park are moved. Recreation Program Supervisor Michelle Olson said that the mover has inspected the warming houses at Cummings and Valentine Parks. In his opinion, the two warming house could be moved safely to a new location. Mayor Aplikowski asked what are the future goals of the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee pertaining to warming houses. Recreation Program Supervisor Olson said that the PTRC recommended the use of mobile units for warming houses since they are only used three months out ofthe year. Members of the PTRC have discussed the possibility of placing a park pavilion at Valentine Park. However, after discussing the flooding issues with the conunittee, they indefinitely delayed discussions of a new pavilion. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - JUNE 19, 2006 7 Councilmcmber Larson said that he is comfortable with Option E and reconunends that the City invest some money to improve the drainage issues at Valentine Park to make them more serviceable. Recreation Program Supervisor Michelle Olson said that a portable unit at Valentine Park will allow the City Council to review the park situation more in-depth and come-up with a more permanent solution. Councilmember Pellegrin said that he supports Option E. Councilmember Holden asked what the issues with the Hazelnut Park warming house are. Building Official Dave Scherbel said that the ceiling, soffit, and facia should be replaced in the near future. The roof should be replaced in the next few years. Recreation Program Supervisor Olson said that the Hazelnut warming house was scheduled for replacement in the CIP. The Freeway Park warming house issue needs to be addressed due to the rodent infestation. Mayor Aplikowski agreed that improvements are needed at Freeway Park. She is . agreeable to Option E. City of Arden Hills Banners Recreation Program Supervisor Michelle Olson provided the City Council with an overview of the City's current inventory supply of banners. The City currently has sixteen banners located on County Road E and three banners located at City Hall. Thc City discovered that the City's banner manufacturer went out of business recently. City staff is seeking input from the City Council regarding the following three options: 1. Keep the current design and remove thc banners at City hall. The banners at City Hall would used as spares for County Road E. If and when we need to order more banners for County Road E, future options will be explored at that time. 2. Seek quotes for the current design from a new company and order 2-4 replacement banners and brackets. This would mean incurring an art set-up fee. Our design would be on file for future replacement orders. 3. Direct staff to explore the possibility of changing the current design. City Council could consider utilizing seasonal banners or special event baooers. Councilmember Larson said that he would like to see the bauners phased out. Councilmember Pellegrin agreed with Councilmember Larson's reconunendation. He . believed that the City could use the money for other tllings. . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - JUNE 19,2006 8 Councilmember Holden said that she supports Option #1. Mayor Aplikowski said that she likes the baIDlers on County Road E and would like to see them continued. A majority of the City Council were in agreement with phasing out the banncrs. CouneiImember Pellegrin left the meeting at 7:25 PM. 2006 PMP Update-Rain Garden Maintenanee Civil Engineer Kris Giga provided the City Council with an updatc regarding the proposed rain gardens for the 2006 PMP Ridgewood Neighborhood project. Since thc neighborhood is fully developed and has a rolling topography, City staff is unable to size the proposed storm water ponds to traditional standards. A number of the residents located in the 2006 PMP project have expressed interest in having a rain garden placed on their property. The current design has identified 15 locations suitable for rain gardens and where residents have indicated they would agree to maintain the rain gardens. City staff is requesting City Council input regarding the following options: 1. City would be responsible for maintaining rain gardens; . 2. City would have an informal agreement with property owners; 3. City would have a formal maintenance agreement with the property owner. Councilmember Holden supports Option 3 the formal maintenance agreement between the City and the property owner. The City would pay for the plant materials and the property owner would be responsible for maintenance activities. She also inquired if rain gardens could be a breeding ground for mosquitos. Civil Engineer Kris Giga said that rain gardens are not typically breeding grounds for mosquitos because the water drains into the soil within 24 hours. A majority of the City Council reconunended that the City have informal agreements with the property owners for maintaining the rain gardens. If the gardens are not maintained properly, the City could utilize its nuisance code for enforcement efforts. Citv Couneil Information Sharinl! Mayor Aplikowski requested that "Council Requests" be placed on futurc City Council agendas. Councilmember Holden requested that this item be placed on a future meeting agenda. Ramsey County Center for the Arts has notified the City that Arden Hills City Hall will . no longer be an art exhibit location. The Ramsey County Center for the Arts is moving to . a new location in Lake Elmo and will cease the exhibit operation in Arden Hills at the end of July. City Administrator Wolfe reported that the PTRC will be meeting on Wednesday. One of the items scheduled to be discussed will be the Operations and Maintenance Department organizational structure. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM Respectfully submitted by Schawn P. Johnson . 4'~A~ ~~. ^' d\.-~ (Beverly ApI' ow i, MAYOR Michelle A. Wolfe, CITY ADM . .