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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-28-24-WS ,-AR, QEN HILLS Approved: June 24, 2024 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MAY 28,2024 5:30 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 City Council Work Session at 5:30 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; Finance Director Joua Yang; Community Development Director Jessica Jagoe and Assistant Public Works Director Lucas Miller 1. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL None. 2. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES None. 3. AGENDA ITEMS A. Primer Tracer Concept Discussion Community Development Director Jagoe stated last year, the Federal Government held an auction administered by GSA to sell the Primer Tracer property "as is". The auction outlined that the buyer purchasing the property would be responsible for handling all of the processes associated with the future development of the site (i.e. land use approval, demolition, permitting, etc.). The applicant was the high bidder at the end of the auction and is completing their due diligence prior to purchase. Community Development Director Jagoe reported that since the action, the applicant has held a number of discussions with representatives from the cities of Arden Hills and Shoreview as well ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 28, 2024 2 as Ramsey County to explore options for the extension of sewer and water services to the subject property. Since there is no existing sanitary sewer that extends adjacent to the Primer Tracer property, it would be the responsibility of the applicant to obtain those connections. It should be noted that City code does not allow for septic systems with new buildings. Staff explained the applicant has requested an opportunity to update the City Council on their options for extension of utility services and temporarily allowing for a septic system prior to moving forward with closing on the subject property which is tentatively scheduled for the end of the month. Mario Cocchiarella, Maplewood Development Company, introduced himself to Council noting his company was working on the acquisition of the 62-acre parcel known as the Primer Tracer property. He explained he was getting ready to close on the property and has run into a couple of roadblocks. He indicated he was looking for alternatives to get water and sewer services to the site. He stated the County was considering an easement through Parcel C. He discussed how the pipes would be installed underground and the park would not be disturbed. He commented on the alternatives for the site and requested feedback on how to proceed. Councilmember Holden asked what size pipes would be needed for the site. Mr. Cocchiarella reported he would need a 12" watermain and 4" or 6" forcemain for the sanitary sewer pipes. Councilmember Rousseau questioned what Ramsey County's plan was for providing water to their building. Mr. Cocchiarella indicated he was uncertain what the County's plans were. Councilmember Holden stated she understood the County wanted the property taxes for this property but at the same time, the County knows if this land does not get water or sewer, it was undevelopable. If this were the case, the property may become a solar farm. Mr. Cocchiarella reported those were his thoughts as well, but he hoped to find a solution to get water and sewer to the site. He commented further on how a temporary septic tank or septic drain field may assist with developing the site. Councilmember Holden questioned what the estimated use of water would be. Mr. Cocchiarella stated he was uncertain but noted office/warehouse uses were below average. He anticipated the temporary septic tank would only have to be pumped once a month. He then reviewed Option 3 noting this was a more permanent option that would require costly maintenance in the future. Councilmember Fabel asked if the applicant believed Ramsey County would change their mind at some point in the future and would allow forcemains through the park. Mr. Cocchiarella indicated he did not believe the County would change their mind. Councilmember Fabel stated this led him to believe Option 3 would have to proceed. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 28, 2024 3 Councilmember Monson questioned if the City has spoken to Ramsey County regarding this situation. City Administrator Perrault reported he reached out to Scott Yonke, Ramsey County Parks Planning and Development Director, and he believed they were willing to consider a line running through the park land, but that they don't have the timeframe to do it right now. He understood the property had to be closed on at the end of this month and the County preferred to push the line discussion off until after the property had closed. He indicated the County was more amenable to the park land, but an easement would still have to be negotiated with the DMV or the surplus site. He stated the concern with pushing the line talks to after the property closing was there was no guarantee for Maplewood Development Company that Ramsey County would allow lines through the park. Councilmember Holden questioned if the County was still planning to construct a park building at the trailhead of the park and where the County would be getting water and sewer for this building. City Administrator Perrault commented that the line solution through the park would solve this problem, but the trailhead was conceptual at this time and the County does not have concrete plans in place. Councilmember Monson stated it appears this was a timing issue. City Administrator Perrault indicated this was the case but noted there was no guarantee that Ramsey County would be willing to allow the lines after the closing. Mayor Grant was of the opinion this was a timing issue as well. However, he understood Mr. Cocchiarella could not close on this property without understanding how the site would be served by water and sewer. Councilmember Holden asked if the applicant had spoken to the city of Shoreview. Mr. Cocchiarella reported Option 4 would have him going to Shoreview and a lift station would have to be built. He anticipated Shoreview would not be amenable to this request. Councilmember Holden inquired if the pipes in Shoreview were large enough to serve the Primer Tracer site. Mr. Cocchiarella stated the pipes were the correct size. Councilmember Fabel questioned how the building on the site was served by water and sewer. Mr. Cocchiarella indicated this was a great question, but noted the buildings no longer had water and sewer available to them. Councilmember Monson requested further information regarding the easement that would be required. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 28, 2024 4 Mr. Cocchiarella reported the thumb parcel was under purchase agreement between the County and Ryan Companies, which meant both parties would have to sign off on an easement. He indicated his conversations with the County regarding this matter have been very contentious. He explained if he went to the north side of this property, he would have to get an easement approved by MNDOT and noted he has had a very difficult time getting anyone from MNDOT to speak to him. Councilmember Fabel asked if this issue was discussed with the Army. Mr. Cocchiarella stated development is fraught with risk. He indicated the Army has no concept of what this property was going to require to be developed. Mayor Grant asked if the proposed office/warehouse buildings would be constructed on a spec basis. Mr. Cocchiarella commented that his first task was to get the site set up for development, which included cleaning, mass grading, mass compaction and after that, he would consider how to develop the industrial site. He reported he has had a lot of interest in the site. He explained at this time he was looking for some assurance that one of the alternatives would be supported on the site. Councilmember Holden questioned if the developer had spoken to the Army about water and sewer lines. Mr. Cocchiarella indicated he would not be allowed to go through the AHATS property to the south. Mayor Grant asked if the septic tank could be installed as Phase 1 and if it doesn't work to go across the parkland, the loop could be installed. Mr. Cocchiarella reported this appears to be the logical way to proceed with the site. He indicated the City had an ordinance that would have to be amended in order to allow this to occur. Councilmember Monson questioned if the applicant was willing to run water all the way around the site with a septic tank, in hopes of being allowed to push the forcemain through the park land if approved by the County. Mr. Cocchiarella reported the loop would be necessary in order to have proper pressure in the lines for fire suppression purposes. In addition, he wanted to get the project moving. Councilmember Monson stated she was surprised by the cost to install the lines through the right of way. Mr. Cocchiarella estimated the lines would be half the cost if he was allowed to go through the County property. Councilmember Holden explained once all of these lines were installed, they would then have to be maintained by the City long-term. She questioned how many lifts the City would have to have. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 28, 2024 5 Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported the watermain would be turned over to the City that extends along County Road I but the forcemain and lift station would remain private. Councilmember Fabel commented on how a solar farm on this property would not require water or sewer and asked if the developer has considered this as a use on the site. Mr. Cocchiarella indicated he owns a lot of land and he gets calls regarding solar farms. He reported it was very difficult to get these approved as the solar farms have to be close to a substation. He was of the opinion that a solar farm does not make sense for this property. Councilmember Monson asked if the water were to go into the right of way, would the City own it. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated this would be the case, up until where the lines turn to the south to the property. Councilmember Monson questioned what the general concern was with septic tanks. Community Development Director Jagoe reported the subdivision ordinance states all new developments are to connect to City utilities. Councilmember Monson asked if a variance could be considered with a timeline. Community Development Director Jagoe stated she would have to speak with the City Attorney regarding this matter. She indicated once buildings were occupied, she wanted to understand what options were available for the site. Councilmember Monson commented that if the septic system were allowed, more problems may be created in the future. Councilmember Holden stated there was a great need for office/warehouse buildings and this site would be an ideal location. Mr. Cocchiarella indicated this was a high demand site and if he wasn't able to work through the problems, someone else would. It was his hope there were options that would tie into a permanent solution for this site. He was of the opinion that the septic tank was a viable option because it would allow him to begin working on the site and would give the County time to consider his request. Mayor Grant questioned if the applicant would be willing to put in a tank on a temporary basis and then run lines all the way around the site in the future. Mr. Cocchiarella stated this was what would have to be done if Ramsey County would not approve the lines through the park. Councilmember Holden questioned what size lines would be installed in The Hill neighborhood. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 28, 2024 6 Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen anticipated The Hill neighborhood would have 8" sanitary sewer lines. Councilmember Holden stated this may be another option for the developer. Mr. Cocchiarella commented on how isolated the site was given the location of the surrounding wetlands. Councilmember Fabel questioned what was in it for Ramsey County to authorize the crossing through the parkland. Mr. Cocchiarella stated right now, the easement agreements state he was to share in the costs with Ramsey County. He indicated it appears now he was to pay the full cost and then allow Ramsey County to access the lines in the future. He stated he was having a hard time with this because the County wasn't willing to share in the costs. Councilmember Holden inquired what the potential value was of the Primer Tracer development. Mr. Cocchiarella estimated the property would have one million square feet of office/warehouse space. Councilmember Monson stated she would be amenable to one of the options (loop around or Shoreview) and was interested in hearing from Shoreview on the forcemain because she was not overly supportive of the septic options. Councilmember Rousseau indicated she had the same thoughts noting she did not believe the temporary septic was the right solution. Councilmember Holden explained she could support a temporary septic tank. Mr. Cocchiarella reported the septic tank would be very temporary in nature because as development occurs, he wanted a permanent solution in place. Councilmember Rousseau stated she was concerned with how long the septic tank would be in place. Councilmember Holden asked if a five-year timeline would be adequate for the temporary septic tank. Mr. Cocchiarella explained he would have to have a permanent solution in place well before five years. Councilmember Holden commented she could support the developer being allowed to have a temporary septic tank in place for less than five years in order to move the development of this property forward. She stated she did not want a drain field installed. Mayor Grant agreed a drain field should not be installed. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 28, 2024 7 Councilmember Fabel stated he wished he knew more about the relative risks on septic tanks. He understood current ordinance did not allow septic tanks. Mr. Cocchiarella reported the buildings would not be occupied with a septic tank in place. He commented he would have to solve this issue before occupancy. He noted the tank would allow him to start developing the site and would be temporary in nature. Mayor Grant asked if the developer would be amenable to putting this statement in the development agreement. Mr. Cocchiarella reported this was the case. Councilmember Monson stated considering the future tenants would not be comfortable with a septic tank, she could support the developer having a septic tank as a temporary solution. Councilmember Holden indicated the septic tanks used in the past were concrete and could leak. She explained the tanks used today were plastic. She discussed how all properties were required to take City water and sewer in 1964 in order to avoid any leaching or leaking problems going forward. Councilmember Rousseau commented she would like to hear from the City Attorney on this matter regarding the temporary time period for the proposed septic tank. Councilmember Fabel stated if the temporary nature of the septic tank could be assured and if he could be convinced a tank of this nature was not a significant risk, he could support it. Councilmember Holden suggested the development agreement state occupancy could not occur in Buildings X or Y until a permanent forcemain was in place. Mayor Grant summarized the comments from the Council noting there was support for a temporary septic tank. Mr. Cocchiarella stated he greatly appreciated the Council's support. B. 2025 Park Improvement Project—Arden Oaks and Freeway Park Bryce Shearen, Bolton & Menk, 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. Mr. Shearen reported 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 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 28, 2024 8 some miscellaneous items that relate to the play structure or hardcourts or items that have been consistent in recent past Park Improvement Projects. Mr. Shearen explained 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 and over and above what had been budgeted for in the CIP, which 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. Mr. Shearen stated that 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. For this Work Session on May 28, 2024, Council will need to define the scope of the project which will lead the project into the design phase, and a PSA amendment will be requested from Bolton & Menk related to that project scope for the Arden Oaks Park & Freeway Park Improvement Project. Preliminary cost estimates for both parks were reviewed with the Council. Anticipated project schedule: • April 2024: Project Kickoff and Online Survey Development(Completed) • April/May 2024: Perform and Complete Public Involvement Process (Completed) • May 2024: Finalize Online Survey Report (Completed) • May 28, 2024: Present Final Report findings at Work Session to Council • June 2024: Take selected Scope of Work and Amend PSA for Design and Construction • July/August 2024: Concept design with updated cost estimates,host Open-House event • August/September 2024: PTRC and City Council involvement and final cost estimates • Fall 2024: Lock in purchase of play equipment • February/March 2025: Bid • April 2025: Award construction contract • Summer/Fall 2025: Construction Councilmember Rousseau discussed how the playground equipment at her neighborhood park had changed and now wasn't challenging for her child. Councilmember Monson stated she supported playground equipment being challenging. She indicated she did not want the new equipment to be duplicative. Councilmember Rousseau reported the last time the Council looked at redoing a park, costs came in 30% higher than anticipated. She commented on how New Brighton had done a tremendous job pursuing grants to assist with their park upgrades. She suggested Arden Hills consider pursuing grants. Mr. Shearen stated the City could proceed in this manner but indicated it may push the park projects back another year or two. He explained most grants from the State require all park features to be accessible. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 28, 2024 9 Councilmember Fabel suggested the City install its own pickleball nets given the growing interest in pickleball. Mr. Shearen stated Arden Oaks had a great opportunity for pickleball, but stated the Council may want to consider how the noise from this activity would adversely impact the neighborhood. He explained Freeway Park may be the better option for pickleball inside the hockey rink but stated it would cost approximately$300,000 to pour concrete. Councilmember Monson discussed how the City had small neighborhood parks, along with larger community parks. She commented on how Arden Hills was isolated due to the major freeways that cut through the City, noting this made connections to parks difficult. Mr. Shearen further reviewed the improvement recommendations for Freeway and Arden Oaks Parks. Assistant Public Works Director Miller requested questions or comments from the Council on how to proceed. Councilmember Rousseau indicated she wanted to see different equipment used within both parks since they were walkable. She suggested a tower be installed at Arden Oaks Park and a ropes course or natural playground at Freeway Park. She understood swings were still favorable and should be installed at one of the parks. Councilmember Monson agreed with this suggestion. She recommended Arden Oaks Park have a restroom installed. She suggested trees or a shade structure be considered and not a picnic shelter for this park. In addition, she recommended picnic tables or benches be considered but not both. She supported the gaga pit being installed. She recommended all of the trees be kept at Freeway Park and that a fence be installed along the entry ramp. Councilmember Holden understood the hardcourt was utilized for basketball and pickleball at Freeway Park. She supported the fencing being reinstalled because this would look nicer and would improve safety. She recommended the picnic area remain as is. Mayor Grant believed both of these parks were heavily used. He recommended the amenities within these parks serve a wide age range. He understood pickleball was growing in popularity and suggested this amenity be incorporated into Freeway Park. Councilmember Rousseau suggested the vacant space within Freeway Park be utilized for a community garden. Mayor Grant stated they would not be returning to the worksession after the regular meeting as a Councilmember wouldn't be present, and he noted the remaining items would be carried over to a future meeting. C. Spring Lake Park Lions Donation Discussion This item will be addressed at a future worksession. D. Council Code of Conduct ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 28, 2024 10 This item will be addressed at a future worksession. E. Strategic Planning Discussion Follow-Up This item will be addressed at a future worksession. F. Rice Creek Commons/TCAAP Discussion This item will be addressed at a future worksession. G. Agenda Planning This item will be addressed at a future worksession. 4. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND STAFF UPDATES None. ADJOURN Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council Work Session at 6:55 p.m. ?' Hanson David Grant lerk Mayor