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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-24-24-R 'It -AlkQEN HILLS Approved: July 22, 2024 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 24,2024 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; Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Julie Hanson; and City Attorney Amy Schmidt PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Holden requested pulling Item 813 from the Consent Agenda for discussion as Item 9A. Councilmember Monson requested pulling Item 8C from the Consent Agenda for discussion as Item 9B. MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried (5-0). 2. TCAAP/RICE CREEK COMMONS UPDATE City Administrator Perrault stated The Joint Development Authority has not met since the last Council meeting, neither have either of the committees. We are still waiting on an update from Alatus and their work with a private development partner, we expect a draft of their proposal sometime this week. The energy committee is also in the midst of planning a meeting to with the energy consultant to hear the status of their project. Lastly, the next JDA meeting is tentatively scheduled for July 23rd. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2024 2 3. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL Mark Kelliher, 3712 Chatham Court, stated on his last visit to the City Council meeting he mentioned the fact that Councilmember Fabel sent him an email threatening to pursue action against him if he didn't stop asking questions that annoyed him. He explained he was at this meeting to again ask questions. He commented on actions that should have been taken by Councilmember Rousseau but weren't. He reported as the PTRC liaison, Councilmember Rousseau was overseeing the visit by the goats to Chatham trails to mitigate buckthorn growth. He indicated this project was authorized by Council last year and at that time, the Council also authorized the expense of sowing grass seed during the goats' second visit. He commented the rationale was that the goats would trample in the grass seed as they ate and the grasses would mitigate buckthorn resurgence. He reported sowing grass seed was recommended by Great River Greening and the PTRC. He questioned why Councilmember Rousseau did not follow Council directive and plant the grass seed now that the goats are in the City. He noted he posed this question to Councilmember Rousseau in an email and has not received a response. He understood Councilmember Rousseau does not respond to matters when the answer will embarrass her. Therefore, he was unlikely to get Councilmember Rousseau to respond to him directly. Instead, he is calling on Councilmembers Holden, Monson and Mayor Grant to seek a response from Councilmember Rousseau on why she did not follow through with the agreed upon plan. Without the benefit of the grass seed, the $5,000 to $6,000 that was spent for the goats will have no long- term benefits and was money wasted. He understood $5,000 to $6,000 was not a lot of money and for this reason he was not requesting Councilmember Fabel be asked for a response as Councilmember Fabel has demonstrated that spending City funding prudently was not one of his concerns. He indicated there could have been sloppy execution on Councilmember Rousseau's part, but he feared she secretly wanted the project to fail. John Kysylyczyn, Executive Director for Garbage Haulers for Citizen Choice, 30831 Victoria Street, provided the Council with a handout. He explained Mounds View Mayor Zach Lindstrom likes to slander him every month at meetings and on social media posts. He reported as a former elected official and now as a lobbyist, he has met a lot of government officials. He was of the opinion the Mounds View City Council was one of the most ignorant and unprofessional groups he has ever met. He indicated it was a fact Mayor Lindstrom was too lazy to attend a single negotiation session with the trash haulers. He stated it was also a fact Mayor Lindstrom approached two competitive haulers and told them a joint bid would be looked upon favorably by the city, which smacks of government corruption. He indicated the Council now has a copy of Mayor Lindstrom's fake claim that he threatened to bribe a City Council candidate. He reported this made absolutely no sense, because 83% of Mounds View voters stripped the Council of their power to institute organized trash collection. He commented on the interactions he had with newly elected Councilmember Julie Clark and noted the haulers committee could not donate to any council committee. He stated in closing, he was available to discuss government managed trash collection with the Council. Kris Lillemo, 5132 Long Lake Road in Mounds View, explained he attended the joint worksession that was held between the Arden Hills and Mounds View City Council's. He stated he was a huge fan of Mayor Zach Lindstrom. He indicated the residents of Mounds View do not want organized trash collection and have shown this repeatedly. He explained residents want the freedom to choose their own hauler. He cautioned the Arden Hills City Council from moving in this direction because there are residents that will be on both sides of this issue. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2024 3 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES None. 5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS None. 6. STAFF COMMENTS A. Transportation Update Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported there was congestion related to the 2024 PMP project in isolated areas where concrete work was being completed. He encouraged residents traveling through the area to follow the warning signage as posted. Councilmember Holden questioned when the Lindey's parking lot would be completed. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated he did not have a schedule for this project,but he anticipated this work would be completed after the roundabout was finished. Councilmember Monson asked what the estimate was for the parking lot. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained he was working with the County on the bid because he saw several discrepancies. He was pleased to report the project came in under budget. B. Night to Unite Update Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Hanson stated Night to Unite would be held on Tuesday, August 6. Individuals interested in hosting a Night to Unite event are encouraged to register their gathering by Friday, July 12 in order to ensure a deputy visit. Events may also be visited by fire department personnel as well as City and other community officials. The City has information about Night to Unite, including the link for online registration, available on the City's main webpage under News and Announcements. Registration can be completed online. Residents can find more information about Night to Unite in general on the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office webpage or by visiting ramseycounty.us and typing night to unite in the search field. Residents wishing to donate school supplies can bring items to their local neighborhood event or drop the items off at the Ramsey County Sheriff's Patrol Station located at 1411 Paul Kirkwold Drive between 8 am and 4:30 pm Monday, August 5 through Friday, August 9. Donations can also be dropped off at City Hall during regular business hours. A list of neighborhoods participating in Night to Unite will be sent to the City Council when it becomes available to staff and the list will also be published on the City's website. C. Elections Update Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Hanson reported voting absentee ballot for the August 13 primary election begins on Friday, June 28. She explained residents can contact Ramsey County's election office to request an absentee ballot. She stated beginning Friday, July ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2024 4 26 ballots can be placed in the voting machine at the Ramsey County Library in Roseville or Shoreview, or at the elections office in St. Paul. She reported residents voting on election day should report to their designated polling place. She indicated the City Council would have two seats on the ballot for the November 5 general election and filing packets could be found online. She indicated the filing period would run from July 30 through August 13. 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. May 28, 2024, City Council Work Session B. May 28, 2024, Regular City Council MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the May 28, 2024, City Council Work Session minutes as presented and the May 28, 2024, Regular City Council meeting minutes as amended. The motion carried 4-0-1 (Councilmember Rousseau abstained). 8. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll B. Motion a Deem 1 Pehey Amendment Safety t•• R o,ti bufseme C. Mot;.,,,, To A ppr- ye Resol„t;.,,-. 2024 032 A.eepting ., Tl.,.,..,t;.,n F,..,m The A...ao., Hills Feiindation D. Motion To Approve Resolution 2024-033 Regarding a Clean Water Fund Grant With The Met Council E. Motion To Approve Resolution 2024-034 Charitable Gambling License Renewals For Chops, Inc. And Spring Lake Park Lions F. Motion To Approve Ordinance 2024-005 Amending Chapter 9, Building Regulations - Adopting The Minnesota State Building Code In Perpetuity And Authorizing Publication Of Summary Ordinance G. Motion To Approve Resolution 2024-035 For A Variance At 1784 Gramsie Road —Planning Case 24-010 H. Motion To Approve Recruitment For Deputy Clerk 1. Motion To Approve Professional Services Agreement Amendment With Bolton & Menk—2025 Arden Oaks Park And Freeway Park Improvements Project MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried (5_O)• 9. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS A. Motion To Approve Personnel Policy Amendment — Safety Footwear Reimbursement Councilmember Holden asked if this expense would be part of the employees' salaries. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2024 5 City Administrator Perrault reported this reimbursement was for employees that were not part of a bargaining unit. He commented further on the delineation between items that were and were not taxable. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Fabel seconded a motion to Approve Personnel Policy Amendment— Safety Footwear Reimbursement. The motion carried (5-0). B. Motion To Approve Resolution 2024-032 Accepting a Donation From The Arden Hills Foundation Councilmember Monson asked who served on the Arden Hills Foundation. Mayor Grant reported the president of the Arden Hills Foundation was himself. He noted Arlene Mitchell, David Mitchell, Greg Rubenstein and Brian Holmes also serve on the foundation. He explained he volunteered his time on the foundation and noted this group was entirely separate from the City of Arden Hills. Councilmember Monson indicated she wanted appropriate thank you notes sent to those that donated. She thanked each of the individuals who made donations to the Arden Hills Foundation. Mayor Grant reported thank you notes were sent from the Arden Hills Foundation to these individuals. He stated thank you notes would also be sent from the City. Councilmember Holden suggested a picture of the bench and a map to where it is located be included in the thank you notes. MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2024-032, Accepting a Donation From The Arden Hills Foundation. 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 asked if the Council supported collecting the special assessments two times a year instead of quarterly. Councilmember Holden indicated the City moved to four times a year because of the housing crisis and the fact that the City was missing out on a lot of utility payments. She suggested staff weigh in on this. Mayor Grant explained he could support keeping the same process in place. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2024 6 Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:33 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. B. Planning Case 24-011 Amending Chapter 13, Section 1325.07 Subd. 6.A — Location Of Buildings Housing Farm Animals,Bees Community Development Director Jagoe stated earlier this year, Joe Kimbell, "Applicant," contacted the City to verify if the keeping of bees would be allowed on his property at 3759 New Brighton Road ("Subject Property"). Staff conveyed that, at present, the City Code requires that "Any building in which farm animals are kept shall be located a distance of two hundred (200) feet or more from any lot line. Any open structure in which farm animals are kept shall be a distance of four hundred (400) feet or more from any lot line, except for chicken coops in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 Districts." Farm animals are defined as "Animals traditionally kept or raised on a farm for the purpose of providing food or products for sale or use, such as cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine, fowl, bees, and animals raised for fur." In review of the Subject Property, city staff determined that the property did not have the lot width required to meet the distance requirements from any lot line for placement of the bee hive(s). Community Development Director Jagoe reported based on that evaluation, the Applicant submitted a land use application for a Zoning Code Amendment to add language to the Zoning Code for residential zoning districts that would exempt the keeping of bees under Section 1325.07, Subd. 6.A — Location of Buildings Housing Farm Animals. The following is the zoning code language proposed by the Applicant for consideration: 1. The number of hives on residential lots is not to exceed: i. 1 acre or larger: 8 ii. 1 acre- 3/ Acre: 6 iii. 3/ Acre to %2 Acre: 4 iv. %2 acre or less: 2 2. The beehive(s) must not be located in the front of a property or a side yard that abuts a street. 3. They may be no closer than twenty-five (25) feet to an occupied building on another lot and/or any public trail or walkway. 4. The hives shall be located at least ten (10) feet from a property line. 5. Any property owner who keeps bees shall provide and maintain a nearby, designated water source. Community Development Director Jagoe explained the Planning Commission reviewed this application at their June 5, 2024 meeting. At that time, they recommended the addition of a sixth condition that would require any property owner who keeps bees to provide notification to adjacent properties. Staff mirrored the language in the draft ordinance similarly to the phrasing for the keeping of chickens. Councilmember Fabel explained he was a fan of bee keeping. He stated he was a strong supporter of this proposal and did not support imposing any other requirements other than those that were recommended by the Planning Commission. Councilmember Holden questioned if the water source was a major issue. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2024 7 Community Development Director Jagoe stated this was an important need for the bees and should be a responsibility for the bee keeper to ensure the bees have water. Councilmember Holden inquired what would happen if hives were too close to each other. She supported the City advertising that bee keeping was now allowed, once this ordinance was passed, in order to make the public aware and to possibly reduce the use of pesticides in the community. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:45 p.m. Joe Kimbell, 3759 New Brighton Road, thanked the Council for considering his request. He believed this would be a fantastic endeavor for the community. He explained he was available to answer questions the Council may have regarding bee keeping. He commented on how vital a water source was for bees. He noted hives could be within two feet of each other and noted only eight hives would be allowed on a lot that was over an acre in size. He discussed how beneficial it was to have two hives on one lot due to bee collapse. He encouraged residents that were interested in bee keeping to take an educational course. Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:49 p.m. 11. NEW BUSINESS A. Resolution 2024-031 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 May 17, 2024 were mailed. These customers were informed of their delinquent status and were asked to make payment of the delinquent balance by June 17, 2024. Utility accounts with an unpaid delinquent balance would be certified to Ramsey County to be added to property taxes payable in 2025. MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2024-031 — Adopting and Confirming Ouarterly Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities. The motion carried (5-0). B. Planning Case 24-011 Amending Chapter 13, Section 1325.07 Subd. 6.A. — Location Of Buildings Housing Farm Animals, Bees • Ordinance 2024-006 Amending Chapter 13, Section 1325.07 Subd. 6.A. —Location of Buildings Housing Farm Animals, Bees • Publication of Summary Ordinance 2024-006 Community Development Director Jagoe stated staff has prepared draft ordinance language with new language added in red font for your review. On May 1, 2024, the City received a land use application from Joe Kimbell "Applicant" to add language to the Zoning Code for residential zoning districts that would exempt the keeping of bees under Section 1325.07, Subd. 6.A — Location of Buildings Housing Farm Animals. Staff reviewed the zoning code language as proposed based on the Applicant's request and the recommendation of the Planning Commission. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2024 8 MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Fabel seconded a motion to adopt Adoption of Ordinance 2024-006 for Planning Case 24-011 for Zoning Code Amendments to Chapter 13, Section . 1325.07 to allow an exception for the keeping of bees/beehives within the R-1, R-2, and R-3 residential districts in City Code Sections 1325.07, Subd. 6.A — Location of Buildings Housing Farm Animals. The motion carried (5-0). MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Fabel seconded a motion to approve authorization to publish a Summary Ordinance of 24-006 for Up p y Planning Case 24-011. The motion carried (5-0). C. Resolution 2024-036 — Planning Case 24-012 — Site Plan Review for 4061 Lexington Avenue North, Primrose School Community Development Director Jagoe stated the applicant has submitted a land use application for a Site Plan Review, seeking flexibility on the height, sign area, quantity of signs allowed, and location for the Subject Property. The Subject Property has road frontage along County Road F West and Lexington Avenue. The Primrose School of Arden Hills and Shoreview opened in October of 2019 and is part of a national system of accredited private preschools that provide child care and early education. The Applicant is seeking flexibility to install signage on an existing freestanding structure along Lexington Avenue. The existing freestanding structure does not conform with sign standards and requirements for freestanding signs in Sign District 6 due to height, sign area (i.e. sign cabinet), sign quantity and location. The City is asked to consider the request for a sign standard adjustment through the Site Plan Review process. Community Development Director Jagoe explained the Subject Property was redeveloped by Bremer Bank in 2016 as an approximately 18,000 gross square foot, two-story bank and office building. The site also had a teller drive-up lane and drive-up ATM. Bremer Bank was permitted to retain an existing freestanding pole sign located at the corner of Lexington Avenue and County Road F as part of the 2016 redevelopment approval. In 2018, the City Council approved Planning Case 18-010 — a Site Plan Review for the site to be redeveloped by Primrose School, which included extensive renovations to the interior of the building and the replacement of parking stalls and drive lanes to the west and south sides of the building for the installation of a playground area and parking area modifications to the north side of the building. The changes in parking triggered the Site Plan Review. As part of the 2018 Site Plan Review and approval, the Applicant proposed to retain and reface the existing legal nonconforming freestanding sign. A condition of approval was "The existing pylon sign at the intersection of County Road F and Lexington Avenue may remain in place. The applicant shall work with staff to utilize the sign in conformance with the Sign Code." Per Section 1280.01 — Nonconforming Signs of the City's Sign Code, a legal nonconforming sign may be continued through repair, replacement, restoration, maintenance, or improvement. If the use of the nonconforming sign or sign structure is discontinued for a period of one (1) year, the sign or sign structure shall not be reconstructed or used except in conformity with the provisions of the sign code. Community Development Director Jagoe reported the Bremer Bank signage was removed from the freestanding pole sign between 2018 and 2019 and replaced with a blank neutral-toned panel within the two cabinets that matches the color of the structure. Therefore, discontinuing the use of the nonconforming sign and starting the one (1) year period to retain the nonconforming status. The Applicant notes that the structure has been unused and standing for at least 5 years. The ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2024 9 Applicant has stated that with the pandemic occurring within 5 months of starting operations, infrastructure projects were put on hold and the signage project was not a priority. With the discontinuance of the nonconforming sign, the freestanding structure cannot be used except in conformity with the sign code provisions. The Applicant may either propose a new sign that conforms with the sign code provisions for Sign District 6 (i.e. reduce height and sign area of cabinet) or apply for a sign standard adjustment through the Site Plan Review process for flexibility as a new freestanding sign. The Applicant submitted several applications for new signage at the Subject Property on May 1, 2024. The sign plans including new wall, window, and freestanding signage. The wall signs were found in compliance with the Sign District 6 requirements and permits were issued. Staff identified that an additional step would be needed for the proposed freestanding sign given the discontinued nonconforming use of the former sign. Community Development Director Jagoe reviewed the site data, reviewed the Plan Evaluation and offered the following Findings of Fact. 1. The Subject Property is located in the I-1 Zoning District and is guided as Light Industrial and Office in the Land Use Plan. 2. The Applicant has submitted an application for Site Plan Review to install signage on an existing freestanding structure for the Subject Property. 3. Sign Standard Adjustments to the requirements and standards for the height, number, type, lighting, area, and/or location of a sign or signs established by this Chapter may be approved with a Site Plan Review or a Planned Unit Development process as described for in Section 1320 and 1355 of the Zoning Code. 4. Flexibility through the Site Plan Review process has been requested for the height, sign area, and sign face quantity for a freestanding sign on the Subject Property. 5. The proposed signage plan does not conflict with the general purpose and intent of the I-1 Zoning District or the Comprehensive Development Plan for the City. 6. The application is not anticipated to create a negative impact on the immediate area or the community as a whole. 7. The proposed plan will not produce any permanent noise, odors, vibration, smoke, dust, air pollution, heat, liquid, or solid waste, and other nuisance characteristics. 8. A public hearing is not required for Site Plan Review. Community Development Director Jagoe explained the Planning Commission reviewed this application at their June 5, 2024, meeting. At that time, they recommended approval of Planning Case 24-012 to install signage on an existing freestanding structure along Lexington Avenue at 4061 Lexington Avenue N with conditions by a 4-1 vote. The Planning Commission suggested that the Applicant incorporate landscaping plans into the sign proposal. The following are motion language options for the City Council to consider. Councilmember Holden asked if there was illumination in this sign. Community Development Director Jagoe reported the sign was internally lit. Councilmember Holden indicated she had some concerns regarding the landscaping. She explained this was a corner that has a great deal of snow storage and salt. She questioned where there was space to put landscaping given all of the easements that were in place around this sign. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2024 10 Community Development Director Jagoe explained the Planning Commission recommended the applicant work to create a landscaping plan. She stated she understood there were a number of easements and utilities under this sign. She reiterated that the landscaping was not a condition for approval,but rather was a suggestion from the Planning Commission. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2024-036 for Planning Case 24-012 for a Site Plan Review to install signage on an existing freestanding structure along Lexington Avenue at 4061 Lexington Avenue N based on the findings of fact and submitted plans, as amended by the three conditions in the June 24, 2024 report to the City Council. Councilmember Monson explained she would be supporting this request. She commented on the challenges childcare facilities are facing across the country. Mayor Grant indicated he would be supporting this request. He stated he appreciated the case that was made by the applicant. Councilmember Fabel reported the proposed sign does not conflict with the general purpose and intent of the sign ordinance, nor would there be any negative impact on the immediate area. For this reason, he noted he would be supporting the request. The motion carried (5-0). 12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 13. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Rousseau explained due to the tornado watch the other week the PTRC meeting was canceled. Councilmember Rousseau asked how much it cost the City to install a park bench. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen estimated it cost the City $1,000 per bench. Councilmember Fabel commented on the Joint Worksession the Council held with the Mounds View City Council. He stated a potential sports facility was discussed along with organized trash collection and joint recreation activities. He indicated he wanted to hear more about the joint recreation activities. Councilmember Holden asked if the Council could receive reports from the recreation department regarding the revenues and expenditures for the programs that are being offered. Councilmember Holden reported there appears to be a mismatch with what is happening with the goats. She did not believe Councilmember Rousseau was against getting rid of the buckthorn, but noted perhaps Director Swearingen did not know who to be in contact with. She questioned who was in charge of this project and asked why the seed was not sown. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2024 11 Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated he reached out to Kerri Seemann who had been overseeing this project. He noted Ms. Seemann had been working with Bob and Steve to coordinate with the goat herding company. He clarified for the record that he was not aware of the finer details of this project. Councilmember Holden requested City staff follow up on this project. City Administrator Perrault indicated Public Works would be keeping a closer eye on this project as it wraps up. He explained a larger discussion could be held the role of volunteers in the future. Councilmember Holden questioned if the seed could still be spread this year. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated the benefit of spreading the seed before the goats arrive was to allow their hooves to push the seed into the ground. He indicated seed could still be spread manually. Councilmember Rousseau reported she was not plotting to keep buckthorn. She stated what has been happening was the PTRC member working on this project has received constant communications from one individual and this was helping her to lose interest in this project. She understood the PTRC member reached out recently and provided feedback on the grass seeding. Councilmember Monson stated she would have assumed City staff would manage these projects instead of a volunteer. She explained she supported the City having a parks master plan in place to assist with laying out how the City would address the management of buckthorn. Councilmember Holden indicated she wanted clear procedures in place for future parks projects in order to ensure the proper course of action is followed. Mayor Grant asked why seed was not put down. Councilmember Rousseau stated she was uncertain why seed was not put down. Councilmember Monson commented while it was disappointing seed was not put down, there were other options for the City. Councilmember Monson reported she and the Mayor met with Xcel Energy to discuss the Partners in Energy program. She stated more data would be provided to her and the mayor in the coming weeks. Councilmember Monson discussed the great work being done for the community by Arden Hills Greening. She noted this was a volunteer based resident group. Councilmember Monson explained she would be interested in reopening the discussion on the chicken keeping ordinance. She reported this ordinance was highly restrictive, required neighbor approval and expensive screening. She suggested the Council readdress this ordinance at a future worksession. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2024 12 Councilmember Monson indicated she would support the Council receiving a presentation from Twin Cities Gateway. Mayor Grant stated he had spoken to the executive director of the Twin Cities Gateway and he would be willing to come in and provide the City Council with a presentation. Councilmember Monson commented she would also like to receive a presentation from the police and fire departments on an annual basis. Mayor Grant thanked City Attorney Schmidt for her productive tenure with the City and wished her well in the future. Mayor Grant provided the Council with an update from the Twin Cities Gateway Visitor's Bureau. Mayor Grant commented on the joint discussion that was held with the Mounds View City Council regarding joint park and recreation services. Mayor Grant requested further information regarding Arden Hills Greening. Councilmember Monson explained Steve Erler, Pam Erler and Kerri Seemann were volunteers working with Arden Hills Greening. Mayor Grant reported the City's chicken keeping ordinance was modeled after the City of Minneapolis as well as other cities, and he noted the City was not attempting to be restrictive. ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to adiourn. The motion carried (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:40 p.m. Jule Hanson David Grant Ci lerk Mayor