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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 01-24-2005 . ~ ~~HILLS Approved: February 14, 2005 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2005, 4:50 P.M, CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 Call To Order Mayor Aplikowski called the meeting to order at 4:50 PM, Present: Mayor Aplikowski, Councilmembers: David Grant, Brenda Holden, Gregg Larson, Lois Rem Absent: None Staff present: Community Development Director, Scott Clark; Operations and Maintenance Director, Tom Moore; City Planner, Peter Hellegers; City Engineer, Greg Brown; Assistant to the City Administrator, Schawn Johnson . Consultant: Kathy Ryan, URS CSAH 96 Landscapinl! Concept Plan City Engineer Greg Brown provided a brief overview to the City Council of the proposed landscaping improvements along CSAH 96, Kathy Ryan, URS Consultant, has prepared two alternative landscaping plans for the City Council to consider, Both plans include Green Ash, White Ash, Red Oak, and Swamp White Oak trees as the tree materials that will be planted in the median, The number of trees is similar in both of the proposed alternatives, with a portion of the cost being covered by Ramsey County, Kathy Ryan noted that landscaping alternative one consists of plantings that are linear in charactcr and spread out evenly across the corridor area, The preliminary cost estimate for landscaping alternative one includes $115,000 in Ramsey County funding and $190,000 in City funding, The final cost for alternative one could be reduced if the City Council decided to eliminate three or four ofthe planting beds along the CSAH 96 corridor. Alternative two involves three larger perennial planting areas along each side of the intersection, The preliminary cost for alternative two is $115,000 in Ramsey County funding and $170,000 in City expenses, . Both alternatives would involve some maintenance costs, The estimated cost for maintaining the landscaping in the boulevard area is roughly $30,000 per year, If an irrigation system was installed along the CSAH 96 corridor, the estimated cost for this improvement would be approximately $200,000, 1 . Councilmember Holden asked if the estimated $30,000 in maintenance costs covers the cost for replacing dead shrubs or perennials, Kathy Ryan noted that the $30,000 does not cover the costs for replacing planting materials, Councilmember Larson said that he supports alternative number one, He would like to see the City explore the least expensive alternative and evaluate the look of CSAH 96 over time, The City can always add more plantings to the area in the future, Councilmember Grant asked if the proposed plant materials are tolerable to salt and drought? Kathy Ryan said that all of the proposed plants are hearty and drought tolerant. Although the plants would have to be watered regularly until they take root, Councilmember Holden expressed concerns regarding the possibility of winter kill with the plantings, Kathy Ryan stated that it is important for the plant material to become established in the ground, This will hopefully avoid winter kill problems with the plants, . Mayor Applikowski stated that she would prefer to have the plant material spread out in the median, Councilmember Grant asked Kathy Ryan which of the two planting options she thought was the most visually appealing, Ms, Ryan believed that option #1 was the most visually appealing ofthe two plans, Councilmember Holden statcd that she would prefer to remove the landscaping from the intersections and have the plant materials relocated to the median areas of CSAH 96, Councilmember Larson would like to have the landscaping plan concentrate on beautifying the area around City Hall. Mayor Aplikowski suggested that the City Council set a dollar amount for funding this project and allows the URS staff to design the project within those financial parameters, Councilmember Larson asked where the funding for this project would come from, City Engineer Greg Brown stated that the City could utilize state aid or general fund dollars for this proj ect. . Councilmember Larson suggested that the City Council establishes a ball park figure of $135,000 for the landscaping along CSAH 96, 2 . . . Mayor Aplikowski stated that she is looking for a landscaping plan that is fairly inexpensive with very little maintenance, Councilmember Holden suggested that perennials be planted on the City Hall property and not in the median area, Councilmembers requested that URS create a new set of landscaping plans for CSAH 96 that incorporates the alternative one and group B planting arrangement for an estimated cost of $135,000, Countv Road E Pedestrian Bridl!:e and Sidewalk Improvements City Engineer Greg Brown reported to the City Council that the City was not awarded grant funding by MnDOT for the proposed County Road E sidewalk improvement project. The City Engineer received verbal notification from MnDOT that the County Road E project was reviewed along with 35 other projects and was given a priority ranking of 14th The top ten projects were approved for MnDOT grant funding with the next four being considered as alternates for funding if one or more of the top ten projects are not completed or cancelled, According to MnDOT staff, it is very unlikely that the County Road E sidewalk project will receive funding at this time, The following options were reviewed by the City Council: 1. Proceed with the north sidewalk along the bridge to Old Highway 10 using state aid funds for construction ($350,000) and local funds for engineering/inspection ($115,000), 2, Proceed with the north sidewalk along the bridge only using state aid funds for construction ($200,000) and local funds for engineering/inspection ($66,000), Construction in later 2005, 3, Wait and see if other projects drop out of the program allowing this project to be partially funded by MnDOT, Reapply for next year's program and begin construction in 2006, 4, Proceed with the south sidewalk along the bridge to Old Highway 10 using state aid funds for construction ($190,000) and local funds for engineer/inspection ($60,000), Begin construction in late 2005, This option would require a new resolution by the City Council. 5, Proceed with the south sidewalk along the bridge only using state aid funds for construction ($130,000) and local funds for engineering/inspection ($40,000), Construction would begin in late 2005, This option will require a new resolution by City Council. City Engineer Brown noted that state aid is scheduled to be used as a funding mechanism for the Red Fox/Grey Fox and Lexington Avenue projects in 2005, The City would have to change its funding sources for a number of other projects in order to utilize state aid funding for this proj ect, Mr. Brown stated that URS has contacted the residents on the north side of County Road E, Three residents have responded back to URS regarding the proposed project, 3 . Operations and Maintenance Director Tom Moore noted that a number of the residents expect to be reimbursed for their loss of landscaping if the sidewalk is constructed on their property, The residents were also wondering why they were not contacted regarding this project earlier. City Engineer Brown said that the proposed sidewalk would be installed within the right-of-way for most of the affected properties, Councilmember Larson asked if the City could do better as a second time applicant next year. City Engineer said that it depends on the availability of state funding and the project competition, Councilmember Larson asked the City Engineer what is the City's solution to the property problems at 3609 Pascal ifthe sidewalk is installed, Mr. Brown stated that the house is not impacted by the proposed sidewalk, but the City may have to create a new garage door and driveway, Councilmember Grant mentioned that a possible solution to this problem may be to move the garage door and driveway to the rear of the property accessing Pascal. Councilmember Holden stated that the property owner at 3609 Pascal uses the on-street parking in front of her home quite frequently, . City Engineer Greg Brown said if the property owner is agreeable, the City could move the garage door to the north side and have the driveway accessible to Pascal. Councilmember Larson said that the garage is currently attached to the south side of the house, The bottom line is that the City must find out what is agreeable to the property owner and what will be the cost to the City, Councilmember Holden recommends that the City proceeds with option C (apply for next year's program) and move the railroad path to the top of the project list. Councilmember Grant approves option C. Councilmember Larson is comfortable with option C, but would like to have City staff explore the feasibility of this project and the projected cost. City Council agreed to pursue option C and will continue to have City staff explore the feasibility and projected cost of County Road E sidewalk improvement project. . 2005 PMP-Red Fox/Grev Fox Feasibility Recort On January 10th, members of the City Council were given copies of the Red Fox/Grey Fox feasibility report. A public hearing for this project is scheduled to be held at the February 14th City Council meeting, 4 . City Engineer Brown stated that the feasibility report includes plans to consolidate the frontage road into Red Fox, MnDOT has been very receptive to this idea, This proposed plan would move the road access farther north and create more open spaces for storm water ponding, The companies that would be most effected by this proposal have been very open to the idea, Councilmember Larson asked if MnDOT would be receptive to the idea of installing two cul-de- sacs in this area, It would reduce access for motorists in this area, City Engineer Brown said that the proposed plan would create a good truck access for the businesses in this area, Councilmember Larson asked if the City Engineer has reviewed MnDOT's preliminary design plans for the Highway 51/694 interchange, City Engineer Greg Brown stated that he has reviewed the plans and believes that the two plans would correlate with one another. Mayor Aplikowski asked if a public hearing has been scheduled for this project? City Engineer Brown stated that a public hearing has been scheduled for the February 14th City Council meeting, A letter will be sent to the affected property owners regarding the public hearing and the proposed changes to the frontage road, . City Engineer Brown asked the City Council if they were interested in including a sidewalk in this project. Mayor Aplikowski requested that the cost for a five-foot cement sidewalk be included in the preliminary plan for Council rcview, Trail Dedication for Arden Hills Resident and Former Governor Elmer Anderson Members of the PTRC reviewed different options for the City to honor and memorialize Arden Hills resident and former Governor Elmer Anderson, After further discussion, the PTRC recommended that a trail section be renamed to memorialize the former governor. That trail segment is located in the southwest quadrant of the City and runs form Glenpaul Avenue and Cleveland Avenue to the West of County Road E and Indian Place, The following options were given to the City COLillcil for further consideration: 1, Do not name the recommended trail segment after Mr. Elmer Anderson, 2, Ask the PTRC to recommend a different trail segment. 3, Ask the PTRC to recommend a different option (City Park), 4, Form a task force to study possible options on how to honor Mr, Anderson, 5, Accept the recommendation of the PTRC. . Councilmember Holden asked if the PTRC is going to create a formal policy and procedure for the City to use when naming or renaming a park or trail. 5 . . . Operations and Maintenance Director Tom Moore stated that the PTRC will be working on a formal policy for naming trails in the future, Mayor Aplikowski agrees with the plan to name a trail after former Governor Anderson, Councilmember Larson is comfortable with the proposal but would like to have the PTRC create some guidelines for naming or renaming parks and trails in the City, The City could also consider purchasing a plaque honoring Governor Anderson at the trail location, Councilmember Holden noted that the PTRC vote regarding the naming of the trail after Governor Anderson was not documented in the December 14, 2004, meeting minutes, Councilmember Larson said that he would confer with the PTRC to make sure that there is a consensus for naming a park trail after former Governor Elmer Anderson, Installation of Enen!v SavinI! Traffic Sil!nal LED Lil!hts Operations and Maintenance Director Torn Moore provided a brief overview to the City Council regarding the possible cost savings to the City if our traffic signals are switched over to LED lights, Mr. Moore stated that this is not a state mandated project and that the existing traffic lights are working properly, but it could result in a considerable energy cost savings for the City in the long run, The initial cost to the City would be approximately $7,000, The projected energy cost savings could be roughly $27,360 per year. City staff has reviewed the latest utility bill from Ramsey County regarding the traffic signals, and believe that the estimated cost saving numbers are accurate, Ramsey County notified the City of the energy rebate program through Xcel Energy, Ramsey County would like to have each City in the county operating the same type of LED street light for improved maintenance activities, Mr. Moore noted that there is a February deadline for this program if the City does decide to proceed, Mayor Aplikowski requested that City staff provide the City Council with potential funding options, She feels that the project is a good idea, but does request that City staff explore the financial and budget implications of this proposed project, 1104 Amble Drive-Requested Pedestrian Wav Vacation-Karth Lake Hills plat: Block 2 City Platmer Peter Hellegers informed the City Council that the resident at 1104 Amble Drive has contacted City staff and requested that the City Council review the possibility of vacating the Pedestrian Way shown on his property plat from 1977, The property abuts a 10' by 150' strip dedicated as a Pedestrian Way, At this time, a path has never been constructed at this location, The resident at 1104 Amble Drive currently has some shrubs/hedges in the Ramsey County 6 . . . right-of-way to the east of the pedestrian Way, The resident has essentially adopted the land and has maintained the area as his own for the past 28 years, Typically lots that are designated as R-l are supposed to have minimum dimensions of95 feet by 130 feet and 14,000 square feet of area, Front dimensions for this property are 83 feet and do not meet the City's current standards, City staff is seeking direction from the City Council regarding whether or not the City should vacate this piece of property, Councilmember Grant asked if the City currently owns the property, City Planner Peter Hellegers stated that the property was dedicated to the City on the plat. Councilmember Rem asked if this piece of property is in addition to the existing right-of-way along Lexington Avenue, City Planner Hellegers said that this piece of property is in addition to the existing right-of-way, Councilmember Larson said that he is very reluctant to vacate this picce of property, Mayor Applikowski asked staff members if a variance is necessary for this property, Mr. Hellegers stated that tec1mically a variance would be necessary to remedy the non- conformity of the lot in meeting the City's current R-l requirements, Mr. Len Gallus (1104 Amble Drive) stated that his lot is grossly undersized in comparison to the other homes in his neighborhood due to the 10 foot Pedestrian Way easement. Councilmember Larson said that he is sympathetic to Mr. Gallus situation, but the City cannot address all of the residential home owner issues in the City, Mr. Gallus questioned why the City issued the original building permit in 1977, Why was the original permit approved ifit did not meet the R-l standards? City Planner Hellegers stated that it is possible that the City Codes have changed over time making this property non-conforming to today's R-I zoning district. Mayor Aplikowski asked if the City has any other Pedestrian Ways, Mr. Hellegers said that the City has a Pedestrian Way near Colleen Avenue and Norma Avenue, The pedestrian ways are dedicated to the City through platting, Councilmember Grant asked if the City would benefit at all if this property is vacated, City Planner Hellegers stated that the City has not used the property for 28 years, but it may be beneficial for the City to hold onto the property in the event that it necessary for future road or infrastructure improvements, 7 .. Councilmember Larson asked Mr. Gallus if he would be willing to purchase the land from the City, Mr. Gallus said that he would be willing to consider this option, Mayor Applikowski asked staff to work with the City's Attorney and Mr. Gallus to see if a legal agreement can be worked out between the two parties, The agreement would entail that Mr. Gallus is able to take over the property and that the City could reacquire a portion of the land back if it is necessary for future infrastructure and road improvements, Direction was given by the City Council to work out an agreement with the resident that allows the City to retain ownership of the boulevard comer. The City would in-return vacate the remainder of the property and allow the resident to continue to maintain and use the property as his own, City Council members did request that the agreement allow the City to reacquire the land in the future if it is determined to be necessary, TCAAP Update *Councilmember Rem left at approximately 7:00 PM . Community Development Director Scott Clark provided the City Council with a review of the current activities regarding the TCAAP project including an overview of the January 20th teleconference call with the GSA, Army, and regulators, Community Development Director Clark presented a draft project flow chart and reviewed for the City Council the four areas in which the City must move forward in order for the City to meet a June I st offer to purchase letter. They are the following: . Environmental Process . Land Use Process . Transfer Process . Master Development Agreement On January 31 st, members of the City Council will be participating in a work session to discuss public financing options for the City Council to consider regarding the TCAAP project. Mr. Clark mentioned that the City Council must establish business terms for this process to move forward, It is also important that more escrow funding be unlocked to fund this project in the near future, Councilmember Holden asked if the FaST and FOSET would be reviewed at the same time, Community Development Director Clark said that the FaST and FOSET are scheduled to be reviewed at the same time, . Councilmember Holden asked how many acres are involved in the early transfer process, 8 . Community Development Director Clark stated that 445 acres of land are scheduled for the development area south of the wildlife corridor plan, In addition 129 acres is being transferred for a 49 acre wildlife corridor and an 80 acre sports facility area, Councilmember Holden asked if the time line that was submitted by Mr. Clark is the best case scenario or the worst case scenario, Mr. Clark stated the time line was the best case scenario, Community Development Director Clark said that he is continuing to discuss the outstanding issues that are impacting or slowing down the land transfer of the TCAAP property with the different parties, At this time, representatives from the Army appear to be slowing down the land transfer process, He is attempting to work with the different entities to ensure that the June I st land transfer deadline is being met. Mayor Aplikowski stated that the City is farther along in the land transfer process than ever before, It is important that the City continues to move forward with this process, Councilmember Grant asked if the Army is agreeable to the June I sl deadline, . Community Development Director Clark said that the Army is aware of the deadline, This date was agreeable to all the parties involved in early January of this year. Councilmember Grant asked how long it would take to reappraise the TCAAP property, Mr. Clark thought it could take up to a minimum of 90 days to complete the reappraisal of the TCAAP property, Councilmember Larson asked if the City is confident that CRR's funding appraisal valuation is accurate in evaluating the base value of the property, Community Development Director Clark said that CRR has done significant diligence regarding the value of the property, The property value numbers between the two sides may be different, but appear close enough to have a successful negotiation, Councilmembcr Larson was wondering how aggressive the developer will be if public assistance is available? Mr. Clark said that he felt comfortable that CRR will negotiate the best land price, including offsets for the purchase agreement. CRR has been very aggressive in protecting the assets of both sides, Mayor Apliksowski raised the question who should represent the City at these negotiations, . 9 . . . Members of the City Council felt that staff and our legal representatives should negotiate the agreement for the City, The City Council would still control and monitor the negotiations proceedings, Mayor Applikowski noted that this is a wonderful opportunity for the City and staff needs the support ofthe City Council. Councilmember Larson said that he just wants to feel comfortable with this agreement. Community Development Director Clark stated that the City Council is invited to attend the EDC meeting on January 2Sth at 7:00 AM, A draft copy of the public financing policy will be available for review, Indy Property Discussion Community Development Director Scott Clark provided the City Council with an overview of the tentative purchase agreement with Holiday Station Stores, Inc, dated January IS, 2005, The agreement for the Indykiewicz property has been submitted to the City's Attorney for his review, This item has been tentatively placed on the January 31S( City Council meeting agenda for approval. Councilmember Grant requested that the purchase agreement include a clause that mandates that the property owner develops the land within a certain time frame, Community Development Director Clark stated that this type of clause is being added to the purchase agreement. He also added that a curb cut will not be allowed on CSAH 96, City Hall Property Councilmember Grant was concerned that the appraisal for the old City Hall property was not in- line with the $1 million dollar offer that Royal Oaks has submitted to the City for purchasing this property, Commlmity Development Director Scott Clark stated that the $1 million dollar offer was a starting point. The City has not yet received a counter offer from Royal Oaks, They are waiting for soil testing to be completed at the old City Hall site, Councilmember Grant discussed the idea of placing a for sale sign on the property, Community Development Director Clark asked if the City Council is interested in negotiating with Royal Oaks or should the City begin exploring other options, Mr. Clark stated that City staff is aware that the property is valued at $1.2 million or more, Councilmember Holden asked ifthe City is dealing only with Royal Oaks? 10 . . . Mr. Clark stated that the City is currently negotiating solely with Royal Oaks, based upon direction given to staff at the December work session, If the Council wishes, the process should be changed, Councilmember Larson stated that the land should be developed by the City, If the purchase price is fair, then the City should move forward, Mayor Aplikowski said that land developers are aware of available property in the metro area, Citv of Arden Hills involvement in the State Capitol's 100 Year Celebration The City of Arden Hills recently received a letter from St. Paul Mayor Randy Kelly requesting the City's participation in the 100 year celebration of the state capitol. City staff is seeking the City Councils guidance regarding different ways in which the City could participate in this 100 year celebration, City Councilmembers requested that the City advertises the capitol's 100 year celebration on the City's web site and in the monthly newsletter. Council Procedures Councilmember Larson requested that the work sessions begin at 5:00 PM, He also suggested that the City Council develop a policy dealing with audience participation at work sessions, He believes that the City Council should adhere to a more rigid framework regarding public participation, Councilmember Holden stated that there are times when audience participation is necessary to make a sound decision, Mayor Aplikoswski recommended that the City Council adopt an invitation only policy for residents to speak at work sessions, Mayor Aplikowski noted that it is sometimes difficult to pick-up the different vibes on the bench, Especially when some City Councilmembers are participating in sidebar conversations, Councilmember Larson suggested that the Mayor needs to take more control of the meeting when side bar conversations occur. Council Reports Brenda Holden . Councilmember Holden asked ifthere is a particular procedure that the City must follow when filling a vacancy on the Planning Commission, . Assistant to the City Administrator Schawn J olmson stated that the Mayor has the authority to appoint an individual to the Planning Commission ifit is approved by majority vote of the City Council. 11 . . . . Councilmember Holden announced that the Communication Committee needs more volunteers, The committee is currently down to three members, Lois Rem . Not present- David Grant . The I-35W Solutions Committee is scheduled to meet at 4:30 PM on January 25th . Ramsey County Sheriffs Department has been actively patrolling and enforcing the no- left turn signal at the intersection of Crystal, Glenview, and Valentine Lake Road, Gregg Larson . Eric Nordeen has accepted a full time position with the Lake Johanna Fire Department. . Lake Johanna Fire Department is working on a formula that will be used in charging the different cities for fire protection, The formula would include the number of housing units, tax capacity, and number of fire calls, It is difficult to create a fair process considering that each community has unique fire protection needs, . The Lake Johanna Annual Report is available for public review, Beverly Aplikowski . Mayor Applikowski handed out a notice to the Councilmembers regarding The Ramsey County League meeting with members of the State Legislatures, The meeting will take place at the League ofMN Cities on January 27th at 7:00 PM, . Asked members of the City Council if they were interested in joining the l-35W Coalition, Members of the City Council were not interested in joining the coalition at this time, . Mayor Aplikowski attended the Ramsey County Library Board meeting, The library board is planning to reconstruct the Arden Hills branch in the future, The meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM Respectfully submitted by Schawn p, Johnson rv\~_,( ~ Michelle A, Wolfe, CITY ADMINISTRATOR ~~ ~,~. Beverly Apli wski, A YOR 12