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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCWS 04-18-2005 , ~ . ~~HILLS Approved: May 9,2005 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MONDAY, APRIL 18,2005,5:00 P.M. CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 Call To Order Mayor Aplikowski called the meeting to order at 5 :00 PM. Present: Mayor Aplikowski, Councilmembers: Gregg Larson, David Grant, Brenda Holden, Lois Rem Absent: None Staff present: City Administrator, Michelle Wolfe; Community Development Director, Scott Clark; Finance Director, Murtuza Siddiqui; Assistant to the City Administrator, Schawn Johnson; City Planner, Peter Hellegers; City Engineer, Greg Brown . Also present: Kathy Ryan (URS Engineering) Cable Commission Update Mr. Craig Wilson (City of Arden Hills Cable Commission Representative) provided the City Council with an update on the latest cable commission's activities. Mr. Wilson reported that the Cable Commission was recently involved in a strategic planning process. The strategic planning retreat occurred this past February at Northwestern College. The Cable Commission discussed its future goals and obj ectives. The changing regulatory landscape has placed limitations on local governments in providing cable, phone, and internet service to local residents. Mr. Craig Wilson provided the City Council with an overview of the WEB streaming concept that could be used for future City Council and Planning Commission meetings. The WEB streaming concept would allow residents to review City Council meetings through the internet. The service would cost the City $163.69 (billed quarterly) per month. The City would also be responsible for the costs associated with archiving the meetings on DVD ROMs. Currently, DVD ROMs cost roughly $25-$30 and record up to 4 hours offootage. Councilmember Grant said that the WEB streaming service appears to be fairly mexpensive. Councilmember Holden asked what is the difference between WEB casting and WEB streaming. Commissioner Wilson said that web casting allows the computer user to view live City Council . meetings, while WEB streaming allows the user to view the meetings on a tape delay basis. - - ---- ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES APRIL 18,2005 2 . Mayor Applikowski asked how does a resident rcquest a particular channcl? Commissioner Wilson requested that this infonnation bc forwarded to the Cable Commission or Comcast. Councilmember Holden asked who stores the WEB streaming information? Mr. Wilson noted that CTV would store the WEB streaming information for the City. City Administrator Wolfe said that the supplies uscd for operating the WEB streaming system would cost approximately $3,300.00 ($1,300.00 DVD Rom's for archiving information and $2,000 for WEB streaming serviccs) per year. Mounds View School Board Update Members of the Mounds View District School Board reccntly requested a meeting with the City COlillcil to discuss the pending school closings and the transitional changes that will occur over the next year. Members of the School Board thanked the City Council for amending the City's sign ordinance allowing advertisement at the Mounds View High School athletic complex. An update was provided to the City Council regarding the future closing of Snail Lake and Pike Lake Elementary Schools. The repurposing of schools and resources were necessary to deal with . impcnding budget problems. The school distJict would like to continue to explore different cost sharing ideas with local government entities in the future. Dr. Jan Witthuhn stated that the elementary school principals in the Mounds View School District havc been mccting regularly to discuss pending issues regarding the repurposing of students to the different area schools. The local PTA's have bccn very involved in the process and have been actively reaching out to the transferring students and parcnts. Pike Lakc and Snail Lake Elementary Schools will be modified and used for early childhood development programs, district officc space, and other neighborhood programs. Superintendent Witthuhn reported that approximately 130 new students will be transferring to Valentine Hills Elementary School. Councilmember Grant asked if the Mounds View and Irondalc High Schools are still being balanced out with Valentine Hills Elemcntary School. Dr. Witthuhn said that a number of students at Valentine Hills Elementary School will be given the option to attend either high school. Arden Hills is vcry accessible to both high schools. Councilmember Larson asked if the school board intended to dispose of the district service center. . Superintendent Witthuhn said that it is the intention ofthe school district to sell this property. 2 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES APRIL 18, 2005 " ~ . Councilmember Larson asked if the school district would be interested in reopening Snail Lake and Pike Lakc Elcmentary Schools ifthe need exists in the future. Superintendent Witthulm stated that this is an option. The school district is awarc of the TCAAP project and the potential need for additional schools in the future. Mayor Applikowski said that she received an c-mail from a Mounds View High School student regarding the parking situation at St. John's Catholic Church (New Brighton). The student is concerned about safety issues. Superintendent Witthuhn said that it is the student's choice where he/she parks. The school district provides busing to all students. Councilmember Grant asked about the State of Minnesota's proposal to encumber land in Shorevicw. Is this bill still being considered by the State legislature? Superintendent Witthuhn stated that she testified against the bill in the House of Representatives. At this time, there is no companion bill in the Senate. Councilmember Grant asked if the artificial turf is scheduled to be installed at Irondale High School. . Members of the school board said that the installation is scheduled to begin in May. Councilmember Larson asked if racism concerns have been addressed at the two high schools. Superintendent Witthuhn noted that the State of Minnesota is requiring the Mounds Vicw School District work with the Columbia Heights School District regarding diversity issues. Overall this year has been much better regarding racial issues at the two high schools. Members of the school board stated that they would welcome input from local governments and would like to explore different ways in which the two entities could work together in the future to discover mutual and financial benefits. Hil!hwav 96 Landscapinl! Proposal City Engineer Greg Brown provided the City Council with an overview of the Highway 96 landscaping improvcmcnt options that were originally presentcd at the November 15, 2004 work session meeting. Kathy Ryan (URS) reviewed the revised landscaping plan and cost estimates with the City Council. The proposcd plan includes boulevard trees and median planting beds of Green Ash, White Ash, Red Oak, and Swamp White oak trees in alternating groupings of three and four. The groupings would alternate from north to south with a continuous rhythm along the Highway 96 corridor. . 3 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES APRIL 18, 2005 4 . The proposed plan divides the project into three different segments. There are two different planting bed configurations for the City Council to consider. The planting groups have becn labeled groups "A" and "B" in the proposed planting plan. The mcdian design consists of linear planting beds of perennials that are salt and drought tolerant The different plants were chosen to provide color throughout the growing season. Maintenance costs for the Highway 96 landscaping plan are estimated at $30,000 per year. Watering ofthc plants by City stafImay bc ncccssary after the two year plant material warranty exp Ires. The total project is estimated to cost $290,000 with Ramsey County contributing $155,000 and Arden Hills contributing $135,000. City Engineer Brown noted that the proposed projcct could be bid this fall. Ramsey County would be responsible for planting trees in the median area. Ramsey County Engineer Jim Tolaas requested that URS check with the Ramsey County Agricultural Agency to ask for their input regarding which trees will do wcll along the Highway 96 median. Soil preparation is very important for a harsh environment like a highway median. Ramsey County has agreed to purchase 120 trees for the Highway 96 median. The trccs have a one year guarantee from the nursery. . Councilmember Holden asked how much does steel edging cost? Kathy Ryan said that steel edging would cost approximately $13,000. Mayor Aplikowski asked ifmaintenancc costs would be more or less than the last proposal? Kathy Ryan said that the maintenance costs should be vcry similar to the last proposal. Councilmember Larson asked if the plants would need long term watering? Ms. Ryan said that watering is important for thc first year. She also recommends watering the plants at least once a week. Mr. Jim Tolaas said that Vadnais Heights did not originally install an irrigation system in their plantings. Vadnais Heights experienccd two dry summers and the plants cventually died. Eventually, Vadnais Heights did install an irrigation system in the median area. Mayor Applikowski suggested that the City consider installing illl irrigation systcm along Highway 96. Councilmembcr Grant recommended that the City receive a price quote for installing an . irrigation system. 4 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES APRIL 18, 2005 5 . Councilmember Holden recalled that the original proposal called for an irrigation system and the cost estimate was too high. City Enginccr Brown said that an irrigation system could be installed at a later date. Councilmember Larson asked if the contractor would be responsible for maintaining the plants during the warranty period. Ms. Ryan suggested that the City consider installing a water service cOlmcction at each flower bed. Mr. Brown said that the City should avoid having trucks in the Highway 96 median. It could be a safety concern for the maintenance workers. City Administrator Wolfe recapped the discussion regarding the landscaping options along Highway 96. . City Engineer will obtain bids for different types of irrigation systems or other water options; . City Council is agreeable to planting group A proposal; . URS will work with Ramsey County to determine which tree specics would work best in . the Highway 96 median area. Mr. Jim Tolaas also provided the City Council with an update on the Lexington Avcnue reconstruction project. Construction is scheduled to bcgin in mid-May. At this time, five property owners have yet to agree to sell right-of-way settlements for this project. Emminent domain hearings are tentatively scheduled for June 4th Ramsey County belicves that they could settle with four out of the five property owners at this time. Hopefully an equitable solution can bc reached. In the end, the City may have to spend morc money for property acquisition than originally anticipated. Also, a temporary easement and permanent casement for a new wall and fence in the Karth Lake area will be necessary. The estimated life expectancy for this fence is 75 years. This project is schcduled to be completed within one calendar year. Front Porch Ordinance City Planner Peter Hellegers noted that the setback cxccption for front porches was brought before the City Council at the April 11th meeting. The ordinancc was tabled by the City Council after members expressed concern about the proposed construction matcrials for front porches and the setback rcquircments. Councilmembers also expressed some concerns about allowing three season porches to be enclosed with windows or full lite doors. A concern was that the enclosed porch may detract from the sight lines and fcel of the neighborhood homes or streets. . The currently proposed language would effect the setback distance to the property lines. The proposcd language would allow porches to extend up to ten (l0) feet into the front yard or side yard, but limiting the setback to 30 feet. The existing side yard setback regulations would still 5 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES APRIL 18,2005 6 . pertain to porches, as they would not be allowed to encroach into side yard interior set back arcas. Staff has included in the memo alternative languagc that could be incorporated into the proposed ordinance City staff is requesting City Council input regarding the proposed ordinance #357 and any potential changes or modifications that may be desired. Councilmember Grant asked if there are any differences between this proposal and the Planning Commission's version. Mr. Hellegers said that this ordinance is the same that was proposed by the Plmming Commission. Councilmember Holden asked if some homes may be non-conforming at this time. Mr. Hellegcrs said that some homes will be non-conforming. Councilmember Larson said that he is comfortable with allowing open-air porches and the acceptable materials listed. Counci1member Holdcn askcd how much value is added to a home that constructs a four season . porch. Finance Director Murtuza Siddiqui said that the projected value of the porch would be added to the home. Mayor Aplikowski stated that she did not want to hinder someonc from constructing a four season porch. Councilmember Grant noted that with improved insulation and windows a rcsident could easily turn a three season porch into a four season porch. How will the City regulate this ordinance? Councilmember Rem left the meeting at 7: 15 PM. Councilmember Larson mentioned that porches can be extended up to 10 feet into the front or side yard with a minimum setback of 30 feet. Mayor Applikowski asked the City Council why the City should care if a resident has a three or four season porch. Councilmcmber Larson said that he believes three season and open air porches are less intrusive. . Councilmember Grant recommends that open-air screened porches be allowed. A majority of the City Council supported the idea of allowing open air or screen front porches. 6 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES APRIL 18,2005 7 . Resident Joe Nosek said that he would like to install a front porch deck at his home. He is concerned about the lack of flexibility being shown by the City pertaining to the proposed ordinance. He currently has a block foundation on his home and does not want to install a similar base for the front porch. He would prefer to install footings that are used for a backyard deck. Mr. Hellegers said that Mr. Nosek is planning to construct an uncovered porch or deck. The block foundation requirement would not apply to Mr. Nosek's home. Only a covered porch that encroaches into the front setback area would require a solid concrete base. Councilmember Grant stated that the Planning Commission expressed some concerns that a covered deck could become a potential safety concern if it is not constructed properly and cannot withstand adverse weather conditions. Resident David Monson recommended that the City require appropriate footings, proper drainage, and better design standards when permitting a front porch. Councilmember Larson said that the City needs to balance out the required look of the front porch and the necessary building requirements. . City Planner Hellegers will make the requested changes to the proposed front porch ordinance and will bring this ordinance back to City Council at a later date. TCAAP Interim Al!:reement #2 Community Development Director Scott Clark provided the City Council with a brief overview of the TCAAP interim agreement. The existing agreement is scheduled to expire on May 9, 2005. The purpose of the new agreement is to fill the time gap between the final Master Development Agreement and the tasks that need to be completed to implement the early transfer process. City staff is seeking direction from the City Council regarding how they would like to proceed with the interim agreement process. City staff is projecting that $450,000 in funding will be necessary to plan and develop the TCAAP vision plan. If the interim agreement does expire and is not replaced by a second interim agreement, the City may be responsible for reimbursing the developer for costs associated with planning, engineering, and legal services. City Administrator Wolfe stated that the proposed budget for the AUAR, Local Resource Analysis, Master Development Agreement, and legal services may be low. City staff will have to discuss the proposed costs with the developer to determine which costs may be reimbursable. Councilmember Larson believes that the City should have control over the AUAR document. If the City controls this document, it could potentially avoid some skepticism amongst the residents. . Councilmember Grant stated this document covers land, infrastructure, and transportation uses. 7 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES APRIL 18, 2005 8 . Community Development Director Clark said that this document is very important and would cover the land, infrastructure, and transportation uses. City Administrator Wolfe noted that their would be some cohesiveness in this process since the City chose DSU to completc the AUAR. City Administrator Wolfe clarified to the City Council that the City is currently working under the amended interim agreement number one. Councilmember Holden asked if the City would have to pay the developer if the interim agreement expircd and it is not replaced by a second agreement. Community Development Director Clark said that the City would have to pay the developer approximately $450,000 if the City switchcs to a new developer within three years. Councilmember Larson recommended that City staff go back to the language in the original agreement where the developer is responsible for all related development costs, and reimbursement was more limited. Councilmember Grant asked if the two parties cmmot reach an agreement which party is held . financially rcsponsible. Councilmember Holden asked why the City brought in a developer originally. Councilmember Grant said that the project was too large for the City to complete on its own. Mayor Aplikwoski said that thc risk to the City was too great of an undertaking. City Council realized that the City needed a developer to deal with the political aspects of this project and complete the early land transfer process in a timely fashion. Councilmember Larson said the charge to City staff should be to negotiate an agreement that has the least amount of risk to the City. Community Development Director Scott Clark asked the City Council ifthe three year provision stated in the agreement is a risk to the City. Mayor Applikowski asked the City Council what was needed to make this interim agreement successful. Councilmembcr Grant mentioned that the City should receive something in return if CRR is nanled the master developer in this agreement. . 8 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES APRIL 18,2005 9 . City Administrator Wolfe recapped the discussion by saying that the City Council would like to have the developer pay for the AUAR, resource analysis, Master Development Agreement, and legal fees and other development related costs with limited risk to the City. City staff will bring back to the City Council a draft agreement for the City Council to review at a future date. Councilmember LaTson requestcd that the City Attorney attend the next work meeting when the interim agreement is being discussed. Tree Removal Pronosals Assistant to the City Administrator Schawn Johnson providcd thc City COlillcil with an overview of the request for proposal process that was used regarding the tree removal bids. City staff mailed out eighteen bid packets to area tree removal contractors. The City adveliised the RFP on the League of Minnesota Cities web site, Shoreview-Arden Hills Bulletin, and the City's web site. On March 31 Sl, the completed bid forms wcrc duc at City Hall by 4:30 PM. The City received two potential bids for the tree removal contract. One ofthe bids that was submitted was incomplete and did not include the necessary infonnation. The City received one bid from S&S Tree Service that met all of the requirements set fOlih in the request for proposal. City staff was very surprised that only one bid was submitted, but market factors may have influenced the . number of contractors that were interestcd in participating in the bidding process. Members ofthe City Council reviewed the bid information and requested that this item be placed on the consent agenda for the April 25'h meeting. Council Reports Brenda Holden . Councilmember Holden asked ifthc Lake Johanna Fire Department still allows the station to be used for groom dinners and other social events. Who is responsible if something goes wrong at these events? . Councilmember Larson said that LJFD has had problems in the past with clean-up and policing activities. The City may have some legal responsibility due to our affiliation with the Lake Johanna Firc Department. . Councilmember Holden asked if the City is linked with the LJFD forever. . Councilmember Larson said that the City does own equipment with the fire department. This would make it very difficult to break away from Lake Johanna Fire Department. Lois Rem . Not present David Grant . . Councilmember Grant asked what is the procedure for filling the Plmming Commission vacancy. City Administrator Wolfe said that the City would like to follow a uniformed 9 . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES APRIL 18,2005 10 . interviewing process. Resident David McClung has submitted llil application for the open position and is scheduled to be interviewcd on April27th. . Councilmember Grant stated that the perennial flowers are growing slowly this year and asked if there is a planting day being scheduled. City staff will be getting back to the City Council on this issue. . Councilmember Grant noted that the City may be experiencing a financial challenge with thc Lexington A venue project. Gregg Larson . No comments. Beverly Aplikowski . Mayor Applikowski was recently asked to testify on behalf ofLMC, AMM, and the City Council against the Turbo Charge Lcvy Limits bill in the State of Minnesota House of Representativcs. The meeting adjourned at 9:25 PM Respectfully submitted by Schawn P. Johnson . , , . 10