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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 04-25-2005 . . . ~ ~~HILLS Approved: May 9, 2005 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 25, 2005, 7:00 P.M. CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Beverly Aplikowski called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:10 p.m. Present: Mayor Beverly Aplikowski, Councilmembers David Grant, and Lois Rem. Absent: Councilmembers Brenda Holden (excused) and Gregg Larson (excused). Also present were City Administrator, Michelle A. Wolfe; Director of Operations & Maintenance, Thomas J. Moore; Finance Director/Treasurer, Murtuza Siddiqui; Community Development Director, Scott Clark; City Engineer, Greg Brown; Assistant to City Administrator, Schawn Johnson; City Planner, Peter Hellegers; and Recording Secretary, Kathleen Altman. 1. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councihnember Rem seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as presented. The motion carned unanimously (3-0). 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. April 11 , 2005 City Council Meeting Councilmember Grant requested the following changes: None. Councilmember Rem requested the following changes: Page 5, under 6.A. in the title correct ruck to "Truck". Page 7, 6.D. in the title delete the word Road and insert the word "Yard". Mayor Aplikowski requested the following changes: None. Ms. Wolfe requested the following changes: None. I IEarthlAdmin ICouncil\MinuteslRegular\2005104-25-05, doc . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 25,2005 2 MOTION: Councilmember Rem moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to approve the April II, 2005 City Council Meeting Minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). 3. CONSENT CALENDAR a, Claims and Payroll b. Final Payment of $3,508.40 to EnComm Midwest, Inc. for the Booster Station Rehabilitation Project c. Awarding of Tree Removal Contract to S&S Tree Services MOTION: Councilmembcr Grant moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar and to authorize execution of all nccessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). 4. PUBLIC INOUlRIES/INFORMATlONAL Elizabeth Garski, 1794 Lake Valentine Road, stated she has been before Council on several occasions to address the problems she has had with Mound View High School and "light pollution". She noted in the past, her problem was with parking lot lights left on past 10:00 p.m. She indicated that problem had been solved since a new timer had been installed in September 2004. However, she indicated there was now a new problem with the football field light remaining on until after 11 :00 p,m. She noted the football field lights were very bright and shined into her home. She also expressed concern that there was now more traffic late into the night and the noise, honking, etc. that went along with the games. She indicated she had spoken with the Mcunds View High School principal who told her that the field was now being rented out to various organizations and the events would take place most evenings until II :00 p.m. or later. She noted there was a Special Use Permit in place for the High School wherein they agreed the lights would be shut off at 10:00 p.m, She stated she was upset that before going ahead with renting the field late into the night, the neighbors were not notified, She requested the City enforce the 10:00 p,m, lights out agreement. Mayor Aplikowski directed staff to look into this and get back to Council with a response. Kathleen O'Neil, 3530 Rustic Place, Shoreview, (Mounds View High School student) stated she was concerned about the lack of sidewalk access from First Avenue to Mounds View High School and the safety hazard this presented for the students who had to walk. She also expressed concern about the lack of street lights and the heavy traffic along this road. Councilmember Grant asked if there was no bus service in the area. Ms. O'Neil stated they did have bus service, but she was in school activities and there was no after school bus service and if she drove, she had to park off campus and would still have to walk. . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 25, 2005 3 Mayor ApIikowski asked how many students this involved. Ms. O'Neil replied this affected approximately 30 students per day. Mayor ApIikowski noted the sensible thing would be for the bus to stop and pick up the students. Ms. O'Neil replied she had spoken with the bus company and there was an issue of msurance. Mayor ApIikowski noted putting in a sidewalk was expensIVe. She requested the Parks Department look at this for a possibility of a trail. 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. 6. NEW BUSINESS A. CLANDESTINE DRUG LAB ORDINANCE Mr. Johnson stated due to the more prevalent use of methamphetamine drugs, City staff believed it would be in the City's best interest to pass an Ordinance that reduces the City's exposure to health risks associated with hazardous chemicals or residue from a clandestine drug lab site. The intent of this Ordinance is to protect and reimburse the City for expenses associated with court fees, investigations, and clean-up costs. This Ordinance would place the responsibility on to the property owner for costs associated with services performed in connection with a clandestine drug lab. He indicated the proposed Ordinance grants the City's Building Official, Ramsey County Sheriffs Department, and the Lake Johanna Fire Department more legal authority to declare a structure that was associated with a clandestine drug lab site as a public health nuisance. The proposed ordinance also addressed the proper procedures and steps that must be followed while inspecting or cleaning-up a clandestine drug lab site. He stated the proposed Ordinance had been reviewed by the City's Attorney, Building Official, Ramsey County Sheriffs Department, and the Lake Johanna Fire Department. All of the parties believe that the Ordinance would be valuable too] in minimizing the City's risk and liability when dealing with future clandestine drug labs in Arden Hills. He requested Council approve the Clandestine Drug Lab Ordinance #354. Conncilmember Grant stated he believed this was a good Ordinance. MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Counci]member Rem seconded a motion to approve Clandestine Drug Lab Ordinance #354. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). . .' . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 25, 2005 4 B. AUTHORIZING FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR 2006 PMP PROJECT Mr. Moore requested the Council authorize URS to perform field survey, preliminary engineering activities and prepare a feasibility report for the 2006 PMP project. He indicated the current 5-year CLP includes the Ridgewood neighborhood for reconstruction in 2006. URS and City staff have conducted two informational neighborhood meetings earlier this year to inform residents of the project and to sohcit input from residents on infrastructure issues within the neighborhood. Based on feedback from the residents at the two public informational meetings to date there appeared to be general acceptance of the project and many residents were hopeful that the project would solve neighborhood drainage problems. He stated if the field survey work began soon, they would be able to complete a feasibility report this summer and confirm the project scope and budget during the annual CLP update process. In addition, an early start this year would allow them to bid the project during the winter months and hopefully receive very competitive bids. Mayor Aplikowski asked what streets were included in feasibility study. Mr. Moore replied it would be Siems Court, Ridgewood Court, Ridgewood Road, Skiles Lane and Arden Place. MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to authorize Feasibility Study for 2006 PMP Project. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). C. PLANNING CASE 05-09. DRIVEWAY VARIANCES FOR 4365 AND 4367 LEXINGTON AVENUES Mr. Hellegers stated applicants had requested variances to allow them to retain the existing shared driveway and add an additional driveway for each of the applicants' properties. He noted the Planning Commission recommended approval of the variances to retain the existing shared driveway and add one additional driveway subject to the seven conditions as noted in staffs April 25, 2005 report. Mayor Aplikowski asked if this had been approved by Ramsey County. Mr. Hellegers replied Ramsey County had taken an initial look at this and had okayed it, but it would go back to them for final approval. Mayor Aplikowski invited applicants to make comment. David Radziej, 4365 Lexington Avenue and Roger Sabot, 4367 Lexington Avenue, stated this additional driveway would allow them easier access in and out of their residences. Councilmember Grant noted the City did not allow horseshoe driveways, but in this instance this was not a horseshoe driveway because it was shared by two residences, . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 25,2005 5 MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to approve Planning Case 05-09, Driveway Variances for 4365 and 4367 Lexington Avenues, subject to the seven conditions as noted in staffs April 25, 2005 report. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). D. PLANNING CASE 05-11. KARJALAHI VARIANCES Mr. Hellegers stated applicant was requesting a 5-foot front yard setback variance and a 10-foot side yard comer setback variance for the construction of a new single family detached house on the applicant's property at 1137 Edgewater Avenue. He noted the Planning Commission recommended approval of the variance subject to the four conditions as noted in staffs April 25, 2005 report. He noted there was an issue as to whether this property should have a full replat on it at this time and he requested Council's input on this. Mayor Aplikowski invited applicant to make comment. Roland Karjalahti, 1137 Edgewater Avenue, stated the full platting process was very complex and expensive. He noted his surveyor quoted him a price of $3,000 to $4,000 for a full platting. He stated this would set back his construction plans ifhe had to do a full platting. Councilmember Rem asked if they did not require the full platting, could that be done at a later time. Mr. Hellegers replied this was a possibility, but staff was suggesting a full plat be done at this time. Mayor Aplikowski stated she was in favor of alternate "B" listed in staffs report. MOTION: Mayor Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to approve Planning Case 05-11, Karjalahti Variances, subject to the three conditions as noted in staffs April 25, 2005 report and amending condition four with alternative "B" as listed in staffs April 25, 2005 report. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). E. PLANNING CASE 05-07, COVERED FRONT PORCHES AS PERMITTED ENCROACHMENTS Mr. Hellegers requested City Council consider Ordinance #357 which would amend section 6.C.2.a of the Zoning Ordinance and insert new section 6.C.2.d into the Zoning Ordinance, allowing for front porches of up to ten feet and with a minimum setback of 30 feet from the front or side-yard corner property lines, which meet design standards to be allowed subject to staff review and approva1. He also requested Council consider Resolution #05-29 which would add the front porch language and Front Porch Design Guidelines to Appendix A of Zoning Ordinance #291. He noted the Plmming Commission had unanimously recommended approval of the Zoning Ordinance Amendments as proposed. ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 25,2005 6 . Mayor Aplikowski expressed concern with drainage, if the base of the porch is a solid masonry perimeter. Mr. Rellegers replied he had spoken with the Building Official and there were various alternatives that people could use to address drainage issues. Mayor Aplikowski stated having a concrete block around a 10-foot porch was an extreme measure in her opinion. Councilmember Grant also expressed concern about concrete block perimeter porch base and noted if there was a drainage problem, having concrete block in place could create a real problem. He indicated they needed to be flexible with this requirement. Mayor Aplikowski stated she believed they needed something less pemlanent for a porch. Mr. Rellegers replied if it was Council's desire to change this, he suggested the Ordinance be amended to reflect this. Mr. Brown suggested they have a requirement for a certain amount of open space and have the plan be designed by an Engineer and approved by the Building Official. Councilmember Grant suggested the base could not be more than a certain percentage open, which would give the homeowner more flexibility. . David Monson, 1175 Edgewater Avenue, stated he had made some suggestions by email for language which had been provided to Council. He indicated open bases for porches were important and there were ways to anchor porches to the ground with piers. He noted having the base open would allow for air circulation and better drainage. He stated if they were going to be digging for a perimeter foundation, earth moving machinery would need to be brought in, where if they only had to dig holes for the piers, this would require less equipment and it would also be less expensive. He noted porches were about the outdoors and he did not believe it was bad to have a minor visual distinction between the outside and the inside of the house. Mayor Aplikowski asked Council if they thought the base of the porch should be open or closed. Councilmember Rem replied flexibility was important and she would want a certain percentage open. Councilmember Grant agreed. Councilmember Grant asked if they wanted piers or did they want more structure to the porch. Mayor Aplikowski asked if a resident wanted to enclose the base of their porch, would they be allowed to do this. Councilmember Grant stated in his suggestion, if a resident wanted to enclose their porch base that would be allowed. . Councilmember Rem suggested they hold another public hearing to get citizen input. ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETmG MINUTES APRIL 25, 2005 7 . Mayor Aplikowski asked if there was a timeframe for this. Mr. Hellegers replied there were a few residents who were anxious for this decision, but there was no time frame. He noted the Plmming Commission did not recommend open bases on the porches. He suggested revised language regarding the base requirement that if a masonry perimeter base were not used, that the base be screened with fascia or lattice. Councilmember Grant stated he also wanted frost footing requirements. Mr. Hellegers replied he could put the frost footing requirements in. Mayor Aplikowski suggested staff revise the open base requirement and come back with amended language for the next Council meeting. MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to table Planning Case 05-07, Covered Front Porches to the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Award Bid for 2005 Lift Station Proiect . Mr. Brown stated staff was recommending awarding the 2005 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project to Gridor Construction, Inc. for the total amount of$236,758.00. Councilmember Grant asked if the sewer fund balance would be below $500,000 with this project. Mr. Siddiqui replied that the fund would dip below $500,000 by approximately $25,000 ifthey decided to do all of the lift stations as planned in the future, as well as other sanitary sewer projects in the five year CIP. Councilmember Grant asked if one lift station would cause the fund to dip below the $500,000. Mr. Siddiqui replied it would not dip below the $500,000 fund balance. Councilmember Grant asked if any spare parts would be kept for emergencies, Mr. Brown replied if the pumps being removed fit or matched other pumps in the City; staff would keep parts for maintenance for the older lift stations. . Mayor Aplikowski read the following from staffs report: "Based upon the recent discussions with Council and staff regarding the sanitary sewer system we believe it is in the City's interest to take advantage of the bid received in February to rehabilitate lift stations 4 and 9 and develop a project later this year to rehabilitate the remaining four lift stations as a part of one project to be performed in 2006 (subject to receipt of favorable bids)". She asked for an explanation ofthis sentence. Mr. Brown replied with the new lift stations, it would reduce staff time which would allow them to focus on other priorities. Also, bidding multiple lift stations at one time will likely allow the city to maximize cost efficiencies, ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 25,2005 8 . MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to award the 2005 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project to Gridor Construction, Inc. for the total amount of $236,758.00. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). MOTION: Councilmember Rem moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to approve a budget amendment in the amount of $80,000 necessitated by the previous action. The motion carried unanimously (3- 0). B. TCAAP Uudate Mr. Clark updated Council on recent TCAAP activities. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS Ms. Wolfe - Stated the Ramsey County Sheriffs Department had scheduled an open house for their new facility on Saturday, May 21 starting at 10:00 a.m. She slated there was a Library Task Force meeting tomorrow night at City Hall at 6:00 p.m. She stated there was going to be an intel'View for the Planning Commission vacancy this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. . Councilmember Grant - Thanked Mayor Aplikowski for filling in as the liaison at the Planning Commission meeting in his absence. Councilmember Rem - Stated Norwest Youth and Family Sel'Vices was having their Spring Leadership Luncheon on May 4 at 11 :30 a.m. Mayor Aplikowski - Stated the City's cable coordinator, Ken Gammel, had won an award for cable production. She congratulated him. She stated Planning Case 05-12 has been rescheduled from the May 4 meeting to the June 1 meeting. Mr. Clark noted they would be hearing the rezoning portion of that case at the May 4 meeting, but the project approval would be heard at the June I meeting. Mayor Aplikowski adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 9:20 p.m. ;{~~~. Mayor ~ ~luffi (iW~ Michelle A. Wolfe City Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS . The next Council Meeting will be held Monday, May 9, 2005 at 7:00 p,m. in the Arden Hills Council Chambers.