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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 09-12-2005 . . . ~ ~~HILLS Approved: October 11, 2005 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 12, 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 7:05 p.m. Present: Mayor Beverly Aplikowski, Councilmembers David Grant, Gregg Larson, and Brenda Holden. Absent: Councihnember Lois Rem. Also present were City Administrator, Michelle Wolfe; Director of Operations & Maintenance, Thomas Moore; Finance Director/Treasurer, Murtuza Siddiqui; Assistant to City Manager, Schawn Johnson; City Planner, Pete Hellegers; and Recording Secretary, Kathleen Altman. 1. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Larson seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. August 29, 2005 City Council Minutes B. August 29,2005 City Council Work Session Minutes C. August 19, 2005 Special City Council Meeting Minutes D. August 15, 2005 City Council Work Session Minutes Councilmember Holden requested the following change: August 29, 2005 City Council Minutes, Page 3, 6th Paragraph should read: "Councilmember Holden asked if visibility, turning from Lake Johanna onto Siems/Ridgewood was a problem for pedestrians since Siems/Ridgewood did not have a sidewalk". Page 4, second paragraph, 4th sentence to read: "He indicated he was not in support of the roundabouts and did not ...". Page 4, 5th paragraph change Phil to Bill. Page 5, second paragraph, last scntcnce to read: He asked if they possibly looked at some kind of a trade off...". \ \Metro- inet. us IArdenHillslAdmin \Council\MinuteslRegular\2005\09-12-05 Approved.doc ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 12, 2005 2 . Councilmember Grant requested the following changes: August 29, 2005 City Council Work Session, front page, under absent, should read: Councilmember Lois Rem and David Grant ( excused). Councilmember Larson requested the following changes: None. Mayor Aplikowski requested the following changes: None. Ms. Wolfe requested the following changes: None. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to approve the August 29, 2005 City Council Meeting Minutes as amended, the August 29, 2005 Council Work Session Minutes as amended, the August 19, 2005 Special City Council Meeting Minutes as presented, and the August 15, 2005 City Council Work Session Minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). 3. CONSENT CALENDAR . a. b. c. d. e. f. Claims and Payroll Lift Station #4 and #9 Reconstruction - Partial Payment #2 to Gridor Construction, Inc. in the amount of$105,579.39 2005 Red Fox-Grey Fox PMP Project Partial Payment #1 to Amt Construction in the amount of$289,021.88 Final Payment to Allied Blacktop for 2005 Seal Coat Project in the amowlt of $38,547.84 Final Payment #7 to Amt Construction for the 2004 PMP Project in the amount of $61,030.17 Street Sign Replacement - Final Payment to Northern Traffic Supply, Inc. in the amount of$55,514.02 Mayor Aplikowski stated item f. amount should be $10,653.12. MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Larson seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as amended and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). 4. PUBLIC INOUlRIES/INFORMATIONAL . A. Ramsev Countv Sheriffs Department Discussion Regarding Vehicle Pursuits Councilmember Larson stated he recognized the profession of a police officer was not an easy job. He indicated he was going to ask some questions with the understanding that their job was a . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 12, 2005 3 tough one and knowing there are not easy answers. He noted he had looked at the Ramsey County and Roseville pursuit policies. He stated there does not appear to be any uniformity between police jurisdictions. He questioned whether or not there was some value in having a unifoml policy that would be adopted statewide. Hc noted the entire situation was a lot different in the metro area now compared to the way the area was 20 or 30 years ago when the area was more rural and he believed a police pursuit was a much more dangerous proposition in today's world. He asked if it was wise not having a pursuit policy that did not spell out parameters. Bob Fletcher, Ramsey County Sheriff, stated he has been involved in over 100 pursuits in the course of his career with none of them resulting in serious bodily harm. He noted apprehensions from pursuits were happening on a daily basis without any injury. He indicated the "bad" guys were going to jail because of these pursuits with very few injuries. He stated about six years ago a uniform pursuit policy was put in place and every police agency was required to adopt the policy with some exceptions. He indicated they were continually looking at this as law enforcement professionals and they took the pursuit policy very seriously. He believed they were able to train officers to understand where the balance was. He stated it appeared they had three choices - They have a policy which allowed people to chase indiscriminately; a policy that said nobody can be chased; or they attempt to draft guidelines to address pursuits. He stated without being allowed to pursue, there would be no incentive for anyone to stop. He noted they could not go that far. He indicated they needed to balance the policy with the perpetrators. He stated the key was to have competent, qualified, and professional officers who had the best interest of the community in mind. He noted they have never had a life threatening injury in the 12 years he has been with the Sheriff s Department. He stated they were open to engaging in a discussion with the Cities in Ramsey County as to where the threshold should be when there was a pursuit. He noted there were times when actual pursuit was safer than not pursuing. He believed they have struck the proper balance and he believed their pursuit policy was more defined than Roseville's pursuit policy. He stated their supervisors were very prone to curtailing the pursuit and many times pursuits were ended by the Sergeant. He noted they have had pursuit training in the past three years to have officers disengage the emotion of a pursuit. He stated they have had an excellent track record. He indicated there was always a supervisor listening in to the radio communications and that supervisor had the authority to call of any pursuit. Councilmember Larson agreed the Ramsey County Sheriffs Department had better pursuit language than the City of Roseville's pursuit policy. Councilmember Grant asked what was the criteria for which intersections get Opticons Sheriff Fletcher replied in his opinion, all intersections should get them, but the reality was it came down to who paid for the Opticons Councilmember Larson asked if there were similar thresholds for when sirens and lights should be used in responding to a call. Sheriff Fletcher statcd when the standards were adopted, siren and lights were not part of the standards, but the general standard for red lights and sirens is when a person's life is in danger. He noted a crime in progress or the likelihood of a crime in progress would justify red lights and sirens. He indicated, however, that when red light and sirens are used this does not necessarily mean that speed is accelerated. . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETmG MINUTES SEPTEMBER 12, 2005 4 Mayor Aplikowski thanked Sheriff Fletcher for this update. Councilmember Larson stated he appreciated the Sheriffs Department for coming in and he now felt more comfortable with the Ramsey County Sheriffs Department pursuit policy. However, he stated he was not comfortable with Roseville's pursuit policy and suggested a letter be sent to the Police Chief of Roseville asking them to reexamine their policy as their policy did affect the City of Arden Hills. Councilmember Holden stated she did not want to tell other police departments how to conduct business as they were all professionals. She stated she did not want the City telling Roseville they needed to look at their policies. Councilmember Larson noted the recent accident which occurred in Arden Hills which killed an innocent person was a Roseville pursuit which ended in Arden Hills and therefore, he believed Arden Hills had a right to ask Roseville to look at their pursuit policies ifthere was a possibility of a pursuit coming into Arden Hills. Sberiff Fletcher stated he had a good relationship with the Police Chief in Roseville and would relay the Council's concerns, as well as give her a copy of the Sheriffs Department policy for review. 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. 6. NEW BUSINESS A. Establish the Payable 2006 Preliminary Tax Leyies/2006 Truth in Taxation Dates Mr. Siddiqui stated by September 15,2005, the City is required to adopt and certify to Ramsey County a preliminary tax levy. In addition, Mr. Siddiqui mentioned that the City would also have to establish Truth in Taxation hearing dates. He mentioned that the levy established in September is preliminary and a final levy must he adopted in December. He noted that the City has the option to reduce the levy from the previously adopted preliminary levy. He recommended Council adopt the Resolutions. Councilmember Larson asked if staff felt comfortable they could manage this budget despite the increase in operating costs as a result of the increase in gas and heating expenses. Mr. Siddiqui stated there were a number of things that could happen in the next few months. He noted he had taken into account the increase in gas prices and he felt they would be able to manage this within the proposed levy amount. . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 12, 2005 5 Mayor Aplikowski asked if the City had enough reserve funds available should some disaster happen to the City where it might be necessary to deal with an evacuation. Mr. Siddiqui responded in terms of the City's finances, that would be a significant amount and the City would not be in a position to do a mass evacuation. He noted the City did not carry that kind of a fund balance. Ms. Wolfe noted the City would not be alone in their efforts. She indicated the County and State would also playa part. She stated the key points for the City would be the initial response until other assistance arrived. Mayor Aplikowski asked if the Council should increase the levy number at least one percentage point in the event the City is asked to contribute financially to the eventual Hurricane Katrina evacuees which are anticipated to come to the County. Councilmember Grant stated while he had great sympathy for the evacuees, he did not believe it would be necessary to raise the levy and have the City absorb such costs within the budget. He stated he was comfortable with the proposed 4 percent levy. Councilmember Holden stated she was also satisfied with the proposed 4 percent levy. Councilmember Larson stated he was comfortable with the proposed 4 percent levy right now and if the City was asked to contribute to an evacuee fund, they could look at this next year and tbey increase the levy at that time to replenish funds. MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to approve Resolution 05-53, Establishing the Prelimiuary Operating Levy for Taxes Payable in 2006 in the amount of $2,523,737. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve Resolution 05-54, Establishing the Preliminary Levy for the Karth Lake Improvement District for taxes payable 2006 in the amount of$13,782.67. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to approve Resolution 05-55, Establishing the Truth in Taxation Hearing Dates for Proposed Taxes Payable in 2006 for December 5th and December 12, 2005. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). B. Planninl! Case 01-05: Chesapeake Companies; Extension of Master Piau PUD Mr. Hellegers requested Council consider the applicants' request for a one-year extension for their Master Plan PUD. . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 12, 2005 6 He recommended Council approve the request. Mayor Aplikowski asked how the plans were going to change. Diane Freeden, Chesapeake Companies, stated they did not have that information yet, but they had given the parameters provided by the City to their prospective clients. Councilmember Larson stated when this action was before them a year ago, he had indicated that would be the last time he would approve an extension. He noted it had been almost five years since the City had taken a thorough look at this and he believed the City should review this again. He suggested Council not give them a one year extension, but instead a six month extension and during this time the Planning Commission should look at the Master Plan PUD to see ifthere are changes that need to be made. Conncilmember Grant stated he looked at the Master Plan PUD as a marketing tool for the applicant. He believed a six month extension was unnecessary and he favored granting the one year extension. Mayor Aplikowski agreed and she would vote in favor of the one year extension. Councilmember Larson stated he did not believe the City was hanning the developer irrespective of what Council did here tonight. He indicated the developer had either a one year or six month extension. He stated he did not see where there was any harm to have the Planning Commission take another look at this. He believed that both the City and the developer would benefit from this. Peter Carlson, Chesapeake Companies, noted they did not like going through this every year either. He stated it was upon the City's suggestion that they decided to develop this property as PUD. He noted a PUD provided a guideline that was much more attractive to a corporate user. He indicated if they had to review the PUD again, this was an expensive proposal for them and there was no guarantee the City would grant it. He noted it was easier to market this property with a PUD in place. He stated, however, they would be willing to go through the review process, if requested. He indicated if they did not get a PUD, the City would end up with a lesser quality development because they would need to stay within the zoning requirements. He suggested they sit down with the City and go through the Master Plan PUD and talk about it without going through a formal review process. He indicated if the PUD needed to be modified, they were willing to do that right away. Council member Larson stated he was not contemplating going backwards on the PUD, but in four and a half years, things have changed and he believed a discussion about the PUD would be good. Peter Carlson, asked the Council grant the extension with the understanding that they were willing to work out any changes with the City. He stated he would like to avoid coming back here in a couple of months. He noted the final approval would have to come through the City anyway. . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 12, 2005 7 Councilmember Larson stated he believed the Planning Commission could give this more deliberate thought. He stated he was not suggesting they do an entirely new PUD, but he did want the Planning Commission to review this and in the interim what they had before them still applied and they could still use that as a marketing tool. Mayor Aplikowski asked what changes were proposed for the PUD conditions? Mr. Hellegers stated at this time staff was not asking for any changes to the conditions. Mayor Aplikowskl stated she did not believe this was fair to the applicant that they go back to the beginning and start the process again. Councilmember Larson stated he did not intend for the applicant to start this process over, but he still believed the Planning Commission should look at this again. Councilmember Holden stated both the Planning Commission and the Council would see the final plan anyway and she did not want to do double work. Councilmember Holden called the question. Councilmember Larson opposed). The cal1 on the question carried (3-1 MOTION: Mayor Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve Chesapeake Companies the requested one-year extension to submit a Final Plan PUD no later than September 24, 2006, subject to the applicant continuing to abide by the 14 existing conditions of approval as noted in staffs September 12, 2005 report. The motion carried (3-1 Councilmember Larson opposed). 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. No Smokinl! in the City Parks Policy Mr. Moore stated this proposed policy only applied to City owned Parks and Trails. This proposed policy would not apply to Ramsey County Tony Schmidt Park or any other future Ramsey Park or Trails located within Arden Hil1s, unless Ramsey County adopted a similar policy. Staff is recommending that one "Tobacco Free" sign be placed at the entrance of each City Park. Signage could be instal1ed on existing poles, fences or buildings within a particular park. Thus minimizing "sign pollution" and saving time and money on locates and the installation of sign posts. Any additional park signage requests would be submitted by staff to the PTRC for review and then forwarded to the City Council for approval. Trail signage would be limited to a trail head or the intersection of two trails. Signage could be installed on existing sign posts. Any additional trail signage requests would be submitted by staff to the PTRC for review and then forwarded to the City Council for approval. Staff is estimating that 22 signs would be required for City parks and 25 for trails, for a combined total of 47 signs. . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETmG MINUTES SEPTEMBER 12, 2005 8 He indicated currently there are no designated funding sources for this project in the 2005 CIP budget or in the General Fund. The "Tobacco Free" signage will be supplied, free of charge, by the Ramsey Tobacco Coalition and the members of PACT will provide the labor to install the signs. City staff will provide the labor for "locates" of utilities by submitting a work order to Gopher-One and then physically going out to the location site to mark the City's utilities. Estimated staff costs are based on approximately three hours of work at a cost not to exceed $60.50. In addition, the City wil1 supply the posts for the signage. These sign posts, are left over posts from the City of Arden Hills Equipment inventory. Some of the posts are too short for regulatory street signage because they were damaged by a snow plow, a car, or vandalism. While the city made an initial investment to purchase the posts for a specific purpose, the current condition of the posts no longer allows the posts to be used for its' originally intended purpose. In addition, O&M staff will seek assistance from Ramsey County Public Works in securing their extra non-regulation posts. Ramsey Connty Public Works indicated that they would supply their "extra" posts at no cost to the City. He recommended Conncil approve the Tobacco-Free Policy for the City of Arden Hills' Parks and Trails System. Conncilmember Holden asked if staff could accomplish this in three hours as indicated. Mr. Moore replied staff would be using existing poles as much as possible, with roughly ten minutes apiece for locating 18-20 new poles. Councilmember Grant asked for a description of the sign. Mr. Moore showed a sample of the sign being proposed. Susanne Florey and Christina Florey, 97 Ridgewater Drive, Vadnais Height, members of PACT, were present for any questions. MOTION: Conncilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the Tobacco-Free Policy for the City of Arden Hills' Parks and Trails System. Mayor Aplikowski stated she would vote no on this because she was not in agreement with the way it was written. She stated if this came up from the residents, she wonld be in favor of it instead of it coming from an outside group. Councilmember Grant noted this had come to the Council through the PTRC, which was a group of citizens of Arden Hills. The motion carried (3-1 Mayor Aplikowski opposed). B. TCAAP Update . Ms. Wolfe updated the Council on recent TCAAP developments. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER I 2, 2005 9 Ms. Wolfe - None. Councilmember Holden - Summarized the events being held at the Northwest Youth and Family Services. She noted there was going to be a new Fundraiser this year held on November 20 at Maplewood Mall where there would be discounts at all of the stores. She noted only people with purchased tickets would be allowed into the Mall for these discounts. Councilmember Grant - None. Councilmember Larson - None. Mayor Aplikowski - Noted the history of the City was not to do Proclamations. She stated she had recently received a request for a Proclamation. She asked the Council if they wanted to do Proclamations or not. She stated she had also received a request from Christine Johnson asking if the City would be willing to give a contribution to help sponsor a program "Why do they act that way?" which was having to do with young people. She stated historically, they did not do this, but asked if Council would be willing to contribute to help sponsor this for $100.00. Councilmember Grant stated he looked at a contribution as an individual thing and as a general rule the City did not contribute to the school district. He suggested a good source of funds was the 621 Foundation. Councilmember Holden noted Northwest Youth and Family Services had programs such as this all of the time and they did not ask for donations. She stated she did not want to set a precedent. Mayor Aplikowski asked staff to send a letter of support instead of a contribution. Council decided to continue not doing Proclamations. Mayor Aplikowski noted they had to do Ms. Wolfe's review. She asked when they wanted to do this. Ms. Wolfe noted they had September 26 scheduled as a closed session to discuss her review. Mayor Aplikowski stated Council would not be meeting on Columbus Day, but rather the day after. She invited everyone to attend on Tuesday, September 20, at 7:00 p.m. the Ramsey County Library Task Force, which was meeting at Arden Hills City Hall. She stated the first Neighborhood meeting was going to be on Wednesday, September 21 at Presbyterian Homes in their Fellowship Hall. She stated on Saturday, September 24 there will be a formal dedication of the Rice Creek Corridor Trail at noon on the TCAAP property. . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 12, 2005 10 Mayor ApIlkowski adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:52 p.m. , ~.#~~ f})~~a~~ . Beverly ik ski Mayor vL1~l~ Michelle A. Wolfe City Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next Council Meeting will be held Monday, September 26, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. at the Arden Hills Council Chambers.