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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 04-26-2004 . ~ ~~HILLS Approved: May 10, 2004 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 26, 2004, 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 7:02 p.m. Present: Mayor Beverly Aplikowski, Councilmembers David Grant, Gregg Larson, Lois Rem, and Brenda Holden. Absent: None. . Also present were City Administrator, Michelle Wolfe; City Attorney, Jeny Filla; Assistant City Administrator, Aaron Parrish; Director of Operations & Maintenance, Thomas Moore; Finance Director/Treasurer, Murtuza Siddiqui; City Engineers, Greg Brown and Nick Landwer; and Recording Secretary, Kathleen Altman, 1. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA Ms. Wolfe requested item 3F be pulled from the Consent Calendar and added as item 7 A. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. April 12, 2004 City Council Meeting Councilmember Holden requested the following changes: None. Councilmember Grant requested the following changes: None. Couucilmember Rem requested the following changes: None. . Councilmember Larson requested the following changes: Page 2, last paragraph, should read ",..as a whole and has found...", Page 3, second to the last paragraph, should read "Councilmember Larson asked if the City was recovering its costs.. .". Page 4, second to the last \ \Earth \Admin \CouncillMinuleslRegular\2004 \04-26-04 ,doc ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 26, 2004 2 . paragraph, should read "Councilmember Larson stated the PTRC might also want to get involved with any rerouting of the trail proposal." Page 5, third paragraph, should read "Councilmember Larson - Stated he agreed with the stenciling of the curbs to inform people that they could possibly be contributing contaminants to specific water bodies." Mayor Aplikowski requested the following changes: None. Ms. Wolfe requested the following changes: None. MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Larson seconded a motion to approve the April 12, 2004 City Council Meeting Minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5-0), 3. CONSENT CALENDAR a, b, c. d. e. . f. g. h. I. Claims and Payroll Authorize Summer Hours Approve Public Expenditure Policy Authorize Study of Pedestrian Improvements to the Old 10 Rail Bridge Authorize Position Description, Salary, and Recruitment for an Assistant to the City Administrator Authorize lI:Hj3lcmentatiofl of Credit Card TransactioHs at City Hall (Moved to 7 A), Approve Purchase of Felling Trailers Authorize Purchase and Installation of Maintenance Facility Fiber Approve Resolution 04-37 Designating Polling Places for the 2004 Elections MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 4. PUBLIC INOUlRIES/INFORMATlONAL None, 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Assessment Hearinl! for the 2004 Street Reconstruction Proiect . Mayor Aplikowski stated this hearing was for the 2004 Street Reconstruction Project in the Edgewater Neighborhood and would have a 5.5% interest rate, which could be paid over a 10- year period, ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 26, 2004 3 . Mr. Brown explained the project and the policies that were used to prepare the special assessment roll. Mayor Aplikowski explained the rules for the public hearing, She indicated anyone who wanted to object to the assessment had to file a written objection prior to the close of the public hearing, She noted the Council would not take any action or make specific comments regarding a specific question or objection until all questions and objections had been made. Mayor Aplikowski opened the public hearing at 7: 19 p.m. David J. Monson and Mary Hirschboeck, 1175 Edgewater Avenne, stated they were objecting to the assessment because the project would not enhance their property value to a degree commensurate with the $9,159.43 assessment and may, in fact, diminish the value of their property. They noted it was umesolved as to whether the northbound leg of Edgewater Avenue would be rebuilt within the border of the existing roadway, and if the new road would cause their driveway to be shorter than it currently was by virtue of the new location of the road, the market value of their property would be significantly reduced, They noted the north end of the reconstructed Edgewater would not terminate in a cul-de-sac, and that leg of the road would be only 16 feet wide, therefore vehicles would still need to turn around in private driveways. The narrowing of Edgewater Avenue would render on-street parking from the intersection with Lake Lane, difficult if not impossible, . Dennis Stolp speaking on behalf of his parents, Raymond and Hazel Stolp, 3235 North Lexington Avenne, stated his parents were objecting to their assessment because they did not believe the improvement of Shoreline Lane would be an improvement to their property and therefore, without any benefit being provided to their property, it was unfair to assess a portion of the cost of the improvement against their property. He also noted the amount of the proposed assessment was incorrectly calculated in that the entire frontage was being assessed, when Shoreline Lane was actually a small portion of that length, Gordon and Bette Dean, 3233 Shoreline Lane, stated they were objecting to their assessment and requested the City reassess their property for the actual length of the street improvement that borders their property. He noted they were being assessed for the full length of their property and Shoreline Lane did not run the length of the property, He stated he was willing to pay for approximately 85 feet of frontage, but not the entire length of 171.3 feet as proposed, Shirley Ann Bambery, 1111 Connty Road D West, by letter - stated she was objecting to the front footage calculation and requested the City reassess her property for the actual length, She noted the City had the incorrect size of her lot in their records. . Margaret Mnrphy, 1111 Edgewater Avenue, asked for a reduction of her assessment because she could not afford the amount being assessed against her property, She noted she was a single parent and Mr. Moore had indicated there was a hardship form she could fill out asking for this consideration. She stated she did not want to have to move and wanted to raise her children in . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRlL 26, 2004 4 this community, She indicated the project would not improve her property because of the location of her property, Cindy Michalak, 1203 Edgewater Avenne, expressed concern about parking and the blocking of the access, She asked if "No Parking" signs could be put up. She asked if the pond being created would affect the other side of the wetland. Mr. Brown stated the existing area would function the same way as it did today. Ms. Michalak asked if there was a process in place in case residents had issues with the construction. Mr. Moore stated there would be a neighborhood newsletter, which listed contact names and phone numbers of the contractors, as well as City staff that could be accessed 24 hours a day. Mr. Monson asked that future assessment formulas be addressed when it came to properties that fronted two streets with the frontages being equal they were only being assessed for one side of frontage. Steve Petry, 1146 Edgewater, stated he was on a comer lot and he believed he was being assessed unfairly. He noted he was not in favor of this improvement. Douglas Anderson, 3195 Shoreline Lane, stated he was not opposed to the assessment. He asked about the size of the cul-de-sac and if they could have surmountable curbs, Mr. Brown replied 50 feet was the right-of-way and the typical design was larger, but they were going to try and get the cul-de-sac within the right-of-way and they did not intend to acquire additional property, He stated the curb would be a barrier curb, which made plowing easier. Mayor Aplikowski closed the public hearing at 7:50 p.m, Mayor Aplikowski stated staff would provide written documentation and information on the various objections to be presented at the May 10, 2004 Council Meeting. 6. NEW BUSINESS A. Award Street Sil!n Contract Mr. Moore stated bids were received and opened for the street sign replacement program project. He noted bids were received from seven contracts with the lowest bid from Northern Traffic Supply, Inc. in the amount of$51,620. He indicated the engineer's estimate was $58,000. He stated the engineer has had direct experience working with Northern Traffic Supply, Inc. as the sign installation subcontractor on many roadway projects, He indicated based on review of the bids, subsequent discussion and previous experience with the contractor, he felt that the bid was reasonable and that Northern Traffic Supply, Inc. can successfully complete this project and recommended this be approved, ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRil., 26, 2004 5 . Councilmember Holden asked what would happen with the old street signs, Mr. Moore replied all of the old signs would be delivered to the maintenance shop for disposal. However, if Council wants to do something with them, the signs would be available. MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to award the street sign program to Northern Traffic Supply, Inc. in the amount of $51 ,620, The motion carried unanimously (5-0), B. Improvements to Perry Park Fields #1 and #2 Mr. Moore stated the O&M Department had budgeted for improvements to Perry Park in the 2004 Capital Improvement Plan Budget. The proposed improvement would consist of a 10-foot high outfield fence, with distance signage, on field #1 and a six-foot high sideline fence on fields #1 and #2. In 2002, the City Council authorized the installation of a lO-foot high outfield fence on field #2, He indicated the total cost, including sales tax, to install a lO-foot high outfield fence, with distance signage, on field #1 and a six-foot high sideline fence on fields #1 and #2 is $24,988. The budgeted amount in the 2004 Capital Improvement Plan Budget for improvements to Perry Park fields #1 and #2 is $25,500. He stated staff recommended that the City Council authorize the improvements to Perry Park fields #1 and #2, at a cost not to exceed $24,988, . MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Larson seconded a motion to authorize the improvements to Perry Park fields #1 and #2, at a cost not to exceed $24,988, The motion carried unanimously (5-0). C. Approve Plans and Anthorize Bids for Perrv Park Pavilion Mr. Moore stated the need for a pavilion at Perry Park was identified in the May 7, 2002 Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan. This Plan was approved by the Council in June 2002. The Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee (PTRC), with Council approval, hired Hagen, Clrristensen & McIlwain Architects (HCM) in August 2003 to design and coordinate the construction of the pavilion at Perry Park. He indicated the 2004 Capital Improvement Plan budget for the construction of a new pavilion at Perry Park is $350,000. The funding source for the project will be the Park Fund. He stated staff recommends the Council approve the plans and authorize the advertisement for and the obtaining of bids for the pavilion at Perry Park. Councilmember Larson asked if the $350,000 was reflective of the actual cost of the building. Mr. Moore replied it would include the firm's fees and the cost of the building. Mayor Aplikowski asked if this also included trees and landscaping. Mr. Moore replied it did include trees and landscaping. . MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to approve the plans and authorize the advertisement for and the obtaining of bids for the pavilion at Perry Park. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 26, 2004 6 D. Insuections Vehicle Purchase Mr. Parrish stated the 2004 CIP budget included $20,000 for the purchase of a new inspection vehicle, As outlined during the budget presentation, the current vehicle dedicated for inspections, the 1992 Chevy S-l 0, was getting older and the impact of deferred maintenance had become more apparent in recent years. The current schedule for replacement was generally 7 years. He noted to replace the inspections vehicle, staff was proposing that a 2004 Chevy Blazer be acquired via the state contract. The state contract price for this vehicle is $19,342. Sales tax and related fees were estimated at $1,500. In addition, painting the Arden Hills logo on the side will cost approximately $500, Based on the mentioned costs, the estimated total cost of the vehicle is $21,342, or slightly higher than the $20,000 that was budgeted. Staff requests a contingency of approximately $1,658 to account for any unforeseen circumstances. He recommended Council authorize the purchase of an inspections vehicle in the amount not to exceed $23,000. Councilmember Grant asked how many miles the Building Inspector put on his personal vehicle last year. Mr. Parrish replied the estimate that was provided by the Building Inspector was 150 miles per week on his personal vehicle. He noted he did not know what mileage was put on the S-lO last year, He indicated, however, the Building Inspector did not turn in reimbursement mileage because he did not choose to track his mileage. Councilmember Grant stated he did not believe a four-wheel drive vehicle was necessary, Mr. Parrish stated there was not a Blazer available under the State contract that did not have a four- wheel drive option. He indicated the estimated useful life of this vehicle was seven years. He noted if Council did not want a four-wheel drive vehicle, staff would need to look at the State contract for a different vehicle, Councilmember Grant stated he was not in favor of buying this vehicle and wanted staff to look at other options, including other vehicles through the State contract. Mayor Aplikowski asked how many vehicles were available to City Staff for their use. Mr. Moore replied the S-lO was the only vehicle available to City Hall staff. He noted if the new vehicle were purchased for the Building Inspectors, the S-IO would be freed up for City Hall staff use. Councilmember Larson stated he was in favor of purchasing this vehicle. He stated the vehicle they were replacing was 12 years old. Mr. Parrish noted the S-IO would not be replaced, and would still be in use. Mr. Moore stated City vehicles were estimated to be replaced every seven to ten years. He stated he could work with the Finance Director and develop a CIP plan for the replacement of all vehicles so Council would be aware of all of the vehicle replacements in the future. . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 26, 2004 7 Councilmember Grant asked if two vehicles were enough for City Hall, Mr. Parrish replied based on the employees who did field work, two vehicles should be sufficient assuming the City did not hire a lot of additional employees. Councilmember Rem noted the City Engineer position may not be filled right away. MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to authorize the purchase of an inspections vehicle in an amount not to exceed $23,000, The motion carried (4-1 Councilmember Grant- Nay), E. Appoint Community Development Director Ms. Wolfe noted through an internal staffreorgarnzation, the Community Development Director position became vacant in February, The position was advertised through February 27,2004. A total of 21 applications were received, Eight applicants were selected for the first round of interviews. Upon completion, four finalists were selected to participate in a management assessment and a second round of interviews. At the conclusion of the second interview, there was general consensus on a top candidate for the position. The recommended candidate is Scott Clark. She noted the proposed starting salary for Mr. Clark would be at step three of the 2004 compensation plan and at the second tier for PTO accrual. She recommended approving the appointment of Scott Clark as Community Development Director for the City of Arden Hills, effective May 26, 2004. MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the appointment of Scott Clark as Community Development Director for the City of Arden Hills, effective May 26,2004. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Aplikowski stated Mr. Parrish was going to be leaving Arden Hills to be the City Administrator for a northern Minnesota city. She thanked Mr. Parrish for all of his hard work and dedication to the City of Arden Hills, Councilmember Rem thanked Mr. Parrish for his hard work and wished him good luck in the future. Councilmember Larson wished Mr. Parrish good luck in the future. Councilmember Grant also wished him well and thanked him for his work with the City. Conncilmember Holden also thanked Mr. Parrish and wished him good luck. F. TCMP Phase III Planninl!: ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 26, 2004 8 . Mr. Parrish stated currently, the Interim Development Agreement with CRR required that each party agree to proceed to the next phase of planning. In conjunction with the approval of Phase n, the Council authorized the beginning of Phase III. At this point, for various reasons, they have not received authorization from CRR. In discussions witb the Mayor and Council, it was indicated that the Council had a desire to proceed with Phase III planning as soon as practical. He indicated based on additional discussions with CRR this week, they had indicated that they were amenable to proceeding with Phase UI of the planning. He introduced Bart Rehbein, Bart Rehbein, stated there had been concerns by both parties and he was hoping to have more discussions with the Council before Phase UI would start. However, he would like to see the planning process get started, He understood there was a concern regarding roles and responsibilities and he looked forward to having further discussions regarding these issues. He stated the development team wanted a higher level of commitment on the Interim Development Agreement and they were anxious to have that dialogue and work through the Council's concerns, Councilmember Larson stated at some point the Council and staff would need to initiate some sort of discussions with the development team to come up with a second Development Agreement prior to the expiration ofthe Interim Development Agreement. . Councilmember Holden asked when Phase III would begin. Mr. Parrish replied dates had not been set, but it would take approximately a month for everything to be ready. 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Anthorize Implementation of Credit Card Transactions at Citv Hall Mr. Siddiqui stated currently, the City did not accept credit card payments for its services. Services that could potentially be paid by credit card include permit fees, licenses, utility payments, fines, sports and recreation registration, etc, Over the past year, the City had received a number of inquiries from the residents and contractors encouraging the City to accept credit card payments. He indicated credit card payments were accepted by most cities in the metro area, but the twe of services they accept payments for vary from city to city. He noted there were two methods of accepting credit card payments. The first method was the "over the counter" method where a card is either swiped through a credit card machine or the information is manually inputted when it is provided over the telephone or through some other means. The second method of accepting credit card payments was on-line. . He stated he had received additional information that outlined the requirements of this system, He noted the City could not establish any minimums or maximums on the credit. He recommended modifYing the recommendation to approve implementation of Phase I of the credit acceptance system effective January 1, 2005, that would allow time to budget for costs of the system and review the existing City fee schedule, He asked Council to direct staff to continue research for Phase II ( on-line) for potential implementation next year. . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 26, 2004 9 MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to authorize implementation of Phase I credit acceptance system effective January I, 2005 and direct staff to continue research for Phase II (on-line) for implementation next year. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). CITY COUNCIL REPORTS Ms. Wolfe - None. Councilmember Holden - Asked about the $5,000 charge for tree removal in the Ingerson Neighborhood. She asked what the City policy was regarding tree removal. Mr. Moore replied there was an Ordinance regarding diseased trees and the procedures had been the City was complaint respondent. He noted in this instance, the trees were either dead or damaged and were a hazard to the public and therefore, they were removed. He indicated these trees were located on City property, Councilmember Grant - Stated the Assessment Task Force would be meeting this Thursday, April 29, and it was expected this would be the last meeting, Their recommendations would be forwarded to the Council in the near future. Councilmember Rem - Stated Northwestern Youth and Family Services was having their luncheon on Wednesday, May 5, She stated the Mounds View High School was having its next task force meeting on Tuesday, She asked if they would be having a Development Team Meeting before the next Council Meeting. Ms. Wolfe stated that the next meeting will be Tuesday, May 4 at 8:00 a,m. Councilmember Larson - Stated the Lake Johanna Fire Department Relief Association would be meeting this Wednesday at the Hodgson Road station. He stated in their packet there was a letter regarding the height of the Guidant ramp, He asked if staff had any further information regarding this. Mr. Parrish stated he had not seen that letter, but staff would check the height of the ramp. Mayor Aplikowski - Ramsey County League of Local Government was having a meeting this Thursday at Mounds View regarding the relationship between the City, County, and State finances. Mr. Filla - None. Mayor Aplikowski adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 9:12 p,m, B~k1':~ - fJUif:1t (iU}l?f Michelle Wo fe . . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 26, 2004 10 NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next Council Meeting will be held Monday, May 10, 2004 at 7:00 p.m, in the Arden Hills Council Chambers.