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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCWS 08-23-2004 ~ . ~~HILLS Approved September 13, 2004 ~-" - CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2004, 4:45 P.M. CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 1. Call To Order Mayor Aplikowski called the meeting to order at 4:45 p.m. Present: Mayor Aplikowski, Council members: Gregg Larson, David Grant, and Brenda Holden Absent: Council Mcmber Lois Rcm Staff present: City Administrator, Michelle Wolfe; Finance Director, Murtuza Siddiqui; Operations & Maintenance Director, Thomas J. Moore; Assistant to the City Administrator, Schawn Johnson; Community Development Director, Scott Clark; and Reereation Program Supervisor, Michellc Olson Others present: Bob Lawson, St. Paul Foundation; Greg Brown, City EngineerlURS . Communitv Foundation Presentation City Administrator Wolfe rcviewcd the background of the community foundation program. Other neighboring eommunitics have implemcntcd similar programs. Mr. Bob Lawson, St. Paul Foundation, reviewed the information packet that was presented to City Council and staff. A number of community fund programs have been developcd in conjW1ction with the St. Paul Foundation and Minnesota Community Foundation. Approximately 28 community funds have been established throughout the State of Minnesota. Mr. Lawson cxplained that a governing board would review the grant application and would determinc which projects the Inundation would fund. Grant dollars ean be used to support a varicty of eharitable organizations. Individual donors can also designate certain programs that they would like to financially support. The St. Paul Foundation would manage the fund through a 501 C3 account and allocate the money to the diffcrcnt sources. IRS regulations would regulate the funding of the foundation program. Mr. Lawson mentioned to the City Couneil that in ordcr for the foundation to be successful it needs the support of the community. The first step in creating a foundation would be to conduct a feasibility study to deteDnine what causes or organizations would be supported by the community. It typically takes three years of fund raising before a foundation is able to . financially support an organization or project. A lot of time and energy is needed to make the foundation financially successful. Over time, the foundation is there to provide services to the community. \\ Earth \A dm in \Coun ci 1 \Minu t es \W orksession \2 004\08- 23 -04- 2. doc ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION AUGUST 23, 2004 2 . The St. Paul Foundation would charge the City a 1.4% administrative fee to pay for the cost associated with starting a ncw foundation program. The community foundation would create its own by-laws, committees, and fund distribution policies. It is important that the foundation remains flexible in order to adapt to on-going changes that periodically occur in society. The community foundation would be a separate entity from the City. Most boards do not have a government representative that serves on the foundation committee. The amount the City could withdraw in a single year would be five percent. Council Members believe that the community foundation idea would allow local rcsidents the opportunity to give back to their community. Community funds are great opportunities and ean be used to fund a number of important eivic programs (schools, churches, local government). Mayor Aplikowski polled the audience to see if people would fina11cially support a foundation program. The majority of thosc in attcndancc would support a formdation program. The Mayor and members of the City Council would like to consider a feasibility study to explore the foundation option further. Celebratine Arden Hills Re-cap Michelle Olson provided a financial recap of the celebrating Arden Hills festival. The activities were well attended. The City reeeived $15,000 from local business owners and residents. . Additional rcvcnue was brought-in through table and spacc rental and t-shirt sales. A majority of the festival events were free to the public. Staff would like to receive dircction from the City Council regarding future events and whether or not the City should explore other revenue options for this event. This year, the City spent more money on catering, tents, and beverages then in past yeaTS. Members ofthc City Council felt that a catered barbeque dincr was a big part of this event. It is an opportunity for people to meet and gather even i I' the weather is poor. Olson stated that one of the problems with catering meals is projecting the number ofpcople that will be eating at an event of this size. It is difficult and unpredictable to come up with a number of attendees. A second concern is the number of complimentary tickets that are distributed. A number of tickets are not being used and it would be beneficial for the City to rcdcem those tickets and sell them to people who are attending the celebration but do not have tickets. Olson also mentioned that the City could reduce the number of beverages that are available to the public. Members of the City Council raised concerns pertaining to the number of tickets sold. The caterer would not allow more than 400 people in the food line. In the end there was plenty of food left over and a number of people were not allowed to eat. Council would like to see this situation improved in the futurc. . An option for next yeaT would be for the City to pay an up-front cost and try to adjust the ticket costs accordingly. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION AUGUST 23, 2004 3 . A majority of the City Council enjoy the current barbeque dinner event, although morc involvement is ncedcd by members of the community through fund raising efforts and advcrtising to make the community event more successful. Overall, the event is successful and should be fine-tuned in the future. The fireworks, waler skiing show, and dinner are good events and should be continued in the future. The City needs to do a better job in seeking donations and volunteers. City employees are used to staff the event, but more volunteers would be helpful in the future. Meeting Room Policy Michelle Olson reviewed the City's meeting room poliey. City staff would like to review the rental rates and policy for room rentals at city hall. At this time, the meeting rooms arc not utilized very often due to staffing and security concerns. Recreation Program Supervisor Olson discussed a number of di fferent meeting room options with thc City Council: 1. Staff members must be present if a community organization is conducting evenmg meetings. Possibly hire a part-time person to staff the building at night. 2. I.lire a sccurity pcrson. 3. Hirc a building supervisor/custodian. 4. Explore the possibility of changing our existing contraet with thc cleaning services. . Council members were wondering how often people inquire about renting the meeting rooms. Olson was not sure how many people havc been turned down. The meeting room is used sporadically. A number of recreation programs use the meeting rooms in the evening. Members of the City Council would like to have staff research the meeting room fees currently charged by the City and compal'e the rates to other neighboring communities. Anothcr suggestion was for staff to review the scheduling procedure for evening meetings. Couneil would also like to have staff review thc costs associated with O&M time, energy expenses, and other costs associated with renting out thc meeting rooms three days a week. Also, it would be good to compare the expenditures to hiring a part-time staff person that would supervisc evening activities. Parkin!!: Issues-Mounds View High School City Administrator Wolfc prcsented an overview of the parking concems in the residential neighborhoods surrounding Mounds View High School. City Administrator Wolfe noted the following options for the City Council to consider in addrcssing the parking situation at Mounds View High School: 1. Continue with the City's existing policy and respond to sign requests on a case-by-case basis. 2. Develop a neighborhood wide policy, such as the every block approach. . 1 Develop a communication plan betwcen the residents, City of Arden Hills, Ramsey J. County Sheriffs Department, and Mounds View School District. 4. Explore the possibility of offleially designating thc ncighborhood as a "school zone". ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION AUGUST 23, 2004 4 --....---- . 5. Explore the possibility of officially designating the neighborhood as a 'pcnnit parking only" zone. Deputy Glen Pothen was introduced as the new School Resourcc Officer at Mounds View High School. He is willing to work with the residents of Arden Hills in addressing the existing parking and vandalism concerns. City Administrator Wolfe noted that the property owners mayor may not benefit if a pennit parking procedure is implemented. Most students do obey the no parking signs that are presently in place along the boulevards. Typically parking violators are given a citation and the Sheriffs Department would not like to get into the praetiee of towing vehicles due to liability concerns. Residents are concerned about the parking and litter issues at the bus stops and parking spots. Many residents feel that the students do not respect the no parking signs or private propcrty. Council Membcr Larson reeommended that no parking during school hours be an option. A number of residents raised concerns regarding the possibility of having no parking during the day because the residents would not be able to park in front oftheir homes. The City currcntly has a lot of no parking signs along certain streets, but very few have been placed along the boulevard in other sections of the neighborhood. . Tom Moore, O&M Director, noted that the current signs state "No Parking 8:00 a.m. to 400 p.m. during the school year." A representative from Mounds Vicw High School stated the students were concerned regarding the number of no parking signs. A number of studcnts enjoy driving their vehicles and will continue to drive to school. A member of the audience was wondering if Mounds View High School has any plans to add another pal.king lot. The School District does not have any plans at this time to expand the parking lots. A second issuc of conccrn is that the number of underclassman at Mounds View High School is scheduled to grow in the next two to three years and this will continue to be an issue for everyone involved. A resident wondered if the school district promotes car pooling. Mounds View High School promotes car pooling, but a number of students do not take advantage of this situation. A number of residents suggested that the high school should promote the ideas of civic duty and that students should get involved in policing thcmselves with trash control. The parents and students should be more responsible for their actions. Mounds View High School cannot require a student to pick-up trash. It must be a volunteer activity. . Mayor Aplikowski wondered what the school would do if a studcnt was caught vandalizing. The student is turned into the Sheriffs Department and is penalizcd bascd upon the severity of the cnme. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION AUGUST 23, 2004 5 . Council Member Larson suggested that neighborhoods need to make the decision whethcr or not the no parking signs should be installed. It may bc difficult to enforce the no parking signs if they are not consistently located throughout the neighborhood. City Administrator Wolfe stated that the City Council needs to approve the location of the no parking signs. City staff will work on crcating an ordinance that addresses the location and implemcntation of no parking signs. Ifresidents would like to obtain a no parking sign they are advised to contact the City. A letter will be sent to the residcnts affected by this policy explaining the procedure for obtaining a no parking sign. City Administrator Wolfe stated that a few residents have suggcstcd a no left turn sign at the Glenview and Crystal intersection and Fairview and Lake Valentine Road intersection. Mayor Aplikowski recommended that a speed limit sign also be plaeed in this area. Council Member Grant stated that a number of students have figured out how to get aroW1d the congestion by using residential roads in the neighborhood. A resident recommended that speed bumps be installcd on Lake Valentine Road. Studies have shown that speed bumps typically do not slow down traffIc in residential neighborhoods. . The Ramsey COW1ty Sheriffs Department will try to be more proactive in the enforcement of speed limits around Mounds View High School. Mayor Aplikowski stated the City will place a no left turn sign at the intersection of Crystal and Lakc Valentine Road. Countv Road E Brid!!:e and Path Greg Brown, City Engineer, reported that the City conducted a feasibility study for sidewalk and bridge improvcments along County Road E. Thc following options were discussed: Bridge Improvements- Option A I. Replace existing n011h sidewalk and guardrail; 2. Shift roadway centerline 3" to the north; 3. Narrow traffic lanes to 14 Ft; 4. Construct 6 Ft by 6 In foot walk along the south side of bridge; 5. Estimated Cost-S60,000. Option B I. Replace existing bridge and guardrail; 2. Shift roadway centerline 3" to the north; 3. NmTow traffic lanes to 14 Ft; 4. Construct 7 Foot walk way along south side of bridge cantilever structurc; . 5. Estimated Cost-S80,000. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION AUGUST 23, 2004 6 . Option C I. Install new beam along south edge of bridge: 2. Remove southern guard rail: 3. Construct 10Ft walk along south sidc of bridge: 4. Allow for interior rail between traffic and sidewalk; 5. Estimated Cost -$180,000. Possible Enhancements: 1. Ornamental railings; 2. Decorative Lighting; 3. Concrete patterns and pilasters. The proposed sidewalk improvements would run along the southern boulevard between the freeway ramp and Highway 10. City Engineer and staff feci that a 6 foot concrete walk is the preferred option. City staff would like to bid the project this winter. Proposed construction would begin next spring or summer. A majority of the residents are in favor of the proposed bridge, but a few residents have expressed reservations regarding the proposed sidewalk installation. Mr. Bill Henry (PTRC Chair) recommends that the bridge and sidewalk be installed with the . sidewalk set back from the street. City Administrator Wolfe reeommended that all options be explored and that hopefully this information will be useful in coming to a solution that best represents the interests of the community. The affected roadway is 54 feet long. The City would be using 10 feet of the existing 15 feet of Ramsey County right-of-way. The worse case scenario is a 40 foot yard with a 15 foot right-of- way. A pedestrian count was completed by staff to document the number of residents that use the sidewalks at: . Freeway Park; . North Hamline; . Arden Place; . Snelling Avenue: . Connelly Avenue; . Pine Tree Drive. If the bridge is reconstructed, the north side would not be the preferred location for a sidewalk based upon the number of underground utilities and topography issues that would have to be addressed before the sidewalk could be installed in this area. . Council Member Larson noted that the proposed sidewalk, on the south side, runs adjacent to two of the City's parks. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION AUGUST 23, 2004 7 --,- . Tom Moore, O&M Director. requested City Council input regarding the proposed pedestrian bridge and sidcwalk options. Future funding may be available through the MiW1esota Dcpartment of Transportation. Approximately 80% of the funding could be acquired from the State of Minnesota if this project is approved by the Department of Transportation. Council Mcmber Larson would like to sce a smaller sidewalk and add more lighting amenities to the project. Council Member Grant raised coneerns that the smaller sidewalk may cause pedestrians problems during thc winter months. Greg Brown, City Engineer, reported that decorative railings, lightings, pilasters, and other improvements would cost approximately $55,000. If the project is approved by MNDOT, the proposed decorative improvements would be covered under this program. The City Council would like to proceed with blidge improvement option C and seek funding from the State of Minncsota. If the City does not receive funding from the State of Minnesota, the City Council would likc to proceed with bridge option B. Mayor Aplikowski does not want to make a decision tonight without input from the eight residents that are affected by the proposed project. She also noted that the mail boxes and street . signs may cause problems in the future. Trees should not be planted in the boulevard. City Enginecr Brown recommended that the City may want to pursue the sidewalk option that is the least evasive to the property owners. Council Member Larson recommended that the City pursue thc stamped concrete along the boulevard and six foot sidewalk option. This infonnation would then bc brought back to the property owners for their input. City Administrator Wolfe reeommcndcd that a letter be sent to the residents informing thcm of an up-coming City Council meeting or to host a neighborhood meeting to discuss this project furthcr. City Council agreed to have this item placed on a future City Couneil meeting. The following options will be given to the rcsidents affected by this project: 1. 6 Foot Sidewalk with Two Foot Pavers; 2. 8 Foot Sidewalk. Assessment Policy Task Force Report Murtuza Siddiqui, Finance Director, provided a brief overview of the assessment policy. The assessment policy task force reviewed the existing assessmcnt policy and redefined the appeal's process and clarified the City's definition of personal hardship and dctcrmined what date the . person has to be sixty-fivc years of age in order to qualify fix the senior deferment option. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION AUGUST 23, 2004 8 . Council Mcmbcr Larson was coneemed about the City Council setting the assessment rate on a yearly basis. At this time, the City Council does not set the rate on a yearly basis. It was recommended that annual basis be removed from part C of the street reconstruction portion of the assessmcnt policy. Karth Lake Improvement District Update Murtuza Siddiqui (Finance Director) provided a brief overview of Karth Lake District board meeting. The following residents were appointed to the Karth Lake District board: I. Richard Klick-Chair 2. Linda Hansohn- Vice Chair 3. Janet Stodola-Secretary 4. Ron Hagkull 5. Steve Marino 6. Albert Nicnaber 7. Thomas R. Smith All property tax assessment data should have been sent to Ramsey County by July I sl in order for the affected properties to be assessed at the end of this year. The City was unable to mect this dead line and is trying to work out an arrangement with Ramsey Cormty to have the assessments . placed on the 2005 property taxes. Finance Director Siddiqui noted that the City could charge thc rcsidcnts through the utility billing process, but the City would prefer not to do that. The City Council was very supportive of the proposed by-law changes to the Karth Lake District. Members of the Karth Lake District would likc to receive some funding from the City for informational purposes. Members of the City Council wcre not very receptive to this idea and felt that it would be unfair to the other district boards that arc already active and have not been given financial support by the City. Mayor Aplikowski felt that the City could help the board members with the initial printing and mailings for Karth Lake District. Communications Staff will make a concerted effort to keep the City Council morc informed and continue to work to improve the lines of communication. Council Members would like to bc informed of issues or projects that are considered controversial. Council Member Larson attended a Lake Johanna fire meeting to discuss the 2005 opcrating budget. The 2005 budget should remain flat or slightly increased from last year's budgct. The last part of the meeting was used to discuss expenditmes for future equipment replacemcnt items. . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSlON AUGUST 23, 2004 9 . Council Member Grant raised a few concerns regarding the Edgewater projcct. City staff rcportcd that thc project is moving along nicely. The curbing, utilities, and other amenitics have been installed. The neighborhood is vcry small and this has made it very diflicult for thc construction activities to be completed in a timcly manner. Boulders and grass sced will be added to thc Fernwood Channel weir in the near future. The project checklist has been completed. The City Enginecr rccently walkcd the pedestrian blidgc and notcd that the bridge was in fair condition but still can be safely used by pedestrians. Council Member Grant thanked Tom Moore and Murtuza Siddiqui for leading thc assessment policy task forcc. Mayor Aplikowski noted that the City may have to budget tor expenditurcs pertaining to services provided by the Northwest Youth and Family Serviccs. Neighborhood meetings are scheduled for September and the first wcek of October. Another option for hosting a neighborhood meeting is Presbyterian Homes loeated in Preeinct 3. City staff may host the Precinct I meeting at city hall. . A public meeting pcrtaining to the proposed Highway 10 rcconstruction project is scheduled for Scptember 30th at the City of Mounds View. Mayor Aplikowski recently met with Rcprcsentative McCollum to discuss future issues pertaining to TCAAP. She is also scheduling a mecting with Senator Coleman in the near future to diseuss similar issues. The City's truth in taxation meeting will be scheduled for December. The meeting adjourned at 10:40 PM Respectfully submitted by Schawn P. Johnson, Assistant to thc City Administrator. < \\\~~~~ Michelle Wolfe, CITY A MINISTRA OR .