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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCWS 10-18-2004 . ~ ~~HILLS Approved: November 29,2004 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 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 4:55 p.m. Present: Mayor Aplikowski, Councilmembers: Gregg Larson, David Grant, Brenda Holden, Lois Rem Absent: None Staff present: Finance Director, Murtuza Siddiqui; Operations & Maintenance Director, Thomas J. Moore; Assistant to the City Administrator, Schawn Johnson; Community . Development Director, Scott Clark; City Engineer, Greg Brown Others Present: Mark Lindeberg, MnDOT and Mark Guest, MnDOT 2005 Citv Council-Staff Retreat In past years, members of the City Council and management team have participated in a facilitated retreat. The intent of this retreat is to evaluate thc City's vision, goals, and mission for the up-coming year. City staff is seeking the guidance of the City Council in determining whether or not there is an interest in scheduling a retreat for the beginning of next year. Also, would the City Council like to have the same facilitator or should a new organizational consultant be brought in for the retreat? Members of the City Council felt that a new facilitator should be brought in to evaluate and review the City's vision, mission, and goals for 2005. Mayor Aplikowski felt that the facilitator should focus on Arden Hill's future goals as a community. City staff will begin the research process of finding a new retreat facilitator. It was al so suggested that the upstairs area at City Hall not be used for the retreat. Last year the upstairs . area was very cold and uncomfortable. The downstairs meeting area at City Hall would be more desirable for hosting this event. \ \Earth \Admin \Council\Minutes\ W orksession\2004\1 0- I 8-04.doc ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSlON October 18, 2004 2 . Environmental Assessment Proiect for 1-694 Mark Lindeberg, representing MnDOT, provided a presentation to members of the City Council and staff regarding the environmental assessment project for 1-694, 1-35W, and I-35E. The proposed changes to the freeway system will affect the freeway interchanges located in Arden Hills. The intent of this presentation is to give the City Council a brief introduction to the proposed project and allow Council the opportunity to provide input regarding the concept plans. The proposed project is part of MnDOT's initiative to unweave the weave along freeways in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area. The concept plan recommends a 6-lane section for 1- 694 with 3 lanes of traffic moving in both directions. The 1-694 exit ramps for Snelling and Lexington Avenues would be considcred a joint right-hand exit ramp. Mr. Lindeberg noted on the 1-694 Concept Plan Map Section #3 that the proposed interchange improvements to Rice Street would increase TOad capacity and minimize gridlock problems at this interchange. The proposed improvements will result in raised medians and better access along Rice Street. It was also noted that MnDOT is currently working with Ramsey County to review the concept plans and create an alternative plan that would minimize construction damage to the wetlands and lake areas along 1-694. . Community Development Director Scott Clark wondered if MnDOT had taken into consideration the 5,000 new jobs that are being created at Guidant Corporation and its impact on Lexington Avenue. Lindeberg noted t1lat the Met Council has not taken into consideration the new jobs at Guidant Corporation while developing the preliminary plans. Councilmember Larson noted that the City loses local access to Highway 10 and Hamline Avenue in this proposal. Mayor Aplikowski mentioned that the residents would like to keep Hamline Avenue a residential road and not an access for thru traffic. Arden Hills resident George Gernander feels that MnDOT's proposal would cutoff neighborhood access to the freeway system. Councilmember Larson mentioned that this proposal is based upon a number of assumptions. The modeling process is necessary to determine whether or not this proposal would work This exercise is needed to determine the impact on the community. The focus of this improvement project is on regional traffic and not local neighborhoods. . Mr. Gernander stated t11at the new business developments in Arden Hills are adding a lot of traffic congestion. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION October 18, 2004 3 . Councilmember Rem feels that residents want access to the freeway system but do not want to deal with the traffic problems or inaccessibility. Mayor Aplikowski asked Mr. Gernander if he would prefer to have local access or better traffic movement. Mr. Gernander believes that the current plan would result in more traffic on County Road F and Lexington Avenue. Mark Lindeberg mentioned that the modeling process is underway. The modeling process will provide MnDOT with a more detailed study to address traffic issues that were not considered in the original plan. Changes can be made to the original plan, but they may result in increased costs due to the impacts on wetlands and right-of-way areas. Hopefully the modeling will identify areas that can be changed with a minimal cost impact on the project. MnDOT is very interested in local input and feels that it is important to compile a list of thoughts and ideas from the communities that are affected by this proposal. Mayor Aplikowski stated that more people will be working in Arden Hills and better access will be needed in the future. Mr. Lindeberg realizes that this is a concern for the City. At this time the proposed project is only in the preliminary planning stages. The State of Minnesota has not budgeted past 2012 for . road reconstruction proj ects. Councilmember Larson noted that the modeling for the 1-694 improvement project is based upon a number of assumptions due to the fact that the 35W corridor group has not completed its modeling process at this time. Mr. Lindeberg mentioned that some assumptions are being made, but the engineer must work wi th the existing infrastructure. Councilmember Grant was wondering what is post 2012? MnDOT considers all projects that are not budgeted for at this time to be post 2012 projects. Mayor Aplikowski was wondering why Rice Street is considered more important then Lexington Avenue? Shouldn't Rice Street and Lexington Avenue be treated the same. Engineer Greg Brown feels that Lexington Avenue has high density commercial traffic that needs to be identified in this proposal. The original plans do not take into consideration the business growth that is occurring on Lexington A venue. Also, the Highway 96 access question needs to be addressed. Councilmember Larson would like to see a future meeting planned to address the 694 and 35W . proj ect concerns. He feels that a number of these concerns need to be addressed before the community can buy into this project. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION October 18, 2004 4 . Mayor Aplikowski wants to make sure that the City is given a good justification stating why the existing on-off ramps may be closed. Councilmember Grant mentioned that modeling is important, but it does not show how traffic flows impact the neighborhoods. The proposed project maps will he available for review in the Community Development Department. Engineer Brown asked if storm water ponding is being addressed? Mr. Lindeberg stated that the storm water plans are in its infancy, but they are being addressed. This project may feel like a long way out, but the environmental assessment testing is scheduled to be completed in November 2005. Iffunding dollars are available, this project could begin sooner than 2012. Mayor Aplikowski wondered how long the public had to comment on the proposed plans. MnDOT would like to receive public comments from Arden Hills residents hefore Thanksgiving. Revised CIP/Pavment Manal!ement 2005-2009/Utillitv Rate Sfudv . Finance Director Murtuza Siddiqui provided the City Council with a brief overview of the utility rate study and proposed CIPlPavement Management Projects. In the City Council packet the following information was provided: I. Revised Utility Rate Study; 2. Preliminary 2005-2009 CIP Spreadsheet; 3. Changes to Preliminary 2005-2009 CIP Spreadsheet; 4. Detailed Listing ofthe Proposed CIP Projects. Finance Director Siddiqui noted that the projects outlined in the CIP have been incorporated into the Utility Rate Study and any future changes made to the CIP will impact future fund balances. Mr. Siddiqui noted that the CIP currently takes into consideration costs associated with infrastructure repairs, vehicles, and the future SCADA system. Members of the City Council raised concerns regarding the City's mill and overlay and road reconstruction schedule. Engineer Greg Brown stated that the City prefers to mill and overlay streets after 15 years and full depth bituminous repairs to the roadway after 30 years, if necessary. MnDOT typically guarantees a road for 20 years. Councilmember Holden recommended that staff create a map that identifies the individual streets . that are affiliated with the different neighhorhood projects. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION October 18, 2004 5 . Engineer Brown stated that the City will attach a map to identify the different streets in the neighborhood projects. Councilmember Grant wondered why the City has so many reconstruction projects scheduled? Greg Brown mentioned that the City evaluates and rates the bituminous surface, drainage, curb and gutter, storm water drainage, and the status of the utilities before determining a project's priority status. Typically asphalt that is rated with a 60-80% PCI is scheduled for mill and overlay. If the bituminous surface receives a rating under 60%, the bituminous surface may need to be reconstructed. Councilmember Holden asked if PCI is the largest factor in determining road repairs. Engineer Brown agreed that the PCI rating is the largest factor in determining future road repairs. Councilmember Larson wondered what changed in the utility rate study? Finance Director Siddiqui stated that the numbers did change a little bit. The City's cash balance dropped when the projected utility rates were set at $18.00 per household on average as requested by the Council Councilmember Larson was wondering why the cash balance dropped? . Mr. Siddiqui mentioned that study is a "cash flow" model. A reduction in revenue resulted in a drop in the cash balance. Mr. Siddiqui also noted that the revenue portion of the utility rate study dropped as did the numbers on the proposed CIP projects. The average rate increase is $ I 8.00 per quarter for residents that use 15,000 gallons of water during the winter months. If a resident uses more than 15,000 gallons of water their utility bill will show an increase based upon their consumption. It was also pointed out that the proposed rate structure has a usage component for sewer rates beyond the 15,000 gallons per quarter average. Councilmember Grant asked which projects were pushed back or removed? Engineer Brown reported that the sanitary sewer fund was reduced and the number of lift stations being remodeled were minimized from 3 to 2 on a yearly basis. Finance Director Siddiqui noted that the proposed expenditures were based on today's material cost. The cost for supplies and materials may rise in the future. Engineer Brown mentioned that water repairs are fairly reasonable in cost. The City has already repaired approximately 30,000 feet of clay pipe and 15,000 feet of water line that has been sealed or lined. The City has approximately $3.5 million in lining and sealing projects over the next 13 years. The worst water pipe areas in the City have already been repaired. . Councilmember Larson believes that the City may have to construct a new water tower if the City proceeds with the TCAAP project. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION October 18, 2004 6 . Engineer Brown stated that a water tower may be needed in the future, but hopefully future developers will pay for this expense. Finance Director Siddiqui mentioned that inflationary cost increases must be considered when creating a CIP. Councilmember Larson noted that a CIP is only a five year snap shot for the City. Mayor Aplikowski believes that the City must sell the justification for the utility rate increase to the public. Engineer Brown suggested to the City Council that they set a yearly dollar limit on CIP projects. Councilmember Grant raised concerns that during the past 3 years Arden Hills roads were not chosen solely on the basis of PCI rating. He noted that south of Lindey's and Old Snelling Avenue have numerous potholes and is in need of repair. Councilmember Holden wondered if curb and gutter is part of the City's road reconstruction plan? Operations and Maintenance Director Tom Moore stated that curb and gutter is part of the City's future road reconstruction plans. . In response to Councilmember Grant's concerns, City Engineer Greg Brown stated the City typically follows the PCI ratings when prioritizing street reconstruction projects. The City is trying to attack this problem in a proactive manner. Mayor Aplikowski also noted that the City has been behind on a number of seal coat projects. Councilmember Rem asked when did the City reconstruct the north water tower? Operations and Maintenance Director Moore stated that the north water tower was reconstructed in July, 2001. Councilmember Holden asked if the revenue from selling the two trucks is included in the proposed CIP. Finance Director Siddiqui stated that the revenue from selling the trucks is not included in the CIP. Councilmember Holden asked if the City should hold onto one the F-250 truck for the Operations and Maintenance Director? Finance Director Siddiqui felt that the repair costs for this vehicle may be too high to justify . keeping it. - ---- ------- - ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION October 18, 2004 7 . Councilmember Holden requested that the City Council send a thank you letter to Odd Fellows- St. Paul Lodge No. 2 for allowing residents to use their parking lot during the street reconstruction proj ect. Councilmember Grant asked the City Engineer to review the Edgewater storm water drain in the alleyway. It appears the drain is slightly upgrade. Engineer Brown noted that the grade should be fairly level. Councilmember Holden wondered how many trail signs are scheduled for removal? Operations and Maintenance Director Moore stated that 10 to 12 existing signs will be removed and replaced. Councilmember Holden asked what the City receives for $21,0007 Mr. Moore said that the $2 I ,000 will cover 3 I new park trail signs and installation. Mr. Siddiqui asked the City Council if staff should bring a formalS year CIP and the Utility Rate Study to the next City Council meeting for adoption. Council agreed that the proposed five year CIP and the Utility Rate Study should be placed on . the agenda at the next meeting. Mayor Aplikowski stated that the City Council would also like to receive a neighborhood project map along with the proposed 5 year CIP. Review of Old City Hall Purchase Offer Community Development Director Scott Clark provided a brief overview of the purchase offer that Royal Oaks Construction made to the City for the old City Hall location. Royal Oaks has made an offer to the City of$1 million dollars for this location. This amount equals to $3.80 per square foot based on approximately six acres of developable land. The proposal that was submitted by Royal Oaks is to construct three unit office condominiums ranging in size from 4,500 to 6,500 square feet. The proposal is based upon the square footage of constructible property ($25.00 per square foot of constructed office space). Community Development Director Clark asked the City Council if the proposed usage of this land is acceptable. City staff could have an appraisal done on the old City Hall site. This, in turn, would include completing a Phase I environmental analysis. Councilmember Holden asked if it is common to buy property on the basis of constructability. Mr. Clark noted that it is acceptable but it is more common on residential projects. . Councilmember Holden reviewed past meeting minutes and did not find any discussion pertaining to proposed property uses for this site. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION October 18, 2004 8 . Community Development Director Clark believed he was given City Council direction to quickly dispose of this property. Councilmember Holden asked if the City should hold onto the property until the TCAAP project begins. The property at this site may be worth more money in the future. Mayor Applikowski does not believe that it would be wise for the City to hold onto this property until the TCAAP project begins. Councilmember Grant asked if the proposed project blends in with the existing neighborhood. Councilmember Holden stated an appraisal ofthis property needs to be done. Mr. Clark mentioned that the old City Hall property may not be worth as much ifit is sold as a residential proj ect. Councilmember Larson noted that this property may be hard to develop. It was his understanding that the City did not intend to hold on to this property. Community Development Director Clark asked the City Council if they want a formal appraisal and environmental study done at this site. Once the appraisal and environmental study are completed, should staff ask the proposed developer for a schematic drawing of the office . condominiums at the old City Hall location? Clark also noted that the property at this site is long and narrow. The proposed layout will be impacted by the property's dimensions. Mayor Aplikowski asked if housing will be above the businesses. Mr. Clark noted that the original plan does not include housing. Councilmember Larson agrees that an appraisal should be done at this site. The developer may be asked to bring forth a design plan that can be reviewed by members of the neighborhood. Community Development Director Clark stated that he could provide the City Council with digital pictures of existing office condominiums in the metro area. Councilmember Larson noted that the City has complete leverage and control of this property. The City is in an unusual position. He was also wondering ifthere is an existing easement on the property or should this issue be a point of sale. Mayor Applikowski asked if the City advertised this property? Clark responded, "No." Mayor Aplikowski asked if the City should advertise this property. . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION October 18, 2004 9 . Community Development Director Clark noted that the problem with requests for proposals is that it may take up to 9 months or longer before the project can begin and that small single site requests usually do not solicit solid proposals. Clark stated that he will have an appraisal done on the property to determine its market value. TeAAP Interim Al!reement Community Development Director Clark passed out a copy of the proposed TCAAP interim agreement for City Council's review. The developer has already reviewed and agreed to the proposed agreement extension language. The original development agreement expires on November 8th Mayor Aplikowski announced to the City Council that they should contact staff members if they have any problems with the proposed agreement before next Monday's City Council meeting. Councilmember Grant was wondering what staff thought about the proposed extension. Community Development Director Clark believes that the proposed agreement will keep the project alive for the next 6 months. Essentially, the 6 month extension gives us extra time to create a funding plan. Mayor Applikowski noted that the City should not move forward with the CRR agreement if we . do not want to be a part of this agreement. ~ Councilmember Rem wondered why the Economic Development Commission (EDe) is reviewing the funding options for TCAAP and not the City Council. Community Development Director Clark stated that the EDC will be asked to investigate potential funding options for the TCAAP site. The original plan is to have the EDC spend a minimum of 12 hours researching this project. If would be difficult for City Council members to arrange 12 hours of their time to review this part of the project. The EDC is being utilized to complete the ground work for the City Council. The Economic Development Commission will review the following issues: . Potential Funding Options; . Review Similar Projects; . Review the Different Ranges of Financial Assistance Available; . Review the Potential Impact on Arden Hills. Councilmembers are always welcome to attend the EDC meetings. Mayor Aplikowski mentioned that there are numerous funding sources available for these types of proj ects. . Members of the City Council agreed to discuss the six month extension of the TCAAP interim agreement at the next City Council meeting. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION October 18, 2004 10 . Council Reports eouncilmember Lois Rem: Councilmember Rem reported that a Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 20th. Ramsey County Sheriffs Department is hosting a neighborhood watch meeting at North Heights Lutheran Church on October 21 st. eouncilmember Brenda Holden: Councilmember Holden reported that the NRC has been conducting testing at the TCAAP site. eouncilmember David Grant: Councilmember Grant asked if the hockey boards will be installed at Cummings Park. Mayor Aplikowski stated that she thought Cummings Parks was only going to be a recreational rink. Mr. Tom Moore stated that a neigbborhood meeting is being scheduled to address this issue. Councilmember Grant raised conccms regarding the TCAAP project. He wondered what the City wants to accomplish with this project. Should the City treat TCAAP as a separate City or e create an escrow account for future improvements. He feels that TCAAP should pay for itself without using taxpayer dollars. Mayor Aplikowski stated that the City will never use Arden Hills tax dollars for TCAAP, but other expenses will be incurred for maintaining the water, sewer, storm sewer, and streets. Councilmember Grant asked who would cover any financial gaps? Mayor Aplikowski stated that the City must be willing to invest some money to bring this project up to our Arden Hills standards. Councilmember Larson stated that the City should not be telling residents that TCAAP will not cost the taxpayers any money. Mayor Aplikowski noted that there is an indirect cost on the residents of Arden Hills for this project. Councilmember Larson also noted that if the City loses control of the TCAAP project we will no longer control the project or proposed development activities. Mayor Aplikowski: Mayor Aplikowski requested that the City Council pictures be hung on a wall in the City Council Chamber. Staff members will check into this matter. . Mayor Aplikowski also requested that City staff follow-up with Ramsey County regarding the traffic light study in Arden Hills. Tom Moore stated that he will follow-up with Ramsey County. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION October 18, 2004 11 . Staff Reports Community Development Director Clark reported the following information: . Economic Development Commission is scheduled to meet at City Hall on October 20th at 7:00 AM. . NRC meeting is being scheduled for mid to late November. More infonnation will be available in the future. . TCAAP redevelopment tour is scheduled fix October 30th at 8:00 AM. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM Respectfully submitted by Schawn P. Johnson, Assistant to the City Administrator. ^~uA~~~k~' / . Beve y likowski, MAYOR RATOR e .