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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCWS 12-20-2004 ~ . ~~HILLS Approved: January 10,2005 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MONDAY, DECEMBER 20,2004,4:45 P.M. RAMSEY COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY, 1425 PAUL KIRKWOLD DRIVE Call To Order Mayor Aplikowski called the meeting to order at 4:45 p.m. Present: Mayor Aplikowski, Councilmembers: Gregg Larson, David Grant, Brenda Holden, Lois Rem (Arrived at 5:30 PM) Absent: None Staff present: City Administrator, MicheJle Wolfe; Finance Director, Murtuza Siddiqui; Operations & Maintenance Director, Thomas J. Moore; Assistant to the City Administrator, Schawn Johnson; Community Development Director, Scott Clark . Others Present: Mathew Auron, St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce; Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers & Associates St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce Matthew Auron, St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, gave a brief presentation to City Council and staff regarding the services being offered by this organization to the communities in the St. Paul area. Mr. Auron stated that the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce would like to improve its communication with the communities that surround St. Paul. The chamber currently has 2,200 businesses and 4,500 active members that participate in the organization. The following is a list ofprojects that the St. Paul Area Chamber has promoted this past year: . Mimlesota Twins Ballpark; . Economic Development opportunities in St. Paul and surrounding areas; . Promoting Business Successes in Suburban Commwlities; . Advocate Regional Transportation Investment Opportunities; . Advocatc Strategic Economic Development Plans. At this time, the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce is working with local government entities to promote developmental opportunities and become more engaged in issues that affect suburban communities. City Administrator Michelle Wolfe stated that the City of Arden Hills is not currently a member of the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce. ~ Councilmember Holden asked who sets the policies or agendas that the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce supports? \ \Earth \Admin \Council\Minutes\ W orksession \2004 \12-20-04.doc ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION December 20, 2004 2 . Matthew Auron stated that the Chamber appoints a board of directors and numerous policy committees that research different issues and provide recommendations to the organization. Mayor Aplikowski stated that the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce is working hard to improve and build relationships with the other suburban communities, but there appears to be little need for the City to join the chamber at this time. Ehlers & Associates Economic Development Financinl!: Presentation Community Development Director Scott Clark provided a brief overview of the Economic Development Commission's policy question "Does the TCAAP project need economic development assistance, and if so, what type of issues does this raise for the community?" At this time, the Economic Development Commission (EDe) has had four informational sessions regarding the following topics: . Tools of Economic Development; . Redevelopment Projects in Bumsville and St. Anthony; . Third Party Economic Development Assistance. Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers and Associates, gave a one hour presentation to City Council and staff regarding the tools of economic development financing. This presentation discussed all aspects of public financing, such as tax increment, tax abatement, assessments, special tax districts, and state legislation. . Members of the City Council were presented with a copy of the presentation and more in-depth information regarding the different funding options that are available to the City. Retreat Update City Administrator Michelle Wolfe reported that Jim Prosser, Ehlers and Associates, has begun preparatory work for the City Council-City Staff 2005 retreat. She recently forwarded information from last year's retreat to Mr. Prosser. Members of the City Council will be contacted by Mr. Prosser to discuss the agenda and goals of the retreat. The retreat has been scheduled for January 14th and 15th. Lunch will be provided to members of the City Council and department heads at 12:00 PM on January 14th. The times for the City Council-City Staffretreat are as follows: . January 14th 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM . January 15 Lh 8:30 PM to 12:00 PM Mayor Aplikowski stated that she would like to have the retreat address goal setting and future priorities for the City. Councilmember Larson would like to have the retreat also address working relationships and the different roles ofthe City Council and department heads. City Administrator Wolfe mentioned that the areas of decision making and goal setting will - encompass the need for improved working relationships and open communication between council and staff. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION December 20, 2004 3 . Councilmember Grant requested that the retreat address short-medium term vision and goals for Arden Hills. City staff will contact Mr. Prosser to notify him of the finalized retreat dates of January 14th and 15th. Noise Ordinance Discussion City Administrator Wolfe and Assistant to the City Administrator Schawn Johnson provided a brief overview of the information that City staff obtained regarding the pro's and con's of implementing a noise ordinance. City staff mentioned that it is very difficult for communities to enforce a noise ordinance because it is hard to recreate different noise violations and it can also be very staff intensive. The Cities of North St. Paul, Columbia Heights, and Milaca currently have active noise ordinance policies. All three communities have stated that the ordinance is very difficult to enforce and may not stand up in a court oflaw. Councilmember Larson suggested that sound walls may be needed along Highway 10. Councilmember Grant suggested that residents affected by noise problems look into purchasing noise reduction windows. City Administrator Wolfe stated that the Metropolitan Airport Commission has completed a . number of studies regarding noise minimizing windows and doors. The City's Building Official may have a list ofresources that could be provided to the home owner's. Mayor Applikowski recommended that the City Council direct staff towards option number 1 to review each incident on a case by case basis. Councilmember Rem stated that the Communication Committee could place an informational article in a future City newsletter. Arden Hills Librarv-Maintenance City Administrator Wolfe reported that the City of Arden Hills currently provides maintenance services for the library. The library is now requesting that these services be continued on an on- going basis. The proposed new agreement will have the same language as the previous agreement. Currently, Maplewood and Shoreview provide similar services for the library branches in their respective communities. The Operations and Maintenance Department is currently providing snow removal and lawn maintenance service to the library. Operations and Maintenance Director Tom Moore stated that the City is currently maintaining the library and has planned on continuing this service for next year. City Administrator Michelle Wolfe recommended that the City propose a one or two year agreement that allows Arden Hills to review the maintenance agreement with the County on an ~ annual basis. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION December 20, 2004 4 e Mayor Aplikowski also recommended a one or two year agreement with the County for maintenance activities. The maintenance agreement with Ramsey County will be placed on the January lOth meeting agenda. Status Report on the Old City Hall and Indvkewicz Properties Community Development Director Scott Clark provided a status report on the disposition activities at both the Indykiewicz and the old City Hall properties. Recently, there has been some confusion regarding the actual size of the Indykiewicz property. The true dimensions for this property are 1.9 acres and not the previously reported appraisal size of 2.5 acres. The City has received an offer of $750,000 from Holiday Companies for the 1.9 acre parcel and the area located under the power line. Holiday Companies offer of $750,000 calculates the price of the 1.9 acres at $9.06 per square foot. City staff is rcquesting direction from the City Council regarding how to proceed with this project. Community Development Director Clark provided the City Council with a rendering of the proposed Holiday Gas Station. In order for this site to be developed as a gas station, the City Council would have to approve a zoning change for this parcel of land. . Community Development Director Clark felt that the offer was fair. He indicated that the City could counter offer and request a purchase price of $800,000. Councilmember Holden asked who prorated the property appraisal from 2.25 acres to 1.9 acres? Mr. Clark stated the original appraisal assumed that all of the Indykiewicz property was buildable. City Administrator Wolfe mentioned that the easement could possibly be used to comply with green space requirements. Councilmember Grant reported that the Indykiewicz property is currently part of a TIF District. Community Development Director Clark stated that a positive aspect of this agreement is that the City controls the site plan, rezoning, purchase agreement, and final approval of the sale of this property. Councilmember Grant asked if this project is ready for immediate construction. Mr. Clark said that Holiday Companies is ready to begin construction immediately. Mayor Aplikowski requested that the City counter offer Holiday Companies and request a purchase price of $800,000. - Community Development Director Clark felt that the counter proposal would be acceptable to the Holiday Companies. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION December 20, 2004 5 e Councilmember Larson recommended that the City place an entry sign on Round Lake Boulevard. Mr. Clark said that he would request an easement for placing an entry sign on the Holiday Gas Station property. Community Development Director Scott Clark provided the City Council with an update on the old City hall site. City staff acquired the services of Short Elliot Hendrickson (SEH) to complete a wetland delineation study at this site. The study found two locations on the site that were deemed wetland areas, but this issue should not cause any design or layout issues for the City. The Pre-Demolition Building Survey found two walls that contain vermiculite and possibly asbestos materials. The vermiculate must be kept wet during demolition and disposed of at an approved landfill site. The commercial and residential value ofthe old City Hall property is the following: . Residential Estimated Value $1,250,000 Million . Commercial Estimated Value $1,472,000 Million The original offer that the City received for this land was $1 million. The developer that e submitted this proposal is very interested in this development project. One of the options that is being proposed for this development is the possibility of constructing office condominiums. A similar project is being constructed in Lakeville. Mayor Aplikowski stated that she has contacted the interested developer and that he is very interested in working with the City and will do whatever the City wishes to construct in this area. Referring to comparable properties in the area, Councilmember Holden asked why the property in New Brighton is valued more ifit is smaller than the City Hall property. Community Development Director Clark noted that the property in New Brighton is considered commercial and not condo-business. Councilmember Larson asked if the public is aware ofthis property's availability. Mayor Aplikowski believes that the market is very aware of this property. Councilmember Holden asked Mr. Clark to define an office-condo. Mr. Clark described an office-condo development as a building where individual units are owned rather than leased by the various occupants, often times by professional such as doctors, lawyers, or dentists. - Councilmember Larson is concerned about the neighborhoods reaction to the office-condo proposal. Although, he agrees that this is an opportunity for the City to improve its tax base. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION Deeember 20, 2004 6 e City Couneil direeted City Staff to eontinue negotiating with the potential developer. Council Chamber-Sound Enhancements Murtuza Siddiqui, Finance Direetor, reported that the upgraded sound system in the Couneil Chamber has worked very well and has improved the sound quality. It has been noted that when the tables are arranged in the middle of the Couneil Chamber for work sessions and other meetings, the existing sound system is not eapable of transmitting sound through the audio system beeause there are no mierophones set-up on the table. It ean be very diffieult for people to hear the dialogue between City Couneilmembers and staff from the baek of the room. City staff presented the City Couneil with the following two options to eonsider: . Utilize existing eordless mierophones and a wireless lapel mierophone. . Purehase boundary mierophones that would be plaeed in the eenter of the room and would have the eapability to piek up sound from all sides of the mierophone. The estimated eost for four boundary mierophones is $1,600 (ine1uding eost and labor). Couneilmember Holden suggested that the tables and ehairs be set-up in a U shape. This would allow members ofthe City Couneil and staffto faee the audienee. e City Administrator Wolfe mentioned that City staff eould ereate an L or U shape when setting up the tables and ehairs for work session meetings. Mayor Aplikowski stated that she would prefer not to pass around a eordless mierophone. Couneilmember Grant said that the City is very limited on the number of items that it ean purehase using the Cable Fund. The City eould purchase the boundary mierophones using this fund. Overall, this is a very small dollar amount. Couneilmember Grant asked staff members if they have eheeked into purehasing a wireless boundary mierophone? Finanee Direetor Murtuza Siddiqui said that the City has not explored this option, but he eould eontaet the vendor and see if this option is available to the City. Members of the City Couneil requested that the Finanee Direetor eheek into the possibility of purehasing a wireless houndary mierophone. City staff will report baek to the City Couneil with the different wireless mierophone options that are available. 2004 City of Arden Hills Election Discussion Assistant to the City Administrator Sehawn Johnson provided a brief overview of the parking " eoneerns at City Hall and Presbyterian Homes on Eleetion Day. City staff believes that the parking issues at Presbyterian Homes ean be minimized in the future. In order to minimize the traffie problems at City Hall, members of the Ramsey County Sheriffs Department and O&M Department were ealled-in to direet traffie on Highway 96 and the City Hall parking lot. City ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION December 20, 2004 7 e staff is concerned that the parking lot at City Hall is not big enough to handle an event such as an election. Members of the City Council agreed that the lack of parking is an issue at City Hall during the general elections and that City staff should contact North Heights Lutheran Church and Guidant Corporation to see if they would be interested in serving as a precinct location for the City of Arden Hills in 2006. 1-35W Corridor Coalition Membership City Administrator Wolfe provided background information regarding the North Metro I-35W Corridor Coalition group. Presently, the City of Arden Hills is not a paid member of the I-35W coalition. Arden Hills currently receives some benefits from the I-35W Corridor Coalition. Mayor Aplikowski provided some background information to Council and staff members. She noted the City of New Brighton originally created that coalition as a way to collaborate and share resources amongst neighboring communities. Over time, the group began to stray away from its original mission and became more of a lobbying group. The group then did not benefit the City of Arden Hills as much. Councilmember Larson asked if the City lost access to the GIS database. e City Administrator Wolfe reported that the I-35W Coalition continues to maintain the GIS records for Arden Hills and Shoreview. Arden Hills is benefiting in a number of ways from the services provided from this coalition. Councilmember Holden agrees that the City should contribute some funding, but does not believe that the City should join the coalition. Councilmember Grant agrees that the City should financially contribute for the resources that are being provided. Councilmember Larson stated that the City should join the coalition. It would be foolish for the City to pay for a membership and not be active members of the coalition. This item will be placed on the agenda of a future City Council meeting. Council Reports Councilmember Lois Rem: Absent (Left at approximately 8:30 PM) Councilmember Brenda Holden: Councilmember Holden requested an update on the status ofthe building inspector position. City Administrator Wolfe reported that the staff member has received an offer from the Lake Johanna Fire Department. ~ Councilmember Holden suggested that a deadline date be placed on his employment decision. ----- ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION December 20, 2004 8 e She also requested that pavement ratings be completed by an outside vendor next year. Councilmember Holden requested that Ramsey County Sheriffs Department be informed of the semi-trucks that are parking overnight on Red Fox Road. The semi-trucks should not be parked on a City street. This is a violation ofthe City's overnight parking restrictions. Councilmember Larson: Councilmember Larson reported that the Lake Johanna Fire Department is scheduled to meet on December 23'd. Councilmember David Grant: Councilmemher Grant reported that the I-35W Solutions Committee is meeting tomorrow night. Councilmember Grant requested a photo of the railroad bridge in New Brighton. O&M Director Tom Moore will provide the City Council with a picture of the New Brighton pedestrian bridge. Councilmember Grant inquired if Arden Place submitted a proposal to the City for lighting improvements. City staff was not aware of a lighting proposal submitted by Arden Place. e Mayor Aplikowski: Mayor Aplikowski recommended that everyone view the art project being created on Gramsie Road. Guidant Corporation was recently sold to Johnson & Johnson Company. Mayor Aplikowski received a phone call from a representative of Guidant and was assured that the original building and growth plans were still moving forward and will not be changed in the future. Wished everyone a happy holiday! Staff Reports The meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM Respectfully submitted by Schawn P. Johnson, Assistant to the City Administrator. Beverly Aplikowski, MAYOR Michelle A. Wolfe, CITY ADMINISTRATOR " ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION December 20, 2004 8 e She also requested that pavement ratings be completed by an outside vendor next year. Councilmember Holden requested that Ramsey County Sheriffs Department be informed of the semi-trucks that are parking overnight on Red Fox Road. The semi-trucks should not be parked on a City street. This is a violation of the City's overnight parking restrictions. Councilmember Larson: Councilmember Larson reported that the Lake Johanna Fire Department is scheduled to meet on December 23,d Councilmember David Grant: Councilmember Grant reported that the I-35W Solutions Committee is meeting tomorrow night. Councilmember Grant requested a photo of the railroad bridge in New Brighton. O&M Director Tom Moore will provide the City Council with a picture of the New Brighton pedestrian bridge. Councilmember Grant inquired if Arden Place submitted a proposal to the City for lighting improvements. City staff was not aware of a lighting proposal submitted by Arden Place. Mayor Aplikowski: e Mayor Aplikowski recommended that everyone view the art project being created on Gramsie Road. Guidant Corporation was recently sold to Johnson & Johnson Company. Mayor Aplikowski received a phone call from a representative of Guidant and was assured that the original building and growth plans were still moving forward and will not be changed in the future. Wished everyone a happy holiday! Staff Revorts The meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM Respectfully submitted by Schawn P. Johnson, Assistant to the City Administrator. Michelle A. Wolfe, CITY ADMIN TRATOR -