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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCWS 09-15-2003 . ~ ~~HILLS Approved: September 29, 2003 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2003, 4:45 P.M. CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Aplikowski called the Work Session to order at 4:55 p.m. Present: Councilmembers David Grant, Brenda Holden, Gregg Larson and Lois Rem. Staff Present: Administrator, Michelle Wolfe; Director of Community Services, Aaron Parrish; Planner, Peter Hellegers; Recreation Program Supervisor, Michelle Olson; Director of Operations and Maintenance, Thomas J. Moore; Engineer, Greg Brown and Deputy ClerklHR Director, Cynthia Young. . 2.A Guidant Foundation Request Mr. Parrish stated that Dave Reimer, Guidant Director of Facilities approached staff and indicated that the Guidant Foundation was interested in the possibility of funding a band shell/performance pavilion which would be fitting for a summer concert series. Mr. Parrish presented several slides that illustrated similar band shells/performance pavilions in the Twin Cities area. Mr. Parrish also presented several potential location options in Arden Hills, one of which was the property directly to the east of City Hall. He mentioned the possibility of a cooperative venture with Mounds View High School. He noted Guidant requested some direction from the Council within the next several weeks. Mr. Parrish noted that locating a band shell/pavilion nearer to City Hall may be practical from a noise and cost issue. Councilmember Holden suggested cooperative dialogue on this topic be introduced at an Arden Hills Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee meeting. Mayor Aplikowski said locating a band shell in a residential neighborhood would . not be a good idea, and her favorite location for the pavilion was near City Hall. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION SEPTEMBER 15, 2003 2 . She suggested the pavilion be large enough to hold a significant group of musicians and also that Guidant state its financial support for at least five years. Councilmember Larson said although the City was grateful for the band shell idea, what the City really needs is a new park shelter, not a pavilion, which offers limited usage to the residents. He noted the need for other facilities in the City and asked the Council for support to approach Guidant in that regard. Councilmember Grant asked if the north end of Tony Schmidt Park may be an optional location for a band shell. Administrator Wolfe suggested a possible option may be to create a donation program for future City projects and needs such as parks, shelters, trails, etc. Lake Johanna Volunteer Fire Department Presentation/Update After introductions of Council and City Hall Staff, Lake Johanna Volunteer Fire Department (LNFD) Chief Tim Boehlke introduced Deputy Chief Ralph Adair . and District One Chief Chad Jansen. He presented a document which summarized staff, services the LNFD provides which are: the duty crew, station response, medical training, confined space rescue, the hazardous materials team, the smoke detector program, water rescue, TCAAP, equipment, and a new fire station. Chief Boehlke stated the LJVFD did not respond to medical calls, even though it may be assumed that the fire department personnel did so. He noted that out of 65 LJVFD firefighters, all were supportive of fire department personnel obtaining medical training. He said when a structure fire is reported, the local paramedics are simultaneously called to respond to the medical aspect of the call. He reported 22 LJVFD members have completed confined space training. Chief Boehlke stated the LJVFD veteran Haz-Mat Team is currently comprised of 40+ members. He said the smoke detector program number one focus is the Shoreview Hills Apartment complex, noting if smoke detectors had been installed in the building, the previous loss of lives would not have occurred. He said to date; the duty crew had installed smoke detectors in all but one apartment complex in Arden Hills. Chief Boehlke said response to water rescue calls have been addressed by Ramsey County Water Rescue, but not always as timely as possible. He said the LJVFD could respond to water emergencies quicker than Ramsey County personnel, . although there had been no recent calls for this service. Regarding TCAAP, Chief Boehlke requested the LJVFD be pro actively involved in the planning for this area ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION SEPTEMBER 15,2003 3 . of Arden Hills. Chief Boehlke said the need and hope of the LJVFD to take delivery on a new engine with a 75-foot ladder needed at Station One was for year 2009, replacing Engine 762 in 2011 or 2012. Lastly, Chief Boehlke said Station One was built in 1946 and had become a proverbial "money pit", noting a fire station should be located closer to more affordable housing locations in the City. Chief Boehlke also presented a truck rebuild/replacement plan which illustrated vehicle types, life and rebuild plan. His recommendation was to eliminate truck rebuilds due to the dramatic increases costs based upon the new truck technology and safety features. He noted the long term planning for the LNFD was for a 30- year period, although not fine-tuned. Councilmember Larson said although the current [LJVFD] budget may seem a bit ambitious, he has noted significant improvements in the department. Mayor Aplikowski thanked Chief Boehlke, Deputy Chief Adair and District Chief Jensen and she recommended a public commendation to the LJVFD occur at an October 2003 City Council meeting. . Ramsev County Transportation: Lexinl?:ton A venue Reconstruction Discussion Mr. Jim Tolaas, Ramsey County, presented a graphic representation of the Lexington A venue reconstruction from Victoria A venue to County Road 96, which indicated a 5-lane facility with a continuous left turn lane. He noted Shoreview requested an 8-foot path on the east side of the roadway. He said right turn lanes into Karth Lake East neighborhood are included in the plan. He noted that in the past, those residents of the Karth Lake East neighborhood indicated the desire to have a signal placed at Amble Road. In terms of cost, several features of reconstruction will not be the responsibility of the City. However, the right-of-way acquisition will involve some cost to Arden Hills. He noted Shoreview had requested a continuous median along the roadway. He mentioned Shoreview Mayor Sandy Martin suggested a joint Arden Hills/Shoreview meeting to discuss the project. He noted the project timeline was one year from start to completion occurring before the winter of2006. Councilmember Larson asked if the problem for those residents entering and . exiting Lexington Avenue would be somewhat remedied with the completion of the reconstruction project. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION SEPTEMBER 15, 2003 4 . Mr. Tolaas suggested there may be an initial increase in the time for folks to enter/exit Lexington Avenue, but they will still need to remain patient with the time difference result of the additional signals. Councilmember Grant asked if the reconstruction project would indicate more a more efficient route for increased traffic capacity. Mr. Tolaas said, "Yes, it would". He also referred to the success of a similar project on Highway 96 near Otter Lake Road and I35E. He said the installation of the median is aesthetic and also provides a traffic speed break. Mr. Tolaas said the target dates for public meetings are October and November. Mr. Brown asked if Council wanted to entertain the idea of purchasing right-of- way between Pleasant and Amble Drive. Mr. Moore suggested the resulting trail may see increased activity. . Mr. Tolaas briefly discussed the grade separation of the Highway 96 project between the North Heights Church site and the Round Lake Industrial Park entrance. Mr. Parrish said the City needed to make a decision on how it reacts to the grade separation issue. Mr. Craig Wilson provided an update on the FCC/Comcast lawsuits, which indicated that it is still moving through the court systems in cities all over the United States. He said it is expected that the franchise issue will "drag-out" in the courts for some time. Mr. Parrish brought up the issue of intermittent cable service to Arden Hills residents. Mr. Wilson said approved changes in the budget to purchase video-bricks (v- bricks), which are digital modulators which should be installed very soon will provide for more efficient service and signals, but they are more costly. 3.A 2004 PMP: Edgewater Neighborhood Update . Mr. Moore and Mr. Brown presented a progress report of the 2004 PMP which is the roadway reconstruction of Edgewater Avenue, Shoreline Lane, County Road D ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION SEPTEMBER IS, 2003 5 . and a few special cases in Edgewater and Lake Lane. Mr. Brown said the project indicated about 4,000 feet of fair or poor condition sanitary sewer. He said storm drainage issues are typical and similar to the Ingerson neighborhood project (2003 PMP). Mr. Moore and Mr. Brown presented the schedule which indicated the second neighborhood meeting for September 25, 2003; Feasibility Report to Council at its October 27, 2003 meeting; Public Hearing on November 10, 2003; Approval of the Final Design in November 2003 - January, 2004; the Assessment Hearing in February of2003; with construction of the project commencing in May of 2004, and expectation of completion in August of 2004. Mr. Moore discussed the "special cases" of concern of the 2004 PMP Edgewater project, as presented in the URS illustration. The special cases indicate gravel roads, existing City-maintained substandard roads and existing storm ponds and potential water quality areas. He noted that some residents of this neighborhood do not want the road widened to 28 feet. Councilmember Larson suggested vacating a portion of the road and require that the residents are responsible for the road maintenance. He stated installing a City . street to serve one or two parcels may not be the most cost efficient, and further suggested other options may be brought forth to those special case properties. Mr. Moore urged the Council to visit the site and familiarize themselves with the special case situations. 4.A Finance Position Vacancy Ms. Wolfe brought forth a proposed organization chart and salary recommendation for a Finance Director position; an amendment from Community Services to Community Development; and, a Community Development Director/Assistant Administrator position. Mr. Parrish stated typically cities will structure their organizations to reflect the finance department as a direct report to the Administrator. The Council directed staff to bring formal action on this issue to it on Monday, September 29, 2003. . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION SEPTEMBER 15, 2003 6 . 4.B Karth Lake: Lake Improvement District Update Mr. Parrish said the Public Hearing for the Karth Lake Improvement District and the bid award for the Karth Lake pumping project will be presented to the Council at its September 29, 2003 meeting. He said this will not be a typical assessment issue. Rather, the issue will be a lake shore parcel specific levy. 4.C 2004 Retreat Ms. Wolfe requested Council direction regarding the 2004 Council Retreat. The Council agreed to schedule the 2004 Retreat in January and that Marilyn Condon should be the facilitator. 4.D Neil!hborhood Precinct Meetinl!s: Update The Council and staff discussed the brochure format and schedule for the upcoming series of Neighborhood Precinct Meetings. . Librarv Board Report Mr. Parrish said he and Ms. Wolfe attended a meeting with the Ramsey County Library Board Director and the general consensus was that the Arden Hills Branch of the Ramsey County Library closing may be delayed. A significant City contribution would probably be necessary in order to accelerate the project. City Council Reports Council member Larson: none. Councilmember Grant said he felt Ramsey County should pursue the acquisition of the rights-of-way relating to the Lexington Avenue reconstruction project. Council member Rem: none. Councilmember Holden said the Communications Committee articles were due September 17, 2003. . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION SEPTEMBER 15, 2003 7 . Mayor Aplikowski said Heather Worthington, Administrator for Falcon Heights indicated one of their Councilmembers would be interested in serving on the 800MHZ Committee as a representative for Ramsey County Suburbs. She also stated that the Northwestern College Radio open house was a success and urged all who could visit the new facility to do so. Mayor Aplikowski adjourned the Work Session at 10:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Cynthia Young, Deputy Clerk/HR Director. ~~N4g/ ~L",,JhC~_. , (I Be erly Aplikowski, Mayor ATTEST: . .