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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 12-08-2003 . ~ ~HILLS APPROVED January 12, 2004 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 8, 2003, 7:00 P.M. CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Aplikowski asked for remembrance for all of the military personnel. as well as the World War II veterans, CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Beverly Aplikowski called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:00 p.m, Present: Mayor Beverly Aplikowski, Couneilmembers David Grant, Brenda Holden, Gregg Larson, and Lois Rem, . Absent: None, Also present were City Administrator, Michelle Wolfe; Director of Community Development and Assistant City Administrator, Aaron Parrish; Deputy Clerk/Human Resources Director, Cynthia Young; Operations and Maintenance Director, Thomas ], Moore; City Planner, Peter Hellegers; and Recording Secretary, Kathleen Altman, 1. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA MOTION: Couneilmember Grant moved and Couneilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda, as presented, The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. November 24, 2003 Council Meeting B. December 1, 2003 Truth in Taxation Hearing Councilmember Grant requested the following changes: None, Councilmember Larson requested the following changes: November 24, 2003, Page 6, first . paragraph should read: "The City now had a situation where it would receive 774 acres of excess property, but had to also consider how that would affect the rest of the TCAAP area, He also expressed concern that the City needed to clarify its intent regarding the reality of the Vento Plan ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2003 2 ~- -,._....._~- --- ~~ - . development area, He stated he could not support.. ,", In the motion at the bottom of the page, add the word "to" between motion and table, Council member Holden requested the following changes: December 1, 2003, under Mr. Parrish's rendition of the 2003 accomplishments, add in Liil Stations as one of the accomplishments, Councilmember Rem requested the following changes: Noted having the Truth and Taxation Minutes in the smaller font was fine with her, and requested all meeting minutes could be formatted in 1 2 point font. Mayor Aplikowski requested the following changes: December 1, 2003, change the closing time of the hearing to 6:37 p,m, Ms. Wolfe requested the following changes: None, MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to approve the November 24, 2003 City Council Meeting Minutes and December 1, 2003 Truth in Taxation . Hearing, as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5-0), 3. CONSENT CALENDAR a, Claims and Payroll b, Authorize Risk Assessment Methodology for Municipal Water System c_ Payment No.5: 2003 PMP Amt Construction MOTTON: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Rem 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 INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL A. Staff Response to November 24,2003 Public Inquiry: Garage Placement Mr. Parrish stated a number of questions had been raised by residents at the November 24, 2003 City Council meeting about the placement of a shed at 1377 Arden Oaks Drive, The questions centered on whether the shed was consistent with City Ordinances and regulations. He indicated after conferring with the Building Official and further review of the Zoning Ordinance, the Building Official had verified the property pins and determined that the shed was compliant with . setback regulations for accessory structures, He noted upon staff inspection of the property, staff determined that the exterior finish was compatible with the principle structure, as indicated in the Municipal Code, ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2003 3 . Michelle Owen, 1428 Arden Oaks Court, stated she disagreed with the comments in staff's report. She indicated she did not think the Ordinances adequately addressed the unique nature of her lot. She noted she felt the Building Official did not have proper regard for the neighborhood and the neighbor's concerns. She expressed concern about the usage of hcr property and the impact this structure had on her property value. She asked if staff had addressed the request for additional landscaping, She stated she thought it was incorrect that Mr. Beamish had not contacted the City until November. She indicated she had contacted the City last summer regarding her concerns about the structure. She expressed concern that if the structure was within the setback requirements, they had no rights as neighbors. She stated she felt nobody was looking at the impact of the structure on the neighbors, She asked the Council to take all of the circumstances into account. She stated she wanted the City to direct the property owners to move the structure to another location on their property, Mayor Aplikowski noted Mr. Beamish was within his legal rights to place the structure where he wanted to on his property and he had indicated this was the most appropriate place for this structure, She stated it was not up to the City to dictate where a structure should be placed on a property, as long as the City Ordinances and setback requirements were followed, She noted landscaping may be installed by all parties involved, and not just Mr. Beamish, . Councilmember Larson stated he had not viewed the Byers property representing the Council. He indicated he went there at the request of Mr. Byers. and had told Mr. Byers he would get in touch with City staff regarding the resident's concerns. He stated statThad informed him of the same infonnation that what was in their report. He stated he had called Mr. Byers back and informed him that there was not much the City could do because the Beamish shed was in compliance with the Municipal Code requirements, He noted there was only so much the City could do with respect to aesthetics, which he believed was the issue, He stated he believed the neighhors were asking the City to do something it could not do, He noted if a structure was placed within the guidelines the City had, it was not necessary to have Councilor the Planning Commission approve it. He suggested the residents put up a privacy fence or more landscaping ifthey were not satisfied with the landscaping Mr. Beamish had installed, Councilmember Rem indicated the City respected the rights of private property owners and if residents were within the Ordinances and setbacks, the City did not interfere with those rights. Reed Byers, 1416 Arden Hills Court, expressed concern that his property values had diminished because of this structure, and now they were being asked to incur additional expense for landscaping which was unacceptable, He stated he intended to follow this through to fruition, 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS . None, - --- ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2003 4 . 6. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT A. I-35W Corridor Coalition: 2004 Membership Mr. Parrish stated the 2004 dues for participating in the 1-35W Corridor Coalition were $11,594, In addition, based on Council's rcqucst, staff contacted a local GIS consultant to see what thc cost would bc to obtain equivalent GIS services from a private vendor. He noted equivalent services would cost approximately $3,000 annually. He asked Council if they wished to participate in the 1-35W Corridor Coalition in 2004, Councilmcmber Holden expressed concern about how the City's voice was being heard and she was not sure this was a good representation for Arden Hills, MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to withdraw funding and membership in the 1- 35W Corridor Coalition and cease the City's participation in that organization, . Councilmember Grant also expressed concem about how the City's voice was being heard within this organization. He noted, however, it was not his intent to say that this coalition was not valuable or did not have something to offer. He stated he believed staffs time should be focus cd on TCAAP, and the coalition had become much larger and much more diversified in the things it looked at than any of the members envisioned when it started out. Mayor' Aplikowski spoke against the motion, She stated she had concerns about how the City was perceived, but the coalition members did come to bat for the City on the Postal Service, which was recognized by the St. Paul Chamber. She noted many residents had also accessed the Housing Resource Center. She stated they should not base their vote on the recent New Brighton joint meeting, Conncilmember Larson stated he was ambivalent about this motion, He agreed with Councilmembers Grant and Holden in trying to gauge the value of the services they purchased, not only thc time, but also the cost of the membership. On the other hand, he believed there were some valuable services they received. He stated he did not know what the vision of the coalition was or what their goals were. He stated he did not want to see this coalition become another level of governmcnt. He stated he would feel more comfortable voting on this if he could see how the City benefited from this membership and what the vision and goals of the coalition were. Councilmember Rcm stated she also agreed with Councilmember Larson regarding what the goals were of the coalition and if Arden Hills was getting their money's worth out of this . mcmbership, ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2003 5 - -- ._~- . Mayor Aplikowski asked if the City wanted to opt out of the coalition, what type of a notice they would have to give. Mr. Parrish replied he was not prepared to answer, but he believed they would have time to withdraw trom the coalition for 2004, Councilmember Grant expressed concern that the coalition had become a much larger organization and believed they should just work with neighboring cities individually as needed. Ms. Wolfe stated in an earlier meeting that day, it was mentioned that if there was a strong interest in the Housing Resource Center, and if a non-member City wanted to continue to participate, the cost would be approximately double what it was for paying members, She noted this would only be a few thousand dollars difference between the total membership fee for the year. Mr. Parrish stated since the City joined approximately two years ago, the Housing Resource Center had approximately 100 contacts trom Arden Hills rcsidents. Councilmember Holden noted the State of Minnesota also has a housing information service and to her it was not so much what the political atmosphere was at the joint meeting, but it was a concern that Arden Hills might want to go in another direction from the coalition and she . questioned if the City could do that. The failed (2-2-1 Councilmembers Grant and Holden Aye. motion - Councilmember Rem and Mayor Aplikowski - Nay, Councilmember Larson - Abstain). Council requested staff obtain a list of the coalition goals, mission, and vision, as well as a list of the tangible and intangible benefits of being a member of the coalition for discussion at the December Work Session, B. Authorize Minnesota Investment Fund Application Mr. Parrish stated as a follow-up to Guidant's financial assistance request last summer, staff had been talking with Guidant and the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) regarding a possible Minnesota Investment Fund application, This was the same program that the City accessed on Guidant's behalf a few years back. DEED had indicated that approximately $250,000 could be made available, Generally, the program provides a low interest loan to a company with half of the loan repayments going back to capitalize a local revolving loan fund and half of the funds going back to DEED. In this particular instance, DEED and Guidant have requested that the City waive its portion and make it forgivable to Guidant. This has been done in other jurisdictions, For this particular meeting, all that is currently being requested is authorization for staff to prepare the application and to set the public hearing . consistcnt with Minnesota Investment Fund program requirements. ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2003 6 . MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to authorize staff to prepare the application and set the public hearing for January 12. 2004 at 7:00 p.m, consistent with Minnesota Investment Fund program requirements. Councilmember Holden asked if the State normally gave this type of money to companies who did not need it. Mr. Parrish replied the State's policy at this point is to focus on the medical technology area and this was a reflection of that policy, The motion carried unanimously (5-0). C. PLANNING CASE NO. 03-30: Amendment to the AT&T Wireless Special Use Permit-Fernwood Water Tower Mr. Hellegers stated the applicant was requesting an Amendment to their Special Use Permit to allow installation of one additional antellIla on the City's Fernwood Water Tower. He noted the City Cowlcil needed to make a determination that in reviewing the proposed amendment to the Special Use Pennit, the Commission has considered the effect of the proposed use upon the health, safety, convenience and general welfare of the owners and occupants of the surrounding . land, in particular, and the community as a whole and that the facts and circumstances of the particular case warrant granting of the amendment to the Special Use Permit. He noted at the Dcccmber Planning Commission meeting the Commissioners recommended approval subjcct to five conditions as notcd in staffs December 8, 2003 report, Councilmember Grant asked if staff had taken a look at what other cities charge per antenna on a water tower. Mr. Parrish replied they had looked at this last year and they were very close to what the other cities were charging, MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Larson seconded a motion to approve Planning Case No. 03-30: Amendment to the AT&T Wireless Special Use Permit-Fernwood Water Tower with the five conditions as noted in staffs December 8,2003 report. The motion carried unanimously (5-0), 7. OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE Nonc, 8. FINANCE A. Resolution No. 03-68: Approving the 2004 Budl!:et . Mr. Parrish stated he anticipated a formal budget would be prepared and distributed in early 2004. He noted at this point, the only outstanding item was the status of the 1-35W Corridor Coalition membership. ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 8. 2003 7 . Council had no questions or comments for staff. MOTION: Councilmcmber Grant moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to approve Resolution No, 03-68: Approving the 2004 Budget. The motion carried unanimously (5-0), B. Resolution No. 03-69: Approvinl!: the Levy for Taxes Pavahle in 2004 Mr. Parrish stated this Resolution authorized the certification of the 2004 property tax levy in the amount of $2,333,337, This translated into a three percent (3%) levy increase from taxes payable in 2003. Council had no questions or comments for staff. MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve Resolution No, 03-69: Approving the Levy for Taxes Payable in 2004, The motion carried unanimously (5-0), . C. Resolution No. 03-72: Adoptinl!: and Confirminl!: the Annual Special Assessments for DelinQuent Utilities Mr. Parrish stated annually, delinquent utility accounts were certified to the County Auditor for payment. He noted in general, many of the accounts that were delinquent, had been delinquent in previous years, It was staffs perspective that many of these people allowed their account to be certified as a special assessment to their property tax for tax planning purposes and incorrectly took a deduction on their income taxes, Couneilmember Larson asked if the residents who were delinquent knew that the utility bill would he added to their taxes as a special assessment. Mr. Parrish replied the City did notify residents of this. MOTION: Couneiimember Larson moved and Couneilmember Grant seconded a motion to approve Resolution No, 03-72: Adopting and Confirming Annuai Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities, The motion carried unanimously (5-0). D. Ordinance 345 and 347: Relatinl!: to 2004 Fees Ms. Young stated the Council annually established a Fee Schedule for administrative, building . construction, liquor licensing, reproduction of maps and ordinances, park and recreation facility use, planning and zoning, utilities, business licenses, signs. false alarms and other miscellaneous permits and penalties, ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCiL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2003 8 . Councilmember Grant asked how the zoning fees wcrc set and how did they compare to other citics, Mr. Parrish replied they compared the fees to a survey, lie noted Arden Hills was actually a bit lower than surrounding citics, Councilmember Larson stated he wanted to see the fees paid for animal control scrvices be the same as they paid the animal control facility, MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Council member Larson seconded a motion to adopt Ordinance 345: A Special Ordinance Relating to Fees Payable within the City of Arden Hills for 2004, which states Appendix "A" containing the Fcc Schedule for Calendar Year 2004 be made a part of thc Municipal Code and adopt Ordinance 347: A Spccial Ordinance Amending the Arden Hills Municipal Code Relating to Fees. The motion carried unanimously (5-0), E. Resolution No. 03-70: Approvilll! the 2004 Non-Barl!aininl! Emplovee Compensation Schedule . Ms. Young stated this Resolution would approve the 2004 Non-Bargaining Employee Compensation Schedule, Council had no questions or comments for staff. MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Holden sccondcd a motion to approve Resolution No, 03-70: Approving the 2004 Employee Compensation Schedulc, The motion carried unanimously (5-0), 1<. Resolution No. 03-80: Approvinl! the 2004 Emplovee Benefit Contribution Ms. Young stated this Resolution would approve the 2004 Employee Benefit Contribution, Councilmember Holden askcd how much was the employee's contribution and how was the split dctcrmined, Mr. Parrish replied the increase was split equally between the City and the employee and the employee's contribution was $345.89 per month, MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to approve Resolution No, 03-80: Approving the 2004 City Contribution to the Non-Bargaining Unit Employee Monthly Benefits, The motion carried unanimously (5-0), . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2003 9 . 9. ADMINISTRATION A. Finance Director: Update Ms. Wolfe stated initial interviews were held in November. On November i8 & 19, 2003 three finalists participated in a management assessment process at the office of Dr. Gary Fischler and Associates, Staff received the draft reports from Dr. Fischler this week and had the opportunity to discuss questions and clarifications with Dr. Fischler via a conference call on December 2, 2003, The three finalists were interviewed again on Dcccmber 4, 2003, She stated as a result of these intcrviews, staff had a desire to have a work session with Council to discuss these interviews at the end of this regular Council meeting, B. Ramsev County Law Enforcement Agreement - Effective 111104 Ms. Wolfe stated this Agreement would continue the City's contractual relationship with Ramsey County for law enforcement services until December 3], 2006, She notcd the City was in the process of reviewing a proposal for law enforcement serviccs from the City of New Brighton, which, if approved, would take effect January I, 2005, She stated the agreement with Ramsey Count providcd that either party may terminate the Agreement at the end of the calendar . year and prior to the end of the tenn of the Agreement by notifying the other party in writing at least nine (9) months prior to the end of the calendar year. She indicated the estimated cost for 2004 would for these scrvices are $704,535, Council had no questions or comments for staff. MOTION: Councilmcmber Holden moved and Mayor Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Agreement. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). C. Resolution No. 03-75: Accepting the Liabilitv Coverage Limits from the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT) Ms. Young rcquested Council approve a Resolution accepting the liability coverage limits from the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT). Councilmcmber Holden asked how much the premium for 2004 was, Ms. Young replied the 2004 premium had not becn determined yet, but she would inform Council of thc amount once received, MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to approve Rcsolution No, 03-75: Accepting . the Liability Covcrage Limits from the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT). The motion carried unanimously (5-0), ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2003 10 .. . D. Approval of Animal Control Contract Services for 2004 Ms. Wolfe stated for many years the City of Arden Hills, along with most Ramsey County suburban communities, had contracted with Animal Control Services, Inc, for animal control servIces, Shc noted in rccognition of budget cutbacks and the recent wcak economy, Animal Control Services, Inc, had proposed a contract for 2004 that maintains the existing language and rates as in the 2003 contract. She indicated she was not aware of any problems with this servicc and to the best of her knowledge the City had been satisfied with this firm's services, Council had no qucstions or comments for staff. MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the Animal Control Contract Services for 2004. The motion carried unanimously (5-0), CITY COUNCIL REPORTS Ms. Wolfe - Stated she had a meeting with the President of Northwestem College. She further statcd that Northwestern College was trying to plan for their future, for the next 14 years, She . stated this was a good mecting and they had indicated a strong desire to work with the neighbors, Mr. Parrish - None. Councilmember Grant - Stated thc Ramsey County HRA was defeated, He stated he had attended the Cub Foods open house and it was enjoyabie, Councilmember Larson - Asked if the Council had approved the metal covered walkways Guidant was putting in, Mr. Parrish replied that the Council did not approve it and staff was talking to Guidant regarding this, Councilmember Holden - Asked staff if a permit had been pulled for Cleveland and D. Mr. Parrish replied it had been, She stated the newsletter articles were due December IS, Councilmember Rem - Stated she had attended a Human Rights conference on Friday, Mayor Aplikowski - Stated the Ramsey County Lcague of Local Government mccting was this Thursday, She had also been lobbied by Ramsey County Tobacco Coalition and indicated she was not going to push for this, Mayor Aplikowski adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 9:27 p.m, and convened the Special Work Session Topic: Finance Director Recruitment. . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 8, 2003 II ~.~ - . ~~kO~' {{lJpm,iI~ Mic elIe Wolfe Mayor City Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next Council Meeting will be held Monday, January 12, 2004 at 7:00 p,m, in the Arden Hills Council Chambers, \\Earth\Admin\Council\M inutes\Regu lar\2003\ 12-8-03 .doc . .