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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCWS 02-22-2000 . MEETING MINUTES JOINT WORKSESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2000, 4:45 P.M. Mayor Probst called the meeting to order at 4:47 p.m. Those present included Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, David Grant, Gregg Larson and Lois Rem. Staff present included City Administrator, Joe Lynch; City Treasurer, Terry Post; Public Works Director, Dwayne Stafford, Parks and Recreation Director, Tom Moore; Building Inspector, David Scherbel; Associate Planner, Nancy Randall; Recreation Program Supervisor, Michelle Olson; and Recording Secretary, Sheila Stowell. Planning Commission members present were: Steve Erickson, Stephen L. Baker, Brent Nelson, David Sand, Terri Duchenes, and Therese Galatowitsch. a. City Hall 1. Architectural Alliance, Presentation of Rcvised Interior Design Ms. Jeanne Sterner, Architectural Alliance, was introduced by City Administrator Lynch, at which time she presented an overview of the original City Hall design, and the revised design, with all current offices on the main level, and increased lower level space build- . out at an estimated cost increase of $60,000. Mayor Probst opened the floor for discussion. Discussion items ofthe revised plan included size and location of conference rooms and possible build-out of conference room on the second floor; necessity of additional stairway from lower level to main floor; excavation for full basement expansion during initial construction; review of proposed re-bid schedule and need for authorization for plaIl revisions; anticipated fee title being obtained in May; additional basement storage space and security for Parks and Recreation Department supplies; and a required separate entrance for required National Guard office personnel. Staff was directed to proceed with an updated package, as revised, and an updated bid and construction schedule, for formal Council consideration at their March 13, 2000 regular Council meeting. The previous Alternate I (brick or stone exterior materials) was to be included on the re-bid. Staff was further directed to correspond with the Department of Army regarding the City's proposed construction schedule and seek their confirmation of the proposed land transfer date. Staff was also directed to contact the City of Shoreview for possible cost sharing for the proposed 12-inch emergency cross-connection between the Cities as part of the City Hall construction. . ARDEN HILLS JOINT CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSESSION FEBRUARY 22, 2000 2 . Staff was directed to review, with the architect and consultant, the City Council Chambers audio/visual design and related budget, and providc recommendations for the March Worksession. 2. Sewer and Water Connection City Administrator Lynch advised Council members that the sewer and water connection was not originally bid as part ofthe City Hall construction project. Mr. Lynch and Public Works Director Stafford were recommending that the Council authorize the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications for this connection. Mr. Stafford reviewed the projected costs and indicated that it would cost an additional $8,000 for the water main service to City Hall if a twelve inch line is installed for future cross connection with the City of Shoreview, he suggested that the City consider an agreement with the City of Shoreview for an emergency water connection as part of the City Hall construction project. Stan' was directed to include the water and sewer connection, and related emergency water cross- connection with the City of Shoreview, with the original City Hall construction bid package. b. Metropolitan Council Presentation, Metro Transit Restructuring . Study/Service Plan Representatives ofthe Metropolitan Council's Metro Transit office, Adam Harrington and Randy Rosevall were introduced by City Administrator Lynch, and proceeded to review the Metro Transit Restructuring Study, Sectors I and 2, Volume II: Service Plan, anticipated to begin operation in September, 2000. Additional implementation is scheduled for 2001, increasing the frequency of service for the Arden Hills area. Discussion items included current and proposed ridership numbers, schedules and routes; Betllel and Northwestern College usage and potential alleviation of parking problems; implications of current and proposed service; outdated demographic information for the Roseville Circulator; additional "Park and Ride" sites; and federal funding requirements. Councilmembers were requested to forward their connnents to staff, and staff was directed to draft a resolution for formal Council action at their February 28, 2000 regular Council meeting, reflecting the City's comments on the study including those regarding the Metro Transit's consideration of an additional route to serve the Bethel College area. Staff was further directed, upon adoption of the resolution by the City Council, to provide a copy of the resolution to Ramsey County. . ARDEN HILLS JOINT CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSESSION FEBRUARY 22, 2000 3 . c. Future Land Use Discussion as Proposed by Vento Re-Use Committee and Comprchcnsive Plan Update (Joint Worksession with Planning Commission) Mayor Probst formally welcomed the Planning Commission members and introductions were made. City Administrator Lynch introduced the discussion of the Civic Center Rezoning and original intent ofthe Vento Re-Use Plan for the benefit and review of those newer Councilmembers and Planning Commission members. Mayor Probst provided a historical perspective over the last ten (10) years related to the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) property, the Vento Reutilization Committee, and impacts on the City of Arden Hills and surrounding communities, the school district, and community service agencies. Associate Planner, Nancy Randall, addressed financial and planning considerations as the Planning Commission and City Council consider Phase II of the TCAAP zoning exercise and related approval of the Comprehensive Plan by the Metropolitan Council. Ms. Randall spoke to scheduling requirements by the Planning Commission for review of Phase II of the TCAAP zoning, as well as a timeframe for the Commission and City . Council's review of the seven Neighborhood Business District sites recently created. Discussion items included the military process ofland release; zoning unification between the Comprehensive Plan and Civic Center Zoning District Ordinance recently adopted; legal easement covenant to protect preserve area (i.e., future tower construction requests); review of the Town Center option and apparent confusion over the intent of that option; and possible alterations for setback requirements to allow for a more urban downtown approach in the Town Center. Further discussion included the proposed Ramsey County maintenance facility and how it is incorporated into the vision for tlle property development; incorporation of Civic Center zoning into the TKDA consultant's study for the Ramsey County maintenance facility; possible grant monies for further studies, determination if the City wants to be the receiving party for the land as it comes out, or zoning considerations only; additional input from former consultant, (Camiros); maintaining a presentable entryway for a town center; ramifications along County Road E and those existing retail businesses; and the level of detail and accuracy of projections. Mayor Probst announced that the City would be in a staff transition period which would impact this project and its schedule, with Ms. Randall leaving the City's employment the end of April and employment advertising currently underway for another Planner. It was the consensus ofthose present the following schedule needed to be initiated: . ARDEN HILLS JOINT CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSESSION FEBRUARY 22, 2000 4 . . Development of a basic City philosophy and need for City to be pro-active, not reactive, with zoning, infrastructure, and development of the TCAAP property . Staff completion of outstanding portions of the Comprehensive Plan and resubmittal to the Metropolitan Council (within two months if possible Provide Met Council with a current and twenty-year scenario for TCAAP development regarding water, sewer and other infrastructure projected requirements, depending on how the property is released . Met Council approval of City's final Comprehensive Plan . Review oflegal descriptions for those various parcels consisting of the City Hall, Ramsey County maintenance facility, National Guard, Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), Building #105, Alliant TechSystems building and surrounding safety arcs, and the Army Reserve Center parcel, using the Ramsey County GIS . Begin work on "Part A" of the TCAAP, Phase II zoning study, consisting of preliminary review for the Town Center as an immediate step, then proceeding with further issues and infrastructure studies. . Council consideration of financial implications for initiation of Phase II Staff was directed to draft a detailed action plan for Planning Commission action; with copies going to the City Council and Planning Commission for consideration and further . discussion at a City Council/Planning Commission joint Worksession on March 20,2000; and Council definition of the process and schedule to be followed available by the end of April. Staff was further directed to formally forward the conditions of the Civic Center zoning requirements to Ramsey County as they continue their maintenance facility construction planning process, and on a stafflevel, obtain Ramsey County's proposed schedule for construction of their facility. Mayor Probst aIId Councilmembers thanked the Planning Commission members for their attendance and discussion. d. Highways 96/10 Discussion Public Works Director Stafford provided an historical perspective and reviewed the most recent three options and projected costs of each option, along with traffic counts at this intersection. Discussion items included amenities and proposed costs of each respective plan; and a permanent solution to present to MnDOT rather than a short-term solution. Staff was directed to provide public notice to affected residents (including Arden Manor Mobile Home Park residents, North Heights Lutheran Church, Mike Fix of TCAAP) of . an informational meeting to be held the week of March 6, 2000 between staff: the City ARDEN HILLS JOINT CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSESSI0N FEBRUARY 22, 2000 5 . Engineer, Ramsey County representatives, MnDOT representatives, and the City Council to provide these three options and the City's proposed recommendation to Ramsey County. Staff was further directed to schedule formal Council action at their March 13, 2000 regular Council meeting. Staff was further directed to clarify with the City's Consulting Engineer, BRW, the actual existence of a residence and the cost differential between alternatives No.1 and No. IA. Miscellaneous Finance Departmcnt Mr. Post advised the City Council that he was currently working with Ramsey County on submission ofa CDBG grant for funding of the Old Hwy. 10 Watermain Project, as well as additional funding for thc Arden Manor Mobile Home Park project. Mr. Post addressed several issues on which the City's Operations and Finance Committee sought City Council clarification; senior utility rates; rubbish hauling; and the Assessment Policy. Mr. Post also briefly updated the City Council on future requirements ofthe Government . Accounting Standards Board pronouncement #34, which includes Governmental Funds financial reporting on a full accrual basis. Smaller cities may be exempt from this reporting procedure. Public Works Department Mr. Stafford advised that, due to the lack of snowplowing this winter, the Public Works Department had been able to pursue various department activities, and the department was anticipating centerline street sweeping if the weather continued to be mild. Mr. Stafford stated that a recent innovative plexi-glass installation on the passenger doors of the larger snowplow vehicles had received the attention of the City's insurance provider, Bcrkley Risk, and was being shared with other communities that they insure. Mr. Stafford sought Council comment regarding the City rctaining tlle 1991 pickup as a spare vehicle, once is replacement in part of the fleet. Parks and Recreation Department Mr. Moore reviewed various Parks and Recreation Department activities, including distribution of the City's Spring Recreation Program Guide; all update on a joint meeting with Presbyterian Homes and Northwestern College regarding soccer field use; continued aIld expanded plaIming for the annual Day in the Park, scheduled for Saturday, June 10, 2000; work with various agencies in maintaining the natural habitat of Crepeau . ARDEN HILLS JOINT CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSESSION FEBRUARY 22, 2000 6 . Park; work with Eagle Scouts on several trail projects; hiring of summer staff; and initiation of an "Adopt a Flower Garden" program. Additional Council discussion included use and installation of banners for the City's Fiftieth Anniversary celebration. Councilmember Larson Councilmember Larson continued discussion on the goal prioritization and direction to the Operations and Finance Committee. Councilmember Larson also updated City Coullcilmembers on activities of the Water Quality Task Force and continuing discussions regarding formation of the Ingerson Neighborhood Review Group. Councilmember Grant Councilmembcr Grant complimented the Parks and Recreation Department on the trail grooming he had observed. Councilmember Aplikowski . Councilmember Aplikowski updated Councilmembers on the City Events Task Force activities, and the group's plans for observation and serving as greeters at the upcoming Town Hall meeting, tentatively scheduled for April I, 2000. Mayor Probst Mayor Probst and Councilmcmbers spoke briefly of broad Town Hall meeting plans. Mayor Probst stated that he would like to incorporate the groundbreaking for the new City Hall to coincide with the Town Hall meeting. Mayor Probst requested that staff include invitations to the event to Congressman Bruce Vento and staff; Senator Rod Grams; and Department of Army representatives. Mayor Probst and Councilmembers concurred with the Job Description for the Planner position and directed staff to proceed with advertising for the position. Mayor Probst complimented the Public Works Department on their handling of recent watermain breaks. Mayor Probst stated that he would be moderating a meeting on April 26, 2000 of the "Triangle Transit" meeting, with various representatives of the Metropolitan Council, . ARDEN HILLS JOINT CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSESSION FEBRUARY 22, 2000 7 . Ramsey County Commissioner, area City Councilmembers, and area Planning Commission members being invited. ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). CC/Planning Commission . .