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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 03-27-2000 (2) . . . CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 27, 2000 7:30 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDERlROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, and following a closed executive session which commenced at 6:30 p.m. and closed at 7:20 p.m., followed by a short recess, Councilmember Larson reconvened the regular City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. Present: Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, David Grant, Gregg Larson, and Lois Rem. Absent: Mayor Dennis Probst. Also present were City Administrator, .Toe Lynch; Public Works Director, Dwayne Stafford; Parks & Recreation Director, Thomas Moore; Associate Planner, Nancy Randall; and Recording Secretary, Mary Mullen. ADOPT AGENDA MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the March 27, 2000, regular City Council meeting, with the following amendment: Removal ofItems 5b and c The motion carried unanimously (4-0). APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. February 28, 2000 Regular Council Meeting MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to approve the meeting minutes of the February 28, 2000 Regular Council Meeting, as presented. TIle motion carried unanimously (4-0). CONSENT CALENDAR A. Claims and Payroll B Parks and Recreation Committee, Chairperson Appointment MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar and authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 27,2000 2 PUBLIC COMMENTS Acting Mayor Larson invited those present to come forward and address the Council on any items not already on the agenda. Elizabeth Garski, 1795 Lake Valentine Road, stated she lives across from the Mounds View Hi gh School parking lot, and expressed concern that additional lighting is already in place and may be planned for the parking lot, of which residents in the neighborhood were not informed. She added the current lights are not satisfactory, as they are white lights as opposed to yellow lights, and are often left on all night. Ms. Garski asked why the neighborhood was not informed when the lights were installed, and whether they will be notified if additional lighting is planned. She added the residents believe the school should be required to use timers or regulators so the lights are not left on all night. Ms. Garski stated she has spoken with representatives of the School District as well as the school principal but has received nothing satisfactory to date. Acting Mayor Larson stated he is not aware of any proposals for lighting changes at the high school. Ms. Randall agreed that she is not aware of any lighting proposals. She added that school representatives are scheduled to attend next month's Planning Commission meeting to discuss site modifications, which include parking areas. Acting Mayor Larson stated there is a regulatory zoning ordinance pertaining to lighting. He requested that City staJTraise this issue with the School Board prior to the Planning Commission meeting so they will be prepared to answer questions. He urged Ms. Garski to attend the Commission meeting to make her views known. Ms. Garski asked whether the residents of the neighborhood would be informed of the site modifications. Ms. Randall stated that notification regarding the Planning Commission meeting had been sent to all residents within 350 feet of the school. She added the meeting notice was printed in the local paper for further notification. Councilmember Larson thanked Ms. Garski for her attendance and comments. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Planning Cases 1. Planning Case #-0012, Lawrence Erickson, Rear Yard Variance (Continued from March 13, 2000 meeting) Ms. Randall explained that the applicant was requesting approval of a rear yard setback variance (20 feet proposed, when 30 feet is required) for a 16 by 32 foot garage addition on a single- family lot zoned R-2. The applicant currently has a 22 by 24 foot (528 square foot) two-car garage. The applicant desires to build a longer garage to allow for a workshop area in the rear of the garage. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 27, 2000 3 Ms. Randall stated that at the Council's last meeting, a motion to approve this request had failed. She noted the applicant was not able to attend the meeting, but did not have any additional comments and wishes to pursue his original proposal. She added that City staff rccommends that the Council move to either approve the request or table the issue for review up to May 26. Councilmember Larson asked whether the applicant had indicated that if the rear yard variance was granted, he would limit the setback to 8 feet. Ms. Randall confirmed the applicant does not intend to extend the setback any closer than 8 feet. Councilmember Rem asked whether the applicant had indicated whether he might pursue alternatives if the request was denied. Ms. Randall stated the applicant prefers his original proposal which he believes to be the best solution. She added the applicant does not intend to provide any further information. Councilmember Grant stated that he had attended the Planning Commission meeting at which this request was originally presented. He added the Commission had been divided, but decided to deny the request due to the option of an additional kickout on one side. He noted the Planning Commission had not heard the views of the applicant's neighbor who did not support the kick- out option. Council member Aplikowski stated the applicant's original proposal is the best solution for the neighborhood and expressed her support of the variance. Acting Mayor Larson stated he had originally voted against the variance, adding he is prepared to change his vote. He added that if the variance request is not granted, the applicant will be forced to extend to the 5-foot maximum on the sideyard, thus moving it closer to the adjacent house. He expressed his support of the motion, with the condition that the structure not be built any closer to the lot line than 8 feet. Mr. Lynch cautioned that such a condition might present legal questions. He noted he is unsure that ifthe applicant is allowed to build up to 5 feet by ordinance, the Council's order can Icgally supersede. Mr. Lynch noted that if the condition was included, that would capture the intent, but part of the area in question would not be covered under the approval. Ms. Randall agreed, stating the applicant would not be able to extend into the rear yard, and future modifications or additions would be affected. MOTION: COU11cilmember Aplikowski moved, seconded by COU11cilmember Grant to approve Planning Case #00-12, Rear Yard Variance (20 feet proposed when 30 feet is required) for a garage addition based on the "Findings - Rear Yard Setback Variance" as contained in the Staff report dated March 1,2000. Motion carried unanimously (4-0). ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 27, 2000 4 B. Planning Case #00-14, Chuck Mertensotto, Corner Side Yard Variance (Continued from March 13th meeting) . Ms. Randall explained that the applicant was requesting approval of a comer side yard setback variance (7 feet proposed, when 40 teet is required) for a porch addition on a single family lot zoned R-2. Ms. Randall noted that this request had been tabled at the last Council meeting for further review, and the applicant had been requested to provide additional information. She added that Mr. Mertensotto was in attendance at the meeting, and had provided additional drawings for the Council's review. Ms. Randall stated the proposed modifications lessen the setback amount. She noted there had been some concern with regard to the closeness of the structure to the boulevard. She added there are currently footings from a previous structure on the front of the home near the front door, and the applicant is proposing a patio area 9 feet in length with no roof. Mr. Mertensotto stated he had received the drawings from his architect that morning. He added that he is not satisfied with the drawings as they do not define the entrance to the house, which is what he wishes to accomplish. . Mr. Mertensotto stated there are also some existing footings on the north side of the horne, but noted he wishes to complete the east side before moving on. He added he wants to extend the look of the patio around the home to the north. He asked whether he would need to obtain approval for the architectural style, or just the parameters. He also asked whether another variance would be required to extend the patio around the corner of the home. Ms. Randall stated, in most cases, a home could be embellished easily. She added that since this home docs not meet buildable area requirements, such limitations do not apply, and Council approval would be required. Acting Mayor Larson asked whether thc applicant was hoping for the Council's action on the proposed drawings. Mr. Mertensotto stated he would wish to know whether the Council will allow him to build the patio. He added he is paying the architect which creates some issues for him. He expressed concern that he has not shown the drawings to the tenants or neighbors, and whether he would be obliged to build the patio exactly as drawn. He asked whether approval could be given for something with certain dimensions within a specified area. Ms. Randall stated the Council's practice has always been to approve only clear-cut plans. Councilmember Larson stated he would wish to encourage the applicant to improve the home and make it more attractive, due to its prominent position within the City. He expressed his difficulty in voting for plans which are not finalized. . Mr. Mertensotto stated he wishes to obtain ideas and parameters from the Council. He added he wishes to do something functional to tlle home which will be aesthetically pleasing. He asked how much time he would have to present final plans to the Council. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCI-I 27,2000 5 Ms. Randall stated he could submit a letter to City staff requesting an additional 60 days. She noted the request period will run out at the end of March, so the letter would be necessary by the end of the week. Mr. Mertensotto agreed to provide a letter to City staff requesting an extension for his proposal. C. Parks and Recreation Department, Adopt a Flower Garden and Day in the Park Celebration, City Council Participation Mr. Moore reviewed his memo of March 13, recommending that the City Council participate in the Adopt a Flower Garden Program, and the Day in the Park Celebration. Mr. Moore stated the Adopt a Flower Garden Program will get under way on Saturday, May 20. He noted there are 7 City gardens and 7 business gardens, as well as the Arden Hills Library which has just joined the program. He added the City will convert 2 flower gardens a year to perennials or wildflowers. Mr. Moore stated the program provides an excellent opportunity for the Council to interact with residents and City statl in an informal setting. He added he hoped a minimum of 2 Councilmembers would participate. Councilmember Aplikowski stated it is a great program involving the interaction of the Council in a less formal setting. Councilmember Rem noted the breakfast buffet compliments of the Holiday Inn is a big incentive. Councilmembers Aplikowski, Grant, Larson and Rem agreed to participate in the Adopt a Flower Garden Program. Mr. Moore stated the Day in the Park Celebration, to be held .Tune 10, will have a Council table, which would mean a minimum of 3 Councilmembers in attendance for 30 minute shifts. He added this is a low-key family environment, and a contest might be considered with a prize to the winner. Councilmembers Aplikowski, Grant, Larson and Rem agreed to participate in the Day in the Park Celebration. D. Parks and Recreation Department, Adopt a Flower Garden, Office Staff Participation Mr. Moore noted that City staff have been recommended for participation in the Adopt a Flower Garden Program. ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS Mr. Lynch stated the Town Hall meeting will be held at the Bethel College Great Hall on Saturday, April I, commencing with the State of the City address at 9:00 a.m. He added there will be a Council question and answer period after the City address, and microphones will be available for the Council. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 27, 2000 6 Acting Mayor Larson noted that as the Great Hall is so large, it would be a good idea to ensure somehow that residents sit toward the front. Mr. Lynch stated the Facilities Manager will block off areas in an attempt to bring people closer to the stage. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Grant stated a Parks and Recreation Committee meeting will be held Tuesday, March 28, at which the BRW study of Pcrry Park will be discussed, among other items. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she attended a recent mecting of the Ramsey County League at which she brought up the issue of thc watershed district easement area. She added the group was not receptive to the discussion, as there were very few other councilmembers present. Councilmember Aplikowski statcd she attended the New Brighton Town Hall meeting, which had a good turnout. She noted a free lunch was provided by a local deli, which could be enjoyed after an evaluation sheet was completed. She added that organizers did not secure the evaluation shccts, and people who had not participated in the meeting were enjoying the free lunch. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she has a trivia presentation for the Council's booth when it is ready, as she completed a display of the decades in the city from 1920-1990. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she will attend a newsletter committee meeting this week, adding they are doing a fantastic job processing infoffi1ation. She added she is unsure when the next events committee meeting is scheduled, and requested that notices be sent. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she met with Gene Skiba with regard to a possible city calendar for sale or to give away. She added the calendar could feature parks or corporate structures, or historical photographs. She noted this will probably be a committee decision. Councilmember Aplikowski asked, with regard to the Highway 10/Highway 96 overpass issue, whether it would be necessary to solicit the input of other communities. Mr. Lynch stated that other communities would not have the same concerns as residents as they are not directly affected or involved. Councilmember Larson stated that residents of other communities use the intersection, but the issue would be how to identify who those people are. Councilmember Rem stated the people who live in the area would use the intersection most, and they were the ones who were consulted. She added that the further away a person lives from the area in question, the more options they will have for alternative travel. Councilmember Rem stated she attended a meeting for the Neighborhood Watch program last week, which being reorganized and expanded. She added the City hopes to expand the number of watches it will organize. She noted there are 78 watches planned for the northern suburban area, only 4 of which will be held within the City. She suggested a newsletter article might be written about the program, leading up to National Night Out in August. . . . ARDEN mLLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 27, 2000 7 Councilmember Rem stated she attended the League of Minnesota Cities' Human Rights Committee Conference in Golden Valley last week, at which many interesting presentations regarding community outreach were made. Councilmember Rem stated shc has recently contacted 3 residents who had expressed interest in working on the web site task force. She added she intends to have an initial meeting with staff soon. Acting Mayor Larson stated the Water Quality Task Force would meet Tuesday March 28, to approve some recommendations to bring to the Council at the April worksession. He added the Ingerson neighborhood review group met last week, and it was decided that one more notice would be sent to residents regarding future meetings ofthe group. Acting Mayor Larson expressed concern over a list of architectural fees with regard to the new City Hall provided for the Council's review. He added he feels it represents a lot of money, and asked whether the fees cover all remaining design work, or just work to date. Mr. Lynch stated the fees reflect work done to date, plus additional work up to and including the bid phase. Acting Mayor Larson stated he finds it hard to believe that the architect would need to spend over 200 hours on the changes that the Council previously discussed. Mr. Lynch agreed, stating he asked the architccts for a breakdown, since relatively few changes have been made and the interior was not redesigned. Acting Mayor Larson stated, in reviewing the Minnesota Taxpayers Association Legislative Spotlight, there was no information regarding a bill being considered on sales tax exemptions. He added he saw a provision which exempts construction materials and equipment for the Blaine City Hall and Police Department facility from sales tax. Acting Mayor Larson stated that City staff should look into that. Mr. Lynch stated it is contained under the tax bills omnibus. He added he is unsure whether local legislators would be willing to provide support to the City. Councilmember Aplikowski stated Barb Haake might be approached. Councilmember Rem asked, with regard to the City Hall architectural fees, how much has been spent to date. Councilmember Larson agreed that information would be helpful. Mr. Lynch stated he believes the figure is $180,000. Councilmember Grant stated it would be interesting to see the industry average for such a project. Acting Mayor Larson stated that the overall project cost had changed. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she would wish to revisit the entire project, conducting a budget review. Acting Mayor Larson stated the Council is responsible for maintaining an awareness of the cost of the project. Councilmember Grant agreed the Council should be aware of what the City is . . & ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 27, 2000 8 spending on the project. Councilmember Aplikowski expressed concern that the exterior and landscaping should not be compromised. ADJOURN MOTION: Counci1member Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:46 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next regular City Council meeting will be held Monday, April 10, 2000 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arden Hills Council chambers.