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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 05-08-2000 . . . CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 8, 2000 7:30 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Dennis Probst called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. Present: Mayor Dennis Probst, Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, David Grant, Gregg Larson, and Lois Rem. Absent: None. Also present were City Administrator, Joe Lynch; City Accountant, Terrance Post; and Recording Secretary, Mary Mullen. ADOPT AGENDA MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the May 8, 2000, regular City Council meeting, with the following additions: Item 6D, Allocation of Water Tower Antenna Revenue Item 6E, Discussion of Housing Ordinance The motion carried unanimously (5-0). APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. April 17, 2000 Council Worksession Councilmember Grant requested the following changes: On page 2, under Water Quality Task Force members present, add Jeanne Winiecki. On page 6, under Councilmember comments, at the end of the last sentence, add "which was installed as part of the residential water meter project" . B. April 24, 2000 Regular Council Meeting Councilmember Grant requested the following changes: On page 7, voting on the motion should be amended to read 5-0. On page 12, 8th paragraph, 2nd line, replace "27" with "28". On page 13, under Council Comments, 1st paragraph, afler "Neighborhood", delete "Design". Mr. Lynch noted the minutes should reflect the fact that the variance does not pertain to square footage but rather footage. Mayor Probst requested the following change: On page 10, 5th paragraph, insert "Mayor" before "Probsf' . . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 8, 2000 2 MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to approve the meeting minutes, as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). CONSENT CALENDAR A. Claims and Payroll B. Change to Summer Hours C. Web Site Development Task Force, Appointment of Members MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar and authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Probst invited those present to come forward and address the Council on any items not already on the agenda. David Carlson, 3136 Ridgewood Road, stated he lives near Lake Johanna and was concerned recently when a neighbor informed him that he was selling his home to someone who intended to turn it into a dormitory for 8-10 college students. He added there is apparently nothing in City ordinance which prohibits unrelated adults from occupying the same house. He requested that the Council consider tightening the zoning laws to prevent this from happening to other residents. Mayor Probst stated this same situation had occurred with a home in his neighborhood, and he agreed the ordinance does not address this issue. He added the issue was identified as a concern for the City, although he was not sure whether the Planning Commission had taken it up. He expressed concern that a change to the ordinance could not be enacted quickly enough to address the home in question. Mayor Probst stated that the Planning Commission might have the opportunity to review the situation during the permitting process if modifications to the home are proposed. He added, however, that case law does not permit the City to identity the number of unrelated people that can occupy a single family home. Mr. Carlson stated the zoning ordinance in Roseville is very descriptive and allows only 4 unrelated occupants in a home in R-I zoning. He asked where the line is drawn between residential and commercial rental properties. Mayor Probst stated that any resident can build a home in an R -I district and then rent it. Mayor Probst stated he would recommend that the issue be raised by the Planning Commission as soon as possible. He reiterated that the current situation may not be prevented. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 8, 2000 3 . Councilmember Aplikowski asked for clarification with regard to the difference between a dormitory and a boarding house, and whether the ordinance recognizes the difference. She added that the ordinance pertaining to boarding houses limits the number of people to five, although there is nothing limiting the amount of parking. Councilmember Larson stated the City needs to address this issue. He cited a case involving a home on the east side of Old Snelling which was occupied by students and was not kept up. He noted the house was unattractive until it was resold and turned back into a single family dwelling. He reiterated the issue needs to be addressed soon with the growth of Bethel and two colleges within the community. Mr. Lynch stated that a discussion pertaining to ordinance changes is scheduled for June's Worksession, and this could be reviewed as part ofthe overall discussion with the Planning Commission. Mayor Probst asked what the earliest possible enactment date might be. Mr. Lynch stated a public hearing would need to be held the following month, so the changes could be enacted sixty (60) days after June. He agreed this would not be quick enough to deal with the current issue. . Mayor Probst stated the homeowner in question could be notified that the Council is considering changes to the ordinance, adding this might cause the sale of the home to fall through, or the homeowner might consider other buyers. Mr. Carlson stated he believes there are other parties interested in the house. He asked whether the homeowner would be grandfathered in if changes were enacted after the house closing. Mayor Probst stated that would depend upon the sequence of events. He reiterated it would be appropriate to alert both the buyer and seller that the City is in the process of actively changing the ordinance, and the potential buyer might rethink their interest in the property. Mr. Carlson noted that the property in question lies both in Arden Hills and Roseville, and asked whether Roseville could enforce their ordinance on their half of the property. Mayor Probst stated that this might cause pro blems for the potential tenant. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Planning Case #00-]4, Chuck Mertensotto (Front Yard Setback Variance) Mr. Chuck Mertensotto presented new drawings of the proposed changes to his property, which include a new frontal view and measurements. He added the portion he is most concerned with is at the northeast comer of the house, closest to the roadway. . Mr. Lynch stated that City staff has not had an opportunity to review Mr. Mertensotto's new plans, which he was asked to provide before the meeting for this purpose. He expressed concern that the Council would be reviewing a situation with no input from staff. He added the new City Planner, Jennifer Chaput, should have the chance to review the case and meet with Mr. Mertensotto before further action. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 8, 2000 4 Mr. Lynch stated the Council could table the case until the May 30 meeting, or ask Mr. . Mertensotto to extend his application time in writing to the City. Mr. Mertensotto stated he was not notified that he was on this evening's agenda, and only found out when he called to inquire about the status of his case. Mayor Probst stated he would wish to take this case up formally at the next regular meeting. Mr. Mertensotto agreed to meet with Ms. Chaput to review his case. Mayor Probst noted that the site plans were in keeping with previous discussions about not moving the existing setback any further out. Councilmember Grant stated thc plans seem aesthetically pleasing, and he thanked Mr. Mertensotto for all the work he has put into the plans. Mr. Lynch stated, with regard to written notification from Mr. Mertensotto, a deadline must be identified to avoid legal problems. MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to table Planning Case #00-14, front yard setback variance for Mr. Chuck Mertensotto, to the May 30, 2000, regular City Council meeting, with the following amendment: . City staff must receive a written statement from Mr. Mertensotto by May 20, 2000, requesting an extension of application. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). B. Resolution #00-19, Authorizing City Engineer to Prepare Plans and Specifications for Arden Manor Park Improvements and the Old Highway 10 Watermain Extension Projects Mr. Post stated that City staff had submitted grant applications to Ramsey County for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for Arden Manor Park Improvements and an Old Highway 8 Watermain Extension. City of Arden Hills Resolutions #00-14 and #00-15 adopted at the February 28,2000 regular Council meeting authorized these applications. After a review at the Ramsey County Community and Economic Development staff level, on April 25, 2000 the Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) approved both of the City of Arden Hills' CDBG grant applications. The next stage of the approval process is to gain Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approval at the federal level. This approval is expected to be obtained by mid-June. . Based upon the input from Ramsey County's HRA staff, there is an extremely high probability that these two projects will gain federal funding approval. In an effort to "dual track" these two projects prior to formal federal approval, staff recommends that the City Council adopt ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 8, 2000 5 . Resolution #00-19, authorizing the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications for Arden Manor Park improvements and the Old Highway 10 watermain extension projects. Councilmember Larson asked whether the improvements to Arden Manor Park refer to changes that have already been made. Mr. Post stated that these are additional project costs tor things which have not yet been completed, such as basketball court fencing, outfield drain tile, soccer net installation and a bituminous walkway, as well as some landscaping. Councilmember Aplikowski asked whether residents on Old Highway 10 were in agreement on this project. Mr. Post stated residents were not supportive of a special assessment project so additional funding sources were sought by the City. Mr. Post stated that as a result of the watermain improvement, City water will be available to residents on Old Highway 10, as well as improving the City's fire protection in that area. Councilmember Grant asked for the anticipated cost of preparing plans and specifications. Mr. Post stated a gross feasibility study has already been completed by the City Engineer, and much ofthe work has already been done on the watermain. He added he anticipates the approximate total cost for preparation of plans and specifications for both projects will be $5,000. MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve Resolution #00-19, authorizing the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications for Arden Manor Park Improvements and the Old Highway 10 Watermain Extension Projects. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . C. Resolution #00-20, Planning for Future Water Tower Antenna and Ground Leases Mr. Lynch stated the City of Arden Hills recently approved a Site Plan review and Lease Agreement with Aerial Communications. Prior to that, the City also reached similar agreement with Sprint PCS for location of antennae and related ground structures tor cellular telecommunications services. In reaching approval with Aerial Communications, the City had to go back to Sprint PCS to inquire about their desire and willingness to revise their previously submitted Site Plan, as well as their Lease Agreement, with the City. This would allow Aerial Communications to utilize ground space and infrastructure (driveways) at the water tower sites. Currently, the City has no Master Plan for dealing with the correct number and placement of ground structures for telecommunications at the water tower sites. The City has proceeded in allowing applications and processing them through the Planning Commission and the City Council, without a plan in mind as to what the end product will look like. There is no coordinated effort for landscaping, fencing, or placement of the buildings for easier access, maintenance and repair purposes on these sites. . Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Administrator to seek consulting services to develop a Master Plan for both the north and south water tower sites dealing ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 8, 2000 6 specifically with the total number of antennae and related ground structures that should be . allowed on each site. Staff also recommends that the Council decide if they want to be in the business of advertising and marketing the availability of the water tower sites in the future, after completion of the Master Plan, for recruitment of telecommunications and wireless internet providers. Mr. Lynch stated the Council might consider a resolution directing Staff not to consider any more applications until further planning at both of the City's water tower sites, to include number of antennae and ground units, site planning, landscaping, infrastructure, and utilities, is completed. Councilmember Grant suggested that information might be requested from other communities who have gone through a similar planning process in planning their water tower sites. He stated that he works in Eagan where several water towers have numerous antennae. He added that the telecommunications providers might be consulted to determine what their experiences have been with other municipalities before moving forward with the study. Councilmember Larson agreed, stating the resolution was consistent with the Planning Commission's recommendations after the most recent application by Aerial Communications. . Mayor Probst asked whether the proposed application is sufficient, or more investigation is required. Councilmember Grant stated some investigation could be done before expending City funds to arrive at a Master Plan. Mr. Lynch stated that a Master Plan could include information obtained from other cities. Mayor Probst stated the important factor is available ground space. Grant asked for clarification with regard to the type of study which staff would like to see completed. Mr. Lynch stated the study could require stafftime, including the City Planner and himself or a consultant, to obtain and review information. MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve Resolution #00-20, in the matter of planning for future water tower antenna and ground leases. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). D. Allocation of Water Tower Antenna Revenue Councilmember Grant stated that with the increased revenue generated by the water tower antennas, the City is in a good position to utilize the funds toward special projects. MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to allocate revenue from water tower antenna and ground leases to a newly created Communications Fund (50%) and the Parks & Recreation Budget (50%). . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 8, 2000 7 . Councilmember Grant stated that revenue from water tower antennae would be a visible source of funds when there is a budget shortfall. He added the videotapes of Council sessions could be an opportunity for the Council to connect with residents, but their quality is poor. He noted the allocated funds could be used in the upgrade of communications design for the new City Hall. Councilmember Aplikowski stated that the Council should start a Communications Fund, which would enable the Council to do its job better, and allow City statf to keep up with changes in technology. Councilmember Rem stated that a source of funding for the new City Hall communications systems is in a Cable Fund that can only be used for communications. She expressed agreement that video taping of council meetings should be improved. She added that funding for parks & recreation would be an important community outreach vehicle. Councilmember Larson expressed concern with regard to setting up special funds. He added a similar debate is going on at the state legislature, and there is concern with regard to setting up special funds rather than letting the use of those monies vie in the political process with other needs of the state. Councilmember Larson stated he agrees that more money for communications and the City's parks is a good idea, but added he would rather the Council had discretion to make funding decisions rather than setting aside special project funds. . Mayor Probst stated he has strongly supported both improved communications as well as parks and recreation. He added he feels uncomfortable hearing this issue for the first time and taking action. He noted that he would have difficulty supporting the dedication offunds for specific purposes. Mr. Post stated that the Council had recently endorsed a policy that called for charitable gambling contributions to be spent on public safety and parks & recreation. He added that as of the end of 1999, there was a large sum remaining in the Community Services Fund at the discretion ofthe Council to be spent in those two areas. He noted that funding for the new City Hall's communications system is more than adequate. He asked whether the additional water tower antennae revenue would be above and beyond the budgeted funds. Grant confirmed this. Mr. Post suggested that the Council consider the revenue source as an additional governor on any future tax levy increases. Mayor Probst stated that, with regard to audio-visual equipment for the new city hall, funding decisions will be made by the Council and not through funding capability. He added that the Council might wish to consider how much to spend on such issues in the new City Hall. . Councilmember Grant stated he had reviewed various City accounts and budgets, adding he does not believe that adding one more special fund would be cumbersome. He noted that there had not been sufficient funds to complete improvements in Sampson Park, and asked why this was the case. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 8, 2000 8 Mr. Post stated this unbudgeted capital project would have to go before the Council as an . amendment to the original budget, and this has not happened to date. Mayor Probst stated that the Council relies on the Parks & Recreation Committee to make recommendations on expenditures, and once these are adopted, a budget is created for the fiscal year. He added that those recommended items are approved or recommended for the year. Councilmember Grant stated he would still wish to see the City upgrade its communications systems and put additional dollars toward that end. Councilmember Rem thanked him for his suggestion. Mayor Probst stated the 2001 Budget process will begin at the Council's next Worksession. He added that he considers it inappropriate to take an action such as the one proposed in advance of having a more complete discussion. He suggested that the Council should have a broader discussion before taking such an action. MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Larson seconded a motion to postpone the recommendation to allocate water tower antennae funds until after the budget process discussion at the Council's May 15,2000 Worksession. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . Councilmember Grant asked whether the audio-visual equipment currently used for taping Council meetings would be re-used and upgraded in the new City Hall. Mr. Post indicated that the new City Hall audio-visual had not yet been specifically identified. Councilmember Grant stated that a motion would be in order at the Council's next meeting to start that process. Mayor Probst requested that Councilmembers provide advance notice of issues that they would like to forward for the Council's consideration. Councilmember Larson stated that the Council had previously reviewed budgets for the new City Hall that included sophisticated audio-visual equipment. Councilmember Grant noted that there is no microphone for Mr. Lynch and it is often difficult to hear him on videotapes of council meetings. E. Discussion of Housing Ordinance Councilmember Aplikowski stated that she would wish to see the Planning Commission review this issue as soon as possible for recommendation to the City Council. ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS A. Highways 96/10 Update . Mr. Lynch stated that he, Mayor Probst and Mr. Post met earlier that day with County Commissioner Tony Bennett, Ramsey County Engineer Jim Tolaas, and representatives of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). He added that Commissioner Bennett was . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 8, 2000 9 interested in obtaining an understanding of where the City stands. He noted that the consensus was that changes at I-35W and Highway 96 should be completed before commencing work at Highways 96 and 10. Mr. Lynch stated that the County is attempting to project cost shares for the City, County and MnDOT. Mayor Probst stated that there had been no date agreed upon or suggested. He added that the City representatives had indicated that the City should not be involved in property acquisition. He noted that Commissioner Bennett seems interested in expediting construction. Councilmember Larson stated he believes the City is making a mistake by accepting as a foregone conclusion that the Minnesota Department of Transportation is correct in its view that traffic should be funneled through the City onto Highway 10 rather than being moved down to the intersection of I-35W and 1-694. Councilmember Larson stated that a Letter to the Editor had appeared in the Bulletin from resident Bob Sundberg who also addressed that issue well. Mayor Probst stated that City representatives made it clear that the Council does not unanimously support the intersection reconstruction plans. He added that Mr. Brown indicated there had been some discussion in terms of reconstruction of the I-35W/I-694 interchange, although funding of that scope is not available. Councilmember Rem stated that residents at that intersection indicated that they would support a grade separation but were not concerned about local access. Councilmember Larson stated that he believes residents would support the reduction of activity at that intersection. Councilmember Rem stated that the section of Highway 10 in question is only a small piece of the highway. Mayor Probst stated the June Worksession might be the appropriate time for a broader discussion of this issue. Mr. Lynch stated that City staff had met with New Brighton City staff in an attempt to gain their support of the latest design plan for the Highway 96/1 0 intersection. He added they indicated they would try to convince their County Commissioner to support it. Mayor Probst stated a discussion might be helpful with the 1-35W Corridor Coalition as this is an issue which involves many communities. He added the issue needs to be viewed in a broader context. B. County Road I Update Mr. Lynch stated that plans and specifications had been approved and improvements would go forward this summer on County Road 1. He added that City staff were meeting with the construction firm, and pedestrian access would be stressed as well as signalization of the intersection at I-35W to be located on the north side ofthe intersection. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 8, 2000 10 . Mayor Probst expressed frustration that he was not aware that the project was in the final documents and bidding phase, adding he had thought the Council would have some opportunity to discuss it. He noted that the bid is already awarded, and deserves further conversation with the County. C. City Administrator Review Mr. Lynch stated that the blank review form previously used by the Council is difficult to use as it does not provide the Council with the opportunity to know what the City Administrator does on a daily basis. He added that he would like to provide a form he has used in the past, and requested the Council's feedback on the form. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she is comfortable with the form. Councilmember Larson stated that another Councilmember needed to be identified to participate in the review. Councilmember Aplikowski agreed to participate in the review. COUNCIL COMMENTS . Councilmember Grant requested an update on the City Hall construction. Mayor Probst stated there are two open issues with regard to getting the land transfer completed: notification with regard to an environmental concern on site, and paperwork to be completed with the Minnesota National Guard with regard to the arrangement for their use of the building. Mayor Probst stated that Mr. Lynch was in the process of arranging a follow-up meeting with the Minnesota National Guard, as the Guard's initial of1er was not acceptable to the City. He added that Colonel Dennis Lord had expressed willingness to meet in a timely manner. Mr. Lynch stated that bids would be opened on May 24, 2000 and would be before the Council at the June 12,2000 regular Council meeting to obtain approval to proceed. Councilmember Grant stated the Ingerson Review Group meeting was held on Tuesday, May 2, 2000 at which the City of Maplewood's Public Works Director gave a presentation on raingardens and road reconstruction in the Harvester neighborhood in Maplewood. He added the Director presented an overview of the project, including rain garden design, costs, savings, and aesthetics. He noted that Maplewood used this approach as they were having difliculty with residents getting road construction projects approved. Mayor Probst asked whether there was any discussion with regard to the amount of square footage required, as opposed to ponding calculations. Councilmember Grant stated there is one raingarden for every two or three homes, depending upon the size of the raingarden. He added that some rain gardens are 6' x 8', while some are larger. . Mayor Probst asked whether the roads drain into the raingardens. Councilmember Grant confirmed that the roads run off into the rain gardens that, in some cases, have a bituminous curb. " . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 8, 2000 II Councilmember Larson stated the presentation with regard to Maplewood' s raingardens was effective. He added that certain parts of the Ingerson neighborhood are not suitable for rain gardens due to grade. He noted that Maplewood's Public Works Director was reluctant to say anything specific about the Ingerson neighborhood's suitability for rain gardens. Councilmember Grant stated that the Parks & Recreation Committee met at the end of last month and toured Arden Manor, Valentine, Arden Oaks, and Sampson Parks. Councilmember Larson stated the Water Quality Task Force is scheduled to meet May 9, 2000, and will take up comments for the Task Force posed by the Council at its recent Worksession. Councilmember Larson stated the Planning Commission meeting was held May 3, 2000 at which three planning cases were discussed with recommendations to come before the City Council at their May 30, 2000 regular meeting. He stated an amendment to the Special Use Permit for a new sign at FairIssac was recommended for approval. He stated an amendment to the Special Use Permit for additions to Valentine Hills Elementary School was also recommended for approval, with some discussion regarding rooftop mechanical equipment. He stated a Site Plan Review for a cafeteria expansion at CPI Guidant was recommended for approval, with some changes to staffs conditions regarding parking and Rice Creek Watershed District approval. Councilmember Aplikowski asked, with regard to the Water Quality Task Force, whether all articles would be held until the final review comes out. She noted they had previously submitted an article. Councilmember Larson stated that publicity would be given when the review is final. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she was happy to see that the statement was made to the Ingerson group that it is not a water quality issue. Councilmember Aplikowski asked whether the revised Metro Transit proposal is an improvement over the last proposal. Mr. Lynch stated the changes submitted by the Council were not incorporated. Mayor Probst stated they received over 4,000 comments, and went back to the drawing board on some issues. Councilmember Aplikowski asked whether a park & ride had been considered on TCAAP property. Mayor Probst stated there had been some discussion about that. He added that he monitored the Northeast Corridor meeting where concern was expressed that the northeast metro area does not receive sufficient attention. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she had submitted her registration for the League of Minnesota Cities annual meeting. Mayor Probst encouraged other Councilmembers to attend. Councilmember Aplikowski stated the Association of metropolitan Municipalities meeting will be held May 18,2000, at which other city's policies will be reviewed. Councilmember Aplikowski stated the City Events Task Force would be meeting soon. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 8, 2000 12 Councilmember Rem stated she went along on the park tour by the Parks & Recreation Committee. She added she was impressed by the extensive use that Arden Manor Park is receIvmg. Councilmember Rem stated she attended the RAB meeting on May 1,2000, and requested clarification from Councilmembers if they were on the mailing list for updates. She added she was informed that City Hall receives at least one copy of the update. She noted that the Army sends out a postcard annually to confirm recipients on their mailing list. Councilmember Rem stated that the RAB would have an information table at Shoreview Showcase at the Shoreview Community Center on May 18,2000. Councilmember Rem reminded Councilmembers that May 20, 2000 is Adopt-a-Flower-Garden planting day, and all Councilmembers had committed to helping out. Councilmember Rem stated she plans to attend at least one day of the League of Minnesota Cities' annual conference, and would also be attending an upcoming legislative review session. Councilmember Rem stated that Roger Williams, a representative of the Metropolitan Council, would be the featured speaker at the League of Women Voters' Arden Hills/Shoreview meeting on May 9, 2000, at which Metropolitan Council issues in this area will be discussed. Councilmember Rem stated she was interested to hear there had been discussions between Ramsey County and Bethel College with regard to the roadway there. She added she hopes the Council will receive progress updates. Councilmember Rem stated the Website Task Force held their first meeting on May 3, 2000. She added that City's new Planner, Jennifer Chaput, was involved in the development and maintenance of the City of Long Lake's website, and she will be working on the project. Mayor Probst stated he threw out the first pitches at the annual Little League Opening Day on Saturday, May 6, 2000. He added this is his third Opening Day, and Little League's 40th year. Mayor Probst asked for clarification with regard to the Cable Commission's recent proposed actions. Mr. Lynch stated that another carrier has expressed an interest in serving the community, and the Commission is going through legal proceedings. Mayor Probst requested that recognition of Girl Scout award winners be scheduled for an upcoming Council agenda. Mayor Probst stated he was discouraged to see that vandalism had occurred again in Cummings Park. He added that staff is working with the County on this issue, and he requested that the Council consider an aggressive approach to solving this problem in the future. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 8, 2000 13 Mayor Probst stated he was interested to read of recent actions taken by the Fire Board in the minutes of their recent meeting. Councilmember Larson stated a final agreement was reached on the part ofthe Fire Department to relinquish their hold over AlliantTech funds. Mayor Probst stated he was frustrated to see that the Josephine East discussion between the developer and residents is not progressing and seems to be headed toward the courts. He asked that staff review the situation to ensure the City is prepared for litigation if required. Mayor Probst stated he was disappointed to see that Dorothy McClung was leaving the Parks & Recreation Committee. He noted that a letter of thanks to her for her years of service was being drafted. Mayor Probst stated that the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department meeting notes reflected a discussion regarding overtime overpayments made by the City, which are ultimately reimbursed. He added that this year's refund for last year's overcharges was equal to what the City's levy increase was for the year. Mayor Probst stated he has not heard anything further on the Friskies odor issue, and asked whether they are still waiting for completion of modifications. Mr. Lynch stated they originally met with residents and are continuing to make adjustments. Mayor Probst stated he had noticed a new sign in front of the City offices, and he noted that brush around the area had been cleaned up. ADJOURN . member Grant moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion urn the meeting at 9:30 p.m. The motion carried una.nil ly (5-0). NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next regular City Council meeting will be held Tuesday, May 30, 2000 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arden Hills Council chambers.