HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 09-11-2000
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CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 11, 2000
7:00 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDERfROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Dennis Probst called to order the regular
City Council meeting at 7:04 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 R. Post;
City Engineer, Greg Brown, BRW; City Planner, Jennifer Chaput; and Recording
Secretary, Lori Rolfson,
ADOPT AGENDA
MOTION:
Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion
to adopt the agenda for the September 11, 2000, regular City Council meeting, as
submitted.
Mayor Probst asked if Consent Calendar item 5c had been updated. Mr. Lynch stated that he has
not had an opportunity to update the language in Consent Calendar item 5c,
The motion carried unanimously (5,0).
2000 BUDGET AND PRELIMINARY LEVY DISCUSSION
Mr. Post stated that the City Council last reviewed the 2001 budget and preliminary levy at a
Council Worksession, Since that time, some events have occurred and one has not yet been
resolved, Mr. Post stated that the Council will be requested to adopt the preliminary levy and the
Truth in Taxation public hearing dates later this evening under Unfinished and New Business.
He indicated that he has identified some milestone items and he suggested that the Council adopt
the preliminary budget at their last meeting in September.
Mayor Probst requested confirmation that the only action required of the Council this evening
was to declare the maximum levy for this year, Mr. Post stated that the Council was being
requested to adopt the preliminary levy and the Truth in Taxation public hearing dates, Mr. Post
presented the 2001 budget/preliminary levy General Fund Revenues as follows:
A.
Adopted 2000 Total
$2,927,090
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL, SEPTEMBER II, 2000
B.
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Revenue Adjustments
I. 2,5% Net Levy Increase (as recommended by the City Council)
2,
3.
4,
5,
($49,392 * ,9857
Water Tower Rental Increase
(Sprint and Voice)
Building Permit Reviews
(Will offset higher Protective Inspections Department
Co sts)
State Aid
(HACA and LGA ' down 1.3%)
Utilize Tax Increment Excess
(Formerly in Fund No, 701)
Reduced Sale of Equipment Proceeds
Reduced Fire Equipment Op, Testing
Subtotal - Net Adjustments
$48,651
$24,000
$12,500
<$1,454>
$30,000
<$15,000>
<$9,400>
$89,297
Up (3,05%)
Mr. Post presented the 2001 budget/preliminary levy General Fund Expenditures as follows:
A.
B,
.
6,
7,
Adopted 2000 Total
Expenditure Adjustments
1. No Elections in 200 I and partial Assistant to
the City Administrator position
Admin.lPW/Park CIP Increase
$160,167 - 55,000 + 60,000
Sheriff Contract
Lake Johanna Volunteer Fire Department Costs
General Fund Salaries
(including $12,500 for additional Protective Inspections)
Health Insurance Costs
Supplies and Services
Subtotal
2.
3.
4.
5,
6,
7,
8,
9,
10,
II.
Anniversary Event Spending
Increased Day in the Park Spending
Add Community Director Position
Add County Road E Light Pole Replacement
Subtotal
Mr. Post presented thc 200 I budget/preliminary levy impact as follows:
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A,
B,
C.
0,
General Fund Revenue Increase
Expenditure Increases (1-7)
Net General Fund Impact
Anniversary Event
$2,927,090
$<54,235>
$18,833
$23,809
$2,050
$35,525
$3,000
$24.150
$53,132
Up (1.82%)
$25,000
$6,000
$50,000
$60,000
$194,132
Up (6,6%)
$89,297
$53,132
$36,165
$25,000
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 11, 2000
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$11,165
E,
F.
Net General Fund Impact
Day in the Park Spending
(Increase from $1,500 to $7,500)
Net General Fund Impact
County Road E Light Poles
Net General Fund Impact
Add Community Development Director Position
Net General Fund Impact
$6,000
$5,165
$60,000
($54,835)
$50,000
($104,835)
G,
H.
I.
1.
K.
Mr. Post noted that with the proposed levy increase of2,5% there would be two major items that
could not be funded without some other revenue sources. These items were the County Road E
Light Poles and the Community Development Director position.
Mayor Probst asked if there was a forecast for the outcome of the 2000 budget. Mr. Post stated
that he believed that there would be an operational surplus in the 2000 budget.
Mayor Probst asked if the projected surplus will be enough to cover either of the two items
identified as un-fundable for 2001. Mr. Post stated that when Mr. Stafford first proposed the
light pole issues, Mr. Post's recommendation at that time had been that if the desire was to move
forward with this project, this may be the year to do so. With regard to the Community
Development Director position, Mr. Post stated that this was an ongoing expenditure that would
impact the levy each subsequent year unless there was additional funding from other sources,
Mayor Probst asked if the surplus from this year's budget could be carried over to next year to
fund the County Road E light poles, Mr. Post stated that the City could dedicate the surplus
dollars to the Capital Fund. He pointed out, however, that the City earlier became aware of
another unbudgeted Capital Fund project, the new roof for the maintenance building,
Councilmember Larson asked if it was known whether the special brackets will extend the life of
the light poles, or ifthis was simply a short-term temporary fix, Mr. Post stated that Mr. Stafford
has indicated that he felt comfortable with the brackets adding up to, but no more than 24 months
of additional life to the poles,
Councilmember Aplikowski stated that she had been concerned that the 2,5% levy increase
would not be sufficient. She stated that rather than proposing a 3% increase she was almost
desperate enough to suggest a 5% increase, which would provide an increase of approximately
$100,000, She stated that, since the increase amount can be reduced, then the City should set the
preliminary levy increase at 5%, Then, if it is found that a 5% increase is not nceded, then the
numbcr can be reduced, She felt that it would be foolish for the City to not increase the levy to
5% with all that needs to be done next year, including the new City Hall which will incur extra
costs,
Mayor Probst noted that this issue will be discussed later in the meeting and that this portion of
the agenda was simply an update on the proposed 2001 budget and preliminary levy.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER II, 2000
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Councilmember Grant stated that he had been hoping to keep the Icvy increase down to near 3%.
. However, this was prior to considcration of the items discussed by Mr. Post.
Councilmember Aplikowski asked how the recent proposal by Governor Ventura will impact the
City budget. Mr. Post stated that one ofthc impacts of Governor Ventura's proposal was that if
the City is in a TIF district and deriving TIF revenue, approximately one-half of the TIF revenues
are generated from the School District's tax rate, If the School tax rates are cut in halt: this will
leave many cities and TIF districts throughout the State in need of support for their bond debt
scrvi cc,
Mayor Probst presumed that while Governor Ventura's proposal is being worked out this issue
will be paid attention to,
With regard to the proposed year,end surplus, Councilmember Rem asked ifthc City has ever
ended a year in a deficit situation in the last 10 years. Mr. Post responded affirmatively,
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Councilmemher Rem asked how often this occurs. Mr. Post stated that the surpluses that the
City generates are typically related to the performance in the Building Permit revenues, which
are somewhat unpredictable,
Councilmember Larson noted that the City Council had previously approved approximately
$40,000 for work to connect the new water line on the street behind Mounds View High School.
He requested confirmation that this money will come from a fund other than the General Fund.
Mr. Post stated that the cost for this project will be paid from the Water Utility Fund, Theretore,
it will not impact the tax levy,
Councilmember Grant requested confirmation that the levy increase amount set by the City could
later be reduced but not increased, Mr. Post stated that the importance of setting the preliminary
levy and Truth in Taxation public hearing dates this evening was that this was the basic input that
goes into the Truth in Taxation process, Therefore, whatever levy is approved by the City
Council this evening will be ref1ected in the statement sent to the residents of Arden Hills with
respect to changes for 2001 .
Mayor Probst stated that he had met with City Staff prior to this meeting and discussed the fact
that there were a number of issues for future planning considerations related to the Arsenal
property and the I-35W Corridor Coalition, He indicated that an option may be for the City to
pursue outside funding sources to help deal with some of these extra costs,
Mayor Probst indicated that one issue with the tax levy was that everyone percent of increase
only nets the City approximately $20,000. Therefore, in order for the City to fund the new
Community Development Director position in 2001, there would have to be a 2.5% increase for
just this one item and he was not certain that the City Council was prepared to do this.
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COlmcilmember Larson stated that ifthere was a possibility of extending the lifc of the County
Road E light poles for an additional two years, and ifit may be possible to fund the Community
Dcvelopment Director position through a grant or other outside source of revenue, then the
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 11, 2000
5
General Fund impact would be back to $5,165 in the positive, Mr. Post agreed that this would
. essentially create a balanced position.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. August 28, 2000 Regular Council Meeting
Councilmember Larson requested the following changes: On page 3, second paragraph under
item A, last sentence, replace "his" with "its", On page four, third paragraph, fourth line, replace
"nlY'~ vvith "Staffs".
With rcgard to rccommendation number one in the motion on page five, Councilmember Larson
stated that he recalled that the City Council had not agreed with the Planning Commission's
recommendation. He indicated that the City Council had followed City Staffs recommendation
that they did not feel comfortable with providing administrative approval of the changes, The
City Council had wanted this issue to go back through the Planning Commission because of the
implications of the increased parking and office space,
Councilmember Ap1ikowski stated that she recalled that the City Council had asked Ms, Chaput
if she was comfortable with thc Planning Commission's recommendation,
Ms. Chaput offercd to review Staffs memorandum related to this issue.
. COlmcilmember Larson suggested that the audio tapes of the August 28'h mecting be reviewed to
determine whether the motion in the minutes was correct.
Councilmember Rem recalled that Ms, Chaput had asked tbat the Council not approve the
Planning Commission's recommendation and that the Council had agreed,
Councilmember Aplikowski stated that, with regard to the last sentence in the fourth paragraph
on page nine, she did not recall making the statement that the Valentine Park was not conducive
for an ice rink, She stated that she was not certain of her exact statement and asked that this
sentence be stricken from the minutes, She noted that the City Council had discussed the
relocation ofthe building and the reconstruction of the parking lot and she felt that her statement
may have been that the ice rink was not conducive to easy flooding of the ice rink.
Councilmember Rem requested the following changes: On page eight, last paragraph, change
the first sentence to read, "..,receivcd a copy of an e,mail from her to Mr. Lvnch with regard
to,.." On page nine first paragraph, change the first sentence to read, "She added she had
contacted Mr. Lynch with regard to,.."
Mayor Probst noted that on pages three and five of the minutes, corrcction bars indicating
necessary corrections had been left in the final draft ofthe minutcs,
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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 11,2000
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Mayor Probst suggested that the bantering back and forth on pages six and seven regarding the
date of the 2001 Pavement Management Program could have been eliminatcd and the minutes
could have stated that, after discussion, a consensus had been reached on the date.
MOTION:
Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion
to approve the meeting minutes ofthe August 28, 2000, regular City Council
meeting, as amended, The motion carried unanimously (5,0).
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Claims and Payroll
B, Authorize Staff to Pursue Loan from MnDot for Indykiewicz Property Acquisition Cost
Reimbursement.
C, Resolution No, 00-31, Resolution Recognizing Accomplishments and Dissolving of
Specitic Task Forces; Water Quality Task Force and Ingerson Neighborhood Review
Group,
Mr. Lynch suggested that, in consideration of the fact that this evening's agenda included a
discussion of the 2001 Pavement Management Program, Resolution 00-31 not include the
dissolution of the Ingerson Neighborhood Review Group,
Mayor Probst felt it appropriate to dissolve these two groups separately, He suggested that
Resolution No. 00-30 bc removed from the Consent Calendar and considered as itcm 7h under
Unfinished and New Business.
MOTION:
Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to
approve Consent Calendar items a and b, 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,
Fran Holmes, 1804 Venus Avenue, alerted the City Council that the Valentine Hill neighborhood
was intcrcsted in the continued use of an ice skating rink at Valentine Park. She indicated that
there had been comments made in the past that residents do not care about this ice rink, however,
the ncighborhood does want an ice rink,
Ms, Holmes stated that the Valentine Hill neighborhood recently held a neighborhood picnic at
which a petition was signed by a number of residents asking that the City have an ice rink at the
park again this year.
Ms, Holmes stated that the ice rink has been in place for approximately 25 years, However, last
year, without any notice to the residents, the ice rink was closed. She indicated that a new
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warming house was constructed approximately three years ago and she wondered why the ice
. rink was closed when there is a new warming house,
Ms, Holmes stated that there are a number of children in this neighborhood and the residents feel
that the ice rink is a valuable asset for the children, She stated that if there are concerns on the
part of the City about the ice rink the residents would like to work with the Parks and Recreation
Department and the City Council to resolve the issues, She indicated that the warming house is
not needed at all times and suggested that if this is a concern the warming house be made
available only on weekends,
Ms, Holmes stated that the Valentine Hill residents are committed to using the ice rink more
often and intend to hold a Christmas party at the rink this year and the residents hope that the
rink will be open for this event.
Ms, Holmes presented the City Council with a petition from the residents of the Valentine Hill
neighborhood requesting that the ice rink be reopened this year,
Mayor Probst stated that this issue had been raised by the Parks and Recreation Department last
year during a review of the City parks, He stated that he could not recall how the Department
measured activity at the various parks, however, the reason the Valentine Park ice rink was not
recommended for continued use last year by the Parks and Recreation Department was because it
has the lowest level of activity,
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Mayor Probst stated that the petition would be forwarded to the Parks and Recreation
Department and suggested that a neighborhood representative attend a Parks and Recreation
meeting,
Ms, Holmes acknowledged that this ice rink has a low level of use and indicated that this was
due to the fact that it does not include a hockey rink, However, she did not understand why any
of the City ice rinks would have to be closed.
Mayor Probst added that the Parks and Recreation Department had a difficult time finding people
to staff the ice rink last year. Ms, Holmes stated that there had been a volunteer from the
neighborhood willing to staff the ice rink She reiterated that the warming house did not have to
be open.
Because the meeting was ahead of schedule, Mayor Probst suggested that the City Council
consider item 7C at this time.
UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
C. Oid Highway 10 Watermain Improvements and Arden Manor Park Improvements,
Authorization to Award Bid
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Mr. Brown stated that bids were received and opened for the Old Highway 10 Watermain
improvements and Arden Manor Park Improvement projects on August 31,2000. Four bids
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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL, SEPTEMBER 11, 2000
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were received and the low bid was from Dave Perkins Contracting, Inc. in the total amount of
$227,347,00, All bids included a 10 percent bond as required by the Project Manual and were
verified as correct Northdale Construction submitted a late bid, which was returned to
Northdale unopened.
Mr. Brown stated that the Engineer's estimate for the work was $232,792.00. All bids were
within two percent of the Engineer's estimate, The low bidder, Dave Perkins Contracting, has
completed private projects which connected to public utilities in Arden Hills and has done a
satisfactory job. Mr. Brown was confident that Dave Perkins Contracting, Inc. was capable of
successfully completing this project
The City Engineer recommended the award of the Old Highway 10 Watermain Improvements
and Arden Manor Park Improvements project to Dave Perkins Contracting, Inc, for the total
amount of$227,347,OO,
Mayor Probst asked how these projects had been budgeted, Mr. Lynch explained that these
projects will be paid by the grant money received from Ramsey County. Mr. Brown believed
that the total of the grants was approximately $250,000.
MOTION:
Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion
to award the Old Highway 10 Watermain Improvements and Arden Manor Park
Improvements projects to Dave Perkins Contracting, Inc, for the total amount of
$227,347,00, The motion carried unanimously (5,0).
Councilmember Aplikowski requested confirmation that it was a City policy to always award
projects to the low bidder. Mayor Probst stated that this was a State law requirement.
Councilmember Aplikowski asked if the City can reject a low bid if, per the City Engineer's
recommendation, the contractor has performed less than quality work in the past. Mr. Brown
stated that the City Engineer could recommend a bidder other than the low bid according to the
low bidder's work history, However, he stated that this decision could be challenged in Court.
A. Hunters Park Apartments Representative
Mr. Lynch noted that the Council had been provided with a memorandum from the City Planner
regarding a history of the request by the Hunter's Park Apartments residents and an overview of
the City's options,
Mr. Lynch stated that, unless the City Council wants to get into the housing business, there was
very little that the City of Arden Hills can do in this situation, However, he stated that the City
Council could encourage solutions such as the potential for owner purchase or to determine if
there is a resource for identification of third parties that may be interested in purchasing the
building,
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER I 1,2000
9
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Mr. Lynch stated that the City of Arden Hills can not force the property owner to continue to
provide Section 8 housing units or sell the property, if the owner has made the decision to return
to market value rents rather than Section 8 housing,
Mr, Lynch pointed out that the City of Arden Hills has participated in Livable Communities and
the City Council has stated that they agree with this concept However, from a resource, staffing,
and finance standpoint, the City Council was very restricted at this point
Councilmember Rem suggested that the City explore options to deal with this issue through the
State or the Metropolitan Council. She would prefer that the City take a more active role in
attempting to assist the residents of this apartment complex.
Mayor Probst stated that it was his understanding from City Staff and the required legal notices
there was not much the City can do, short of purchasing and operating the property as is. Hc
suggested that the City could vote to pass a Resolution in an attempt to encourage the building
owner to maintain an affordable housing opportunity, However, it was his understanding that the
property owner's loan has been paid and he has provided all the proper notices. Therefore, the
property owner is free to operatc the apartment complex as he chooses, or sell the property for
the maximum economic benefit to himself.
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Kathy Bruno, residcnt of Hunter's Park Apartments, apartment number 228, stated that she is a
member of the Hunter's Park Apartment Tenant CounciL She expressed concern that the sale of
the property will result in an elimination of affordable housing, She stated that the property
owner has indicated that he will accept the vouchers at Hunter's Park Apartments for one year
after the expiration of the Section 8, Although this will allow the residents onc year to look for
affordable housing, the future is uncertain and there are no guarantees,
Ms, Bruno stated that it would be very stressful living from year to year not knowing if she will
be allowed to continue living in a home she and her child have grown accustomed to. She stated
that her child has attended the local community schools and that she has lived in this apartment
complex for eight and one,halfyears and has worked for three and one-half years at Ace
Hardware, She stated that this has been very convenient because she is able to walk to work.
She stated that she does not want to be forced to leave the apartment complex since she and her
son enjoy living in this neighborhood,
Ms, Bruno stated that the waiting lists for affordable housing, which are generally available only
in the inner,city, are two years or more, Additionally, applications for affordable housing are not
being taken at this time,
.
Ms, Bruno asked if the City Council will support the residents of Hunter's Park Apartments by
informing the property owner that affordable housing must remain, She stated that the property
owner has indicated that he was willing to sell the property to a non-profit organization and she
asked that the City help to encourage such a sale so that affordable housing may continue to be
made available,
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 11,2000
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Councilmember Aplikowski asked if the entire building was Section 8, Ms. Bruno stated tbat 15
. of the 72 apartments are Section 8,
Councilmember Grant stated that affordable housing is in high demand and the current vacancy
rates are very low, He stated that there was an organization called ISAHA that is a collection of
churches that have banned together because their congregations have approached them with this
same issue. He offered that this may be a resource to the residents of Hunter's Park Apartments,
He indicated that one of the local churches involved in this group was Saint Odilia Catholic
Church,
Councilmember Grant noted that applications for apartments tend to run $35 to $50 per applicant
and, with the current low vacancy rate, the fees collected for applications can often exceed the
rent rate,
Councilmember Aplikowski stated that the ISAHA group would be holding a meeting on
September 28,2000 at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church located in New Brighton, She
stated that Isaha was an advocacy group that encourages legislation for affordable housing, She
noted that at this time the City of Arden Hills does not have property available for affordable
housing,
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Mayor Probst questioned whether the City Council and Staff were prepared to become actively
involved in terms of encouraging the new owner to continue to keep certain apartments available
for lower rent. He reiterated that, unless the City was interested in purchasing the property, there
was not a great deal that the City can do,
Mayor Probst asked if the City Council was interested in communicating with the property
owner regarding what the City would like him to do and to help identify potential parties that
may be interested in operating the apartment complex, He suggested that if the Council was
interested in this approach, then City Staff and one Councilmembcr should be directed to help
make this happen,
Councilmember Larson indicated that since having served on the City Council, he has been
aware of the Council discussing the fact that mixed housing was good for Arden Hills. However,
he acknowledged that there are not many opportunities for the Council to make this happen, In
this case, he felt that the City Council could encourage the purchase of this property by someone
who will maintain the current tenant mix, However, he was not certain that any efforts on the
part of the City would be very effective, He believed that the property owner wished to sell the
property and he suggested that the City Council send the property owner a letter stating their
point of view, however, he did not want the tenants of the apartment complex to rely on this as
something that will resolve the issue.
Ms, Bruno stated that the property owner has indicated that he wants to sell the property and
retire,
.
Councilmember Aplikowski stated that the City Council should make the effort to contact the
property owner to determine his opinion on this issue, She felt that, since the property owner
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 11, 2000
11
was willing to carry the Section 8 vouchers for one additional ycar, he may be willing to discuss
. the issue with the City.
Mayor Probst asked if it was known whether the sale of the property was imminent. Mr. Lynch
statcd that he was not certain, Mayor Probst suggested that the first step would be to determine if
the property is expected to sell in the near future.
MOTION:
Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Larson seconded a
motion to direct City Staff to determine whether the owner of the Huntcr's Park
Apartment intends to sell the property in the near future and to encourage the
property owner to continue to make affordable housing available within the
apartment complex. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
B. 2001 Pavement Management Program (PMP)
1. Combined Staff/Review Group Recommendations
.
Mayor Probst stated that City Staff will provide a review of the proposed recommendations for
the 2000/200 I Street Improvement Project. The City Council will then discuss those
recommendations and the net result of tonight's action will be to offer direction to the City
Engineer and Staff in terms of revising the feasibility study, Once the revised feasibility study is
completed, it will come back to the City Council for further discussion to determine whether to
proceed with or to modify the project. He asked that if an audience member wished to address
the Council they raise their hand and come to the microphone. He asked that the audience
members identify themselves with names and addresses and to try to keep their comments
concise in order to expedite this discussion,
Mr. Brown provided a summary of the 2000/2001 Street Improvement Project issues, He stated
that the need for street reconstmction was determined through a Citywide rating ofthe streets.
He stated that the city streets were grouped into neighborhoods and the streets were rated
according to the surface condition of the streets, whether the streets had curb and gutters, their
widths, whether there was a drainage system, and the water quality.
Mr. Brown stated that the Ingerson neighborhood had been identified through the rating process
as needing an entire reconstmction of all the streets in some form, He stated that other factors
considered in making this determination was the water quality benefits that could be gained, the
availability of funds via State Aid, the general condition of the streets and existing drainage
system, and the lack of curbs and gutters.
.
Mr. Brown stated staff agrees that the project has merit but is willing to address neighborhood
concerns with design, The Task Force generally concurs that the project has merit with change,
With regard to whether the original feasibility report should be adopted, staff agrees that the
original report needs revising to address neighborhood concerns, The Task Force also agrees that
the original report needs revising,
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER II, 2000
12
.
Mr. Brown presented the street structure considerations as being the quality of pavement and
length of service life, Options included complete reconstruction, mill and overlay, cold in-place
recycling, seal coating, or to do nothing. Staff feels it is best to remove the entire roadway and
reconstruct in streets that need it. Streets such as Femwood Court, with 1999 PCI of 86, should
have the minimal amount of work done on them, The Task Force somewhat agrees with the
Staffs recommendation, They agree that each street should be given necessary treatments.
Mr. Brown stated that the Task Force had discussed the notion that some streets are better than
others, He stated that City Staff fclt that it would be wise to at least install new drainage systems
on all the streets,
Linda Swanson disagreed with the summation ofthe Task Force's recommendation on this issue.
She stated that it had been the consensus of the Task Force that the City should not make the
automatic decision to completely reconstruct every street. She stated that each street needed to
be looked at in terms of usage, current conditions and the estimated life times, Mr. Brown
concurred,
.
Mr. Brown presented the concrete curb and gutter considerations as being service life and
maintenance, Options included a flat face concrete curb and gutter (which is the most efficient
for storm drainage), surmountable style curb and gutter, bituminous curb and gutter, concrete
edge strip, no curb and gutter, or driveway entrance, Staff recommends the flat face concrete
curb and gutter six-inches high, It was noted that in rain garden or rural sections, a concrete edge
strip should be used. The Task Force differs greatly on this issue, The recommendation was for
no curb, If curb is used at all, use surmountable style curb and gutter (four inches or five inches
high) or concrete edge strip,
Mr. Brown presented the street width considerations as being City standard of 32 feet (current),
different widths for different streets based on function, vehicle speed, on-street parking,
pedestrian/bicycle safety, or to leave the widths the same as currently exists, StatTrecommends
the following: Hamline and Ingerson: 30 feet face to face, Carlton, Cannon, and Fernwood: 28
feet face to face. Ingerson Court and Fernwood Court: 24 feet face to face, Use either aprons or
surmountable concrete valley gutters to delineate the two minor cul,de,sacs from Ingerson Road,
Staff also recommends the Council consider sll'iping a five-foot shoulder on Ingerson and
Hamline to provide for bicycles and pedestrians, Although, this was not the look that the
residents want for their neighborhood. In addition, staff recommends consideration of a stop sign
at Fernwood and Ingerson for speed controls, a stop sign at Dunlap and Ingerson for speed
controls, The Task Force recommends no widening of streets, maintain existing street widths, It
was noted that Ingerson Road is a State Aid street and the question was raised of what
significance this has in determining street widths,
Mr. Brown stated that in order to reconstruct a street to State Aid standards, the minimum width
would be 28 feet face to face.
Mayor Probst noted that the importance of using MSA funding was that it lets the City buy down
. the cost of the project.
.
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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 11,2000
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An audience member asked why Ingerson Road was a State Aid street. Mr, Brown stated that
Ingerson Road was a State Aid street because it connects two maj or routes, Lexington Avenue
and Highway 5] ,
Mayor Probst noted that the City is allowed a certain amount of miles that may be declared MSA
streets, He stated that this was important because it makes the City eligible to obtain State
funding for Capital projects and maintenance.
Mr. Brown presented the rain garden considerations as being water quality, whether they are
feasible/what are the costs, what areas can they be built, tbe need to be clear of utilities,
driveways, property lines and trees, and whether residents want them. Staff recommends two
areas that should be considered for further study for rain gardens, Hamline south ofIngerson and
the Carlton low point. It was noted that rain gardens will not eliminate the need for storm sewer.
Mr. Brown indicated that this was not something that bas been done by the City in the past, The
Task Force felt that any rain gardens would be a illlique improvement to resident's yards,
Mr. Brown stated that in order for rain gardens to be effective, the ground must be relatively flat
since they essentially create miniature ponds, He stated that in order to make rain gardens work
in a sloped area, a retaining wall must be built around the garden which would be cost
prohibitive,
Mr. Brown advised the Task Force was mostly in favor of using rain gardens in some areas and
recommend they be reviewed and analyzed for the project as a possible means of avoiding the
installation of a storm sewer system,
An audience member asked who would maintain the rain gardens, Mr. Brown stated that this
had been discussed by the Task Force and the consensus was that the City would maintain the
rain gardens,
Mr, Brown indicated that due to the clay condition of the soils in this location, the rain gardens
would require small drainage pipes to allow the water to drain away, He indicated that the rain
gardens used in the City of Maplewood had been installed in sandy areas,
Mr. Brown added that the maintenance of the rain gardens would be new to the City and the City
does not currently have the staff or financial resources for such maintenance projects,
Ms, Swanson believed that the plants in the rain gardens would maintain themselves, Mr. Brown
stated that there would likely be some maintenance required of the rain gardens. He added that
there would also be a concern of ownership of the rain gardens and what would happen if a new
homeowner wished to remove the garden. He stated that the City's position in such case would
be that any existing rain gardens would have to remain in place,
Mr. Brown provided a cross-section of a possible rain garden and explained how they deal with
run-off drainage,
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Mr. Brown presented the Hamline Avenue closure considerations as being; to keep Hamline
A venue open and reconstruct, or the permanent closure of Hamline Avenue, He also reviewed
considerations with the permanent closure option as being impacts to the cost, water quality and
control, and traffic. lt was noted that the area could be used for ponds, bike paths, pedestrian
paths, or landscaping. Staff recommends the permanent closure of Hamline Avenue between
Ingerson and Tiller Lane, a pedestrianJbike trail would be installed to accommodate that type of
traffic plus appropriate landscaping,
Mr. Brown stated that a traffic study was completed during which Hamline Avenue was closed
for a couple of weeks to determine the impact of this project. He stated that the result of this
study was that there would be a significant increase in traffic on Dunlap, from 100 cars per day to
approximately 300 cars per day, and an additional 100 cars per day on Ingerson Avenue, He
noted, however, any volume up to 500 cars per day on a local street was typical.
Mr. Brown stated that the reconstruction of Hamline Avenue would be very expensive since it
runs through a wetland and would require a great deal of sub-base work. He indicated that
Hamline A venue was one of the worst streets in the City and certainly the worst street in this
neighborhood,
Mr. Brown stated the Task Force was split in making their recommendation on this issue but
clearly wants appropriate landscaping if closure ofthe road takes place,
An audience membcr asked if the cost to reconstruct Hamline Avenue would be borne solely by
the City, Mr. Brown stated that this was essentially correct, He indicated that there was a
portion of one undeveloped property along this section of Hamline Avenue that could be
assessed, however, this lot has access to Ingerson A venue,
An audience member expressed concern that closing Hamline Avenue and constructing a pond
could be a safety concern, Mr. Brown stated that any pond that would be constructed would not
be a large body of water.
An audience member asked who owns the channel that runs through Snelling Avenue, Mr,
Brown stated that this channel was owned by a private party,
An audience member asked who would maintain the proposed pond ifthe roadway was closed,
Mr. Brown stated that the city would maintain this area, Ms. Swanson pointed out that there
would be City maintenance associated with any ofthe proposed improvements,
Mr. Brown stated that the intent of closing off Hamline Avenue and providing the proposed
amenities was to create a park-like setting and make the neighborhood more livable,
An audience member stated that at this time the local children play in the roads, He stated that if
Hamline Avenue is closed and additional traffic is added to the streets, this will not create a more
livable neighborhood, Mr. Brown noted that the increased traffic would amount to
approximately five to 10 additional cars per hour and he did not feel that this was excessive,
.
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With regard to the issue of assessments, Mayor Probst stated that it was the City's policy to
individually assess any property that fronts on a strcct based on the assessment rate that is
established. He noted that the assessment rate is intended to be established based on a typical 32,
foot wide street and the width of a street does not affect the assessment rate.
Mayor Probst pointed out that, although reconstruction of Hamline Avenue would not be
assessed, it would still be the City tax payer's money paying for the project.
Mr. Brown presented tlle Fernwood Channel considerations and options as bcing to improve
water quality add a pond; landscaping, picnic area, pathway, weirs; Lake Josephine Hills
Association's needs; or to do nothing. Staff recommends permanent ponding with possible weir
structure used to improve the water quality going into Lake Josephine. This includes addressing
the needs of the Lake Josephine Hills Association and appropriatc landscaping. The Task Force
has opposition to any change in the land in and around the Fernwood chamlel. If there is
something done, the landowner's needs have to be addressed,
An audience member suggested that the proposed weirs should be placed higher up the channel
rather than near the lake because the water drains both ways, He indicated that at this time the
holding pond is dry, however, there normally is water in the pond, He stated that the rain storm
that occurred a week ago had drained into the wetlands,
Mr. Brown stated that the weir would be connected to the wetland via a pipc system. He stated
that the interaction between the wetland and the lake would be maintained,
An audience member asked ifMr. Brown had read the recommendations of the Association, Mr.
Brown responded affirmatively,
An audience member asked if the idea of a grit chamber had been rejected. Mr. Brown stated
that a grit chamber could be considered to enhance the water quality.
An audience member noted that there was a small distance between the existing channel and the
wetland and the wetland is currently a large reservoir for the runotT He stated that the existing
run off from the roads runs into the wetlands, At this time there does not appear to be any water
running into the lake, Thereforc, the proposed changes would essentially be duplicating the
existing situation, which requires no maintenance, He asked if a study has been done on the
current quality of the water. He indicated that most of the run off water comes from the
backyards and he believed that this water is relatively clean, He noted that there are fish in the
channel, which means the oxygen level in the water must be sufficient
Mr. Brown stated that a specific study of the water quality has not been done, He stated that the
water that runs from yards and impervious surfaces can be polluted. He acknowledged that it
would be possible to construct a weir higher up stream,
An audience member asked if the notion of diverting the water from the channel to the wetland
and then to the lake had been explored, Mr. Brown stated that, although this may be a
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL, SEPTEMBER 11, 2000
16
possibility, the elevation of the wetland is generally one foot above the level ofthe lake, He
e stated that the intent is to filter the water as many times as possible before it reaches the lake.
An audience member stated that, as Co,Chair of the Lake Josephine Hills Association, he would
prefer a holding pond, not a channeL
Mr. Brown presented the Hamline ponding area considerations and options as being permanent
ponding west ofIngerson Road, permanent ponding east of Ham line Avenue, or to do nothing.
Staff recommends some permanent ponding be created near the western end of Ingerson Road
with possible modifications to the existing wetland east of Hamline Avenue, Again, affected
landowners need to be a part of the design process, The Task Force was split on the pond issue
with four people against the ponds and three people for the ponds.
An audience member asked if a pond could be added to the other side of Snelling Avenue, Mr.
Brown stated that it would be difficult to run pipes to this location, Additionally, that
neighborhood does not have a water treatment area at this time and that area would be the logical
location for that neighborhood,
An audience member asked if the existing wetland will have to be dredged, Mr. Brown stated
that this was not proposed, however, this issue would be discussed with the Rice Creek
Watershed District and he felt that the wetland may be dredged once,
e
An audience member requested confumation that the proposal was moving away from a large
holding pond. Mr. Brown stated that this was correct.
Mayor Probst suggested that the Councilmembers review the recommendations and provide
direction to the City Engineer on how to move forward with a revised feasibility study, He
suggested that the discussions begin with the issue of street widths,
Councilmember Aplikowski stated that she was still willing to support the recommendation to
not change the existing "vidths of the streets. She cautioned, however, that there will be
conditions related to this in the future,
COlillcilmember Grant noted that the current widths of the streets will qualify tlle project for
MSA funding and he did not see any reason to widen any of them, He noted that other streets in
the City have recently been constructed to widths narrower than 32 feet.
Councilmember Larson stated that the original feasibility study had recommended 32-foot wide
streets because this was the new City standard, He stated that the Council must decide if this
standard should apply to all areas within the City. However, the City Staff and the review group
had both recommended street widths other than the 32-foot standard, He acknowledged that at
times, it may be appropriate to deviate from the standard and he was willing to agree with the
Staff recommendations.
,
Councilmember Larson stated that a 28,foot width would be acceptable for Fernwood Court and
Ingerson Court. However, he felt that Hamline A venue and Ingerson Road should be widened,
.
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17
Councilmember Larson also stated he had seen a number of cars parked on Ingerson Road,
Councilmember Grant indicated he did not concur with that observation, adding he was unsure
whether the incident involving the child was related to a parked car. He stated that he has driven
through this neighborhood many times and more than 50 percent ofthe time there are people
walking and biking on the streets, He stated that he recently had a near miss incident with a child
on a bicycle at the top of the Hamline Avenue hill, He stated that the visibility is very poor
because the road is so narrow,
Councilmember Larson believed that Hamline Avenue and Ingerson Road serve a very different
function than the other streets in this area. He stated tllat the City must recognize the fact that
there is a high volume of traffic on tllese two streets and that they are serving to connect two
busy roads, Therefore, it was his belief that these roads should be widened by one and one-half
feet on each side, He noted that this neighborhood has no sidewalks and issues of safety have
been raised. He acknowledged that if the road is widened some people may drive faster,
however, he believed that there would be ways to control the speed on these roads, He did not
believe that the City would have the ability to protect the people that walk and bike along the
roads if the roads remain at their current widtbs.
Councilmember Rem stated that there was no reason to make the streets in this neighborhood
wider. She noted that there are environmental concerns about adding more pavement.
Additionally, she believed that children will bicycle in the middle of the road regardless of the
width and she believed that a narrow road causes traffic to be slower.
Councilmember Rem stated that Ingerson Road and Hamline Avenue are primarily residential
streets that allow residents access to other busy roads,
An audience member stated that, ifCouncilmember Larson's comments that Ingerson Road and
Hamline Avenue are speedways to access Lexington Avenue and Highway 51 are true, then the
City should not have taken the roads back from Ramsey County,
Mayor Probst explained that in the course of the turn, back process, the State is turning roads
back to the County and the County in turn is turning roads back to the City, He indicated that the
City had a choice of which roads they were willing to take back and the City attempted to choose
those with lower volumes of traffic.
An audience memher noted that when Ramsey County took Lexington Avenue back from the
State they received millions of dollars to make improvements, However, the City receive no
money for Ingerson Road and only $3,000 for Hamline Avenue,
Mayor Probst concurred with the comments of Couneilmember Larson, He stated that one issue
for widening tlle streets is the ability of emergency vehicles maneuver through the City, He
stated that, although the City Council has allowed other streets within the City to be less than 32
feet wide, he could not recall one that was not a dead-end street or only serving to connect to
another local street.
Mayor Probst agreed that Ingerson Road and Hamline Avenue do serve as connections between
Lexington A venue and Highway 51, He did not believe that there was a great deal of traffic
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18
using these roads as short cuts, however, the entire neighborhood uses the roads as an access to
the larger streets,
Mayor Probst added that on'street parking occurs in this neigbborbood and this creates a very
narrow street for emergency vebicles to travel through. He felt that the City Council had the
responsibility oflooking out for the neighborhood as well as other members of the community,
An audience member suggested that the streets be posted for no on-street parking.
Mayor Probst stated that here must be a civil discussion in order to get through this issue, He
acknowledged that there will be disagreement between the Council and the residents and he
stated that the Council wanted to hear the resident's opinions, however, he did not believe it
would help to debate whose opinions are correct
Mayor Probst stated that he supported Staffs recommendation regarding street widths,
Councilmember Grant asked how a consensus can be reached on this issue since the Council
seemed to be divided. Mayor Probst had hoped that the Council would not have to vote on each
issue, rather he had believed that the Couneil would reaeh a consensus on each issue and take one
vote on the Resolution.
Councilmember Larson suggested that if eertain issues do not have a broad eonsensus, those
items eould be taken to a vote with the result being passed on as direction to the City Engineer.
Council member Aplikowski stated that the City should postpone the entire project since she felt
that the City was so far away from any sort of agreements, She stated that the City Council has
the options of either accepting the City Staffs recommendations, accepting the original
feasibility study, or postponing the entire project since this issue has moved far away from the
City's standard procedures, She stated that she was not comfortable with taking these issues
piece by piece since all involved have their own opinions and that she was hesitant for the
Couneil to be voting on each issue, She suggested that City Staff review the City pavement
policy and, if extreme exceptions are going to be made, then the policy must be changed.
MOTION:
Councilmember Aplikowski moved to postpone the decision on the 2000/2001
Street Improvement Project and to direct City Staff to review the City's pavement
policy in order for an understanding and agreement to be reached regarding the
street widths in the Ingerson neighborhood.
The motion failed due to lack of a second,
Councilmember Larson stated that a vote should be taken and he was willing to accept being on
the minority side on this issue. He noted that the City Council will be recommending to the City
Engineer and Staff further revisions to the feasibility study which will be brought back once
again to the City Council for a final decision to be made. Therefore, there will be at least one
more review of the project. He acknowledged that all parties involved in this decision will not
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 11, 2000
19
necessarily agree an all aspects, hawever, when this accurs, the City aperates under the cancept
. that the majarity rules,
An audience member nated that the safety cancerns related to. street widths cauld go. either way,
Hawcver, anather argument far maintaining the existing street widths relate to. the livability af
the cammunity, She nated that there were a number af large trees alang the roads that wauld be
last if the streets are widened. Additianally, the water quality was an issue and the Watershed
study recammended the reductian af residential street widths in arder to. improve and maintain
water quality, She indicated that the Rice Creek Watershed District stated that they wauld prefer
the raad widths to. remain as they are and that the warst aptian far the water quali ty wauld be to.
widen the streets and add storm sewer systems,
Cauncilmember Rem stated that she had been an the verge af secanding Cauncilmember
Aplikawski's mati an to. pastpanc this pro.ject when Mayar Probst annaunced that the mati an had
died, She stated that the cancern far the City was to. mave ahead with this praject this year in
arder to. spend the budgeted maney an schedule. Hawever, with street prajects there have always
been exceptians made, She statcd that in this situatian the large issue is the street structure.
.
Cauncilmember Rcm fclt that ane prablem with this project was the neighborhaad approach.
Shc felt that there may be same impravements that can be accamplished in this neighbarhaad,
hawever, the entirc scape being propased may nat be necessary. She expressed cancern abaut
the amaunt afmaney that wauld be spent to. widen the streets and she nated that emergency
vehicles have been able to. access the neighborhaad with the current street widths.
Cauncilmember Rem felt that the need for road recanstructian may be mare canvincing if
extensive barings were dane, She nated that the City has chasen a neighbarhaad with a number
0.1' issues, such as wetlands and hills, etc. She stated that the Cauncil cauld vate an each issue
independently, hawever, she cancurred that the City shauld revisit the Pavement Management
Pragram.
Mayar Probst stated that the City has a respansibility to. the cammunity to. maintain its
infrastructure, He stated that the City was trying to. find an appropriate way to. fit the
neighborhaad with the impravements and that the City was nat trying to. ruin the neighbarhaad
ar change the character af it. Hawever, he felt the City has a respansibility to. the neighbarhaad
as well as the entire cammunity an haw the City invests the tax payer's maney in these projects,
He felt strongly abaut the issue afrecanstructian as this results in Io.wer future Co.sts,
.
Mayor Probst po.inted o.ut that Ramsey Caunty perfarmed a cald in-place recyclc project an
Cleveland Avenue approximately five years ago., Since then, all the aId cracks and bad spats
have resurfaced and the Caunty will have to. recanstruct this street. He added that when the City
recanstructed Oak Avenue, the neighbarhaad had strangly appased the City's ariginal propasaL
These aptians had been warked aut and a campromise had been reached that same af the
residents mast likely did nat agree with, He indicated that the pasitian 0.1' the Cauncil at that
time had been if the City was nat gaing to. recanstruct the street, then nathing wauld be dane
because the City did nat believe it wauld be a wise investment 0.1' tax payer's maney,
e
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20
Mayor Probst did not believe that there was any more information that could be provided to the
City Council, in fact he felt that there was too much information that all parities are struggling to
sort out. He noted that the City had decided that it would bc appropriate to begin the 2000/200 I
Street Improvement project in the Ingerson neighborhood and he felt that there was no point in
delaying the project
Ms, Swanson understood that the City Council has fiduciary duty to the City as a whole, She
indicated that the Council's duty also encompasses making all available infoIDlation known and
looking to the future, For example, with regard to water quality, the Rice Creek Watershed has
stated that more impervious surface is detrimental to water quality, not only the residents of the
neighborhood, but also to the City, She stated that the City will have to comply with more
stringent rules in the future for having increased impervious surface in the City.
Councilmember Larson stated that he has taken into consideration the livability aspects that have
been highlighted. He stated that he sat on the Water Quality Task Force for seven months and he
agreed that it was very importmlt to pay attention to actions taken and how they affect water
quality, However, beyond these issues, he felt that this neighborhood needed wider streets to
accommodate the pedestrians and the children living in the neighborhood. He stated that he lives
on a busy street that has a shoulder wide enough to support all the walkers, Hc acknowledged
that a wider street may result in higher speeds, however, he believed that there were ways to
addrcss this issue,
An audicnce member stated that she walks on the streets of this neighborhood mld if she felt
unsafe it was due to the speed of the cars, not the width of the road itself.
Councilmember Grant statcd that he has driven down Ingerson Road many times in the last six
months. He stated that this was a very rural setting with the houses set back farther from the road
than in a typical development. He stated that there was a good line of sight down the road and he
had not noticed a great deal of cars parked on the road, He felt that with the line of sight
pedestrians are able to see traffic coming and the traffic is able to see the pedestrians, He
acknowledged that the residents wish to maintain the rural character of tbeir neighborhood,
Additionally, the City Staff was recommending wider streets when the Watershed Districts prefer
narrow roads to maintain water quality,
MOTION:
Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion
to direct that the widths of the roads within the Ingerson neighborhood are to
remain as they currently are, and that a three-foot shoulder be striped on both
sides of Ingerson Road to maintain the illusion of narrowness, and that stop signs
shall not be installed at either Dunlop Road or Fernwood Road,
Councilmember Larson believed that the majority of the Council was in favor of leaving
Ingerson Road at 28 feet wide. He stated that he would prefer that the Council vote on this
particular issue separately since he felt that Councilmember Aplikowski's motion was
problematic for a number of reasons, He did not feel that Hamline Avenue should remain at 24
feet wide and he suggested that the motion should specifically state that Ingerson Road and
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL, SEPTEMBER II, 2000
21
Hamline Avenue are to be 28 feet wide, He was also not sure that a 28,foot wide roadway will
. allow enough room for three, foot shoulders,
Councilmember Aplikowski believed that a three-foot wide shoulder on a 28-foot wide roadway
will allow enough room for cars to pass, She stated that she was more concerned with the width
of the street than with the striping ofa shoulder. She agreed that Hamline Avenue seemed
narrow, however, she was not certain that widening the road to 28 feet would make a difference,
Mayor Probst stated that he was opposed to the motion since he agreed with City Staffs
recommendation, He noted that Staff s recommendation would reduce the width of some of the
streets and he felt that the motion should focus on the width ofIngerson Road and Hamline
A venue since there had been no objection to the recommendations of Staff regarding the other
streets,
Councilmember Aplikowski withdrew her motion,
MOTION:
Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion
to accept City StaWs recommendation regarding the street widths in the Ingerson
neighborhood, with the exception ofIngerson Road and Hamline Avenue which
shall be 28 feet wide, The motion carried (3,2 Mayor Probst and Councilmember
Larson opposed),
.
Mayor Probst suggested that the issue of concrete curb and gutter be discussed at this time,
Councilmember Rem stated that it would be reasonable to accept the compromise as
recommended by the Task Force for surmountable curbs and gutters. She stated that this would
allow the installation of rain gardens if this concept is approved, She stated that she was not fond
of curb and gutter although she felt that the surmountable curbs will allow the water runoff to
stay off the lawns,
Mayor Probst noted that the curb and gutter choices were more a matter of style rather than
function. Mr. Brown indicated that the surmountable curbs make it easier to drive a bicycle or
vehicle over the curb,
Mayor Probst noted that if rain gardens are used in certain areas the curb would be removed,
regardless of the style, Mr. Brown concurred.
Councilmember Larson stated that he supported curb and gutter. He stated that he had listened to
the pro and con arguments during the review group meetings and that a number of people had
felt that the installation of curbs and gutters will change the neighborhood, He had pointed out to
these individuals that Tiller Lane and Dunlop Road have curbs and gutters and they had not been
aware of this fact.
.
Councilmember Larson noted that rain gardens can not be installed in all areas and the areas
without rain gardens must have curb and gutter to maintain storm water. He stated that he
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 11,2000
22
supported flat face, six-inch high concrete curb and gutter in all areas except for those areas that
. will have rain gardens, or the rural section of Hamline A venue,
Councilmember Grant stated that he was not in favor of six-inch high curbs. He noted that along
Highway 96 four-inch curbs had been used and he felt that these looked much better than six-
inch high curbs, He felt that a taur-inch high curb was enough to channel the water and that six-
inch high gutters only provide tar a more city, like appearance,
Councilmember Grant stated that he has surmountable curbs in his neighborhood and he
acknowledged that the curb must be driven over to access his driveway, He suggested that edge
banding be used on North Hamline Avenue since water channeling was not a concern. He added
that, if the City was contident that rain gardens will be included, then edge banding could be
used on those portions ofthe roadway. However, he believed that the east end ofIngerson will
required some sort of curbing,
Mayor Probst asked if there were issues related to the use of four-inch curbs versus six-inch
curbs, Mr. Brown stated that it may be possible to loose some capacity to carry water with the
four-inch curbs. Although, he indicated that the lower curbs are easier to climb for bicycles, etc,
.
An audience member noted that his property was lower than the street and the water that runs on
the street in front of his home comes from his yard, It was his belief that the installation of curbs
and gutters will cause his backyard to flood. Mayor Probst stated that properly installed curbs
and gutters will not cause yards to flood,
Mr. Brown noted that during the reconstruction of the roadways, the roads could be lowered in
places where necessary to prevent the concerns of water draining back to the yards,
Mayor Probst suggested that the discussion be moved to the issue of reconstruction ofthe streets.
He acknowledged that there were some areas within this neighborhood where rain gardens may
work, however, there were a great deal of areas where they will not. Therefore, he advocated the
installation of curb and gutter.
Councilmember Rem stated that if the Council chooses to approve four,inch curbs and gutters,
they should make it clear that there may be exceptions in some areas,
Mayor Probst stated that he would not want different styles of curb and gutter to be used block-
by-block in the neighborhood, Therefore, he felt that the first decision that the Council must
make was the style of curb and gutter to be used.
.
Councilmember Larson noted that at this point the City Council was expected to provide
direction to the City Engineer and Staff regarding changes to the feasibility report, He stated that
the City Council should avoid getting into specific details, such as where certain types of curbs
should be used, He felt that this should be left up to the City Engineer and Staff to include in the
revised feasibility report, which the City Council and residents will review in order for a final
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL, SEPTEMBER 11, 2000
23
decision to be made. He suggested that the City Council decide whether or not the streets should
. be reconstructed and, if they should be, then concrete curbs and gutters should be added,
Mayor Probst called for a recess at 10: 1 0 p,m, The meeting was reconvened at 10: 19 p.m.
.
.
Mayor Probst suggested that the discussion move the issue of street structure since the issues of
curb and gutter assumed the entire reconstruction of the roadway,
Councilmember Grant requested confirmation that Ingerson Road and Hamline A venue had
originally been constructed as County roads, Mr. Brown stated that this was correct
Councilmember Grant asked if County road specifications are more or less stringent than the
City standards. Mr. Brown stated that County roads are typically built for higher levels of traffic,
however, age and time of construction must be taken into consideration since older methods had
been used at the time the roads were built
Councilmember Grant asked what the under layment is for Ingerson Road, Mr. Brown stated
that Ingerson Road had an aggregate base with silt and clay below that He noted that borings
had been done on Ingerson Road, some outside the roadway for the purpose of considering rain
gardens and widening the roads, He indicated that the Ingerson Road subbase was classified in
the range of A-4 to A-6, with A-I being the best rating, The recommendation based on this
rating was to install a drainage layer under the rock to allow drainage of the water, which had not
been done in the past
Councilmember Grant asked how many of the roads in the neighborhood were found to need a
reconstruction of the under layment Mr. Brown stated that all streets other than Fernwood Court
had been recommended for reconstruction.
Councilmember Grant asked what the difference in cost would be for reconstruction, Mr. Brown
stated that the primary difference would be the removal and installation of 12-inches of sand, He
estimated that the cost for this would be $30 per foot, or an approximate total cost of $220,000,
Councilmember Grant rcquested confirmation that approximately 10 to 15% of the total cost
would be the reconstruction of the roads, Mr. Brown stated that this was a close approximation,
Councilmember Larson expressed support for the reconstruction of all roadways within this
neighborhood, with the exception of Fernwood Court, He noted that the City Council had made
the decision to take a neighborhood approach with their street improvement projects, He noted
that this approach has not been used in the past and that reconstructing streets on a street by street
basis is more costly and less comprehensive, He indicated that most other cities use a
neighborhood approach which allows the city to take a more comprehensive look at all issues
related with the projects, such as drainage and the natural features of an area. He felt that,
although some streets may be better than others, it was a worth while trade-off to use the
neighborhood approach and to not have to revisit the same neighborhood for 20 to 30 years,
Mayor Probst concurred with Councilmember Larson's comments,
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 11, 2000
24
.
Councilmember Rem stated that, while a neighborhood approach for street improvements makes
sense, she was not convinced that all street improvement projects must be handled in the same
manner. She indicated that the various streets have different levels of need and she felt that this
approach causes the City to lose some flexibility with issues such as financing, She stated that
she did not support the reconstruction of streets in six-foot sections at a time, however, she felt
that street ratings and drainage issues should be taken into consideration since some roads will
need more work than others,
Mayor Prohst asked how Councilmemher Rem would suggested judging the needs of the streets,
Councilmember Rem stated that the PCI ratings and soil borings could be considered,
Mayor Prohst noted that the City Staff had recommended the reconstruction of all the streets with
lower PCI ratings, with the exception of Fernwood Court which has a higher rating,
Councilmember Rem was not convinced that all the streets in this neighborhood needed
reconstruction.
Mr. Brown stated that there were varying PCI ratings within this neighborhood, He indicated
that the standard practice would be to overlay a street with a rating of 60 to 80 and to reconstruct
a street with a rating below 60, He stated that most of the streets in the Ingerson neighborhood
had ratings below 60 and the ratings will continue to do down,
. An audience member noted that in previous discussions the issue had been raised of roads
heaving during the Spring due to frost ifthe water is not drained away from the road, He
indicated that none of the roads in this neighborhood have shown signs of frost heave for 30
years, Therefore, he believed that the water must currently be draining away from the street. He
was concerned that reconstructing the subbase will not improve anything. Rather, he felt that
disturbing a stable road may makc the drainage situation worse than better.
Council member Aplikowski stated that the issue was whether the neighborhood wanted to put up
with all the streets bcing reconstructed at one time, or one at a time, She indicated that, although
it is obvious that some of the streets need reconstruction now, all the streets will eventually have
to be reconstructed.
An audience member believed that the City will be criticized if it does more than is necessary at
one time, She noted that the aggregate resources are becoming a critical issue within the Twin
Cities and she felt that the decisions made regarding road reconstruction will have important
implications for fi.Lture supplies and cost of aggregate materials, She stated that it would not be a
good citizen action to use up the available resources at this time, She added that it did not make
sense to reconstruct a small road that serves only two houses, such as Ingerson Court.
.
Philippa Lindquist felt as though the Ingerson neighborhood was getting new roads shoved down
their throats. He stated that he liked the ruralness of this section of Arden Hills and that this was
the last neighborhood around the local lakes that has a country feel to it. He was concerned that
the proposed reconstruction of the streets will ruin this atmosphere, He felt that other streets
.
.
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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL, SEPTEMBER 11,2000
25
within Arden Hills were in much worse condition, He was also concerned about theyotential
removal of old large trees that cannot be replaced, He stated that this will devalue the homes and
felt that the City would be creating a metropolitan setting in this area,
MOTION:
Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a
motion to direct the City Engineer and Staff to include the reconstruction of
Ingerson Road, Hamlinc Avenue, Cannon Road, F ernwood Road and Carlton
Road, in the revised feasibility report, including a new subbase, and to direct the
City Engineer and Staff to consider the needs of F crnwood Court and Ingerson
Court.
Councilmember Aplikowski stated that she seconded the motion for the purpose of discussion,
She indicated that she did not support the notion of reconstructing the entire neighborhood,
Although, she did support the reconstruction of Hamline Avenue and Cannon Road,
Mayor Probst stated that he would support the motion, He acknowledged that additional borings
should be done, however, he pointed out that three years ago Highway 96 had turned into a
gravel road over the course of one winter. At that time Ramsey County performed an overlay of
Highway 96 because the County believed that the road would turn back into a gravel road with
one more hard winter.
Councilmember Aplikowski stated that the Ingerson neighborhood streets could not be compared
to a highway,
An audience member believed that the deterioration of Highway 96 was due to traffic not
moisture, Mayor Probst disagreed,
Councilmember Grant stated that he could not support the motion as it stands. He understood
that North Hamline Avenue and Cannon Road may have subbase issues, however, he was not
convinced that Ingerson Road, Carlton Road or Fernwood Road had the same concerns,
The motion failed (2-3 Councilmembers Aplikowski, Grant and Rem opposed)
Councilmember Rem suggested that a motion be made to direct City Staff to research additional
information regarding the current conditions of the road,
Mayor Probst stated that the intent of this discussion was to provide direction to the City
Engineer in order to revise the feasibility report,
Councilmember Larson expressed concern that the City will never have perfect information on
what exactly is needed, He felt that the decision must be made whether or not to move forward,
He stated that it was his understanding that the City StafI have considered the condition of the
streets and the information from the review group in order to make the recommendation to
reconstruct all the streets in this neighborhood with the exception of Femwood Court,
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 11,2000
26
Councilmember Rem noted that comments had been made that there were some streets from
. which borings had not been taken.
Mr. Brown stated that he was comfortable with his recommendation,
Ms. Swanson noted that Mr. Brown had been tasked to create this project and she did not believe
that the project must include the entire neighborhood, She felt that the City needed to address
the life of the roads and their intended use,
Councilmember Aplikowski asked if it would be possible to make different improvements to the
same road. Mr. Brown responded affirmatively.
Councilmember Larson stated that the City Council must place some confidence in the
recommendations of the City Engineer and Staff who had reviewed the neighborhood and
determined that the roads should be reconstructed. He stated that at this time the City Council
can provide direction to the City Engineer, not decide whether or not Ingerson Road needs to be
reconstructed down to the subbase,
Councilmember Aplikowski stated that this was the reason she had asked if it was possible to do
a mixed reconstruction project in this area, She stated that she did not support the neighborhood
approach for street improvements because it will affect the entire neighborhood, as opposed to
only the residents of one street being affected at a time,
.
Dave Holken, 1245 Ingerson Road, asked how many borings had been done on Ingerson Road,
Mr. Brown stated that borings had been done every 500 feet
Mr. Holken asked if the borings had been done in the middle of the street Mr. Brown stated that
some of the borings had been done on the side of the street and some in the middle of the street
Mr. Holken pointed out that, although the City Engineer's opinion may not be biased, his firm
receives a percentage from this type of project. He stated that if the City Engineer would not
gain from the project he may be less willing to support it
Councilmember Grant noted that the middle section of Ingerson Road drains to the east rather
than to the west and asked how this could be solved, Mr. Brown stated that storm sewers or rain
gardens could be installed,
Councilmember Grant asked if it would be possible to perform a cold in-place recycle of the
roadway and install new storm sewers. Mr. Brown responded affirmatively,
.
Mayor Probst noted that the City recently performed a televising ofthe City sewer system. He
requested confirmation that some sanitary sewer problems had been found in this neighborhood.
Mr. Brown stated that this was correct He stated that it has not been determined whether the
relining of the pipes without digging up the street can repair these problems,
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER II, 2000
27
Councilmember Aplikowski suggested that a motion be made to direct the City Engineer to
. revise the feasibility study to include the reconstruction of Hamline Avenue and Cannon Road,
Mayor Probst suggested the motion be to direct the City Engineer to bring back a final
recommendation to the City Council for the street structures on a street by street basis up to and
including reconstruction,
MOTION:
Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to
direct the City Engineer to bring back a final recammendation to. the City Cauncil
far the street structures an a street by street basis up to and including
recanstruction, The mation carried (4-1, Cauncilmember Larson opposed).
Councilmember Aplikowski stated that it was an unfair representatian afthe City Engineer to
state that he may be interested in financial gains, She felt that the City Engineer has served the
City af Arden Hills well.
Mayor Probst agreed that the comments regarding conflict of interest were nat appropriate. He
stated that the City's histary with this consultant has been such that the City has a high comfart
level that the City Engineer is making good recammendations.
Councilmember Rem noted that this question has been brought up during other street projects
and she felt that it was good to. address the issue up,tfont.
.
Mayor Probst suggested that the Council make a decision regarding the curb and gutter issue. He
believed that there was a consensus among the Cauncilmembers to include curb and gutter,
hawever, he did not believe that the profile of the curbs needed to be decided at this time,
MOTION:
Cauncilmember Aplikawski moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion
to direct the City Engineer to include curb and gutter in the feasibility report with
the profiles to. be determined.
Councilmember Grant requested confirmation that the motian was to include vertical face curb
and gutter with no. consideration for concrete edge strips, Mayor Probst indicatcd that the motian
stated the profile of the curb and gutter is to. be determined, and he believed that this would
include cansideration of concrete edge strips. Councilmember Aplikawski concurred,
Councilmember Grant stated that it was difficult for him to make these curb and gutter decisions
for the neighborhoad, He wished that there was an easy way to. resolve this and he stated that the
residents need to. come to a canclusion on what they want.
An audience member stated that the curb and gutter methods serves different purpases, She
indicated that in some areas curb and gutter are needed to direct the runoff water, where in other
areas the curb and gutter wauld only serve aesthetic purpases,
~
Councilmember Larson felt comfortable that the motian was expressing support for curb and
gutter, recognizing that there are certain areas that the Council is recommending concrete edge
.
.
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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL, SEPTEMBER II, 2000
28
banding, However, he did not understand what the motion was stating with regard to the style of
curb and gutter. He noted that City Staff has recommended a six-inch flat face concrete curb and
gutter and he asked if the intent was for the City Engineer to come back to the City Council with
another recommendation, He felt that ifthe Council would feel more comfortable with a four-
inch flat face concrete curb and gutter, then the City Engineer should be directed to incorporate
this in the feasibility report.
Councilmember Aplikowski stated that she would prefer a flat face curb and gutter, either four or
six-inch high. However, per the conversation this evening, the intent of her motion was to direct
the City Engineer to determine, if for example the upper half ofIngerson Road is not
reconstructed, whether any curb and gutter will be installed in this area, On the bottom of
Ingerson Road there has been a recommendation that rain gardens be used and surmountable
curbs will most likely be used in this area. She stated that she was leaving it up to the City
Engineer to make a street by strcet recommendation,
Councilmember Aplikowski stated that, in her opinion, since the other streets in this
neighborhood have been constructed with flat face curb and gutter, all the streets being
considered under this project should have the same, However, the intent of her motion was to
keep thc options open,
The motion carried (4,1, Councilmember Larson opposed).
Mayor Probst moved the discussion to the rain garden issues,
Mayor Probst suggested that no action be taken at this point on the rain gardens, He believed
that the City Council was interested in pursuing rain gardens and the issues are where they can be
used and whether or not the property owners want them in their front yards, He stated that the
next step was to identify possible locations, then the City can determine whether the property
owners are willing to accept them, He noted that there must be a quantity of rain gardens in
order for them to function properly.
An audience member requested confirmation that the rain gardens would be in addition to other
parts of the drainage plan, such as curb and gutter and holding ponds. Mr. Brown stated that this
was correct. He indicated that the use ofrain gardens would reduce the load on the other
drai nage systems,
An audience member asked if this would really be worth while. Mr. Brown did not feel that the
rain gardens were necessarily practical.
An audience member req nested confirmation that the rain gardens will not reduce the ponds or
sewer systems, Mr. Brown stated that this was correct. He indicated that it might be possible
that the rain gardens wonld result in additional piping in the ground since they would require a
drainage system due to the heavy soils,
.
.
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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 11, 2000
29
Mayor Probst asked the City Engineer ifhe needed more direction on the rain garden issue, Mr.
Brown felt that the rain gardens should be pursued in the identified areas if the residents are
really interested in them,
Councilmember Aplikowski stated that she would not be in favor of rain gardens if this required
the streets to be dug up and utilities to be relocated. Mr. Brown stated that the identified areas
for rain gardens would not require this type of work.
Mr. Brown stated that prior to the revision of the feasibility report, the residents of this
neighborhood should be asked if they are willing to have rain gardens in front of their homes.
Mayor Probst was not certain that this must happen before the feasibility report, Councilmember
Rem felt that the identified residents should be asked ifthey would be willing to have rain
gardens as soon as possible,
Mayor Probst moved the discussion to the issue of closing Hamline Avenue.
Councilmember Aplikowski stated that Hamline A venue should not be closed and landscaped,
Rather, she felt that it if nothing is done to this roadway it would eventually to go back to a
natural area,
Mayor Probst expressed support for the closing of Hamline A venue, He stated that the road
should be removed and the area turned into an amenity for the neighborhood. He stated that he
was not certain why this portion of roadway had been built, He stated that reconstructing thc
road would be a large expense for access to only a one block area. He acknowledged that the
result of this closure would be an increase in traffic on the other streets, However, the traffic
counts were shown to still be below the residential standard,
Councilmember Rem expressed support for the closure of Hamline Avenue. She felt that this
would allow more flexibility for the ponds along Hamline Avenue, She stated that the cost to
keep the road open was too high versus the benefits of using the land for more drainage,
Councilmember Larson expressed support for the closure of Hanlline Avenue for the reasons
stated, He noted that the residents have expressed concern of adding more impervious surface
and he felt that this section of roadway was not needed,
Councilmember Grant stated that he too supported the closure of Hamline A venue, He stated
that he would like to review detailed plans of how this area will be made an amenity for the
neighborhood.
Ms. Swanson stated that the reason the Task Force had been split on this issues was due to
concerns of extra traffic and speed of traffic on the other roads, She hoped that the City Council
would task the City Engineer to look at appropriate landscaping, not just for the beauty of the
area, but for the safety as wcll.
.
.
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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 1], 2000
30
MOTION:
Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Larson seconded a motion to
direct the City Engineer to include the closure of Hamline A venue between
Ingerson Road and Tiller Lane in the revised feasibility report.
Councilmember Aplikowski stated that she would vote against this motion because landscaping
the area will add more cost to the proj ect and she felt that the section of roadway should be
allowed to go back to nature.
The motion carried (4,1, Councilmember Aplikowski opposed).
Mayor Probst assumed that the issue of the Hamline Avenue ponding area had been dealt with by
this action,
Mayor Probst moved the discussion to the issue of the Fernwood ChanneL
Councilmember Larson felt that it was important for there to be pretreatment of the water prior to
being released into the wetlands or the lake. He did not feel that the City Council should at this
time be providing the City Engineer with details ofthis treatment project. He felt that it would
be enough to state that the Council wants pretreatment of water before it reaches Lake Josephine,
taking into consideration the amount of water that will flow through tlle channel, the mix of
residents that would be affected by this project, and the natural features ofthe area,
Mayor Probst asked if the proposed improvements to the Fernwood Channel would add more
water to the channel. Mr. Brown stated that the improvements may reduce the amount of water
in the channel.
Mayor Probst requested confirmation that the primary issue was to allow some pretreatment of
the runoff water. Mr. Brown stated that this was correct.
An audience member noted that the Lake Josephine Association had made some
recommendations regarding this issue and asked if these recommendations have been taken into
consideration. She indicated that one of the recommendations pointed out that the property
closest to Ingerson Court and Fernwood Court is owned by the State of Minnesota and the
Association had recommended that the State-owned land be prioritized versus using private land.
Mr. Brown stated that his recommendations reflected the majority of the Lake Josephine
Association's recommendations,
Mayor Probst requested confirmation that improvements to the Fernwood Channel were not
mandatory, Mr. Brown stated that this was correct.
Mayor Probst believed that the goal of the City would be to stay off the Association's land as
much as possible,
An audience member asked if the improvements to the F ernwood Channel will allow for the
spawning of fish, Mr. Brown stated that the fish will be able to swim through the pipe.
.
.
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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 11, 2000
31
An audience member noted that the quality of the water at this time must be healthy since there is
a great deal oflife in the water.
An audience member noted that there was a great deal of wildlife in the area of the Femwood
Channel which reflected nature at its finest She invited the Councilmembers to visit the area at
night to listen to the sounds of nature, She felt that this was a very special place,
Councilmember Aplikowski stated that the Council did not want to take this amenity away from
the neighborhood,
Councilmember Larson asked if a weir structure was still being proposed. Mayor Probst stated
that the intent would be to do some sort of pretreatment on the State-owned property. Mr. Brown
concurred,
2. Resolution No. 00-27, A Resolution Ordering a Revised Preliminary
Feasibility Report in the Matter ofthe 2000/2001 Street Improvement Project
Mayor Probst stated that the action before the City Council at this time was to adopt Resolution
00,27 ordering a revised preliminary feasibility report in the matter of the 2000/2001 Street
Improvement Project
MOTION:
Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution 00-27, ordering a revised preliminary feasibility report
in the matter of the 2000/2001 Street Improvement Project, based on the
discussions this evening, The motion carried unanimously (5-0),
Mayor Probst called for a recess at 11 :50 p,m, The meeting was reconvened at 11 :55 p.m,
D. Resolution No. 00-28, Adopting Truth in Taxation Public Hearing Dates for
Proposed 2001 Taxes Payable
MOTION:
Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion
to adopt Resolution No, 00-28, Adopting Truth in Taxation Public Hearing Dates
for Proposed 2001 Taxes Payable; December 4 and 11,2000, The motion carried
unanimously (5,0),
E. Resolution No. 00,29, Clarifying Proposed Sums of Money to be Levied for Levy
Year 2000, Payable in 2001
It was noted that Staff has been developing, reviewing and summarizing the proposed 2001
budget throughout the summer. At the outset of this process, Council gave general direction to
Staff with regard to minimizing levy dollar growth and reducing capital plan spending spikes by
year, At this stage in the budget process, the preliminary budget reflects property tax revenues
that result from a City Council directed 2,5% net levy increase. Staffrecommended that the City
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 11,2000
32
Council consider adopting Resolution No. 00-29, Resolution Clarifying Proposed Sums of
. Money to be Levied for Levy Year 2000: Payable in 2001.
Councilmember Aplikowski stated felt that there should be a net levy increase of 4% this year.
She fclt that with the amount of items budgeted for 2001, a 2.5% increase would not be practical.
Shc acknowledged that there may be grant money in the future, however, she did not want the
City to embark on a project only to find that the resources are not available.
Mr. Post noted that of the two large items that would not be covcred by the 2.5% increase, the
addition of a personnel position will reoccur each year, whereas the County Road E light pole
replacement would be a one-time expense.
MOTION:
Councilmember Aplikowski moved to adopt Resolution No. 00-29, Clarifying
Proposed Sums of Money to be Levied for Levy Year 2000: Payable in 2001,
with a net levy increase of 4%.
Mayor Probst stated that, based on the discussions regarding the status of this year's budget, he
felt that all of the 2001 expenditures can be covered by a 2.5% levy increasc, with the exception
of the staffing position and the new light poles. I-Ie stated that he would prefer for the Council to
approve a 2.5% incrcase.
.
Mayor Probst stated that if the time comes when the additional Staff person is needed and a grant
is not available, then the City will have to make some difficult decisions at that time on how to
capture the funds elsewhere in the budget. He stated that he was uncomfortable with increasing
the net levy at this point in the process. He pointed out that any increase in the proposed levy of
less than an additional 2.5% to 3% will not be sufficient.
The motion failed due to lack of second.
Councilmember Aplikowski reitcrated that she did not feel that a 2.5% incrcase was practical.
She pointed out that the 2000 budget year has not yet ended and that the levy limit could be
reduced later. She felt that it would be foolish for the City to limit its abilities.
Mr. Post noted that the Truth in Taxation notice will be based on the amount of levy increase
approved this evening.
MOTION:
Councilmember Larson moved and Mayor Probst seconded a motion to adopt
Resolution No. 00-29, Clarifying Proposed Sums of Money to be Levied for Levy
Year 2000: Payable in 2001, with a net levy increase of2.5%.
.
Councilmember Grant requested confirmation that the result of this motion would be that the
City would not be budgeting the two large items discussed earlier. Mr. Post stated that the two
large items were not encompassed in the 2.5% levy increase.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 11, 2000
33
Mayor Probst noted that the Council had previously discussed funding a portion of the new light
. poles from the 2000 budget based on the expected carry-over amount to 2001.
Councilmember Larson noted that per Mr. Stafford the new light poles could be delayed for up to
two years if the funds are not available in 2001.
Mr. Post noted that there were one-time expenditures occurring in 2001 that will not occur in
2002.
COlillcilmember Rem stated that since there was an anticipated surplus this year, she would
support a 2.5% levy increase. She felt that if the budget is tight next year then funding could be
sought elsewhere, such as from other accounts. Additionally, she felt that if City StafIwas
comfortable with waiting for up to two years for the new light poles, it would be acceptable to
delay this project if funds are not available in 2001.
Mayor Probst stated that one reason he felt so strongly about this issue was because he wanted to
believe that some people pay attention to what the City does. He noted that for the last six
months the Council has been discussing an increase of 2.5 to 3% and he felt it would be
inappropriate at this stage ofthe process to increase the levy even more.
Couneilmember Aplikowski felt that the City should not put itself in a financial bind if it was not
neccssary. She reiterated that the net levy increase for this year should be four to 5%.
.
Councilmember Grant noted that a 2.5% increase would allow the City to fund its basic scope of
services. He pointed out that this level of increase would be very similar to last year's increase
and expressed support for a two and one-half or 3% net levy increase.
Mr. Post noted that his memorandum of September 8, 2000 provided a five-year history of levy
increases which have been modest. He indicated that he would be hard pressed to recall any
project ordered by the City Council that the City has not been able to fund in the past.
The motion carried (4-1 Couneilmember Aplikowski opposed).
F. Resolution #00-30, Adopting the Preliminary 2001 Budget
Mr. Post stated that this Resolution will be acted on at the September 25, 2000 City Council
meeting.
G. City Hall Construction, Authorization for Award of Proposal, Testing and
Inspection Services
Mr. Lynch stated that proposals had been requested for testing and inspection services during the
construction of the new City Hall. Three responses were received as follows:
.
Braun Intertec
GME Consultants
$8,670.00
$9,210.00
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 11, 2000
34
American Engineering Testing, Inc.
$18,808.50
.
Mr. Lynch recommended that the City Council award the testing and inspection services contract
for the new City Hall to Braun Intertec at a cost not to exceed $8,670.00.
MOTION:
Councilmember Grant moved and Couneilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion
to award the testing and inspection services contract for the new City Hall to
Braun Intertec at a cost not to exceed $8,670.00. The motion carried unanimously
(5-0).
H. Resolution #00-31, Resolution Recognizing Accomplishments and Dissolving of
Specific Task Forces; Water Quality Task Force and Ingerson Neighborhood
Review Group
Mayor Probst stated that he had been uncomfortable with the idea of dissolving the Ingerson
Neighborhood Review Group this evening when the final discussions were still ongoing. He
suggested that action be taken on dissolving the Water Quality Task Force, and defer action on
the Ingerson Neighborhood Review Group until the next City COlillcil meeting.
Councilmember Larson felt that it would be acceptable to dissolve the Ingerson Neighborhood
Review Group now since they had accomplished the work that they were charged with.
Councilmember Aplikowski concurred.
.
MOTION:
Couneilmember Larson moved and Couneilmember Aplikowski seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution No. 00-31, recognizing accomplishments and
dissolving of specific task forces, Water Quality Task Force and Ingerson
Neighborhood Review Group. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS
Mr. Lynch stated the League of Minnesota Cities was asking that the City of Arden Hills pass a
City Resolution to become a participant of the Building Quality Communities effort. He
indicated that that it was not necessary for the City Council to decide this evening whether or not
to participate in this program. Hc suggested that a Resolution could be drafted that is more
specific to Arden Hills.
Councilmember Aplikowski felt that the City should participate in the Building Quality
Communities efforts and noted that the Resolution was not requiring specific action on the part
ofthe City.
.
Mayor Probst expressed support of the Resolution and suggested that this item be added as a
Consent Calendar item to the next City Council meeting agenda. He assumed that Mr. Lynch
was the designated contact for the League of Minnesota Cities. Mr. Lynch responded
affirmatively.
.
.
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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 11, 2000
35
With regard to the status of the new City Hall, Mr. Lynch stated that he has spoken with
Commander's Representative Mike Fix who confirmed that the City will have documentation the
week of Septembcr 25, 2000. Mr. Lynch had informed Mr. Fix that the City has scheduled the
groundbreaking ceremony for that week.
Mayor Probst suggested that the groundbreaking ceremony be rescheduled for the following
weekend, subject to availability of the facilities. Councilmember Larson stated that he would be
out of town that weekend.
Mayor Probst suggested that City Staff invite past Councilmembers and City Mayors to the
groundbreaking ceremony.
Mr. Lynch reported that vandalism has occurred on the contractor's equipment at the Bethel
College athletic site. He stated that eight windows had been broken on two separate vehieles and
the first set of survey stakes, ineluding the hubs, had been removed. This resulted in the
contractor having to re-survey the property which may cost an additional $5,000 to $7,000.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Couneilmember Larson stated that at the last Planning Commission meeting, the Commission
approved an amendment to Gateway's PUD to place additional equipment and screening in their
rear parking lot, a variance at Karth Lake of which the City Staff had recommended denial, and
reviewed and denied a Home Occupation Special Usc Permit for a resident on New Brighton
Road who runs a flooring company.
Councilmember Rem stated that NYFS will be holding a murder mystery fund raiser.
Councilmember Rem stated that NYFS will be holding a Board meeting on Thursday, September
14,2000 at 7:00 a.m. She indicated that NYFS has been approved for a two-year grant for the
McKnight FOlmdation community project targeting violence prevention.
Councilmember Rem stated that RAB will begin meeting bi-month1y rather than monthly and
that they are still looking for new members.
Mayor Probst stated that the I-35W Corridor Coalition will meet on Wednesday, September 13,
2000 at the Family Services Center in New Brighton.
Mayor Probst asked that Staff provide the City Council with an update at a future Council
worksession on the issues surrounding the Arsenal property.
.
.
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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 11, 2000
36
ADJOURN
MOTION:
Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmembcr Aplikowski seconded a motion
to adjourn the meeting at 12:20 a.m. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
NOTICE OF MEETINGS
The next regular City Council meeting will be held Monday, September 25,2000 at 7:30 p.m. at
the Arden Hills Council chambers.