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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 01-25-1999 . . . MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN IDLLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 25, 1999 7:30 P.M. - ARDEN IDLLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Dennis Probst called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:35 p,m, Present: Mayor Dennis Probst, Councilmembers Gregg Larson, Beverly Aplikowski, Paul Malone and Lois Rem, Absent: None. Also present were City Administrator, Brian Fritsinger; Assistant to the City Administrator, Kevin Ringwald; City Accountant, Terrance Post; Public Works Director Dwayne Stafford; Associate Planner, Nancy Randall; City Engineer Greg Brown, BRW; and Recording Secretary, Carla Wirth, ADOPT AGENDA Councilmember Malone requested the addition ofItem 6F, Unfinished and New Business, City Administrator Review for 1999, MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Larson seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the January 25, 1999, regular City Council meeting, as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5-0), APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. December 14, 1998 Regular Council and 1998 Final Budget and 1998 Levy Payable in 1999 Meeting Councilmember Larson requested a correction on page 3, seventh paragraph, "...is brought in from the south..," Mr, Fritsinger requested a correction on page 3, ninth paragraph, replace the word "setback" with the word l'variance,1l Councilmember Malone requested a correction on page 15, third paragraph, "...hallway walls are sloped, " B, January 4, 1999 Regular Council and Organizational Meeting Councilmember Malone requested a correction on page 5, third paragraph, add to end of motion the words "as the Council found the revised job ratings to be appropriate," . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 25 1999 , 2 Councilmember Malone requested a correction to page 7, third paragraph, "..,the Fire Department and Fire Department Benefit Association will hold its annual meeting on Saturday, January 9, 1999 and noted the Benefit Association had a very good investment year," C, January 11, 1999 Council Worksession (no corrections) MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Malone seconded a motion to approve the meeting minutes of the December 14, 1998 Regular Council and 1998 Final Budget and 1998 Levy Payable in 1999 meeting, the January 4, 1999 Regular Council and Organizational meeting as amended, and the January 11, 1999 Council W orksession meeting as presented, The motion carried unanimously (5-0). CONSENT CALENDAR A. B. Claims and Payroll 1999 Business License Renewals MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar and authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Probst invited those present to come forward and address the Council on any items not already on the agenda, Vincent Anderson, 1325 Karth Lake Circle, stated that it has come to his attention that the criteria being used by the City for residents to qualify for the utility billing discount is in violation of federal regulations in that a person has to be totally disabled as defined by the Social Security Administration, He explained that this does not effect him personally but there may be veterans who did not have enough time working to qualify for social security disability but may very well be 100 percent disabled, Or, they could be found to be 70 percent with unemployability but also total and permanent disability, meaning they are not capable of working, Mr. Anderson noted the criteria regarding having three or fewer residents in the home which he asserted may not be reasonable ifthe veteran has several children still at home, Mr. Anderson stated he already spoke with Staff about his concerns and finds this policy to be discriminatory, Mr. Fritsinger stated he and Mr. Post discussed this issue with Mr. Anderson, The points raised were discussed on how the qualifications for being disabled were determined and the number of individuals in the home, He stated that with the information available to Staff, he is unsure of the rationale used to establish that policy so he suggested Mr. Anderson make a request of the Council that they consider this policy, how it was drafted, and the intent behind the policy. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 25,1999 3 Councilmember Larson advised that the Finance Committee identified items which should be addressed in the coming year and one of the issues was the discounts being offered for utility billings, rationale, and who it is extended to, Mayor Probst stated there appears to be an issue which should be verified and if the Finance Committee will be discussing these issues, Staff research will be needed, Mr. Post explained that the guidelines used by Ramsey County in deferral of special assessments contains similar criteria and there are several guidelines that define this situation which Staff can reVIew, Councilmember Rem agreed that Staff should look into these issues from a regulatory standpoint as well as the Finance Committee, Councilmember Aplikowski asked if the City is in violation of the Federal law, Mr. Fritsinger stated that is what needs to be researched, The Council agreed and so directed. Mr. Anderson stated he will be receiving a copy of the pertinent Federal law and will provide a copy to Staff, There were no additional public comments. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Planning Case #98-35, Donald Palme, 1370 Arden Oaks Drive, Minor Subdivision Ms, Randall explained that the applicant is requesting approval of a minor subdivision to relocate a property line between two parcels zoned R-l Single Family Residential. The applicant owns the parcel to the north at 1370 Arden Oaks Drive, The parcel to the south, 1401 County Road E, is owned by Rhoda Behr, The proposed lot line would move a portion ofMr. Palme's property line 15 feet south. The property to the north would increase its side yard setback from 10 feet 3 inches to 25 feet 3 inches, The property to the south would decrease its side yard setback from 83 feet 5 inches to 68 feet 5 inches, The proposed lots meet the required lot areas, depth, and width, The proposed lot area for the property to the north is 33,150 square feet where 14,000 square feet is required, The south lot would be 40,320 square feet where 14,000 square feet is required, Ms, Randall advised that for several years Mr, Palme has utilized this area and has an air conditioning unit that is only two feet from the existing property line, Ms, Randall advised that the Planning Commission recommended approval of Planning Case #98-35, Minor Subdivision, subject to the recording the subdivision in the form of a Registered Land Survey, Councilmember Malone inquired regarding the situation should the lot to the south be split into two separate parcels. Ms Randall advised that both of the resulting new lots would be large enough to meet Code requirements. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 25, 1999 4 . MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve Planning Case #98-35, Donald Palme, 1370 Arden Oaks Drive, for a minor subdivision subject to the recording the subdivision in the form of a Registered Land Survey. The motion carried unanimously (5-0), B. Resolution #99-08, Authoriziug the Commencement of Proceedings under Minnesota Statute 463.15, ET SEQ. Relative to 1875 Lake Lane . Mr. Ringwald explained the COll11cil is asked to adopt Resolution #99-08 which authorizes the commencement of proceedings under Minnesota Statute relative to 1875 Lake Lane, He explained that the property in question has been vacant for a period of time and the City has been receiving neighborhood complaints since 1989, The property owner has cleaned up the property and home but several structural problems have not yet been resolved, Mr. Ringwald advised that this activity has been on-going for quite a period of time and while the previous and new owners have good intentions, it continues to drag on. In an effort to motivate completion, Staff recommends adoption of the resolution even though it is hoped the property will gain compliance. He noted that this property is not an asset to the neighborhood and the City owes it to those other property owners to advance the activity, Since these problems create a potential public safety hazard, City Staff is recommending the Council proceed with the abatement process immediately. Staff wishes to encourage compliance as expediently as possible, He advised that the City Attorney and Building Inspector have prepared a resolution including findings off act which are supportable and clearly within the authority of the City, Mayor Probst stated there has been a discussion about the property being sold, Mr. Ringwald stated the new owner has a contract for deed so Staff has had discussion with both the property owner and potential property owner. Mayor Probst commented that the lots on the north side of this street do not meet setback or size requirements so, hopefully, the new property owner understands that limitation, Mr, Ringwald reported on areas of violation including the difficulty in gaining access for inspection due to the amount of garbage contained on the property, MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #99-08, Authorizing the Commencement of Proceedings under Minnesota Statute 463,15, ET SEQ, relative to 1875 Lake Lane due to the existence of potential public safcty hazards. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). C. Resolution #99-07, Delaying Action on Improvement Project, West Round Lake Road (Phasc II), and Authorization for Fund Carry Over . Mr, Stafford stated that on October 13, 1998 a preliminary report was received for the West Round Lake Road improvements, At that time, Council agreed to continue with plans and specifications for the project but directed Staff to revisit the costs for various options and present those verified costs and options at a future worksession, At the January 11, 1999 COll11cil Worksession, the Council reviewed an updated version of costs and four alternative designs and, following a discussion, elected to indefinitely delay the West ROll11d Lake Road Phase II ~ . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 25,1999 5 reconstruction, The Council is asked to adopt Resolution #99-07 which would delay action on the West Round Lake Road improvement project and authorize the carry over of funds to a time the project continues. Mayor Probst inquired regarding the need for a formal resolution. Mr. Fritsinger eXplained that since formal meetings were held with the property owners, a formal resolution is being recommended which will provide a means to notify those property owners of this Council action, MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #99-07, Delaying Action on Improvement Project, West Round Lake Road (Phase II), and Authorization for Fund Carry Over. The motion carried unanimously (5-0), D. Pay Request #1, Lift Statiou #3, Jay Brothers Mr. Brown explained that the Council is asked to approve Pay Request #1 to Jay Brothers in the amount of $21,420.41 for work to-date on Lift Station #3, He advised of the work tasks included in this pay request and those remaining to be completed, Mr. Brown recommended the Council approve Pay Request #1 which includes a five percent retainage, Councilmember Malone inquired regarding the direction of the force main, Mr. Brown advised it goes east up Lake Johanna Boulevard and ultimately into Lift Station #8, Councilmember Malone commented on a past break in the force main and repair that was needed. Mr. Stafford stated he does not anticipate a great increase in pressure and commented that a settlement of the pipe, rather than pressure buildup, may have caused that previous break in the line, MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve Pay Request #1, Lift Station #3, to Jay Brothers in the amount of $21 ,420.41, subject to a five percent retainage, The motion carried unanimously (5-0), E. County Road F Pedestrian Trail, Authorizing Preparation of Plans and Specifications Mr. Fritsinger explained that the Council is asked to authorize the preparation of plans and specifications for the design ofthe pedestrian trail along County Road F between Lexington and Hamline A venues, He reviewed that earlier last year, Staff requested approval to seek State grant funds and the City was subsequently awarded $50,000 ofDNR funds, Since that time, the environmental assessment statement has been worked on and is now to the point where preparation of plans and specifications is needed so the exact location of the trail, impact to neighboring property, and environmental impacts can be detern1ined as well as the estimated costs. He advised that this is incorporated into the 1999 Capital Improvement Plan, Councilmember Malone noted that the plan is for a trail on the east side of Hamline Avenue to a pedestrian crossing but that doesn't appear to be a rational approach since it is known that ~ . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 25, 1999 6 MnDOT will install a signal in 1999 and the pedestrian crossing is about 100 yards beyond that point. Mr. Fritsinger stated these issues have been discussed with Mr. Brown and Staff will look at the effect of placing it on the south side and how that would relate to the natural features of the road. He commented that there will be issues that need to be addressed, MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to authorize Staff to proceed with the preparation of plans and specifications for the design of the pedestrian trail along County Road F, from Hamline Avenue to Lexington Avenue. The motion carried unanimously (5-0), F. City Administrator Review for 1999 Councilmember Malone noted the favorable review of the City Administrator and recommendation of the Personnel Committee that he be placed at 100 percent of the pay scale. MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to place the City Administrator at 100 percent of the pay scale, effective February 1, 1999, with the understanding that the Personnel Committee will have additional recommendations related to compensation. The motion carried unanimously (5-0), ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS Mr. Fritsinger stated that the Department Reports cover most of the issues and offered to answer questions on those items, COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Larson commended Staff on the recent Town Hall meeting and stated he was impressed with how it was organized with booths, He stated the Arden Hills residents who attended, even though not at the level desired, felt it was a valuable opportunity, Councilmember Larson stated several concerns were raised at the Town Hall meeting related to the high crown on the Highway E2 bridge that crosses I-35W and the lack of turn signals at County Road D and Cleveland A venue, He suggested the Public Safety Commission review those two issues and provide recommendations, Mayor Probst stated there has been discussion at the Council level about the Highway E2 bridge crown but it was not referred to the Public Safety Commission since the only solution would be to create stops at all points and the Council was not prepared to recommend that action, Councilmember Larson stated a concern was expressed about traffic turning onto County Road D in the mornings. He stated he sees this conflict during evening rush hour with traffic heading east on County Road D and trying to make a left turn movement, especially if freeway traffic is slow and it is being used as a shortcut. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 25,1999 7 Mr. Fritsinger noted the County just reconfigured this intersection so they would probably not be interested in participating in any type of change, Mr. Stafford stated he thought the concern being expressed was for a left arrow going south on Cleveland Avenue to turn east on County Road D. Councilmember Aplikowski stated that was also her understanding, The Council directed Staff to contact Ramsey County to determine the ability of the traffic signal at the intersection of County Road D and Cleveland Avenue. Mayor Probst stated he shares the concern expressed about the crown on the County Road E2 bridge and stated his support to refer it to the Public Safety Commission, Councilmember Rem stated that in previous public hearing discussions with the County, several residents asked about that bridge and were told that technically it was not a dangerous bridge, She stated that she has noticed an increase in traffic since the industrial park opened to the west. Councilmember Rem stated this might provide rationale to have it looked at again, Councilmember Larson stated drivers may recognize this is a dangerous situation and exercise caution so there are not as many accidents but the situation remains dangerous, Mayor Probst suggested the City of New Brighton be asked to join Arden Hills in their request of Ramsey County to review this interchange. Depending on the response, it may be referred to the Public Safety Commission, The Council agreed. Councilmember Larson reported on the Finance Committee meeting he attended where the new public works facility was discussed as well as financing alternatives, He stated he had indicated there was not yet a consensus with the Council regarding the type of facility it would be and suggested they also look at a number of alternatives. He reported the Finance Committee wants to come before the Council to discuss this on February 8, 1999, Councilmember Larson asked what the Council would find helpful for them to look into relative to financing options, Mayor Probst stated that based on previous Council determinations it is presumable the City is on ajoint development track with Ramsey County and the National Guard, He stated if there is an interest with the Council to take different action or affirm that joint project, that discussion should be held, Currently, the record indicates Arden Hills will do a joint project. Mayor Probst stated he believes it would be helpful for the Council to look at the ability for the City to be in the lead with this project, be able to fund it, and recover those costs, He stated he is unsure whether the City has the ability to use certificates of participation or what other funding mechanism would allow the City to even consider being in the lead, Councilmember Larson stated the view of the Finance Committee and Public Safety Commission is to recommend an Arden Hills only facility, . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 25,1999 8 Councilmember Aplikowski stated they may be recommending an Arden Hills only facility so the project can be completed more quickly than ifit is located on the TCAAP property, She stated that she may not agree that the Council was already committed to a joint effort. Mr, Fritsinger stated the file contains letters, specific to the National Guard and Department of Army agencies, indicating the City is fully supportive of the joint facility but he has not seen any letters indicating that is the only option the City would consider. He advised that previously the City sent letters of inquiry to neighboring cities to see if they were interested in participating, Mayor Probst stated the City also looked into some grant funding but the Council has taken a number of actions over the last several years taking the position toward ajoint facility. Councilmember Larson stated he feels a joint facility may be preferable but it may be good, at some point if that is the consensus, to so indicate that position. Mr. Fritsinger advised that Ramsey County has selected a firm to conduct a space needs study. He stated when they toured the Hennepin County facility, Ramsey County Commissioner Bennett indicated they may consider allowing the City to use their consultant (at the City's cost) to determine the City's needs, Mayor Probst agreed that Commissioner Bennett is clearly very enthusiastic abont the Hennepin County facility and supports a joint effort, He stated there may be a number of reasons for the City to participate in that program since it will save the City money and provide the City with a better ability to influence what the County does relating to size and appearance, He commented that he does not want the TCAAP site to become the "back yard" for every community in Ramsey County, Mayor Probst stated he would like a discussion of the public works facility to be placed on the retreat agenda, Councilmembers Larson and Malone concurred with the Mayor's comments and suggestion to discuss it at the retreat. Councilmember Malone reported he will be unable to attend the February 3,1999 Planning Commission meeting, Councilmember Malone asked Staffto request the Fire Department to revise their report to include addresses. Councilmember Aplikowski asked ifthe City brochure will be reviewed at the February worksession, Mr. Ringwald stated Staff is still waiting for information from Kasandra Bergland, Councilmember Aplikowski stated she was asked at the Public Safety Commission meeting about police and fire protection on Alliant Tech property and how they will be covered for protection. Mr. Fritsinger stated that from the City's standpoint the agreement with the Lake Johanna Volunteer Fire Department indicates they are required to provide that protection, He stated he will contact Mike Fix regarding the status. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 25,1999 9 Councilmember Aplikowski stated the Snelling Avenue and Keithson Drive sign is rusty and needs to be repaired or replaced, Councilmember Rem reported on meetings she has attended including one day of the newly elected official conference and the Northwest Youth and Family Services meeting, She advised of their retreat which is scheduled on February 5 and 6, 1999, Counci1member Rem stated she also attended the Mounds View Community Center open house and will attend the Ramsey County League of Local Government meeting. Councilmember Rem stated she received comments at the Town Hall meeting from several community organizations who had tables in the foyer indicating they thought it was well worth their time and they would be happy to come back next time, Councilmember Rem stated she will attend the February 3, 1999 Planning Commission meeting. Mayor Probst stated he also plans to attend the Ramsey County League meeting and asked if notification needs to be posted, Mr. Fritsinger stated it does not. Mayor Probst stated he will also be attending the Planning Commission meeting as a resident related to one of the agenda items, Mayor Probst thanked Staff for their effort with the Town Hall meeting, He stated he was hoping for a larger crowd but it was an enjoyable meeting, Mayor Probst referenced the Ramsey County Transportation Improvement Program, commenting it contains no surprises, He noted the Stowe Avenue project is listing a City contribution of $70,000 and a County contribution of $50,000. Mr. Fritsinger noted the County's continued attempt to push the Lake Johanna tumback so he anticipates that conversation will occur again this year. Mayor Probst asked if action toward a tower moratorium should be considered, It was indicated that Staff is working with a variety of sources to get additional information and will have information for the Council shortly, Mayor Probst commented on the sheriffs contract. Mr. Fritsinger stated it is time to discuss that contract again in 1999. Mayor Probst commented on the "paper" street issue which was used as a vehicle to deal with development issues off Lexington Avenue. Now a property owner is interested in a fairly significant subdivision, He stated the street issue will have to be solved as part of that planning case, Mr. Fritsinger stated that neighborhood group was very vocal and now several of those vocal property owners who had indicated they would never subdivide their property are now subdividing, . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 25, 1999 10 Mayor Probst inquired regarding when the 1999 Street Project will be awarded. Mr. Stafford stated Staff is reviewing options to dispose of the dirt which will impact who the low bidder is. He stated Staffwill make a recommendation within several weeks, ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:48 p,m, The motion carried unanimously (5- 0), D~?6 City Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next regular City Council meeting will be held Monday, February 8, 1999 at 7:30 p,m, at the Arden Hills Council Chambers.