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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 03-29-1999 . . . MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 29, 1999 7:30 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Dennis Probst called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:27 p.m. Present: Mayor Dennis Probst, Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, Gregg Larson, 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; Associate Planner, Nancy Randall; Finance Committee Representative, Chuck Mertensotto; and Recording Secretary, Lori Rolfson. ADOPT AGENDA MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the March 29,1999, regular City Council meeting, as submitted. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). BOND REFERENDUM - MOUNDS VIEW SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 621 REPRESENT A TlVES . Dr. Jan Witthuhn, Superintendent . Mr. Gary Borg, School Board Member . Mr. Fred Fox, Vote Yes Committee Representative Mr. Fox stated that the purpose of this presentation was to build awareness of the Bond Referendum issues. He stated that the City Council is a very important group and he hopes to have their individual support. Mr. Fox invited Mr. Borg to explain the process of how the Bond Referendum, which will be voted on May 25, 1999, had reached this point. Mr. Borg explained that in 1996, an architectural firm was used to review the conditions of the buildings within the School District including the roofs, windows and parking lots, etc. The architectural firm came back with $100 million dollars worth of recommendations. At this point, individual building committees, made up of parents, teachers and building administrators where established in each of the buildings. These Committees reviewed the buildings from a standpoint of what is needed to educate the children. One primary concern was the environmental health of each building. One building had been closed in the past for one ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 29, 1999 2 . month due to poor air quality. A special committee was established to review the air quality. The reason for the poor air quality in schools has to do, not only with the age of the buildings, but also with the fact that the buildings hold a large population of people in small spaces. An additional group formed as part of the process was an Athletic Facility Task Force. This Task Force brought in more community involvement from the Athletic Associations and considered the broader needs of the community athletic facilities. A Facilities Task Force was formed made up of parents, the Mounds View Education Association, and building administrators. This Task Force gathered the information provided by the other committees and Task Forces and made another review of the buildings themselves, in order to prioritize the needs of the School District. The results were a total of $125 million dollars in upgrades and improvements. The School District did not believe this was achievable through a Bond Referendum. Mr. Fox stated that the most important part of the Facilities Task Force was that community leaders, not just the School District, shared it. The input from the Building Committees was more site related, where as the Task Force compared each building to determine where the strongest needs are. . Mr. Fox referred to the Newsletter submitted to the City Council. He stated that the information contained in the Newsletter included lists of the recommended upgrades and the cost factors associated with them. This information is the result of the Task Force master plan. Mr. Fox stated that he was not a part of the Task Force and the one thing which impressed him the most was that there were no frivolous recommendations, rather they were simply upgrades and repairs to the facilities. He was also impressed by the openness and inclusiveness the entire process involved and the fact that it has become a community Bond Referendum. Mr. Borg stated that the recommendations were given to the School Board in January 1999. The School Board met to review these recommendations several times. As a group, the School Board was very impressed with the thoroughness and the methodology used in terms of prioritization. The School Board made few modifications to the recommendations. The parents had been hoping to get more money than what the School Board had considered its top amount. The School Board used the resources provided in order to get a feel for what the community's tolerance level would be. It was determined that the average home in the community could handle an approximate $10.25 per month ($125 per year) tax increase for a 20 year Bond Referendum. . The School Board had been considering a new Administrative Facility and this was taken out of the recommendations. The recommendations had included the purchase of computers as a necessary part of the Referendum. The School Board had been concerned about purchasing computer equipment over 20 years, which would be obsolete in five years. These dollars were removed and more gym space was added per strong community needs. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 29, 1999 3 . The actual facility costs in the total package would be $84.9 million dollars. $1.3 million dollars would come from interest income, $3 million dollars would come from District Capital expenditures, and $600,000 would come from Cities and Athletic Associations. The remaining $80 million dollars would be raised by the Bond Referendum. The primary improvements being considered include the maintenance ofthe deteriorating facilities; improving the air quality; upgrading the athletic facilities; and upgrading the technology infrastructure and instructional programs of science, math and music facilities. The two schools serving Arden Hills will be greatly improved by the Bond Referendum. Major upgrades are being proposed to both the Mounds View and Valentine Hills facilities. Mr. Fox stated that the School Board passed the proposal in late January 1999. In February, the Vote Yes Committee was organized as a citizens group with finance, strategy and marketing volunteers. Considering the strong community involvement, Mr. Fox indicated that he was confused by where any opposition would come from, other than those who simply are opposed to higher taxes. Special brochures had been prepared for each of the communities involved in order to demonstrate how the Referendum relates to their particular needs. Additionally, the V ote Yes Committee will be providing a video, phone banks will be set up, and block parties and building tours will be organized. . Mr. Fox noted that he has done a great deal of local volunteer work over the last three to five years and he has found it difficult to get people involved in volunteer work. He indicated that the number of people working on the Vote Yes Committee for the Bond Referendum impressed him. Mr. Fox indicated tours have been scheduled for the two Arden Hills schools. The tour of Valcntine Hills will be April 26, 1999 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The tour of Mounds View will be May 4,1999. Councilmember Malone asked if the air quality issue would involve the wholesale replacement of all heating units. He also asked if the current heating units are original. Dr. Witthuhn stated that the heaters are original and it is correct that they would all be replaced. She indicated that the School Board felt very strongly that the air quality was a serious enough issue to address in this manner. She noted that, over the years, the equipment has been repaired, however, often times patching old equipment with new parts does not work properly. Dr. Witthuhn stated that the buildings have thc old AUnivent systems that were meant to circulate air at a certain rate. This circulation rate had been acceptable at the time; however, it is no longer acceptable. Additionally, some of the units are no longer working up to their original capacity. . Councilmember Malone asked if the deferred maintenance program would include the windows and roofs. Dr. Witthuhn explained that this program covers a variety of items that would be explained in more detail on the tour. Some items are not things that are obvious, such as ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 29, 1999 4 carpeting which is duct taped down in some areas. Additionally, the parking lots have large . holes that have been patched for some time and now the lots need to be replaced. Dr. Witthuhn explained that three years ago a district wide study group looked into why the School District was falling behind on maintenance. One conclusion was that $1 million dollars per year in capital funds is not enough. One half of this money is used each year for textbooks, computer software and other capital expenditures. This leaves one half of a million dollars to spend on maintaining the facilities and this money does not go very far. As a result of the district wide study, the School District created a Board policy to set aside a percentage of the one million dollars to address deferred maintenance issues. Councilmember Malone confirmed that the $80 million proposed for the Bond Referendum is based on estimated costs. Dr. Witthuhn stated that this was correct. Councilmember Malone asked what would happen if the actual costs were less, such as $70 million dollars. Dr. Witthuhn stated that the School Board would have two choices. Either additional needs could be considered, or it could be decided not to sell the Bonds and retire them early. . Councilmember Aplikowski requested additional information regarding the flexible instructional space being proposed for the elementary schools. Dr. Witthuhn explained that in the past, classrooms had involved 20 to 30 students with one teacher. Now, there are times throughout the day when children meet with specialists. Public schools have been given many tasks over the last 20 years including physical therapy, occupational therapy and various counseling work and othcr Federal Programs designed to work with at-risk students. These programs involve small groups of students who leave their classrooms for part of the day for special services. One of the challenges is where to conduct these special services. The flexible instructional space allows walls to be redesigned and moved around to readjust the layout of rooms as needs change. Additionally, as class sizes change, and possibly get smaller, this approach would allow rooms to be made smaller at minimal cost. Councilmember Aplikowski asked if this process would involve tearing down the current walls inside the buildings. Dr. Witthuhn stated that this would vary from site to site. One issue is the need for a large media center that is not available in all locations. In order to provide this space, some areas must be retrofitted to be made larger and some areas would be made smaller. . Councilmember Larson noted that school districts tend to go through ebbs and flows with regard to student population. He asked what the future looks like for the School District 621 population over the next 20 years. Dr. Witthuhn stated that School District 621 has been very stable over the years and is, for the most part, fully developed. She noted, however, that the future status of the Arsenal could impact this. The large population of students is now moving trom the Middle Schools into High Schools and the elementary classes are somewhat smaller. Over the last several years the School District has been turning away students from other districts wishing to come in under open enrollment. Therefore, even if a small number of spaces were available within the District, students outside the District would fill them. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 29, 1999 5 Mayor Probst stated that he had attended other briefings and been involved with City Staff in reviewing the athletic facilities. He also has two children working their way through the School District system. Based upon his personal experience, he stated that there are clearly needs beyond those that will be fulfilled by the Bond Referendum. Although much of the School District is newly developed, the school buildings are quite old and many of the systems are problematic. One issue with the Bond Referendum is that a large portion ofthe money would be spent on things that are not seen. Mayor Probst offered his advise that it may be important to separate the Bond Referendum issues from the dollars being spent from operating funds as most citizens do not understand that these funds do not mix. Mayor Probst stated that he would lend his personal support to the Bond Referendum. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. March 8,1999, Regular Council Meeting B. March 15, 1999, Council Worksession Mr. Fritsinger requested the following changes to the March 8, 1999, Regular Council Meeting minutes: On page 14, fourth paragraph from the bottom, the figure $485,000 should be $465,000; on page 14, third paragraph from the bottom, the last sentence should state A...may be expected to use other funds to make these repairs, or the department must postpone other planned improvements. Mr. Fritsinger requested a change to the March 15, 1999, Council Worksession minutes. On page three, third paragraph from the top, the first line should read A...Colleen Avenue which tends to..." In the same paragraph, the third line should read, "location within the easement;...". The last word of this paragraph should be changed to "for restoration". MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Malone seconded a motion to approve the meeting minutes of the March 8, 1999, Regular Council Meeting and the March 15, 1999, Council Worksession, as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). CONSENT CALENDAR A. Claims and Payroll B. Regular Employee Statues, Susan Holmes, Department Secretary C. Probationary Appointment, Thomas Moore, Parks and Recreation Director D. Approval of Unbudgeted Operating Transfers lor 1998 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). . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 29, 1999 6 PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Probst invited those present to come forward and address the Council on any items not already on the agenda. There were no public comments. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Planninl!: Cases 1. Planning Case #98-33, Josephine East LLC, Shoreline Lane Area, Official Map Amendment Ms. Randall explained that the applicant was requesting approval of an amendment to the City's Official Map, creating a cul-de-sac roadway system on Shoreline Lane, approximately 600 feet north of County Road D, and a dead-end approximately 270 feet south of Edgewater Road. The area is zoned R-2 Single Family Residential District. The applicant recently submitted a preliminary plat showing tlle extension of Shoreline Lane. At the February 3, 1999, Planning Commission meeting the applicant withdrew their application to pursue an amendment to the Official Map. In 1991, the City Council and Planning Commission discussed preserving the future street extension of Shoreline Lane as part of the Hanson Plat. The Hanson Plat was designed and approved with the intent that Shoreline Lane would continue and connect to the south portion of Shoreline Lane in the future. The current proposal for the area includes a cul-de-sac, which fits within the standard right-of-way boundaries as a temporary solution. In order to preserve the street extension, the City Council directed the City Engineer and Planner to prepare an Official Map of the Shoreline Lane area. The City of Arden Hills conducted a study of this area in 1992. The purpose of this study and Official Map procedure was: I. To establish and protect appropriate alignments for future streets in this area. 2. To guide landowners in dividing and developing their properties regardless of neighboring owners' timing. 3. To inform present residents of potential future streets. 4. To guide the City in making decisions regarding platting and street locations. 5. To protect the City and landowners from development that will restrict future desirable options. 6. To establish a street pattern that will optimize development potential of all underdeveloped land in the neighborhood. In 1993, the City Council amended the Official Map indicating that the connection of Shoreline Lane would be via a straight through alignment. Some of the reasons for the adoption of the straight through alignment were to improve the traffic pattern and safety access in the area. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 29, 1999 7 The applicant submitted a proposal showing a cul-de-sac on the south section of Shoreline Lane. The resulting cul-de-sac would be 600 feet long when 500 feet is the maximum length per the Subdivision Ordinance. The cul-de-sac shown appears to be a 50 foot radius when the Subdivision Ordinance requires a 60 foot wide radius for cul-de-sacs. The extension of the north section of Shoreline Lane is shown with no change to the existing dead-end configuration. Thc applicant has submitted advantages and disadvantages as depicted in the previous Official Map study. Disadvantage number three states that the northerly cul-de-sac "only partially resolves the dead-end situation to the north." The Staff would conclude that the failure to plan for the northerly cul-de-sac is not an acceptable solution. Staff created two options which show how a 60 foot wide radius cul-de-sac, meeting the Subdivision Ordinance, may look if placed on the north section of Shoreline Lane. Staff also depicted a 60 foot wide radius cul-de-sac on the south section of Shoreline Lane. Option A shows a 60 foot wide radius cul-de-sac from the south, similar to the applicant's proposed 50 foot wide radius cul-de-sac. Option A also shows a 60 foot cul-de-sac from the north expanding beyond the Bachman property creating a need to acquire property from the Josephine East LLC property. Parcel three of the applicant's property would be reduced below the standards to 10,235 square feet with a reduced buildable area. Option B shows a standard 60 foot cul-de-sac from the south. From the north the cul-de-sac was moved up which encroached into the Hanson Plat. There is one existing house, which would just meet the required 40 foot front yard setback. The property to the west of Shoreline Lane does not currently have a building permit. A cul-de-sac in this location would reduce the buildable area of this property and make any future home nonconforming. Both City sewer and water utilities currently run through the area with easements. The proposed alignment would have utilities crossing through lot three of the applicant's property that may cause variances to be requested. In the fall of 1998, a private sewer line was constructed on the Hanson Plat that was to be temporary until Shoreline Lane was constructed and sewer and water were relocated. Staff has received six letters from residents pertaining to development in this area and these letters had been included in the Council's Agenda packet. Ms. Randall advised that the Planning Commission recommended approval of Option A, as presented in the Staff report, conditioned on it being acceptable to the City Engineer. This Option depicts the double cul-de-sacs on the applicant's and the Bachman properties. Ms. Randall noted that the Planning Commission did not make a motion to approve the applicant's proposal. Per the Planning Commission's motion, the City Engineer has submitted comments pertaining to the proposal and options. The City Engineer has recommended that the City's Official Map not be changed due to several concerns. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 29, 1999 8 Staff has compiled information as to why the straight through alignment should be supported: the length of the proposed cul-de-sac is longer than allowed and there are other options which could eliminate this; emergency vehicles could service the area better with the straight through alignment and road maintenance would be easier; the alignment would create a link to Ingerson Park; and school buses would be able to maneuver in the area as they are currently stopping on Lexington Avenue. Staflhas also notified the owners of the property along Shoreline Lane in the Hanson Plat and Bachman property 0 f the cul-de-sac options that were discussed and recommended at the Planning Commission meeting. The applicant submitted a letter March 12, 1999, explaining their view of the action taken by the Planning Commission. The applicant disagrees with Option A. Ms. Randall advised that, pursuant to State Statute, a two-thirds vote of all the Councilmembers is required to adopt this amendment to the Official Map. Mayor Probst asked Ms. Randall to show which land the applicant controls and which Mr. Bachman owns. Ms. Randall referred to the areas on the overhead map. Mayor Probst confirmed that Mr. Bachman was not participating in the discussions. Ms. Randall indicated that this was correct. Mayor Probst confirmed that either of the double cul-de-sac options would require easements over the existing utility lines running through the property. Ms. Randall indicated that this was correct. Mayor Probst confirmed that the action before the Council is whether or not the Council is willing to consider a revision to the Official Map. Ms. Randall stated that this was correct. Councilmember Malone noted that Shoreline Lane dead-ends at the Bachman property with a small, 40 foot diameter cul-de-sac. He asked how wide the right-of-way is at the northern point of the Bachman property. Ms. Randall stated that the right-of-way is 50 feet. Councilmember Malone noted that the temporary cul-de-sac does not touch the right-of-way. He asked, if the Official Map is not amended, what would the size of the applicant's proposed lot three be and if, in theory, this layout would work. Ms. Randall stated that, in theory, the lot the layout would work, however, lot three would require a width variance. Councilmember Malone asked how far it is from the east side of the Shoreline Lane right-of-way to Lexington Avenue. Ms. Randall stated that it is 260 feet. Councilmember Larson confirmed that the Attachment 1/9 of the Staff report was a schematic which had been put together in the early 1990' s by the City's consultant, and is not what the developer is proposing. Ms. Randall stated that this was correct. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 29, 1999 9 Councilmember Larson confirmed that the property configuration with five parcels, as shown on Options A and B, is what the developer is proposing. Ms. Randall stated that this was correct. Councilmember Rem requested confirmation of what is being requested of the City Council. Is the request simply to change the Ofncial Map, or is the Council expected to also decide the property configuration. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the request on the table is an amendment for the proposal that the applicant has made. The Council is to determine whether to leave the Official Map as is with the straight through aligmnent, or amend the Official Map with a different configuration as either suggested by the applicant or the Plauning Commission. Mayor Probst invited the applicant to add any additional information he may have at this time. Mr. Frank Rekuski, 3170 Hamline Avenue, stated that at this point there appears to be three options. Two choices include double cul-de-sacs, which is not an acceptable solution. The other choice is to extend the road with the straight through aligmnent, which the neighbors do not want. He suggested the best option might be to leave the Official Map as is and allow the construction of a temporary 50 foot radius cul-de-sac. It is unknown whether the two dead-ends will ever be counected and this option would result in temporary cul-de-sacs to both the north and the south and resolve the issue of changing the Official Map. Mr. Rekuski stated that, ifhe were allowed to construct a temporary 50 foot cul-de-sac, he would only be able to develop the parcel with four lots rather than five as proposed. He indicated he has two clients ready to build homes and a third who is waiting to sign the purchase agreement. If the only solution were to leave the map as is and construct two temporary cul-de-sacs, he would be willing to give up the fifth lot to resolve the issue. With regard to the history of the area, Mayor Probst stated that he had been serving on the Planning Commission when the property to the north was being subdivided with one access from the existing street. The concern at that time was that if this were allowed, the other oversized lots might subdivide and create additional access concerns. At the time it was believed that the remaining parcels would not be subdivided. Now, two out of the three properties have been sold and are being developed. Mayor Probst agreed that the back-to-back, double cul-de-sac option does not make sense. He indicated, however, that he was not compelled to run the street through the property. For this reason there may end up being two cul-de-sacs which are not the most desirable configuration. Mayor Probst stated that one reason for the Plauning Commission having drawn up an Official Map was that there was some belief at the time that there were other configurations possible, which would require participation of the Bachman property. One configuration had Lake Lane cOlmecting to Shoreline Lane, however, since the area is not being developed as a group and is coming in as individual parcels, this is not possible. Therefore, it is unlikely that the City Council would be willing to approve a condemnation. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 29, 1999 10 Mayor Probst stated that, in his opinion, the Official Map should be maintained as is. If this . requires the allowance of a temporary condition, it would be acceptable. Mr. Rekuski noted that the Bachman property has access to Shoreline Lane, by way of the temporary cul-de-sac, as well as access to Lake Lane and Lexington Avenue. He indicated that if, in the future, the Bachman property were to develop and the owner wanted Shoreline Lane to be brought through, it could be since this proposed development will have only four homes. At this time it may be best to provide temporary access and wait to see what happens with the Bachman property in the future. Councilmember Larson stated that he would not favor changing the Official Map. He noted that the City and Staff have indicated that, for a variety of reasons, it would be best to have a through road, rather than cul-de-sacs. By allowing the Official Map to remain as is and creating two small cul-de-sacs, this results in exactly what the City does not want. If the situation is likely to continue for a lengthy period of time in the future, not only is the City getting what it does not want, it would be getting cul-de-sacs which are smaller than the City allows. Mr. Rekuski noted that there are other places within the City of Arden Hills with 50 foot cul-de- sacs. Councilmember Larson stated these are not as desirable as the 60 foot cul-de-sacs for the purpose ofturn arounds for school buses and other large vehicles. For this reason the City wishes to discourage cul-de-sacs and encourage through streets. . Councilmember Larson stated that he ultimately wants to maintain the possibility for the Bachman property to be subdivided into two parcels and a through street being constructed. Councilmember Malone concurred with Councilmember Larson. He noted that the original objective of the Oflicial Map was to ensure the ability to develop the land. He indicated that he would not be inclined to change the Ot1icial Map since there are utilities in place. Unfortunately, the only option at this time may be to allow the temporary cul-de-sacs. He pointed that, even if smaller cul-de-sacs are constructed this will at least allow a turn around area and it protects the easements. Councilmember Malone stated that there have been other times when temporary cul-de-sacs have been allowed within the City. He asked Staff if it would be acceptable for a temporary cul-de- sac with a 50 foot radius. Mr. Ringwald stated that Staff would support this option. He suggested that the cul-de-sac be extended to the north property line so the pavement is extended to the property line. This will eliminate gaps in the pavement and make any future changes to the road easier. Mr. Rekuski agreed to this suggestion. Mr. Rekuski noted that he had spoken with the Rice Creek Watershed District and the only comments he received were to add additional ponding. . Councilmember Aplikowski asked the applicant which lot would be eliminated from his proposal. Mr. Rekuski stated that lot three would be removed and merged into lot two. With the temporary cul-de-sac, lot three would not be large enough to build without a variance. For this reason he would prefer to include the land from lot three with lot two. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 29, 1999 11 Councilmember Rem stated that she had been concerned for how the double cul-de-sac option would affect the Bachman property. She expressed her approval of not changing the Official Map and allowing the temporary cul-de-sacs. With regard to Staff's suggestion to move the cul-de-sac to the north property line, Mr. Rekuski noted that there are large trees in the area which he would hope to preserve. He suggested moving the cul-de-sac up approximately 20 feet and providing the City with an easement. Mr. Ringwald stated that Staff would work with the applicant to settle this issue. MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to deny the request to change the Official Map, based on the discussions this evening, and for the applicant to work with the Staff to reach a compromise regarding the location of the cui -de-sac and easement. Mayor Probst invited anyone in the audience who was present for this Planning Case to make comments. Mr. Hue Bradley stated that he owns the property on the lake to north of the Bachman property. He asked what the plans are for the future development of Lake Lane. He indicated that it is now a dirt road and, although some potholes had been filled, these have been settling in again with the spring thaw. He asked if it would be possible for some improvements to be made to the road, even though it only serves access to his house. Mayor Probst stated that the future status of the road is dependent upon what happens with the Bachman property. If Shoreline Lane is brought through it is most likely that Lake Lane will remain as is and a cul-de-sac may have to be constructed. Mr. Bradley stated that his main concern was for the current condition of the road. He noted that he pays for the snow plowing of the road. Mayor Probst asked if the road is private or public. Mr. Fritsinger stated that it is technically a public road. He indicated that any improvements to the road would require discussions regarding the fact that the Oddfellow property is fenced up to the road surface and the east side of Lake Lane drops off into a low area. Mr. Fritsinger stated that Class 5 materia] had been laid down on Lake Lane last fall. It was decided at that time that, once the issue of Shoreline Lane was resolved, the City Engineer would consider the area of Lake Lane as part of the street re-rating process and pavement management plan. Ms. Diane Rushenburg, 3168 Shoreline Lane, stated her neighborhood has been a confined and safe area and she would like to maintain it this way. She indicated that ifShore1ine Lane were brought through, this would result in traffic coming off of Lexington Avenue to drive around the lake. This could result in vandalism that is not a problem at this time. The layout of the road is comfortable and attractive. It has worked well in the past and will continue to work in the future. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 29, 1999 12 . She noted that, in the time that she has lived in the neighborhood, school buses have never stopped at Lexington Avenue. The school buses either stop at Edgewater Road or Shoreline Lane. Additionally, there have been emergencies with fire trucks and ambulances and these vehicles have had no problem turning around. Mr. Albert Hohmann, 3154 Shoreline Lane, stated that two day ago a neighbor on Shoreline Lane had a diabetic coma and one ambulance and two police cars responded to the emergency. He indicated that 40 years ago there had been a turn around at the end of Shoreline Lane and there is still a large lot, which is used for a turn around. For this reason there are no safety issues with regard to the configuration of the street. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). B. Finance Committee Presentation, Joint Maintenance Facility Funding Options Mr. Mertensotto stated that when he appeared before the City Council last year the intent of the Finance Committee was to bring the Joint Facility Maintenance Facility project to the attention of the City Council. Since that time, the Finance Committee has met with Ehlers who were assisting the City of Hutchinson with their joint facility project. The fundamental issues of these discussions had been regarding timing and control. Ehlers had discussed the fact that control is the most important issue. The Finance Committee looked at the City as being either a tenant in the joint facility, being the financing lead agency in the joint . facility, or constructing a new facility for exclusive Arden Hills' use. The Finance Committee provided a chart that showed how Arden Hills would stand in either a high level of control or a low level of control. At the lowest level the City would be a tenant, at the highest level, the City would be owner. With regard to feasibility, Ramsey County was contacted to find out if this project has been included in their Capital plan. It was found that the project has been proposed, however, nothing has been funded. The cost for the project would be approximately $2 million dollars if the City were the sole occupant. If the project were a joint facility with Ramsey County the cost would be approximately $13 million dollars. The Finance Committee considered the likelihood of achieving the facility and the timeliness according to the various levels of control. Another issue was the visual impact and to what degree the City could influence the appearance of a joint facility without being the landlord. . The Finance Committee did explore several financing options and the funding could be from a General Revenue Bond that would eliminate the need for a market based levy referendum. This is assuming that, since it would be a sewer and water related facility, one-third of the project could be funded in cash up front and only two-thirds of the project would be bonded. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 29, 1999 13 The Finance Committee met with Norwest Banks as a potential funding agency for the project. The Committee has decided not to pursue this avenue as Norwest Bank was biased about having things their way and the term may not have been 15 years. Mayor Probst asked if the City would have the $13 million dollars in financing to pursue a landlord situation. Mr. Post stated that there is an upper limit of2% of the market value for bonds. This would mean a $10 million dollar cap and there is currently $3.1 dollars million outstanding. Mayor Probst confirmed then that there is an upper limit of$7 million dollars. Mr. Post stated that this was correct. Councilmember Malone asked how the financing worked with the City of Hutchinson joint facility project. Mr. Post stated that each party involved put up their upfront capital funding as 25%, 25%, and 50%, with the City in the lead. This has worked well over the last couple of years. One thing that is impacting this arrangement is the State wanting to increase its size of the building, which would knock the City out of its lead position. Mayor Probst asked if the Hutchinsonjoint facility has a Board based upon the percentage of ownership. Mr. Post stated that it does. Mayor Probst confirmed that Ramsey County has not budgeted any money for this project. Mr. Post concurred and noted that the County has an upcoming jail project that may cost $9 million dollars. Mr. Fritsinger stated that, considering the fact that the Arsenal land transfer will occur in the next few weeks, it may be appropriate to get all the parties involved together to discuss the interest in the project. Councilmember Larson commended the Finance Committee and noted that, in the course of reviewing this project, they were able to discover new information. He stated that at the retreat, the Public Works Facility was made a priority and the consensus of the Councilmembers was that the most attractive alternative was a joint facility on the Arsenal. Councilmember Larson suggested that it might be helpful for the Council to formalize their desires. He noted, however, considering the difliculties the City has experienced with the Arsenal, if the Finance Committee is going to continue consideration of the project, they should also consider a stand alone alternative. Mayor Probst stated there are essentially two options. The first would be a campus of facilities where each party would have its own buildings and would share fuel and other common needs. He noted that the joint facility does not necessarily mean one building and whether or not the City would be the tirst or second one in cannot yet be determined. He agreed that the next step would be for the group to get together and work out these issues. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 29, 1999 14 Mayor Probst noted that the Minnesota National Guard has done a number joint facilities throughout the State and suggested looking into seeing how they have handled them. Mr. Post pointed out that the City of Montieello has a eommunity eenter that the Minnesota National Guard leases on weekends. Councilmember Aplikowski expressed her concern of how long the City could postpone the construction of a new Public Works facility. She agreed that a joint facility would be bigger and better, but the City needs to know when it will happen. Mr. Mertensotto indicated that the projeet could be accomplished quiekly ifit where a standalone facility. Couneilmember Larson asked, if the Council is interested in pursuing the joint facility, where should the initiative come from, the County or the City. Mayor Probst stated that it is still the City's choice. He noted that the City has not actively pursued this project because there have been too many other issues to deal with. Mayor Probst stated that ifajoint facility is what the City wants, and the City wants to take the lead position, the City should initiate something very soon. If the City waits for the County to move forward, the County will most likely want to take the lead. Councilmember Larson stated, ifthe joint facility is a top priority for 1999, as indicated at the retreat, and there is an opportunity to move forward with the project, the City should do so. Mayor Probst stated this project would be a good opportunity for a Task Force. He indicated that there is the opportunity to move forward and the City should make it clear that it does want to take the lead. Councilmember Aplikowski stated that Staff should move forward with gathering more information. Mayor Probst asked the Councilmembers ifthey wished to take formal action with regard to these diseussions. Councilmember Larson noted it would be difficult, as it is not known what approach to take. Mayor Probst suggested Staff could present a formal action item at the next City Council meeting and, in the mean time, a Task Force could be formed. Couneilmember Aplikowski noted that part of a Task Foree has already been formed and would only need to be added to. Mr. Fritsinger asked if the aetion the Couneil is looking for is more specific to making contacts within the County and proceeding with discussions through the Task Force, or is it also towards initiating the process of determining space needs. Mayor Probst stated that one could not be done without the other. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 29, 1999 15 c. Resolution #99-12, Supporting Repeal of the State Sales Tax for Local Government Purchases Mr. Fritsinger explained that the League of Minnesota Cities has been working for the past three years to build legislative support for the repeal of the sales tax on loeal government purehases. This year, a reeord number of bills have been introdueed to repeal the tax, and eommittees in both the House and Senate have held hearings on the topic. The City has been delaying purehases on a number of items until the 1999 Legislative Session is eoncluded, in hopes that the sales tax is repealed and the City can save some taxpayers dollars. Should the Couneil adopt this Resolution, Staff will forward it to Senator Runbeek and Representative Krinkie. Mr. Fritsinger advised that the Staff reeommends adoption of Resolution #99-12, "Supporting Repeal ofthe State Sales Tax for Local Government Purehases." Mayor Probst asked if the purehases being delayed would be able to wait until June. He noted that this issue would most likely be discussed at the end of the Legislative session. Mr. Fritsinger stated that Staff is trying to hold off until the decision is made, however, some purchases cannot be put off indefinitely. Councilmember Malone asked if it is known whether or not the loeal representatives are in favor the tax repeal. Couneilmember Aplikowski stated that the local representatives unofficially support the tax repeal. MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Rem seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #99-12, Supporting Repeal of the State Sales Tax for Loeal Government Purchases. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS Mr. Fritsinger stated that an on-site auction would be held on April 16, 1999, to sell the equipment acquired with the Indykiewicz property acquisition. The auctioneer, who conducts the State of Minnesota auetions, is familiar with this type of process and will eollect a 10% commission. Mr. Fritsinger stated that this was determined to be the best approach considering the timing issues. Mayor Probst asked if Staff had considered selling the equipment as scrap metal. Mr. Fritsinger stated that this had been considered, however, the equipment is not scrap and the City has the best opportunity to gain more money by holding an auction. He noted that the auctioneer would be advertising the auction in local newspapers. Mr. Fritsinger stated that he had attended the State of the Region with Metropolitan Couneil. He indicated that the meeting was well attended. He did have the opportunity to diseuss with El Tinklenberg some recent transportation issues. Mr. Tinklenberg had indieated that they were not aware of the issues with Shoreview and County Road I, and that he will look into this situation. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 29, 1999 16 COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Larson stated that he had spoken with Mr. Fritsinger regarding the status of the land transfer. Given the faet that the City is working under a 90-day cloek to aceept bids for the new City Hall, it seems the City must have a plan for moving the proeess along. He noted that there is eonfIieting information on whether or not the agreement has been signed. Couneilmember Larson suggested that the City should have a plan in mind to use its eongressional delegation, if necessary. He noted that there is still a lease to negotiate and there is some uneertainty whether the Minnesota National Guard ean eonsummate the lease or if it must go to Washington D.C. He expressed his eoneern for how this will affeet the bids. Mayor Probst suggested that, if an answer is not reeeived this week regarding the status of the agreement, the Couneil should have a plan of action for the next Couneil meeting to be more aggressive in seeking help to move the proeess along. He noted that the information does mateh up to indieate that the deal has been made, however, no one can produce any sort of proof. Couneilmember Larson expressed his eoneern for waiting too long and affeeting the bid proeess for the new City Hall. He suggested that some action should be taken if there is no answer by Wednesday of this week. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the attorney for the National Guard had indicated that information should be reeeived by Thursday of this week. If the City does not hear anything by the end of the week, aetion should then be taken. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the key issue to diseuss with the Minnesota National Guard is determining what opportunities there may be to move ahead with the lease, outside the normal proeess. The lease will need to go to Washington D.C. and hasn't yet beeause the land transfer has not formally taken place. Mr. Fritsinger stated that it would be appropriate to wait until the end ofthe week and, ifnew information were not reeeived, the Staflwould eontaet the Minnesota National Guard. Couneilmember Larson expressed his eoneern for waiting an additional two weeks without taking aetion. He stated that the Couneil should eonsider what the next step would be. Mr. Fritsinger suggested a simple answer might be to eontaet the Congressional Representatives and inquire regarding the status of the transfer. Couneilmember Larson suggested having a member of Congress eontaet the Minnesota National Guard on the City's behalf. Couneilmember Aplikowski noted that the Congressional Representatives are in the State of Minnesota at this time and this would be the time to ask for help. She asked if it would help for her to make some phone ealls. Mr. Fritsinger stated that this might help. Couneilmember Malone noted that the City does not want to aggravate anyone in this proeess. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the inquiry to be made would simply be regarding the status of the land transfer. He indieated that he would not want to discuss the lease issues until there is an opportunity to talk with General LeBlane. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 29, 1999 17 Couneilmember Malone asked if the issues of the lease are substantial. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the biggest issues will be the term and eontrol. There are some minor site plan issues related to the fenee and the grading of the property. Mr. Fritsinger noted that there had been a request for a retro-session and, at this point, the City of Arden Hills has not responded. He suggested that this might need to be finalized prior to addressing the lease. Mayor Probst asked if it would be possible to enter into a lease agreement and work out the identified issues afterwards. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the difficulty would be whether or not the Federal Statute would allow this sort of eontraet. Couneilmember Larson eonfirmed that if the Council ends up having to wait until the next Couneil meeting on April 12, 1999, to take aetion, this would leave two months for the City Hall bid proeess. Mr. Fritsinger stated that this was eorreet. Mayor Probst suggested that, if by the end of the week, Stafffound there are issues, whieh require immediate aetion, the Council ean eall a speeial meeting within two days to take any neeessary action. Couneilmember Aplikowski stated that she had spoken with Mr. Kelley regarding trash piek-up and he has indieated that he wants this to be done on one day only. Mayor Probst stated that the North Metro I-35W Corridor Coalition eontinues to meet every other month and an annual report had been ineluded in the Couneil packets. He indieated that things are going well and there is a great deal of interest in what the Coalition is doing. He offered to provide more complete information if any of the Couneilmembers required it. Mayor Probst stated that the most signifieant development with the I35W Corridor Coalition was that it reeeived the $125,000 grant for GIS software and data. Mayor Probst stated that the City reeeived a request from the Roseville area High School to partieipate finaneially. The High Sehool is hosting the annual National Assoeiation of Student Couneil Conference in June. The estimated cost is $320,000 and they are looking for sponsors to contribute in some way. Aetion needs to be taken on this by April 30, 1999, and Mayor Probst suggested that Staff include this in the agenda for the April 12, 1999, City Couneil meeting. Mayor Probst stated that he had reeeived an invitation for a ground breaking eeremony for a ehurch in Shoreview. Mayor Probst stated that he had received information from a company selling storm water treatment eontrol produets. He passed the information to Staff for eonsideration. Mayor Probst stated that he has been eneouraged to partieipate in the National Mayors Conferenee, however, he will not be attending. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 29, 1999 18 Mayor Probst stated that he had been invited to attend the Minnesota Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday, Mareh 31, 1999 and he will not be able to attend. Mayor Probst stated that he had sent a letter supporting Roger William's eandidaey for the Metropolitan COUlleil position and the seleetion will be announeed soon. Mayor Probst stated that he had reeeived an inquiry regarding National Courtesy benehes. He passed the information on to Staff and suggested the Staff look into the possibility of benehes along trails. Mayor Probst stated that he had received information regarding the Coalition for Healthy Youth neighborhood night. He suggested that the City Council diseuss these events at a future Worksession. He indieated that the City has not historieally been an advoeate for this sort of activity, however, there are a number of neighborhood groups being formed. With regard to the Coalition for Healthy Youth aetivities, Mayor Probst indicated that he has been receiving the mailings that announee meeting dates after the meetings are held. Mayor Probst stated that he had been invited to appear at the tapping of the Tale ofTen Cities, whieh he did. He indieated that this had been followed by a resident of Arden Hills who writes ehildren's books and it had been very interesting. ADJOURN MOTION: Couneilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Larson seeonded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:53 p.m. The motion earried unanimously (5- ). /'/7 >;' /<~ /;F-// ,~, . .--,- ~<. 7' ./ ._C' /,- /~/. <.~.~_.-// \.// / ~ Brian Frltiinger City Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next regular City Couneil meeting will be held Monday, April 12, 1999 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arden Hills Council Chambers.