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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCWS 07-19-1999 . MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA WORKSESSION MONDAY, JULY 19, 1999 4:45 P.M. - CITY HALL, 4364 WEST ROUND LAKE ROAD CALL TO ORDER Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Dennis Probst called to order the City COW1cil Worksession at 4:50 p.m. Present were Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, Gregg Larson, Paul Malone, and Lois Rem; City Administrator, Brian Fritsinger; Assistant to the City Administrator, Kevin Ringwald; Public Works Director, Dwayne Stafford; City Accountant, Terrance Post; Parks and Recreation Director, Thomas J. Moore; City Engineer, Greg Brown; and Administrative Secretary, Sheila Stowell. DISCUSSION ITEMS a. Hil!:hwav 96/10 Desil!:n City Administrator Fritsinger provided an overview of the available options and discussion to- date regarding proposed designs by Ramsey County and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for Highways 96/10; and reviewed the backgroW1d information staff . had provided in the Council packet for the Council's historical review regarding the overall project. Mr. Post mentioned that in the most recent County TIP, the project letting for this portion of Highway 96 reconstruction was scheduled for March, 2001. Mr. Pritsinger introduced Jim Tolaas, Ramsey County Public Works Project Manager, and Mr. Mark Goess, representing MnDOT. Mr. T olaas displayed the overall Arden Hills reconstruction design concepts, stating that the County was at a standstill at present as far as developing a final plan to forward to MnDOT, pending Arden Hills' final approval of a plan. Mr. T olaas stated that Ramsey County and MnDOT had attempted, in this latest design concept, to incorporate regional long-range planning needs. Mr. Tolaas again introduced Mark Goess, MnDOT Planning/Pre-Design Engineer, and Bob Brown, MnDOT State Aid Engineer, who were both in attendance to share in the diseussion of design options for the Highway 96/1 0 corridor area. Diseussion items included the various design options; aecess points; soil contamination near Round Lake; possibility of relaxing City setback requirements so additional mobile homes would not need to be acquired by the COW1ty; noise wall mitigation; trail location and safety; realignment of West Round Lake Road; intersection grades; BRW study; ramp terminals; safety . concerns regarding a grade separation at the intersection of Highways 96 and 10; Highway 10 . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JULY 19, 1999 2 frontage road concept; impact to and potential relocation of single-family homes along the west side of a proposed frontage road; continued capacity increases of Highway 10; necessity for setting the stage for future Mobile Home Park and TCAAP access; a proposed single-point diamond interchange at the I-35W interchange; or continuing the present at-grade crossing. Mr. Tolaas sought Council consensus to allow Ramsey County to prepare and present a final plan to MnDOT for approval. Mr. Tolaas stated that a decision needed to be made now in order for the plans to proeeed, or another option would be for Ramsey County to put the project on hold for up to five years to determine future traffie development in the area. Further discussion items included tumback fund availability and the projected life expeetancy of the earlier thin skin overlay applied to Highway 96 between Lexington Avenue North and Highway 10 as a quick fix. This application has all estimate of 3 - 4 years for the wear life. Mayor Probst expressed his concerns regarding the advance funding the City had provided for the West Round Lake Road intersection project, while awaiting final plans from Ramsey County and the implementation of a reimbursement agreement for that project. Mayor Probst expressed further concern regarding the continuing delays and lack of consensus between the City, Ramsey Cormty and MnDOT as they have affected nwnerous property owners along Highway 10 and within the Arden Manor Mobile Home Park facing potential relocation; and the need to come to . closure and provide a timetable to the community for the benefit of residents. Mr. Tolaas reiterated that the County would require a specific project to identify a fW1ding source prior to reimbursing the City for those expenditures. Mr. Tolaas estimated that, once all parties came to an agreement, design work should require six to nine months, at which time funding sources would be pursued. At that point, a projected timetable could be implemented, and Ramsey County would aggressively pursue funding sourees. Mr. Tolaas emphasized the necessity for City approval of a plan. Mr. Fritsinger stated that it was his understanding that the original plan had been approved by the City and then the City and Cormty had agreed that further long-term consideration be given and MnDOT consulted regarding a more regional transportation pla11, rather than only being concerned with the Arden Hills portion of the project. Mayor Probst requested clarification from Mr. Tolaas on the responsibility for costs related to right-of-way acquisition. Mr. Tolaas informed the City Cormcil that the City would most likely be responsible for any right-of~way acquisition costs. Mr. Brown eoncurred with Mr. Tolaas on the funding for any project, projecting that MnDOT would fund approximately half of the contraet administration; up to 90% of the construction costs for streets, water and sewer; and the City would be responsible for right-of-way acquisition. Mr. Brown further spoke to MnDOT concerns regarding future development of TCAAP . property; cost of clean up at TCAAP and ROW1d Lake; projected traffic generation depending on ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JULY 19, 1999 3 . the type of development; and the need for high-capacity access to Hwy. I O. Mr. Brown emphasized that the importance, from MnDOT's perspective, is basically safety and a plan that provides an opportunity to eliminate any of those major safety issues. Mr. Brown stated that, MnDOT was favorable of the minimal projected cost increments to make these safety revisions at this time. Mr. Brown stated that a grade separation focuses more traffic to the 1-3 5W intersection; and assists with pedestrian and bicycle traffic safety issues; and future TCAAP development. Councilmember Malone reminded COW1cilmembers, COW1ty and MnDOT representatives that grade separation was suggested by the City Council at the early stage, as early as 1994. Mayor Probst expressed his concern that Ramsey COW1ty is apparently forcing the City to make a decision, and then requiring the City to handle the right-of-way acquisition costs, in spite ofthe City having already advance-funded the costs for the West Round Lake Road intersection project in its entirety. COW1cilmember Malone stated that MnDOT seemed to lack a consensus among its representatives on the merits of any specific safety issue, with the City observing them fluetuating from one point to another. Mr. Malone emphasized that he felt the City should expeet no less than a written agreement with MnDOT and Ramsey County regarding their transportation plans or intentions as TCAAP develops. Mr. Malone expressed his perception of a lack of eredibility with MNDOT, given the City's experience with the agency on this project. . At this point, Cowlcilmembers and staff reviewed several options for a more regional transportation plan with various alternatives and the projected development timetable of the area. Eaeh Councilmember expressed their ideas and concerns, with the general consensus being that the design should meet the City's specific needs and consider the ultimate costs in access and money to the City, while recognizing and incorporating those of the entire transportation area. Mr. Brown stated that regarding overall funding, MnDOT would stand behind core improvements with additional paybacks dependent on justification, at which point splits would be assigned. Other than that, he could provide no fW1ding guarantees. Mayor Probst reviewed the apparent two options available to the City, a short-term or a long- term solution, or tabling the entire project for up to five years. Mr. Fritsinger stated that, even if the Army should deeide against the excessing of the TCAAP property, its probable Federal reuse would also have an impact on future traffic. Councilmember Aplikowski expressed her concerns regarding the displacement of residents and them not remaining in the community. Mr. Ringwald suggested that an overall regional transportation plan be developed that involved . the State of Minnesota and it's various agencies, including MnDOT, Metropolitan COW1cil, and . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JULY 19, 1999 4 others that addressed high density housing; commercial activities; transportation concerns, and other State concerns incorporated in its Livable Communities Program. Mr. Brown stated that he understood the City's distrust ofMnDOT and that it was not unwarranted. However Mr. Brown expressed MnDOT's commitment to support the City in its current endeavors. After further discussion, Mayor Probst stated that the COW1cil needed to re-examine the philosophical issues as they related to the City and the region, to determine ifthe Council was in agreement with pursuing this broader picture. Mayor Probst suggested that there would be no closure on an option at this meeting, but expressed the COW1cil's appreciation of those County and MnDOT representatives in attendance. Mayor Probst further suggested that the COW1cil continue and try to finalize this discussion at a future Council Worksession, at which point they could consider options for additional studies. Mr. Tolaas stated that MnDOT was continuing its transportation study of the entire 1-35W corridor. Mr. Fritsinger asked for clarification from the City Council for Ramsey County and staff dircction regarding publieizing of an informational meeting, or just COW1cil discussion at a Worksession. . Further discussion ensued, with Mayor Probst stating that the Council needed to give this issue further consideration, and the City would contact Ramsey COW1ty and MnDOT upon completion of their study of various options. b. 2000 Budl!:et/CIP Mr. Fritsinger provided an overview and update of staffs continued work on the 2000 Budget and five year CIP. Several bench handouts were provided for COW1cil review and information. Mr. Post presented a bar graph with proposed CIP expenditures by year and by department for the years 2000 - 2004. Mr. Post then reviewed various spreadsheets and staff assumptions by department. Mr. Post requested Council comment on the specific items identified by staff for 2000 Budget consideration. Mr. Post advised that the 2000 Administration CIP Budget was driven by three major components; City Hall; a proposed Public Works/Parks maintenance facility; and cost participation in the I-35W bridge reconstruetion. Mr. Post advised that the City had not received an approved CIP from the Lake Joharma Volunteer Fire Department (LJVFD) Fire Board, but it was assumed the City would be obligated to provide capital funds for bay floor resurfacing and purchase ofa Fire Marshal's vehicle in . 2000. --------- . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JULY 19, 1999 5 Discussion items for the Administration CIP Budget included the utilization of the TCAAP monies by the LJVFD and future retrocession; and the projected purchase or capital lease of a City Hall copier. Mr. Post advised that the 2000 Public Works CIP Budget was driven by two major components; Pavement Management Plan (PMP) reconstruction and completion of the residential water meter replacement project. Discussion items for the Public Works CIP Budget as related to the PMP included, later West Round Lake Road Phase II reconstruction; utility W1dergroW1ding; judicious prioritization of roadwork as related to MSA construction funds; COW1ty Road improvements within the City; consideration of cost-sharing options with other commW1ities for the SCADA system or asphalt hotbox items. Mr. Post advised that the Parks CIP Budget included four major discussion issues: that Arden Manor Park improvements would occur in 1999; that COW1cil would authorize a redevelopment plan lor Hazelnut and Ingerson Parks before capital items are committed to those locations; that Council approve purehase of a :y; ton 4-wheel drive 1999 pick up replacement for the existing y, ton 2-wheel drive 1991 Chevrolet (#45); and potential delays in obtaining Gateway trail easements will push the project into 2000. . Mr. Moore advised Councilmembers of his and Mr. Post's most recent discussions with Mr. Husnik, Arden Manor Mobile Home Park owner, and his daughter regarding park improvements and cost participation from Mr. Husnik. Mr. Moore stated that Mr. Husnik's daughter expressed her overall support of the program, with concluding conversations providing Mr. Husnik's commitment to provide $10,000 toward the necessary drainage requirements, and his commitment to provide additional funding of$15,000 conditioned on the City's eliminating the swimming pool Special Use Permit requirement. Mr. Post concurred with Mr. Moore's overall report of the meeting. On a further note, Mr. Post advised Couneilmembers that the City's Park Development Fund had recently been the recipient of a total of $7,000 in charitable gambling funds from the Earthstar Project toward the Arden Manor Park redevelopment. Mr. Husnik had also suggested revisions to the placement ofthe land bridge in the park redesign. Discussion items included, whether to install only removable playstructure equipment, and provide a hard surface court, or to not pursue the project at this time; the need for recreational facilities for children living in this mobile home commW1ity, due to them not having safe access to other facilities within the City; and proeeeding with the Arden Manor Park improvements in the 1999/2000 season, with grading this fall, and playstructure installation this fall or in the spring depending on the weather. Mr. Moore updated the Council on the Gateway trail and ongoing negotiations with Scholl's for . an easement. Mr. Moore stated that he and BR W staff had staked the area under consideration ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JULY 19, 1999 6 . for an easement. Mr. Moore and Mr. Fritsinger had met with the property owners and tenants, and negotiations were continuing. Mr. Greg Brown, ofBRW, stated that as an alternate location for this 12' x 400' trail, his firm had approached U.S. Fish and Wildlife for possible trail location, but they didn't appear to be very receptive, and if the City needed to relocate the proposed trail, further negotiation with U.S. Fish & Wildlife would be required. Mr. Fritsinger stated that, to-date, the City had met all ofSeholl's requests, and that if necessary, it would be reasonable for the City to pay the Scholl's firm for this requested easement. It was the eonsensus that, due to delays, development of this trail extension would prove to be a 2000 expenditure, rather than a 1999 expenditure. Mr. Post also noted that, in the Park Maintenance Fund, staff had included installation costs by the manufacturer for all future playstructure replacements. General discussion items included realistic projected construction costs for the proposed maintenance facility and the options of leasing or building, or of prepaying the lease with capital; monument signs at the entrances to the City, or at City Hall; trees from TCAAP; and landscaping the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Highway 96 without signage. . Mr. Post stated that a Fund Balance cash flow analysis would be available at the next Council budget discussion. Staff was directed to proceed with the revised CIP, as reviewed with cash flow impacts, along with additional proposed operating budget information for the next budget mecting. Mr. Post provided a final review for several 2000 Budget operating issues including, Elections; projeeted Pay Plan administration, fire protection costs with the City assuming liability for capital eosts; Ramsey COW1ty Law Enforcement budget projections, projecting a 4 - 4.4% increase, possible alternatives related to level of poliee protection service and other Contract City Group concerns Mr. Post listed several other items that would impact the target of a "zero" percent levy limit target as earlier suggested by Councilmember Larson, including the recent addition of a shared Building Inspector position with the City of Shoreview, and the previously authorized addition of a y, time support position. Further discussion included the Council ehallenge for determining their philosophy; current building permit revenues; manpower hours in the Public Works Department and the requested public level of service; cost savings in infrastructure maintenance areas; and crisis management vs. plarmed maintenance. . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JULY 19, 1999 7 . Mayor Probst stated that he would be interested in understanding to what extent the aging of our infrastrueture is causing additional strain on City resources. Staff was directed to schedule a 2000 BudgetlCIP discussion at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, August 9, 1999, prior to the regularly seheduled Council1l1eeting at 7:30 p.m. c. Codification, Chaoters 8 and 10 Councilmembers and staff reviewed Chapters 8 and 10 ofthe proposed Municipal Code revisions as presented in a staff memorandum on utilities as prepared by Mr. Post and Mr. Stafford. Mr. Fritsinger stated he would forward the revisions and additional comments to the League of Minnesota Cities for continued preparation of a final draft. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS ROl!:er Williams Request, 3450 Siems Court Mr. Fritsinger requested Council direction on Mr. Williams' request for eonsideration of an . exception to the Arden Hills Ordinance addressing recreational vehicle storage. Staff was directed to notify Mr. Williams that he needed to follow procedure in submitting a request for a variance through the Planning Commission, as would be required of any resident in the City. Operations and Finance Committec Councilmember, and Operations and Finance Committee Liaison, Bev Aplikowski presented Mayor Probst with an additional applicant for the Committee, and a recommendation that the applicant, Mr. Mark Kelliher, be appointed Chairperson, with Mr. Zimmerman appointed as Vice Chair. Staff was direeted to add this appointment to the July 26, 1999 Council Agenda. Uocominl!: Meetinl!:s Mayor Probst shared an invitation to the Suburban Chamber and Metropolitan Council Forum scheduled for the afternoon of Monday, July 26, 1996, and encouraged Councilmembers to attend. Friskies Odor Comulaints . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JULY 19, 1999 8 Staff was directed to serve a polite, but firm, written notiee to the Friskies Company under the City's nuisance ordinance, that the City COW1cil will be a11ticipating an application forwarded to the Plamling Commission in the near future to facilitate corrective action to the concerns of City residents. Bethel Park Development Mayor Probst advised COW1cilmembers that he and Mr. Fritsinger would be meeting with Bethel representatives prior to the upcoming Parks and Recreation Committee on July 27, 1999. Mayor Probst stated he was anticipating attending the Committee meeting as well, to determine their plans to the City Council. New Citv Hall Construction Mayor Probst updated the Council on the progress of the Legislation, with the Bill still in Conference Committee; paperwork required prior to construction start; and also reported that he was continuing discussions with the Department of Army's representative, Paul Woodhouse, prior to a final Council decision on the construction contract. Citv Administrator's Resil!nation . Mayor Probst acknowledged the resignation of Mr. Fritsinger. Mayor Probst addressed several of the significant pending issues; the COW1cil' s desired process for selecting a new City Administrator; and interim plans, with Mr. Post agreeing to accept the position ofInterim City Administrator. Staff was directed to add formal aetions related to the City Administrator's position on a regular Council Agenda prior to the August 13, 1999 effective resignation date. Mayor Probst indicated that, as in the past, Mr. Post's salary would be augmented to reflect the additional duties he would be assuming. Mr. Fritsinger advised Councilmembers that his start date with the City of Cloquet was flexible and he would be available, if needed, by the City of Arden Hills during the interim. Mr. Fritsinger shared several of the hiring procedures used by the City of Cloquet for eonsideration by the COW1cil. Mayor Probst requested that Councilmembers give thought over the next few weeks as to how they wanted to proceed with thc hiring process and to prepare a list of the critical issues they felt needed to be addressed; advertising focus; consideration of advertising for State of Miill1esota candidates and only using the League of Miill1esota Cities Bulletin; press releases; and timing. Mayor Probst scheduled a meeting the following morning with all City staffto aill10W1Ce the . Council's intentions. . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JULY 19, 1999 9 It was the eonsensus of the Councilmembers that payout in regular hi-weekly pay for W1used vacation leave he made as requested hy Mr. Fritsinger, rather than a lump sum payment. ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmemher Rem seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:00 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . .