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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 09-27-1999 . . . MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 27, 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 7:31 p.m. Present: Mayor Dennis Probst, Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, Gregg Larson, Paul Malone, and Lois Rem. Absent: None Also present were Interim City Administrator, Terrance Post; Public Works Director, Dwayne Stafford; and Associate Planner, Nancy Randall; and Recording Secretary, Lori Rolfson. ADOPT AGENDA MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Larson seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the September 27, 1999, regular City Council meeting. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). CONSENT CALENDAR A. Claims and Payroll MOTION: Councilmemher Malone moved and Councilmemher Larson 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. There were no public comments. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Planning Case #99-04, City of Arden Hills, Neighborhood Business District, Ordinance #315, Zoning Ordinance Amendment Ms. Randall explained that the City of Arden Hills requested that the City Council approve Ordinance #3 I 5 which would create a Neighborhood Business District. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 27,1999 2 Neighborhood Business designates small, isolated areas for neighborhood commercial land uses when they are compatible with surrounding residential uses. Commercial uses that are high traffic generators, noise generators or othcrwise not compatible with residential neighborhoods, are inappropriate. Typically, Neighborhood Business areas will be located in intersections or nodes that are on the edge of residential areas, are not desirable sites for housing or have traditionally been occupied with neighborhood services. The City for some time has been contemplating the future of several commercial comers within the community. During the Comprehensive Plan Update process in 1998, the City Council discussed the creation of a Neighborhood Business District. Over the past several months the City staff has been working with the Planning Commission and has held discussion meetings including a public hearing for the Neighborhood Business District. The Planning Commission previously identified and discussed seven sites within the community that should be considered for inclusion into the Neighborhood Business District. The seven sites are as follows: . The northeast corner of County Road E and Old Highway 10, currently the Lindey's Restaurant, zoned B-2, General Business . The northeast corner of County Road D and Cleveland Avenue, currently vacant, zoned B-2, General Business . The north corner of County Road D, New Brighton Road and Lake Johanna Boulevard, currently the Java Jungle coffee shop, zoned B-2, General Business . The northeast corner of County Road E2 and New Brighton Road, currently the Baptist Conference Council offices and the Ramsey County Library, zoned R-I, Single Family . The soutlleast corner of County Road E2 and 1-35W, currently vacant, zoned B-1, Limitcd Business . Highway 96 west of Hamline Avenue, currently the City Maintcnance Facility, a Daycare and vacant, zoned B-1, Limited Business, and R-l, Single Family . 4703 Highway 10, currently the Big Ten Supper Club, zoned B-2, General Business At this time staff was asking that the Zoning Ordinance be amended to include a new Neighborhood Business District. Once the District has been established, staff may start the process ofrezoning the above parcels. The Planning Commission requcsted staff follow up on the definition of a Tavern, which would not be allowed in the Neighborhood Business District. There is not a definition of Tavern in the State Statute or City Code. The Webster's dictionary defines tavern as an establishment where alcoholic liquors are sold to be drunk on the premises. The intent of Planning Commission was to allow restaurants to serve alcohol, but not have a full bar or be a bar that serves little food. The Webster's definition would not allow for a restaurant to serve alcohol. Staff would recommend modifying the recommended Ordinance #3 I 5 Section V, H, 2, c to state: "...Automobile related business, liquor stores, and restaurants exceeding 40 percent in gross liquor receipts of the total food and liquor receipts, would not be allowed in the Neighborhood Business District." ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 27, 1999 3 . Ms. Randall advised that the Planning Commission recommended approval of Planning Case #99-04, Neighborhood Business District, conditioned on the word "business" being added after the word "related" in Section A, 2, c. And that staff further define taverns, either to be consistent with existing State Law definitions, or to establish its own definition for the purposes of this Zoning Ordinance. Ms. Randall stated that statTrecommends the City Council approve Planning Case #99-04 and direct staff to publish Ordinance #3 I 5 with the modifications as stated. A summary for publication was attached to the staff report. Mayor Probst noted that the growing notion of urban villages, similar to the proposed Neighborhood Business District, tend to pull the businesses closer to the streets with the parking to the rear. However, the setbacks described in the proposed Ordinance do not seem to encourage this. He asked if this had been discussed by the Planning Commission. Ms. Randall stated that at the Planning Commission level there had not been much discussion regarding parking to the front versus building to the front. The discussions regarding setbacks had centered more around building setbacks from the residents than from the streets. The Planning Commission chose to allow a 20 foot front yard setback which is less than the setback allowed for any other Business Districts. . Mayor Prohst stated that a new building being constructed in Roseville at the corner of County Road D and Fairview A venue is more in keeping with the current model of the type of development being discussed. Councilmember Larson asked if a developer of a Neighborhood Business District property would still have the option of using a planned unit development in order to accomplish a type of development being described by Mayor Probst. Ms. Randall stated that a property owner would have thc option of going through the planned unit development process it they felt that the Neighborhood Business District would fit and could design a development that would meet the intent being discussed. Mayor Probst stated that he was very happy with the proposed Ordinance and its intent. He was concerned that if the District was setup with the standard setbacks, a typical developer will use these setbacks as a baseline. However, ifthe District were to have requirements that would allow a development similar to the new construction on County Road D and Fairview A venue, this would allow a starting point that would not require requests for variances in order to achieve this sort of development. He stated that the Java Jungle site will be difficult to deal with and he was not sure anyone would be willing to remove the current building and redevelop the site. He felt that thc City should encourage building to the front of the property with the parking to the rear. Having the building backing up to a residential area with a large expanse of pavement to the front would not be pedestrian fricndly. . Councilmember Rem stated that the Planning Commission had considered whether it would be preferable to have a building or a parking lot adjacent to the residential areas. The Planning . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 27, 1999 4 Commission had believed it would be better to have a building with landscaping adjacent to homes. She agreed that some of the lots being considered for rezoning would lend themselves to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. However, those lots located on busier intersections would most likely see more vehicle traffic and the Planning Commission felt it more suitable for the parking to be to the front of these lots. With regard to the property at the northwest corner of County Road D and Cleveland Avenue, Mayor Probst stated that the owner ofthis New Brighton site has opted to rcmove the old building and build a new one. The building will be to the rear of the site with the parking to the front. From an outcome standpoint, this had not been what he had envisioned for the Neighborhood Business District. However, he felt that the proposed 20 foot setback may be acceptable considering that it does allow a building to be 30 feet closer than allowed in any other Business District. He stated that he was comfortable with the remainder of the Ordinance and requested the opinions ofthe other Councilmembers regarding the setbacks. Councilmember Larson stated that he was comfortable with the proposed Ordinance as long as staIT was able to offer the option to a developer to develop a site similar to the site in Roseville at County Road D and Fairview Avenue. Couneilmember Aplikowski stated that she would miss neighborhood taverns as she believed that these were good gathering placcs for families. She found it interesting that there had been no definition for the word tavcrn. Her only concern regarding parking was that when parking is placed to the rear of a business it can be difficult to access witll the number of turns needed to be made. She felt that if parking is to be to the rear it must be easily accessed and there must be plenty of space. She stated that she prefers buildings being placed to the rear with landscaped parking lots to the front. Councilmember Larson asked why mining would be allowed with a special use permit in the Neighborhood Business District as well as all other Zoning Districts. He was unable to envision what sort of mining use would fit in a residential area. Ms. Randall stated she believed that there are certain parameters within the State Law that require the City to allow mining in all districts to a certain extent. Limitations can be placed which was the reason for the special use permit requirement. Councilmember Larson noted that the Neighborhood Business District allowed research facilities with a special use permit. He stated that when he thinks of a neighborhood business, he thinks of a business that provides neighborhood services. He felt that some of the uses allowed with special use permits do not fit in the category of being a neighborhood service business. He asked if this had been discussed by the Planning Commission. Ms. Randall stated that the uses that would be permitted or not permitted had been determined by the Plarming Commission. The Planning Commission had been provided forms to fill out to state their preferences. This information was collected by staff and staff included or excluded those uses according to the overwhelming responses. She stated that some definitions of uses where quite broad and may include uses tllat could be acceptable in a Neighborhood Business District. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 27, 1999 5 Councilmember Larson stated that he was comfortable with the Land Use Chart, however, he had wondered if the Planning Commission had wanted the Neighborhood Business District to be areas that provide neighborhood services or something other than that. Ms. Randall stated that the intent ofthe Planning Commission had been primarily for neighborhood services. However, the Planning Commission had also wanted to take the property owner into consideration. The Planning Commission had not wanted to tie the hands of the property owners. The intent was to allow a variety of uses as long as they will fit well within a neighborhood. With regard to the property at County Road E2 and New Brighton Road, Councilmember Larson wondered how the neighbors would feel if these two institutional uses were redeveloped into a retail development. He stated that he would be surprised if this would be found acceptable in this area. Since retail is a permitted use in the Neighborhood Business District, he wondered about the inclusion ofthis site in the District. Ms. Randall stated that the County Road E2 and New Brighton Road site had been discussed by the Planning Commission and had been an area of concern for a resident at the public hearing. She stated that the site was currently zoned R-l and, if the Library or the Baptist Council were to move out, anyone wanting to continue to utilize the buildings as they currently are would have to req uest rezoning. The Planning Commission felt tllat a property owner in this situation would not request the Neighborhood Business District Zoning, rather they would most likely request another Business Zoning District. It was felt that ifthe future parameters ofthis property were spelled out in advance, it would be less likely that a developer would request a use that would be more of a nuisance to the residents. Ms. Randall stated that when it comes time to consider rezoning, this site will likely receive a great deal of discussion. She noted that the zoning could be Icft as is with an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. At this time all seven identified sites have been designated in the Comprehensive Plan as Neighborhood Business District and it wi!! have to be determined which of the sites are to be rezoned and which are to remain as currently zoned. Councilmember Larson asked if a public hearing will be held for each individual site or will there be one hearing to consider all seven sites. Ms. Randall stated that the process could be handled either way. However, with the number of residents that attended the public hearing for the Ordinance, she believed that staff may separate the sites into certain groups. Staff will most likely consider the sites that will be the least objectionable first at one time. The other sites that may cause more discussion will be considered individually. She stated that residents will be invited to the public hearings within 350 feet of each site, as well as the property owners. Ms. Randa!! stated that intent of the Planning Commission was to take a closer look at each site to determine whether they were conforming or nonconforming at this time. Stall will be evaluating square footage's and setbacks now versus what would be aIlowed under the Neighborhood Business District and whether or not current uses would fit in the Neighborhood Business District. With regard to the issue of buildings to the front or rear, Councilmember Malone stated this had not been discussed in depth by the Planning Commission. He indicated one concern that had ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 27, 1999 6 . been brought up was headlights shining into the windows of homes. He stated that he tends to lean toward buildings being to the front as this makes the appearance more inviting. He wondered what could be done with the setbacks to encourage this sort of development. Mayor Probst stated that with somc of the locations being considered the buildings could be brought up to the front property line. He noted that in most urban areas sidewalks are located in the right-of-way. Depending upon the specific location and what the right-of-way consists of: he felt that a 20 foot setback may be acceptable. Councilmember Malone stated that the creation of a Neighborhood Business District was a good idea and would be an improvement for some of the identified sites as well as the City of Arden Hills. He suggested that the Ordinance remain as is and that it be made known that the City Council wished to be flexible in dealing with variances for front yard setbacks in order to encourage buildings being constructed to the front of the properties. Mayor Probst stated that the logic behind the Neighborhood Business District was to provide for a more pedestrian friendly area which would typically include sidewalks. He pointed out that the City of Arden Hills currently has no sidewalks and any pedestrian traffic is typically in the street. Councilmember Rem pointed out that the Neighborhood Business District requires sidewalks and bike racks to be installed. She wondered if it would make sense to construct partial sidewalks in front of these businesses with no connections, or if it would be better to hold off on sidewalks until future connections are available to City trails. . Mayor Probst stated that there is a City trail that leads to the County Road D and Cleveland Avenue site and there are other trails that come close to other sites. He felt that the requirement of sidewalks would be easier to handle during a development approval process rather than waiting for futurc connections. Mayor Probst suggested proceeding as proposed by Councilmember Malone by either adding a statement to the Ordinance or to the motion. Councilmember Aplikowski stated that she did not feel that sidewalks should be a requirement if all entrances are to be behind the buildings. Councilmember Malone noted that there could be entrances on both sides. MOTION: Couneilmember Larson moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve Planning Case #99-04, Neighborhood Business District, conditioned on: 1. The word "business" being added atter thc word "related" in Section A, 2, c. Section V, H, 2, c being modilied to state: "Automobile related business, liquor stores, and restaurants exceeding 40 percent in gross liquor receipts of the total food and liquor receipts would not be allowed in the Neighborhood Business District." 2. . . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 27, 1999 7 And to direct staITto publish Ordinance #315 and summary of the OrclinaI1ce with the modilications as stated above. Councilmember Malone requested an amendment to the motion to state that, in adopting this Ordinance, the current City Council feels that under certain circumstances variances may be appropriate in order to encourage the placement of buildings closer to the roadway with the parking to the rear. Councilmembers Larson and Aplikowski concurred with the amendment. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Probst commended staff and the Planning Commission for the work involved in creating the new Zoning District which will be a positive aspect to the City. B. Resolution #99-32, Providing for the Issuance and Sale of Senior Housing Revenue Bonds to Provide Funds for a Senior Housing and Health Care Project (Presbyterian Homes of Arden Hills, Inc. Project) Mr. Post explained that the City of Arden Hills was being asked to issue and sell a total of $25,766,000 in two bond issues for Presbyterian Homes of Arden Hills, Inc. in order to provide financing with respect to costs of the refinancing, acquisition, construction or renovation for housing and/or health care facilities at several locations. These facilities are located in Arden Hills, Little Canada, Spring Park and Bloomington, Minnesota, and Ankeny, Iowa. The City has, on several occasions, worked with Presbyterian Homes to help facilitate the issuance of Revenue Bonds. This action being requested of the City Council will be the last in a series of steps taken thus far this year regarding this issue. The original projection by Presbyterian Homes had been approximately $32,000,000 and has been reduced according to their current projected needs. Mr. Post stated that he had been in contact with both the Presbyterian Homcs as well as U.S. Bank Corporation and had learned that Presbyterian Homes had been able to successfully obtain title insurance for all the properties. Mr. Post advised that the City Council was being asked to adopt Resolution #99-32 entitled, "Resolution Providing for the Issuance and Sale of Senior Housing Revenue Bonds to Provide Funds for a Senior Housing and Health Care Project (Presbyterian Homes of Arden Hills, Inc. Project)," substantially in the form presented subject to non-substantial changes being approved by the City Attorney and Interim City Administrator; and authorize Mayor and Interim City Administrator to execute all necessary documentation. Mr. Post stated that Mr. Mark Meyer, representing Presbyterian Homes of Arden Hills, Inc., was available to answer questions. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 27,1999 8 . Councilmember Larson asked if this development included the proposed joint project with Northwestern College. Mr. Meyer stated that this project was separate from the joint Northwestern College project. Councilmember Larson requested confirmation that the Northwestern College project was for a four story building. Mr. Meyer stated that this was correct. Councilmember Malone stated that he had not realized the soccer fields, north of County Road D, were owned by Presbyterian Homes. He requested confirmation that the City has used these fields in the past. Mr. Post stated that the City of Arden Hills has used these soccer fields on an occasional basis and has not used them at all this year. Councilmember Malone asked if it would be possible for the City to request that the Parks and Recreation Department participate in the scheduling of the soccer fields. Mr. Meyer stated that the scheduling for the soccer fields had been turned over to Northwestern College. He indicated that the reason the fields were not in use this year was because the College has installed irrigation systems and has re-seeded the fields. Once the fields are ready, they will be made available for use by the City of Arden Hills. . Mayor Probst stated that one issue for the Parks and Recreation Department is that Northwestern College is currently scheduling the use of the fields and difficulties arise because the college straddles the boundaries of Arden Hills and Roseville. He asked if there was an agreement with a term between Northwestern College and Presbyterian Homes, and ifthere was the possibility of the Arden Hills Parks and Recreation Department becoming the programming agent. Mr. Meyer stated that there was no term to the agreement with Northwestern College. I-Ie indicated that Presbyterian Homes has been encouraging the College to allow the City use of tlle property in Arden Hills. MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #99-32, Providing for the Issuance and Sale of Senior Housing Revenue Bonds to Provide Funds for a Senior Housing and Health Care Project (Presbyterian Homes of Arden Hills, Inc. Project), substantially in the form presented, subject to non-substantial changes being approved by the City Attorney and Interim City Administrator; and authorize Mayor and Interim City Administrator to execute all necessary documentation. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). C. Resolution #99-33, Requesting Ramsey County to Restrict Parking along a Portion of County Road I Mr. Stafford explained that this request was similar to a previous Resolution adopted by the City Council for the Cleveland A venue railroad bridge. In both cases the road does not meet the standards for parking on either side. Ramsey County, in cooperation with the City of Shoreview and Arden Hills, is proposing the reconstruction of County Road I, between I-35W and Schutta Road. The County is asking that the City of Arden Hills pass a Resolution to restrict the parking along County Road I in order for the County to receive state aid approval of the project. . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 27, 1999 9 . Mr. Stafford advised that staff recommends the City Council adopt Resolution #99-33, Requesting Ramsey County to Restrict Parking along a Portion of County Road I and authorize Mayor and Interim City Administrator to execute all necessary documentation. Councilmember Malone suggested that, if the City Council adopted the proposed Resolution, it would be appropriate for the City to request a memorandum of understanding Irom the City of Shoreview regarding financial cooperation with future improvements that cross over city lines. He noted that the City of Arden Hills is being expected to fund the portion of County Road I that lies within the City. He stated that neither Ramsey County or the City of Shoreview is paying attention to the City of Arden HiIIs with regard to access to County Road I and future development of the Arsenal. He felt that the City of Arden Hills had no other leverage but to request such a letter of understanding as a condition of approving the Resolution. He noted that when the Target store in Shoreview was constructed, the City of Arden Hills shared in the cost of required traffic lights. . Councilmember Larson confirmed that the suggestion was that the City receive assurance that therc be a joint undertaking of improvements at the north end of the Arsenal property. He asked Couneilmember Malone ifhe had been concerned that Ramsey County and the City of Shoreview would expect the City of Arden HiIIs to fund and perform all the work. Councilmember Malone stated that this was a possibility. He stated that he would like to receive a memorandum of understanding from Ramsey County and the City of Shoreview stating that they are aware that the Arsenal at some point will develop. As a result of this development there wiII likely be a frontage road that will intersect with County Road I, at or near Schutta Road. If these organizations cooperate with their share of the improvements, this will allow the construction to take place. Councilmember Malone stated that the memorandum he was recommending would not make Ramsey County or the City of Shoreview liable for any certain expenditures. Rather it wiII provide the City of Arden HiIIs some assurance of future participation. Couneilmember Larson confirmed that Couneilmember Malone was suggesting that it be a condition of approving the proposed Resolution that a memorandum of understanding be signed by both Ramsey County and the City of Shoreview. Councilmember Malonc stated that he did not feel this would be too much to ask. He requested confirmation that the City of Arden HiIls will be involved in the funding of the County Road I reconstruction project. Mr. Post stated that the southern portion of County Road I from 1-35W to Schutta Road does include cost participation by the City of Arden Hills. Councilmember Malone pointed out that this portion of County Road I is not heavily traveled by Arden Hills traffic. Councilmember Aplikowski concurred with Councilmember Malone's suggestion, providing that the issue can be handled in a inoffensive way. She felt that this request would be timely and it would be good lor Arden Hills to be taken into consideration. . Mayor Probst agreed that this would be a reasonable request. Considering situations with the WisPark development and Highway 96 reconstruction, he felt it would be important for the City of Arden Hills to obtain some assurance of participation. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 27, 1999 10 . Mr. Stafford offered to draft a memorandum for review by the City Council. Mr. Post suggested that the City Council not take action on the Resolution this evening. This would allow City staff to meet with represcntatives of Ramsey County and the City of Shoreview and for an agreement to be available at the time of Rcsolution approval. Councilmember Malone asked if the State of Minnesota should also be included in the agreement. Mr. Stafford stated that this project pertains to the County portion of the road only. Councilmember Larson asked if the City of Shore view needed to be included in the agreement and if Arden Hills would be asking them for anything specific. Couneilmember Malone stated that the plan for the development of the Arsenal includes a road out to County Road I near Schutta Road which will require all intersection. Ramsey County will be responsible for two legs of this intersection and the Cities of Arden Hills and Shoreview will each be responsible for one leg. Typically this would result in the cost being shared according to the responsibility of each portion of the intersection. He reiterated that the memorandum would not attempt to encumber any funds, it would simply assure that the other organizations involved are aware of certain expectations. He noted that the City of Shoreview ignored future development plans for the Arsenal when updating their Comprehensive Plan. MOTION: Couneilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to direct staff to meet with representatives of Ramsey County and the City of Shoreview in order to forge a memorandum of understanding regarding the impact offuturc dcvelopment of the Arsenal on County Road I and, with this understanding, give direction towards their willingness to cooperate with their portions of future intersection development. The motion carried unanimously (5- 0). . D. Water Quality Task Force, Appointment of Chairperson Councilmember Larson stated that the Water Quality Task Force held its first meeting on Thursday, September 23, 1999 and that there had been a good turn out. The primary focus ofthe meeting had been regarding the charge adopted by the City COLlncil for the Task Force. Some members of the Task Force were concerned that the charge was too general. The Task Force decided to spend the next two months looking at a variety of issues. At that point the decision will be made whether or not the Task Force should focus on something more specific or to follow the more general approach as suggested by the City Council. Councilmember Larson stated that at the meeting volunteers were requested to serve as Chairperson. The only volunteer was Roger Aiken who was very enthusiastic about the position. The Task Force voted to appoint Mr. Aiken as Chairperson, however, Councilmember Larson stated that he was not sure this had been an appropriate procedure. MOTION: Councilmember Larson moved and Couneilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to appoint Mr. Roger Aiken as Chairman of the Water Quality Task Force. . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 27, 1999 11 . Mayor Probst stated that, although the City Council has performed the appointments for committces and Task Forces over the past several years, this has not been an explicit requirement. Councilmember Aplikowski expressed her belief that Mr. Aiken would be capable of chairing the Water Quality Task Force and that the issues of the Task Force fall within his realm of expertise. Her only concern was that Mr. Aiken would do all the work himself and not delegate to other Task Force members. She did not feel that this concern would affect his ability to chair the Task Force. COlmeilmember Malone stated that he was not confident in Mr. Aiken's ability to chair the Task Force. He had reviewed work performed by Mr. Aiken on water quality issues and felt that the outcome was random and often with no point. He felt that this was a critical Task Force and that the City Council reserved the right to appoint a Chairperson that will achieve accomplishments for the City. Councilmember Larson stated that, although he has not always been in agreement with Mr. Aiken on issues that have been before the City Council, he did not feel these were strong enough reasons to believe that Mr. Aikcn could not perform the functions of Chairperson of the Task Force. He pointed out that the position is a committee job and, in order for the Task Force to be successful, it needed someone who was willing to be the Chairperson. It was his belief that the members of the Task Force have balanced viewpoints and he was not concerned that Mr. Aiken would try to run the show. He noted that Mr. Aiken serves on the advisory committee for the Rice Creek Watershed District. . Couneilmember Malone reiterated that he had not been impressed by work performed by Mr. Aiken in the past. He has reviewed reports that Mr. Aiken has presented to the City Council regarding the issue of drainage on his property and this information had been a compilation of various unrelated paperwork. He felt that the Water Quality Task Force would need a Chairperson capable of putting together reports and information that makes sense. Councilmember Aplikowski stated that, in some ways, she agreed with Couneilmember Malone. However, since having served on the Finance Committee and witnessing Mr. Aiken's current work, she believed that Mr. Aiken's performance has improved. He has become more open to his ideas being picked through and is more willing to accept other ideas. She was not sure that whether or not the City Council preferred the way Mr. Aiken wrote reports would make him less capable of chairing the Water Quality Task Force. She stated that Mr. Aiken can be very enthusiastic and she would support his appointment as Chairperson of the Task Force. Councilmember Rem noted that there had not been other volunteers for the Chairperson position. She felt that if the Water Quality Task Force was willing to votc to appoint Mr. Aiken as Chairperson of the Task Force she would be willing to support this appointment. Mayor Probst stated that he would support the appointment as recommended by Couneilmember Larson. He noted that Councilmember Larson is the Council liaison to the Water Quality Task . Force and will assist in assuring that this appointment is successful. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 27,1999 12 The motion carried (4-1, Councilmember Malone opposed). . ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS Referring to the bench handout regarding the applicants for the City Administrator position, Mr. Post stated that applicant number 13 had withdrawn from the process. This left five remaining candidates. Mr. Post stated that he had tentatively switched the Tuesday, October 5, 1999 time for which candidate number 28 was scheduled from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. He had received tentative confirmation from the candidate's wife that this will be acceptable. This would leave the 9:00 p.m. slot open for any discussion the Council may wish to have. With regard to attendance for the September 30,1999 volunteer picnic, Mr. Post stated that 37 individuals have confirmed that they will attend. This represents approximately 50 percent ofthe committee/task force members and slightly more than 50 percent of City staff. Mayor Probst askcd what time the volunteer picnic will begin. Mr. Post stated that the picnic was scheduled to run from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Mr. Post stated that there were several Code enforcement issues that the City staff was currently dealing with. He stated that he would update the City Council on the progress of these issues. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE LIAISON ACTIVITY REPORTS . Councilmember Larson stated that the Fire Board held a meeting last week. It was reported that Alliant T echsystems was shutting down some of its operations on the Arsenal which will result in the revenues received from Alliant Techsystems for fire protection being reduced. Councilmember Larson stated that the Fire Board suggested that the Fire Department move the purchase of a new tanker out to 2002. This had been the most significant piece of equipment that the Fire Department was proposing to purchase. The City of Arden Hills had also raised the issue of the equity of City spending of the Fire Department balance as well as the revenues going into the fund. Councilmember Larson had informed the Fire Department that the City of Arden Hills would want some sort of accounting before discussing any further capital improvements. It was decided that there would bc a meeting with representatives of the three cities to discuss capital improvements that need to be made. A spreadsheet will also be developed indicated who has benefited in what ways from the Fire Department in the past. Councilmember Malone requested confirmation that the Fire Department is planning to hire a full-time Fire Chief. Councilmember Larson stated that the Fire Department wants to have a full-time Fire Chief by the middle of 2001. It was also discussed at the meeting j fthe Fire Department needs a full time Fire Inspector. All three cities involved will be looking for the rationale and justification for this position. . Mayor Probst asked how this relates to previous discussions of a full-time Fire Marshall. Councilmember Larson stated that this was the term he had meant to use. He indicated that the Fire Department currently has an individual who does inspections. The Fire Board had wanted to know, if a full-time Fire Chief was hired, would this inspector remain on staff. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 27, 1999 13 . Councilmember Malone did not feel that a new Fire ChieI: if hired, should be employed by the Fire Department. He felt tl1at the Fire Chief should be an employee of the cities. Councilmember Larson stated tl1at how this position would be funded has not been discussed. There have only been internal discussions of whether or not the Fire Department should move forward with a request to hire a Fire Chief. Councilmember Larson stated that the Metropolitan Council had written to the City regarding the fact that there is approximately one million dollars in grant money available for pollution management. He had spoken with staff about the possibility of the City requesting some assistance for the Water Quality Task Force if it is found necessary. He indicated that he could not be more specilic at this time as to what the funds would be used for. The deadline for submitting applications for these grant funds is October 29, 1999 and the funds require a 25 percent match. He suggested that the individuals responsible for preparing the City's Comprehensive Plan write a request for grant funds if the City Council chooses to ask for some financial assistance. Mr. Post noted that applications for funding assistance are often stronger when represented by more thaI1 one community. He was not sure of the willingness of the City of Roseville to participate in the funding being discussed. However, the City of Roseville has major impact to the City of Arden Hills' water shed. The City of Roseville has indicated in the past that they would be more than willing to work with the City of Arden Hills on various surface water management projects. He suggested that the City ofRoseville be asked to become a partner for such a grant request in order to improve the success of being approved for the grant. . Mayor Probst stated that he would support a request for the grant funds if the City could define what the funds would be needed for. Councilmember Larson stated that the funds may be used for some hours of consulting time. Mayor Probst stated that Mr. Post had made a good point regarding a partnership with the City of RoseviIle. He noted that the water quality of Lake Josephine suffers from the run-off from Roseville and he felt that the City of Arden Hills may be able to make a case to justify having a consultant determine how this may be alleviated. Councilmember Larson stated that the only thing he was hesitant about was the 25 percent match requirement. He indicated that, if the City Council is in agreement, he would look into preparing an application for tlle graIlt money. Mayor Probst stated that it would be worth while to speak with the City of Roseville regarding a partnership. Councilmember Malone handed out copies of an article in the Arden Hills Notes to the City Council which discussed graphic standards. He was not sure who wrote the article and felt it ironic that the article ran in a publication that does not pay attention to its own use of graphics. . Councilmember Aplikowski stated that at the Operations and Finance Committee meeting there had not been many Committee members present and the Chairperson had not attended. She stated that one issue that had been raised by a long-term member of the Committee was whether e . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 27, 1999 14 or not this was just a busy work Committee. She had assured the Committee members that the City Council would be providing direction. The Committee had suggested that the City hold an emergency drill based on the recently adopted emergency plan. With regard to the Events Task Force, Couneilmember Aplikowski stated tllat it had been discussed whether or not the Town HalI meeting should be held in January. She indicated that the timing of this event will make a difference with regard to who is on the Task Force and what the Task Force will be doing. She suggested that, with the hiring of a new City Administrator, the annual retreat be held prior to the Town HaIl meeting. Mayor Probst suggested that the Town Hall Meeting for next year be moved out to the spring time to coincide with the ground breaking for the new City Hall. It was his understanding that the Energy Secretary has recommended that the President sign the bill. There apparently had been some questions regarding some changes related to the Department of Energy and there had been some concern that the bill may be vetoed. Mayor Probst assumed that since the Secretary of Energy was recommending the bill be signed that the legislation will be passed soon. This will allow a timeline to be established for the construction of the new City Hall. Councilmember Aplikowski stated that she planned to have a list of names for the Events Committee to present to the City Council by the end of October. COlmcilmember Rem stated that the Parks and Recreation Committee would be meeting Tuesday, September 28, 1999. She indicated that she would be attending the volunteer picnic on Thursday. Councilmember Rem stated that she had attended the Human Rights Conference which was held in Shoreview. She indicated that she would be available attend the next meeting to discuss a cooperative project. Council member Rem stated that she would be attending the North Heights church anniversary celebration next weekend. Mayor Probst stated that he had received a letter from Roger Williams pointing out the reduction in cost regarding the MCES. Mr. Williams had offered to meet with the City Council and Mayor Probst suggested that he be invited to a future Council Workshop. With regard to the non-agenda packet, Mayor Probst stated that two letters had been received that he had found incredulous. One had been a comment about the Fire Inspector and Mayor Probst stated that the City had done a nice job in responding to this complaint. He had been disappointed to find an Arden Ilills business reacting this way. The other issue was regarding Code violations and he stated that staff was continuing to pursue these issues. Mayor Probst stated that the 1-35W Corridor Coalition Board will be meeting Wednesday, September 29,1999 to prepare for a meeting with the fulI Metropolitan Council. That meeting wilI be held Wednesday, October 5, 1999 from 5:30 until 8:00 p.m. at the New Brighton Family ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 27, 1999 15 Service Center. Mayor Probst invited and encouraged the Councilmembers to attend this . meeting. ADJOURN MOTION: Councijmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Larson seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:01 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (5- 0). ~iL4k Terrance R. Post Interim City Administrator Dennis Pro Mayor NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next regular City Council meeting will be held Tuesday, October 12, 1999 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arden Hills Council chambers. . .