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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-10-25-R AREN�HILLS Approved: April 14, 2025 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 10, 2025 7:00 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor David Grant called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant, Councilmembers Tena Monson, and Kurt Weber Absent: Councilmembers Brenda Holden and Emily Rousseau(Excused) Also present: City Administrator Jessica Jagoe; City Attorney Greta Bjerkness; Public Works Director/City Engineer David Swearingen; Finance Director Joua Yang; and Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Julie Hanson PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Weber requested Item 8G be pulled from the Consent Agenda for discussion as Item 9A. MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried (3-0). 2. TCAAP/RICE CREEK COMMONS UPDATE City Administrator Jagoe stated The Joint Development Authority and the JDA Advisory Committee have not met since the last Council meeting. The Energy Advisory Committee met on February 21 St met with Rick Carter from Ever Green Energy to discuss the JDA sustainability design guidelines, potential waiver review process and reporting requirements. In addition, staff provided an overview to the EAC on the initial sustainability plans of Ryan Companies for Outlot A in order to discuss the documentation that would be required for their future submittal to the JDA. We are still waitingon an update from Ramsey Count on the Purchase and Sale Agreement p Y Y �' negotiations with Alatus. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 10, 2025 2 The next JDA meeting will be Monday, March 171h at 5:30. At this meeting one of the agenda will be the review of the land use application submitted from Ryan Companies for a Preliminary Plat, Final Plat, and Site Plan Review to subdivide the northern 9.82 acres of the existing 40 acre site that would allow for an approximately 157,800 square foot commercial building for office and manufacturing use on property legally described as Outlot A. The Developer is seeking permitted adjustments as allowed under the TCAAP Redevelopment Code for the project include a reduction in total parking stalls by 10% and waiving of the requirement for a Project Circulation plan. Councilmember Monson asked if the Council received an update on the County's change in financing for the Spine Road. City Administrator Jagoe discussed the change that occurred for the financing for the Spine Road. She explained originally, $25 million was requested in bonding, but the County has since approved an amendment to the TIP plan to provide for that funding to build the spine road. Councilmember Monson questioned if the Spine Road was slated to be constructed in 2026. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported the design was underway. He commented the Spine Road project is on schedule to be bid in January 2026 and construction was slated to occur in 2026. Councilmember Monson appreciated the fact the County found funding for the Spine Road and would not be relying on State funding, as this would move the project forward. She commented further on the energy goals that were being pursued by the JDA. She thanked Arden Hills resident Marcie Jefferies for inviting her to speak at the Pilgrim House about Rice Creek Commons. 3. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL Susan Johnson, 1220 Karth Lake Drive, indicated she was part of the Karth Lake Improvement Board but wanted to speak to the Council as a resident of Arden Hills. She commented on the excessive amount of goose poop that was found in Karth Lake and how this was impacting water quality. She explained one neighbor on the lake was feeding the geese on the lake excessive amount of old baking goods, which was drawing more geese to the lake. She asked that the City Council look into this concern by creating a new ordinance, because the water quality of Karth Lake was becoming a concern. Brett Foss, 13392 Geneva Way in Apple Valley, addressed the Council on behalf of Odds and Ends. He asked that the Council take some time to work with him to find common ground in order for him to keep his business in Arden Hills. He reported he has a great deal of support from the community and he commented on a petition that was started in order to offer support. He stated he did not want to create any zoning issues in the community and asked that the City Council work with him going forward. Leatha Wold, 5675 Deer Trail West in Shoreview, thanked Arden Hills for the home his son lives in, noting her son lives in a group home at 1335 Ambo Road. She explained this group home has been a safe place for her son to live. She asked the City to work with Odds and Ends to meet the City's requirements in order to keep the store open to the public. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 10, 2025 3 Antionette Wilwerding, 120 East Demont Avenue in Little Canada, stated all of the businesses in the mall were service-oriented, including Odds and Ends. She discussed how Odds and Ends works to help seniors and their families at a difficult time in their lives. She requested the City work with Odds and Ends in order to remain open and available to the public. Anne Hall, 4276 Norma Avenue, urged the Council to support and facilitate a zoning variance for Odds and Ends. She reported this small business fulfills a need in the community and has strong community support. She noted this business moved back to Arden Hills several months back and focused on consignment. She explained the business was being asked to vacate their space due to a technical City Code zoning requirement. She stated Odds and Ends was a unique store that will bring value to the community by offering seniors an important downsizing service while also offering a vintage shop option for residents of Arden Hills . She commented on how the patrons at Odds and Ends will greatly benefit the surrounding businesses. She stated this was a unique small business that would assist with building a strong economy in Arden Hills. She asked that the City Council to work in good faith with the owner of Odds and Ends in order to keep this small business in the community. Brian Kraft, 1790 West County Road E in New Brighton, explained he was a manufacturing rep for businesses in the home furnishings industry. He discussed how overseas goods came into the country and were not always the highest of quality. He spoke to how Odds and Ends was providing a place for quality home furnishings to be resold, which benefited the community because these items were sold at an affordable price. He asked that the City work with Odds and Ends as this was a quality small business in Arden Hills. Allie Tempelis, 4935 Hanson Road in Shoreview, stated she started working at Odds and Ends last month. She noted she used to own Lexington Floral in Shoreview. She commented on how important small businesses were to the community by creating jobs, creating community and drawing people in from other cities. She urged the Council to consider what can be done to help Odds and Ends remain in Arden Hills. Councilmember Weber commented he formally requested the Council take on the zoning amendment process and direct staff to explore all available options regarding the current City Code restrictions. He reported in 2016, the City Council amended the zoning code to prohibit thrift stores from the B-2 zoning district. He indicated this restriction was now creating a challenge for a business in the B-2 district. He discussed how B-4 was not the proper district for retail and thrift stores. He supported the Council taking another look at the restrictions that were put in place and that this item be placed on the next Planning Commission agenda for recommendation to the City Council. He stated he wanted an opinion from the City Attorney and recommended closure of the thrift store be delayed. Councilmember Monson stated the Council discussed this topic at the work session. She explained she supported City Code serving the community and not hindering it. She believed the business owner put himself in a tough position and this has created additional hurdles for the City Council. She also believed this was a use that the public wanted in the community. She indicated she wanted to see this business in a location where it could be successful. She supported working through an ordinance to allow thrift/consignment in the B-2 zoning district. She thanked staff for holding the line and for dealing with a lot of rude behavior. She stated she would support the City Council considering an ordinance amendment. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 10, 2025 4 Councilmember Weber asked if the City could delay enforcement of the pending zoning action, while the Council considers a zoning change. City Attorney Bjerkness stated the City Council could delay action but recommended some sort of clear ending timeline for enforcement be put in place. Mayor Grant explained it was February 22, 2024 when the owner of Odds and Ends came to the City. He reported the business owner was considering a different property and was given information regarding the City's zoning districts, which included information on where thrift stores were and were not allowed. He stated the City did not hear from Mr. Foss until the City learned he had moved into the B-2 zoning district where thrift stores are not permitted. He indicated this situation was created by the owner of Odds and Ends, so he is now in a district which does not permit this type of business. He indicated that with the information provided by Staff, not only should he have known but he also could have contacted City Staff to find out if where he is located today would have been permitted for a thrift store. He stated it was his understanding he had still not applied for a business license in the City. He reported if this had been done before moving into the City, the business owner would have been informed about City Code requirements when it comes to thrift stores. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES None. 5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS A. 2026 Community Project Funding Update Abdulahi Abdalla, Congresswoman Betty McCollum's Office Representative, introduced himself to the Council and provided the Council with an update on 2026 Community Project Funding. He provided the Council with a packet of information on how the project funding will be sponsored in the coming year, noting proposals could be submitted directly to legislators that focus on housing, homelessness prevention, workforce training, public facilities, parks, resilience planning and other critical infrastructure. He encouraged the City Council to be in touch with Congresswoman McCollum's office with any questions they may have regarding the Community Project Funding. Mayor Grant reported the City would be requesting funding for a fire station along with Shoreview and North Oaks for the Lake Johanna Fire Department. He explained the ask was for $8 million with $3 million earmarked. He understood until a federal budget was passed, the Community Project Funding could not be allocated. Mr. Abdalla reported this was the case. 6. STAFF COMMENTS None. 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 10, 2025 5 A. February 10, 2025, City Council Work Session B. February 10, 2025, Regular City Council C. February 18, 2025, Special City Council MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a motion to approve the February 10, 2025, City Council Work Session minutes as presented, the February 10, 2025, Regular City Council meeting minutes as amended; and the February 18, 2025, Special City Council meeting minutes as presented. The motion carried (3-0). 8. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll B. Motion to Approve 2024 Budget Carryovers C. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-023 Appointing Derek Hilding to the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee(PTRC) D. Motion to Acknowledge the Application of Ducks Unlimited North Suburban Chapter 239 for an Exempt Permit to Conduct a Raffle with the Event being May 3, 2025, with No Waiting Period E. Motion to Authorize Recruitment of Communications Coordinator Position F. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-024 for Minnesota Department of Public Safety Grant Funding Assistance for Lake Johanna Fire Department Project G. Metion to Appr-ove Extension for-Reeer-ding of Final Plat 1700 Highway 96 W Trident Development H. Motion to Approve Amended Planned Unit Development Agreement — 3776 Connelly Avenue(Event Center) 1. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-030 Appointing Planning Commission Members Nancy Jacobson, Jessica Birken and Donna Wiemann J. Motion to Approve 2026 PMP Street & Utility Improvements Project: o Resolution 2025-025 Ordering Preparation of Feasibility Report o Bolton& Menk Proposal for Professional Services - Feasibility Report o Braun Intertec Proposal for Geotechnical/Pavement Evaluation and Environmental Services o Nagell Appraisal & Consulting Special Benefits Appraisal Proposal Services K. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-026 Adopting the Ramsey County Multi- Hazard Mitigation Plan L. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-027 Accepting Bid and Authorizing Award of Contract to New Look Contracting and to Authorize Proposal from Braun Intertec for Construction Testing Services—Lift Station 5 Forcemain Rehabilitation M. Motion to Approve Xcel Energy Consent to Improvement Agreement — Lift Station 5 Forcemain Rehabilitation N. Motion to Approve Appointment of Parks Lead O. Motion to Approve Appointment of Utilities Lead P. Motion to Authorize Recruitment of Community Development Director Q. Motion to Approve Ramsey County Cooperative Agreement for Cost Sharing and Reclamite Treatment for Portions of the 2025 Street Maintenance Program Project ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 10, 2025 6 MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as amended and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried (3_O)• 9. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS A. Motion to Approve Extension for Recording of Final Plat — 1700 Highway 96 W—Trident Development Councilmember Weber stated he pulled this item to acknowledge what this item means. He indicated he voted against this project in January because he believed affordability should have been a component of this project. He stated the argument at that time was that the City could not afford to delay the project. He reported now the Council was now being asked for an extension, which meant there was time to discuss affordability. He explained the developer was never going to seriously consider affordable units. He indicated the Council was being asked to consider an extension for the Final Plat without any consideration of revisiting affordable units. He stated this land would not sit empty forever as the church would continue to find a partner that was interested in developing this land. He explained the City was under not obligation to approve the extension and he thought voting against this request would send a clear message that Arden Hills does not reward developers that ignore the communities needs. Mayor Grant stated he disagreed with Councilmember Weber, noting the developer brought forward an affordable component that was costly. He indicated affordable housing was not free, but rather there was a financial aspect that the City was asked to participate in and the City chose not to. He explained he supported approving the extension. Councilmember Monson reported she believed the offer from the developer was a joke and she made that clear in January. She was of the opinion the offer was so unattractive that the City had no option but to say no to the affordable units. She commented it was also clear that because the City doesn't have any affordable housing requirements, the City puts itself at risk trying to deny a project that does not have an affordability component. She recommended the City Council pursue an affordable housing policy and that this be put into ordinance in order to support affordable housing going forward. She asked that staff speak to why this request has come to the City. City Administrator Jagoe reported this request came about because staff was working on the logistical language within the development agreement, but it was not yet finalized. She anticipated this agreement would be finalized by April. She explained staff was working to have the recording of the final plat and the development agreement happen at the same time. Mayor Grant asked if the City Attorney was working on the development agreement and questioned if it was close to completion. City Attorney Bjerkness reported the document was close to completion, noting both parties have exchanged redlines, but the document was not ready in time for the City packet. Mayor Grant stated the developer was working in earnest to complete the development agreement. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 10, 2025 7 Councilmember Weber commented he would like to see this item going back to a work session in order to allow the City Council to have a serious discussion regarding affordability. MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to Approve Extension for Recording of Final Plat — 1700 Highway 96 W — Trident Development. The motion carried 2-1 (Councilmember Weber opposed). 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan for the Issuance of General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Bonds Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers, stated at the February 10, 2025 Regular Council Meeting, the City Council adopted Resolution 2025-018 Providing for the Issuance and Sale of General Obligation CIP Bonds. She stated the maximum amount of bonds the City would issue for its portion of the fire station project would be $4.68 million. She commented further on the five-year (2025-2029) Capital Improvement Plan and requested the Council hold a public hearing for the proposed issuance of General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Bonds. Mayor Grant indicated the fire station bids came in slightly lower than anticipated but noted this does not mean the final costs would come in lower. He asked if the bid amount would be lowered. Ms. Kvilvang reported she was working with staff to determine the final amount that should be bonded for. Councilmember Monson questioned when the City would decide on the bonding amount. Ms. Kvilvang indicated the Council voted on the maximum bond amount and staff would determine the amount that should be bonded for the fire station. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 8:00 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 8:01 p.m. 11. NEW BUSINESS A. Resolution 2025-028 Approving the 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan and Approving the Issuance of Capital Improvement Plan Bonds Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers, stated in 2024, the City Council held an Open House with residents and discussed at length, the cost and financing options for the new Lake Johanna fire station, with the construction of the new station anticipated to begin in the spring of 2025. The City Council adopted an Electric Franchise Fee Ordinance with Xcel Energy (Northern States Power Company) on October 28, 2024 for the collection of franchise fees in order to finance the new fire station. On December 9, 2024, the City Council adopted the 2025-2029 CIP budget which included franchise fee assumptions of $435,000 annually to offset debt service for the new fire station. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 10, 2025 8 Ms. Kvilvang reported at the February 10, 2025 Regular Council Meeting, the City Council adopted Resolution 2025-018 Providing for the Issuance and Sale of General Obligation CIP Bonds in an amount of $4,680,000 for 15 years to cover the City's proportionate share of the estimated $24M of construction costs. The annual debt service payments are anticipated to be approximately $420,000 annually with the bond proceeds expected to be available on May 20, 2025. The Lake Johanna Fire Department had their bid opening on January 30, 2025 for the construction and project totals and the City's proportionate share will likely be reduced through this process based on the final numbers. Staff will work with Ehlers to incorporate the updated bond amount into the Official Statement, the formal disclosure document of terms and features of the bond. She reviewed the proposed timing for the bonds and recommended approval of the bond issuance. Councilmember Monson explained the City would be paying back these bonds through a franchise fee. Councilmember Weber asked if excess funding from franchise fees would go to the fire department. Councilmember Monson supported the excess being used to pay down the bonds. Mayor Grant indicated he would have to go back and look at the discussion the Council had regarding the franchise fees. MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2025-028 Approving the 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Plan and Approving the Issuance of Capital Improvement Plan Bonds. The motion carried (3-0). B. Resolution 2025-029 Accepting Adopt-A-Park Application from Shoreview/ Arden Hills Rotary Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated the Arden Hills/Shoreview Rotary Club has applied to adopt Floral Park for 2025 and 2026. If Council so chooses, Resolution 2025- 029 would approve that Floral Park will be adopted by the Arden Hills/Shoreview Rotary Club for that timeframe and work will be coordinated as stated within the resolution. A list of Volunteer Projects has been prepared by a resident volunteer that has worked in Floral Park for a number of years. He has a prepared a list of priority items that the Arden Hills/Shoreview Rotary Club can help achieve over these two years. An Adopt-A-Park sign would be placed at the entrances of Floral Park if Council so chooses to approve the resolution. Staff commented further on the proposed request and recommended approval. Councilmember Monson stated she was very impressed by the sign drawings. She indicated this would be the City's first adopt-a-park. It was her hope the City would be able to forge additional partnerships with local businesses for the City's other parks. Councilmember Weber thanked the Rotary Club for their willingness to adopt a park in the City of Arden Hills. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH H 10 2025 9 C Mayor Grant thanked the Arden Hills/Shoreview Rotary Club for stepping up and being willing to adopt a park. He commented on other projects the Rotary Club had completed in the community. MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2025-029 Accepting the Adopt-A-Park Application from Arden Hills/Shoreview Rotary Club for Floral Park through 2025 and 2026. The motion carried (3-0). 12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 13. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Weber explained last month he attended the Minnesota Ice Swim at Lake Johanna and stated this event was a great success that he hoped would continue going into the future. Councilmember Weber stated the Planning Commission did not meet in March. He noted the Council had held interviews for the three open seats on the Planning Commission. Councilmember Weber congratulated Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen and Assistant Director Miller for their efforts on the coordination of the reclamite project with Ramsey County. Councilmember Monson commented she attended the Minnesota Ice Swim as well and stated it was fun to watch the swimmers. She hoped this event would continue to grow in the community. Councilmember Monson indicated the Fire Relief Association met and voted to allow full time employees to remain in the relief association except for the fire chief. Mayor Grant reported Salt Box has exchanged hands and perhaps the business model has changed. Mayor Grant stated it has been his privilege and honor to work with Kevin Legare with the GSA over the past few decades. He noted the City's new GSA contact was Anthony Barbati. Mayor Grant explained over$100,000 was raised at the Minnesota Ice Swim event. Mayor Grant commented he attended a Partners in Energy meeting with Xcel Energy and noted he was working to breathe new life into this project. Mayor Grant discussed a rebate program the City had in place to provide residents with $200 for purchasing an energy efficient appliance. He encouraged residents to contact City Hall for further information on this rebate program. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 10, 2025 10 ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a motion to adiourn. The motion carried (3-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:19 p.m. Juli Hanson David Grant Cit Jerk Mayor