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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 02-10-1997 . e . MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 10, 1997 7:30 P.M. - NEW BRIGHTON COUNCIL CHAMBERS CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Probst called to order a Closed Executive Session of tbe City Council to discuss potential litigation. Present were Mayor Dennis Probst, Councilmembers Paul Malone, Susan Keirn, Dale Hicks and Beverly Aplikowski; Brian Fritsinger, City Administrator; and Jerry Filla, City Attorney. The Executive Session of the meeting was opened at 7:00 p.m., and concluded at 7:30 p.m., at which time the Council recessed momentarily. Mayor Probst reconvened the regular Council meeting at 7:32 p.m. to facilitate the business scheduled to be conducted. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Dennis Probst called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:32 p.m. Present: Mayor Dennis Probst, Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, Dale Hicks, Susan Keirn, and Paul Malone. Absent: None. Also present were: City Administrator, Brian Fritsinger; City Accountant, Terry Post; Community Development Director, Kevin Ringwald; Public Works Superintendent, Dwayne Stafford; Administrative Secretary, Sheila Stowell; and Recording Secretary, Cindy Schneider. ADOPT AGENDA MOTION: Hicks moved and Malone seconded a motion to adopt the revised agenda for the February 10, 1997, Regular City Council meeting as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. January 27, 1997, Regular Council Meeting Councilmember Hicks requested the following correction to Page 3, third paragraph from the bottom: "Councilmember Hicks inquired if the west side could be moved instead of the east side..." . - . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 10. 1997 2 Councilmember Hicks requested the following change to the MOTION on Page 8, third line: ". ..identifying two Quizno's signs on the north and west side..." Councilmember Malone requested the following correction to Page 9, first paragraph, second line: ".. .he remembers the land owner being told there would be no..." MOTION: Keirn moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the January 27, 1997, Regular Council Meeting minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5- 0). CONSENT CALENDAR A. B. Claims and Payroll Approval of Operating Transfers for 1996 MOTION: Hicks moved and Malone seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted and authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Probst invited the audience to address the Council on any issue not already on the agenda. Lois Rem, 1670 Glenview Court, complimented the recent Town Hall Meeting. She was especially impressed with the cards given out at this meeting, which have the phone numbers of City Council members printed on them. She stated this makes the City Council much more accessible to the citizens of Arden Hills. Council member Malone commented that the information cards the City publishes have always had the phone numbers of City Council members printed on them. Mayor Probst commented he hopes to make the Town Hall Meetings an annual event. Sharon Turgeon, 1777 Venus Avenue, gave a bench handout to the members of the City Council related to Planning Case 97-02. She read virtually all of the handout out to the Council, which stated her concern with the following issues: I. Setbacks and easements as agreed to in the Master Plan are not being complied with by this developer. The developer appears to be enlarging the size of the units without prior City Council approval. The buildings should not be allowed to expand into common areas. The Ramsey County Open Space line was violated during clear cutting and the Right-of- Way line has been violated by placement of a rock walliS feet from the County Road E2 curb. 2. 3. 4. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 10. 1997 3 5. Computations by Staff for Floor Area Ratio, Lot Coverage and Landscape Lot area are in question. She asked the Council to apply the following conditions to the applicant's request: 1. Requirement of City Council approval of decks and porches on a unit-by-unit basis. 2. Require the builder to honor the 24.5 foot setback on Unit #5. 3. Require the builder to move the rock wall 6 feet northward to conform to City Code and state law. 4. Require screening along the west side property line to compensate for the clearing of open space and the larger units. 5. The 66 foot trail easement must be marked as a Ramsey County open space easement on the City Comprehensive Plan maps, current and future. There were no further public comments. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Planning Case #97-02, Dan Ogren, County Road E-2 and Old Highway 10, PUD Amendment Kevin Ringwald, Community Development Director, reviewed for the City Council that the applicant is requesting approval of a minor amendment to a previously approved Planned Unit Development (PUD) in the R-l Single Family Residential Zoning District The minor amendment would allow the construction of decks or porches off the rear and/or side of the units (Exhibit A). Mr. Ringwald stated the applicant is requesting flexibility in the plans to allow for buyer preferences as it relates to decks and patios off the side and rear of the units. Mr. Ringwald stated the deck on Unit #7 is encroaching into the setback area at this time. The developer plans to remedy this situation by pulling the deck on Unit #7 back and to the southeast of the unit to comply with the setback/easement requirements. Mr. Ringwald stated the applicant has also agreed to modifY the "possible porch" on Unit #9 to comply with the setback/easement requirements. Mr. Ringwald stated all other decks/porches in the current plan meet City building requirements. Mr. Ringwald discussed the relocation of the Ramsey County trail to the north. He stated that at this time, the relocated trail is not well defined, and this has led to some confusion among the residents in the area. Given that this is a County trail, staff has asked that the residents forward these comments to Ramsey County. Mr. Ringwald reviewed the Planning Commission has recommended approval of this PUD amendment subject to the following five Staff conditions: . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 10 1997 4 1. 2. 3. 4. Compliance with the applicable conditions of approval of Planning Case #95-05; Total deck area for any unit shall not exceed 260 square feet in area, including stairways; Porches and/or decks shall not be constructed within easement and setback areas; Modification of the 8 foot by 12 foot "possible deck" which currently exists on Unit & such that it does not encroach into the easement by March 1, 1997; and Modification of the 14 foot by 18 foot "possible porch" on Unit #9 such that it does not encroach into the 30-foot setback requirement from the development boundary. 5. Mayor Probst inquired if decks outside of the lot are defined for each unit. Mr. Ringwald affirmed that they were defined and further stated that the decks/porches would be encroaching on the common area only, not in any easements or setbacks. Mayor Probst inquired if any landscape changes would occur with the addition of decks or porches. Mr. Ringwald stated there would be none. Mayor Probst inquired if decks or porches were allowed to overhang into easements/setbacks. Mr. Ringwald replied that would not be allowed. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired the distance from the easements to the units. Mr. Ringwald stated that there is approximately 24 feet to the unit and 10 feet between the porch and the easement. Councilmember Aplikowski reported several constituents have expressed frustration that they cannot find the relocated Ramsey County trail. Mr. Ringwald stated those matters would have to be referred to Ramsey County, and that the trail needs better definition. Mayor Probst inquired if the trail is indeed Ramsey County's. Mr. Ringwald replied affirmatively. Councilmember Hicks requested clarification on square footage issues, as the Staff recommendations are for a maximum of260 square feet, and the "possible deck" on Unit #8 is sized at 8 feet by 12 feet. Mr. Ringwald reiterated the developer is attempting to give buyers some flexibility in what they prefer to build, thus the different square foot measurements. MOTION: Hicks moved and Malone seconded a motion to approve Planning Case #97-02, minor PUD amendment, subject to the five Staff conditions outlined in the memo. Councilmember Aplikowski commented that she appreciates the efforts ofthe residents of the area in attending meetings and gathering information. She stated that while she has no issues with the applicant's current request, the applicant must abide by Staff conditions for approval. Ms. Turgeon reiterated her request that City Council address each request for the addition of decks and porches individually. She stated there are problems with other units besides Unit #7 and Unit #9, and would like the developer to adhere to the Master Plan which was originally approved. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 10 1997 5 Councilmember Aplikowski requested clarification of Ms. Turgeon's request, that what she was asking was every time the applicant wished to construct a new deck or patio for a townhome that it would have to be approved by City Council. Ms. Turgeon stated that was her intent. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired which decks or porches would be off the current property lines. Mr. Ringwald replied most of them extend into the common area. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired regarding the measurement of the extension into common areas. Mr. Ringwald stated that the average encroachment appeared to be approximately four feet. Mayor Probst requested clarification that the applicant was asking City Council for the maximum parameters for decks and porches. Mr. Ringwald clarified that this was the applicant's intent, as he desires flexibility for potential buyers. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired if the maximum extension into common areas is approximately four feet. Mr. Ringwald replied this was an average amount. Councilmember Hicks requested clarification that the overhead that Mr. Ringwald was currently showing was the same as what was approved by City Council on October I, 1995. Mr. Ringwald stated with the exception of the side and rear deck units, it was essentially the same plan that was originally approved. Councilmember Hicks inquired ifthe footprint was the same also. Mr. Ringwald stated the footprint was essentially the same as what was originally approved. Councilmember Hicks inquired if Units #7 and #8 were built according to the original plan. Mr. Ringwald stated that was the case. Dan Ogren, 475 Tanglewood Drive, Shoreview, developer, came forward to address the Council to clarifY the footprint questions. He stated the building is the same as the plan that was originally approved, at 1750 square feet including porches and decks. He reiterated his desire to offer flexibility to potential buyers. Councilmember Hicks requested clarification that the developer had not increased the footprint of any of the buildings. Mr. Ogren stated he had not done so. Mayor Probst requested a vote on the current Motion on the table The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 10.1997 6 B. Planning Case #97-03, Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc., 4100 HamIine Avenue, pun Amendment Mr. Ringwald reviewed for the Council the applicant, Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc., is requesting approval of an amendment to their previously approved Planned Unit Development (PUD) to allow for expansion of Building E at their campus located at 4100 Ham1ine Avenue. Mr. Ringwald provided an overhead which showed the location of the proposed addition. He stated it would look the same as the rest of the building, and would absorb part of the current skyway system. Mayor Probst inquired if there would be any changes to the skyway. Mr. Ringwald replied that there would be no changes to that point of the skyway outside ofthe building. Mayor Probst inquired ifthere would be parking concerns connected with this addition. Mr. Ringwald stated that although there are no parking concerns at the present time, the possibility exists in the future for this company to require construction of a parking ramp due to their rapid expansIOn. MOTION: Hicks moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion that the City Council approve Planning Case #97-03, PUD Amendment, per the Planning Commission recommendation. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). C. Highway 96 1. Lexington Avenue Intersection Plans/Cost Participation 2. Signal Agreement Dwayne Stafford, Public Works Superintendent, gave an overview of the 1997 Highway 96 reconstruction costs. He stated the segment of Highway 96 from Mackubin Street in Shoreview west to Lexington Avenue was identified as one of the two segments of the highway to be reconstructed in 1997. The Lexington Avenue and Highway 96 intersection will be completed during the reconstruction, including turn lanes, and the roadway to approximately 1380 feet west of Lexington Avenue. This will negate the need to close this intersection during reconstruction of the Arden Hills segment between Lexington Avenue and Highway 10. Mr. Stafford reported on installation of an EVP System with the new traffic signals at Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue. Typically, the County charges the affected cities for this system. This would mean a 50/50 split between Arden Hills and Shoreview. Mr. Stafford reported that Arden Hills will be responsible for payment of approximately $19,500 in storm sewer construction costs and approximately $5,000 for the EVP System. Mr. Stafford referred to the two attached Agreements, and requested the City Council authorize the City to enter into these agreements as stated. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCU, - FEBRUARY 10. 1997 7 Mayor Probst asked if these projects are identical to other City projects except the for costs and location being different. Mr. Stafford replied that was the case. MOTION: Malone moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve participation with Ramsey County in the storm sewer and EVP projects. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 3. Alignment of Roadway On the subject of the alignment, Mr. Stafford introduced Mr. Jim Tolaas, Ramsey County Project Engineer on Highway 96. Mr. Tolaas began his report by giving a brief background ofthe work to be done on this project. There is a need for a service road on the south side of Highway 96. He discussed the two options the County has for completing this work. Option #1 would be to leave the roadway at its existing location and add the service road on the south side. Sheeting ofthe wetland area would be necessary to isolate this area from the rest of the lake. Removing and disposing of the contaminated soils and replacing this with clean fill would be necessary. Mr. Tolaas explained this process raises many environmental and disposal concerns. He stated these issues could delay this project a significant amount of time, possibly for years, and also the cost could become prohibitive. Option #2 is to shift the alignment of the roadway to the north, necessitating the relocation of approximately 17 mobile homes. Mr. Tolaas discussed the bridge and ramp design. It is expected that a new bridge will need to be built and the ramps may be redesigned to allow for better spacing between the exit ramps and the Arden Manor/Round Lake access point to Highway 96. An overhead of the proposed project was shown, and the project was explained in more detail. Mr. Tolaas discussed the extension of the roadway and right-of-way line encroachment issues. Mr. Tolaas explained the difference between the two drawings being shown is the median width of the proposed intersection. He explained as this will possibly be an industrialized area in the future, the possibility exists for heavy truck traffic, and some signalization may become necessary in the event of traffic increases. Mr. Tolaas stated there are also concerns with the proximity of the interstate 35W exit ramp. Mr. Tolaas showed a second configuration which allows for a dual left turn to the Arden Manor mobile home park to the north. This would have the ability to function as a single left turn lane at the present, and would not require major reconstruction of the entire roadway at a later date if traffic patterns do increase. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY ro. 1997 8 Mr. Tolaas reported that Ramsey County and BRW Engineers support an alignment shift to the north in the western segment reconstruction of Highway 96. The full impact of this shift has not yet been determined, however their goal is to minimize displacements to the extent possible. Mr. Tolaas explained the purpose of coming before the City Council tonight is to get an idea of which direction the City Council would like the County to take in this project. Mayor Probst inquired regarding the right-of-way requirement with regard to the wider median. He inquired if the trail being place on the north or south side of the highway would make a difference in the width of the median. Mr. Tolaas replied that as long as the trail was along the access road, the median would be the same width. He explained that Ramsey County Parks personnel would prefer to place the trail on the north side of the frontage road and keep it in approximate alignment with the rest ofthe path network, which is on the south side of the Highway 96 section. Mayor Probst expressed concern that the trail will be in between the eastbound lanes of Highway 96 and the frontage road. Mayor Probst inquired if the Gateway Business District traffic studies have been completed, and ifthe double left lane will become a potential traffic issue in the future. Mr. Tolaas indicated this could become a concern in the future. Mayor Probst remarked the connection to the new entrance crosses land in Arden Manor that is now a park easement. He inquired to what extent the County would share these revision costs, if they would be isolated to the roadway only or if the impacts extend to the park easement would the County provide funds for these costs also. Mr. Tolaas requested clarification of the question, if Mayor Probst was mainly concerned with recreational property. Mayor Probst indicated his main concern is if these costs would also be eligible for recovery by the City. Mr. Tolaas replied it was a reasonable assumption that they would be. Mayor Probst inquired regarding the access drive to the south. He inquired if the County will pay for the acquisition of this property. Mr. Tolaas replied affirmatively, and clarified his answer by referring to the overhead. Mayor Probst inquired if this was a baseline cost of this project. Mr. Tolaas replied that it was. Mr. Tolaas further stated these costs should also be eligible for State Highway funds. Mayor Probst commented that Arden Hills could create a larger development parcel on the Indykiewicz property with a reconfiguration of the Round Lake Road right-of-way. Councilmember Malone requested clarification of the Round Lake access cost participation for Arden Hills. Brian Fritsinger, City Administrator, replied that Ramsey County had previously indicated it was not willing to participate in that area. Mr. Tolaas discussed the criteria for State aid, based on whether the project was an improvement or an existing alignment. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 10. 1997 9 Mayor Probst indicated his desire to have the cost participation based on the minimum level of connection to Round Lake Road. Mr. Tolaas stated the County would like to receive some direction on the alignment the City is in favor of. Councilmember Malone requested clarification of whether there would be County participation in the Round Lake area. Mr. Tolaas replied that had not yet been determined. Councilmember Malone inquired if there would be County participation in the Old Highway 10 area. Mr. Tolaas replied there was a much greater certainty of this occurring. Councilmember Aplikowski requested clarification that 17 mobile homes would have to be moved according to the project plan. Mr. Tolaas replied that would have to be studied further to know for certain. Councilmember Aplikowski remarked that at least 5 homes would definitely have to be moved, and the City Council would have to discuss setbacks regarding the rest of the affected homes. Mayor Probst inquired if the home owners were eligible for relocation if their homes ended up being placed too close to the roadway. Mr. Tolaas replied they would not be, but that the noise level may have an impact on relocation. Councilmember Keirn inquired regarding setback requirements, and the eligibility of relocation if the setbacks were or were not granted variances. She remarked if no setback variances were approved, all the homes would be eligible for relocation. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired if the roadway was made narrower, would it still impact the same number of homes. Mr. Tolaas replied the number of impacted homes probably would not change. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired if the owner of the mobile home park is in favor of realigning the entryway. Francis Husnik, co-owner of Arden Manor, indicated he would be willing to give up 20 feet in the entryway on the north side without damaging the park to a great extent. He indicated the farther west this project goes, the depth ofthe lots are changed to a greater extent. He stated the modified entryway would not be feasible for trucks and buses. He requested a variance of the 20 foot setback to the front to salvage a greater amount of homes. Mayor Probst invited any affected residents to comment. No one came forward. Councilmember Malone commented that while it is unfortunate to displace people's homes, there does not appear to be a viable alternative. He stated he favors a wider median to be built, to increase with increased traffic in the future. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 10. 1997 10 Mayor Probst concurred, stating he also is in favor of a wider median. He stated he expected the County to work with the affected residents to the fullest extent possible. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she would like the Council to look at setback variances whenever possible, in order to affect as few residents as possible. Mr. Husnik remarked he knows of other mobile home parks involved in the same type of situation that have been granted setback variances to 10 and 15 feet. Councilmember Aplikowski remarked that state law requires a setback of 10 feet from a private road and 20 feet from a public road. Councilmember Malone stated his desire to hear from affected residents and asked for a show of hands from those present at the meeting that would be affected by this project. A discussion ensued between the residents and Mr. Tolaas. He explained the realignment in detail and discussed the overhead in greater detail with the residents. The various options the residents preferred were also discussed. Mr. Husnik inquired what was to be done with the trail once it reaches Highway 10. Mayor Probst indicated the trail may have to cross the Highway 10 intersection. The majority of the residents indicated they would prefer relocation to having their lots shortened. Mr. Tolaas indicated the west side of the park would most likely be eligible for noise mitigation. He proposed a 10 foot wall in this area Mayor Probst inquired if there were any objections to the proposal as currently outlined. Nobody came forward to object. A discussion ensued regarding the sound barrier in regard to placement, drainage issues and sight lines. Mr. Tolaas indicated the sound barrier would be placed on the right-of-way line. Mayor Probst commented the sound barrier could be discussed later in greater detail, as nothing had been approved regarding this item at present. A discussion ensued regarding how much open space within the park will be sacrificed towards this construction. Mr. Fritsinger indicated the preliminary design does affect the park within the mobile home park. Mr. Tolaas indicated Ramsey County's desire to leave as much open space as possible. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 10. 1997 11 Fritsinger indicated the easement that covers this park space could not be encroached upon without approval ofthe City Council. An unidentified resident questioned if the ramp terminals on 3 5W would be relocated to the east. Mr. Tolaas replied they will most likely not have to be relocated. Mr. Fritsinger inquired ifMr. Tolaas is asking for Council direction mainly on the alignment shift issue. Mr. Tolaas replied he is mainly concerned with the alignment shift issue, and that the County would like to start placing survey stakes in order to make an informed decision. Mayor Probst indicated he favors the alignment shift with the wider median, with the caveat that Ramsey County continue to investigate the options for the trail and the connection to Round Lake. MOTION: Malone moved and Hicks seconded a motion to accept the realignment of Highway 96 to the north, as shown in Exhibit # 1, and further the acceptance of the wider median for the road design. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). D. Chapter 3 Municipal Code Review Mr. Fritsinger stated the City Council is being asked to provide clarification on the issues outlined in the memo, and especially 3-13, 320.09c, as it pertains to garage sale permits. Mayor Probst inquired if there are any difficulties with the current process. Mr. Fritsinger stated the licenses are mostly used to make sure citizens don't have more than two garage sales per year. Councilmember Aplikowski stated this matter should be moved to the next Council session, as Council has not yet had time to review the materials. Mayor Probst inquired if this material would come before the City Council again for review. Mr. Fritsinger stated after the LMC review, it will be formally presented to the City Council for review. Mayor Probst stated that while he has no concerns with the garage sale code language, he feels the Council should clarify the curfew issue. Councilmember Aplikowski stated her preference that the City be in compliance with neighboring communities in regard to the curfew. Mr. Fritsinger inquired if the tobacco ordinance needs any adjusting. He stated there have been no major problems in this area. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 10. 1997 12 Councilmember Keirn suggested the Council refrain from discussing this issue in detail until March, when a Federal Court is expected to make a decision regarding FDA oversight of tobacco. Mayor Probst stated his only concern is that Arden Hills remain consistent with neighboring communities in regard to the tobacco ordinance. This item was tabled until such time that the City Council can review the Chapter in more detail. The discussion ended with no formal motion introduced. E. Ramsey County GIS Users Group, Joint Powers Agreement Mr. Ringwald stated the City Council is requested to participate in the Ramsey County GIS Users Group by executing the attached joint powers agreement (Exhibit A). Mr. Ringwald reviewed the cost savings of entering into this agreement versus having Staff perform this function. He provided the cost of this project, which total approximately $1,600.00 Mr. Ringwald stated Staff recommends that the City Council elect to participate in the Ramsey County GIS Users Group and to that end authorize the Mayor and the City Administrator to execute the attached Joint Powers Agreement. MOTION: Malone moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve participation in the Ramsey County GIS Users Group and authorizing the Mayor and City Administrator to execute the proposed Joint Powers Agreement. Councilmember Malone inquired if this Agreement includes plat records only, or if utilities are included also. Mr. Ringwald stated it is property records only. Mayor Probst and Councilmember Malone stated this is a fiscally sound proposal. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). F. Committee Appointments Mayor Probst referred to the memo regarding the revised list of Committee appointments. It was suggested to table the Business Relations Committee appointments as the Mayor has not yet spoken with the Chair of this Committee. He requested the Business Relations Committee and Youth Committee appointments be tabled until he has had a chance to speak with the Chair of the Business Relations Committee. He suggested the additional appointment of two liaisons: Raymond McGraw to serve as liaison to the Chamber and Sushila Shaw as liaison to the Human Rights Commission. He suggested these liaisons give quarterly reports to the Council. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 10 1997 13 Councilmember Hicks inquired if the additional applications under the various committees were all being officially recommended by the Mayor. Mayor Probst agreed that was his intent. Councilmember Aplikowski brought up the issue of one person serving on more than one committee. Mayor Probst indicated that while one person serving on two different committees should not present a problem, serving on more than two may be an issue. He also indicated that if a person serves on two different committees, that person only be allowed to chair one of those committees. Mr. Fritsinger clarified that only one person is now listed as being on three committees, however he needs to clarify this with this person that his intent was to join all three or if he preferred a specific committee. MOTION: Malone moved and Hicks seconded a motion to ratify the appointments as listed. Councilmember Aplikowski expressed her dismay that the Business Relations Committee appointments were being tabled. Councilmember Keirn reiterated that Mayor Probst had not been able to reach the Chair of this committee, as the Chair has been out of town. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mr. Fritsinger stated Staff is asking for clarification of its role in regard to the various committees. There are issues relating to dynamics of Staff and committee member roles. Councilmember Malone stated his opinion that the committees are support to City Staff, and they should not place an additional burden on Staff. He prefers Staff role #2 as outlined on Mr. Fritsinger's memo, that Staff exists merely to keep the committees focused on the goals as outlined by the City Council. Councilmember Aplikowski remarked the City Council needs to set the tone for direction and that the Council should let the committees know what needs to be discussed. A discussion ensued regarding the expectations of the City Council in regard to committee activity. Councilmember Hicks commented that Staff prepares materials for the Planning Commission, but not for the other committees. Councilmember Keirn suggested Council expectations could be discussed in more detail at a later meeting. A discussion ensued regarding responsibility for agendas and minutes of committee meetings. It was the general consensus of Council that committees should be responsible for their own agendas and minutes, that this should not become a Staff responsibility. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 10, 1997 14 Councilmember Aplikowski inquired what sort of direction Mr. Fritsinger was seeking in regard to this issue. Mayor Probst stated as he understood it, Mr. Fritsinger wishes Council direction regarding the level of support required of Staff, and also referred to issues raised regarding maximum members allowed on committees. Mr. Fritsinger stated that was his intent. He stated that in past years, the role of committee members and Staff has not been clear, and this has presented some conflicts at various times. Mayor Probst asked Mr. Fritsinger to request Staff to draft an outline of the various responsibilities and under whose jurisdiction they would fall. He requested this outline be presented to City Council upon completion for review and comments. Mr. Fritsinger indicated he would do so. G. Cable Fund No. 228, Capital Expenditure Request Terrance Post, City Accountant, reviewed for the Council the decision that was made to utilize the transmission qualities of Cable Commission coaxial cable rather than the installation of a new high speed phone company line. He indicated Staff recommends that Council authorize Staff to purchase cable telecommunications hardware at a cost of approximately $3,684.90. MOTION: Malone moved and Keirn seconded a motion to authorize Staff to purchase the cable telecommunications hardware. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS Mr. Fritsinger reported that Parks & Recreation Director Cindy Walsh had a baby boy this past weekend. Mr. Fritsinger stated it was his opinion that the cancellation of the Council Worksession scheduled for February 18, 1997, be entered into the formal record. MOTION: Malone moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to cancel the City Council Worksession scheduled for February 18, 1997. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mr. Fritsinger reported that Mr. Greg Stonehouse, Project Engineer with MSA Consulting, will be on Navy Reserve duty next week, and inquired if Council wished the street improvement assessment process to be delayed until his return, or if Mr. Maurer could take charge in Mr. Stonehouse's absence. Mayor Probst indicated his preference that this project proceed as scheduled. A discussion ensued regarding the Staff/Council retreat in regard to preferred dates, time, and facilitators. . ~ , ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 10. 1997 15 COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Hicks reported that he has a conflict with the Northwest Youth and Family Services Retreat, scheduled for March I in Shoreview, and invited other Council members to attend in his place. He also commented on the letters from Commissioner Tony Bennett and Senator Linda Runback regarding the traffic issues relating to the north turn lane off Trunk Highway 51 onto North Snelling. He commented these groups may be helpful in exploring options for this intersection. Mayor Probst indicated he would also like to have the following discussed with these groups: Tony Schmidt Park issue, where Arden Hills fits into the Highway 96 reconstruction and the use ofturnback monies for this project, and TCAAP. Councilmember Malone reported on his appointment as the AMM representative to the Metropolitan Council's Transportation Advisory Board. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired if City Council was required to attend the Cable Commission meeting scheduled for February. Mr. Fritsinger stated he has not been made aware of this meeting, but Staff has not been attending most of these meetings. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired regarding the request of the Metropolitan Council Mosquito Control District to visit Arden Hills. She also inquired regarding the progress of construction of the Arden Hills City Hall. Mr. Fritsinger reported he has will be receiving financial documents from three developers, and will present his findings to City Council after his review. He indicated that if leasing is not a feasible option, then the preferred option may be for the City to construct its own building. Mayor Probst reported he has asked Mr. Fritsinger to set up a monthly contact with TCAAP in regard to land transfer issues. Councilmember Keirn reported the ice on the sidewalks at the Army Reserve facility is becoming a concern. Mr. Fritsinger replied that he has been attempting to contact General Steiner in regard to the problem, but has not yet been successful. Mayor Probst inquired when the community survey will be completed. Mr. Fritsinger replied he plans to formally present the results on March 10, 1997, regular City Council meeting. Mayor Probst indicated he may not travel to Washington D.C. for the National League of Cities meeting. Based on his discussions with colleagues, he feels the issues to be discussed at this meeting are not relevant to the City. " . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 10. 1997 AD.JOURN 19 MOTION: Malone moved and Keirn seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). ~-ffr - Brian Fritsinger City Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next regular City Council meeting will be held February 24, 1997, at 7:30 p.m. at the New Brighton Council Chambers.