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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 04-14-1997 . . . MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 14, 1997 7:30 P.M. - NEW BRIGHTON COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDERlROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Dennis Probst called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. Present: Mayor Dennis Probst, Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, Dale Hicks, Susan Keirn, and Paul Malone. Absent: None. Also present were: City Attorney, Jerry Filla; City Administrator, Brian Fritsinger; City Accountant, Terry Post; Community Development Director, Kevin Ringwald; Public Works Superintendent, Dwayne Stafford; and Recording Secretary, Debbie Wolfe. ADOPT AGENDA MOTION: Aplikowski moved and Keirn seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the April 14,1997, Regular City Council meeting as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). CONTINUATION HEARING - 1997 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT A, Resolution 97-14a, Adopting Final Assessment Roll - 5 year and Resolution 97-15a, Adopting Final Assessment Roll - 8 year Brian Fritsinger, City Administrator, explained the Council is asked to adopt Resolution #97-14a which adopts the assessment roll for those properties which were removed from Resolution #97- 14 and 97-15 as a result of previous tabled action by Council. The assessments will be spread over five (5) and eight (8) years respectively, with an interest rate of eight percent (8%). This is consistent with those assessments adopted at the March 31, 1997 Public Hearing. Mayor Probst re-opened the public hearing at 7:32 p.m. Greg Stonehouse, City Engineer, reviewed the repavement plan for Norma Avenue. He stated the street was re-evaluated last week. He indicated the areas of rating were an average of 66. He stated the cul-de-sac, even though in better condition, would be economically impractical to delete until later and done separately. He recommended the entire proposed section of Norma Avenue receive bituminous overlay maintenance. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 14, 1997 2 . Mayor Probst asked what the previous rating was for the area north of Royal Lane. Mr. Stonehouse stated there was one rating of 66 determined for the entire street. The portion north of Royal Lane had deteriorated more, and would require a lot of patching. He recommended an overlay over the entire piece, Councilmember Malone stated this affected Lots 4, 5,6,7, 8,9, and 10. Mr. Fritsinger noted Lot 3 was also tabled as part of the hearing. He stated the other tabled action dealt with 5 lots: Gallagher, 4292 Norma Avenue (22-30-23-32-0023-8) Schumacher, 1375 Indian Oaks Trail (22-30-23-31-0034-1) Gabiou, 1401 Indian Oaks Trail (22-30-23-31-0035-4) Waxmunski, 1389 Indian Oaks Court (22-30-23-31-0056-1) Yargici, 1516 Colleen Avenue (22-30-23-32-0002-1) Staff reviewed the method used to assess the lots and noted that formulas were used appropriately, and they were done consistently according to City policy. They were unable to find anything unique in how the policy was applied in these cases. Staff determined assessment calculations were done in accordance with existing policy, . Mr. Bob Gallagher, 4292 Norma Avenue, questioned what other cities were used for comparison, Mr. Fritsinger stated Roseville, Mounds View, New Brighton, Arden Hills and Shoreview were used. Mr. Gallagher stated he believes his assessment should be equitable to that of his neighbors. Mayor Probst asked staff to take a look at the average assessment for corners and non-corner lots, Mr, Stonehouse stated the corners are actually being assessed less for overlay and they are being assessed more for reconstruction and reclamation, Mr. Yargici, 1516 Colleen Avenue, stated his lot was calculated as an odd shaped lot. He had requested it be calculated as a corner lot. Mr. Fritsinger stated it was assessed using a combination of odd shaped and comer lot, and both were used as part of the calculations. Mr. Post stated it appears Mr. Yargici's lot was considered an odd shaped lot and that method was used to determine his assessment. Mr. Yargici stated he believes he has a corner lot. He noted on his written objection that he wanted his lot considered a corner lot. Mr. Stonehouse stated the assessment was done according to City policy. Councilmember Malone agreed with the engineers that the entire section of Norma Avenue should be repaved at one time. He suggested the footage be adjusted to 110 for 4140 Norma Avenue, Lot 8 Block 2. . Mayor Probst suggested the Council deal with this in two parts. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 14. 1997 3 . MOTION: Malone moved and Hicks seconded a motion to adjust Lot 8, Block 2 to 110 front feet on the assessment roll. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Council was then requested to deal with the five remaining tabled objections. Mr. Post noted that Council had taken action on 8 of the 9 parcels on Resolution 97 -14a, not including the Gallaghers at 4292 Norma Avenue. Mr. Filla questioned if any of those property owners filed objections, and if so, Council needed to rule on the objections raised. Mr. Post stated 1498 Royal Lane did file a written objection at the last Council meeting. MOTION: Malone moved and Hicks seconded a motion to reconsider the previous motion. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Malone moved and Hicks seconded a motion to approve the assessment roll for Lot 8, Block 2 changing to 110 front footage and denying the appeal for Lot 9, Block 2, accepting the appeal of Lot 10, Block 2 and adjusting front footage to 110 teet. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . Councilmember Keirn questioned when calculating 4292 Norma Avenue, was the short or long side of the lot used for the reclamation side. Mr. Stonehouse stated the short side, but actually the reclamation extended to both sides ofthe parcel. MOTION: Councilmember Malone stated it was important to keep in mind the calculations were a mechanical process. He suggested Council look at the value to the properties. He would like to see the assessment amounts adjusted to make them more similar in dollar amounts. Councilmember Hicks stated there needed to be a valid basis for making adjustments. He reminded the Council that any adjustments make the cost to the City increase. The City Assessment Policy had been applied for other assessments in the past and the Council needed to be fair to all residents. MOTION: Malone moved and Hicks seconded a motion to accept the appeals for 1375 Indian Oaks Trail, 140 I Indian Oaks Trail and 1389 Indian Oaks Court and revise using front footage of 110 front footage. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Councilmember Malone asked if 141 feet was used to calculate reclamation on 4292 Norma Avenue. Councilmember Hicks stated he believes 11 0 feet would be on the short side for this one, but would consider 120 frontage feet. . . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 14. 1997 4 MOTION: Hicks moved and Keirn seconded a motion to accept appeal of 4292 Norma Avenue and adjust the assessment to lIS front feet The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Probst noted this lot is half reconstruction and half reclamation. Councilmember Aplikowski stated Council adjusted the footage on the other properties. Mr. Yargici wants to be considered a corner lot using a method which would amount to approximately $1,000 less than the amount currently proposed to be assessed. Mayor Probst asked Mr. Post what the assessment would be for 4294 Colleen Circle and Mr. Post stated $4,948.47. Councilmember Hicks asked Mr. Stonehouse for the rationale used for this being calculated as an odd shaped lot Mr. Stonehouse stated the determination was made to calculate it as an odd shaped lot as prescribed in the Assessment Policy. Councilmember Hicks asked if the same amount of front footage was used for reclamation and reconstruction. Mr. Fritsinger stated that they were not. Councilmember Hicks stated the proposed assessment of $3,663.44 is less than others in the same general area, Councilmember Aplikowski stated she believes the Council should stay with the formula. Mayor Probst suggested the average assessment be taken for half of the reclamation and half of the reconstruction which would result in an assessment of approximately $3,700.00 MOTION: Hicks moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to deny appeal in the case of 1516 Colleen Avenue and set the assessment at $3,663.44. Mr. Yargici suggested 115 feet be used and noted his driveway is on Colleen Avenue. Mayor Probst noted when going through the process Colleen Circle was up for reclamation but the residents wanted reconstruction. MOTION: Hicks moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to withdraw the previous motion. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). MOTION: Hicks moved and Malone seconded a motion to accept the appeal and base the assessment on half of lIS feet (reconstruction rate) and half of lIS feet (reclamation rate) for a total assessment of $3,546.95. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she will vote in favor of the motion but fears Council may be setting a precedent. Mayor Probst stated this is a very unusual circumstance. Councilmember Hicks stated it does not fit the definition for a comer lot. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 14, 1997 5 The motion carried unanimously (5-0). MOTION: MOTION: Hicks moved and Keirn seconded a motion for adoption of Resolution 97 -14a, A Resolution Adopting Final Assessment Roll (5 year amortization) for Parcels 35,36,37,38,39,40,41 and 42 of the Bituminous Overlay Improvement Project, and Parcel 31 of the Reconstruction Improvement Project. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Hicks moved and Malone seconded a motion for adoption of Resolution 97-15a, A Resolution Adopting Final Assessment Roll (8 year amortization) for Parcels 05,06,07, and 10 of the Reconstruction Improvement Project. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Probst closed the public hearing at 8:35 p.m, APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. March 31,1997, Regular Council Meeting Corrections: Page 5, First Paragraph: should read "Mayor Probst replied the City decided to adopt concrete" curb and gutter" for all new street improvements because of its longer life and ease of snowplowing. MOTION: Keirn moved and Hicks seconded a motion to approve the March 31, 1997, Regular Council Meeting minutes as corrected. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION: A. B. C. Claims and Payroll Highway 96 Task Force Appointment Business Development Committee Chairperson Appointment Malone moved and Hicks 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. There were no public comments. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 14, 1997 6 . UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Adopt Resolution #97-17, Resolution Calling for a Public Hearing by the City on the Proposed Adoption of the Modification to the Development Program for Development District No.1, and the Proposed Modification of Tax Increment Financing Districts Nos. 1,2, and 3 Therein, and the Proposed Adoption of Modifications to the Tax Increment Financing Plans Therefor Mr. Fritsinger explained the Council is asked to adopt Resolution #97-17 which schedules a public hearing for May 27, 1997 and directs staffto prepare modifications and appropriate notices to the school district and county. Councilmember Aplikowski asked if possibly May 27 would present a problem for people with the holiday weekend. Mr. Fritsinger stated he has not seen many residents in attendance for this type of public hearing. Councilmember Malone asked who is notified. Mr. Fritsinger stated the County and the School District. MOTION: Aplikowski moved and Malone seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #97-17, Calling for a Public Hearing by the City on the Proposed Adoption of the Modification to the Development Program for Development District No. I, and the Proposed Modification of Tax Increment Financing Districts Nos. 1,2, and 3 Therein, and the Proposed Adoption of Modifications to the Tax Increment Financing Plans Therefor. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Probst asked where the meeting would be held as Tuesday is New Brighton's Council Meeting. Mr. Fritsinger stated he would determine a location and report back to Council. B. Gateway Business District 1. Resolution #97-20, Ordering a Feasibility Report in the Matter ofthe Street and Utility Improvement Project in the Gateway Business District Mr. Fritsinger explained the Council is asked to adopt Resolution #97-20 which orders preparation of a feasibility study for street and utility improvements in the Gateway Business District. The feasibility study is needed to make final design preparation on the relocation of streets and utilities within the Gateway Business District. MOTION: Malone moved and Keirn seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #97-20, Ordering a Feasibility Report in the Matter of the Street and Utility Improvement Project in the Gateway Business District. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 14. 1997 7 2. Resolution #97-18, Transferring Various Budgetary, Financial, Property, and Personnel to the Arden Hills Economic Development Authority Mr. Fritsinger explained the Council is asked to adopt Resolution #97-18 which transfers all financial obligations from Fund 522, including all TIF Districts to the EDA who will oversee these activities. Councilmember Malone asked if the current negative balance of over $300,000 in Fund 522 was correct and Mr. Post stated it was. Mr. Fritsinger noted this does not include the land transfer. MOTION: Hicks moved and Malone seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #97-18, Transferring Various Budgetary, Financial, Property, and Personnel to the Arden Hills Economic Development Authority. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 3. Resolution #97-19, Establishing Procedures Relating to Compliance with Reimbursement Bond Regulations Under the Internal Revenue Code Mr. Fritsinger explained the Council is asked to adopt Resolution #97-19 which allows the City to reimburse itself from future bond proceeds for any expenditures incurred prior to bonds being issued. These costs would include any staff time, engineering, legal, property acquisitions, etc. which occur in the development of the Gateway Business District prior to the issuance of a General Obligation TIF Bond. MOTION: Hicks moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #97-19, Establishing Procedures Relating to Compliance with Reimbursement Bond Regulations Under the Internal Revenue Code. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Councilmember Aplikowski asked if Council needed to be more specific. Mr. Fritsinger stated the anticipated costs are included. Councilmember Aplikowski asked if anything more than a consultant was needed would it be covered and Mr. Fritsinger stated it would. ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS Mr. Fritsinger stated there have been recent discussions regarding the Cleveland Avenue Bridge reconstruction. The current configuration is similar to what it is now. The cost estimate is $1,000,000. The County is concerned because the roadway is relatively lightly traveled at 2300 trips, and are considering if it makes economic sense to go ahead with a bridge design, Mr. Fritsinger noted previous Council preferred a bridge crossing. The City of New Brighton has identified concern about going with an at-grade crossing. They plan to send a letter stating they would prefer a bridge crossing. Mr. Fritsinger stated he will send a letter from Arden Hills Council indicating their support of the bridge if so directed by Council. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 14. 1997 8 Councilmember Malone stated it seemed to make sense to build the bridge but someone would have to pay for it. Mr. Fritsinger stated the largest portion of the increase in the current cost estimate is right-of-way acquisition. Councilmember Keirn asked if the grade would be changed and Mr. Fritsinger stated there would be a slight grade change. Mayor Probst asked if the bridge could be rehabilitated. Mr. Stafford stated the deck was rotting and rusting. Mayor Probst asked if the deck couldn't just be rebuilt. Mr. Stafford stated they want to raise the sight line. Mr. Fritsinger noted they may have to apply for a variance from the MnDOT design standards. Mayor Probst stated trains may be held there. Councilmember Hicks stated he would want to add a condition that no City money would be spent for the bridge. Mr. Post stated $48,000 is budgeted for that project. Councilmember Malone stated he does not believe Cleveland Avenue will ever extend any further north than County Road E-2. Mayor Probst directed staff to draft a letter to the County showing Council support for a bridge. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Malone noted there will be a Transportation Committee Meeting Wednesday, April 16, 1997. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she liked the new GIS maps. Councilmember Aplikowski also stated that she had attended a meeting for the Healthy Youth Coalition, which currently appears to be lacking in leadership. She stated she had also attended the Ramsey County League meeting, and saw a demonstration on Watershed Districts. She also noted she may not be at the next Council W orksession due to traveling out of the state. Councilmember Keirn stated she attended a Business Relations Committee Meeting and will bring materials gathered to the Worksession. She noted the next meeting will be held May 22, 1997. Mayor Probst stated the GIS output is great. He suggested downsizing the disclaimer and removing the planned site graphic. Mayor Probst recognized Jane Lund for her 20 years of service to the City. Mayor Probst stated the 1997 City CouncillDepartment Head Retreat summary appeared to be accurate and noted it would be helpful to have that record. Mayor Probst noted a letter was received from Ms. Rem regarding lake quality. He noted there was a task force identified but not on the" A" list. He indicated he would contact the Lake Johanna Lake Association to see if they had an interest in serving on a Task Force. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 14, 1997 9 ADJOURN MOTION: Hicks moved and Keirn seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m. e motion carried unanimously (5-0). ~ff Brian Fritsinger City Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next regular City Council meeting will be held April 28,1997, at 7:30 p.m. at the New Brighton Council Chambers.