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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 05-12-1997 (2) . . . MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 12, 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 Administrator, Brian Fritsinger; Community Development Director, Kevin Ringwald; Public Works Superintendent, Dwayne Stafford; Parks & Recreation Director, Cindy Walsh; Administrative Secretary, Sheila Stowell; Consulting Engineer, Greg Stonehouse; and Recording Secretary, Cindy Schneider. ADOPT AGENDA MOTION: Aplikowski moved and Keirn seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the May 12, 1997, Regular City Council meeting as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. April 28, 1997, Regular Council Meeting Councilmember Malone requested the following changes be made: Page 3, last paragraph: ".. .as he is of the opinion this use will generate too much parking t. " conges IOn... Page 5, Paragraph 8: "Mr. Ringwald replied that it was their intent to have it turned off at 11:00 p.m." MOTION: Aplikowski moved and Malone seconded a motion to approve the April 28, 1997, Regular Council Meeting minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5- 0). ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 12. 1997 2 . CONSENT CALENDAR . . A. Claims and Payroll B. Approve Rubbish Hauler License MOTION: Malone moved and Aplikowski 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. No one came forward to address the Council. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Crime Prevention/Ramsey County Sheriff, Bob Fletcher Bob Fletcher, Ramsey County Sheriff, came forward to address the Council on crime prevention issues in the County. Joining him were Undersheriff John Luey, and Crime Prevention Officer Gary Wilzbacher. Sheriff Fletcher discussed an upcoming federal crime prevention grant, and reported to the Council that Arden Hills has one of the lowest crime rates in the Metro area. However, he said crime is slowly making its way to the second-ring suburbs of the Twin Cities, and the Sheriffs Department is taking a pro-active stance toward this problem in a number of ways. Sheriff Fletcher reported the Sheriffs Department has just graduated its second class of Community Affairs Officers, and discussed courses that could be taken through the Citizen's Academy. He discussed the CityWatch computer system, which will be on-line in the near future, and spoke of various ways this messaging system could be utilized, such as block club group messages, crime data by neighborhood, and automated polling of City residents. Deputy Wilzbacher came forward to address the Council on his job responsibilities, which include overseeing thirty-five volunteers to the Sheriff's Department. He stated he is working with TCF Bank in Arden Hills on a robbery response system. He then opened the floor to questions from Council. He further discussed an upcoming course dealing with crime-free multiple housing, which teaches managers to locate desirable tenants through criminal history checks, credit checks, and the like. Mayor Probst stated statistics show the greatest crime problem is in juvenile crime, and asked what the Sheriff's Department was doing about this problem. Deputy Wilzbacher said the ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 12. 1997 3 . Sheriff's Department was taking a pro-active stance in the City's parks to attempt to combat this problem. . . Mayor Probst stated there have been problems at Tony Schmidt Park that are still on-going. Sheriff Fletcher discussed the intervention committee that has been set up. He reported the Community Affairs grant program with the McKnight Foundation and Teen Court/Peer Court as some of the intervention programs. He further stated Shoreview DARE Officers are running a summer police athletic league, and suggested the same could be done in Arden Hills. Councilmember Keirn inquired if Community Affairs Officers were now present in Tony Schmidt Park. Sheriff Fletcher replied some Officers would be assigned there if some had not already been assigned. He discussed the Sheriff's Department volunteer park rangers program, which trains volunteers to oversee City and County Parks with the ability to communicate with Sheriff and/or Police if necessary. Councilmember Hicks inquired if these park ranger volunteers were considered separate from Community Affairs Officers. Sheriff Fletcher replied that this was the case. Councilmember Hicks inquired if the park ranger volunteers could be recognized as officers. Sheriff Fletcher stated they could, as they wear official uniforms. A short discussion ensued regarding the policy of City Council packet delivery by Sheriffs Deputies. It was ultimately decided, with the full support of Sheriff Fletcher, that the County would continue to deliver packets and if problems arose, the issue would then merit further discussion at that time. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired how many crime watch units currently were in existence. Deputy Wilzbacher replied there were approximately ten currently on the map. B. Resolution #97-23, Authorizing the Transfer of Roadway .Jurisdiction between Ramsey County and the City of Arden Hills C. Resolution #97-24, Disestablishing and Establishing Municipal State Aid Streets Dwayne Stafford, Public Works Superintendent, stated the Ramsey County Department of Public Works had identified Snelling Avenue from TH 51 to County Road E be turned over to the jurisdiction of the City of Arden Hills several years ago, and is asking that this be completed in 1997. This 0.86 mile segment of roadway was sealcoated last fall and appears to be in average condition. The right-of-way is approximately 200 feet wide on this segment. There is a large box culvert approximately 500 feet north of Highway 51 that a creek runs through, connecting Lake Josephine and Lake Johanna. Mr. Greg Stonehouse, MSA Consulting Engineer, has inspected this culvert and found it to be in good condition. There is only cosmetic patching necessary on the bridge. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COl JNCIL - MAY 12. 1997 4 The Ramsey County Department of Public Works has also identified County Road F between Hamline and Lexington to be turned back to Ramsey County jurisdiction from the City of Arden Hills. This is a 0.44 mile segment of high traffic, high maintenance roadway which currently is in poor condition. Mr. Stafford recommended the Council adopt Resolution #97-23, which accepts jurisdiction over Snelling Avenue between Highway 51 and County Road E. As part of this resolution, Ramsey County agrees to take jurisdiction over County Road F between Lexington Avenue and Hamline Avenue. Mr. Stafford also recommended Council adopt Resolution #97 -24, which will ask MN/DOT to remove County Road F between Lexington and Hamline Avenues from the City of Arden Hills Municipal Aid System. The City will also ask that the newly acquired segment of Snelling A venue be designated an MSAS street. Mayor Probst inquired as to the amount of net mileage gained or lost. Mr. Stafford replied that between the years 1995-1997, the City had gained 3.6 miles and given up 1.48 miles. Mayor Probst stated it was his recollection that the amounts given and taken were to be roughly the same. Mr. Stonehouse, stated the amounts have remained fairly constant, with the City having gained more than it had turned back. Mayor Probst inquired regarding the condition ofSneUing Avenue and the bridge. Mr. Stonehouse replied this road was in satisfactory condition. He explained the box culvert is 36 feet wide, which would easily accommodate any necessary repairs in the future. Mr. Brian Fritsinger, City Administrator, inquired regarding the width of the right-of-way on Snelling Avenue. Mr. Stonehouse replied it varied in width along this road from 100 to 200 feet. Mr. Fritsinger inquired if the City could vacate this right-of-way if this road was turned back. Mr. Stonehouse replied the City could do so. Mayor Probst inquired what actions the County would take if the turnback did not occur. Mr. Stonehouse replied that, although turnbacks cannot occur without agreement of both parties, he did not know what, if any, action would be taken by the County. MOTION: Hicks moved and Malone seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #97-23, accepting jurisdiction over Snelling Avenue between Highway 51 and County Road E; and Resolution #97-24, which asks MNDOT to remove County Road F between Lexington A venue and Hamline A venue from the City of Arden Hills Municipal State Aid System, and asks that the newly acquired segment of Snelling A venue be designated an MSA street. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). ARDEN HILLS CITY CmJNCIL - MAY 12. 1997 5 . Councilmember Malone inquired the extent of patching necessary on County Road F. Mr. Stafford replied mainly patching of numerous potholes was needed. Mr. Fritsinger stated the Resolution does not discuss repairs, and this issue will have to be discussed with the County. D. Preliminary Gateway Business District Improvements, Feasibility Report Discussion Mr. Kevin Ringwald, Community Development Director, showed an overhead slide of the Gateway Business District, explaining that Phase I was currently under construction, and Phase II, III, and IV will come before the Planning Commission for discussion on June 18, 1997. The scope of the feasibility report is for roads and utilities required south of the Indykiewicz parcel and west of the Vaughn parcel. Mayor Probst inquired if the road and utilities servicing the Vaughn parcel were satisfactory. Mr. Ringwald stated this parcel would be evaluated at a future date, given the existing tower on the property. Mayor Probst suggested checking the implications regarding utilities for the entire district. . Mr. Greg Stonehouse, came before the Council to explain the Preliminary Feasibility Study. He reviewed the cost of the study and a schedule of the proposed project. Mr. Stonehouse showed an overhead slide of the sewer lines, and one of the water mains. He gave a general overview of the work to be completed, including locations where sewer and water pipes would need replacement, and where storm sewers would need to be added. He also discussed drainage, roadway improvements, and trails and sidewalks in the area. He discussed an NSP easement and a U.S. Pipeline easement in the area and how these easements would be handled. Mr. Stonehouse discussed project costs as broken down into stages, and showed a project schedule. The final plan will be presented to City Council on May 27,1997. Mayor Probst inquired regarding the schedule of reconstruction as it pertains to the bridge. Mr. Pritsinger indicated the bridge was scheduled for reconstruction in 1999. Mr. Fritsinger also indicated the Feasibility Study will be studied further by the City and staff to address remaining questions and concerns. He indicated the developer had also expressed interest in constructing the road for the City. Mayor Probst inquired what type of street was planned, and indicated his preference for a boulevard design to allow for more flexibility and aesthetics. He inquired how the Highway 96 project and this project would be coordinated. Mr. Fritsinger indicated a meeting was scheduled . . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 12. 1997 6 to take place the first week in June involving the various property owners and Ramsey County to discuss some of these issues. Councilmember Malone inquired if the sewer main belonged to the Metropolitan Council. Mr. Fritsinger indicated that it did, and that approval would be needed to adjust or move this line. Mayor Probst inquired regarding possible reimbursement from the Metropolitan Council in this matter. Mr. Fritsinger indicated this issue has not been discussed as of yet. Councilmember Malone suggested the boulevard be wider than 22 feet, and that it be comprised of four lanes. He further inquired regarding right-of-way issues. Mr. Ringwald replied the right- of-way information had not yet been received from MN/DOT, and that the entire area was being reviewed by MN/DOT before their final decision. Mayor Probst inquired if this issue would be on the agenda for discussion at the next Council Worksession. Mr. Fritsinger indicated it would be. E, Resolution #97-22, Requesting Approval of Charitable Gambling Premises Permit Application, ABW A Lady Slipper Chapter at Flaherty's Arden Bowl City Administrator Fritsinger, reported the two-year permit for the American Business Women's (ABW A) Lady Slipper Chapter to conduct Class B gambling activity at Flaherty's Arden Bowl would expire on July 31, 1997. State Charitable Gambling Board requirements are that Premises Permit renewal applications and supporting resolutions be reviewed and approved sixty (60) days prior to the current permit expiration date. Mr. Fritsinger advised that the applicant had submitted all necessary documents for permit renewal to City Accountant, Terrance Post. A review of ordinance compliance for fifty percent (50%) trade area spending requirements for the twenty-four (24) month period from April 1995 to March 1997 had resulted in a finding that the organization had met City requirements by expending 82% in the trade area (Exhibit C). The organization's charitable donation by-laws were also provided for additional information (Exhibit D). Mr. Fritsinger further noted the organization's Gambling Manager, Marilyn Damman, was present in the audience to answer any questions. Mr. Fritsinger stated Staff recommended approval of Resolution #97-22. MOTION: Hicks moved and Keirn seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #97-22, approving the ABW A's Class B Charitable Gambling Premises Permit Renewal Application at Flaherty's Arden Bowl. The motion passed unanimously (5-0). Councilmember Hicks thanked Ms. Damman for her organization's benevolence and giving in excess of City requirements. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 12. 1997 7 F. Resolution #97-25, Apportionment of Assessments Relating to Improvement W-78-5 (No. 1783) G. Resolution #97-26, Apportionment of Assessments Relating to Improvement St-81-2 (No. 5163) Mr. Fritsinger stated Council was being requested to consider adopting two resolutions that pertain to the apportionment of assessments resulting from a property division by Ramsey County Records and Revenue. The remaining 35.7 Control Data parcel had been subsequently platted into three parcels. Resolution #97-25 apportions assessments pertaining to Improvement "IMP W-78-5" (DIP No. 1783) between the smaller remaining 23.8 acre Control Data property and a 10.5 acre CSM parcel. Assessments were not apportioned to the new. 9 acre parcel given to the City of Arden Hills for an expanded pedestrian and bicycle easement in partial satisfaction of park dedication requirements. Council may recall earlier action on November 27, 1995, wherein the original 41.9 acre Control Data parcel was replatted to accommodate the two new Dynamark building parcels. Resolution #97-26 apportions assessments pertaining to Improvement "IMP ST81-2" (DIP No. 5163) between the remaining 23.8 acre Control Data property and the 10.5 acre CSM property. MOTION: Malone moved and Keirn seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #97-25, apportioning assessments pertaining to Improvement "IMP W-78-5" (DIP No. 1783; and Resolution #97-26, apportioning assessments pertaining to Improvement "IMP ST8I-2 (DIP No. 5163). Mayor Probst inquired if this action would be required by Council in future years. Mr. Fritsinger replied this action was only needed because this property had been sold, and would not need to be repeated. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). H. Authorization to Obtain a Current City Bond Rating Mr. Fritsinger stated the City of Arden Hills had not been a participant in the bond market since 1985, and currently had no bond debt. With this lack ofbond issuance activity, the City had not maintained, nor does it currently have, a bond rating. With the upcoming improvements to the Gateway Business District, and the probability ofissuing bonds, obtaining a current bond rating would be a prudent first step. A memo from the City's independent financial advisor, Ehlers & Associates, Inc., commented on the relationship between credit ratings and the bond issuance process. Mr. Fritsinger reported an unbudgeted $3,000-$7,500 expenditure in the Development! . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 12. 1997 8 Redevelopment Fund No. 522 was estimated. The two major providers in this market are Moody's Investor's Service and Standard & Poor's Corporation. Staff recommends that Council direct the City Administrator to seek bids from qualified rating agencies in determining a current bond rating for the City of Arden Hills at a cost not to exceed $7,500. MOTION: Malone moved and Hicks seconded a motion to direct the City Administrator to seek bids from qualified rating agencies in determining a current bond rating for the City of Arden Hills at a cost not to exceed $7,500. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). I. Resolution #97-27, Accepting Quit Claim Deed for Various Portions of Excess MNDOT Rights-of-Way adjacent to STH #51 Mr. Ringwald stated on August 14, 1995, City Council approved a request (site plan) by Bethel College to construct a parking lot adjacent to STH #51 (PC #95-18). As a part of that request, Bethel College requested the City's assistance in obtaining ownership to the Hamline Avenue Service Road which parallels STH #51 and services Bethel College exclusively. Bethel College, for some time, had been maintaining this roadway as if it were their own, since MN/DOT had not maintained the roadway. MN/DOT had also determined that Hamline A venue north of County Road E and south of the railroad tracks was excess, as well as the frontage road which connects Grey Fox Road and Red Fox Road. The State of Minnesota has executed a Quit Claim Deed which transfers these three properties to the City of Arden Hills. Mr. Ringwald stated Staff intends to request the City Council to transfer the Hamline Avenue Service Road north of the railroad tracks to Bethel College at the Tuesday, May 27, 1997, City Council meeting. Staffrecommended adoption of Resolution #97-27, authorizing the City Attorney to file a Quit Claim Deed. MOTION: Malone moved and Hicks seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #97-27, authorizing the City Attorney to file the Quit Claim Deed. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS Mr. Fritsinger requested Councilmembers interested in attending the LMC Conference to let him know. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she is planning on attending Tuesday - Thursday at this point. Mayor Probst indicated he is unsure of his plans at this time. Mr. Fritsinger discussed the City Code as it relates to electric fences, and indicated the City Attorney had asked to have the code changed to enforce not allowing them in the City. He indicated there was a homeowner in the City who had installed an electric fence. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 12. 1997 9 Mayor Probst inquired if the City has had discussions with this homeowner. Mr. Ringwald indicated the City had spoken with this individual, and that the property owner does not intend to remove the fence. Mr. Fritsinger reported several Committee Appointments would be discussed at upcoming meetings. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Malone inquired regarding funding of the pedestrian bridge, and indicated a funding application cannot be transferred if the project that it might be transferred to has not been previously included in the Transportation Impact Program. Mr. Fritsinger stated the bridge is being redesigned, and there had been discussions on how to more effectively move pedestrians across. Councilmember Malone briefly discussed legislation on levy limits and their impact on the City. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired what action was being taken regarding Tony Schmidt Park. Mr. Fritsinger stated ADA funding has been acquired at this time. Councilmember Keirn inquired if the homeowner with the electric fence could post a warning sign, as the electric cable would be completely hidden from view with foliage in the summer. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired if changing the ordinance after the fact could allow the City to force the homeowner to remove the electric fence. Mr. Ringwald stated that matter would need to be discussed further with the City Attorney. Mayor Probst discussed an upcoming Suburban Chamber event, and discussed the letter for public comments regarding TCAAP. He discussed upcoming LMC and AMM Meetings. Mayor Probst briefly discussed the meetings taking place among the suburban mayors and County Commissioners. He stated these meetings had not generally been well attended except by mayors of the northern suburbs. Mayor Probst gave a short TCAAP update, in which he explained the Army wished to remove affected homeowners from wells and place them on a different water source. The Army was prepared to deal with the cost of this project. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 12. 1997 10 . AD.JOURN MOTION: Hicks moved and Keirn seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:01 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). ~ Brial'i Fritsinger City Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next regular City Council meeting will be held May 27,1997, at 7:30 p.m. at the Army Reserve Center. - .