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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 07-14-1997 . . . MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING .JULY 14, 1997 7:30 P.M. - NEW BRIGHTON COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Dennis Probst called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:31 p.m. Present: Mayor Dennis Probst, Counci1members 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; City Accountant, Terry Post; Public Works Director, Cindy Walsh, Administrative Secretary, Sheila Stowell; and Recording Secretary, Cindy Schneider. ADOPT AGENDA MOTION: Keirn moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the July 14,1997, regular City Council meeting as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. June 30,1997, Regular Council Meeting Councilmember Hicks requested the amended motion on Page 8 be tied to the motion on Page 6, with language stating "See amendment in Council Comments on Page 8 of the June 30,1997, Council Meeting." He requested this line be added to the last line ofthe motion on Page 6. Councilmember Hicks requested the amended motion on Page 8 be amended to read: "As there are only four lots to he developed, one-fourth of the park dedication fee should be paid when the huilding permit is issued for each of the four lots. The amount of the total park dedication is to he $5,129.00." MOTION: Aplikowski moved and Malone seconded a motion to approve the June 30, 1997 regular Council Meeting minutes as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5- 0). ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 14. 1997 2 . CONSENT CALENDAR . . A. Claims and Payroll B. Resolution #97-34, Red Fox Road and Snelling Avenue, "No Parking" Signs 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. No one came forward to address the Council. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Sewer Televising Report Recommendations Consulting Engineer, Mr. Greg Stonehouse, of Howard Green Consultants, gave an overview of the sanitary sewer televising, and the subsequent report prepared by Infratech, Inc. He stated there were four main areas within the City where there was potential for concern. The first is a residential area west and southwest of Lake J oharma. This area appear to have some joint problems. The pipe segments appear sound, but there are roots growing through many of the joints, suggesting that there may be some openings. The type of cleaning recommended for this area is estimated at $2.00 per foot. The second area is the compost site easement, including approximately 1,720 feet of 15-inch diameter reinforced concrete pipe (RCP), and nine manholes. The pipe structure appears to be relatively sound, but many ofthe joints show signs of minor leaking and some of the joints have significant leaks. This area appears to have a very high groundwater table relative to the sanitary sewer line. Preliminary estimates to slip line this area are approximately $120,000. The third area is the Valentine Park easement, including approximately 2,255 feet of 15-inch RCP, 1,775 feet ofl2-inch RCP, 614 feet of 12-inch vitrified clay pipe (VCP), 300 feet of8-inch VCP and 23 manholes. Preliminary estimates for slip lining this area are approximately $340,000. The final area of concern is Old Highway 10, including approximately 1,400 feet of 10-inch diameter VCP sewer and seven manholes. Again, the groundwater table appears to be relatively high, so the leaking which was observed is probably continuous throughout the year. Testing and sealing the joints in this area may cost approximately $30,000, depending on the quantity of grout used. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 14. 1997 3 Due to the unique nature of the proposed construction work in the interceptor areas, Mr. Stonehouse recommends contacting a contractor to further investigate the feasibility and cost effectiveness of specific rehabilitation options. Mr. Stonehouse also recommends that the City evaluate the budget available for rehabilitation work in comparison to the preliminary contractor costs to define feasible rehabilitation projects within the available annual budgets. Mr. Stonehouse distributed a bench handout dealing with available funding, and related issues. Mayor Probst inquired if infiltration rates in specific areas were higher or lower than in others. Mr. Stonehouse stated that the Valentine Hills area appears to have the highest infiltration rate. Mayor Probst requested clarification that the areas in question were not located in any potential development areas. Mr. Stonehouse replied that, with the exception of a small area along Highway 10, none were located in any potential development areas. Mayor Probst inquired which areas, if any, had the potential for collapsing. Mr. Stonehouse indicated that the potential exists in isolated areas, but there was no way to know with any certainty. Councilmember Malone stated that the City has known for years that these infiltration problems exist. He suggested pursuing grants for the most serious areas at this time, stating did not appear to be economically sound to repair all the areas. B. 1997 Street Improvements (Valley Paving) Pay Estimate #1 Mr. Stonehouse reviewed Pay Estimate # I for work completed on the 1997 Street Improvement project through July 4, 1997. The Pay Estimate totals $199,508, including 10% retainage, resulting in a net recommended payment to the Contractor in the amount of$179,558.03. Should the City Council approve the Pay Estimate, it would be appropriate to make payment to Valley Paving, Inc. in the amount of$179,558.03. The boulevard and driveway restoration are anticipated to be completed by July 18, with the placement of the final lift of pavement by late July. Sealing of the trails would then be all that remains for the 1997 project. MOTION: Hicks moved and Keirn seconded a motion to approve Pay Estimate #1 for Valley Paving at $179,558.03 and authorize staff to make this payment. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). C-l. Planning Case #97-10, Brunn Construction/John Schlendich, 1459 Glenhill Road, Variance Mr. Kevin Ringwald, Community Development Director, reviewed this request for a I5-foot side yard setback when a 40-foot setback is required. The applicant is requesting this variance to construct a house addition to be located 15 feet from the side property line (right-of-way). Given . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 14. 1997 4 the unique shape of the lot, placing this addition elsewhere on the lot would be difficult, as this lot contains only 2,450 square feet of buildable area. Also, given the age of the existing structure, staff was unable to find evidence of a variance being granted on the existing house. Therefore, if the City Council approves this variance, staff would recommend that the existing house/garage be including in that approval. However, staff would not be recommending a blanket 15-foot side yard setback for this property, only for the existing house/garage and proposed addition. The Planning Commission recommends approval ofthe variance for a I 5-foot side yard setback variance for a proposed addition (including the existing house/garage) to match the existing house setback at 1459 Glenhill Road, subject to the condition of compliance with the plan, including the existing house/garage, as shown in Exhibits A, pages I of2 and 2 of2. Council member Hicks inquired ifthis was technically a 25-foot variance. Mr. Ringwald replied that was the case. Mr. Wayne Brunn of Brunn Construction came forward to state that he was present if Council had any questions for him. MOTION: Malone moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve Planning Case #97- 10 with the Planning Commission recommendation as stated. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). C-2. Planning Case #97-11, Jerome Stradinger, 1426 West County Road E, Variance Mr. Ringwald stated the applicant wished to construct an addition to an existing detached garage. The existing garage has an existing side yard setback of 3 '3", and is 396 square feet in area. The applicant's addition would also have a side yard setback on '3" and would be 576 square feet in area. The applicant could construct a 332 square foot addition to the existing accessory structure. The applicant has stated that one larger structure would be more appropriate than two smaller structures. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the variance for a 3 '3" setback variance, and a variance for an accessory structure not to exceed 972 square feet in size at 14 26 West County Road E, subject to the condition that no other accessory buildings be constructed on this property. This condition was suggested by the applicant, and therefore the applicant is in agreement with it. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired if the proposed addition would be attached to the existing garage. Mr. Ringwald stated that was the case, and showed an overhead slide of the proposed project. He stated the addition would be 24 x 24 feet, which would turn the accessory structure into one larger building. - . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 14. 1997 5 Councilmember Aplikowski inquired where the entrance to this structure would be located. Mr. Ringwald indicated there would be several entrances; in the rear, through the wall separating the existing and the proposed, and regular entry doors. Mayor Probst inquired if the applicant was present at the meeting. Mr. Stradinger indicated he was present, and would answer any questions Council may have. Mayor Probst stated he had concerns with construction oflarge accessory structures on the property. Councilmember Hicks stated the Planning Commission favored the larger square footage over the addition of another building on the property. Councilmember Malone stated this case was a unique circumstance. MOTION: Malone moved and Keirn seconded a motion to approve Planning Case #97-11, subject to the Planning Commission conditions as outlined. Thc motion carried unanimously (5-0). C-3. Planning Case #97-14, Bethel College and Seminary, 3900 Bethel Drive, Site Plan Review Mr. Ringwald stated the applicant was requesting approval of a site plan to allow for construction of an addition (3,000 square feet) to the west side of an existing storage shed (6,000 square feet) at the southeast corner of the Bethel College campus. The Planning Commission recommended approval of this case subject to the following conditions: 1. Installation of required landscaping for the football stadium prior to November I, 1997; 2. Installation of required landscaping for the addition to the storage shed prior to November 1,1997; 3. Provision of the required landscape bond; 4. Modification ofthe five (5) Silver Maples to five (5) Green Ash; 5. Provision oftwo (2) additional Black Hills Spruce trees be planted adjacent to the additionl; and 6. Provision of one (1) landscaping plan for the entire project. On July 9, 1997, the applicant had installed the required landscaping for the football stadium. Therefore, the applicant had complied with Condition #1 of the Planning Commission recommendations. The applicant had provided staff a revised landscape plan modifying and adding the required plant species. The applicant had accomplished these revisions on a landscape plan which shows the entire project (football stadium screening and storage shed . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 14. 1997 6 screening). Therefore, the applicant had complied with Conditions #4, #5 and #6 of the Planning Commission recommendations. Mr. Ringwald noted that the landscaping had been blended into one plan, where before the stadium and the storage shed were two separate plans. He discussed the reasons behind the species of trees being changed. Mayor Probst inquired if the new building would match the existing building. Mr. Bruce Kunkel of Bethel College stated that it would match, and would appear to be one continuous building. MOTION: Hicks moved and Malone seconded a motion to approve Plarming Case #97-14, subject to the six Plarming Commission recommendations as outlined in the memo. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). C-4. Planning Case #97-13, AmberJack, Ltd.!fom Brunmeier, 4300 Round Lake Road, Special Use Permit (SUP) Mr. Ringwald stated the applicant was requesting approval of a Special Use Permit (SUP) to install three above-ground storage tanks adjacent to the rear of the building. This building is leased to MSL, an electronics manufacturer. The utilization of the above-ground nitrogen tanks, which the applicant is requesting approval of, are a critical component of the manufacturing process which MSL will be conducting in this facility. The Planning Commission recommended approval of this case subject to the following conditions: I. Provision of fencing, slates and tanks to match the color of the adjacent exterior wall; 2. Provision of additional landscaping as outlined in Exhibit B, page 2 of 2; 3. Replacement of existing vegetation on the conservation easement as determined by the City Forester on the Supplemental Memo dated 7/2/97 by September I, 1997 - replacement materials to be approved by staff; and 4. Staff will work with the applicant in choosing an appropriate species oftree. Mr. Ringwald showed an overhead slide of the area in question, and one of the approved landscaping plan. Mayor Probst requestcd clarification that the applicant was agreeable to those conditions. Mr. Ringwald stated that was correct. MOTION: Keirn moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve PI arming Case #97- 13, subject to thc four Planning Commission recommendations as outlined in the memo. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 14 1997 7 C-5. Determination of Adequacy of Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the Gateway Center. Mr. Ringwald stated that during the public hearing process, five public agencies commented on the environmental assessment worksheet. They were the Minnesota Historical Society, the Metropolitan Council, Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNIDOT), Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Minnesota Department of Health. The Minnesota Historical Society requested additional information which was provided to them. No further response from that agency was received by Arden Hills. The Metropolitan Council comments were related mainly to ecological resources in the area. In regards to Blanding's Turtles, Mr. Ringwald referred to the memo from Madeleine Linck, which stated she found no turtles of these species in the area. In reference to the "urban forest" statement, Mr. Ringwald stated this site had some mature trees, but most were younger "pioneer" trees, and the property does not qualify to be named an urban forest. He stated the applicant was using various conservation easements to preserve trees in the area. In regards to concerns regarding traffic, Mr. Ringwald stated the applicant had provided directional patterns for this area. Furthermore, MNIDOT comments stated that the proposed traffic numbers seem estimated high, and should in fact be lowered. Mayor Probst inquired regarding the suggestion by MN/DOT to further analyze the intersections of Highway 96 and I-35W and/or Highway 96 and Highway 10. Mr. Ringwald stated that MNIDOT was merely trying to get a better idea of the scope of the area in question. The Milmesota DNR comments included a suggestion to double the shoreline setback from Round Lake. However, the Arden Hills Shoreline Ordinance, which was approved by the DNR, is the one that the City will be abiding by, and therefore the shoreline setback will remain the samc. Regarding water quality issues brought forth by the Minnesota Department of Health, the applicant has been approved by the Rice Creek Watershed District. The Health Dept. was under the impression that water to this property would be delivered via wells, which is not the case as it will be hooked up to City services. Mr. Ringwald stated there were no public comments received for this Environmental Assessment Worksheet. Staff recommendations regarding the Environmental Assessment Worksheet are as follows: I. The City Council adopt the responses to the public comments; 2. The City Council adopt the Findings of Fact; 3. The City Council adopt a negative declaration on the need for an EIS; 4. The City Council authorize staff to distribute the responses to the public comments; and . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 14. 1997 8 5. The City Council authorize staff to distribute the decision of the City Council on the need for an EIS (negative declaration). Councilmember Malone stated his displeasure with the tone of the various comments received from these public agencies, stating their suggestions are phrased more in the manner of requirements. Mr. George Winiecke, 7451 Old Highway 10, came forward to address the Council. He stated hi s concern that the shoreline setback is indeed not enough, stating the Phase I building is very close to Round Lake. He stated this could have repercussions for drainage in the future, and that it appears the drainage from the parking lot will go directly into Round Lake. He further stated there is a great deal of silt flowing into the lake, and stated there is no silt fence in place in some areas. He inquired whether a road around the south side of Round Lake is in the City's plans for the future. Mr. Brian Fritsinger, City Administrator, stated the City has no immediate plans for a road of this type, but will possibly be exploring this option in the future. Linda Rademacher, represcnting Vaughan Towers, came forward to address the Council. She stated she was representing the owner of Vaughan Towers, who was out of the country on business. She stated that the owner of this property feels his property is being "landlocked", and that the twenty (20) foot easement being provided by the applicant was not sufficient. Mr. Ringwald stated that the applicant's plans include, and they have provided for, an easement on this property, to duplicate the existing access, from the end of the relocated Fourteenth Street to the Vaughan Tower's property. Ms. Rademacher stated that for development purposes, 20 feet is insufficient room. Mayor Probst suggested the owner of the Vaughan property discuss any future development plans and concerns with City staff. Ms. Rademacher stated the owner was not aware that Fourteenth Street was going to be relocated. Councilmember Malone inquired if the City could address the drainage concerns brought forth by Mr. Winiecki. Mr. Ringwald stated drainage from the parking lot will be treated in the two large ponds in front of the property, and then diverted to MN/DOT drainage. Mr. Winiecki inquired if snow and sand would be plowed to the rear of the lot. Mr. Ringwald that the site drains to the west, along Round Lake Road. Mr. Winiecki inquired if snow and sand would be plowed to the front of the lot. Mr. Ringwald stated the principal snow piling area would be to the south. Mr. Winiecki reiterated his feeling that the building was too close to the lake, and the parking lot too close to the lake for proper drainage to take place. Mayor Probst stated if a drainage problem arises, it would be dealt with by the City. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 14. 1997 9 Mr. Winiecki inquired how this building received approval to be built in such close proximity to the lake. Mr. Ringwald stated the area in question was the area with the narrowest shoreline setback, and that farther north the setback was much wider. Councilmember Malone inquired if the PUD for this project met the standards for landscape area. Mr. Ringwald replied that it met the standards. Ms. Rademacher requested the City address the concern that a silt fence was not constructed in this area until a citizen complaint was received. Mr. Ringwald stated, with clarification from Mr. Fritsinger, that a silt fence was prcsent during a majority of the construction process. It was partially removed at one point to allow for heavy equipment to be moved, and shortly thereafter it rained heavily in this area, which could have caused some of the problems being discussed. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired the distance of the building from the shoreline. Mr. Ringwald stated he believed it to be approximately 100 to 150 feet. Councilmember Hicks inquired if the setback requirement was 75 feet. Mr. Ringwald stated that was correct. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired if the 150 feet was from the building to the lakeshore, or from the parking lot to the lakeshore. Mr. Ringwald stated the average distance from the edge of the parking lot to the water was 125 feet, and from the edge of the property line to the parking lot was 50 feet, both of which exceed ordinance requirements. Councilmember Aplikowski requested clarification that these setbacks were approved during the site plan review process. Mr. Ringwald stated they were approved as stated. Councilmember Malone inquircd as to the existing width of the drive for Arden Towers. Mr. Ringwald stated it is approximately 14 feet. Councilmember Malone inquired if the access road would run along the railroad tracks. Mr. Ringwald stated it would come out in essentially the same spot that Fourteenth Street does currently. Councilmember Malone stated this is probably a sufficient setback for the present. Mayor Probst inquired regarding options for access to this property. He inquired who owned the property to the south. Mr. Ringwald stated Naegele was the owner of this property. Ms. Rademacher inquircd ifthc proposed easement would go through a wetland. Mr. Ringwald replied it did not, and further stated the road was delineated by a wetland surveyor. He stated the roadway would go around a wetland, and showed an overhead slide of the proposed road. Ms. Rademacher inquired if the City anticipated runoff concerns with this road. Mr. Ringwald replied the planned road meets all Rice Creek Watershed District requirements for wetland and stonn water management. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL -JULY 14. 1997 10 Mayor Probst stated the various property owners have been in discussions with City staff regarding the issues being addressed, and all parties had satisfactorily worked out solutions. He stated the issues Ms. Rademacher was raising did not come directly under the issue of the EA W, and suggested her concerns be discussed further with staff. Council member Aplikowski stated her dislike for the proposed name of Gateway Boulevard for the new name of Fourteenth Street, stating it was too impersonal. MOTION: Malone moved and Keim seconded a motion to adopt staff recommendations 1-3 as outlined in the memo. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). MOTION: Malone moved and Hicks seconded a motion to authorize staff to carry out recommendations 4-5 outlined in the memo. The motion carried unanimously (5- 0). C-6. Planning Case #97-06, Welsh Companies/Richard Zehring, Gateway Business District Area, Site Plan Review, including a Landscape Plan, Variances, Planned Unit Development (PUD) and Preliminary Plat. Mr. Ringwald showed an overhead slide of the Phase I building and proposed Phase II, III and IV huildings. He outlined the 'T' section ofthe project, the loading dock area located in front of, between and behind Phase III and IV buildings. He stated that the Plarming Commission recommended upgrading aesthetics of the Phase II building, due to the visibility of this building from I-35W. The improved aesthetics include depressed areas for relief and canopies over the entrances. The lower one-third of the Phase II building will be constructed of brick. In regard to the "I" section, Mr. Ringwald asked Council to give special attention to this area, as the aesthetics of this area will affect the quality of the tenants. He asked that Council be comfortable with the grades, ponds, parking areas, landscaping and exterior elevations of this area. The Planning Commission also recommended changes to this area. The Planning Commission also requested plans showing the view of this area from the front of the building, and suggested wrapping the brick around a larger portion of the building. Mr. Ringwald showed the relocated Highway 96 access, and discussed signalization concerns the City has for this area. Mayor Probst inquired what specific actions are being requested of Council at tonight's meeting. Mr. Ringwald replied that approval was being sought for the Master Plan, PUD, variances and the final site plan. A final plat and street vacation will be completed in the near future and suhmitted for approval. Mayor Probst inquired what actions were necessary at tonight's meeting in order to keep this project on schedule. Mr. Dick Zehring, Welsh Construction, replied as steel and concrete have already been ordered for the Phase II building, final approval is necessary. . . . ARDEN I-IILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 14. 1997 11 Mayor Probst stated his concerns regarding the architecture of the building, and inquired what opportunities existed at this time for changes and/or improvements. Mr. Zehring stated the Phase II building as a whole is an upgrade from Phase I. Mayor Probst stated that while he does not feel comfortable deciding the architecture at tonight's meeting, he would like to see improved aesthetics hefore approving this project. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she has no concerns with the architecture, but does have concerns regarding drainage horn the parking lot and the close proximity of this building to the lake. She stated her desire to have these issues resolved so no further variances need be granted for this proj ect. COlU1cilmember Malone requested clarification which architectural rendering goes with each Phase. Mr. Zehring showed the specific renderings for each Phasc. Councilmember Malone inquired whether all three buildings were originally slated to look the same. Mr. Ringwald replied that was correct. Councilmember Hicks stated he did not see much difference in the two drawings, and inquired if the canopies were the only difference. Mr. Zehring agreed the primary change was the addition of canopies over the entrances, at the direction of the Plarming Commission. Mr. Zehring stated that at this time, one major tenant is planned for Phase IV. He stated this would enable the entrances of the other buildings to be better designed. Councilmember Hicks inquired how buildings are constructed to meet the needs of tenants that come and go over the years. Mr. Zehring stated the buildings are configured during construction to allow for addition and deletion of entrances as necessary. Councilmember Hicks requested an overview of the variances being sought for approval. Mr. Ringwald stated a variance for truck traffic was being sought for a 50-foot setback and a narrower "throat" area for the trucks. A variance was being sought for a parking setback, which the Planning Commission approved with the condition of more landscaping in the parking area. The City Code states building materials must be brick, stone or glass, and Council was being asked to decide if the other materials being used for this project constitute a variance. A variance was being sought for a 40-foot setback between buildings. Councilmember Hicks inquired what the connection was between the drainage easements and the ponding areas. Mr. Ringwald replied the ponds in front of the building drain to Round Lake Road, then into the City outlet, and finally to the MN/DOT system. The ponds in the other areas drain through a wctland. Councilmember Hicks requested clarification that the only runoff to Round Lake was from the east. Mr. Ringwald stated that was correct. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 14. 1997 12 Mayor Probst inquired what the activities at the loading dock would consist of. He inquired if there was any way the paved area could be decreased. Mr. Zehring replied this entire area was necessary for the maneuvering of truck traffic. He further stated at least one building was likely to be all one tenant, and possibly only one of the three buildings would be multi-tenant. Mayor Probst inquired if the loading docks could be pushed to one end and the landscaping in this area increased. Mr. Zehring replied it would be difficult to do so, as it was uncertain at this time what the configuration of the tenants would be. He stated that the Phase IV building has the potential for a 30% reduction in bituminous. Mayor Probst suggested pulling back the loading area 20-30 feet and additional landscaping may alleviate some concerns, however he was still not comfortable with giving final approval of this project at this meeting. Mr. Ringwald stated the applicant has followed all recommendations of the Plarming Commission and staff when they were given. Councilmember Hicks inquired if a rendering of Phase I was available for comparison purposes. Mr. Zehring stated he did not have one available. Mayor Probst stated that while the Phase I building seemed to fit the site, the other three were boxy, and had much less character. Mr. Zehring stated they tried to soften the monolithic effect mainly by topography ofthe area, and landscaping, which will be more evident in the finished product. He stated it was not necessary to have all the buildings the same color or all the entrances the same. He stated the Plarming Commission recommended Phase III and IV should look the same, but Phase II could appear different. Mayor Probst stated he was more concerned with the aesthetics of Phase III and IV because of their higher visibility. Mr. Zehring suggested looking at methods of improving the lake view. Mayor Probst inquired if everything except the architectural details was approved at tonight's meeting, would the applicant be able to go forward on schedule. Mr. Zehring replied it would be very difficult to stay on schedule without final approval. Mayor Probst inquired if the structural drawings had been completed. Lynn Sloat, Genesis Architects, replied they have been begun but are not completed. Council member Aplikowski inquired ifround corners and turrets were being suggested to soften the buildings. Mayor Probst stated that could be one option, and that minor modifications to the buildings could still be made at this time. Mr. Sloat stated cropping the corners would reduce the mass of the buildings, but tenants usually prefer corners. He suggested cropping the corners on Phase III and IV, and possibly Phase II, to reduce the mass that faces Fourteenth Street. Mr. Zehring stated he was willing to commit to reworking the comers that present to Fourteenth Street, and stated the designs could be modified so the corners are not so severe. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 14.1997 13 Councilmember Hicks inquired if there was a rendering of the view for Phase III and IV from the southwest comer looking into the "I" area. Mr. Joe Favre, HKS, showed this rendering. Councilmember Hicks stated that he shares the concern of Mayor Probst with the aesthetics of the view of the loading dock area, especially regarding brick banding around the building. Mr. Sloat stated the plans call for contrasting brick around the bottom. He showed the color scheme for the project, and stated the Phase II-IV buildings would not be as bright as Phase I, which would provide a more upscale look. Mayor Probst inquired if the applicant would consider banding brick all the way around the buildings. Mr. Sloat replied the landscaping would cover the brick in a matter of a few years, and they were depending more on visual elements to tie the buildings together. Councihnember Hicks inquired as to the depth of the bays. Mr. Sloat replied they were about 45 feet deep. Mayor Probst asked for a motion on this issue. MOTION: Malone moved to approve the Plarmed Unit Development (PUD), including variances and Preliminary Plat in Plarming Case #97-06; subject to the twenty-six (26) conditions listed in Mr. Ringwald's memorandum dated July 14, 1997, recognizing that fourteen (14) of those conditions have been met to-date; subject to the recording of all necessary easements and related land documents; and recognition by the City that the apparent intent of the developer, architect and landscape architect is to modify the structure to add additional significant relief to the comers that are visible from the relocated Fourteenth Street. Hicks seconded the motion. Following additional discussion, Malone moved to amend the motion to include that elevations of those modifications proposed by Welsh Companies will be available for review and consideration by the Council prior to approval of the Final Plat. Further discussion ensued, with Administrator Fritsinger specifically referring to Mr. Ringwald's previous comments regarding Condition #21, and to Condition #24 regarding all development agreements. Mr. Fritsinger referred to the pending issues ofthe property acquisition from Naegele, finalization of a Purchase Agreement for the former Kern Milling site, and a basic Development Agreement for the scope ofthe project. Malone amended, and Hicks seconded, the standing motion to include those clarifications as referenced above. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 14. 1997 14 D. Request for Proposals (RFP) for Engineering Services Mr. Fritsinger stated he had prepared a short list of companies to request RFP' s for essential engineering services. He stated that, due to the time frame involved, he preferred to utilize the short list instead of sending to a more comprehensive list of firms. Mr. Fritsinger further stated another option that had not been previously discussed or evaluated was the creation of a staff engineer position. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the Council may wish to evaluate the ramifications of doing so as an option to the RFP. He requested at a minimum, the Council authorize the RFP at tonight's meeting. Mayor Probst stated that a qualified applicant for a city engineer would be very difficult to locate, due to the wide variety of specializations required by the City. He stated his belief that the use of consultants was working well, and should continue. He fUrther stated that the City should continue to periodically evaluate all consultants employed by the City. Mayor Probst stated that while he has no concerns with the short list prepared by Mr. Fritsinger, he questioned why the RFP would not be sent to all engineering firms. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the nine firms he had selected would most likely want to present proposals in person, and to do the same with approximately 85 firms would not be feasible at this time. Mayor Probst stated his agreement with the contract effective date for the pavement management program schedule. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she was also in favor of using the short list, due to the time frame. MOTION: Malone moved and Hicks seconded a motion to approve the short list as provided, and authorize staff to solicit requests for engineers as they see lit and appropriate to their work schedule. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS None. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Aplikowski inquired if Arden Hills was a member of the Small Cities group. Administrator Fritsinger indicated they were not. Councilmember Aplikowski indicated she would attend the next AMM Meeting. Councilmember Malone inquired ifthe City had had previous contact with the owners of Vaughan Towers. Mr. Ringwald indicated they had, and stated another mailing would be sent in the near future to all adjacent property owners to discuss concerns. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the City was still in discussions with the City Attorney regarding some of the issues on the Vaughan Towers situation. - . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 14. 1997 15 Council member Malone obscrved that a 20-foot right-of-way was a small right-of-way for dcvelopment purposes. Mr. Fritsinger allowed there would be some concerns regarding development. Councilmember Hicks observed the 20-foot driveway was more than what this property has currently. Mayor Probst stated he does not know at this time whether he can attend the Ukrainian Church opemng. Mayor Probst stated North Heights Lutheran Church has requcsted a written greeting from the City for their Fiftieth Anniversary celebration. Mayor Probst noted that the Healthy Youth Coalition has an event scheduled for September. ADJOURN MOTION: Keim moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:09 The motion carried unanimously (5-0). ~/ Brian Fritsinger City Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next regular City Council meeting will be held July 28, 1997, at 7:30 p.m. at the New Brighton Council Chambers.