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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 07-28-1997 . . . MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 28, 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 7:30 p.m. Present: Mayor Dennis Probst, Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, Dale Hicks, Susan Kcim, and Paul Malone. Absent: None. Also present were: City Administrator, Brian Fritsinger; Community Development Director, Kevin Ringwald; City Accountant, Terry Post; Public Works Superintendent, Dwayne Stafford; Administrative Secretary, Sheila Stowell; and Recording Secretary, Cindy Schneider. ADOPT AGENDA MOTION: Aplikowski moved and Keirn seconded a motion to adopt the revised agenda for the July 28, 1997, Regular City Council meeting as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). PUBLIC HEARING - GATEWAY BUSINESS DISTRICT. FOURTEENTH STREET NE IMPROVEMENTS Mayor Probst opened the public hearing at 7:31 p.m. Mayor Probst requested confirmation of public hearing notice. Mr. Brian Fritsinger, City Administrator, stated notice was published in the July 16 and July 23, 1997 editions of the Bulletin. Mr. Fritsinger noted that Mr. Greg Stonehouse of Howard R. Green Company would be discussing the street improvements at tonight's meeting. Mr. Stonehouse began by showing an overhead slide of the area in question, the area being bordered by 1-35W, 1-694, Round Lake and Highway 96. He stated that the hearing tonight was in regards to improvement of Fourteenth Street and the adjacent areas. Regarding sanitary sewer replacements, Mr. Stonehouse stated that there were two alternatives available. The first would be to abandon the existing sanitary sewer main and replace it with a new one, and the second alternative would be to reconstruct the existing sanitary sewer main. He stated that reconstruction of the existing sanitary sewer main would cost more, but would serve further development more effectively than constructing a new one. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 28, 1997 2 . Regarding the water main, Mr. Stonehouse stated that the existing water main is proposed to be abandoned and a new one constructed. This would aid in future development of the area directly to the south of the Gateway Business District. In regards to stormwater drainage, the main concern would be the ability to catch and reroute runoff from existing rights-of~way. A holding pond is proposed to be constructed at the south end of West Round Lake Road where it intersects Thirteenth Street for runoff rate control and water quality. Mr. Stonehouse showed an overhead slide of the proposed location of this holding pond. Mr. Stonehouse discussed street improvements, stating that two alternative street designs could be considered; boulevard (80 feet of right-of-way) or residential design (60 feet of right-of-way). He stated that the boulevard design is the more costly of the two choices, but that this design would provide better aesthetics and ease of traffic flow for this development area. West Round Lake Road is being proposed as a boulevard design street, and Fourteenth Street is being proposed as a residential design street. . The costs for this project were itemized in the following manner: $316,500 sanitary sewer main (Alternate A), $149,200 water main, $242,000 for stormsewer (including pond), $487,500 for street improvements (residential design), for a total projected construction cost of $1,195,200. This project could be funded through tax increment financing, assessments to abutting property owners, and Municipal State Aid funds. Mr. Stonehouse stated that there were several existing easements along this property, including Northern States Power, U.S. Pipeline, city-owned sewer and water, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. He stated that permits will be sought from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and the Rice Creek Watershed District. Mr. Stonehouse further stated that the projected construction start date is September I, 1997, with an anticipated completion date ofJune, 1998. Mayor Probst requested clarification that all the improvements being discussed were located north of the Minnesota Transfer railroad property. Mr. Stonehouse stated that was correct. Mayor Probst inquired whether Thirteenth Street NE would have any improvements made to it. Mr. Stonehouse replied that this portion of the project did not include any improvements to Thirteenth Street NE, but improvements would be made along West Round Lake Road. Mayor Probst inquired if the only improvements to Thirteenth Street would be those connected to the Fourteenth Street project. Mr. Stonehouse stated that was correct. . Councilmember Keim inquired if the improvements included the improvement ofthe access road leading to other properties. Mr. Stonehouse inquired if Councilmember Keirn was referring to the Vaughan Towers property. Councilmember Keirn stated that was correct, and Mr. Stonehouse responded that those improvements would be part ofthe developer's improvements. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 28, 1997 . Ryan Langsev, of the law firm Bale, Anderson, Polstein, Pearson & Hill, representing Arden Towers, Inc., stated that his clients objected to the proposed access, as it was not reasonable access for an industrially zoned property. The current use of the property for a radio tower is a transitional use. Given the site has a transitional use on the property, the City should be looking to the future ultimate use and access for the property. He stated that an architect representing the owner had recently met with Mr. Ringwald and recommended the easement be changed to a sixty foot (60') width, which was the typical width for an access road. If this could not be provided, Mr. Langsev suggested that the cul-de-sac should be extended through to the Arden Towers property. 3 Mr. Langsev stated that his client also had concerns with the possibility of utilities being cut off to his property during the construction process, and was requesting a guarantee from the City that this would not happen. He stated his client was also concerned about wetland designation, and who would bear those costs. He stated that a letter, listing these concerns, had been faxed to all Councilmembers earlier today. Mayor Probst stated that the Planned Unit Development (PUD) did not appear to preclude future access to this property, and that the City was willing to discuss any future improvement plans with Arden Towers. . Mayor Probst inquired if Arden Towers felt any obligation to share costs of the requested improvements. Mr. Langsev stated that his clients felt they were being penalized more than other properties located in the Gateway Business District. Mr. Langsev stated his clients are concerned about improper access, which could reduce property values, and were questioning why a sixty foot access was being dropped to a twenty foot access and was planned to be rerouted through a wetland area. George Winiecki, 4170 Old Highway 10, came forward to address Council. He inquired whether the road would eventually continue east to Old Snelling, and if Thirteenth Street and Fourteenth Street would eventually join. Mayor Probst stated both these actions had been discussed at one time, but are not being proposed at this time. Mr. Winiecki stated that it was his opinion that the City Council should take the Department of Natural Resources' recommendation for doubling the lakeshore setback into consideration, as he feels the Phase I building is too close to Round Lake. He stated there are concerns about snow piling up and possible drainage issues. He questioned whether a walkway could be placed around Round Lake with the Phase I building's present location. Mayor Probst asked for further public comments. With none forthcoming, Mayor Probst dosed the public hearing at 8:00 p.m. . Councilmember Hicks asked for clarification on whether the easement under discussion was for fourteen, twenty, or sixty feet. Mr. Stonehouse stated that the City was proposing twenty feet, the required width was fourteen feet, and Vaughan Towers was requesting sixty feet. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the current road had a sixty foot right-of-way, but was not currently improved. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 28, 1997 4 Mayor Probst inquired if there was an overhead slide available showing the development plan. Mr. Stonehouse provided an overhead view showing the existing access along Fourteenth Street west to the Arden Towers property line, and asked Mr. Ringwald to explain the proposed access. Mr. Ringwald stated the right-of-way extended sixty feet to the southerly property line, and there was a twenty foot easement to the east. Mayor Probst inquired about the property size and owner of the parcel directly to the south of this area. Mr. Ringwald stated that this area was approximately six acres, and was owned by Naegele. Mayor Probst requested clarification that this property did not meet the area requirements of the Gateway Business District. Mr. Ringwald stated that was correct. Mayor Probst inquired if stopping the street at the cul-de-sac would preclude further enhancements in the future. Mr. Ringwald stated it would not. Mayor Probst inquired regarding the development status of the comer property. Mr. Stonehouse stated the status was unknown at this time. Councilmember Malone requested clarification that the property directly to the south could not be developed under the current GBD zoning. Mr. Ringwald stated that was correct. Councilmember Malone requested clarification that this property was owned by Naegele. Mr. Ringwald stated that was correct. Councilmember Malone inquired what barriers existed to a sixty foot right-of~way. Mr. Ringwald stated there were none, excepting some possible wetland concerns. Councilmember Malone noted the Arden Towers property had no less access than what was on the original PUD. He stated the City would be willing to give more access if needed for future development purposes. He stated Arden Towers had been contacted numerous times in the past, and had shown no interest in development for many years. He stated if Arden Towers had actual development plans, the City would be willing to provide the necessary access. Councilmember Malone further stated it was not possible for the City to guarantee uninterrupted utilities during the construction process. He stated that although every precaution would be taken, it cannot be guaranteed to any Arden Hills resident or business during a construction project that their utilities would continue uninterrupted. Councilmember Keirn noted that taking the existing road north was easier than going east around Round Lake on Old Highway 10. She stated there should be no cause for concern, as the roads would all empty out into the same area. Councilmember Aplikowski stated that the City was not taking anything away from Arden Towers, and noted their previous unwillingness to discuss these and other issues with the City. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 28, 1997 5 . Mayor Probst inquired ifthe road improvements would be crossing the current right-of-way. Mr. Fritsinger stated they would be, and the City was aware of the requirements for doing so. Councilmember Hicks inquired why the thirty foot easement was not being improved first. Mr. Fritsinger explained that the expansion ofthis road could have potential wetland issues, and the City had been dealing first and foremost with the Welsh property development. Mr. Ringwald added that the City was attempting to replicate the current access to the Arden Towers property while allowing for future expansion. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired how close the parking lot was to Round Lake, and inquired if it was true a trail would not be able to be built around the lake. Mr. Ringwald stated that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) was of the opinion that a trail would be able to be constructed around the lake. He stated that the USFWS, Parks & Recreation Director Cindy Walsh and Consulting Engineer Greg Stonehouse would be staking a trail within the next week, which would be mainly on the USFWS property. MOTION: Hicks movcd and Keim seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #97-38, authorizing the plans and specifications, ordering the improvements, and ordering the advertisement of bids in the Gateway Business District improvements to Fourteenth Street NE. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. July 14, 1997, Regular Council Meeting B. July 21, 1997, Council Worksession Mr. Fritsinger requested the following changes made to the July 14, 1997, Regular Council Meeting minutes: Page 14, paragraph 3: Add the word "to" so the last sentence reads, "He further stated that the City should continue to periodically evaluate all consultants employed by the City." Page 14, paragraph 5: Delete the word "contract" and insert management program in its place. Page 14, paragraph 1 under Council Comments: Change "Mayor Probst" to "Administrator Fritsinger". Councilmember Keirn requested the following changes be made to the July 21, 1997, Council Worksession minutes: Page 2, Section e: . Include a comment regarding a separate recognition being pI armed for Parks and Recreation coaches and volunteers, rather than extending an invitation for their attendance at the Council-sponsored committee member and staffbarbeque scheduled for September 15, 1997. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 28, 1997 6 MOTION: Keim moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to accept the minutes for the July 14, 1997 Regular Council Meeting and the July 21,1997, Council Worksession as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). CONSENT CALENDAR A. Claims and Payroll B. South Water Tower, Order Preparation of Plans and Specifications MOTION: Malone moved and Hicks seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted and authorized execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Resolution #97-14b, Revising Resolution #97-14, Final Assessment Roll Resulting from Actual Improvement Footage Measurements, 1519 McClung Avenue Mr. Fritsinger stated that the above property abutted two streets that were part of the 1997 Pavement Management Program. In the initial preliminary assessment roll, it was assumed that all (100.95 assessable feet) of the improvement would be reconstruction. However, following the initial March 31, 1997 Assessment Hearing, the City's Consulting Engineer, Terry Maurer, re-evaluated the property footage, and determined that a 75% reconstruction (75.71 feet) and 25% reclamation (25.24 feet) would be more representative of improvements. At the present time, with both the McClung Drive and Colleen Avenue improvements well under way, it was possible to determine more precisely the benefit the property was receiving from each of the improvements. On July 15, 1997, the City Engineer informed Staff that actual measurements taken by his firm indicated that only 19.7 feet was benefited by the reconstruction improvement. The original assessment was for $1,920.52, and the proposed revised assessment was $870.89. Staff rccommends that the City Council adopt Resolution #97-14b to amend the previously adopted street improvement special assessment at 1519 McClung Drive to reflect actual construction activity. MOTION: Malone moved and Hicks seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #97-14b. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 28, 1997 . A. Resolution #97-36, Requesting Approval, Charitable Gambling Premises Permit Application for Earthstar Project, Inc. at Pot O'Gold 7 Mr. Terry Post, City Accountant, stated this organization became active in the City on October I, 1995, and as such, had not been active for the full two-year period between applications. He stated this organization had a few internal issues early on regarding compliance with trade area spending requirements, but these had since been resolved. Mr. Post stated this organization had met all City requirements for premises approval, and recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution #97-36. Mayor Probst inquired if anyone representing this organization would like to comment at this time. Ms. Sheila White Eagle, Gambling Manager of Earthstar Project, Inc., came forward to express her appreciation to the City for granting this permit and working with her organization over the last 21 months. MOTION: Hicks moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #97-26, approving the Charitable Gambling Premises Permit Application for Earthstar Project, Inc. at Pot O'Gold. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . A. Resolution #97-35, Authorizing Application for a Metropolitan Council Planning Assistance Grant Mr. Ringwald stated Staff was recommending Council adoption of Resolution #97-35, authorizing the City Administrator to make an application for a planning assistance grant from the Metropolitan Council. The Metropolitan Council had set aside approximately one million dollars to provide grants to communities to assist in the updating their comprehensive plans. The maximum available grant per community is $20,000, which is the amount being requested. The City had budgeted a total of $55,000 in 1997 for the Comprehensive Plan update. Councilmember Malone inquired what formula was used by tile Metropolitan Council for granting of monies. Mr. Ringwald stated a questionnaire based on a point system was utilized. Mr. Ringwald stated that the City, in their application, would identify the excessive planning work and amount of money spent to-date on the TCAAP project. Mayor Probst requested clarification that $20,000 was the maximum amount the City could receive. Mr. Ringwald stated that was correct. Mr. Ringwald further stated that the I-35W Corridor Coalition was considering submitting a similar grant proposal, with any monies split evenly between the seven communities in the Coalition. Councilmember Hicks inquired how much the City reasonably could expect to receive from this grant. Mr. Ringwald stated approximately $5,000 was expected. . MOTION: Hicks moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #97-25, authorizing Staffto submit an application for a Metropolitan Council Planning Assistance grant. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 28, 1997 . A. Water Meter Replacement Project, Award of Bid 8 Mr. Dwayne Stafford, Public Works Superintendent, stated the City was in possession of studies dating back to 1990 showing the need for the replacement of water meters in the City. After further research, Staff had detemlined that replacement of commercial/industrial water meters, rather than residential, was more feasible at this time. Staff sent request for proposals (RFP's) to three major water meter suppliers in the area, and had discussed this subject at length with other communities, in both the northern and southern parts of the metro area. Four bids were received for the project. The highest bid from the Badger factory, and a bid for telephone read from Northern Water Works were immediately eliminated as they did not comply with requested specifications. The two remaining bids were submitted by Hydro-Supply Company, supplier of Badger Meters in the amount of $140,654.49; and u.S. FilterlWater, supplier of Sensus Meters, in the amount of$132,159.53. Mr. Stafford discussed the selection process for awarding this bid. He stated that both companies had given lengthy presentations, with hands-on evaluations provided for participants. The presentations were followed by question-and-answer sessions. Attending these presentations were all but one member ofthe Public Works Department staff, Mr. Stafford, Mr. Post, and Mr. Bill Gillies, a City resident and member of the Arden Hills Public Safety Commission. . Actual meters with radio read capabilities were set up in the exact same locations on separate days at CPI/Guidant. These locations were in some of the most inaccessible spots well within their facility. The hand-held interrogator was then tested to determined its reading capabilities. Following the presentations, Mr. Stafford asked each presentation participant to fill out evaluation forms. Each person completing the form chose the Badger Meter as the meter they thought would work best for the City. Staff recommended that the City Council approve award of the bid for water meter replacement to Hydro-Supply, Inc. Mayor Probst inquired regarding staff estimations that the bid could possibly be lowered if some meters did not need replacement. Mr. Stafford stated that was accurate, and staff was of the opinion that approximately 10% ofthe meters themselves may not need replacement. Councilmember Hicks inquired if this could then potentially lower the bid by approximately $14,000. Mr. Stafford stated there was no way to ascertain the amount until an inspection was done of the existing meters. He further explained that some may only need the inside working parts replaced, which would then lower costs. . Councilmember Hicks inquired if the cost would be for the full bid amount if all meters had to be completely replaced. Mr. Stafford stated that was correct. Councilmember Hicks requested clarification that, depending on the condition of the existing meters, the final amount could be less than the bid amount. Mr. Stafford stated that was correct, ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 28, 1997 . and that all meters would be evaluated before replacement of any kind. He further stated that some adapters and fittings may also be necessary, and those costs had not been reflected in the initial costs. 9 Councilmember Malone inquired if the interrogator in the new meters was consistent with tile automated accounting system presently in use by the City. Mr. Post indicated the systems would be compatible with one another. Cowlcilmember Malone inquired if the City should explore the possibility of replacing residential water meters with interrogators also. Mr. Stafford indicated the possibility could be explored, but that bidding should be opened up again for that meter group. Councilmember Malone inquired if the buildings where the water meters were tested were brick or metal. Mr. Post stated the meters were tested in a cooling tower in the attic area, in a well pit area, and against a concrete wall. Councilmember Malone inquired ifthe data was able to be read equally well, or if there were problems in some areas. Mr. Post indicated any problems had mainly to do with distance from the remote. He indicated the automated reading device (AMR) could be placed on the exterior of the building to prevent these types of problems. . MOTION: Malone moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to award the bid for water meter replacement to Hydro-Supply, supplier of Badger Meters. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS Mr. Fritsinger discussed updating and revising of the City's personnel policy. He stated that due to the current Staff workload, he would recommend subcontracting this project to the firm, Labor Relations Associates, which indicated they could complete revisions in approximately one month at an estimated cost of $1 ,500. He inquired whether formal Council approval was necessary for this expenditure. The consensus of the Council was to proceed with this project. Mayor Probst inquired what chapters would be revised by this company. Mr. Fritsinger stated Chapter Two would be revised. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired whether tile chapter would then need to be reviewed by legal counsel. Mr. Fritsinger stated as Labor Relations Associates has attorneys on its staff, the finished document would be in final form and would need no further review, unless requested. Mayor Probst inquired when the codification was expected to be completed. Mr. Fritsinger stated another letter had been provided to the League of Minnesota Cities, with a copy provided to Executive Director, Jim Miller, in an attempt to determine the status of this project. . Mr. Fritsinger noted the high humidity of the last two weeks had caused periods when the lights in City Hall were not functional. In connection with this, he stated Staff had attended a number ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 28, 1997 10 . of meetings with architects regarding the plans for the new City Hall. The preliminary work had been completed, and finalizing of the interior design and layout would begin after August 19, 1997. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Hicks stated he would be unable to attend the August 6, 1997 Plarming Commission meeting, and the Northwest Youth and Family Services meeting on August 7, 1997. Councilmember Hicks acknowledged the recent five-year armiversary date of City Accountant Terry Post. Mayor Probst requested that the City Council discuss implementing employee service awards at a future Council Worksession. Councilmember Malone stated he would not be able to attend the Lake Johanna Benefit Association meeting on July 30, 1997. Councilmember Malone noted that Mr. Vern Peterson would be retiring from the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities later this year. Mayor Probst requested staff prepare a congratulatory note for Mr. Peterson. Councilmember Malone noted that Mr. Peterson was scheduled to retire in October. . Councilmember Aplikowski stated she could take one ofthe two Wednesday meetings that other Councilmembers could not attend. Councilmember Keirn clarified that the Business Relations Committee meeting was scheduled at 4:00 p.m., not 3:30 as printed, and requested staff to contact committee members. Mayor Probst inquired regarding the various staff comments discussing the sale of property in the Gateway Business District, and inquired if Council action would be necessary. Mr. Ringwald stated these actions would come before the Planning Commission on August 6, 1997, and before the City Council for action at tile August 11, 1997 meeting. Mayor Probst inquired regarding the recycling contractor. Mr. Ringwald stated this contractor has a good relationship with the City, and feels the market will level off soon. Mayor Probst noted he would attempt to attend the next Highway 96 Task Force meeting. . Mayor Probst inquired if only two residents were to be chosen for Ramsey County's Tony Schmidt Park Improvement Task Force. Mr. Fritsinger stated there would be two at-large members, two from the lake area, and two from the park area, for a total of six. Mr. Fritsinger further noted that the City's Parks and Recreation Director, Cindy Walsh, had sent applications to residcnts who had indicated interest, and that she and Greg Mack of the Ramsey County Parks & Recreation Department would be activity involved in choosing committee members. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 28, 1997 11 . Mayor Probst stated he would like to see results of the Public Works Safety Questionnaire when they are available. . . Mayor Probst inquired if the street improvements contractor would be cleaning up and removing more debris than had been cleaned and/or removed to-date. Mr. Stafford stated he had contacted the contractor regarding this issue numerous times, with little or no response. However, they had repaired a retaining wall that was in need of repairs. Mr. Post noted that approximately $20,000 remains in retainage and will remain there until clean-up and all punch list items are completed. Mayor Probst inquired if the most recent episode of graffiti was believed to be from the same perpetrators as previously involved. Mr. Stafford stated it was unknown, but the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department was of the opinion that the most recent incident involved different people. Mayor Probst stated that he would not be in town to attend the ceremony at the Greek Orthodox Church. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she would be available, and planned to attend. ADJOURN MOTION: d Aplikowski seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:57 """ ~ni'" ""~im"",ly (~/ B' F" nan ntsmger City Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next regular City Council meeting will be held August 11, 1997, at 7:30 p.m. at the New Brighton Council Chambers.