Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 08-11-1997 . . . MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 11, 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 and Susan Keirn. Absent: Councilmember Paul Malone Also present were: City Administrator, Brian Fritsinger; Community Development Director, Kevin Ringwald; City Accountant, Terry Post; Public Works Superintendent, Dwayne Stafford; Parks & Recreation Director, Cindy Walsh; City Engineer, Greg Stonehouse; Administrative Secretary, Sheila Stowell; and Recording Secretary, Cindy Schneider. ADOPT AGENDA MOTION: Keirn moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt the revised agenda for the August 11, 1997, Regular City Council meeting as presented. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). APPROVAL OF MINUTES July 28,1997, Regular Council Meeting MOTION: Aplikowski moved and Keirn seconded a motion to approve the July 28, 1997, Regular Council Meeting minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). CONSENT CALENDAR A. Claims and Payroll B. Parks & Recreation Department, Purchase of Snow Blower C. Call for Closed Executive Session on August 25,1997, at 6:30 p.m. for Discussion of Pending Litigation D. Approval of Corrected July 14, 1997, Regular Council Meeting Minutes E. Gateway Business District (GBD) Consultant Request . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST 1 L 1997 2 MOTION: Hicks moved and Keirn seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted and authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Probst invited the audience to address the Council on any issue not already on the agenda. There were no public comments. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Planning Case #97-17, Sale of City Property - City of Arden Hills, 305 Fourteenth Street NE, Gateway Business District Mr. Kevin Ringwald, Community Development Director, stated the Planning Commission at its August 6, 1997 meeting, found that the proposed sale of City property to facilitate the proposed development in Planning Case #97-06 is in compliance with the City's Comprehensive Plan. This property is designated as Industrial in the City's Comprehensive Plan, and its intended use is for Industrial (Office/Manufacturing/Warehousing). Therefore, the Planning Commission and staff have concluded that the sale of City property to facilitate the development proposed in Planning Case #97-06 is in compliance with the City's Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council accept this recommendation and approve the sale of City property to facilitate the proposed development in Planning Case #97-06. Councilmember Hicks inquired regarding the selling price of this parcel of land. Mr. Ringwald stated the purchase agreements are planned to be presented to Council at the regular City Council meeting on August 25, 1997. Thc action being requested at tonight's meeting is to determine compliance with the City's Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember Aplikowski stated if Council wished to discuss changing the lakeshore setbacks on Phase II-IV of this project, now would be the best time to do so. She stated a citizen at the August 6, 1997, Planning Commission meeting had been quite concerned about this issue. She stated although she is aware that the present lakeshore setbacks meet the City's requirements, she inquired if Council wished to discuss increasing the setbacks. MOTION: Keirn moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve Planning Case #97- 17, Sale of City Property, City of Arden Hills, 305 Fourteenth Street NE, Gateway Business District. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). Mayor Probst inquired regarding park dedication fees, and also if the applicant was still proposing to construct the trail in this area. Mr. Ringwald stated the City is discussing the different options for park dedication with the applicant, and further stated the applicant is tentatively agreeable to the idea of constructing the trail. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST 1 L 1997 3 Mayor Probst inquired if this action would have implications for the Ramsey County trail under consideration. Mr. Ringwald agreed there could be implications in the future. B. Resolution #97-40, Authorizing a Preliminary Feasibility Report in the Matter of the 1998 Street Improvement Project Mr. Greg Stonehouse, City Engineer, reviewed the letter from Howard R. Green Company to the City dated August 8,1997, outlining the scope of the planned street improvements for 1998. He stated adoption of this resolution would allow his company to proceed with the preparation of the preliminary report for 1998 street improvements, as required by MN statute. Mayor Probst inquired what work is slated to be done on the roads listed on the resolution. Mr. Stonehouse replied the list includes seal-coating, reconstruction, and overlay. He further stated West Round Lake Road is included on the schedule for now, but can be dropped if necessary. Mayor Probst inquired if the City will be making arrangements with Ramsey County for their share of the cost on the Stowe Avenue project. Mr. Stonehouse replied this was being done. Mayor Probst inquired if the New Brighton side of Stowe Avenue was to be paid for by New Brighton. Mr. Stonehouse replied the assessments on this street will be for Arden Hills residents only. Councilmember Hicks remarked the list of proposed streets seems rather lengthy for a preliminary study. Mr. Stonehouse replied he took some of the information from the 1997 street improvements, and preparing an aggressive list allows the City to choose the street projects as they see fit while staying within the budget. Councilmember Keim stated the New Brighton side of Stowe Avenue has residents with water problems, i.e. wet basements, and inquired how the cost of improvements to the water main would be split between New Brighton and Arden Hills. Mr. Stonehouse stated they are looking at the possibility of New Brighton covering the cost of the water main and Arden Hills covering the cost ofthe sanitary sewer. Those items will be resolved as part of the feasibility report. MOTION: Hicks moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #97-40, authorizing a preliminary feasibility report in the matter of the 1998 street improvement project. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). C. South Water Tower, Approve Plans & Specifications Mr. Stonehouse reviewed the memo from Howard R. Green Company dated August 8, 1997, specifying the work being proposed for the south water tower. This work, which is being done mainly for safety issues, includes the following: . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST 1 L 1997 4 1. Minor steel modifications to provide adequate toe clearance where the tower ladder penetrates the condensate ceiling. Repair of a 10 square foot area of peeled paint in the access tube. Removal of mildew stains. Tank lining repairs consisting of spot sandblasting and painting. Replacing the metal vent screen with a fiberglass reinforced nylon screen less susceptible to icing. 2. 3. 4. 5. Mr. Stonehouse stated the approximate cost of this work would be $25,000, and recommended quotes be solicited from several reputable contractors. He further stated two bids would be solicited from each contractor, one for the work to be done in September 1997, and the other for the work to be done in May 1998. Mayor Probst inquired ifthe Public Works Superintendent was comfortable with the specifications as listed. Dwayne Stafford, Public Works Superintendent, stated he is familiar with the contents of the memo, but has not reviewed the specifications in depth. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired why the City would solicit bids for the work to be done in May 1998 if it could be completed in September 1997. Mr. Stonehouse stated since this is the busiest season for contractors, the project would possibly be bid at a lower amount if the City were to wait until May 1998. MOTION: Hicks moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the plans and specifications for the South Water Tower, subject to review and approval of the Public Works Superintendent. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). D. Resolution #97-39, Regarding the Preliminary Design Concepts and Timing of the Highway 96 Reconstruction Project Cindy Walsh, Parks & Recreation Director, reviewed the discussion that Staff has been having with Ramsey County regarding the trail planned along Highway 96 between Highway 10 and New Brighton. The City has many safety concerns related to this trail, which the County has not been responsive to. On July 30, Larry Holmberg from Ramsey County Parks and Jim Tolaas from Ramsey County Public Works, attended the Highway 96 Task Force Meeting. At this meeting, Mr. Holmberg and Mr. Tolaas were unwilling to discuss alternative trail route options, stating they felt the trail to be well-designed and safe. They do not believe the City's safety concerns to be valid ones. As a result of this meeting, Council members and the Highway 96 Task Force suggested that a Resolution be drafted for Council, either for discussion purposes or for immediate action. Ms. Walsh prepared the attached Resolution, which outlines the history of the Highway 96 project and the current project status. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST II. 1997 5 Mayor Probst stated Council needs to consider very carefully the wording ofthis Resolution, and how it can be communicated to the County. The options he suggested are passing the Resolution and mailing it to the County, or presenting it in person to the Ramsey County Commissioners. He reiterated that the County does not share the opinion that the proposed route is unsafe, although there are at least five different points of crossing on a very busy road. He stated that although he realizes the need to communicate the City's concerns to the Commissioners, the City has passed previous resolutions and submitted them to the County with no tangible results. He further suggested in the "NOW THEREFORE" section ofthe Resolution, the word "some" be inserted in place of "further", as there has been no positive consideration at all of the City's viewpoint. Councilmember Keirn requested an update of the status of the turn lanes from Highway 96 onto Lexington Avenue. Mr. Fritsinger stated there will be a meeting with the County on September nnd to discuss fire services issues, and this topic could also be discussed at that meeting. Mayor Probst stated the City is also facing difficulty in the placement of a City entrance sign, as Ramsey County is not willing to move their signal cabinet boxes. Although it is believed that signal boxes do not need to be placed on a certain comer ofthe intersection, the County does not wish to move them from the corner that the City intended for the entrance signage. Councilmember Aplikowski stated her frustration that the County does not appear to be open to listening to any of the City's concerns. She stated it is much easier to make these types of changes when the project is in the begimling stages, rather than when it is nearer to completion. She stated the traffic flow from I-35W will be greatly increased, which will make this trail unsafe. She stated not only do the Commissioners need to receive the City's viewpoint, but the County's engineering staff also need to be aware of the City's concerns. Mayor Probst suggested inviting Commissioners Bennett and Wiessner to the next Council Worksession, and then take appropriate action on the proposed Resolution depending on the outcome of the discussions with the two Commissioners. He stated the alternative would be to act upon the Resolution at tonight's meeting. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she was inclined to act upon the Resolution at tonight's meeting, as the Resolution is all factual, gives good background, and states the City's concerns well. Mr. Fritsinger noted that the second "WHEREAS" on Page 2 ofthe Resolution deals with comments made at the July 30th Highway 96 Task Force Meeting, and stated Mayor Probst and Councilmember Aplikowski should carefully review this section for correctness. He further stated that Council needs to be completely comfortable with the language in the "THEREFORE" section. Councilmember Hicks inquired what the City's options are for the trail construction. Mr. Fritsinger stated the Highway 96 reconstruction could face possible delays if the City objects. . . ~. , ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST 11. 1997 6 Councilmember Hicks inquired to what extent the City would be responsible for payment for a trail it does not approve of. Mayor Probst stated he wants a discussion of all the City's options before making a decision on this Resolution, as the language in the "THEREFORE" section is very strong. Councilmember Aplikowski suggested appearing before a Ramsey County Commissioner's meeting in the near future. Mr. Fritsinger stated a formal presentation could be made before the Ramsey County Board, either as part of the meeting agenda or possibly part of the public discussion section. Mr. Fritsinger further stated he would like to discuss any fOffilal presentation with Commissioner Bennett first, so he would have some background. Councilmember Keirn stated if a presentation was to be made to the board, it ought to be made by the Mayor and as many members of the City Council as possible, as this would have a greater impact than if presented by a Highway 96 Task Force member. She suggested first inviting the two Commissioners previously noted to the next Council Worksession, and if they cannot or do not attend, then the City should make a presentation to the full board. Mayor Probst requested that StatT research the method of getting on the agenda of a Commissioner's meeting in the near future. Councilmember Hicks stated his agreement with approaching the two Ramsey County Commissioners less formally as a first step, and then presenting before the full board if necessary. He stated passing this Resolution at tonight's meeting could have negative consequences for the City. Councilmember Aplikowski commented that Mr. Tolaas seems more willing to discuss these issues with the City than does Mr. Holmberg. She reiterated her opinion that the Council needs to speak directly with the Commissioners, either at the next Council Worksession or at a Ramsey County Commissioner's meeting. Councilmember Keim suggested Staff begin the process of getting on the agenda for a Ramsey County Board meeting immediately, as it may take a while to be placed on an agenda. E. Cummings Park, Repair of Trail Washout Cindy Walsh, Parks & Recreation Director, stated that a wash-out occurred at the east side of Cummings Park during the thunderstorms from June 29th through July 3,d As a result of this, an area 70 feet x 30 feet and an average of7 feet deep has eroded. As per Mr. Stonehouse's suggestion, she received a recommendation from American Engineering Testing on how to repair this wash-out and prevent it from happening again. Ms. Walsh stated any engineering questions could be referred to Mr. Stonehouse. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL -AUGUST 11. 1997 7 Mayor Probst inquired if the trail would be moved back after the repairs were made. Ms. Walsh stated as proposed, the trail would remain in the same place. Mr. Stonehouse stated this wasb-out was basically a slope failure, where too much water collected at one point, causing the entire area to give away. Mayor Probst inquired if this would qualify for federal disaster relief funding. Ms. Walsh stated the Ramsey County Commissioners would be acting on obtaining such funds at their next meeting. Councilmember Hicks inquired if the funds were expected to cover the entire cost of repairs. Ms. Walsh stated it was a possibility if Ramsey County were to be declared a disaster area. Councilmember Hicks inquired if Ramsey County were not declared a disaster area, if the repair costs would then be taken from park funds. Mr. Fritsinger stated the cost of this repair might also be taken out of the general fund, if it was not considered park maintenance. MOTION: Hicks moved and Keirn seconded a motion to authorize StatI to obtain bids in the matter ofrepairing the wash-out in Cummings Park. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). F. Business LicenselLiquor License Application Approval- Great China Restaurant, 3547 North Lexington Avenue Mr. Fritsinger stated the applicant is requesting approval for On-Sale Liquor, Sunday On-Sale Liquor and Business Licenses. The applicant has submitted 95% of the necessary documentation which is required by municipal code. The Ramsey County Sheriffs Office has completed its criminal background checks with no problems identified. The Arden Hills On-Sale Liquor License applied for is the last available liquor license remaining in Arden Hills, and has not been used since 1994. Mr. Fritsinger stated Staff recommends approval of the application for On-Sale, Sunday On-Sale and Business Licenses for the Great China Restaurant. MOTION: Keirn moved and Hicks seconded a motion to approve the application for On- Sale, Sunday On-Sale and Business Licenses for the Great China Restaurant, 3547 North Lexington Avenue, subject to receipt by the City ofthe final insurance documents. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS Mr. Fritsinger inquired if the Mayor and Councilmembers would be able to attend the September 22nd joint workshop with North Oaks, Shoreview and New Brighton. The Mayor and the three Councilmembers present indicated they would be able to attend this meeting. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST 11. 1997 8 Mr. Fritsinger stated he wished to give some background to Council regarding the work to be done on the Gateway Business District. He stated this item will be on the agenda for the August 25, 1997, regular City Council meeting, and as that meeting is expected to be quite lengthy, he would like for Council to receive some of this information at this point. Mr. Fritsinger reported Staff expects to present the final contract for the work to be done on 14th Street at the August 25th City Council meeting. Staff has been discussing the GBD improvements at length, including an additional review of the Round Lake area, sewer/water mains, land acquisitions, etc. The question that will need to be addressed at the August 25th meeting is the method of payment for these improvements. The Staff was authorized by Council to explore TIF bonds for the cost of the improvements, which are currently estimated at $4.7 million dollars, although this figure is still being refined. At the August 25th meeting, Terry Post, City Accountant, along with Ehlers & Associates, will present the bond sale information. The number of diflerent issues related to the Welsh Construction may necessitate a later bond issuance. These improvements are consistent with the vision the City Council approved for the Gateway Business District back in the late 1980's. The City's financial consultants believe satisfactory TIF funds will be generated to pay for the bonds. The developer agreement will also provide safeguards for funding, and this agreement will also be presented at the August 25th meeting. Mr. Post added that the estimated costs of these improvements probably require that the City obtain extemal funding, and the issuance of General Obligation bonds is the most appropriate option to do so. Mayor Probst inquired what the timetable was for Council approval. Mr. Fritsinger stated approval will be requested at the August 25th meeting. Mayor Probst requested clarification that the bond issuance will need to be approved at the August 25th meeting. Mr. Fritsinger replied that while holding of I on approval of bonds will probably not affect the construction schedule, it could affect the interest rate the City receives on the bonds, as the rates are currently very low. Mayor Probst stated it is important that the City inform the residents that bonds are being purchased for this project. He suggested a press release or letter to the editor as some ways that this notice could be accomplished, and reiterated that the residents need to be informed before the approval takes place. Mr. Fritsinger stated he has met with representatives of Mounds View High School regarding graffiti and vandalism along County Road F. He stated this meeting was very positive, and he was very impressed with the progress made on this issue. Mayor Probst stated this meeting was a good first step, and stated the school district and the Student Council are very knowledgeable and informative. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST II 1997 9 . COUNCIL COMMENTS . . Councilmember Hicks reported that St. Mary's is paying for the Arden Hills' portion ofthe Northwest Youth & Family Services budget for the coming year and should be commended for doing so. Councilmember Aplikowski reported on the consecration event for the new Greek Orthodox Church. Councilmember Aplikowski stated the Business Development Committee is meeting every week. She and Mr. Ringwald have requested that this Committee develop a vision statement for the Lexington/Grey Fox Road area. Councilmember Aplikowski stated the Newsletter Committee is discussing fine tuning their publication to achieve a more distinctive style. Councilmember Aplikowski reported on the previous month's Finance Committee meeting/picnic. Councilmember Keirn requested an update on the I-35W improvement project. Mr. Fritsinger stated he does not have a great deal of information, and referred the question to Mr. Stafford. Mr. Stafford stated this project is progressing on schedule, and the first lift of the blacktop has just been done. He stated there have been some issues with storage of equipment. Councilmember Keirn inquired ifhe meant the equipment being stored at the lift station on Cleveland Avenue, stating this equipment blocks the road and makes this area unsafe. Mr. Stafford reported be has performed an inspection ofthis area, and found litter, oil spills, and other dcbris. The project manager has been contacted and told of these concerns. Councilmember Keirn reiterated the large trucks and equipment parked in this area make it very difficult to see at times. Mr. Stafford stated he will have more information regarding the truck parking in the near future. Mayor Probst reported October 5-11 is National Cities Week. He stated tbe City Committees were part of this celebration two years ago, and suggested that Staff research methods of recognizing all citizens who have worked on behalf of the City, not just those on committees or comrlllSSlOns. Councilmember Hicks inquired regarding the status oftbe land transfer on the TCAAP site, and if any new information would be available by the next Worksession. He stated a decision needs to be made soon about the building site of the new City Hall. - . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST 11. 1997 10 Mayor Probst noted he has been unable to schedule a meeting with General LeBlanc, and this meeting will be necessary before any final decision can be made. Mr. Fritsinger stated he will be attempting to schedule a meeting for the week of August 25th. He noted that September 15'h was chosen by Council as the date for a final site decision. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired if anything could be accomplished by contacting the MN Legislature. Mr. Fritsinger stated this is a federal issue, so contacting Legislators would not be appropriate. Mayor Probst inquired regarding ethics in the matter of the Supper at the Fair Grounds. Mr. Fritsinger stated the ethics laws deal more with vendors and lobbyists, rather than other governmental agencies. ADJOURN MOTION: Keirn moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:36 ~.m'/e motion carried unanimously (4-0). ",/1 :I / /;{~ Brian Fritsinger City Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next regular City Council meeting will be held August 25, 1997, at 7:30 p.m. at the New Brighton Council Chambers.