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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 11-24-1997 MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING . NOVEMBER 24, 1997 7:00 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 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor Dennis Probst, Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski and Dale Hicks. Absent: Councilmembers Paul Malone and Susan Keirn. Also present were City Administrator, Brian Fritsinger; City Accountant, Terry Post; Parks and Recreation Director, Cindy Walsh; Public Works Superintendent, Dwayne Stafford; Administrative Secretary, Sheila Stowell; and Recording Secretary, Ruth McLaurin. ADOPT AGENDA MOTION: Aplikowski moved and Hicks seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the . November 24, 1997, City Council meeting as presented. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). TRUTH IN TAXATION PREVIEW Mr. Terry Post, City Accountant, reviewed the draft agenda and a number of slides that he would present at the upcoming Truth in Taxation public hearing. He stated he would refer to these items as the preview for the Truth in Taxation Public Hearing which will be held on December 4, 1997 at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Post noted the draft agenda is similar to prior years with the exception of two items the Council may wish to discuss in more detail. One would be explaining the Truth in Taxation process for the citizens in attendance and, secondly, reviewing 1997 accomplishments versus the budget, so the citizens have an idea what the budget yielded. Mr. Post inquired as to Council comments. Mayor Probst inquired as to the portion Mr. Post referred to as the process of the Truth in Taxation. Mr. Post noted there is no presentation slide for this portion. He desired to inform the citizens, so to have a better understanding of the purpose of the Truth in Taxation Hearing. Mr. Post pointed out, in the past, the most often asked questions were in regard to an individual's total property tax or how their property is valued. However, to answer these individual questions . is not the function of the City's hearing, but the role of the county assessor and other taxing jurisdictions. - ----.-- ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - NOVEMBER 24, 1997 2 . Mayor Probst noted he could give a brief summary explaining the Truth in Taxation process and point out what questions the Council would address. Councilmember Hicks noted a background would be nice and most likely would not take too long. Mr. Post continued his review of the draft agenda and noted the next section would be the presentation given by himself. This portion is divided into three sections: Making Sense of Property Taxes, Cost of City Services in Perspective, and Discussion of Proposed 1998 Budget. Mr. Post noted the first section would begin with the perspective of property tax and how it is determined, referring to his first slide. He explained he wished to make the point with this slide that City property tax is derived from not only the City but also the county assessor and State Legislature. It is a combination of these three factors which establishes the tax, not just the City Council. Mr. Post reviewed the next slide which continued with the theme of determining how the tax is calculated. By following the boxes through the slide, the resident has an idea of how the tax is determined. Council member Aplikowski stated she believed this slide would be very beneficial for the citizens. She inquired if this hearing would be on cable for those residents unable to attend. Mr. Post indicated he believed the hearing would be a tape delay broadcast on cable. . Mr. Post continued noting the slides given to the Council at the bench. He stated he would prefer to use the slide labeled Comparison of Market Value Changes, because one of the most dramatic items he observed in the information from the County was valuations for payable 1998 for Arden Hill s. This reflected that 66% of the properties in Arden Hills will have increases in market valuation between 5% and 10% by the county assessor and this will be a significant issue for the residents. Mayor Probst inquired for clarification, whether the information on the schedule is the assessor's review of residential property and does not reflect the trend of commercial to residential shift tbat will be going on. Mr. Post agreed. Mayor Probst noted it would be beneficial to point this out during the hearing. Mr. Post noted Slide 4 outlines a pie chart identifying the portion of the tax dollar and the percent (15%) that actually is the City of Arden Hills with 85% going to other taxing jurisdictions. Mr. Post noted he has removed what was previously identified as Slide 5, due to the fact that a significant share of governmental revenues for Arden Hills is from the tax levy. Mr. Post also noted that the City receives very little government aid assistance from the State. Mr. Post noted Slide 6 points out the comparison of 16 other metro cities of similar populations Witll that of Arden Hills. Mr. Post pointed out this comparison and the percentage of total . revenue received from State Aid and property tax to other similar cities. Arden Hill's expenditures are 20% less than the average of its peers. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - NOVEMBER 24 1997 3 . Councilmember Aplikowski inquired ifMr. Post would have the list of the cities used in the comparison. Mr. Post noted he could provide the list at the hearing, perhaps at the bottom of the slide. Mr. Post also noted a slide which was part of the bench handout also labeled Slide 6 which looks like a check from "average homeowner" to thc City of Arden Hills. This relates to an average valued home in Arden Hills and how much this average resident would pay for City services, or $31.08 per month. Mr. Post noted Slide 7 identifies how the 1998 proposed budget affects taxes. I-Ie noted this is assuming same market value, etc. He would caution homeowners that most homes don't maintain the same market value. The average increase in residential value is approximately 6.34% for next year. Mayor Probst noted this again does not reflect the impact of the on-going tax burden shift from commercial property to residential and asked when this tax shift will conclude. Mr. Post explained that commercial class rates went from 4.6% to 4% for payable 1998, however, the long-term objective of the State of Minnesota is to get those class rates of industrial and commercial down to 3.5%. Mr. Post noted the remaining slides are very familiar, the 1998 General Fund Expenditures . Analysis, Five Year Summary Comparison of Expenditures, Revcnues and Levies, All Fund Expenditures, and Five Year Data. He pointed out although Slide 10 is a "busy" slide, it is very useful. Mr. Post noted the additional items in the bench handouts. Slidc 11, the glossary of taxation terms, would be beneficial for the resident. Slide 12 noted the comparison of state aid received by Arden Hills to that of other cities. The last two slides are graphical representation of the proposed budget as well as capital expenditures. Mr. Post stated this is what he proposes to present at the Truth in Taxation Hearing. Councilmember I-licks agreed Slide 10 is a "busy" slide but noted that Mr. Post would normally have handouts which residents could follow and Mr. Post could summarize. Councilmembcr Aplikowski agreed that a brief summary to support the handout would be sufficient. The Council had no further comments on the draft agenda for the Truth in Taxation Hearing. RECESS Mayor Probst reccssed the meeting at 7:28 p.m. to convene the Economic Development Authority meeting. . ---------- -------- ------ ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - NOVEMBER 24 1997 4 . RECONVENE Mayor Probst reconvened the meeting at 7:33 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. November 10, 1997 Regular City Council Meeting Councilmember Aplikowski requested the following changes to the November 10, 1997, Regular City Council Meeting minutes: Page 5, second paragraph from the bottom, first sentence, "Mr. Erickson explained the current option is to leave Highway 10 at grade which wilI provide enough profile for Highway 96 to go under Highway 10." Page 5, second paragraph from the bottom, second sentence, "The elevation change of Highway 96 cast of Highwayl0 ..." Mayor Probst requested the following changes to the November 1 0, 1997 Regular City Council Meeting minutes: . Page 6, second paragraph, add the comment: "Mr. Tolaas stated that this is just a draft and the actual location can be adjusted with Ramsey County stilI remaining a financial contributor to reconnect to Round Lake Road." Page 12, last paragraph, revise to: "Mayor Probst stated that the Council, individually or as a whole, would have had no reason to assume. . . " B, November 17,1997 Council Worksession MOTION: Hicks moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the November 10, 1997, Regular City Council Meeting minutes as anlended and the November 17, 1997, Council W orksession minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). CONSENT CALENDAR A. Claims and Payroll MOTION: Hicks 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 (3-0). . Mayor Probst asked in regard to the road materials, was the vendor the same Midwest Asphalt that the City is in litigation with. Mr. Dwayne Stafford, Public Works Superintendent, indicated that was correct, but the City is keeping those issues separate. Mayor Probst inquired if there ---- --------------- ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - NOVEMBER 24. [997 5 . were any other sources available. Mr. Stafford noted there were no sources available within a reasonable distance and no unusual price increases have taken place. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Probst invited those present to come forward and address the Council on any items not already on the agenda. There were no public comments. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Misc. Construction Projects 1. 1996 Street Improvements (Schifsky Construction), Fina[ Pay Estimate Mr. Stafford indicated the City of Arden Hills awarded TA Schifsky & Sons, Inc., the 1996 Street Improvement Project. Their bid was $379,973.43; however, some quantities on the project were different from the original estimate resulting in a final cost to the City of $362,877.82. The balance 01'$24,[62.87 is owed to TA Schifsky. Mr. Stafford noted with the final punch list completed, Staff would recommend final payment of $24,162.87. MOTION: Hicks moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve final pay estimate for . the 1996 Street Improvement Project to TA Schifsky & Sons, Inc. in the amount 01'$24,[62.87. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). 2. South Water Tower, Odland Protective Coatings, Final Pay Estimate Mr. Stafford indicated on August 28, 1997, the City of Arden Hills awarded Odland Protective Coatings of Rockford, Minnesota, a contract to perfoml maintenance on the City's 1,000,000 gallon watcr tower. This maintenance has now been completed to the satisfaction of the Arden Hills Public Works Department who, along with Brian Gohl for Howard R. Green, inspected the work. Mr. Stafford noted Staff recommends payment in full for the water tower maintenance, in the amount of $20,050 to Odland Protective Coatings, subject to receipt of executed copies of the pay estimate by Howard R. Green Company and Odland Protective Coatings. MOTION: Hicks moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve payment in the amount 01'$20,050 to Odland Protective Coatings, for water tower maintenance, subject to receipt of executed copies of the pay estimate by Howard R. Green Company and Odland Protective Coatings. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). B. Res. #97-58, Supporting the City of Arden Hills Taking thc Lead Role in Designing a Concept Plan for a Multi-City Athletic Facility on thc TCAAP Property . Ms. Cindy Walsh, Parks and Recreation Director, noted during the last year the Cities of Arden Hills, Mounds View, New Brighton and Shoreview, and School District #621 have worked with the youth associations of the area to gain a better understanding of athletic facility needs. She noted it was difficult to establish the "needs" versus the "wants." Ms. Walsh advised the Parks and ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - NOVEMBER 24. ] 997 6 . Recreation Directors, City Managers, Mayors, School District #621 Superintendent, Community Education Director, and School Board Chair met on October 2] to discuss the recommendations included in the study. Ms. Walsh explained it was agreed at this meeting that the only areas ofland within the Mounds View School District which appear to be large enough to accommodate such a facility are the U of M site in Shoreview and the TCAAP property. Shoreview has indicated that a developer has expressed interest in the U of M site and it would be difficult to exclude the amount of acreage necessary for the joint facility. Thus, the TCAAP property is the only other area for this type of development. Ms. Walsh stated since TCAAP is located in Arden Hills, all parties agreed that the City of Arden Hills should take the lead in developing a concept plan. At this time, the plan would be simply conceptual and not include plans and specifications. She explained they would like to hire a landscape architect to design a concept plan, establish fundraising needs, timelines, etc. Councilmember Hicks stated he agreed it is appropriate that Arden Hills take the lead position. But, his concern was the probability of the TCAAP property becoming available. Mr. Fritsinger noted the availability of the land, as of today, has not been established. Although the excess property process has started on the tract of property with fourteen homes. The reuse plan does establish that as commercial use and there would need to be some discussion on whether this . type of use would be acceptable in the short-term and possibly turned over when other land becomes available. But, he believed the next logical step would be to prepare a conceptual plan for the area. Mayor Probst noted the property will probably be available in the next two years. Counci1member Hicks rciterated his concern the TCAAP property would not be available, but the U of M property was currently available. Mayor Probst pointed out there are no other sites available and the U of M property is just as complicated as the TCAAP property. Councilmember Aplikowski also expressed concerns for the TCAAP property becoming available. She believed the property would not be available for five to ten ycars. Although, she indicated taking a lead role in the conceptual plan would be a good step for the City of Arden Hills. Mayor Probst indicated his confidence in the availability of the property in two years. Ms. Walsh noted the concerns for the availability of the property was shared by others. Therefore, two to three options would be made available for a concept plan. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she would be interested in seeing the needs assessment information. Councilmember Hicks inquired if Arden Hills starts this project, would it bc with the assumption that the other cities would share in the expense of pursuing a conceptual plan. Ms. Walsh noted this was correct, and other cities would be approving similar resolutions to the one before the Council. . Mayor Probst noted part of the process was to get commitments from the other cities for contributions. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - NOVEMBER 24,1997 7 . MOTION: I-licks moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #97-58, Supporting the City of Arden Hills Taking the Lead Role in Designing a Concept Plan for a Multi-City Facility on the TCAAP Property. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). C. Comprehensive Plan RFP's, Selection of Firm Mr. Fritsinger noted the City recently completed its review of proposals for the updating of the City's Comprehensive Plan. On Tuesday, November 18, 1997 the City interviewed the firms of SRF Consulting Group and McCombs Frank Roos Associates for the position of consulting planner for the Comprehensive Plan update. Mr. Fritsinger noted Staff recommends the appointment of McCombs Frank Roos Associates to conduct the City's Comprehensive Plan update and to direct Staff to prepare a contract for said update. MOTION: Hicks moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to appoint McCombs Frank Roos Associates to conduct the City of Arden Hills' Comprehensive Plan update and direct Staff to prepare a contract for said update. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). D. Personnel . 1. 1998 Union Contract Mr. Fritsinger noted the existing Labor Agreement with the LU.O.E. Local No. 49 expires on December 31,1997. The LU.O.E. Local No. 49 represents the six members of the Public Works Department. Mr. Fritsinger briefly reviewed the contract terms of a three-year contract; salary increase of three percent each year of the contract; insurance contribution increase of $10 per month each year of the contract; and inclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding relating to lunch breaks into the contract. Councilmember Hicks inquired as to what were the current contributions for insurance. Mr. Fritsinger stated the current City contribution is $310 per month. MOTION: Hicks moved and Ap1ikowski seconded a motion to adopt the proposed three-year contract with the Local No. 49, including items detailed and subject to the execution of the contract by the Local No. 49. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). Council member ApJikowski inquired as to the memorandum regarding lunch breaks. Mr. Fritsinger explained it outlined how to determine whether workers should take lunch breaks at the job site versus returning to City Hall, depending on the distance and work project involved. . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - NOVEMBER 24, 1997 8 . E. Insurance, Municipal Excess Liability Coverage Mr. Fritsinger indicated Staff has been working with T.e. Field & Company on its 1998 insurance policy renewal. One of the items the City Council must take action on annually is a determination on its Excess Liability coverage. Mr. Fritsinger stated Staffrecommends the City Council adopt a motion electing not to waive the monetary limits on Tort Liability established by Minnesota Statutes in the area of Excess Liability coverage. MOTION: Hicks moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to not waive the monetary limits on Tort Liability established by Minnesota Statutes in the area of excess Liability coverage. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS Mr. Fritsinger had no comments at this time. COUNCIL COMMENTS & COMMITTEEIDEP ARTMENT ACTIVITY REPORTS Councilmember Hicks stated he appreciated thc Staff reports provided. . Mayor Probst publicly congratulated Councilmember Keirn on the birth of her son. Mayor Probst also recognized Cindy Walsh, who was awarded the prestigious 1997 MRPA Dorothea Nelson Award given by the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association. Ms. Walsh will be presented the award on December 5,1997. He expressed his pride and thanked her for all her efforts. ADJOURN MOTION: Aplikowski moved and Hicks seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m. he motion carried unanimously (3-0). n/#7r nan ntsmger City Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next regular City Council meeting will be held December 8, 1997, at 7:30 p.m. at the New . Brighton Council Chambers.