HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 12-08-1997
MINUTES
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
. CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 8, 1997
7:30 P.M. - NEW BRIGHTON COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDERJROLL 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 Paul Malone,
Absent: Councilmembers Susan Keirn,
Also present were City Administrator, Brian Fritsinger; City Accountant, Terry Post;
Community Development Director, Kevin Ringwald; Public Works Superintendent,
Dwayne Stafford; Jerry Filla. City Attorney; Gregory Brown, BRW, Inc,; and Recording
Secretary, Carla Wirth.
. ADOPT AGENDA
MOTION: Aplikowski moved and Hicks seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the
December 8,1997, City Council meeting as presented, The motion carried
unanimously (4-0),
PUBLIC HEARING - 1998 STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
A. Adopt Resolution #97-59, Authorizing the Preparation of Detailed Plans and
Specifications in the Matter of the 1998 Street Improvement Project
Mayor Probst opened the public hearing at 7:31 p.m. and explained the meeting procedure which
will be followed to formally present the project, address Council questions, and then accept
public comments, Mayor Probst noted that an informational meeting was held at the Army
Reserve Center on November 17, 1997, which approximately 40 residents attended,
Mr. Dwayne Stafford, Public Works Superintendent, stated Staff had received residential input
from the informational meeting and accepted written comments from residents, He explained if
all of the streets originally proposed were to proceed, the estimated cost is almost double which
the preliminary budget anticipated, Therefore, Staff re-evaluated each street proposed for the
1998 Street Improvement Project and related issues and then drafted a list of streets which is
being recommended to proceed with construction as part of that project. Mr. Stafford explained
. that the Council is asked to adopt Resolution #97-59, Authorizing the Preparation of Detailed
Plans and Specifications in the matter of the 1998 Street Improvement Project. Staff has held
informational meetings, with all of the affected property owners invited, and re-evaluated the
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - DECEMBER 8.1997 2
. various issues related to the streets included in the Feasibility Report. As a result, Staff is
recommending a scaled down 1998 street program,
Mr. Gregory Brown, City Engineer, explained that he will be presenting a project overview,
financing. and implementation, He explained that prior to 1995 the City maintained roadways
based upon a comprehensive review and ranking of all City streets based upon its condition of
deterioration. In 1995, the City and its consulting engineer conducted a pavement condition
survey of all of the streets and also developed a multi-year improvement program. Mr. Brown
explained how the pavement condition ranking is used to determine if and when a street should
be rehabilitated or reconstructed and to develop a five-year plan,
Mr. Brown then displayed pictures depicting asphalt roadways at various levels of deterioration,
base failures, and cross sections for a typical City street. Mr. Brown read a list of streets which
were slated for reconstruction and overlay and explained that due to the high cost over the
budget, only the following streets are recommended to remain in the project scope:
reconstruction of Fairview Avenue, Edgewater Avenue and Stowe Avenue; and overlay of
Edgewater Avenue, Glenpaul A venue, and Sandeen Road, Staff is recommending the other
streets identified in the Feasibility Report be dropped from the 1998 Street Improvement Project.
Mr. Brown reviewed the estimated project costs and explained that financing will be comprised
of the General Fund, PIR Fund, Surface Water Management Utility, City of New Brighton, and
. residential assessments, The assessment rates will be based on the benefit to the property. not the
actual cost. The 1997 assessment rates were $37,96 per foot for reconstructed streets and $4.97
per foot for overlaid streets, He stated the contract would probably be let in February of 1998.
construction startcd in April or May of 1998, and construction completed in July or August of
1998. Mr. Brown offered to answer questions,
Mayor Probst explained the issue at this public hearing is whether the project should proceed. not
the costs or level of assessments which will be addressed at a future public hearing (if the project
proceeds). He noted the recommendation of Staff on the number of streets to be included. He
asked if anyone is present from a street that is proposed to be dropped who would like the street
included,
A resident of Ham line Avenue indicated she wants Hamline Avenue to remain dropped from the
1998 Street Improvement Project.
A resident stated that Indian Place has been dropped from reconstruction but it has not been
sealcoatcd or overlaid since construeted and should be looked at.
Mayor Probst stated Indian Place was slated for reconstruction but the Council has chosen to not
invest in a lesser improvement since it would be needed again in a short time frame, He stated it
will be back on the list as a candidate for next year's project.
. Mitch Bendix, 1948 Edgewater Avenue, stated he lives on a comer lot that has three big
evergreens and asked if the City will be improving Prior Avenue any time soon,
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - DECEMBER 8.1997 3
. Mr. Brown advised that Prior A venue was overlaid in 1995 and the intent is to reconstruct
Edgewater Avenuc and overlay Glenpaul Avenue, The other streets in this area have been
overlaid in the last three years, He stated it is anticipated that Prior A venue will be reconstructed
at a future date, possibly five to ten years, with concrete curb and gutter and storm sewer,
Mayor Probst requested Council direction with regard to the recommendation of Staff for a
reduced project.
Councilmember Malone reviewed the Council's process to take an optimistic review of streets
and budget considerations, Hc stated he believes there is good rationale to remove the streets as
recommended by Staff and to include them in next year's plan, He stated his concurrence with
Starr s recommendation,
Councilmember Hicks stated he also concurs,
Councilmember Aplikowski asked if there is only one resident objecting to Indian Place being
dropped, Mr, Brown stated it will be looked at again next year.
Steve Gencke, 1840 W. County Road E. stated there are roads in worse condition than Indian
Place which only serves three homes, He suggested other roads be considered instead, possibly
the road on the side of the Mayor's house (the alleyway),
. Larry Erickson, 1860 Indian Place, applauded thc Council for not doing Indian Place this year,
Vincent Linders, 1945 Glenpaul Avenue, askcd when assessments would be due on Prior
A vcnue.
Mayor Probst eXplained this is not the assessment hearing, but residents can pay within 30 days
of the final resolution or the assessment is added to future property tax statement over a five to
eight year period depending on the size of the assessment,
Mr. Linders asked if the overlay will be milling, how long it will remain crack free, and if a
guarantee is offered, Mr. Brown stated the City's contracts are warranted for one year against
catastrophic failure or poor workmanship via a bond, With regard to cracks forming, it will
happen with an overlay which is a rehabilitation method, Mr. Brown explained cracks propagate
through within two to three years and an overlay will last five to ten years before it is back to the
current condition.
Mr. Linders inquired regarding the pavement thickness, Mr. Brown advised they place four
inches of asphalt and eight inches of gravel with new construction and an overlay is two inches
of asphalt over what is there. Mr. Linders stated Prior A venue has less than two inches in many
places and he believes the overlay of Glenpaul A venue would be a waste of money, as was the
Prior A venue overlay improvement of two years ago.
. Mr. Brown explained the type of soil investigation which will take place to determine the
existing base and verify it makes sense to overlay Glenpaul Avenue,
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - DECEMBER 8. 1997 4
. Mr. Linders noted that a range of five to ten years is a large range and he believes the current
streets could last five years without any improvement being made. Mr. Brown stated this will be
evaluated,
Mayor Probst stated Council consensus has been expressed to proceed with Staff s
recommendation, He noted Stowe A venue is a unique situation since New Brighton has decided
to fund their portion ofthe roadway in 1998,
In response to Mayor Probst, the following residents indicated they had no comment or that their
questions had been answered:
Thomas Whittles, 1867 Glenpaul Avenue; George and Vi Zauer, 4043 Valentine
Court; RoIlie and Elouise Herrigs, 3991 Fairview Avenue; Mina Aulsit, 3034
Benjamin Street NE; and Susan Christianson, Presbyterian Homes.
Joan Olsen and Jerry Schreyer, 4054 Valentine Court, were not present.
Mitch Bendix, 1948 Edgewater Avenue, stated he has no further comment.
Michael Hill, 3280 Lake Johanna Boulevard, asked if rates are based on benefit to the
. property, He stated his driveway is on Lake Johanna Boulevard and the side and back yard are
on Sandeen, He asked how he will benefit from the overlay of Sandeen and ifhe will also be
assessed on Lake Johanna Boulevard when it is improved,
Mayor Probst stated Lake Johanna Boulevard is currently a County Road but the County plans to
turn it back to the City so the potential exists for assessment on both streets,
Mr. Hill asked if it is legal and ethical to be assessed on both streets, Mayor Probst stated that it
is. Mr. Hill stated he does not believe that it is and asked that this be noted in the record.
Kristin Poelzer, 1870 Indian Place, thanked the Council for not reconstructing Indian Place at
this time, She asked when it will be scheduled for reconstruction.
Mr. Brown stated he would hesitate to place a date on that project but they will take another
comprehensive look at the remaining streets and reevaluate them once this project is underway,
Mayor Probst explained the Council attempts to project street improvements beyond one year to
give residents advanced notice,
Ms, Poelzer asked if a reconstructed road will last 20 years. Mr. Brown stated that this is the
industry standard, Ms, Poeizer stated it has been about 20 years since Indian Place was
reconstructed hut she believes it may last five to six more years, She asked the City to keep
. residents appraised of improvement plans.
Roger Luhrs, 1967 Edgewater Avenue, asked if it will take three months to reconstruct
Edgewater. Mr. Brown explained the actual disruption to residents will be no more than
approximately three weeks.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - DECEMBER 8. 1997 5
. Mr. Luehn asked when the assessment hearing will be held,
Mr. Brian Fritsinger, City Administrator, estimated the assessment process will take place
sometime between February to April and advised that residents will receive notice of that
meeting.
Tim Boehlke, 1955 Edgewater Avenue, stated his questions have been answered,
Ann Goetz, 1905 Edgewater Avenue, had no comment.
George Evans 1960 Edgewater Avenue, stated he moved into this house about a year ago so he
did not have the benetit of the street when it was new. He explained that he will be retiring in
three to four years and then moving out of the State so the work on Edgewater A venue will
benefit whoever buys the house, not him, Mr. Evans stated this is a long cul-de-sac without a lot
of traffic and he does not think the road is that bad.
Kevin Dahmen, 1900 Glenpaul Avenue, stated he has lived here his entire live and does not
remember any significant work being done. He stated he does not think it makes sense tor a mill
and overlay because the roadway is not that bad and the contractor did a poor job of the mill and
overlay on Prior. Mr. Dahmen stated he prefers to wait several years for a full reconstruction,
. Mr. Linders suggested reevaluating the street maintenance process used by the City because he
has not seen significant deterioration within the past ten years and the City has not done much
patching. Mr. Linders stated he thinks Glenpaul A venue will remain for another ten years and he
opposes the project.
George Rehbein, 1759 Crystal, inquired regarding the placement of survey markers about eight
feet into his property, Mr. Brown explained they probably indicate a control point and not the
edge of the road,
Ted Lindbom, 4008 North Fairview, stated he has been told for the last three years that
something would be done about the condition of Fairview, but nothing has ever been done, He
asked what is different about his year and if something will finally be done,
Councilmember Malone explained it is a budgetary tradeotI since the City does not have enough
money to do all of the streets requiring attention in one year. Therefore, they take the worst
cases first.
Ramona Lindbom, 4008 North Fairview, explained that the streets in the entire neighborhood
have been done over the last few years except for Fairview Avenue so they hope the City really
does do it before all of the other streets need more work.
There being no further public comments, Mayor Probst closed the public hearing at 8: 14 p,m,
. Councilmember Aplikowski suggested the City Engineer and Staff review Glenpaul Avenue and
if it does not make sense to overlay it, it can be removed from the 1998 Street Improvement
Project.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - DECEMBER 8. 1997 6
. Mr. Brown explained that if it is decided to reconstruct Glenpaul A venue, rather than overlay it,
it would be a major addition to the Project. He stated if it is determined the existing blacktop is
too thin, as suggested by Mr, Linders, the project can be removed or slated for the future,
Councilmember Malone stated this is the hearing where the Council determines if the engineer
should proceed with project plans which will include borings, He concurred that if it makes no
sense to overlay Glenpaul Avenue it can be removed from the Project, Councilmember Malone
commented on the clay soil in Arden Hills which results in some problems with roadway
cracking,
MOTION: Malone moved and Hicks seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #97-59,
Authorizing the Preparation of Detailed Plans and Specifications in the Matter of
the 1998 Street Improvement Project. The motion carried unanimously (4-0),
Mayor Probst reviewed the notification process which will occur as this project proceeds and
thanked all for attending, He invited the audience to remain for the rest of the meeting agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. November 24, 1997 Regular City Council Meeting
. MOTION: Aplikowski moved and Hicks seconded a motion to approve the November 24,
1997, Regular City Council Meeting minutes as presented, The motion carried
unanimously (4-0).
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Claims and Payroll
B. Transfer of On-Sale Wine License
MOTION: Malone moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the Consent
Calendar as submitted and authorize execution of all necessary documents
contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (4-0),
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. Highway 96 Improvement Project, Task Force Recommendations
. Mr. Kevin Ringwald, Community Development Director, introduced John Tholen, Chair of the
Highway 96 Task Force, who was in attendance to present their recommendations related to
Highway 96, He also introduced John Sanders, landscape architect for this project.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - DECEMBER 8. 1997 7
. Mr. John Tholen, Chair ofthe Highway 96 Task Force, explained this Task Force was
created by the Council on April II, 1997 to provide the City with a series of recommendations
on the reconstruction of Highway 96 so the recommendations could be forwarded to Ramsey
County while the Arden Hills' portion of the project is still in the design phase, He reviewed the
membership of the committee and advised that their first recommendation is that two entryway
signs be located along Highway 96, the first at the southwest corner of Highway 96 and
Lexington Avenue. The second entryway sign would be located at the southeast corner of
Highway 96 and Interstate 35W,
Bill Sanders of Sanders, Wacker, and Bergly, project landscape architect, reviewed a
colored sketch of the proposed signs and landscape design including grading, location of
evergreen trees, and flowers, He explained the need to raise the elevation to improve the
visibility of the sign,
Mayor Probst suggested Ramsey County be asked to do some of this grading prior to their
completion of the project. He also stated he understands the County proposes to place the signal
control box on this corner. Mr. Tholen stated they have requested this signal box be relocated on
the Reserve Center property,
Council member Malone asked if the estimate is $32,000 per sign. Mr. Sanders stated this is
. correct, is an estimated cost, and does not include landscaping, He reviewed the types of
materials to be used tor the sign,
Mr. Tholen reviewed his discussion with the Reserve Center and Ramsey County to provide
trees, fill, and to seed the property.
Mr. Sanders explained that the sign on the southeast corner ofI-35W would be of the same
design but the landscaping may be different.
Councilmember Malone asked what the City of Shoreview sign will look like. Mr. Tholen stated
it is approximately 85 feet long and ten feet high,
Mr. Tholen reviewed the Task Force recommendation for the inclusion of turf with underground
irrigation and the addition of ornamental trees at the ends of these tree groups, They recommend
no additional lighting be installed at this time since the redevelopment of TCAAP is not
imminent. The Task Force would recommend that if development ofthe TCAAP property is
imminent, then this item be reviewed at that time.
Mayor Probst inquired regarding the lighting costs, Mr. Brown estimated $3,000 per fixture
without wiring, He recommended placing conduit under the cross section streets and driveways
since the County will pay for it.
Mr. Tholen stated the Task Force does not recommend the provision of a regional trail as
. proposed by Ramsey County and recommends the regional trail stay on the south side of
Highway 96 until North Snelling Avenue, Then the trail should proceed south on the west side
of North Snelling A venue and cross over Highway 10, via a bridge, in the vicinity of Royal Hills
Park, then proceed west hugging Round Lake where possible and proceed over Intestate 35W
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - DECEMBER 8 1997 8
. utilizing the existing railroad bridge to gain access to the Long Lake Regional Park, He stated
the Task Force believes the trail, as designed by Ramsey County, presents a safety hazard,
Mr, Tholen stated the Task Force does not recommend the inclusion of sidewalks on the north
side of Highway 96 but would recommend that if development of the TCAAP is imminent, then
this item be reviewed at that time to determine the appropriate location for trails/sidewalks
within the TCAAP property,
Mr, Tholen stated the Task Force does not recommend the provision of a noise wall but would
recommend the provision of additionallandscaping/berming by Ramsey County in those
residential areas (i.e., Arden Manor Mobile Home Park) in which residents are directly adjacent
to the roadway and do not have the proper building setbacks. Mr. Tholen stated the Task Force
would recommend that if the redevelopment of the City Hall site does not require the use of the
median cut (in front ofthe Public Works driveway), then the median cut be relocated to Keithson
Drive, which is at the top of the hill and has the potential for expansion into the Reiling property,
Councilmember Hicks inquired regarding the dimensions of the proposed sign. Mr. Sanders
stated it is about 15 feet long and five feet high,
Councilmember Malone expressed concern with the cost estimate for the signs and stated he
would have a difficult time voting to support it. Mr. Tholen stated this comer is currently an
. eyesore and it would be appropriate to have a nicely landscaped corner witll a City sign,
Councilmember Malone stated he believes there may be an alternate, creative way to handle this
at a lower cost. He stated he supports the recommendation with regard to the median cut, berm,
trails, and sidewalk.
Councilmember Malone asked how far apart Shoreview's lights are, Mr, Brown stated they are
about 300 feet on center per side, or 150 feet apart (zig zag),
Councilmember Malone stated if he had to prioritize tlle issues of the sign, landscaping, and
lights, he would support the lights,
Mr. Tholen stated the Task Force considered lighting as more of a future improvement.
Mayor Probst stated it would be nice to find a way to reduce the cost of the sign but he believes
there is value in such a City sign and, perhaps, it is a matter oftiming this project. He stated he
supports a sign project that looks nicc, will be there for a long time, and something the City can
be proud of. He expressed concern with the proposed size of the Shoreview sign, Mayor Probst
stated he is grateful to the Task Force for their work and believes their recommendations are "on
target." He commented that an irrigation system will allow proper maintenance of the sign area,
Mayor Probst stated he also concurs with the Task Force recommendation to not consider a noise
wall,
. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she supports all of the recommendations, including the sign,
However, she has some apprehension about the irrigation but would support it over lighting. She
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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - DECEMBER 8. 1997 9
. commcnted on the need for proper maintenance to assure the landscaping does not detract from
the overall appearance of the sign,
MOTION: Malone moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to accept the
recommendations of the Highway 96 Task Force as presented, The motion
carried unanimously (4-0),
B, 1997 Street Improvements (Valley Paving), Pay Estimate #2
Mr. Stafford explained that the Council is asked to approve Pay Estimate #2 to Valley Paving,
Inc. in the amount of $186,000 for the 1997 Street Improvements, He explained that Valley
Paving, Inc. was the low bidder for this project at $383,143,75 and awarded the project. Due to
less than anticipated quantity amounts in some areas, the final project cost was $370,990,08. Mr.
Stafford stated that $179,558,03 has been paid, leaving a balance of$191,432.05. He noted the
memorandum from Terry Mauer, Howard R, Green Company, rccommending approval of the
final payment subject to a retainage, Mr. Stafford recommended a retainage of $5,432,05 be held
and paid upon completion of the punch list items and receipt of appropriate documentation.
Mayor Probst asked if the proposed retainage amount will be adequate to assure completion. Mr.
Stafford reviewed the types of work remaining and stated he is confident the proposed retainage
will cover those costs,
. Mr. Fritsinger advised that Staff did review the remaining work items to assure the proposed
retainage is adequate to complete the work,
Councilmember Hicks asked if there is other work remaining beyond the turf restoration, Mr.
Stafford stated there is and reviewed the items, which were all low-cost corrections.
MOTION: Hicks moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve payment of Pay
Estimate #2 to Valley Paving, Inc, in the amount of $186,000 for 1997 Street
Improvements subject to a retainage in the amount of $5,432.05 to be paid upon
completion of punch list items and receipt of necessary documents, The motion
carried unanimously (4-0),
C. Planning Case #96-23, Extension of Approval, Pilgrim House Unitarian Church
1212 West Highway 96
Mr. Fritsinger explained that the Council is asked to approve an extension ofthe approval of
Planning Case #96-23 until January 2, 1999, The applicant has not yet pulled the building permit
for this project, but has indicated they intend to do so in the Spring of 1998,
MOTION: Malone moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve an extension of the
approval of Planning Case #96-23 until January 2,1999, based on the applicant
. obtaining a building permit in the Spring of 1998, The motion carried
unanimously (4-0).
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - DECEMBER 8. 1997 10
. D. Lift Station #11, Feasibility Study
Mr. Stafford explained that the Council is asked to authorize the undertaking of a feasibility
study for the elimination of Lift Station #11, as a result of the Highway 96 project. He advised
there are 14 lift stations spread throughout the City, Lift stations are typically constructed in low
areas of a City and sewer main lines surrounding the low area will be constructed to t10w to the
lift station, TIle lift station then pumps the sewage up hill to a higher sewer main where the
sewage continues towards the MCES waste treatment plant, sometimes via other lift stations
along the line. He reviewed the types of maintenance problems that can result and explained that
the estimated average cost each year for Lift Station # 11 electricity and maintenance would be
about $4,500 which does not include repair parts,
Mr. Stafford explained that as part of the Highway 96 project, Lift Station #11 may need to be
moved to accommodate the west-bound lane realignment near Arden Manor Mobile Home Park,
He recommended a small-scale feasibility study to determine if elevations of the existing lift
station incoming sewer lines, are at a higher elevation than the new sewer line being constructed
on Round Lake Road, It was noted that it may be possible to eliminate Lift Station #11 by
installing a gravity pipe from the existing lift station to the new sewer line on Round Lake Road
at 14th A venue, Since there is no room for error, these elevations need to be verified in the field,
MOTION: Malone moved and Hicks seconded a motion to authorize the undertaking of a
. small-scale feasibility study for the elimination of Lift Station #11, as a result of
the Highway 96 project at a cost not to exceed $5,000, The motion carried
unanimously (4-0),
ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS
Mr. Fritsinger requested, based on the action taken at the Truth in Taxation meeting, to cancel
the continuation public hearing scheduled for Thursday, December 11, 1997.
MOTION: Malone moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to cancel the Truth in Taxation
hearing schedulcd for December 11, 1997. The motion carried unanimously (4-
0),
Mr. Fritsinger advised of activity by Ms, Walsh with regard to the Vaughan property to exchange
property for trail area. He explained the park was dedicated to the City but never formalized.
This is not an acceptable location for park but there is an advantage to getting trail area without
having to expend dollars. Mr. Fritsinger stated he would like to confirm this is the appropriate
action for Staff to take, The Council concurred,
Mr. Fritsinger noted the resolution which the League of Minnesota Cities has requested
consideration of to deal with mobile home parks, He inquired regarding the Council's position.
. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she opposes it since there are already laws on the book to
allow them to do it. She stated this sounds good and it may be of benefit to the homeowner but
she believes it is an intrusive benefit, especially since there are things in place now to allow
people to get in and do cleanup work, Councilmember Aplikowski advised that in 1984, a law
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - DECEMBER 8. 1997 II
. was passed to requi,re disclosure forms, which were to be monitored and acted on by officials,
However, they don t do It so she questIOns why there should be another law on the books that
does not do anything except intrude. She stated the proposed law is not necessary and it does not
make scnse to spend money to study something that has already been studied.
Councilmembers Malone and Hicks stated their concurrence,
Mayor Probst stated the Council consensus is to not study this issue, He stated he does not
understand the total regulation in place but one issue mentioned is who has authority to regulate
(State or municipality), Mayor Probst stated if this study would clarifY that issue, it would be of
benefit but it sounds like Council consensus is to not move forward.
Councilmember Aplikowski advised that the State gave up jurisdiction and gave it to the County
but the County does not want it.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Hicks announced the Northwest Board meeting will be held Thursday,
December II, 1997, but he is unable to attend,
Councilmember Malone referred to the written comments on Valentine Avenue and the mention
. of a "traffic calming device," He stated that while he is not normally a proponent of that type of
traffic device, this area is a problem, has an illegal ineffective stop sign, and wide intersections
so, perhaps, a "traffic calming device" may work,
Councilmember Malone updated the Council with regard to the Fire Department pension fund
increase and advised it has been determined they can afford to increase their benefits, He
indicated that the Fire Department is also considering shifting towards paying a lump sum for
retirement which will reduce their liability and allow the members to better invest funds.
Councilmember Aplikowski stated she will attend the Ramsey County League banquet on
Thursday, December 11, 1997,
Mayor Probst again recognized Parks & Recreation Director Cindy Walsh who received the 1997
MRP A Dorothea Nelson Award from the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association, He
reiterate how proud he is of Ms, Walsh who has achieved this award,
Mayor Probst announced the first meeting of the Arden Hills/Shoreview Joint Youth
Commission which will be held this Wednesday night.
Mayor Probst suggested a follow up letter be sent to Senator Grams thanking him for his warm
response and reaffirming the City's concern with regard to proposed legislation impacting
property rights,
· Mayor Probst reminded the Council of the meeting scheduled on Monday night to review the
ordinance codification.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - DECEMBER 8. 1997 12
. ADJOURN
MOTION: Malone moved and Hicks seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:06 p.m,
The motion carried unanimously (4-0),
~~
B riafi F ri tsinger
City Administrator
NOTICE OF MEETINGS
The next special City Council meeting will be held December 15, 1997, at 7:30 p.m, at the Army
Reserve Center,
.
.