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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 01-05-1998 . MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 5, 1998 7:30 P.M. - NEW BRIGHTON CITY 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 7:30 p.m. Present: Mayor Dennis Probst, Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, Dale Hicks, Paul Malone and Susan Keim (arrived at 7:34 p.m.) Also present were City Administrator, Brian Fritsinger; City Accountant, Terry Post; Public Works Superintendent, Dwayne Stafford; and Recording Secretary, Ruth McLaurin. ADOPT AGENDA Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Hicks seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the January 5, 1998, Regular City Council meeting as presented. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). ~ OATH OF OFFICE MOTION: Mayor Probst officiated the oath of office to City Administrator Brian Fritsinger and City Treasurer Terrance R. Post. Councilmember Keim arrived at 7:34 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. December 8,1997, Regular Couucil Meeting B. December 15, 1997, Council Worksession C. December 15, 1997, Final Budget & 1997 Levy Payable in 1998 Meeting Councilmember Malone requested the following corrections for the December 8, 1997, Council Meeting minutes: Page 2, paragraph 2, for point of clarification, there was a pavement management plan prior to 1995 also. Page 4, last paragraph the correct spelling for Mr. Roger Luehn, should be spelled Luhrs . Page 9, for clarification the Motion was to accept the information contained in the report. Councilmember Malone believed the Council understood this, but it had been reported in the media that the Council decided to act upon all the items in the report. The motion was merely to accept the information, not necessarily act on all the items. . ~ . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 5. 1998 2 Page 11, paragraph 6, in reference to the Fire Department, the last sentence should read "He indicated paying a lump sum for retirement which would reduce their liability and would allow the members to control the investment of funds after thev are received." Councilmember Malone requested the following corrections for the December 15, 1997 Council Meeting: Council Comments, Page 8, add to end of first sentence: "salt operation in the Gatewav Business District." MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Keirn seconded a motion to approve the December 8, 1997, Regular Council Meeting, December IS, 1997, Council Worksession, and the December 15, 1997, Special Council Meeting minutes as corrected. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION: A. B. Claims and Payroll Resolution #98-08, Amending Res. #97-55, Resolution Vacating a Portion of the Fourteenth Street NE Right-of-Way in the Gateway Business District Resolution #98-0 I, Designating Depositories and Corporate Authorization Resolution #98-02, Designating Additional Money Market Depositories for Investment Purposes Resolution #98-03, Designating Brokerage Firms for Investment in Financial Instruments Authorized by State Statute Consistent with the City Investment Policy Resolution #98-04, Transfer of Funds by Telephonic Instructions Curbside Recycling Services, Renewal Agreement - 1998 and 1999 Animal Control Contract, 1998 Renewal Ordinance #303, Cable Franchise Term Extension C. D. E. F. G. H. I. Councilmember Keirn moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted and authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (5- 0). PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Probst invited those present to come forward and address the Council on any items not already on the agenda. There were no public comments. . ~ . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 5 1998 3 UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Resolution #98-05, Supporting the Ramsey County Rice Creek North Regional Trail Corridor Master Plan Mr. Brian Fritsinger, City Administrator, briefly presented a background regarding the Rice Creek North Regional Trail Corridor. This corridor includes land in Anoka and Ramsey Counties, therefore, this will be presented not only to Arden Hills but also other cities. Mr. Fritsinger noted Staff had reviewed the draft copy ofthe Master Plan and had not identitied any significant issues of concern with this final plan. He noted that in attendance was a representative of Ramsey County, Mr. Ken Simons. Mr. Fritsinger indicated Staff recommends approval of Resolution #98-05, Supporting the Ramsey County Rice Creek North Regional Trail Corridor Master Plan. Mayor Probst inquired if the area identified is consistent with the Reutilization Plan. Mr. Fritsinger advised that after initial staff review, the Plan was returned to Ramsey County identifying the items in the Reutilization Plan and it now appears to be consistent with this Plan. Mayor Probst asked in regard to the cost estimate, what would the participation be from Ramsey County. Mr. Simons, a representative of Ramsey County, noted the cost participation is subject to change but, according to the Master Plan, the Metropolitan Council would provide a portion of the funding. Mayor Probst inquired ifthere would be an opportunity to move this project up from the 2004 proposed date. Mr. Simons noted the Metropolitan Council prioritizes the projects and there is always an opportunity for changes, so there is a possibility that this project could be moved up if the Metropolitan Council felt the project's priority had changed. Mayor Probst inquired if the issue surrounding the northwest comer ofthe area, in regard to the arsenal property, would effect the prioritization of the project. Mr. Simons did not believe this would effect the Metropolitan Council's prioritization of this project. COlmcilmember Hicks inquired if there were any anticipated changes to the Plan that was now being presented. Mr. Simons noted Arden Hills was the first municipality that was reviewing the Master Plan, but he did not anticipate any major changes. Councilmember Hicks expressed concern for any subsequent changes that would come from future council meetings of other involved municipalities. Councilmember Hicks inquired if there were subsequent changes, would Arden Hills have the opportunity to review the document again. Mr. Simons indicated he was unsure because they have not had this issue of multiple cities before, although he believed it would not be a problem to bring it back to the Council. Mayor Probst indicated if any subsequent changes are made to the final Master Plan by other municipalities, he wanted to be assured Arden Hills would have an opportunity to review the document. . , . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 5. 1998 4 Council member Aplikowski indicated she would feel more comfortable if they had an opportunity to review any changes made by other municipalities, at least obtaining minutes from these other council meetings on this subject. Councilmember Malone added it would be his understanding the Council would be approving the document in front of them and not any future document. Mayor Probst concurred. Mr. Fritsinger noted, for clarification, the reason Arden Hills is moving more quickly through the review process was due to the fact the Parks and Recreation Commission had not reviewed this document. Mr. Fritsinger noted this had happened because of the recent review of the TCAAP property and the familiarity of Staff with the property. He noted that if Council would still desire to have the commission review the document, there was plenty of time. Councilmember Hicks stated he was comfortable with Staff's recommendation but commented that the City had appointed committees and they should be given an opportunity to present any comments. Mayor Probst noted once the Master Plan proceeds to the Development Plan, it would still go through any procedures and reviews. This would give the commission any opportunity they would need to review and comment on the Plan. Mr. Simons assured the Council all City procedures and requirements would be followed at that time. Councilmember Hicks stated that, if the document is consistent with the Reutilization Plan, he is comfortable with moving forward. MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Hicks seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-05, Snpporting the Ramsey County Rice Creek North Regional Trail Corridor Master Plan, dated December 1997, with the understanding that any subsequent changes to this document would be provided to the City Council of Arden Hills for review and approval. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). B. Resolution #98-06, Ordering Highway 96 Feasibility Report Mr. Dwayne Stafford, Public Works Superintendent, briefly presented the background of this project and noted the City had reviewed several design options for the upgrade of Highway 96 within the City of Arden Hills. Mr. Stafford noted the Council felt the needs of Arden Hills were not being fully addressed and directed Staff to procure a traffic study of the area. He indicated Staff recommends the Council approve Resolution #98-06 directing BRW to do a traffic study for the Highway 96/Trunk Highway 10 interchange within the City of Arden Hills. MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Keim seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-06, Ordering a Highway 96 Feasibility Report, in an amount not to exceed $12,500. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . , . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 5. 1998 5 Councilmember Malone noted although the Council has been frustrated with the events surrounding this area, he believes this action is in the best interest of the City. Councilmember Aplikowski concurred. Mayor Probst noted the City will have to control its own destiny. C. Appointment of Acting Mayor, Council Liaisons, Commission/Committee/Task Force Members, Professional Consultants and Others for 1998 Mayor Probst noted he had contacted, or attempted to contact, the Chairperson of each identified Commission, Committee, or Task Force to confirm their service as Chairperson for 1998. Mayor Probst stated that these groups had served the City well in 1997, and he was not proposing any substantial changes. Mayor Probst noted a separate issue he would like the Council to contemplate. He would like to change the date for appointments to March, except for those required by law to be established by January 1st. He noted it was difficult to reach people during the holidays. Also, many items are discussed during the Council and Staff retreat in January/February, and this would give them an opportunity for discussion regarding the appointments. MOTTON: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Hicks seconded a motion to approve ratification of the 1998 appointments as listed in the Mayor's memo dated December 31,1997. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Councilmember Malone also indicated there is the upcoming issue of the "year 2000" in regard to technology and making sure the City is ready, and gave an open invitation to any resident with this expertise and background to contact Staff. He commented that any help they could provide is welcome. Mayor Probst referred to new applications contained in the packet. Mr. Fritsinger indicated Staff had reviewed the applicants and felt all would be a great help to the various committees they indicated on their applications. Staff would contact the applicants for final commitments and provide information as to meeting times, etc. Councilmember Aplikowski indicated the Business Development Committee is looking for additional individuals. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired if the Human Rights Committee is still meeting. Mayor Probst noted that this committee is currently inactive. D. Resolution #98-07, Establishing the Fee Schedule for 1998 Mr. Fritsinger advised the only significant change recommended by Staff was an increase for the sale of tobacco products since, due to recent State Legislation, the City must now complete compliance checks of all licensed establishments. These checks will increase the costs to the City. Staff is recommending the fee for cigarette vending machines be eliminated, with a new fee of $200 for retail cigarette sales being established. . , . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 5 1998 6 Mayor Probst inquired as to the previous fee for vending machines. Mr. Fritsinger indicated it was $25 per machine. MOTION: Councilmember Hicks moved and Councilmember Keirn seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-07, Establishing the Fee Schedule for 1998. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). E. 1998 Pay Plan (Employee Insnrance-Maximum City Contribution) Mr. Fritsinger noted the City received significant increases in both its health and dental coverages for non-union employees. Health insurance increases for 1998 are 24.2% and dental insurance premiums increased by 20.5%. The City is currently covered through Medica for health and American Medical Security for dental insurance. Mr. Fritsinger indicated he would like to ask the Council to approve a motion to cover the cost of the increased insurance premiums for the month of January. This would provide Staff further opportunity to find an insurance carrier that would not inflict such a strain on City employees. Due to the short notice by Medica and Staff not having enough time to review, Councilmember Malone suggested freezing the employee contribution until a time that Staff can recommend options. He noted it is not the employee's fault for the situation and he believes the City should, as an employer, cover this extra cost until a new plan is resolvcd. Mayor Probst indicated he would like Council to defer actions 1-3 of the staff recommendation until Council can see what the financial impact would be of any insurance that is chosen. Mayor Probst concurred with Councilmember Malone in regard to undertaking the cost of the increase while Staff is looking for alternatives. Councilmember Malone indicated he is happy to see action regarding long term disability and stated he believes the coverage to be worthwhile. Councilmember Hicks inquired as to why the increase was so high. Mr. Fritsinger indicated the City in and of itself was reviewed and with the cost of claims made during 1997, premiums were increased. Councilmember Keirn expressed concern with obtaining insurance with Ramsey County since they could potentially increase their rates in the upcoming year. Mr. Fritsinger indicated Staff also had concerns since it would be a five-year commitment on the part of Arden Hills ifthey should go to Ramsey County for coverage under their plan. Councilmember Keirn inquired as to why Ramsey County was given a one-year notice of rates and Arden Hills only one month. Mr. Fritsinger indicated Ramsey County had a three-year plan/contract which is ending in 1998. Councilmember Keirn agreed with Councilmember Malone regarding freezing the costs to the employees. . , . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 5.1998 7 Mayor Probst inquired if the Council should set a time frame. Councilmember Malone suggested three months. Mr. Fritsinger indicated that should give Staff plenty of time to investigate other insurance programs. MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Hicks seconded a motion to freeze the employee contribution for insurance premiums for a period of three months and to direct Staff to report to the City Council on proposed changes in the benefit package offer by the end of March. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Council deterred action on items 1-3 of the staff's memo, until further information is provided to the Council F. 1998 Town Hall Meeting, Final Plans and Discussion Mr. Fritsinger briefly outlined his memo noting the frame work for the upcoming Town Hall Meeting. He asked the Council about their preferences for setup of the auditorium. Consensus was reached to have a table. Mr. Fritsinger noted, due to this decision, the Council would be on the main stage, slightly away from the audience. Councilmember Aplikowski suggested Staff be available near the front for introductions. Discussion was held regarding minor details for the Town Hall Meeting. Councilmember Malone indicated it would be nice to have the City logo or something on the overhead during the day, in between any presentations. Mayor Probst stated it was his intention to flash images of the proposed City Hall, but not to have a formal presentation from any of the architects. Council indicated they would prefer to have name tags available for Staff and committee members. Mr. Fritsinger also asked if the Council would like any changes to the application form for the advisory committee, commission, or task force. Council suggested some additional task forces or committees such as a committee to review the City logo, a technology review committee to keep the City up-to-date, a transportation or Highway 10 review committee; and a committee to consider a change ofthe Emergency Preparedness Task Force to a Disaster and Recovery Task Force to cover more current issues such as tornadoes. Mr. Fritsinger noted the Council could forward to him any additional changes they would like. ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS Mr. Fritsinger indicated there will be a Staff committee meeting to review insurance premiums and the Council is invited to attend on Thursday, January 8th, 1998, at 1 :00 p.m. . ~ . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 5. 1998 8 Mr. Fritsinger stated he would like the Council to schedule a Special Meeting either before or after the Worksession on January 20, 1998, to set actions necessary for a bond issue. MOTION Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Hicks seconded a motion to schedule a Special Council Meeting for January 20,1998, at 4:45 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mr. Fritsinger indicated a meeting with Welsh Companies was held on Wednesday, December 31, 1997, to review some questions and set closing dates for the third week in January. Staff wants to make sure executed documents are received prior to issuing bonds. Mr. Fritsinger noted that last year Arden Hills was a member of the National League of Cities and the renewal is $800. He requested Council direction in regard to the renewal. It was the consensus of the Council that although there are some benefits to the membership, it does not warrant the expenditure of $800 and directed Staff not to renew the membership. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Hicks stated he enjoys reading the department reports and appreciates the hard work of Staff He noted Mr. Stafford's report which mentioned they were able to fix a problem before it caused damage. Councilmember Hicks noted the reference in the information from the Parks and Recreation Commission that the City does not have fee title to the property directly west of the property refcrred to as Lindy's Triangle. Councilmember Aplikowski expressed her appreciation to the County Sheriffs Department who delivers Council packets. Councilmember Keirn requested information on meeting dates and locations for the Northwest Youth and Family Services organization. Mayor Probst also commented on the department reports and expressed appreciation for Staff s hard work and preventative measures. Mayor Probst also extended a Happy New Year to everyone. ADJOURN MOTION: /Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a // motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (5- / ../lS). ..:/? I ...... . . .../J/i.~, 1:7':/:1'/ ~ /. /:<:1;;./'/%"'.':'//)#11 ',_.<~-Jy'--'//.l{.?'j} ),";-:;./ ~l ,_ h~nn1s ProJ!st . irian Fritsinger Mayor City Administrator . , . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 5. 1998 9 NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next regular City Council meeting will be held January 26, 1998, at 7:30 p.m. at the New Brighton Council Chambers.