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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 01-26-1998 - , ~ MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 26, 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, Susan Keirn, and Paul Malone. Also present were City Administrator, Brian Fritsinger; City Accountant, Terry Post; Community Development Director, Kevin Ringwald; Public Works Superintendent, Dwayne Stafford; Parks and Recreation Director, Cindy Walsh; Consulting Engineer, Greg Brown; and Recording Secretary, Carla Wirth. ADOPT AGENDA MOTION: Councilmember Keim moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the January 26, 1998 Regular City Council meeting as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. January 5, 1998, OrganizationalJRegular Council Meeting B. January 20, 1998, Special Council Meeting C. January 20,1998, Council Worksession Meeting Councilmember Malone requested the following corrections to the January 5, 1998 Organizational/Regular Council Meeting minutes: Page 1, Approval of Minutes: "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. " Page 3, third paragraph: "...according to the Master Plan, the Metropolitan Council would provide a portion of the funding. MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Hicks seconded a motion to approve the January 5, 1998 Organizational/Regular Council Meeting, the January 20, 1998 Special Council Meeting, and the January 20, 1998 Council Worksession Meeting minutes as corrected. The motion carried unanimously (5- 0). ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 26.1998 2 . CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Probst requested that Item 4C, Rubbish Hauler License Renewals, be removed for discussion as Item 6F. The Council concurred. With regard to Item H, Councilmember Malone commented that the person recently appointed to the Public Safety Commission attended the meeting and showed himself to be an impressive individual and should prove to be a good appointee. A. B. D. E. F. G. H. MOTION: Payroll Shepley Easement Agreement, 1500 Oak Avenue Business License Renewals Resolution #98-12, Establishing Snelling Avenue as a Municipal State Aid Street Resolution #98-21, Revoking Municipal State Aid Status for County Road F Lametti & Sons, Pay Estimate #2, Fourteenth Street NE Improvement Project Public Safety Commission Appointment Councilmember Hicks moved and Councilmember Malone seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as listed above 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. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A, Gateway Business District (GBD) 1. Resolution #98-09, Providing for the Sale of $3,100,000 General Obligation Tax Increment Bonds, Series "1998A" Mr. Terry Post, City Accountant, reviewed that the Council had taken action October 27, 1997 to adopt Resolution #97-14 to call for the sale of these bonds but, due to uncertainty with acquiring some of the property, the bond sale was called off. Those issues are now resolved so the bond issuance is again before the Council for consideration. He called attention to the changes in the sale amount and explained the increase relates to additional information staff has with regard to the 14th Street improvement and site improvement costs. Mr. Post advised that the bond environment has improved somewhat since last fall. He noted that, at this time, the City has not reached a final executed development agreement with the developer. Mr. Post noted the action being considered is in anticipation affinal closing of the development agreement. Mr. Brian Fritsinger, City Administrator, noted the action taken last week for Welsh to be responsible for any additional costs. He reported a Welsh representative did ask about what this meant, but did not give any indication or make comment that the closing was to be delayed. As far as staff knows, the closing is still scheduled for Thursday, January 29, 1998. Relative to the process on the requested action tonight, Mr. Fritsinger recommended the Council proceed. . . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 26. 1998 3 Mayor Probst stated he understands, based on earlier conversations of today, that staff has rerun the numbers to verify that the debt service will be covered with the anticipated value of the tax revenue. Mr. Fritsinger advised that Ehlers and Associates, Inc. did recalculate the numbers and have indicated, should the City decide to make changes in the administrative fee and other items, the project will cash flow. Ehlers did add that all indications from the Capitol are that there is a great deal of support to change to a 3.5% CII rate and that the suggested change to the 3% target has not been as well received from the Legislature. In terms of actual acceptance of the sale of bonds, Mayor Probst asked if there is any other action prior to it being finalized. Mr. Fritsinger stated there is potentially one more action to take on February 9, 1998 by the EDA prior to moving forward with closing. Councilmember Hicks asked if the City will be protected if approval is made subject to successful closing of the development agreement. Mr. Fritsinger stated this is correct and the City still has the opportunity to postpone the bond sale, if desired. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired what will happen to recover costs if the development agreement is not signed. Mr. Fritsinger explained it will be paid, over time, through the TIF generated on the Phase I building that is already constructed. Mr. Post explained if the commercial property class rate drops to 3%, bonded debt service still could be handled through TIF tax revenue; but the debt to pay the PIR fund through TIF for soil correction costs would not be able to be repaid 100%. Mr. Post stated he believes the assumptions used for property valuation are extremely conservative and, with a more advantageous interest rate than in the projection, it should be enough to cover both the debt service and repay the PIR fund. He noted it was anticipated additional TIF would be available to fund other District developments, but such excess will not be available if the commercial class rate is dropped to 3 %. Councilmember Malone stated he is comfortable with the requested action and agrees a conservative evaluation is being used. MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Keirn seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-09, Providing for the Sale of$3, 1 00,000 General Obligation Tax Increment Bonds, Series 1998A, subject to execution of the development agreement." The motion carried unanimously (5-0). B. Resolution #98-13, Authorizing Preparation of Plans and Specifications for the Construction of a City Trail Culvert Ms. Cindy Walsh, Parks and Recreation Director, explained that the Council is asked to adopt Resolution #98-13, Authorizing Preparation of Plans and Specifications for the construction of a City trail culvert. This action would direct BRW to prepare plans and obtain bids for the culvert improvement due to its current inadequate condition. Ms. Walsh reviewed the work to be ~ . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 26. 1998 4 conducted and the need to dig out some of the wetland soils. Due to the cost estimates, the bids are critical to determine whether this project can proceed in 1998, or should be postponed. Councilmember Malone noted the cost under consideration for plan preparation is only $200. MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Keirn seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-13, Authorizing Plans and Specifications for the Construction of a City Trail Culvert. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). C. Gambling Licenses 1. Resolution #98-14. Approving Bingo Hall License Application. Pot 0' Gold Bingo Mr. Post explained the Council is asked to adopt the seven proposed resolutions. He noted Resolution #98-14 approves the annual Bingo Hall License renewal application for Pot 0' Gold Bingo and staff knows of no reason not to endorse adoption of this resolution. However, at the last renewal, the Council discussed traffic outt10w concerns and the operator indicated she would advise the customers after each session to be aware of those concerns. Mr. Post advised that all applications are in proper form, with proper submittals made, so staff recommends approval. Mayor Probst asked about two additional organizations not appearing. Mr. Post explained their expiration dates are later in the year than the organizations under consideration this evening. Councilmember Hicks asked if there have been any traffic concerns expressed. Mr. Fritsinger stated he has not received any. MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-14, Approving Bingo Hall License Application, Pot 0' Gold Bingo. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 2. Rcsolution #98-15. Approving Light Brigade Charitable Gambling Premises Permit Renewal Application at Pot 0' Gold Bingo Mr. Post eXplained the Council is asked to adopt Resolution #98-15, which would approve the Light Brigade Charitable Gambling Bingo Hall Premises Permit Renewal Application and allow the Light Brigade to operate at Pot 0' Gold Bingo. He advised that the Light Brigade is an exemplary group that does an outstanding job of contributing towards community and school projects. MOTION: Councilmember Hicks moved and Councilmember Keirn seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-15, Approving Light Brigade Charitable Gambling Premises Permit Renewal Application at Pot 0' Gold Bingo. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . ~ . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 26. 1998 5 3. Resolution #98-16. Approving Light Brigade Charitable Gambling Premises Renewal Application at Blue Fox Mr. Post explained the Council is asked to adopt Resolution #98-16 which would approve the Light Brigade Charitable Gambling Premises Permit Renewal Application at Blue Fox. MOTION: Councilmember Hicks moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-16, Approving Light Brigade Charitable Gambling Premises Renewal Application at the Blue Fox. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 4. Resolution #98-17. Approving North Suburban Youth Association. Charitable Gambling Premises Permit Renewal Application at Big Ten Supper Club Mr. Post explained the Council is asked to adopt Resolution #98-17 which would approve the North Suburban Youth Association Charitable Gambling Premises Permit Renewal Application at the Big Ten. He stated this is the first time this group has been up for renewal. Thus, an attachment highlighting their operations is included. He pointed out they do not separate trade area spending by site, but have done so collectively at the organization level. Since this is a Roseville-based organization, they donate within the ordinance trade area and largely support the Roseville community. However, one recent donation was made to the Independent School District No. 621 in support of CLIMB Theater programs. Council may recall that CLIMB theater did not meet the trade area spending requirements, so their premises permit was not renewed by the City of Arden Hills in 1996. Councilmember Aplikowski asked if the NYSA reporting is appropriate. Mr. Post stated Schedule C, Lawful Purpose Expenditures, reporting is not on a site-by-site basis, but on an organizational-wide basis which makes determining local site compliance difficult to determine. MOTION: Councilmember Keirn moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-17, Approving North Suburban Youth Association, Charitable Gambling Premises Permit Renewal Application at Big Ten. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 5. Resolution #98-18. Approving 621 Foundation Charitable Gambling Premises Permit Renewal Application at Pot 0' Gold Bingo Mr. Post explained the Council is asked to adopt Resolution #98-18 which would approve the 621 Foundation Charitable Gambling Bingo Hall Premises Permit Renewal Application at Pot 0' Gold Bingo. He stated this local organization is dedicated to improving the learning environment in ISO 621 and doing an outstanding job. MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Keirn seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-18, Approving 621 Foundation Charitable Gambling Premises Permit Renewal Application at Pot 0' Gold Bingo. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 26.1998 6 6. Resolution #98-19, Approving St. Mary's Romanian Orthodox Church Charitable Gambling Premises Permit Renewal Application at Pot 0' Gold Bin~o Mr. Post explained the Council is asked to adopt Resolution #98-19 which would approve the St. Mary's Charitable Gambling Bingo Hall Premises Permit Renewal Application and allow St. Mary's to operate at Pot 0' Gold Bingo. He noted the list of donations made by this organization and advised that they satisfy the trade area spending requirement. Also, Mr. Post noted the significant level of trade area spending. MOTION: Councilmember Hicks moved and Councilmember Malone seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-19, Approving St. Mary's Romanian Orthodox Church Charitable Gambling Premises Permit Renewal Application at Pot 0' Gold Bingo. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 7. Resolution #98-20. ADDrOvinl! St. Mary's Romanian Orthodox Church Charitable Gamblin~ Premises Permit Renewal Application at Holiday Inn Mr. Post explained the Council is asked to adopt Resolution #98-20 which would approve the St. Mary's Charitable Gambling Premises Permit Renewal Application and allow St. Mary's to operate at the Holiday Inn. MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Keim seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-20, Approving St. Mary's Romanian Orthodox Church Charitable Gambling Premises Permit Renewal Application at Holiday Inn. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Probst thanked all of these organizations for their on-going support. D. Resolution #98-11, Authorizing Application for a Grant from the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) for the Identification ofInflow and Infiltration (1&1) Problems in the City's Sanitary Sewer System Mr. Dwayne Stafford, Public Works Superintendent, explained the Council is asked to adopt Resolution #98-11, which would authorize application for a $10,000 matching grant from the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) for the identification ofInflow and Infiltration (1&1) problems in the City's sanitary sewer system. He advised they are also offering matching loans of up to $40,000 to correct problems found within the sanitary sewer system. If the $40,000 is used to address problems previously found and, if repairs hold for five years, the $40,000 loan will be forgiven. Mr. Stafford reported that stafT talked with City Engineer Brown and decided to write a five-year warranty into the Request for Proposals. It will also include televising twice during the five years to certify the repairs are adequate and holding. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 26. 1998 7 If all MCES criteria are met, the City may receive another $10,000 matching grant, plus a $40,000 matching loan for I & I repairs. One of the stipulations is to have a Council supported resolution to authorize application for this grant and loan. Mr. Stafford explained this action would allow the City to apply for the $10,000 matching grant funds which can be used to televise and study the I & I in the municipal sanitary sewer lines. He recommended adoption of Resolutions #98-11 and #98-10. MOTION: CO\U1cilmember Hicks moved and Councilmember Malone seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-11, Authorizing Application for a matching grant from the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) for the Identification of Inflow and Infiltration (1&1) Problems in the City's Sanitary Sewer System. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). E. Resolution #98-10, Authorizing Application for a Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) Loan for the Repair ofInflow and Infiltration Problems in the City's Sanitary Sewer System MOTION: Councilmember Hicks moved and Councilmember Keim seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-10, Authorizing Application for a Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) loan for the Repair ofInflow and Infiltration Problems in the City's Sanitary Sewer System. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). F, Rubbish Hauler License Renewals Mayor Probst stated this is an issue of interest to him, especially after the discussion at the Town Hall meeting regarding interest in limiting the number of days per week that haulers are allowed into the neighborhood. He suggested this should be considered prior to renewal and asked if there is urgency to consider the rubbish hauler license renewals or if it is possible to schedule a day or days of the week which haulers are allowed in various neighborhoods to eliminate baving garbage cans on the street every day of the week. Mr. Fritsinger stated it may be more appropriate to approve the 1998 license renewals with direction to staff to work through a program to start in 1999. He stated he is unsure of the process required to install such a change with regard to public hearings, code revisions, etc. Mr. Fritsinger explained this process would provide ample opportunity to provide notice to haulers and residents. Councilmember Hicks stated it may be appropriate to notify all haulers that the City will study this issue and that a change may be instituted in 1999. This will alert them with regard to potential restrictions on days of business. Councilmember Aplikowski asked if the City is aware of which days they haul. Mr. Fritsinger stated thc City has this information if the hauler provided all of the information through their insurance coverage. However, there may be multiple days of hauling. Mayor Probst stated his neighborhood is served by four haulers. . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 26.1998 8 Mr. Kevin Ringwald, Community Development Director, suggested a survey be sent out inquiring about the potential impact. Councilmember Malone suggested this issue be referred to the Public Safety Commission for their recommendation. He stated he views this issue skeptically since it may adversely impact a small hauler. He stated he is not sure there is a groundswell of support for limiting hauling days and cautioned the Council to proceed carefully. Councilmember Malone agreed with the suggestion by Councilmember Hicks to notify the haulers ofthis issue and stated the City will have to be sure they do not violate anti-trust laws. Council member Aplikowski agreed with the need to proceed carefully. Councilmember Keirn supported studying the issue, but emphasized the City needs to keep everyone's interest in mind. MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Keirn seconded a motion to approve the rubbish hauler licenses, as submitted, and direct staff to follow through with applicants who have not paid their 1998 license fees and to further direct staffto research and report on the option of restricted day hauling prior to the end ofJune, 1998. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS . Mr. Fritsinger had no Administrator comments. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Hicks noted the City Accountant's report which indicates charitable gambling contributions are higher than in prior years. Councilmember Aplikowski reported on the Ramsey County League joint meeting with Legislators. She stated she brought back their legislative priorities and initiatives and suggested staff provide copies for anyone interested. Due to the upcoming telephone area code change, Mayor Probst suggested it may be timely to readdress whether the City is interested in doing anything with renaming County Road F. Mayor Probst noted the Comprehensive Planning exercise is underway and the Council will be notified when appropriate. He extended his appreciation to Building Official Dave Scherbel for completion of one year of service with the City. Mayor Probst requested staff prepare a letter and resolution of official support for the Tony Schmidt Park project, encouraging the County to fund, to the fullest extent possible, this improvement. He stated it may be appropriate for a member of the Councilor staffto appear at a County Board meeting to officially submit the resolution. . e . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 26. 1998 9 ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8: 12 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (5- j:)' Rrim Fffi~/ City Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next regular City Council meeting will be held February 9, 1998, at 7:30 p.m. at the New Brighton Council Chambers.