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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 02-23-1998 e . . MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 1998 7:30 P.M. - NEW BRIGHTON CITY 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, and Paul Malone. Absent: Councilmembers Dale Hicks and Susan Keirn. 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 Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Malone seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the February 23, 1998, Regular City Council meeting as presented. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. February 9, 1998, Regular Council Meeting B. February 17, 1998, Special Council Meeting C. February 17, 1998, Council Worksession MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the February 9,1998, Regular Council Meeting, the February 17,1998, Special Council Meeting, and the February 17, 1998, Council Worksession as presented. The motion carried unanimously (3- 0). CONSENT CALENDAR A. B. Claims and Payroll Resolution #98-24, Supporting the Future Funding for the Redevelopment of Ramsey County's Tony Schmidt Lake Johanna Park Resolution #98-25, Accepting a Water Line Easement at 3210 and 3220 Hamline Avenue Authorization for Notice to Proceed, Sanitary Sewer Cleaning and Televising Work C. D. - - . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 23.1998 2 MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as listed above and authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (3-0) . 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. Resolution #98-27, Establishing the 1998 Street Improvement Assessment Rates Mr. Dwayne Stafford, Public Works Superintendent, explained that the Council is asked to adopt Resolution #98-27, which establishes the 1998 street improvement assessment rates of $48.85 per assessable front foot for complete street reconstruction and $5.20 per assessable foot for bituminous overlay. He noted this is slightly less than indicated in the feasibility report as a result of changes in the scope of work recommended for 1998. He noted the resolution includes these rates which are based on the revised feasibility report completed by BRW, and are being proposed at the direction of the City Council as suggested in the Assessment Policy. At the request of Councilmember Aplikowski, Mr. Stafford reviewed the streets that will be included in the 1998 Street Improvement Project. Mayor Probst asked if the proposed rates are based on the remaining streets which reflect the City's policy to assess 50% of the cost. Mr. Stafford stated this is correct. Mike Dwelly, 2048 Stowe Avenue, stated last year the rates were at $37 per foot and inquired why it is so much higher this year. Mayor Probst explained the rates are being driven by the anticipated costs for this work. Mr. Dwelly stated he lives on Stowe Avenue which has been there for 40+ years and the asphalt has never been improved over the last 30 years. He noted that two years ago, Ramsey County would have upgraded it at no cost to the residents but the City decided to swap this road with the County. Now the City wants to upgrade it and assess the residents for part of the cost. He objected to adding inflationary factors into the rate since it could have been done two years ago at a cheaper rate. Mayor Probst stated he is unable to "turn back the clock" to two years ago but, since one-half is in the City of New Brighton it could not have been done then. Mr. Dwelly stated Ramsey County was willing to do maintenance on the street two years ago at no cost to the homeowner but then the City decided to swap the roads. He stated to be fair to the residents, it should be done at a cheaper rate than proposed. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 23.1998 3 Mayor Probst explained the City does have the ability to set the assessment rate. He clarified the proposal the County was talking about did not include any drainage improvements or modifications to the street elevation. The City felt, in the long term interest of the City, it would be better to do a reconstruction. Mr. Dwelly stated the road has been there for thirty years with no work done on it but he has seen other roads improved more frequently. He restated he believes this street should receive a special rate since improvement to Stowe Avenue has always been pushed aside. Mayor Probst explained the City had no jurisdiction to maintain this street until three years ago since it was a County road and under their jurisdiction. He stated it would be within the Council's jurisdiction to approve a different assessment rate. Mr. Dwelly stated he sees no justification for charging Stowe A venue residents this rate. Councilmember Aplikowski stated it would be nice to not assess anything but that is not possible. She explained that the City is already proposing to share 50% of the cost and noted that the construction costs have increased each year. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she wishes the City could set a standard rate but they need to go with the current rates and have agreed to pay 50 % of those costs. Mr. Dwelly stated he understands a larger assessment can be spread over ten years at seven percent. He stated he believes this percentage is too high and requested consideration of a lower percentage rate. Mayor Probst noted an assessment hearing will be held at which time residents will have the opportunity to again discuss the project. Councilmember Malone stated he agrees this is a big increase in cost this year and asked why these rates are so high. Mr. Greg Brown, Consulting Engineer, stated he is comfortable that the construction costs will be within this range and the City's policy is accurate. Councilmember Malone explained how the rates are calculated. Mr. Dwelly asked if the rate will be reduced if the costs come in lower. Mayor Probst advised that at the assessment hearing, the Council has the ability to lower the rate but cannot raise the rate. Councilmember Aplikowski noted this occurred (lowering the rate) at an assessment hearing last year. She stated she was also surprised at the size of the cost increase and would like to see a lower rate. Councilmember Aplikowski noted the Council will have a better "handle" on costs once the bids are received. Mr. Dwelly suggested the rate not be set until the bids are received. Mayor Probst explained the timing of the notice to residents and scheduling the assessment hearing. He advised that a rate needs to be included on the notice to residents. Mayor Probst . - . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 23.1998 4 noted the cost for reconstruct roads has increased more than the overlay rate. He explained that it is believed the rate under discussion tonight will be close to the target of the actual cost. MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-27, Establishing the 1998 Street Improvement Assessment Rates. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). B. Resolution #98-28, Ordering an Assessment Hearing in the Matter of the 1998 Street Improvements It was noted that the Council is asked to adopt Resolution #98-28 which orders an assessment hearing for the 1998 Street Improvement Project and schedules the public hearing for March 30, 1998. In response to Councilmember Aplikowski, Mr. Brian Fritsinger, City Administrator, advised that this will allow adequate timing for notification and publication. MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-28, Ordering an Assessment Hearing in the Matter of the 1998 Street Improvements. Councilmember Aplikowski asked if the Council can address the interest rate. Mr. Fritsinger suggested the City Accountant be asked to provide additional information on that issue. Councilmember Malone explained the interest is set to reflect the City's return on its investments. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). C. Planning Cases 1. Case #98-04, Tony Schmidt Park, SUP, 3500 Lake Johanna Boulevard (Concept Approval) Mr. Ringwald explained the applicant is requesting concept approval of a Special Use Permit (SUP) for planned upgrades to Tony Schmidt Park. He explained the Planning Commission discussed this application at their meeting earlier this month and recommends the City look at the option of signing Lake Johanna Boulevard as "No Parking" to minimize the potential conflict of overflow boat parking into the residential area. He explained another area of concern had to do with the trail along the north side of Lake Johanna Boulevard and conflicting relationship between cars, joggers, and bikers. The Planning Commission believes this should be a paved trail down to the point of the NSP connection. The Planning Commission feels this will remove the conflict of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Mr. Ringwald stated the Planning Commission recommends approval subject to the following conditions: I. Submittal for site plan approval prior to the commencement of construction of any part of phase of this project. , . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 23.1998 5 2. Compliance with the zoning determination of Exhibit D, pages I and 2 of2 of the Staff memorandum dated February 4, 1998. Compliance with the City's Shoreland Ordinance. Encouragement to the City Council to address, with Ramsey County, to the extent necessary, signage on both sides of Lake Johanna Boulevard and east of the parking areas to address overflow boat and car parking on both sides of Lake Johanna Boulevard. Pavement of the trail which is offset from the north side of Lake Johanna Boulevard from Siems Court all the way to the west to terminate on County Road E at the main trail (NSP Easement). 3. 4. 5. G reg Mack, Director of Ramsey County Parks & Recreation, stated they will work to the best of their ability to address the Planning Commission's concerns with the trail and explore parking alternatives. He stated they have considered one option to construct turt:type parking just north of the entry road, in the area of fill. Mr. Mack stated they understand the neighbor's concerns about this issue and they will work to establish an area for overflow boat parking. Mr. Mack stated they have had a good relationship with the Task Force and appreciate their work. Councilmember Malone stated it would be nice to keep in mind a potential of an under pass for Lake Johanna Boulevard, should funding become available. Mr. Mack stated before having the grade separation, they will provide islands to provide a safe haven tor pedestrians crossing Lake Johanna Boulevard. They believe this will be a "traffic calming" option. Councilmember Malone suggested a memorandum to remind of this need in the future. He noted that this is also the main route for fire department response so the lanes will need to be of full typical width. Mayor Probst asked if the islands will be similar to the Island Lake Park area. Mr. Mack explained the first island to be constructed will be at the pedestrian crossing. Mayor Probst stated this project is long overdue and he is delighted about the level of cooperation the Ci ty has experienced. Mrs. Jerry Laumeyer, 3540 New Brighton Road, explained they live by the park area on Hudson A venue. She reviewed their efforts to maintain their property and stated her concern about constructing paved trails through this natural park area. She distributed a letter submitted by her husband who was unable to attend the meeting tonight and requested that the letter he sent to the City Council be read into the record as follows: "As a resident of Arden Hills, living at 3540 New Brighton Road, I'd like to voice my opposition to the so called 'improvements' to the natural woods and wetlands north and west of the Tony Schmidt Park. The proposed changes were discussed at the Arden Hills City Planning Commission meeting held in early February. During the late 1940's and through the 1950's, as I and my peers came of age, most of us from New Brighton worked on Joe Hipp's truck farm tending and harvesting squash, . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 23.1998 6 rhubarb and strawberries. That farm and woodland is now the mowed grass and paved trails and gazebo covered picnic tables of New Brighton Regional Park. A large percent of the time it is unused, except for the occasional biker, jogger or rollerblader. The woods and farm fields that benefited and prepared most kids in town for the responsible working life are gone forever! We must ask ourselves, 'how much man made park do we need?' We in Arden Hills now have a unique opportunity to protect one of the last remaining natural woodland and wetland areas in tlle region. Do we need to excavate and 'modernize' every piece of natural ground left? To appreciate nature and wilderness, we must pave trails and transform woods into lawns? Why instead don't we leave the vast majority of the park natural to provide cover for the deer, fox, rabbits and birds, and let the walking paths evolve as people move naturally through the terrain? After all, excavated trails and paved walkways are found elsewhere - how many naturally occurring woods and wetlands are left? The so called 'improved' park areas not only negatively impact wildlife, they are also costly to build and maintain. Additional maintenance workers and equipment will be required to police paved walkways, including the proposed twelve foot wide paved main trail from the beach at Lake Johanna to New Brighton Regional Park. Is there a real need or desire on the part of the taxpayers to pay for this? I support the changes proposed for the Tony Schmidt Park Beach and boat launch areas for practical and safety reasons. However, I urge you not to let the last and largest open tract ofland in Ramsey County to become 'just another man made park.' If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to call. Sincerely, Jerry Laumeyer, 3540 New Brighton Road" Councilmember Malone stated the letter addresses several issues but the main concern seems to be paved trails. Ms. Laumeyer stated this is correct. She reported they have seen wildlife and would like some of the trail areas left natural to encourage wildlife habitat. Bill Sanders, Sanders, Wacker, Bergly, Inc., presented a drawing identifying the trail alignments for paved and unpaved trails. He noted the trails being addressed by Mrs. Laumeyer are proposed in the Master Plan to remain unpaved. MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve Planning Case #98-04, concept approval of Tony Schmidt Park, SUP, 3500 Lake Johanna Boulevard, subject to the conditions indicated above. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). Mayor Probst noted the Council approved a motion earlier tonight to encourage Ramsey County to move this project along as soon as possible. He requested that the City be notified of meetings that the Council should attend to promote the project. Mr. Mack requested this information so he can provide copies to the County Board Members and Capital Improvement Advisory Board. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 23.1998 7 . Mr. Mack reviewed the improvements which will be included in the first and subsequent phases. He stated they are on track with what the Planning Commission recommended and this is a priority project for the County. 2. Case #98-02, Sawhorse, Inc., Variance, 3465 Siems Court Mr. Ringwald used an overhead map to identify the site under consideration. He explained the applicant is requesting approval of a side yard setback variance for a garage addition (seven feet is proposed when ten feet is required) and for a house addition (seven feet is proposed when ten feet is required) on a single family lot zoned R-I. He noted the Planning Commission, on June 3, 1992, did recommend approval of Planning Case #92-10 for a side yard setback variance on a garage addition on the subject property and the Council, on June 8, 1992, approved the variance request. However, the homeowner did not construct the garage and sold the property. The new property owner is now requesting reapproval of the garage variance in addition to a living space expansion variance. . Mr. Ringwald displayed the proposed first floor house plan which creates a second garage stall and living area behind the two-car garage. He noted the proposed second stall garage is just large enough to accommodate a car and not over-sized, which is similar to the variance previously approved. Mr. Ringwald explained the City has not traditionally allowed living space to infringe into side yards, especially if there are alternate locations that could be used. He pointed out an alternate area on this site which could be used to expand the living space. Mr. Ringwald reported that the Planning Commission felt the living space variance should not be approved since a hardship is not shown and there is an alternate area which could be used. Mr. Ringwald reviewed the discussion held at the Planning Commission regarding the concern for erosion between the garage and the side lot line. He noted the design of the roof which is now designed towards the common property line in an effort to reduce erosion. Mr. Ringwald stated this is also acceptable with the adjoining property owner. He then displayed and reviewed the rear elevation of the house and garage. Mr. Ringwald displayed the revised front elevation of the house with the garage addition but without the living space addition. He then displayed the revised rear elevation and noted the reduced impact. Mr. Ringwald advised that the Planning Commission is recommending approval of the garage addition variance and requiring erosion control and turf establishment. However, they recommend denial of the living space variance. He recommended, if the Council considers approval, that the new revised elevations be considered rather than the elevations presented at the Planning Commission meeting and referenced in their motion. Mayor Probst noted this living space addition could be constructed if it was offset by three feet from the side property line. Mr. Ringwald stated this is correct and was discussed at the Planning Commission meeting but the applicant was concerned about the loss of space caused by the three foot offset. . Councilmember Aplikowski stated she viewed the property earlier today and believes a hardship may be present due to the small size of the lot. She stated whether or not the house addition is included it would not impact the neighboring house. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she . --J . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 23. 1998 8 understands the desire not to construct the addition off the back due to the windows and the creation of a "tunnel" effect. She stated that by granting the living space addition it will not really impact the neighbors any more than the garage would. Councilmember Malone stated this was also his impression but he realizes the City's objective is to minimize and, if at all possible, avoid all variances. He pointed out there is no other location to place the garage so that variance request can be legitimized. However, with the house expansion, the request cannot be legitimized since it can be located elsewhere on the property. Councilmember Malone stated he believes the Planning Commission's recommendation is rationale and accurate. Fred Bruning, Sawhorse Inc., Designer, explained the applicant was unable to attend the meeting tonight so he is attending on their behalf. He referred to his February 19, 1998 letter which indicates it is their opinion the alternative locations suggested by the City, as well as other solutions explored during the design process, would create situations which should be addressed as follows: 1. Tbe alternative plan creates a narrow tunneling effect that would not be desirable to either neighbor on the north or the clients. It would adversely effect the homeowners and the neighbor's lake view. It creates an informal space in a formal part of the house. It positions living space ten feet or closer to their neighbor on the south (as opposed to more than 35 feet if located to the north), also because of neighbor's setbacks allows for a ten foot or less separation between structures as opposed to 13' 5" . It sacrifices a large part of a much valued deck, therefore taking away outside space. Not to affect 2nd floor views - it would need to be a t1at roof design which would adversely affect the character of the home as well as the neighborhood. Lastly, this option would cost approximately three times as much. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Mr. Bruning presented the living space proposal to the Council and explained the benefits of this location. Councilmember Aplikowski noted this is a very small lot with a very small house. She stated she supports this request as long as neither neighbor objects. Mr. Bruning stated that the neighbors do not object. Mr. Bruning explained they want to maintain the lake view and the applicant does not feel there is an acceptable alternate. Mr. Bruning then presented the building elevation with both the garage and living space additions and explained how the drainage will be addressed. He noted the elevations shown with the building and garage additions are more aesthetically pleasing as well. Councilmember Malone stated while he appreciates the arguments regarding aesthetics, the Council is charged with executing the Ordinances and, in order to consider a variance, a hardship needs to be present. He commented on the difficulty in establishing a precedent due to future requests. Councilmember Malone stated he supports the argument about the hardship . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 23. 1998 9 for the garage since there is no alternate location. However, this is not the case with the living space since there is an alternate location. Mr. Bruning stated the garage could be located on the other side of the house, but it would not be an atypical design. He suggested that the option being requested creates a more desirable option for the applicant and the neighbors. Councilmember Malone restated the need to find a hardship before a variance can be considered. Mr. Bruning asserted a hardship exists since this is a narrow lot. Also, this house existed before the neighboring homes which were constructed in such a way as to infringe on the applicant's property. Mayor Probst stated he understands that Councilmember Malone is correct in the need to identify a hardship to consider a variance. Mayor Probst stated there clearly is precedent set regarding a two-stall garage. However, in terms of the addition to the house, technically there is no hardship since it could be located in another area. However, in terms of the logic of how the house will be used and square footage, the applicant's request is the most logical proposal. He noted that an addition on the other corner does not result in a better proposal. Mayor Probst agreed this is not an easy decision. He stated he would support the house addition hardship based on the existing layout, encroachment of abutting garage, and limited lot size. Councilmember Malone stated the Council is not in the design business and the hard facts do not support a hardship for any more than a garage variance. He stated he could not support a variance for the living quarters. Mr. Ringwald noted that, based on this precedent, the adjoining property to the north could add living space behind their garage and, based on this rationale, staff would recommend approval. Councilmember Malone requested that any motion made clearly identify the hardship. Mayor Probst inquired regarding applicable portions of certain exhibits. Mr. Ringwald explained the Planning Commission identified exhibits in their motion to "lock in" the building elevations. He noted the new building elevations which the applicant's consultant submitted would be more appropriate to reference if only the garage variance is considered for approval. MOTION: Mayor Probst moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve Planning Case #98-02, Side Yard Setback Variance for the garage and house addition at 3465 Siems Court, Sawhorse, Inc. (Joel & Jane Kennedy), as identified in Exhibit A, page 7 of9 and page 9 of9, based on Staff recommendations for three conditions and, in addition, requiring erosion control and turf establishment based on the finding of a hardship as it relates to the garage to provide the ability to have a two-car garage on a substandard sized lot with a topography that does not allow it to be accomplished to the rear lot, and approval of the house addition variance based upon the fact of the undersized lot, lot width, . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 23.1998 10 and home location in a situation where the adjacent home to south encroaches onto the lot so allowing the addition in this location creates a better "bad" condition than an addition to the south side would and it affords the correction of drainage problems between the two houses and based on the rationale that this is the most logical way to add onto the house from the standpoint of the continued use of the house as it is. The variance will expire if the structure is eliminated. Mayor Probst noted it is more typical around the lake to see tear down projects to deal with this problem. He stated he thinks going after this in another way would require that kind of maneuver. Councilmember Malone asked how the Council will deal with the next request for a side yard setback if this precedent is established. Mayor Probst commented that he believes the "basic driver" is that this is the most logical place to add onto the garage. He stated if that were not the case, he wouldn't advocate extending onto the house along that same line. Councilmember Malone asked if this setback is with this house forever. Mr. Ringwald explained ifthe structure goes away, the variance could be removed. Mayor Probst and Councilmember Aplikowski agreed to this friendly amendment to add this restriction. Councilmember Aplikowski stated by allowing this building to continue beyond the garage will also assist the drainage issues. She stated these issues need to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and, in this case, this proposal makes the most sense. The motion carried 2-1 (Malone). D. Resolution #98-29, Supporting an Application to the Department of Natural Resources Cooperative Trail Grant Program Ms. Cindy Walsh, Parks and Recreation Director, explained the Council is asked to adopt Resolution #98-29 which indicates their support to make application to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Trail Grant Program. She reported the City had previously applied for funds from the DNR, but had not received funding in 1997. This trail is a high priority for the Parks and Recreation Commission and ranked high on the DNR list. Ms. Walsh explained she has been encouraged by the DNR to apply for the Cooperative Trails Grant again in 1998. The grant's primary purpose is to complete trail connections between where people live and significant public recreation facilities. A secondary purpose is to link existing trail segments. Ms. Walsh stated she is not sure there are any other segments that would apply to this grant other than County Road F. Councilmember Malone asked if there are any "strings" attached to this grant, such as plowing the trails. He noted a property owner does not want any part of the trail. Ms. Walsh reported . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 23.1998 11 she met with representatives of Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc., and, in this segment, she proposes the trail go in back of the curb, as done in Shoreview, to minimize the impact. Councilmember Malone noted there are no logical destination points. Ms. Walsh stated the connection to the east would provide access to adjoining communities, Sucker Creek, and the St. Paul Water Utility property. MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Malone seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-29, Supporting an Application to the Department of Natural Resources Cooperative Trail Grant Program. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). E. Resolution #98-30, Authorizing Changes to the Employee Benefit Program Mr. Fritsinger explained the Council is asked to adopt Resolution #98-30 which would authorize changes to the Employee Benefit Program to make changes to the short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance benefits currently provided. He reported on staff's research and their determination that the package provided by Forms Benefits provides competitive rates for the coverage offered and the best benefit package. Mayor Probst stated he believes this change is long overdue and he supports the change. Councilmember Aplikowski stated as a small business person, this makes her nervous, but in a City business, this has become a necessary thing to maintain quality staff and continuity. Therefore, she supports it for the City staff. MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-30, Authorizing Changes to the Employee Benefit Program. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). E. Resolution #98-26, Approving an Application to Conduct One-Day Off-Site Gambling Mr. Terrance Post, City Accountant, stated this is not a typical request in being a one-day off- site gambling application. He explained that each licensed organization is allowed one such request per year by the State. Mr. Post explained this organization has historically met in another Shoreview location but, due to scheduling conflicts, they are looking at holding this fundraising event in Arden Hills. He stated since the City does not permit this organization from a premises standpoint, the City does not have the leverage to require they abide by the ordinance trade area spending requirement. However, this is an infrequent type of request so staff recommends approval of Resolution #98-26 which would approve an application to conduct one-day off-site gambling for the Circle Pines/Lexington Lions Club on Apri125, 1998 at the Arden Hills Holiday Inn. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 23. 1998 12 Councilmember Malone noted this organization is otherwise licensed and there are not a lot of these requests so he supports approval. MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-26, Approving an Application to Conduct One- Day Off-Site Gambling. The motion carried unanimously (3-0). Jan Kreminski, President of the Circle Pines/Lexington Lions Club, thanked the Council for this consideration. ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS Mr. Fritsinger stated he had nothing new to report. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Malone reviewed the bills before the Legislature for an elected Metropolitan Council. He stated he tends to favor this type of bill and inquired regarding the position of the rest of the Council. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she has been part of this process since it was first created and, while it was a great idea when it first started, accountability is an important, missing, aspect. She stated she agrees with Councilmember Malone. Mayor Probst stated that, while he used to support the Governor appointment process, he now concurs with the need for an elected body. Councilmember Aplikowski reported the League of Cities is looking for help from cities to speak to candidates and encourage their participation at the annual meeting. She reported that Mr. Fritsinger's name has been offered as a contact person to provide input on collaborative efforts. Councilmember Aplikowski reported she received 15 to 20 responses about suggestions on name changes for County Road F. Mayor Probst noted staff will pursue with Shoreview the process they used for changing the name of a roadway. Councilmember Aplikowski stated residents just want to know when it will happen and if they will have an opportunity to speak. Mayor Probst noted staff's attempt at transcribing his comments at the Town Hall meeting. it . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 23. 1998 13 ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember ApIikowski seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (3- 0). i / Brian Fritsinger City Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next regular City Council meeting will be held March 9, 1998, at 7:30 p.m. at the New Brighton Council Chambers.