Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 03-09-1998 e e . MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 9, 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, 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, Rebecca Brazys. ADOPT AGENDA Mayor Probst noted the addition of Agenda Item 6e, Ordinance #305, Interim Ordinance Placing a Moratorium on the Siting of Adult Establishment within any Zoning District of the City of Arden Hills, and Directing a Study to be Conducted. MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Hicks seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the March 9, 1998, Regular City Council meeting as revised. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. February 23, 1998, Regular Council Meeting Mayor Probst questioned the motion on Page 9 and stated he wanted to be sure it is clear that this variance is for the project as presented only, which was clarified by the drawings referenced in the meeting minutes. Mr. Kevin Ringwald, Community Development Director, responded that is correct. No amendments to the minutes were required. MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Hicks seconded a motion to approve the February 23, 1998, Regular Council Meeting as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). CONSENT CALENDAR A. B. C. Claims and Payroll Electrical Inspector Contract Purchase of Playground Structures at Freeway and Cummings Parks . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 9. 1998 2 Mr. Brian Fritsinger, City Administrator, requested a minor revision on page 2, item c, Compensation, the second line, as follows: "...ofthe electrical permit fees as shown on Exhibit A attached..." MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Hicks seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as listed above with the amendment to the Electrical Inspector Contract as recommended by Mr. Fritsinger 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. Ordinance #304, County Road F, Name Change Mr. Dwayne Stafford, Public Works Superintendent, explained the Council is asked to adopt Ordinance No. 304 which would rename that portion of County Road F that the City took into its jurisdiction in 1995. Several surveys have been conducted to solicit a new name for this roadway, but no final determination has been made. Mayor Probst explained that when the City originally took over jurisdiction there was some discussion of a name change. However, nothing was done as there was no consensus reached at that time and the residents were concerned about the proposed name change. With the proposed telephone area code change scheduled for 1998, this seemed like a good time to also deal with the road name change. One suggestion, based on the history of the area, was that the name be changed to Farrell Road. Billie Schacht, 1683 West County Road F, asked that the Council not consider any of the following proposed names: Arden, Valentine, or Mustang. She suggested the name of Old County Road F, or Country Road be considered. Walter Bieger, 1689 West County Road F, asked that the Council consider the resident's wishes when making the name change. He suggested West Country Road or Country Road be considered in an effort to keep the name as close to the current designation as possible. He also suggested a ballot be sent to residents on County Road F with the proposed road names. Mayor Probst explained he understands there is an interest in moving forward with a name change and it is hoped that through the process of on-going discussion something might surface that is acceptable to all parties involved. He noted one name talked about that is historic in its origin is the use of the word "Farrell." He explained that the Farrells did own that property at one time and the name does appeal to him. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 9.1998 3 ~ Mr. Bieger suggested a ballot with the names of roads discussed tonight to allow residents to vote on the suggestions made. Mayor Probst stated that he does not think there is pressure to make a decision tonight but the Council would like to open discussion and receive input from residents about their preferences. He asked if Shoreview has been contacted to determine the process they used. Mr. Stafford stated that he has not yet contacted Shoreview. lone Aamoth, 1748 West County Road F, stated that the Farrell homestead was actually on County Road E-2 and it may be more appropriate for that roadway should it come under the City's jurisdiction. Ms. Schacht noted that some students need to get transcripts from the school so maybe it would be better to use the name Old County Road F which students would remember. Don Ciske, 1708 West County Road F, expressed his preference for Country Road or Country Drive. John Stenglein, 1785 West County Road F, stated that he doesn't care for the Country Road suggestions, but he agrees that the residents themselves should make the decision. He expressed his preference for the Valentine Drive suggestion, but stated he is willing to go along with the . majority of his neighbors. Mayor Probst asked if any of the citizens present would be willing to poll the residents for a final determination on the name. Councilmember Aplikowski commented that since so many surveys have already been done, it would be best if the next step is an actual ballot rather than just another survey. Ms. Schacht stated she believes the notice to residents needs to be more personal than just included in the water bill. She urged the Council to allow residents to make this decision and offered to go door-to-door to solicit the resident's opinion. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she received a good response to the letter she sent out and found many support use of the word "Valentine" because of its location. She noted that she had lived in this neighborhood for 22 years as well and the road is also important to her. Councilmember Keirn noted the Council must finalize the decision on the name change and the Council has received input tonight. She commented that the residents had all been notified and those who are in attendance must be the only residents interested. Councilmember Keirn stated she felt the Council could make a decision based on the comments made this evening. Councilmember Malone commented that since Ms. Schacht is willing to contact each . homeowner on County Road F, that would be the best way to proceed. Ms. Clifford asked if there was a name in the previous surveys that received a majority of votes. Mayor Probst reviewed the survey results and reported that a high percentage of the names were . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 9 1998 4 affiliated with the school and thc name mentioned most often included the word "Mustang." Mayor Probst explained there was correspondence about the inappropriateness of using the school name "Mustang" in case the school were to change that designation. He noted there have been almost as many name suggestions as responders and most suggestions did not have more than two or three votes. Mayor Probst stated he would support the suggestion of Councilmember Malone to have Ms. Schacht head up a task force with a decision being made at the Council meeting of April 13, 1998. The Council concurred. Councilmember Aplikowski stated another name that received several suggestions included the word "Valentine." Ms. Schacht stated their neighborhood used to be called Valentine Hills before Arden Hills became a City but, due to the overuse of that word, she no longer supports it. Councilmember Malone concurred and noted the difficulty for the Fire Department to respond when a street name is overused. The Council requested a response from Ms. Schacht at the April 13 meeting at which time final action can be taken. B. Resolution #98-32, Accepting the Price Quote and Authorizing the Execution of Contract in the Matter of the Construction of a City Trail-Culvert Ms. Cindy Walsh, Parks and Recreation Director, explained that the Council is asked to adopt Resolution #98-32 which would accept the price quote for the trail culvert between Hamline A venue and Cummings Park and authorize the execution of the contract to construct the City trail culvert. She advised that price quotes were received from six contractors and staff is recommending the project be given to the lowest qualified quoter, Lametti and Sons, at a cost of $12,675. She noted that she hopes the project can be completed during the summer months when the least amount of impact to the trail will occur. Councilmember Malone noted there are no railings on the bridge. Ms. Walsh stated this is correct and the width will be increased by two feet, to a total width of ten feet. Mr. Greg Brown, Consulting Engineer, reported that it will meet standard slopes on both sides as well. MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Hicks seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-32, Accepting the Price Quote and Authorizing the Execution of Contract in the Matter of the Construction of a City Trail-Culvert. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). C. Resolution #98-31, Determining Assessed Cost oflmprovement and Ordering Preparation of Proposed Assessment Roll in the Matter of 1998 Street Improvements Mr. Stafford explained the City is requested to adopt Resolution #98-31 to determine the ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 9.1998 5 . assessed cost of the 1998 Street Improvement Project and order preparation of the proposed assessment roll. He advised that the assessed cost is based upon the low bid, plus overhead and minus other non-assessable components of the project. It was noted that the Council has ordered an assessment hearing for March 30,1998, in the matter of the 1998 Street Improvement Project. Mr. Stafford advised the bids for this project were opened on March 5th and came in at $679,356.69. He noted the following non-assessable items: Hamline Avenue culvert placement, County Road E hydrant relocation, Stowe Avenue water connection to New Brighton, and trail improvements which total $58,721.35. When these projects are deducted from the low bid, the total is reduced to $620,635.34. Overhead costs of26% would be added to that amount and sealcoating, including related overhead, would be deducted resulting in a total assessable cost of $754,822.27. The City would cover 50% of the costs leaving a total assessable amount of $377,411.13. Mr. Terry Post, City Accountant, explained that the figure of $377,41 1.13 includes the north side of Stowe Avenue and $141,688 is assessable to the City of New Brighton for their share of Stowe Avenue reconstruction costs. Mr. Post requested a correction to the last sentence in section 3 of the proposed Resolution to indicate "payable beginning for taxes payable 1999." . Councilmember Malone eXplained staff prepared a preliminary estimate and the assessment consists of benefit to the property. He stated he has noticed the City is moving towards a unit basis and asked about the option of considering a ceiling on the assessment of3.5% of the assessed value of the property. Councilmember Malone explained that a road has a finite benefit to a property and suggested the City consider an assessment based on front footage with a ceiling based on a percentage of the assessed value. Councilmember Malone suggested this option be discussed at an upcoming workshop. Mayor Probst commented that the Council struggles with this every year, especially for odd- shaped lots. He agreed with Councilmember Malone's suggestion as long as subdividable double lots are treated as an exception. Mr. Fritsinger asked if the assumption is to still send the assessment hearing notice to property owners based on the City policy as it exists today. Mayor Probst stated that given the fact there is no policy change at this point, the notices should be based on the existing policy. The Council concurred. Councilmember Hicks asked Councilmember Malone if he has considered any guidelines on what the maximum benefit would be. He asked if the ceiling would be based on the highest assessment within the project. Councilmember Malone stated he was first considering a set dollar amount. Mayor Probst suggested the City Accountant research this option but to administer the existing . policy as written until a decision is reached by the Council to change it. Councilmember Aplikowski stated the Finance Committee has been studying this issue as well and discussed using a unit assessment for cul-de-sac lots. She reported the Finance Committee . ~. ... ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 9.1998 6 is familiar with this option and suggested the City Accountant contact them for their input. Mr. Post explained the four streets in the 1998 project generally lend themselves to the option of a unit assessment and, if done on a unit basis, there would not be much of a variance. He stated the Council has directed him to prepare an analysis of the interest rate factor to be used on the assessment roll but the resolution specifically relates to an interest rate. Mr. Post asked if the Council would like to deal with that assessment interest now or deal with it at a later meeting. Councilmember Keirn expressed her concern that the proposed interest rate of 8% may be a little high in the current market. Also, the assessment is secured against the property so the risk is low. Councilmember Malone explained that the interest rate is not meant to lessen risk, but to reimburse the City, which will be financing this project, for the lost income from investments. Mr. Fritsinger suggested that the Council address the interest rate issue at the assessment hearing. Mayor Probst noted the advertisement of the assessment hearing to the residents indicates the amount and percentage. He stated the Council can further discuss this at the upcoming worksession prior to the assessment hearing where the actual figures will be set. Councilmember Malone suggested the City Accountant research a ceiling of3.5% of market value. Mr. Post stated that as a baseline, ifhe uses the median value home in Arden Hills as being approximately $140,000 and relates what typical reconstruction assessments have been, it will equal about 2.5%. Mayor Probst suggested that research also take place on the appraisals done when assessments have been appealed. Councilmember Keirn noted the Stowe A venue area is assessed below the median for the City with, perhaps, the exception of one property which may throw off the data if a study is being conducted. MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-31, Determining Assessed Cost ofImprovement and Ordering Preparation of Proposed Assessment Roll in the Matter of 1998 Street Improvements with the alternate roll as discussed this evening and with modifications noted by City Accountant Terry Post. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). D. Personnel, Employee Health Insurance Mr. Fritsinger explained staff has completed its review of insurance for employees and did solicit price quotes from a variety of vendors. Staff created a committee to evaluate these proposals based on different scenarios including coverage and cost. He reported that upon completion of that process, the committee recommends changing the health insurance provider from Medica to . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 9.1998 7 Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Mr. Fritsinger eXplained this will be similar to the Ramsey County Program which is comprised of a consortium to take advantage of group rates, rather than an individual base. He reviewed the projected rates which are lower than with the current provider. Mr. Fritsinger advised the Council may want to discuss whether they would like him and Mr. Post to work on a monthly budgeted amount. Mayor Probst questioned if this provider has a minimum time period requirement. Mr. Fritsinger explained that all the contract does is restrict getting out and then back into their program. If the City decides to review the provider in a year, they would be free to do so. Councilmember Malone asked what the staffs recommendation is for Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability. Mr. Fritsinger explained he and Mr. Post will be looking at some type of percentage base and he will have the final determination prior to April 1. MOTION: Councilmember Hicks moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the Employee Health Insurance Plan for non-union employees effective April 1, 1998. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). E. Ordinance #305, Interim Ordinance Placing a Moratorium of the Siting of Adult Establishments within Any Zoning District of the City of Arden Hills, and Directing a Study to be Conducted Mr. Ringwald explained the Council is requested to consider an interim ordinance placing a moratorium on siting of adult establishments while the City is studying this issue. He reported the Planning Commission has been researching this issue but it may take several months to complete it so they recommend consideration of a moratorium ordinance. Mr. Ringwald noted consideration of this ordinance requires a 4/5ths vote of the Council, so that the ordinance summary can be published. Mayor Probst asked if an application for an adult establishment is pending at this time. Mr. Ringwald responded no, but there is activity in this market so they thought it would be best for the City to take action quickly. Also, based on the fact the Planning Commission is not yet through analyzing this issue. Councilmember Malone asked if this will be a one year moratorium. Mr. Ringwald stated that is correct and an extension can be considered tor a unique circumstance. MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Malone seconded to adopt Interim Ordinance #305, Interim Ordinance Placing a Moratorium of the Siting of Adult Establishments within Any Zoning District of the City of Arden Hills, and Directing a Study to be Conducted. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 9. 1998 8 . ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS Ramsey Countv Fair Mr. Fritsinger explained that Ramsey County has solicited the participation of surrounding suburban cities in their fair planning efforts for this year. None of the Councilmembers were able to participate. Council Retreat Mr. Fritsinger questioned if, in view of the Mayor's schedule, the starting time of9:00 a.m. should be moved to later in the day. After some discussion, the Council agreed not to change the start time. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Hicks explained he had contacted John Kenna regarding the Kenna Addition issue. Mr. Kenna asked that a letter be submitted to his attorney. He also stated that Mr. Kenna does not seem favorably inclined to work with the City on this matter. Councilmember Hicks stated he has received complaints from residents on Highway 10 regarding the lighting in the Gateway Phase I building. He asked fellow Councilmembers to take a look at the lighting and suggested the Council may find it necessary to review the lighting plan . for this development. Councilmember Malone asked jfthe staff had an opportunity to review the six month Recreational Vehicle/boat parking permit in front yards. The staff had not yet looked into this Issue. Councilman Malone explained that Myron Orfield's proposal for elected representation on the Metropolitan Council appears to be dead for this year. The major problem involved how the members were to be elected. Councilmember Aplikowski stated that she also viewed the North Heights Lutheran Church and new Gateway building, and believes it is a problem because of the lights on the building and lights from the glass windows. She noted that the view may be less obtrusive during the summer months when the trees provide more screening. Councilmember Aplikowski commented that George Gregori, New Brighton Councilmember, passed away unexpectedly. She asked that the staff send a condolence card from the Council. Councilmember Keirn informed the Council that she will not be present for the March 30 Council meeting. Mayor Probst introduced a group of students from St. Thomas who were attending the meeting. . Mayor Probst instructed Mr. Fritsinger to contact Ms. Schacht to offer his assistance on the name change ballot for County Road F. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 9. 1998 9 Mayor Probst suggested Councilmembers plan to attend the Comprehensive Planning meeting scheduled for March 18. He also suggested this meeting be posted. Mayor Probst stated that Councilmembers should be receiving a report from the 1-35W Corridor Coalition. Their next meeting is April I with Mayors, City Managers, and Community Development Directors to discuss the focus for this organization. ADJOURN MOTION: , . /~. Denllis Prob Mayor Councilmember Hicks, moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:44 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (5- 0). Ii .-, / I ..~~ Bnan Fntsmger City Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next regular City Council meeting will be held March 30, 1998, at 7:30 p.m. at the New Brighton Council Chambers.