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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 04-27-1998 . . . MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 27, 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, Salima Khakoo. ADOPT AGENDA MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Hicks seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the April 27, ] 998, Regular City Council meeting as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). CONSENT CALENDAR A. Claims and Payroll B. Change to Summer Hours C. Public Safety Commission Appointment, Julianne Russell D. City Hall Lease Agreement Councilmember Malone stated that it appeared that the process for the City Hall lease was going well. Councilmember Aplikowski stated that she was impressed that the lease agreement moved forward in an expedient manner. Councilmember Malone requested more information on the appointment of Julianne Russell to the Public Safety Commission. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired if the individual had the pertinent skills required for the position. Mr. Dwayne Stafford, Public Works Superintendent, responded that Ms. Russell currently works with the Ramsey County Sheriffs Department and that Ms. Russell is also a Travel Agent. Mr. Stafford explained that the Public Safety Commission was in need of individuals who were willing to serve on the Commission. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 27. 1998 2 MOTION: Councilmember Hicks 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 (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. Planning Cases 1. Case #98-10, U,S. West Wireless SUPNariance, 1777 14th Street NE Mr. Kevin Ringwald, Community Development Director, explained that the applicant was requesting approval of an amendment to the Special Use Permit to facilitate the addition of a PCS telephone array to Vaughan tower in the Gateway Business District. Mr. Ringwald stated that Vaughan tower, owned by Dan Vaughan, was currently operating under existing Special Use Permit #81-5, as shown in Exhibit B. SUP #81-5 gave the owner the ability to construct a 700 foot tall two-way radio communication tower providing transmitter capability for not only private entities but also public agencies in need of communication coverage, subject to six conditions. Mr. Ringwald stated the proposed PCS telephone antenna array would provide 360 degree coverage through three groups of antennas 120 degrees apart from one another to create an array. These three groups would be placed 50 feet, 60 feet and 70 feet in height around the Vaughan tower, which is 700 feet in height. The Zoning Ordinance in Section VI, I, 3, b, states that no antenna or tower shall exceed 75 feet in height. Therefore the proposed antenna array meets the height requirement. Mr. Ringwald reported that the applicant had completed a structural analysis of the Vaughan tower with the proposed PCS telephone array. Ehresmann Engineering, which conducted the structural analysis, recommendcd modifications to tile single laced bracing pattern by installing additional bracing to result in a double laced bracing pattern upon completion. Mr. Ringwald stated that Staff recommends approval of the request subject to compliance with the recommendation ofthe Ehresmmm Engineering report, dated February 2, 1998, contained in Exhibit A ofthe Staff memorandum, dated April I, 1998. Mr. Ringwald explained the Planning Commission in Planning Case #98-10, recommends approval ofthe amendment to the SUP to add the PCS telephone array subject to the following conditions: 1. Compliance with the recommendation of Ehresmann Engineering report, dated February 2, 1998, contained in Exhibit A of the Staff memorandum, dated April 1, 1998. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 27. 1998 3 2. Compliance with the plans contained in Exhibit A, pages 3 of 59 through 6 of 59, of the Staff memorandum, dated April 1, 1998. Councilmember Malone requested that staff explain the numerical printouts in Exhibit A, pages 16 of 59 through 59 of 59 the Staff memorandum, dated April 27, 1998. Councilmember Malone requested confirmation that Ehresmann Engineering conducted a structural analysis of the tower's capacity to sustain winds of 80 miles per hour without ice. Julie Townsend, U.S. West Wireless, stated the structural analysis didn't account for ice on the tower. Councilmember Malone stated that there had been ice build-up on the tower in the past. Councilmember Malone explained that he would be more comfortable with a structural analysis that included a build-up of ice. Ms. Townsend explained that she did not have the pertinent knowledge to respond to Councilmember Malone's concern. Councilmember Hicks requested a brief summary of the Required Modifications section of Exhibit A, page 10 of 59, in Staff memorandum, dated April 27, 1998. Mr. Ringwald responded by pointing out the particular paragraphs in pages 10 of 59 through 12 of 59 that applied to Required Modifications. Mr. Ringwald clarified that paragraph 2, page 12 of 59, contained exceptions to the Required Modifications. Councilmember Hicks asked Mr. Ringwald to point out the locations of the antennas on the tower. Mr. Ringwald responded that there were several exhibits that portrayed the location of the antennas. Councilmember Hicks inquired about the specific modifications required by the Ehresmann Engineering report. Mr. Ringwald stated that page 10 of 59, in Exhibit A, contained the specific modifications. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired if the City Council should be concerned about the anchor shaft, as stated in Exhibit A, page 1001'59. Mayor Probst responded that there was no one present from the engineering firm to respond to Councilmember Aplikowski's concern. Councilmember Malone asked if the proposed Special Use Permit was considered in place even if the tower faced structural damage or collapsed. Mr. Ringwald stated that the permit would still be in place as long as the structure was rebuilt to the same specifications as allowed in the permit. Councilmember Malone inquired if the antennas could be replaced in the future to include broadcast capability under the SUP. Mr. Ringwald stated that the antennas are specified for a two-way radio communication of up to 700 feet. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 27.1998 4 MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Malone seconded a motion to approve Planning Case #98-10, the SUP amendment to add a PCS telephone array to the Vaughan tower, subject to compliance with the recommendation of the engineering report, compliance with the two conditions indicated above and set forth in Staff memorandum, dated April 1 , 1998, verification there is no rust on the tower structure, and providing a double brace support. 2. Case #98-11, Thomas Torgerson, Lot SpIitNariances, Emerald Inn, 1125 Red Fox Road Mr. Ringwald explained that applicant is requesting approval of a lot split and variance for signage to retain an existing sign which would not be on a separate parcel off-premises sign, on a 2.76 acre parcel zoned B-3 Service Business District. Mr. Ringwald explained that Emerald Inn was approved as part of Planning Case #80-34. The Planning Commission recommended approval of this case on August 15, 1980. The City Council approved this case on September 29, 1980. The current owner of the Emerald Inn, George Reiling, wishes to sell the Emerald Inn to Forstrom and Torgerson Partnership and retain the northerly undeveloped portion ofthis property. Mr. Ringwald stated the Planning Commission, in Planning Case #98-11, recommended denial of the rear setback variance, parking lot, where one foot is provided but five feet is required, based on the Rear Yard Setback Variance section of the Staff report dated April 1, 1998. Howevcr, Emerald Inn moved its property line 5 feet to the north, thereby meeting the rear lot setback requiremcnt of 5 feet. Mr. Ringwald statcd the Planning Commission, in Planning Case #98-11, recommended approval of a variance for the existing shared off-premises sign, based on the Findings-Variance scction of thc Staff report dated April 1, 1998, and conditioned on the following: 1. The size of any pylon sign is limited to 100 square feet in area per face. 2. Prohibition of a second pylon sign. Mr. Ringwald stated that Planning Commission, in Planning Case #98-11, recommended approval of the lot split, conditioned on the following: 1. Provision of a five foot setback on thc north edge of the Southerly parce1. 2. Provision of the necessary cross vehicular access easement, in a form acceptable to the City Attorncy, to be recorded with the lot split. 3. Provision of the necessary drainage and utility easements, in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, to be recorded with the lot split. 4. Payment of the necessary park dedication fee, if not yet paid. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 27.1998 5 . Mr. Ringwald stated that the applicant has provided a revised survey which shows the provision of a 5 foot setback, a draft cross vehicular easement whose form has been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney, a draft drainage and utility easement whose form has been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney. The Park and Recreation Director has reviewed the subject property and determined that it had previously paid its park dedication fee, therefore none is required. Mr. Ringwald stated that approval of the sign variance was similar to the City Council's approval of a variance for Control DataJDynamark in the past. Mr. Ringwald stated that the north edge of the parcel does not currently have development, but signage and vehicular access should be put in place anyway. Councilmember Malone stated he has no particular negative concerns except that this is creating a lot of record without any public street access. He clarified that if future development were to transpire on the empty parcel, the City of Arden Hills would not be responsible for providing any street access. He emphasized that the property owner is fully aware of this situation and that requesting this lot split provides access only through cross vehicular access easements. Councilmember Malone stated he would not want any future Council to be held to providing access. Councilmember Hicks asked about the height of the pylon sign. Mr. Ringwald responded that . the pylon sign is specified as less than 16 feet and provides identification from 1-694. Councilmember Hicks inquired if there were any other signs in front ofthe Emerald Inn. Mr. Ringwald responded that there was a sign in front ofthe entry way. Mayor Probst clarified that if a future property that develops on the rear side of the parcel requests a front sign, the City Council would deny such a request. By approving the current request for a shared pylon sign, the property owners are foregoing the opportunity to add another sign to the 1-694 frontage in the future. COlmcilmember Aplikowski inquired if there is a current sign on top of the Emerald Inn. Thomas Torgerson, Emerald Inn, stated there are three signs altogether. There is one sign on the canopy, another sign on the frontage road, and the third is a pylon sign. Councilmember Hicks inquired if the park dedication fees were paid on the whole property. Mr. Ringwald responded that the fees were paid when the property was originally developed. Councilmember Aplikowski requested that the new owner of the Emerald Inn clean up the parking lot on the property. Mr. Torgerson stated Emerald Inn would be renovated and become part of the Super 8 Hotel franchise this fall. As of May I, the new owner would take over the property and start renovation on the property. . . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 27.1998 6 MOTION: Councilmember Hicks moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve a variance for the existing sign, in Planning Case #98-11, based on Findings Variance section of the Staff report dated April I, 1998, conditioned on the provisions stated above. The motion carried unanimously (5- 0). MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve a lot split, in Planning Case #98-11, conditioned on the provisions stated above and with the understanding that the petitioner is creating this lot knowing future public access will not be considered and this lot is encumbered by lack of access as well as a restriction with regard to the signs. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). B. BDC, Request for Funding for Consultant, Lexington/Red Fox Study Mr. Ringwald reported the Business Development Committee (BDC) requests that the City Council authorize the expenditure of funds to produce an illustrative plan to assist in revisiting thc vision for the Lexington/Fox area. The City Council at its Monday, March 10 1997, regular meeting established the BDC, provided its mission statements, goals, and appointed its membership. The BDC has been revisiting the vision for the Lexington/Fox area which was originally produced in June 1990. The BDC wishes to hirc the firm of Sanders, Wacker and Bergly to prepare an illustrative plan of their vision to bettcr communicate their ideas to the City Council, Finance Committee, and Planning Commission. Mr. Ray McGraw, Business Development Committee, stated the Committee had studied the Lcxington/Red Fox area for future development prospects. St. Paul Companies is the largest land owner of the area. Mr. McGraw stated that St. Paul Companies had not expressed interest in the redevelopment plan envisioned by the BDC. Mr. McGraw discussed development trends that took place in the Twin Cities over the last fifty years. Mr. McGraw explained that the City of Arden Hills should assist the BDC in searching for new private investment in the Lexington/Red Fox area so that the area could be rejuvenated. Jeanne Winiecki, Business Development Committee, stated that the BDC accepted the challenge to develop a vision plan for the Lexington/Fox Business Park area. She explained Mr. Bergly has developed a proposal indicating work tasks, time lines, and costs and agreed with a cost adjustment provided the BDC works closely with them to help save time with corrections and adjustments. Ms. Winiecki advised that zoning changes may be required to accommodate BDC's future redevelopment plans. She requested a sum of $4770.00 from the City so that a consultant could be hired. Mr. Brian Fritsinger, City Administrator, stated that staff recommends the study area be enlarged to include the area south of County Road E. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 27. 1998 7 Councilmember Malone stated that he was pleased that the plan was moving forward and clarified that the proposed expenditure was an unbudgeted expense. Councilmember Malone inquired if St. Paul Companies was involved in the creation of the redevclopment plan. Other such development ideas, including the June 1990 plan, that have not received the endorsement of St. Paul Companies have failed in the past. Ms. Winiecki responded that other nearby communities were experiencing redevelopment and this could also happen in Arden Hills if the City Council decided to support BDC's vision. Mayor Probst stated that St. Paul Companies receives a good cash flow from the lease and may not want to interfere with its current situation. Councilmember Aplikowski stated that the redevelopment may happen as a slow process but it should begin anyway. Councilmember Aplikowski asked the City Council to keep an open mind about the potential redevelopment in the Lexington/Fox area. Councilmember Aplikowski presented the example of TCAAP, where the property was not available to the City Council but tbe vision for the future may make it possible to acquire the property. Mr. McGraw and Councilmember Malone discussed the merits of the BDC vision plan. Councilmember Malone stated that he was skeptical that a private company could be lured into redeveloping the Lexington/Fox area without any public funds. Mayor Probst commented on the benefit of involving St. Paul Companies in this process. He advised the feedback from them is that their buildings are all currently leased but the City could appeal to their being a tremendous corporate citizen of downtown St. Paul in an attempt to get them to "buy into" the vision for this area as well. Mr. Fritsinger inquired ifthe City of Arden Hills would be responsible for marketing the redevelopment plan after the illustrative plan was completed. Ms. Winiecki stated that there was no marketing plan in place. The illustrative plan was the first step towards making BDC's vision plan a reality. Council member Aplikowski clarified that the current plan is supported by a very efficient and technically knowledgeable staff. Councilmember Kcim asked what the next step will be once the plan is developed. Ms. Winiecki stated they will try to market this area by getting the message out. Mr. Fritsinger stated upon completion of this report, there are steps that should be considered including closure by the Planning Commission regarding potcntial zoning changes to this district and an in-depth discussion on what approach the community wants to take (let the market take care of development or City financial participation to a higher level). He stated these are critical issues that would need to be discussed prior to marketing the vision plan. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 27. 1998 8 . MOTION: Councilmember Hicks moved and Councilmember Keim seconded a motion to authorize the expenditure of up to $4770.00 to hire Sanders Wacker Bergly, Inc. to produce an illustrative plan to assist in the revisiting of the vision for the Lexington/Fox area. Councilmember Malone stated he will support this motion but he is very skeptical because the City has been in this position before. He noted the vision plan needs to be realistic in its redevelopment prospects and he thinks redevelopment may not occur without considerable public money being involved if buildings need to be torn down. Mr. McGraw reviewed the history of development in St. Paul and Minneapolis and stated he believes this request is asking very little in comparison with what it can provide. Councilmember Malone asked if there are any situations where private citizens redeveloped an area with their own money. Councilmember Malone stated his question was whether Mr. McGraw is aware of another area that was developed without public fimding assistance. He stated he would also like to see something happen but it is difficult to believe that a private developer will come in based on the amount of work that would be needed with this property. . Mr. McGraw stated he is unable to answer this question but knows the BDC is willing to work as hard as possible to make something happen. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she is willing to take advantage ofthat challenge. Mayor Probst stated as the City looks at the opportunities, they have to take a realistic view of what can happen and one ofthe significant issues deals with access and the need to not recreate a "South Robert Street" situation. He stated the Council has resisted creating more curb cuts and the study must address how that access can be organized on a staged basis rather than suggesting a wholesale change. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). C. Resolution #98-41, Accepting Bid and Authorizing Execution of Contract in the Matter of the 1998 Street Improvement Project Mr. Stafford reported that City Council is asked to adopt Resolution #98-41, Accepting Bid and Authorizing Execution in the matter of the 1998 Street Improvement Project. The City of Arden Hills had followed all of the necessary and required steps to implement the 1998 Street Improvement Project. Nine bids were received and opened on March 5, 1998, for the project and T.A Schifsky and Sons was the low bidder at $679,356.69. As of Friday morning, April 24, 1998, no formal protests that thc City was aware of, had been filed against the 1998 Street . Improvement Project. Mayor Probst asked when the project was to begin. Greg Brown, Consulting Engineer, reported the project was to begin in late May after the watershed matter was resolved. . ~ . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL n 1998 9 Mayor Probst asked if the project could be curtailed if Ramsey County does not turn the roadway over. Mr. Brown eXplained they started talking to the County in March but it was not placed on their agenda. However, the County has indicated their action will be retroactive to April 27th so the City can award the bid. MOTION: Councilmember Hicks moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-41, Accepting Bid and Authorizing Execution of Contract in the Matter of the 1998 Street Improvement Project subject to receipt of adopted City of New Brighton Resolution #98-32. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). D. Personnel, Staff Reorganization Mr. Fritsinger reported that City Council is asked to approve the creation of two new staff positions, and direct staffto conduct further analysis on the City's pay plan. The City Council, at its April 29, 1998 Worksession, discussed the reorganization of City staff. This discussion included the duties of existing stall members and the creation of other new positions. The Staff prepared a request action on the creation of Assistant to City Administrator position and Associate Planner position. The Assistant to City Administrator position would be up for renewal in two years. At that time, the City Council would assess if it ought to be renewed for another two years. Councilmember Hicks clarified that the reorganization actually results in the addition of only one staff position. Councilmember Malone stated he wants it to be clear that this is a two-year appointment. MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the creation of, and advertisement to hire, the Assistant to the City Administrator and Associate Planner positions. In addition, the Administrator is directed to evaluate the Arden Hills pay plan with the understanding the Assistant to the City Administrator position is considered a two-year appointment and it is not the Council's intent to automatically renew that appointment. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS Mr. Fritsinger stated that there would be no mailed packets sent to Councilmembers during the week of April 27, 1989, due to the City Hall move to the new location. He stated the move to the new City Hall site may be completed by the end of the week but the phone service may not be in place until Monday, May 4, 1998. Mr. Fritsinger stated the new City Hall location did not have cable access, which is necessary to run GIS data and gain access to the Internet. Staff is working with the Cable company to assure the cable line is provided at some point. Mr. Fritsinger stated staff has submitted a grant to seek funds to purchase the necessary cable equipment to broadcast community access shows including City Council meetings on Channel 16. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 27.1998 10 Mr. Fritsinger informed Councilmembers that the Lake Johanna Volunteer Fire Department would like to utilize the existing City Hall to practice activities. The Fire Department would not burn down the entire City Hall but would hold practice drills indoors. Mr. Fritsinger stated that staff was checking with the insurance company to assure there are no liability issues with the proposed activities. Mr. Fritsinger informed Councilmembers that the City Managers' Conference was being held from Wednesday, May 6 through Friday, May 8. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Hicks inquired if the State requires Fire Departments to have an asbestos check Mr. Fritsinger stated it was required which is the reason the Fire Department will not burn the City Hall structure. Councilmember Aplikowski stated that she intended to attend the League meeting in June. Councilmember Keirn clarified that the move to the new City Hall was a temporary one. Staff should know that Councilmembers understand the need for a permanent space. Mayor Probst urged all to attend the League Conference in Duluth this year. Mayor Probst inquired if the Spring clean-up attracted large citizen participation. Mr. Ringwald stated that the clean-up had large participation. Mayor Probst noted the suggested postponement for renaming the park by Cindy Walsh, Park and Recreation Director, until other issues are resolved. The Council concurred with this suggestion. Mayor Probst inquired about the slow pace of the Gateway Fourteenth Street construction project. Mr. Brown stated that the project was moving at a slow pace due to low staffing in construction crews. Mayor Probst informed that he received a copy of the Wispark EA W report and suggested a meeting with the Mayor and City Manager of Shoreview to assure they clearly understand the position of Arden Hills. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired if anyone can dig a well to water their lawn. Mr. Fritsinger stated that one can utilize existing wells but they have to comply with the State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources guidelines on any new wells. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired whether one is charged for using a sprinkling system when the water enters the sewer system. Mr. Terry Post, City Accountant, stated that residents are charged a flat sanitary sewer rate, no additional fees are levied upon them. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 27.1998 11 AD.JOURN MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (5- 0). ~- B <'F' . nan ntsmger City Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next regular City Council meeting will be held May II. 1998, at 7:30 p.m. at the New Brighton Council Chambers.