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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 06-08-1998 . . . MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 8, 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 7:33 p.m. Present: Mayor Dennis Probst, Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, Dale Hicks, and Susan Keirn. Absent: Councilmember Paul Malone. Also present were City Administrator, Brian Fritsinger; City Accountant, Terrance Post; Assistant to the City Administrator, Kevin Ringwald; Public Works Director; Dwayne Stafford; Community Development Director, Cindy Walsh; Consulting Engineer, Greg Brown; and Recording Secretary, Carla Wirth. ADOPT AGENDA MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Keirn seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the June 8, 1998, Regular City Council meeting as presented. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. May 26,1998, Regular Council Meeting Mr. Fritsinger requested the following corrections: Page 3, second paragraph: "Councilmember Malone noted the ramp on eastbound Highway 10 to southbound 1-35W is metered..," Page 3, second paragraph: "...by the Mermaid and routed down the newly constructed Old Highway 8." Councilmember Hicks requested that the second paragraph of Page 12 be attributed to Councilmember Malone (rather than Councilmember Hicks). MOTION: Councilmember Keirn moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the May 26, 1998, Regular Council Meeting minutes as amended above. The motion carried unanimously (4-0), ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 8.1998 CONSENT CALENDAR 2 . A. B, C. D, Claims and Payroll Probationary Appointment, Senior Accounting Clerk, Sandra Berres Resolution #98-44, Authorizing Condemnation of the Indykiewicz Property Temporary Access Permit, MT Properties MOTION: Councilmember Hicks moved and Counci1member Keirn seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as listed above and authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (4-0), 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. Lake Johanna Volunteer Fire Department, Presentation . Mr. Brian Fritsinger, City Administrator, explained that conversations were scheduled with the Lake Johanna Volunteer Fire Department (LJVFD) at a previous worksession but due to the storm damage in Shoreview they were otherwise occupied. Mr. Fritsinger stated he had asked them to attend tonight to review informational items for the Council. He stated that conversations will be held regarding capital budget items at a future meeting. Mr. Don Szurek, Fire Chief, thanked the Council for the opportunity to address them regarding Lake Johanna Volunteer Fire Department issues, He commented on the storm damage which they have been addressing and provided an update. He thanked the Council and Staff for the opportunity to conduct training activities at the vacated City Hall and explained the types of training scenarios which will be taking place. Mr. Szurek stated they are offering members of the Council and Staff to attend a drill and participate to the point of viewing what happens during a rescue operation, He noted that they are also looking for new members and beginning the membership drive, Mr. Szurek advised of the members who have retired and the need to recruit new members. He reviewed the requirements for serving on the Lake Johanna Volunteer Fire Department and stated service is a good way to feel part of the community, He encouraged anyone interested to contact them. . Mr. Szurek stated the recent storm activity brought forward cooperation from the City Staff which they appreciated. He advised that during the storm there were five calls from Arden Hills, one involving a lightning strike. He stated there were 45 fire calls in all received during the storm which was a bit chaotic. Mr. Szurek stated they will have a critique of this storm activity and encouraged Staff to attend and provide input. He stated they look forward to meeting with the Council in the future to discuss capital budget items. He advised of Station # I repairs which will be undertaken and stated the names of those serving on the Lake Johanna Volunteer Fire Department board and Staff members. He stated they currently have 68 members and can go as high as 20 members per station but are looking specifically for day time members. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 8.1998 3 Mayor Probst stated the membership drive would be an appropriate topic for the City newsletter . and asked the Fire Department to provide information which should be included. Mr. Szurek stated they are open to a training drill date that is convenient to the Council and Staff. He indicated they do not intend to bum the old City Hall building to the ground due to the close proximity of neighboring homes. Mr. Fritsinger explained the training was delayed because the cable system is still connected in the old City Hall facility and was just recently moved to the Public Works Building, The last item to address is to work with Parks to relocate the items they have in storage. Once that is completed, the building will be available for the Fire Department. Mayor Probst suggested the Emergency Preparedness Plan be forwarded to the Fire Department and Sheriffs Department for tlleir review and input. Mr. Fritsinger explained that contract discussions have begun and following capital item discussions, negotiations will begin with the Council to finalize the contract. . Mayor Probst asked about the ownership of the fire stations and equipment. Mr. Szurek stated two stations were built by and owned by the City of Shoreview and are leased back to the Fire Department. One station was constructed with joint funding from the Fire Department and the cities of North Oaks and Shoreview and is on a schedule to transfer to the LJVFD in twenty (20) years. Station One is owned by the Lake Johanna Fire Department. He reviewed the ownership of equipment located at the fire stations. Mr. Szurek thanked the Council and City Stafffor their support and encouraged anyone to call if they have concerns or questions, B. Receive 1997 Audit Report, Abdo, Abdo, Eick & Meyers Mr. Terrance Post, City Accountant, stated that the external auditors have completed their review of the 1997 financial statements, He stated the audit did not turn up anything the City was not already aware of through the communications Staff has provided. Mr. Post stated it was an exceptionally good year with the City being in a strong financial position, Steve McDonald, representing Abdo, Abdo, Eick & Meyers, presented an overview of the 1997 Audit Report, noting they gave the City a clean opinion. He explained it is their job to be sure statements are being presented fairly and stated they experienced no problems during the audit. Mr. McDonald noted their finding that the City's accounting is not adequately segregated due to limited staffing which will be the situation with most cities this size since it is an economic and staffing issue, Mr. McDonald stated all funds are in good shape and the general fund contains more than an adequate fund balance including a reserve for emergency needs. He then reviewed the expenditures and reserve balances of each budget fund and commented on the activity within each, . Mr. McDonald noted the management letter and mention of Year 2000 issues that need to be addressed. He stated it is important to look at all areas where information is exchanged that is ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 8. 1998 4 date dependent. Mr. McDonald stated that compared with all of the cities they deal with, Arden . Hills is in very good shape. Mr. Fritsinger noted Staff has found no significant Year 2000 issues. Mr. Post advised that Ramsey County manages the City's assessment receivables and he has not yet received any assurance that they are ready for the Year 2000. Councilmember Aplikowski stated it was indicated the City's Staff is not large enough to adequately segregate job duties for internal control purposes and asked how many should handle the money. Mr. McDonald stated for the City of Arden Hills it would be involving having a department size of five (5) to six (6) people. He stated it would involve adding a staff person or two in the future to specifically address this issue. Mayor Probst commented it is good to see the favorable management letter and noted the comment about inadequate segregation has been included in the past. Mr. McDonald concurred and advised this is not reflective of City Staff. . I. 2. 3, 4. 5. . 6. Councilmember Hicks noted that the excellent financial position of the City is due, in part, to the City's Accountant, Terrance Post. MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Keim seconded a motion to accept the 1997 Audit Report as submitted by Abdo, Abdo, Eick & Meyers. The motion carried unanimously (4-0), C. Resolution #98-43, Approving Preliminary Plan for the Reconstruction of Highway 96 Between Old Highway 8 and Highway 10 Mr. Fritsinger explained that the Council is asked to adopt Resolution #98-43, which would approve the Preliminary Plan for the reconstruction of Highway 96 between Old Highway 8 and Highway 10, He advised the plan is unchanged from that presented at the May 26, 1998 Council meeting. Staff has conducted a more formal review of the plan and identified a number of items which the Council may which to address and comment on. Mr. Dwayne Stafford, Public Works Director, advised that the proposed resolution is acceptable subject to further review of the following issues: Creation and impacts of a westbound Highway 10 to eastbound Highway 96 traffic movement; Signalization of the new intersection or off-ramp from Old Highway 10 to Highway 96; New elevation of Highway 96 and its affects on the immediate area around the proposed flyover; Signalization of the Round Lake Road and Highway 96 "new" intersection; Formal resolution to the cost participation between Arden Hills and Ramsey County for land acquisition and construction of the new Round Lake Road/Highway 96 connection; Relocation of the pedestrian walkway/trail currently proposed on the south side of Highway 96; ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 8, 1998 5 . 8, Determination of the cost participation on the I-35W and Highway 10 bridges between MnDOT, Ramsey County and local municipalities; Ramsey County coordinating a meeting with the City of New Brighton, City of Arden Hills, Ramsey County and MnDOT to review the plan; and Development of a new schedule for the Project. 7. 9. Mr. Stafford stated Staff would recommend approval once all of these issues are addressed. Mayor Probst inquired regarding the cost estimate for the additional ramp being proposed. Mr. Greg Brown, Consulting Engineer, advised the $250,000 estimate includes construction of the ramp roadway, curb and gutter (if desired), and grading, but it does not include wetland impacts or property costs. Mayor Probst commented that the estimate appears to be high, Mr. Brown reviewed the cost estimates for each of the work items included and stated he agrees this is a conservative estimate. Mayor Probst stated the success of doing this ramp is directly related to the willingness of North Heights Lutheran Church to be a cooperative participant in making right-of-way available and showing in the cost of this project. . Mayor Probst stated it has been discnssed and is clear that Highway 10 would not be changing grades but he was surprised by the grade change of Highway 96, Mr. Brown stated it would be lowered approximately six feet near the Old Highway 10/Highway 96 intersection, so there may be issues with the driveway of the first home south of Highway 96 and Old Highway 10. He commented it may be appropriate to consider a retaining wall to address that elevation change. Mr, Tolaas, Ramsey County Highway Department, stated if Highway 10 is reconstructed the costs would increase dramatically and it was a "given" that Highway 10 would be maintained at its current grade. Mayor Probst inquired regarding the drainage issues and how they would be addressed. Mr. Brown estimated Highway 96 will be about twenty (20) feet lower at the Highway 10 overpass. Mr. Tolaas stated a drainage line would be needed to carry water (by gravity) to Round Lake. Councilmember Hicks inquired whether a wetland replacement will be involved. Mr. Brown stated this may be an issue. Mayor Probst asked if Ramsey County has any concerns about the issues being raised by Staff. Mr. Tolaas stated they do not and believe they werc logical issues that would be raised. He stated if the number of vehicles warrant the traffic signal, it would be addressed anyway. . Mayor Probst stated the impacts outweigh the benefit of constructing a ramp on the sourthwest quadrant, but he strongly believes northbound Highway 10 to eastbound Highway 96 is an important connection and if North Heights Lutheran Church is willing to be a cooperative partner to make it happen, he would support consideration. Mayor Probst stated he is an optimist regarding the TCAAP property and believes the primary access will be a major interchange farther "upstream" but the timing of that may not coincide with this project. Mayor Probst stated he believes access from the south (along the southern ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 8, 1998 6 . border of the TCAAP property along Highway 96) will become more important. He stated that he hopes the County will work with the City to assure this is part of the project and part of the funding consideration. Mr. Tolaas stated they will very aggressively pursue the type of financial support available through Mn/DOT and try to make a good case to support it. Mayor Probst stated it has been his impression that the decision about what happens at I-35W is in a holding pattern pending resolution of the Highways 10/96 interchange. He asked if closure of this intersection will move the 1-35W upgrade along. Mr. Tolaas agreed it will move the 1- 35W intersection up in Mn/DOT's schedule and funding support. Mayor Probst noted the ISTEA revision resulted in a higher funding level and asked if this will help this project. Mr. Tolaas stated it makes more funding available and he hopes they will be able to tap into that greater availability. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she supports the Highway IO west access and believes it is important for North Heights Lutheran Church and also for other traffic in the area. She asked if the trail will remain on the south side and cross the bridge. Mr, Tolaas stated this is correct. He explained that their park staff has reviewed ail options and believe if there is no path on the south side it will result in pedestrians in the roadbed which presents a greater problem. He stated it is also integral to connect to the Long Lake Park area. . Mayor Probst agreed with the need to provide a safe crossing if the bridge is constructed. He noted with the exception of one ramp, it provides the grade separation desired for pedestrians and bicycles and the City will lobby the County and State to make the connection from the south rather than from the bridge. Councilmember Hicks stated the Council is considering concept approval to the plan tonight and not considering the various costs of all parties involved at this point. Mayor Probst stated this is also his interpretation; to endorsc a grade separation subject to resolving these conditions as outlined. The cost participation is covered on the Highway 10 bridge as well. Councilmember Hicks stated as the cost issues are discussed the Council may decide to abort some issues based on whether the City can afford it, such as the eastbound turn lane (which costs $250,000) if North Heights Lutheran Church determines to not become a financial partner. Mayor Probst stated another issue is the signals and whether Mn/DOT can be convinced there is enough traffic to warrant their participation in tbe cost. He asked how it will be determined if there is enough traffic to warrant the ofl" ramps and participation in those costs. Mr. Tolaas explained that they started with a conservative cost approach and with the understanding these ramps are a temporary issue. However, if a good case can be made that these access points are vital to community traffic, they will probably consider it. . Mayor Probst stated Mn/DOT does need the City's approval for the change in this intersection, Mr. Tolaas stated from a practical and political standpoint it is essential. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 8.1998 7 Mr. Tolaas advised that the State would have funded it with an at-grade intersection realizing it . would have to be dealt with again in the future, MOTION: Councilmember Hicks moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-43, Approving Preliminary Plan for the Reconstruction of Highway 96 Between Old Highway 8 and Highway 10. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS Mr. Fritsinger noted the draft Emergency Preparedness Plan prepared by Mr. Bishop and requested that infoffilation or comments be forwarded to Mr, Stafford. He noted this is a start but more work remains on this Plan. Mr. Fritsinger stated they will also request input from the Fire Department and Ramsey County, Mr. Fritsinger stated Staff is determining how, and it: the video taping of the Council meetings should continue once at the new City Hall location. He stated Staff met briefly with cable representatives to discuss whether the City's current equipment, which has been in storage for about four years, will be sufficient. He asked the Council if they would like to proceed with video taping Council meetings. . Councilmember Aplikowski noted the cable staff brings equipment when meetings are held at the Army Reserve Center. Mr. Fritsinger stated this is correct and Staff can work with the cable staff to bring their equipment in for the meetings, Councilmember Aplikowski inquired regarding the quality of the video when the equipment is set up each time. Mr. Fritsinger stated meetings video taped from the New Brighton Council Chambers has not been a problem. Mayor Probst noted the issues of a live broadcast are more significant than a taped system for later broadcast. Mr. Fritsinger concurred and stated a live broadcast is probably not an option at this point. Mayor Probst stated he has no strong objection either way and the taping could be stopped temporarily. He noted if the Council was confident of the equipment needed at the new City Hall, it could be purchased ahead of time and used in the temporary location. Councilmember Aplikowski asked ifthe video tapes are used to verify meeting minutes. Mr. Fritsinger stated it is used occasionally but usually the audio tapes are used for such a purpose. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she also has no strong feelings either way and asked Lois Rem if she views the video tapes. Ms. Lois Rem, 1670 Glenview Court, stated she has viewed them and knows others occasionally check them out from the library, She stated there may be some opposition if taping is stopped all together. . Councilmember Aplikowski stated she would error on the side of doing video taping if it did not co st a great deal. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 8, 1998 8 . Councilmember Keim asked about having the cable staff set up for the taping, Mr, Fritsinger stated they are paid by the hour for set up and tear down so it would cost more, Councilmember Keim noted that if only one or two hours are being paid, it would not be cost prohibitive. Council member Hicks concurred and noted it would be less expensive than purchasing new equipment. MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Hicks seconded a motion to direct Staff to continue video taping of Council meetings, The motion carried unanimously (4-0). Mr. Fritsinger stated the Day in the Park event was held last Saturday and experienced a good turnout with many positive comments. He stated it was very well done. Mayor Probst concurred and publicly thanked Ms. Cindy Walsh, City Staff, and the Parks Commission for their work on this event. He stated this was the largest level of participation and he hopes this is a continuing trend. Councilmember Keirn stated the City needs to look at what has been the most successful and she believes location is a major consideration. She noted the location used last year was not as conducive and suggested this be a consideration when selecting the next location, . COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Keim expressed dismay that the Tony Schmidt Park project is being put off by Ramsey County and not yet bid. She suggested the City also express their dismay and stated this project was not portrayed before the Council in this manner and it had been indicated that the project would happen this spring, Mr. Fritsinger advised that he and the Mayor will be attending a meeting this week where Mr. Greg Mack, Ramsey County Park Director, will be in attendance, He stated they intend to spend some time with him to get a greater understanding of the status of that project. Councilmember Keim stated a commissioner represented it as being in the budget and now to indicate it will be put off until September is not acceptable. Councilmember Keirn noted the new City Hall sign, which is what the Planning case allows, looks very nice. Mayor Probst inquired regarding the interest in Councilmember Hick's upcoming vacancy, Mr, Fritsinger stated there has been three inquiries. . . ... . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 8.1998 9 ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Keirn moved and Councilmember Hicks seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:34 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). Bd City Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next regular City Council meeting will be held Monday, June 29,1998, at 7:30 p.m, at the New Brighton Council Chambers,