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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 06-29-1998 e . MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 29, 1998 7:30 P.M. - NEW BRIGHTON CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDERJROLL 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 (arrived at 7:51 p.m,), Dale Hicks, Susan Keirn, and Paul Malone. Also present were City Administrator, Brian Fritsinger; City Accountant, Terry Post; Assistant to the City Administrator, Kevin Ringwald; Public Works Director; Dwayne Stafford; Community Development Director, Cindy Walsh; and Recording Secretary, Carla Wirth. Mayor Probst announced that the Economic Development Authority meeting scheduled for earlier tonight was canceled. ADOPT AGENDA Mayor Probst requested that agenda Item 6c, Resolution #98-46, Commending Dale Hicks for His Years of Service to the City of Arden Hills, be moved to the end of the agenda. MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Keirn seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the June 29, 1998, Regular City Council meeting as revised above. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. June 8, 1998, Regular Council Meeting B. June 15, 1998 Council Worksession Mr. Brian Fritsinger, City Administrator, requested the following corrections to the June 8, 1998, Regular Council meeting minutes: Page 4, first sentence of third paragraph: replace the word "indicted" with "indicated," Page 5, tenth paragraph, reword to indicate: "Mayor Probst stated the benefits outweigh construction of a ramp on the southwest quadrant." Mr. Fritsinger requested the following corrections to the June 15, 1998, Council Worksession meeting minutes: . Page 2, first sentence of second paragraph, replace the word "consensus" with "hope." ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 29. 1998 2 Page 2, fifth paragraph, add the following clarification: . Gregg Larson LoAnn Crepeau Lois Rem 4 votes for appointment 2 votes for secondary consideration I vote for secondary consideration MOTION: Councilmember Hicks moved and Councilmember Keirn seconded a motion to approve the June 8, 1998, Regular Council Meeting and the June 15, 1998 Council Worksession as amended above. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). CONSENT CALENDAR A. Claims and Payroll B. Appointment of Anne E. Sorensen, Finance Committee MOTION: Councilmember Hicks moved and Councilmember Keim 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. Presentation by Mounds View High School Student Council Mr. Fritsinger explained that last fall there were a number of graffiti incidents along County Road F which led to the city meeting with the School District and students to discuss issues related to these incidents. The meetings resulted in productive outcomes. As a result, the School District has worked with the students who have then worked with residents in that area. He introduced Saira Alimohamed, Drew McLaughlin, and Robert Grace who were in attendance to make a presentation to the Council. Ms. Saira Alimohamed, Mounds View High School Student Council, thanked the Council for the opportunity to make this presentation. She explained they have worked hard to resolve the graffiti issues which occurred over the last one and one half years. Mr. Robert Grace, Mounds View High School Student Council, stated they and Police Officers talked to the students as well as the community to address the consequences to those that perpetrate vandalism. However, they felt it was not enough and felt they should pay the City back to fix the painted signs, . . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 29, 1998 3 Mr. Drew McLaughlin, Mounds View High School Student Council, reviewed community service activities they participated with in this neighborhood including raking leaves, and caroling after schooL They also held a dance at the end of the school year to raise money. He reported they raised $1,000 which they would like to present to the City of Arden Hills. Mayor Probst accepted the $1,000 donation from the Mounds View High School Student CounciL He stated that he attended some ofthe meetings mentioned and this is the culmination ofa lot of work from this group and speaks positively towards the majority of the students. Mayor Probst stated this is a terrific gesture and he will suggest that the funds be used to establish a method to address future vandalism issues and promote a zero tolerance policy towards vandalism. The Council added their appreciation to the students for making this restitution contribution. B. Resolution #98-45, Appointing Gregg S. Larson to Fill Council Vacancy Mr. Fritsinger advised that the Council, at its May 26, 1998 meeting, accepted the resignation of Councilmember Dale Hicks effective June 30, 1998, The Council then directed staff to advertise this vacancy and expressed its desire to fill the vacancy for the unexpired term through December 31, 1998. He reported that this vacancy was advertised and the following six applications were received: LoAnn Crepeau, 3517 Siems Court; Raymond Kreps, 1676 Chatham Avenue; Gregg Larson, 3377 North Snelling Avenue; Lois Rem, 1670 Glenview Court; Ed Werner, 1758 Crystal A vcnue; and A. Clayton Zimmerman, 1319 Wynridge Drive, The Council received and discussed these six applications at its June 15, 1998 Council Worksession and concurred on the appointment of one of the applicants. Subsequently, Mayor Probst has personally talked to the applicants to discuss the appointment. Mayor Probst reported he spoke to Mr. Larson who was very pleased to accept the appointment for the remainder of the year. Mr. Larson is traveling today and unavailable to attend the meeting tonight. However, he is available to attend the rest of the meetings, He stated he also spoke with the rest of the applicants except for LoAnn Crepeau who has been out oftown. Mayor Probst stated he encouraged all applicants to consider the three seats that will be opening this fall for reelection. Also, Mr. Larson's appointment will result in a vacancy on the Planning Commission so he invited them to apply for that position as welL Mayor Probst stated his support to appoint Mr. Larson who has experience from serving on the Planning Commission and asked the Council to adopt the proposed resolution to appoint Mr. Larson. MOTION: Councilmemher Keirn moved and Councilmember Malone seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-45, Appointing Gregg S. Larson to Fill Council Vacancy and direct staff to advertise for a vacancy on the Planning Commission to fill the vacancy of Gregg Larson. The motion carried (3-0-1 Hicks), Mr. Fritsinger stated he will place an advertisement for filling the vacancy on the Planning Commission. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 29.1998 4 Mayor Probst stated the Planning Commission meeting is this week Wednesday so there will be a period of about one month for the Council to make that appointment. C. Resolution #98-46, Commending Dale Hicks for His Years of Service to the City of Arden Hills Upon adoption of the agenda, this item was rescheduled to the end ofthe agenda. D. City Hall Concept Design Review Mr. Fritsinger explained that the City has been working with Architectural Alliance for the past several months on the design of the new City Hall facility. At the Mareh 16, 1998 Worksession meeting, the Council reviewed the plans for the facility and while in agreement with the majority of the design issues, did request that several items be reviewed for their impact on the budget. He explained that since then, a discussion was held at the Council retreat regarding staff levels and, as a result, a new staff position was created which impacted internal design issues. Staff has worked to fit that into the build out. Mr. Fritsinger explained the intent of the discussion tonight is to review these issues and assure the Council is comfortable with the proposal and proceeding to the Planning Commission for their August 5th meeting. Jeanne Sterner, Architectural Alliance, reviewed the interior room layout for the upper and lower area, noting the open staircase area and relocation of the City Administrator's office. Councilmember Aplikowski arrived at 7:5] p.m. In response to Councilmember Malone, Ms. Sterner reviewed the area on the upper level which overlooks the lower level lobby that contains a low solid wall and a glass wall to the ceiling. However, the conference room and computer room area would have full height walls. Mr. Fritsinger noted the glass walls will address the noise issues while still allowing for a feeling of open space and providing natural light. Ms. Sterner noted that two staircases are being proposed. Mr. Fritsinger explained the proposal is to use the mezzanine space for office areas which created the issue of separating staff on two different floors. The question was raised about how to create internal flow. The architects were asked to determine how the two staff areas could be tied together and the concept was created for the second stairway. Also, the staircase location and design may be revised further to address the internal access issue and Fire Code. Mayor Probst stated that the City needs to be careful about public access issues and to segregate staff area from the public area. He stated he is comfortable with the general layout of the plan but suggested the open stairway be placed in the location of the Building Inspector's office and then rearranging the open petition office areas. He stated this would preserve expansion space on the west side and provide a higher degree of flexibility in how the building is used in the future. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 29.1998 5 Mayor Probst asked if the Mayor/Council space can be flipped with the mechanical space. He requested this option be looked at. Mr. Fritsinger explained the "mechanical area" is actually an audiovisual room. Mayor Probst inquired regarding the sizing of the community room and suggested they maximize that space to the point the exit criteria is not violated. Councilmember Malone noted the community room is in the lower level of the building and inquired regarding the exit points. Ms. Sterner pointed out the two exit locations. Councilmember Malone stated his concurrence with the Mayor's suggestion to relocate the open staircase. He noted that about one-quarter of the first floor is lost because of the lobby area and asked if there is another arrangement that would limit that portion. Mayor Probst pointed out that the west side provides a better view and should be used for offices rather than the staircase. COlillcilmember Aplikowski agreed that the size of the lobby could be reduced but that may not be possible due to the need for an elevator. She commented that whatever space is available will be utilized by staff Mayor Probst noted the after-hour uses where participants need use of the bathrooms and/or shelter. Ms. Sterner stated the lobby also allows space ifthere is a large crowd that spills out of the Council chambers or if audience members are using the lobby to watch video of the meeting. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she does not want to constrict the use of this property with a small building and questioned whether the building should be a little larger. She noted if this building is to serve for the next 50 years and if the Arsenal property becomes available for development it would increase the residential base and there may be a need for two or three more staff members. Mayor Probst stated he believes something will be done with the Arsenal property but the proposed new building increases the City Hall space four-fold and would allow for the increase of the City's staff by about 25%. Mr. Fritsinger noted there is the ability to add five staff members to this plan as presented. There are currently] ] staff members so that would equal almost 50%. Councilmember Keim stated with that in mind, she believes the proposed building size is appropriate. She pointed out there are other rooms (conference/meeting rooms) that could also be used, if necessary. Ms. Sterner reviewed the revised grading plan which addresses site drainage and storm water runoff. This pond will be presented to the Planning Commission for their consideration. She noted the creation of a ditch along the gravel road and ponding as it empties into Sunfish Lake. Ms. Sterner noted this is not a permanent solution and would need to be connected after construction of Highway 96. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 29.1998 6 . Mayor Probst inquired regarding connection to the existing roadway. Mr. Fritsinger stated this is not being proposed due to the existing condition of the road in the area of Sunfish Lake and the ability to construct a driveway to the required standard causes additional problems. Also, by adding this driveway to the site results in the need for additional ponding. Mayor Probst asked if the driveway could be constructed of gravel so it would not require additional ponding capacity. Mr. Fritsinger stated this may be feasible but would have to be discussed. He explained that Ramsey County has indicated they will allow a full access to this site on highway 96. Mayor Probst stated if TCAAP happens this would be a desirable connection so, at a minimum, it should be planned for. Also, a Public Works facility may happen in the future and the anticipated location would require the need for this connection as well. He stated he is not concerned if it is not constructed now but the grading and layout should accommodate that cOilllection, if desired in the future. Ms. Sterner reviewed the site lighting plan, noting the location ofthe lights being proposed, and presented information regarding the foot candles on the site. She then presented the exterior elevations and advised they are proposing a cut Kasota stone which would be laid like brick and is being priced as an alternate. Mayor Probst stated the cost is comparable to brick. . Ms. Sterner stated ifbrick is used, it would probably be a slightly different color (pink) but would maintain a soft look. She advised that Kasota stone was used on the St. Thomas college Minneapolis campus building. Mr. Fritsinger explained they are proposing two different levels oflandscaping and had requested the architect provide visuals of those examples. Michael Gaunt, landscape architect with Damon Farber, presented the landscape plan. He stated he would like to propose an unusual type of landscaping plan to create a sense of bringing prairie grasses into the design. He noted the proposed location of trees, ornamental trees, hedges, and a specimen oak tree. Mr. Gaunt stated the problem with prairie designs is that some view them as a "weed lot" but he would like to present a concept which he believes will provide a unique natural design. He presented a slide show depicting landscape projects incorporating native grasses and prairie flowers. Mr. Gaunt reported that many communities are now encouraging the use of this type oflandscaping project. He advised that with this type of natural planting plan, maintenance issues are limited. Mr. Gaunt stressed that this will not be a finished landscape plan for one to two years. He presented a picture depicting how the landscape will appear upon planting. Mr. Gaunt explained the need for selective burning which promotes the prairie to regenerate itself in the most natural way possible. . Mr. Gaunt completed his review of the proposed landscape plan and noted the potential for a row of trees along the entryway. He explained the concern is that by pulling the large pine trees out of their current setting, there may be bare spots on the sides of the trees and that relocation may be costly. Also, there are underground utility lines in that area. One of the options being suggested is a low hedge row of a native species, perhaps a shrub rose. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 29. 1998 7 . Councilmember Malone stated he supports a low shrub planting in that area to maintain visibility. He stated he is unsure about considering a prairie grass plan. Mr. Kevin Ringwald, Assistant to the City Administrator, inquired regarding liability should the inside building sprinkler system be activated during the controlled burn. Mr. Gaunt explained they often mow an area around the controlled burn area but he is unsure of the potential being mentioned by Mr. Ringwald. Councilmember Hicks stated the prairie concept is pretty and parts of this site would lend itself to some of that but he prefers part of the area to be manicured to look like an occupied facility. Mr. Gaunt stated if the community room is rented out it may be desirable to have a manicured landscape and sodded area around that entrance and behind the Council chambers where people may want to walk outside. He recommended the Council consider using the prairie landscape for at least part of the site. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she concurs that a combination of the two looks would be preferable. Mayor Probst stated he finds it to be a very interesting option but the difficulty is in allowing that type of planting material to come up to the edges of the roadways or sidewalks where it would become trampled. He stated a manicured edge or the use of other lower height plantings would . be preferable. Mr. Gaunt stated that a manicured landscape is more expensive due to the higher cost of shrubs and the need for an irrigation system. Council member Malone stated he also supports a combination with more manicured areas closer to the walkways and buildings. Mr. Gaunt stated there is a potential to create a manicured shrub bed along the edges. He notcd there are not a lot of areas whcrc the natural grasses would be adjacent to the sidewalk areas. He explained that placing strips of sod does lose some of the natural aspects. Councilmember Keirn stated she thinks the natural planting areas will become trampled when events are being held with children through the Parks program. Councilmember Aplikowski stated it appears the Council is open to some variations. Councilmember Malone concurred and stated there also needs to be some practical aspects taken into consideration. Mr. Gaunt stated they will expand this theme incorporating the Council's requests. . Mayor Probst noted the fences were to be on the other side of the lake. Mr. Fritsinger agreed that would be the best scenario. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 29. 1998 8 Council member I-licks asked if the concept is to seed this natural grass area with stands of a specific species, or if the concept is to have a mix of natural species. Mr. Gaunt stated he is proposing a complete mix of grasses. The stands of a specific species could be used at the entrance areas which would prevent the native grasses from coming in. Councilmember Hicks inquired regarding the potential for increased rodent problems to the building by having this type of area versus a manicured lawn close to the buildings. Mr. Gaunt stated they typically suggest a 24 inch clean strip around the buildings. He stated a natural landscape will increase the rodent problem slightly but if the natural prairie habitat is well constructed, it will not be an issue. Councilmember Hicks stated while he likes the comb flower, others look like a "dandelion patch" and are not as attractive. Mayor Probst noted this is an informational consideration and it is intended to refer this proposal to the Planning Commission in August for their formal review and recommendation. E. Old City Hall, Pre-Demolition Environmental Snrvey Mr. Fritsinger explained that tile City is required to complete an enviromnental survey of the old City Hall facility to determine whether or not any hazardous materials exist. Staff solicited proposals from three firms to conduct this study and the following was received: American Engineering Testing, Inc. Braun Intertec Corporation Maxim Technologies $ 800 850 ],475 Mr. Fritsinger explained that once the enviromnental survey is complete, the City will seek proposals to remove any hazardous materials found. Once they are removed, the City has indicated that the Lake Johanna Volunteer Fire Department can use the site for training purposes. Staff recommends the Council authorize the execution of a contract with American Engineering Testing for a pre-demolition enviromnental survey. MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to authorize the execution of a contract with American Engineering Testing, Inc., the low bidder, at a cost not to exceed $800 for a pre-demolition enviromnental survey at ] 450 West Highway 96. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). F. Ordinance #307, Granting a Franchise to MediaOne to Construct, Operate, and Maintain a Cablc Communications System in the City of Ardcn Hills; Setting Forth Conditions Accompanying the Grant of the Franchise Mr. Fritsinger explained that the North Suburban Cable Commission has completed an over three-year process of negotiations with the cable company resulting in a proposed renewed cable franchise being recommended to the member cities of the Commission. He advised that federal ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 29. ]998 9 . law proscribes the structure of the negotiations and limits the authority of the cities to deny the renewal. While the renewal is not automatic the City may also not arbitrarily deny renewal. Basically, the City must renew the tranchise unless the cable company fails to meet an identified community need, considering the cost of meeting that need. Mr. Fritsinger referred to his memorandum which addressed the key areas of variation trom the previous agreement. The agreement also contains language dealing with revenues. He advised there was a lot of conversation about the length of the agreement in consideration of the changes in technology but he believes the] 5-year term is appropriate and best for the City. Mr. Fritsinger noted the institutional network drops being required which will provide several locations for that service and a greater benefit to the community. He stated this has been discussed at several worksessions and staff recommends the Council adopt Ordinance #307 granting a franchise to MediaOne to construct, operate, and maintain a cable communications system in the City of Arden Hills; setting forth conditions accompanying the grant of the franchise. He recommended the City publish a SUllill1ary and forward the documents to the Cable company. MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Hicks seconded a motion to adopt Ordinance #307, Granting a Franchise to MediaOne to Construct, Operate, and Maintain a Cable Communications System in the City of Arden Hills; Setting Forth Conditions Accompanying the Grant of the Franchise. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . G. Ordinance #308, Sale of Strong Beer Mr. Fritsinger explained that a number of inquiries have been received over the past two years regarding the sale of strong beer by on-sale wine licensees. The Council reviewed this potential amendment to Chapter Three of the Arden Hills Code of Ordinances during conservations related to codification. He stated it would be appropriate for Council consideration of this amendment prior to the completion ofthe codification process. Mr. Fritsinger noted the two requirements for on-sale wine licensees to sell strong beer: 1) The licensee must also have a non-intoxicating malt liquor license issued by the City, and 2) The gross receipts of the licensee must be at least 60% attributable to the sale offood. The Council is asked to adopt Ordinance #308, and direct tbe City Administrator to publish the ordinance in accordance with Minnesota State Statutes. Councilmember Aplikowski asked if this is a result of a request. Mr. Fritsinger advised that it is and has been raised by several businesses. Councihnember Hicks asked if the business has to request this as part of their license application. Mr. Fritsinger stated this is correct. MOTION: Councilmember Keim moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Ordinance #308, Amending Chapter 3 of the City of Arden Hills Municipal Code Relating to the Sale of Strong Beer, and direct the City Administrator to publish the ordinance in accordance with Minnesota State Statutes. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 29. 1998 ]0 H. Resolution #98-47, A Rcsolution Approving Local Performance Aid Mr. Fritsinger eXplained that during the 1996 Legislative session, the State of Minnesota adopted a law which provided for a new state aid, called Local Performance Aid (LP A), for all cities beginning in calendar year 1997 and the City of Arden Hills has participated in that program. He explained the City directed these funds towards partially supporting the DARE Program. However, with the changes in this program, staff proposes it may be more appropriate to consider a different program. He explained that staff viewed the communication issues and opportunities related to creating a WEB page for the City. The City has not yet been notified of dollars available but it may be in the area of $1 0,000 to $15,000. The Council is asked to adopt Resolution #98-47, approving Local Performance Aid. Councilmember Malone stated he believes it would be inappropriate ifthe City is trying to get this money for something that would not otherwise be done, or if the work is more than the revenue received. He stated his preference to say "no thank you" due to the level of bureaucracy involved in trying to get this $10,000. Mr. Fritsinger stated there are no consequences to drop out of this program and then participate in the future. He explained that participation would involve the ability to show the City is tracking documents to the requirements of the State. Mayor Probst stated if there is value in this exercise, and if it does not cost more than received, he would support staying in the program. However, if it costs more than the benefit it would be appropriate to consider "pulling the plug." Councilmember Malone stated he does not view this program as "free money" since application involves spending tax payer's dollars. Councilmember Aplikowski stated there may be issues that would be interesting to pursue such as a City Flag (a symbol of identification), updating the City logo, etc. She noted the City desires to increase their level of communication with residents and she does not object to participating if it allows the City to do that. Councilmember Keim stated the Council has discussed the need to relook at the logo and this could be used to cover part of that cost. Mr. Fritsinger stated staff would have to research program requirements to see how that type of program would fit. MOTION: Councilmember Aplikowski moved and Councilmember Hicks seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #98-47, Approving Local Performance Aid. The motion carried ( 4-1 Malone). . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 29. ] 998 COUNCIL COMMENTS AND COMMITTEEIDEPARTMENT ACTIVITY REPORTS II Councilmember Malone reported on considerations of tile Public Safety Committee including their consideration of a traffic signal and parking limit restrictions. Councilmember Hicks stated he has enjoyed the opportunity to work on the Council and it was not an easy decision for him to move out of the community. He stated it has been a pleasure to work with the Mayor, Councilmembers, and City staff and wished them well in the future. Counci]member Hicks introduced his wife and extended his appreciation for her support while he served on the Council and other committees. C. Resolution #98-46, Commending Dale Hicks for His Years of Service to the City of Arden Hills Mayor Probst read in full Resolution #98-46, Commending Dale Hicks for his Years of Service to the City of Arden Hills. MOTION: The Mayor and Council moved by acclimation to adopt Resolution #98-46, Commending Dale Hicks for His Years of Service to the City of Arden Hills. The motion carried (4-0-1 Hicks). ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Malone moved and Councilmember Aplikowski seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9: 14 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (5- 0). B~ City Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next regular City Council meeting will be held Monday, July 13, 1998, at 7:30 p.m. at the new Arden Hills Council Chambers, 4364 West Round Lake Road.