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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-14-25-R 'Tit 2SREN,HILLS Approved: May 12, 2025 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 14, 2025 7:00 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor David Grant called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant, Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Tena Monson, Emily Rousseau and Kurt Weber Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Jessica Jagoe; Public Works Director/City Engineer David Swearingen; Finance Director Joua Yang; and Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Julie Hanson PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Holden requested Item 8K, 8N and 8P be removed from the Consent Agenda for further discussion as Items 9A, 9B and 9C. MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried (5-0). 2. TCAAP/RICE CREEK COMMONS UPDATE City Administrator Jagoe stated Since the March City Council meeting, the Joint Development Authority met on March 17a' and April 7 h. At their March 17a`the JDA approved the preliminary plat, final plat, and site plan review from Ryan Companies for approx. 10 acres on the northern portion of Outlot A for Micro Control Company's new headquarters. The JDA's approval of the 157,000-square-foot advanced technology project will include a mix of office, manufacturing, and research and development uses. The Developer sought permitted adjustments as allowed under the TCAAP Redevelopment Code for the project which included a reduction in total parking stalls by 10% and waiving of the requirement for a Project Circulation plan. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 14, 2025 2 The JDA also approved a waiver with recommendations for the sustainability guidelines for this project. At the April 7th meeting the JDA approved the Development Agreement for Ryan Companies. This is the first phase of development for Outlot A. Additionally at this meeting, the JDA reviewed and has started the process of drafting their 2026 Budget. During these meetings as part of the road map discussion, the JDA discussed a community engagement event being held sometime later this year with the intent of providing educational information to the public on Rice Creek Commons. As an update since the April 71h JDA meeting, Ryan Companies has closed on the sale of the land from Ramsey County and there will be some initial site preparation work beginning in mid-April with the project construction anticipated to start by May 1st Next the JDA Advisory Committee met on March 27t'and April 9t'. At the March 27'meeting the Advisory Committee met with Alatus to review the term sheet approved by the JDA in December 2023 which will be the detailed framework that is then incorporated into a Development Agreement for the California Parcel. During this meeting, the County provided an update that the Spine Road design plans are on schedule to be completed by the end of this year. Alatus provided an update on their mass grading plans for private neighborhoods. During the JDA Advisory Committee meeting on April 91 the Alatus team reviewed a phasing plan they are working on for the mass grading of the private neighborhoods and the timing of Spine Road construction. With the phasing of the Spine Road construction, they are contemplating that the development potential in Phase 1 would be for access to the north Flex Office commercial area and Southwest and Hill neighborhoods. With the engineering work they've completed to date, they are now able to put more specificity to the number and types of housing units which will be reviewed at the next JDA Advisory meeting. Commissioners asked that an update be provided to the JDA at a future meeting on Geo-Thermal to understand timing with road construction design plans. Ramsey County staff will be preparing an update for this report and reviewing information with the Energy Advisory Committee as well. The Energy Advisory Committee has not met since the last Council meeting. The next JDA meeting will be Monday, May 5"' at 5:30. Advisory committee meeting dates will continue to be posted on the City's website as they are scheduled. Mayor Grant reported Rice Creek Commons would have two different developers. He noted Ryan Companies would be developing Outlot A (42 acres) and Alatus would be developing the remainder of the property (the California parcel). He questioned if a development agreement and purchase agreement had to be executed with Alatus by June 30. City Administrator Jagoe explained the preliminary development agreement with Alatus talks about substantial progress towards a development agreement but does not require a development agreement to be finalized by June 30. As the JDA approaches this deadline, decisions need to be made on whether or not an extension would be required. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 14, 2025 3 Mayor Grant indicated he has not heard any information relative to either the developer or the County requesting TIF on this project. He questioned if the County will be funding the affordable housing component. City Administrator Jagoe stated in terms of the December 2023 term sheet that the JDA approved, one of the elements that will go into the development agreement is the financing for the project. She explained that the County has noted they expect to have a role in investment opportunities for affordable housing on this site, but explained the final commitment for TIF from the County has yet to be determined. Mayor Grant reported if there was supposed to be substantial progress by June 30 and if the County was considering a certain level of TIF, he believed the County needs to be working with the City in order to make the City aware of what portion they would be responsible for. He explained the deadline of June 30 was rapidly approaching and the JDA only meets once a month. Councilmember Monson indicated this was the biggest challenge that the JDA was grappling with at this time. She said there was substantial progress in the purchase agreement, noting the purchase agreement and development agreement were moving hand in hand. She explained it was her understanding the purchase agreement was coalescing, which was why the JDA was working to see what kind of progress can be made by June 30. She reported it was a very large mountain to climb by June 30. She explained she had the same concerns regarding TIF and the fact that the project would be phased instead of a full takedown. Mayor Grant commented he understood the County and the developer needed to negotiate the agreements privately, but he did not want the agreements to land at the City at the 11`h hour. He hoped the City could be included in the process in order to be made aware of what would be expected of the City. Councilmember Holden stated this was what happened last time. The County and developer came to the City stating the City owed an extra $1 million. It was her hope history would not repeat itself. She questioned who would be completing the mass grading for the spine road and neighborhoods. City Administrator Jagoe commented the County will be doing the design plans and construction of the spine road and the developer would be completing the mass grading for the private neighborhoods. Councilmember Holden asked why Alatus was not completing all of the mass grading. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported Alatus' engineers are coordinating with the County's engineering in order to complete the grading in one motion. He explained the bulk of the material would be moved for the spine road and the development would then be spread out to the different neighborhoods. Councilmember Holden inquired why the County was now allowing Alatus to take down the property in phases versus one large buy down. Councilmember Monson commented in 2024 there was a lot of talk about who was going to pay for the mass grading. She indicated the developer stated they would never pay for it, but then ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 14, 2025 4 came back and said they would pay for it. She explained the County has not backed away from anything, but rather was doing their best to respond to the new structure the developer was bringing forward. City Administrator Jagoe agreed with this, noting the model of how Alatus would be purchasing the property has gone back and forth based on different negotiations. Councilmember Monson reported a preliminary development agreement was signed in 2023, and over the past 18 months, the County and developer has been working to refine and finalize the details. Councilmember Holden indicated she was disappointed with the fact the thumb property was being developed first and she hoped Alatus would follow through with the remaining plans for this development. Councilmember Monson commented Outlot A was starting construction, which was fantastic news for the City. She noted construction would begin on May 2. She indicated plans for the spine road would be finalized in 2025 and construction would begin in 2026. 3. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL None. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES None. 5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS A. NineNorth Presentation Jeff Ongstad, NineNorth Executive Director, provided the Council with an update from NineNorth. He explained Arden Hills was part of a nine city JPA for cable franchise oversite that was funded by a portion of franchise fees. He described the services and local programming that was provided by NineNorth for Arden Hills' residents. He reported NineNorth creates over 1,000 hours of original programming each year with 72 hours focused on Arden Hills. He shared a video with the Council that highlighted the community programming and events that were held in 2024. He discussed the community coverage that would be expanded in 2025 and beyond. Councilmember Rousseau asked when the contract with Comcast would be renewed. Mr. Ongstad stated the contract had two more years left on the current franchise. Councilmember Weber thanked NineNorth for their attention to detail and for doing a fantastic job on behalf of the community. He explained his daughter performed in a regional band concert where parents were not allowed to attend, and he appreciated the fact NineNorth was able to air this performance. Mayor Grant reported PEG fees were currently 3%. He asked for historical information regarding PEG fees and inquired if PEG fees were up or down. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 14, 2025 5 Mr. Ongstad stated cable penetration has slipped from 50% to 25%. He reported he has worked to make things more efficient and was completing outside work to compensate for lost revenue. He reported PEG fees have been at 3% for quite some time, noting he hopes to extend the current agreement with 5%PEG fees. Councilmember Holden commented she would like to see a list of videos that the City has put together, along with what the other member communities have created. Councilmember Weber stated there was a proposal being considered by the State that would put franchise fees on broadband services. Mr. Ongstad noted this bill failed again this year but may be considered again next year. Mayor Grant thanked Mr. Ongstad for his presentation. 6. STAFF COMMENTS None. 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. March 10, 2025, City Council Work Session B. March 10, 2025, Regular City Council MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Coun cilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the March 10, 2025, City Council Work Session meeting minutes as amended and the March 10, 2025, Regular City Council meeting minutes as amended. The motion carried 4-0-1 (Councilmember Rousseau abstained). 8. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll B. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-031 Appointing Sarah Julius and Nikhath Parveen Nazir Ahmed to the Parks, Trail and Recreation Committee(PTRC) C. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-032 Appointing Deborah Fellows to Economic Development Commission (EDC) D. Motion to Authorize City Staff to Begin Summer Work Hours Beginning Tuesday, May 27, 2025, and Concluding on Friday, August 29, 2025 E. Motion to Acknowledge the Application of Fishing for Life for an Exempt Permit to Conduct a Raffle with the Drawing being May 3, 2025 with No Waiting Period F. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-033 Relating to Mow Less May for Arden Hills Residents and Businesses G. Motion to Approve a One Year Extension until April 10, 2026 for Minor Subdivision and Variance at 1174 Edgewater Avenue—Planning Case 23-003 H. Motion to Approve Stormwater Facilities Operations and Maintenance Agreement for Outlot A - Ryan RCC 1, LLC 1. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-034 Recommending the City of Coon Rapids Award the 2025 Street Maintenance Program ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 14, 2025 6 J. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-035 Accepting Bid and Authorizing Award of Contract to Albrecht Companies—2025 Park Improvements Project K. Motion to Approve Agreement iees Bolton Menk 2025 Parks Master Plan Pr-ejee L. Motion to Approve 2025 Contract with the Minnesota Department of Corrections Institution Community Work Crew (ICWC) Program M. Motion to Approve Payment No. 6 — S.M. Hentges & Sons, Inc. — 2024 PMP Street and Utility Improvements Project 14 Motion to Approve Qiaete for-Lakeshore Dlaee 7 ands.ar.:.,g ali 1 T....:ga fier. O. Motion to Approve Appointment of Parks and Recreation Manager P. Metion t n e r,,mm ttooir,,,..-.,,. issi,,, Code of Ge,"et n liff Q. Motion to Approve Proclamation Recognizing April as Fair Housing Month MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as amended and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried L21 9. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS A. Motion to Approve for Professional Services with Bolton & Menk PP Agreement —2025 Parks Master Plan Project Councilmember Holden commented that she supported the City bidding these projects out because $75,000 was a lot of money for the City to be spending on projects. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a motion to Approve Agreement for Professional Services with Bolton & 1N1enk in the amount not to exceed $78,400 for the 2025 Parks Master Plan Proiect. Councilmember Monson asked if the City had bid this project out. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained the initial discussion was a scoping discussion where Bolton & Menk took feedback, ran numbers and then worked with staff to understand what the budget was for this project. He commented further on how staff worked to get to the budgeted number for this project. Councilmember Weber stated he generally agreed that projects should go out forbids. The motion carried (5-0). B. Motion to Approve Quote for Lakeshore Place Landscaping and Irrigation Councilmember Holden asked that staff speak to how this project came in $26,000 over budget. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported this item was brought to Council last year, along with irrigation along Highway 96. He indicated the Council agreed to move forward with this item and there was no budget for this improvement. Staff estimated the project ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 14, 2025 7 would cost $25,000. Due to scheduling conflicts, the project was moved to 2025. He stated it was assumed the project expense would come out of the PIR Fund. Councilmember Holden recommended going forward that all carryover items be placed in the next years' budget. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to _Approve Quote for Lakeshore Place Landscaping and Irrigation. The motion carried (5-0). C. Motion to Approve Committee/Commission Code of Conduct Policy Councilmember Holden commented she missed the meeting when this item was discussed because her husband was having surgery. She questioned why these matters would be going directly to the Personnel Committee. She believed that Council liaisons should be able to address concerns with Committee/Commission members before going to the Personnel Committee. She asked if any other Councilmembers supported making this change. Councilmember Monson stated she asked for these matters to come straight to the City Council, but noted there was a lot of consideration and criticism that there was not a process in place. Councilmember Holden commented if matters were brought to the Personnel Committee, it would still have to come before the City Council. Councilmember Monson reported this was the case. j Councilmember Weber indicated he understood only ongoing issues would be brought to the Personnel Committee or the City Council. He stated personally he would send an email first to the individual prior to bringing an item to the Personnel Committee. Mayor Grant stated this policy would create a procedure for the Council to follow should a problem arise with a Committee or Commission member. He agreed that Councilmembers should address matters long before they would require oversight from the Personnel Committee. Councilmember Rousseau agreed having conversations with Committee or Commission members can be great, but if there was a documented history of concerns, matters should come before the Personnel Committee. Councilmember Holden stated this was her point, noting regarding a prior situation, the Council had not talked to the individual and recommended Council liaisons address the issue prior to it going to the Personnel Committee. Councilmember Monson indicated she was generally fine with that but noted the Council has to understand sometimes matters will come straight to Council and at other times poor behavior will be addressed by a Council liaison if a relationship was in place. Mayor Grant noted he supported this as well. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 14,2025 8 Councilmember Rousseau stated this was great but recommended discretion be allowed by the Council liaison. Councilmember Weber commented there may be instances where a Council liaison wrestles with the idea of whether or not something should be brought to the Personnel Committee. He stated there may be issues that a liaison does not want to air to the entire City Council all at once but should have the right to bring the matter to the Personnel Committee. Mayor Grant suggested the edit be made to the policy and that this matter move forward. Councilmember Holden suggested the edit read: At their discretion, the Council liaison shall try to address issue prior to moving the matter to the Personnel Committee. AMENDMENT: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to amend the policy to add the following language: At their discretion, the Council liaison shall try to address issue prior to moving the matter to the Personnel Committee. The amendment carried (5-0). MOTION: Councilmember Rousseau moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a motion to Approve Committee/Commission Code of Conduct Policy as amended. The amended motion carried (5-0). 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Quarterly Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities Finance Director Yang stated water customers whose accounts are 90 days past due were informed that the City intends to certify delinquent charges to Ramsey County to be collected with property taxes. These customers have the right to a hearing in front of the City Council to discuss this matter prior to certification. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:58 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:59 p.m. 11. NEW BUSINESS A. Resolution 2025-036 Adopting and Confirming Quarterly Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities Finance Director Yang stated delinquent utility amounts are certified to Ramsey County quarterly. A list of utility accounts with a delinquent balance was compiled and notices dated February 13, 2025 were mailed. These customers were informed of their delinquent status and were asked to make payment of the delinquent balance by April 3, 2025. Utility accounts with an unpaid delinquent balance would be certified to Ramsey County to be added to property taxes payable in 2026. The certification amount is equal to the unpaid delinquent balance plus an eight percent penalty. It was noted the City will request that Ramsey County levy the delinquent balances against the respective properties. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 14, 2025 9 MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2025-036 Adopting and Confirming Quarterly Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities. The motion carried (5-0). 12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 13. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Rousseau reviewed comments from PTRC Chair Dan Dietz, noting Bob Mullen recently passed away and had made significant contributions to Floral Park. She further discussed the work these two completed on Tuesday mornings at Floral Park over the past three years. She suggested a small sign be considered in Floral Park near the gardens to recognize Bob Mullen. Councilmember Rousseau explained she received a letter from a couple of middle school students that requested the playground at Cummings Park be renovated to serve both young and older children. Councilmember Weber stated the Planning Commission met on Tuesday, April 9 where they received a second update from HKGi regarding the zoning code project. Councilmember Holden asked how many applicants the City received for the Community Development Director position. City Administrator Jagoe reported the City received 11 applications and interviews would begin tomorrow. Councilmember Holden explained she attended Bob Mullen's funeral and appreciated his service to the community, especially with the Boy Scouts of America. Councilmember Holden reported Mrs. Lange passed away and she served on the Public Works Committee and Parks Committee. Councilmember Holden asked when the City would receive information on the water survey. Finance Director Yang stated she had people working on the water survey and should have this information to the Council in the next couple of days. Councilmember Holden commented on the Highway 10 trail noting the City received Met Council dollars that were from the federal government. She indicated these dollars were now up in the air. Councilmember Holden reported the Fire Board was moving forward with the bonding process and Shoreview was managing the invoicing for this project. Councilmember Holden encouraged residents to clean up after their dogs. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 14, 2025 10 Councilmember Holden indicated she was pleased the Adopt a Park program has been brought back. She thanked the Rotary Club for their volunteerism. Councilmember Holden reported Designed & Made on County Road E made the St. Paul Pioneer Press paper and encouraged the Council to read through this article. Councilmember Holden asked if residents could use motorized bikes or scooters on trails. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported this was not allowed. Councilmember Holden suggested the PTRC put up signs to this effect and that the Sheriffs Office be called in the event this becomes a concern. Councilmember Monson questioned if the City could ask for the Safe Routes to School federal funding now versus waiting till 2026. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen indicated he could take a look at the grant agreement with the Met Council. He believed that an awarded construction contract had to be in place in order to receive the funding. Councilmember Monson stated a resident spoke to the Council about the water quality issues at Karth Lake because one resident was feeding geese. She questioned if the Council could address this matter further at an upcoming work session. Councilmember Rousseau suggested an article be placed in an upcoming newsletter that addresses what happens when geese are fed near lakes. Councilmember Holden indicated the City used to address the geese on Lake Johanna and stated one of the main ways is to not have yards manicured. The Council supported bringing this item back for further discussion at a future work session. Councilmember Monson reported she attended the egg hunt and she thanked staff for their efforts on this event. Mayor Grant explained he attended the egg hunt at Cummings Park as well and stated this was a fun community event. Mayor Grant stated he was contacted via email from a former Windcrest neighborhood resident explaining that a Tampa Bay defenseman grew up on this street. He reported a network from the Tampa Bay area did a very nice video about this hockey player growing up in Arden Hills. He indicated he would pass this link along. Mayor Grant reported the Council was trying to finalize an agreement with the Gathering Place regarding parking at Hazelnut Park. He suggested pickleball courts be considered at this park. Councilmember Weber commented he was contacted by a resident from Arden Manor that would like to have a turtle crossing sign placed on County Road 96. He believed this was a good idea and should be discussed at a future work session. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 14, 2025 11 Mayor Grant noted County Road 96 was a County/State Aid Highway and signs were posted by the County. Councilmember Holden discussed State law and explained it was her understanding if drivers cause an accident due to yielding to an animal, this makes the driver liable. She requested staff look into State law further. ADJOURN MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a motion to adiourn. The motion carried (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:22 p.m. Julie H on David Grant City CleW Mayor