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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 07-13-1998 (2) . . . MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA WORKSESSION MONDAY, .JULY 20,1998 4:45 P.M. - CITY HALL, 4364 WEST ROUND LAKE ROAD CALL TO ORDER Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, City Administrator, Brian Fritsinger, opened the meeting at 4:47 p.m. in the absence of Mayor Dennis Probst, or appointment ofan acting Mayor. Present were Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, Susan Keirn, Gregg Larson; and Paul Malone; City Administrator, Brian Fritsinger; Community Development Director, Cindy Walsh; Public Works Director, Dwayne Stafford; City Accountant, Terrance Post; Administrative Secretary, Sheila Stowell; and Building Inspector, David Scherbel. Mayor Probst arrived at 5: 15 p.m. CITY ISSUES - SHORT TERM a. Code Enforcement Update Discussion Cindy Walsh, Community Development Director, and David Scherbel, Building Inspector, provided an update and status report on several outstanding code enforcement issues as follows: . 3171/3183 Lexington Avenue Mr. Scherbel reported that a certified letter had been mailed to the property owner on July 6, 1998, allowing him until August 14, 1998 to improve the property. Mr. Scherbel reported that apparently the property owner was attempting to sell the properties. Mr. Scherbel stated that, if no resolution was forthcoming in resolving the matter, implementation of condemnation proceedings would be requested at a future Council meeting. Mr. Scherbel noted that previous file photos indicate that a prior condemnation may have been initiated by the City. . 1875 Lake Lane Mr. Scherbel reported that the property owner had been allowed until August II, 1998 to bring the property up to code. Mr. Scherbel stated that, if no resolution was forthcoming in resolving the matter, implementation of condemnation proceedings would be requested at a future Council meeting. . Indian Oaks Cirele Ms. Walsh and Mr. Schcrbel reported that several outstanding boundary issues have been encountered in the Indian Oaks area. City Attorney Filla has sent a letter to area property owners stating that the City will be issuing no permits in the neighborhood until all property dispute concerns are resolved. Mr. Scherbel stated that, when the property owners have resolved their various issues, the City has offered to re-plat the area for the neighborhood. Mr. Scherbel has provided mediation information to the residents. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JULY 20. 1998 2 Councilmember Larson questioned whether resolution of the issue created any variance issues for the City. The consensus of staff and Councilmembers was that it did not. Councilmember Keirn suggested that, once the issues are resolved, the City tile appropriate papers with the County now, rather than when the issues are resolved, so the title company will have their findings for the plat. Councilmember Aplikowski questioned whether the City should take the lead in resolving this issue. Mr. Fritsinger responded that City Attorney Filla is suggesting that, due to the legal issues involved, the City not become a participant at this time. Attorney Filla may set up a meeting between appropriate City staff and residents if it is agreeable to residents and appropriate to the cause. Mr. Fritsinger stated that, in the meantime, staff would continue to serve as liaisons for mediation, but not decision-making. . U.S. West Antennas Mr. Scherbel reported that the City had given U.S. West a deadline of July 17, 1998 to remove the antennas. Mr. Scherbel reported he had been contacted by the U.S. West Engineer, and while not having received an official company opinion or position, U.S. West would be removing their antennas from the tower, due to reported lack of structural stability of the tower. Mr. Scherbel questioned whether the existing tower, without the addition of additional antennae, had actually met state code, and that in order to have it meet state code, more antennae need to be removed. Further discussion items included specifications of the City's Special Use Permit; Mr. Vaughan's desire to upgrade the tower or install a larger tower; and whether the structural problem presented a fundamental public health and safety concern and future liability for the City. Mr. Fritsinger stated that City Attorney Filla should become involved at this point in resolving the issue of the structural integrity of the tower. . North Heights Church Exterior Mr. Fritsinger and Mr. Scherbel reported that the property owner had met the majority of the requirements and deadlines of staff, with minor items remaining regarding completion of brick painting and submission of reports on paving and elevator installation. b. TCAAP Strategies Mr. Fritsinger presented and reviewed a variety of detailed strategies related to the pending list of outstanding TCAAP projects previously established by the City Council. Discussion included how these items may influence the 1999 Budget and Council direction for staff in response to these projects as outlined. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JULY 20. 1998 3 Discussion items, and proposed staff strategies, were as follows: . City Hall Facility Site Strategy: Identify who has the lease and determine what needs to be accomplished for final approval of the lease. If delays in transfer continue, no later than May I, 1999, meet with parties to determine whether additional resource allocation or outside assistance is necessary. Outside Assistance: Staff does not believe there is a need to establish a task force to assist with the transfer process. However, it may be necessary to receive legal and congressional assistance, dependent upon the timing of the transfer process. 1998/1999 Budget Impact: Outside of the funds already set aside in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), staff would estimate the need for approximately $10,000 to accomplish this task. Discussion: Mayor Probst reported that in his conversations with General LeBlanc, the General has instructed his staff to accommodate the lease to the City, and they have prepared the lease form for signature when the property becomes available. Mayor Probst had suggested the City may wish to become more actively involved in moving the process along, but the General had requested that the City continue their current process. Mr. Fritsinger stated he had been in contact with the National Guard's attorney, and he was familiar with the procedure since he had worked on the Army Reserve Center retrocession procedure. It is anticipated that the City will receive a long-term lease, with in-kind services as the payment condition. . Fox 29 TV Tower Strategy: The City should forward letters to its congressional delegates, adjacent cities and appropriate federal agencies indicating Arden Hills' opposition to the proposed tower. This letter would clarify that we believe better opportunities exist that need to be explored, and request that Fox 29 demonstrate why they can't construct the tower elsewhere. In the case that the City is informed that the location on TCAAP is likely, the city should request that Fox 29 demonstrate how their presence can be minimized on the site, how critical habitat is avoided, and how the proposal meets the goals identified in the re-use plan. Additionally, discussion should take place with appropriate federal agencies to ensure that this will not lead to a proliferation of undesirable uses on TCAAP. Outside Assistance: Staff does not find a need to create a task force to discuss this issue. Legal assistance may be necessary. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JULY 20. 1998 4 Budget: Staff would anticipate spending up to $10,000 to accomplish this task. Discussion: After discussion regarding public documents and public opposition; public perception; FAA tower location suggestions; future development of additional towers; and other options available to the City, it was the consensus of the Council to rework the City's strategy on this item to indicate unequivocal opposition to City support ofthis tower request. . Highway 96 Reconstruction and Area Development Strategy: Direct the County to prepare plans for the entire length of Highway 96 through Arden Hills, and to pursue federal funding to allow for the construction of this road in 2000-2002. Ifnecessary, assist in the facilitation of conversations between federal and county officials in the acquisition of land/ROW for the interchange area as it relates to TCAAP. Outside Assistance: The City utilized the Highway 96 Task Force to prepare recommendations to Ramsey County and the City Council. The work of this task force is complete. For the remainder of the work remaining related to Highway 96/Highway 10 only some legal/lobbying assistance may be necessary. Budget: Outside of expenditures already identified within the five year CIP. The city may incur additional costs of approximately $5,000 to accomplish this task. Discussion: Mr. fritsinger stated that this is the highest monitoring priority at this time, with little direct cost to the City due to Ramsey County and the State of Minnesota driving the proj ect. Mayor Probst stated the Council needed to see the final design after it was put together by Ramsey County to make sure it was in line with the general discussions held between all parties. Mr. Fritsinger stated that Ramsey County had held their initial meeting with the City of New Brighton last week regarding the Highway 96 project. Mr. fritsinger noted that City of New Brighton officials involved in the discussion, were agreeable with the project, but no time frame had been discussed at this point. Staff is attempting to set a meeting next week between the respective Mayors, engineers, City Managers/Administrators, and other involved parties to further discuss the project. Further discussion items included project funding; timing of the project by Ramsey County and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JULY 20. 1998 5 Mr. Fritsinger stated that he and Mr. Ringwald had met with MnDOT officials several weeks ago, and that funding is currently available and MnDOT is pursuing the entire Arden Hills portion of the project - from Lexington Avenue to Old Highway 8 - as a federal project in the year 2000. This would require the County to complete their design by April or May of 1999. . Residential Building Demolition and Potential Excessinl: of Prooerty Strategy: Determine exactly, "What is the excessing process?". Once we know what and who this all entails, further evaluate the strategy to influence it, which includes, "When are we in?; What's left to do?; Do we need to influence it?; If so, what and why?" Outside Assistance: No task force is necessary. Legal/Consultingllobbying assistance would all be necessary. Budget: An approximate budget would be $50,000 to accomplish this task. Discussion: Mr. Fritsinger reported that this portion of TCAAP was the first piece to be worked through the excessing process, and that the community has never pursued participation or whether we want to monitor or influence it. Mr. Pritsinger advised that there were numerous federal branches that may have first opportunity to obtain the property; making it necessary that the City regroup and become an active participant. It was the consensus of the Council that we need to control this first key property, or lose future participation; budget impacts; leverage issues; and meeting with GSA staff to confirm their support of the plan. . Re-Use Plan Strategy: There are three components to this strategy which are: . Adopt the Comprehensive Plan Update . Refresh memories of decision makers as to what the plan entails (constituency building) . Conduct Phase II Plarming activities Outside Assistance: The Arden Hills Task Force and the Vento Re-Utilization Committee have completed their work with the Phase I plarming. On the Phase II plarming it may be appropriate to re-energize a task force on this issue. On implementation, there is no need for a task force, but legal/lobbying/consulting will all be necessary . Budget: The Comprehensive Plan update is already funded. The cost for constituency building is estimated at $5,000 and the cost for the phase II planning is estimated at $300,000. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JULY 20 1998 6 Discussion: It was the consensus of the Council that Phase II of the reuse plan appeared to be the biggest priority issue; how best to implement the plan; and the necessity of finding the outcome of this project to determine other issues. . Miscellaneous Other Outstanding Project Items Strategy: The City Council asked staff to prepare a strategy for those projects not identified as an immediate priority. The proposed strategy would be: , "Continue to monitor all of the various aspects of TCAAP" , "Continue to re-evaluate on an on-going basis changes in priorities when a higher priority item is completed, and/or when there is some level of influence from an outside source on a project/issue 2. Other outstanding projects/issues Joint maintenance facility; retrocession; County Road I reconstruction/redevelopment; joint athletic facilities; Alliant Techsystems consolidation; utilities; relationship with federal agencies; and clean up procedures. Discussion: After substantial discussion, the Finance Committee Liaison (Councilmember Aplikowski) and staff were directed to notify the Finance Committee Chair (Chuck Mertensotto) of the Council's charge for the Committee to establish strategies and a proposed budget, within the next 45 - 60 days, for Council consideration on the proposed construction of a joint maintenance facility. Specific direction included: methods for (A) How to fund our portion of facility; and (B) Can City finance whole project? c. 1999 Budget/CIP Update Don Szurek, Fire Chief with the Lake Joharma Volunteer Fire Department (LJVFD) and Paul Bergmann, Department Secretary, were in attendance to review various operational and budgetary requests of the LJVFD. Discussion items included equipment upgrades; accountability of the LlVFD and City regarding expenditures and requests; timely submission of CIP requests and expenditures; rationale of the LlVFD regarding expenditures; re-establishing the trust of involved parties; Alliant Tech funds; levy limits of the City and the challenge to the department to accommodate those limits in funding requests; districting calls; and overall planning strategies of the department and communication of those strategies to the City's. Mr. Szurek commended Mr. Fritsinger on his work in revising the Joint Powers Agreement and draft future contract between the City's of North Oaks, Shoreview and Arden Hills. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JUL Y 20. 1998 7 It was Mr. Szurek's opinion that the Joint Powers Agreement, and proposed Fire Board, should allow more questions to be asked on a regular basis, issues to be sorted and solved, and a basic rebuilding of trust between the department and cities. Staff was directed to include as a Consent Calendar item on July 27, 1998, City endorsement of the purchase of one grass rig by LJVFD that is stored at Station No.1. Mr. Szurek advised stafI and Councilmembers that a 1997 Audit report should have been received by the City, and a full detailed line item budget for 1997 and 1998 would be forthcoming. Mr. Fritsinger introduced a number of prioritization issues needing to be addressed before preliminary budget and levy adoption, and provided an opportunity for the City Council to measure the provision of City services against the Philosophy of Governance adopted as part of the I 998 Retreat. Mr. Post presented general operations expenses and key service issues for 1999, along with a revised CIP for Council review. Items discussed included police and fire protection; economic development; I-35W Corridor Coalition projects; TCAAP issues; general personnel costs; building inspection projected revenues; pavement management program scope; and parks maintenance items. General operations issued discussed included, annual temporary City Hall lease costs at 4364 West Round Lake Road estimated at $51,500; levy limits of approximately $1,910,930 (a 2.50% or $46,608 allowable increase); LP A of $11 ,235 (a $1,593 reduction from 1998); HACA of$90,683 (no change from 1998); and an increased level of tax petitions which may result in a higher planned delinquency rate than that used in 1998 (i.e., 2.0%) After considerable discussion, staff was directed to review the rate structure for the surface water management, water and sewer funds; maximize the proposed levy increase at 2.45 - 2.50% range; identify big items for possible cuts; consider a proportionate increase for LJVFD and Ramsey County Sheriff; budget ramifications of high-priority TCAAP issues; Philosophy of Governance as it relates to the budget; and provide the proposed preliminary budget at the August Worksession. CITY ISSUES - LONG TERM a. Planning Commissioner Interviews Mr. Fritsinger stated that no applications had been received at City Hall for the Planning Commission vacancy. The City may wish to interview any of the individuals who submit applications for the Planning Commission vacancy. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JULY 20. 1998 8 Mayor Probst stated he had contacted one candidate that had applied during the last vacancy, Mr. Jay Schrankler. Mayor Probst stated that Mr. Schrankler was interested, and sought Council input on what process they wished to consider. After further discussion, it was the consensus ofthe Council to make additional contact with two additional candidates from the 1997 vacancy, Mr. Larson and Mr. Baker, and if they are interested and available, schedule interviews with them and Mr. SchrankIer. It was requested that the potential candidates be made aware that there were multiple candidates and only one openmg. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FEMA Application Mr. Fritsinger stated that, after further review and consideration, he and Mr. Stafford had determined to not file an application to FEMA for reimbursement of storm-related expenses for assistance to Shoreview. .Joint City Meeting/Fire Department Contract Mr. Fritsinger advised Council that he was attempting to schedule ajoint meeting on August 12 or August 19, 1998 between the Cities of Arden Hills, North Oaks, and Shoreview regarding the Joint Powers Agreement and Contract with the LJVFD. Arden Hills Library Mr. Fritsinger stated that he and Mayor Probst had met with Ms. Mary Ann Roos regarding the Ramsey County library system and the future of the Arden Hills branch. Ms. Roos was seeking input as to the City's position on future options. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the library had building bond payments through 2003, and that any new buildings or expansions would not take place until after that time. Discussion items included the hours and usage ofthe library; and possible redevelopment at County D and Cleveland Avenue. The City indicated that it would be open to future conversations on the library system in northern Ramsey County. TIP Councilmember Malone provided information from the State's Transportation Improvement Plan, and asked that copies be provided to all Councilmembers. Council Chambers Councilmember Keirn encouraged that Councilmembers and residents use the Council Chambers door, so the general office area could be secured after hours. . . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JULY 20. 1998 9 Council Liaison Appointments Mayor Probst requested Council consensus and placement on the July 27th Consent Agenda the following reappointments due to the resignation of former Councilmember Hicks and the appointment of Council member Larson: Planning Commission Acting Mayor Public Safety Commission Newsletter Committee Councilmember Malone Councilmember Malone Councilmember Larson Councilmember Larson Councilmember Schedules Councilmember Aplikowski stated she would not be in attendance at the July 27th meeting; Mayor Probst stated he would miss the August 10th meeting, and possibly the August 24th meeting. ADJOURN Mayor Probst adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:50 a.m.