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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 09-12-1977 , , MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Vi llage of Arden Hills Monday, September 12, 1977 - 7:30 p.m. Village Hall Ca I I to 0 rde r Pursuant to due cal I and notice thereof, Mayor Crepeau called the meeting to order at 7:30.p.m. Roll Call Present - Mayor Henry J. Crepeau, Jr., Councilmen Ward Hanson, Charles Crichton, Robert Woodburn. Absent - Councilman James Wingert. Also Present - Treasurer Donald Lamb, Clerk Administrator Charlotte McNiesh, Deputy Clerk Dorothy Zehm. . Approval of Minutes of Regular Council MeetlnQ of August 29, 1977 Woodburn moved, seconded by Crichton, that Councl I approve the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of August 29, 1977, as amended. Motion carried unanimously. Business from the Floor Douglas Barthany requested a status report relative to the hiring of a Police Chief for Arden Hills, and queried whether City Is consi derlng contracting for police protection with Ramsey County. Mayor Crepeau reported that the Council wi II discuss prepared by the Finance Committee re costs of County police protection later on the agenda (Item 8 AI.). selection has not been made to date. ""he report vs. City Po II ce Ch I e f REPORT OF VILLAGE PUBLiC WORKS SUPERViSOR HANS JOHANSEN Request for Additional Ful I-time Maintenance Employee and OJT Student Woodburn moved, seconded by CriChton, that Council authorize the hiring of OJT student Carl Karth @ $2.80/hour for the balance of year. Motion carried unanimously. Crichton moved, seconded by Woodburn, that Council authorize the hiring of a full-time qualified Public Works Department employee, as outlined In Johanse.n memo of 9/18/77. Motion carried unanl- 'mo'us', y. . Suspension of Public Works Employee Johansen referred Council to his memo of 9/9/77 re Suspension of Public Works Employee, outlining the reasons for suspension, as recommended by the Pubilc Works Committee and endorsed by Johansen. Johansen reported he discussed the matter with the employee prior to the time the employee was given letter advising of the three- d!!lY suspension. In rebuttal, Wayne Laundervllle read his response (dated 9/12/77) to letter of 9/9/77 from City; requested Council to delay .ctlon for one month; asked for a hearl ng before the Counc I' with his Union representative present. . After discussion, Woodburn moved, seconded by Hanson, that Council approve and affirm the three-day suspension, without compensation. Motion carried unanimously. Mayor Crepeau advised Laundervllle that the Council wIll meet with him and the Union representative at any time meeting can be arranged; should make arrangements with Cijerk Administrator McNlesh. REPORT OF VILLAGE PLANNER ORLYN MiLLER Case No. 77-33.Speelal Use PermIt for Twin City Chrls1'lan Homes Planner Miller referred Council to the draft of the Special Use Permit, prepared by Attorney Lynden; reported that no additional presentation Is proposed at tonight's meetIng; developers are present to answer any questions. It was noted that Council deferred action because of the concerns of neighboring residents relative to traffic, density, devaluation of surrounding properties, etc. Miller noted that comparisonS re density were made based on 50 single-family homes vs. the proposed retirement facility: -1- , Minutes of Regular Council Meeting Page two September 12, 1977 about 175 people about 275 people - single-family homes - apartments and nursing care units. Miller noted that standards have not been established for this type of facility. . Traffic evaluation: Single-family homes would generate more traffic on Pascal and Wesley Avenues. Retirement facility would generate more traffic on Snelling Avenue and Old Highway 10. Slngne-famlly homes traffic Is based on 8-10 tripS/day. Retirement facility Is anticipated to be from 2-4 trips/day. Peterson said that traffic generation depends on how available public and private transportation Is to the facility: TCCH will provide transportation for shopping etc., estimates 2 trips/day per unit. Miller noted that the streets that would serve TCCH traffic (Snelling, Highway 10 and County Road E) are adequate to handle this, and a great deal more, traffic: there Is no serious problem In that respect. Miller noted that the 50 homes (used In the comparison) would be on re-platted lots, not existing plat: number could vary up- ward for a PUD. Miller noted that the nearest units, as proposed, would be about 1600' from Lake Valentine; within about 600-700 feet of some low land, which mayor may not require an EAW (not determined>. Miller reported that the question of devaluation of properties Is primarily dependent on the quality of the apartment proposal and how well the site can accommodate them: If treated correctly en- vironmentally and aesthetically, It Is not necessarily true that surrounding neighborhood values would be devaluated, or that these surrounding properties would be also uti Ilzed for the higher density use. Miller noted that proposed building Is about 150' from the nearest residence; parking lot is about 200' from nearest residence; wi i I look for screening and bermlng In these areas. After discussion, Woodburn moved, seconded by Crichton, that Council deny the Special Use Permit for the TCCH retirement center Planned Development on the basis that: . I. land Is now platted for single-family residences (R-Il. 2. No better use has been shown for this land. 3. Density Is considerably higher than that of single- family home development. 4. Proposed .ratl rement fac III ty Is essent I a II y an apartment project (units sold as apartments) sponsored by a non- profit organization. In discussion Hanson noted that Councl i had approved a Special Use Permit for TCCH about two years ago; feels Council Is morally obli- gated to continue the Initial Special Use Permit which was granted. Crichton said he did not see some of the short-comings at time of the Initial proposal. Woodburn said that the density of the Presbyterian Homes Geriatric facility In an R-I zone, and the Impact that the Northwestern College Fine Arts facility proposal had In an R-I zone are examples of problems which are similar to those problems he envisions ~hls proposal could create. Crichton noted that the Impact of Presbyterian Homes and North- western College on the neighborhood could have been greatly reduced If a wider buffer strip were provided; did not see this impact when considering the Inltla.! Special Use Permit for TeCH. -2- Minutes of Regular Council Meeting , Page three September 12, 1977 Howard Kern, 1400 West County Road E, said the City should feel no moral responsIbility to TCCH; It was only after many assurances and much reservation that they received even a passive response from the community on the Initial proposal; after obtaining that Special Use Permit they did not follow through; a different build- ing Is proposed now. Kern said, If a poll were taken of Arden Hills residents, he feels that less than II would want an apart- ment next to them; apartments are not comparable to our existing homes. It was noted that this TCCH proposal Is lower In height but closer to the residential area than the previous proposal. . Architect Winsor said that only two stories 8"1" the end of the building will be visible to residential; traffic within the grounds wi II be peaceful - older people as contrasted to that of younger drl vers. Woodburn noted that the reason the first Special Use Permit was not used was because the deveioper could not find proper financing. Peterson said the nature of the facility has not changed; financing of the project has changed - are now aiming at a middle-upper Income group, rather than subsidized housing; "fee1 we have made Improvements In the site plan - moved buildings to the west and lowered them two stories; will provide screening to the residential area to the south; other directions are primarily naturally screened. TCCH Is not In the single-family home business; wants to provide a housing facility for the elderly prior to their need for a nursing home. Peterson referred Council to former Council Meeting Minutes which Implied that If a similar proposal were presented, Council saw no reason why It wouldn't be approved; density Is not Increased over the last proposal. Mrs. Stoutenberg, said the property Is zoned residential; would like to see It kept that way. Hanson advised that the Zoning Ordinance lists alternative land uses which are permitted in R-I zones with a Special Use Permit. Mr. Stoutenberg noted that when the project was formerly approved by Council, a petition opposing the project had been presented; another petition was presented against this proposal; apparently this petition carried more weight. Mayor Crepeau advised that the Council does pay attention to petitions; we accept and consider all petitions. Larry Peterson stated that at the last Public Hearing (held before the Planning Commission) many residents immediately adjacent to the sIte supported this proposal; the ordinance provides for develop- ments of alternative housing - thIs Is a residential development. The motion carried unanimously. . Case No. 77-40. Front Setback Variance for Garage Addition - 1840 Venus Avenue. Clifford Anderson Planner Miller referred Council to his report of 8/30/77 and ex- plained that the app~lcant Is proposing to convert the existing garage to laundry and living space and construct a new garage In front of the existing garage, requiring a 7' front setback variance; reason for modifying Is to provide laundry facilities on the main floor for medical reasons. Miller explained construction options which could be considered. An addition to the rear would require either a sldeyard setback or an off-set of the new wall; el"l"her would De less desirable to the applicant than the proposed construction; '~he front encroachment, as proposed, would not In his opinion adversely affect the appear- ance of the neighborhood; not convinced thore is a genuine hard- ship to the lot. Miller reported that the Board of Appeals and Planning Commission recommend Council approval, and 12 neighbors have endorsed the plan. -:i- Minutes of Regular Council Meeting Page four, September 12, 1977 Hanson said that strict interpretation of the ordinance dictates denial, but moved that Council grant approval of the 7' front setback variance because of the handicap Involved. Motion was seconded by Woodburn. in discussion, Crichton referred Council to the options noted by the Planner. Mr. Anderson advised that the reason the house Is located as it Is is because the area on the left was used by the Village for drainage; therefore, builder considered it to be unfit to build on, when house was constructed. Motion carried (Hanson, Woodburn, Crepeau ~otlng in favor of the motion; Crichton voting in opposition). Case No. 77-31. Preliminary Plat of Valentine Lake View No.3 Planner Miller reported that the Planning Commission continued the Public Hearing over a couple month's time because of the prob- lems of the site: a)Two steep slopes with low land In between; concern was primarily of drainage. b) Availability of sanitary sewer service for some lots. c) Nearness of the freeway. . Miller referred Council to his report of 8/30/77 which outlines his findings after preparing a grading study for the site based on information provided by the applicant, his surveyor, and Rice Creek Watershed District. Miller reported that Rice Creek Watershed District has granted approval of the most current plans; developer Is allowed to fil I to accommodate home sites and access, but the low meadow area Is not to be completely filled. Miller reported that the City Engineer Indicates no problems If filling Is kept to a minimum as proposed; recommends that existing storm sewer be extended to the southern edge of the cui-dc-sac; existing sewer line elevation will require pumping. Mi Iler reported that District Highway Engineer advises of no legislation to prevent residential construc- tion along freeways; new homes will not be considered for estab- lishing the need for future sound abatement programs. In revi,ew of the plat design, Miller noted that the plat consists of 4 lots and an Outlot; outlot to be consolidated with lot I, blk. 2, Valentine Lake View. Miller noted that Lot I is sub- standard (110' deep and 13,200 sq. ft. In area); adjustments to bring It up to standard would not Improve the buildIng site on Lot I, and would limit the building area of Lot 4. After review of the plat and discussion, Woodburn moved, seconded by Hanson, that Council approve the Preliminary Plat of Valentine Lake View No.3 with the following contingencies: Approval of final grading pian by City Engineer. Development can be accomplished with minimal grading. filling and tree removal. Building elevations can be established adequately above the low land of the site. The existing drainage outlet will prevent pondlng on the site. ' Construction of homes wi II not adversely affect drainage of adjacent properties; swales be required to direct drainage from yards around the proposed houses. Culverts are provided for driveways on lots 2 and 3. A catch basin Is provided to direct water from the cul-de-sac. Approval of sewer lifts by the City Engineer. Buyers are Informed that these lots will not be con- sidered for noise abatement programs. Consolidation of Outlot A with Lot to north (Lot I, Blk. 2, Valentine Lake View). Council expects no variances for houses on these lots. SUDdlvlsl~n Is subject to park dedication. I. 2. 3. 4. . 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. II. 12. , Motion carried unamlmously. -4- M1nutes of Regular Council Meeting Page fl ve September 12, 1977 it was noted that Council approves the varianc~for Lot I, which ,Is substandard In depth and area, and It Is understood that any required sanitary sewer Hlfts are to be owned by the property owners, not the City. Case No. 77-27. BulldlnQ HelQht Variance - Mutual Service Office BulldlnQ Planner Mi! lar reported that the Planning Commission determined that the best way to consider a height variance for the proposed Mutual Service building is to tie It to an elevation because of the undulating land: difficult to determine height from grade for the various building elevations. ' . Miller noted that the Planning Commission considered the impact of the building on the adjacent developments and recommends Council approval of a building height variance for the Mutual Service Office Bul idlng; elevation not to exceed 963' at top of roof deck with a maximum 30" parapet above the roof deck, and a maximum elevation of 973' at top of elevator penthouse; penthouse not to exceed 20% of main ,area of roof. ' Tom Lynch (Wlnsor/Faricy Architects) described the proposed building elevations - at main entrance (north side) at 924'; roof deck at 963': top of penthouse at 973'. South elevation cafeteria entrance at 898' elevation. in discussion, Miller noted that variances can be granted beCause of hardship arising because of speCial conditions applying to the structure or land in question. It was noted that Ord. 99 also permits bulldlngsthat exceed the height limits Imposed by provisions of the ordinance, by Special Use Permit (Sec IV, Q. Floor Area Ratiosl. Lynch noted that the building covers about 'i acres of the 54 total acres (40 acres 'f park and residential are excluded): proposed building wi I I be located approximately 500' from resl,den- tlal to the west, 600' from residential to the east and 900' from residential to the south. After discussion, Hanson moved, seconded by Woodburn, that Council approve building height variances as recommended by the Planning Commission (Minutes of September 6, 1977), subject to the additional contingencies that building entrance, at cafeteria, to be at a maximum 895' elevation and that pen+house not exceed 12% of main area of roof (Instead of 20% as recommended by the Planning Commis- sion). Refer to eievatlons on section drawings dated 9/12/77. Motion carried unanimously. Case No. 77-43. Variance from Ordinance 147 - Detached Garage, Jerry Beltz CArden Manor) Planner Miller referred Council to his report of 8/31/77 and to the Planning Comm1sslon recommendations (Minutes of Sept. 6th); suggested that anamehdment to the Spacial Use Permit for Arden Manor Is probably necessary, rather than a variance from Ordinance No. 147. . After discussion, Woodburn moved. seconded by Hanson, that Council deny the request for a varIance for a detached garage on the basis that garages are not permitted by the Special Uso Permit granted for Arden Manor, and would create a more crowded situation than is envisioned for the area. Motion carried unanimously. REPORT OF VILLAGE BUILDING INSPECTOR LARRY SQUIRES Recommendation re SIQn Permits and Licenses for Governmental AQencles~ Public Schools and Churches Squires referred Council ~to his memo of August 17th and noted that It has been Village policy to not require licenses for the County beach signs (Tony Schmidt Park), publIc schools, and churches. After discussion, Crichton moved seconded by Hanson, that Council authorize waiver of fees for governmental agencies, provIded Attorney Lynden determines It Is permissible to do so. Motion carried unani- mOlJsly. -5- Minutes of Regular Council Meeting Page six September 12, 1977 It Is Council's understanding thaT Permits and Licenses for these signs will be required and thaT governmental agencies Includes public but not private schools. . H.R.A. Basic Grant Program Squires referred Council TO his memo of 9/2/77 and noted That $3630.00 In rehabilitation grant funds have been reserved for Arden Hills residents. Money Is to be used for repairs to dwellings within the Village; a number of forms must be completed to determine eligibility of applicants, one of which Is that the adjusted gross income of all members of the household must be $5000 or less. Squires reported that a Grant Committee of at least 3 persons (Council, Staff, Cltizenl should be appointed to review applications and decide who shall receive the grant money. Squires noted that priority must be given to those re energy saving repairs and,to The handicapped. Council deferred appointment of the Grant Committee until the September 19th meeting; will accept nominations until that time. REPORT OF VILLAGE TREASURER DONALD LAMB Investments lamb reported that two CDs matured on September 1st In the amount of $111,511.09, and on September 8th in the amount of $150,000.00; Invested $100,000 In 30 day CD @ 5.7% Interest; balance, Including Interest, was deposited In Savings accounts. Crichton moved, seconded by Hanson, that Council ratify the Invest- ments as reported by Treasurer lamb. Motion carried unanimOUSly. OTHER BUSINESS Finance Committee A. Report of August 18th Hanson referred Council to cost comparison for 1978 Arden Hills Police Department vs. Ramsey County Sheriff Department, August 18, 1977; indicating an apparent savings of about $53,000 to the Village If services are contrected. CrlchtoP.~r~~~jed ~R~~ a cost comparison based on hls~1978 I the Arden HilUs Police Department which would employ five officers and a chief, no overt~~~A~~ part-time officers. His comparison Indicete~'~~~Y~ of about $4,200 If services are con- tracted. NOTE: Finance Commltte~ comparison was based on PrOposed 1978 Budget empioYl'ng six men and a chief, overtime and some part-time officers. After discussion, cost comparisons were referred to the Finance Committee and Council for review and discussion at the Joint September 22nd Meeting; matter was also referred to Lt. McCall to review Crichton's revised Police Dept. budQet figures for consideration at that meeting . B. Sewer Rate Study Committee Hanson referred Council to the approximate $40,000 estimated rate Increase for Arden Hills by the Metro- politan Sewer Commission; suggested that sewer rates be re-studied between now and the end of the year; suggested that Gray Henderson be requested )'0 work with the City relative to a possible need for a sewer rate Increase next year. Council concurred that Henderson be requested to work with the committee on this matter. It was noted that there may also be an Increase In water rates from St. Paul; should also Investigate this possi- bility re adequacy of Clty's current wllterrates. C. Recommended Use of Federal Revenue Sharing Council was referred to a Notice of Public Hearing on ~he Uses of Federal Revenue Sharing and the 1978 General Fund Budget. -6- Minutes of Regular Council Meeting Page seven September 12, 1977 Council concUrred with the proposed Ilst,of uses for publication In the Notice of Public Hearing; list Is subject to change after hearing Is held. Status Report - Park Dedications Crichton reported no progress to date. Floral Park Site improvement - lnfleid Material and Asphalt for Hard Court Area Crichton moved, s~onded by Woodburn, that Council authorize the purchase of Infield material and asphalt for the hard court area as requested. Motion carried unanimously. REPORT OF VILLAGE CLERK ADMINiSTRATOR CHARLOTTE MCNIESH . Group insurance Contract McNlesh referred Council to her memo re Group Insurance Contract Renewal (8/26/77); noted that rate increase of 10% will be effec- tive October 1st. Council concurred that contract be continued; matter to be referred to Finance Committee for review next year. Schedule Open House - Sponsored by League of Women Voters Council scheduled the Open House at 8:00 p.m. at the Village Hall on October 27, 1977. Caron Letter Re Seniority Council referred matter to Crichton to discuss with Union Repre- sentat I ve. Salary Review - Lt. DouQlas McCall Woodburn moved, seconded by Hanson, that Counci I approve an Increase in salary of $175/month, retroactive for periOd In position of Acting Chief; salary Increase to be applicable onHy while In the capacity of Acting Chief. Motion carried unanimously. Parks and Recreation Committee Resignation Crichton moved, seconded by Hanson, that Council accept the resig- nation of Ronald Lemke from the Parks and Recreation Committee. Motion carried unanimously. It was noted that the following Committees are short members for the balance of 1977: . Human RI ghts - 2 Pub II c Safety - 2 Parks and Recreation _ I Policy Re Sauad Cars Crichton reported that members of the Public Safety Committee have requested Council to reconsider Its policy to not allow riders In the squad cars. Crichton moved, seconded by Woodburn, that Council authorize mem- bers of the Public Safety Committee to ride In squad cars on occasion. Motion did not carry (Crichton voting In favor of the motion; Woodburn, Hanson, Crepeau voting In opposition.>. MTC Routes Woodburn noted that MTC Route '~8 fell short of anticipated rider- ship; are expecting to "pull back" on other routes as well. -7- . . , , Minutes of Regular Council Meeting Page eight September 12, 1977 McNlesh was requested to look up Council's former motion re the MTC route-; th rough Arden Hills. Adjournment Crichton moved, seconded by Woodburn, that the meeting adjourn at 12: 10 a.m. ~~ CllarloTte McN esh Clerk Administrator Notice of MeetlnQ The next Council Meeting wll I be held at 7:30 p.m. on September 19, 1977 at the Village Hall. -8-