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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 06-03-1991 , MINUI'ES OF THE ARDEN HILlS SPEX::IAL CXlUNCIL MEEI'ING MONDAY, JUNE 3, 1991, 7:30 P.M. - CITY HALL . Pursuant to due call arxi notice thereof, Mayor Sather called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL 'Ihe roll being called the following members were present: Mayor 'Ihamas Sather, Counci1rnernbers Nancy Hansen, Paul Malone, JaAnn Growe arxi 'Ihamas Mahowald. Also present: Engineer Terry Maurer, Park Director JOOn Buckley, Public Works SUperintendent Dan Winkel, Clerk Administrator Gary Berger arxi Deputy Clerk Catherine rago. CALL TO ORDER AOOPI' AGENDA Malone moved, seconded by Growe, to adopt the June 3 Agenda as suhnitted. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) PUBLIC HEARING REmNSIDER NORIH SNELLING AVENUE IMPROVEMENI' Mayor Sather opened the meeting at 7:31 p.m., for the purpose of a Public Hearing to reconsider the street ilnprovernent on N=t:h Snelling Avenue. Clerk Administrator Berger verified the publication of the Notice of Hearing in the New BriClhton Bulletin on Wednesday, May 22, 1991, arxi mailing to affected property owners on Friday, May 17, 1991. Mayor Sather asked if any written correspondence relating to this matter has been received by the Administrator. . 'Ihe Administrator noted receipt of the following letters supporting the proposed ilnprovernent: Hellnar arxi Gen tklager, 4255 Norma Avenue, 5-24-91. laddie J. Eiling, President Arden Hills N=t:h Homes Association, 1472 Arden view Drive, 5-14-91. Bill arxi Virginia Anderson, 1360 Arden view Drive, 5-23-91. Toni Morgan, 1565 Briarknoll Drive, 5-29-91. Paul Olson, 4274 Oolleen Circle, 5-29-91. SUsan Liang, 1518 Dawn Circle, 5-28-91. Margery Olson, 4274 Oolleen Circle, 5-29-91. steve Poucher, 1548 Briarknoll Drive, 5-31-91. Mayor Sather requested cannnents from the floor be related to the proposed improvement of Snelling Avenue arxi explained that comments relating to the proposed assessment of the ilnprovernent would be heard at a later date, if the project is ordered by Oo=H action. He stated this will expedite the hearing pr=ess. Engineer Maurer briefly reviewed the proposed ilnprovernent project which includes reconstJ:uction of Snelling Avenue from Trunk Highway 96 south to Briarknoll Drive. He stated the proposed road ilnprovernent consists of a 36 ft. wide urban roadway, l:Jan"ier con=ete curb arxi gutter. He noted the provision for a parking lane, which will widen near the park area arxi accommodate approx:iJnately 6 to 10 stalls for park patrons. Maurer noted some discussion of a pathway during the neighborhood meeting held last week; indicated there did not a);l)ear to be much enthusiasm for installation at this time. . Counci1Inernber Hansen questioned if resident concerns relative to storm water pending will be elilninated with the installation of the storm sewer system. Minutes of the Arden Hills Special Council Meeting, 6/3/91 Page 2 . HRING. (Cont'd) Maurer explaine:l. the roadway will be constructed to allow low boulevard areas to drain toward the street. Council1neInber Malone questioned how the 36 ft. width proposed for North Snelling Avenue compares with other streets in the area. Maurer stated three streets in the area were measured; McClung, Briarlrnoll and ROyal Hills, and all three are 36 ft. from gutter line to gutter line, with the only difference being the type of curbing. Mayor Sather asked for camments from the floor either in fav= of or opposed to the proposed improvement. An unidentified resident questioned if the roadway improvement is eJqJeCted to increase traffic in this area. Engineer Maurer stated increased traffic would not be exclusively due to the roadway improvement. He explaine:l. future development of the vacant land and growth in traffic volumes will corrtriJ:ute to traffic increases. Maurer advised cu=ently there are approxilnately 700 cars per day using the street and a typical lot generates six to ten trips per day; the increase will be based on the number of developable lots multiplied by ten vehicles. He did not foresee a significant traffic increase solely based on the roadway improvement. . George Reiling, 661 Heinel Drive, Roseville, stated he is amazed this matter is being discussed this evening. He 8}(plaine:l. that the residents were clear at the previous public hearing they did not favor the improvement of the roadway and it appears improvement will be made even though the residents opposed the improvement. Dennis Pirkel, 1553 Briarlrnoll, stated he has lived in this neighlx>rhood f= four years and expressed concern that the street is in such disrepair. He explaine:l. the roadway corxlition is dangerous and creates a safety hazard f= children and drivers. O1arles Allen, 1575 Briarlrnoll Drive, stated all residents favoring the improvement should be asS0Ss'9d. He indicated it is unfair to assess only the adjacent property owners. Allen 8}(pressed concern that the removal of trees to a=mplish the ~vement will devalue prcperty in this area. He stated it is unclear as to why this matter has returned f= consideration. Mayor Sather 8}(plained this item is being recOnsideration based on one of the dissenting Council votes requesting reconsideration of this matter. Jim OstlllIKl, 1576 Royal Hills Drive, 8}(pressed concern relative to the allcx::ation of MSA funds. He offered backgrCll.UXi on the utilization of the funds designated f= roadway improvements; indicated the funds are not specifically dedicated for this project. OstlllIKl stated the residents are proposed to be 6SS<?Ssed at the same rate as a roadway which is not extensively used, such as a cul-de-sac. He further indicated that safety should be the main concern and recamrnended stop signs may have to be installed to insure safe vehicular traffic. . . . . Minutes of the Arden Hills Special eormcil Meetim, 6/3/91 Page 3 HRING (Cont'd) Nancy Heruth, 1538 McCllm3" Drive, expressed concerned that vehicles from North Heights llltheran Olurch may be allowed to travel south on North Snellim, if the roadway is iltprOVErl. She indicated at the present t:iJne the Church has been a wonderful neighbor. Heruth indicated traffic should be reviewed prior to determining if it is reasonable to maintain the ''No Right TlIl:n" restriction from the Church parking lot. She favored maintaining the restriction for vehicles exitim the Olurch parking lot. Mayor Sather ffilPlained eormcil has not discussed nor detennined if the right turn restriction is to be removed. eormcilrnember Hansen questioned the number of residents in the area that attend the Church. Heruth indicated there are few residents attendim the Church. Megan Ricci, 1510 Arden vista Court, stated she favors the road inprovernent and advised iltprovim the road should also i.nprove safety =nditions. Ricci expressed =ncern relative to the parking at the end of the street, near the park. She suggested creatim a parkim area in =junction with the road inprovernent and stronger enforcement of speed limitations. Gary Hotbmn, 1496 Briarknoll Drive, stated the roadway is extremely unsafe and it is dangerous to pass oncoming vehicles on the roadway; favored the road :inprovement. Jim Miller, 4482 North Snellim, questioned when camments relative to the assessment would be heard. He stated the roadway improvement is ~"'=ry and favored the iltprovement, however, wished to be heard at the appropriate t:iJne regardim the "'''''9Ssment of the iltprovement. Miller asked if a study has been made relative to the drainage problems in this area. Mayor Sather advised there would be a public hearim scheduled to discuss the aSE"ei:sment of the roadway inprovement, in the event the iltprovernent is ordered by Council action this evening. He explained all residents would have an opportunity to be heard relative to the proposed assessment at that t:iJne. Engineer Maurer stated previous studies were completed relatim to the drainage problems and a survey crew has gathered field infonnation to verify the information outlined in the study. Maurer advised the drainage issues relatim to the =nstruction of the road have been adequately addressed. He ffilPlained the drainage issues relatim to the undeveloped property have not been studied at this t:iJne, however, there is a plan which outlines placement and sizes of pipes to handle the drainage. Miller discussed drainage issues specifically related to his property with the Engineer . Maurer suggested he meet with Miller on site to review the drainage issues relatim to his parcel of land. Pete Prestrud, 1497 Arden vista Court, favored the road :inprovement and stated the iltprovement is necessary. He advised the "'''='''<:11leI1t issue is a separate issue and indicated he would express views relative to the assessment at the hearim. Bob Zapolski, 1511 Arden vista Court, agrees with other residents that the road is extremely dangerous and favored the road improvement. . Minutes of the Arden Hills Special O:>uncil Meeting, 6/3/91 Page 4 HRING (Cont'd) Bob Fleming, 1549 Briarlmoll, stated the road is in terrible shape am asked the residents aJ:utting the street if they experience =ncern when driving on the roadway , relative to children traveling on bicycles. He questioned how a resident would feel if a child were killed on the roadway. Mayor Sather suggested carnments relate only to the roadway improvement and noted it is lIDfair to assume the residents are not concerned for the safety of children traveling on the road. Francis Podlasek, 4410 North Snelling, questioned if the Churches adjacent to North Snelling are the driving force behind the reconsideration of the inprovement. He indicated the Ukranian Church property experiences severe drainage problems am suggested an extended ditch would have to be constJ:ucted to divert water fram the site. He indicated the aJ:utting residents should not be responsible for bearing the cost of improving the two church properties. Beth Schafer, 1479 Arden vista Court, stated it is extremely difficult to separate the inprovement issue am the prop:lS€d assessment of costs. She questioned if the safety issues have been sufficiently addressed. Schafer also expressed concern relating to the proposed crosswalk am parking near the park. She suggested the drainage issue warrants further study. . Dorothy McClnng, 4370 North Snelling, stated it is :inqx>ssible to separate the dollars fram the issue of inprovement. She questioned if other types of roadway inprovement have been considered which would be less expensive than reconstJ:ucting the street. McClnng referred to the safety issue; advised the residents are aware of the number of neighborhood children in the area and the concerns relate to other streets, as well as North Snelling. She questioned if issues relating to the park am drainage problems have been sufficiently addressed. McClnng suggested other methods of improving the road be studied. Zekeriya Yargici, 1516 Colleen Avenue, favored the road inprovement and expressed concern relative to safety issues addressed this evening. He stated he is a former Roseville resident am explained Arden Hills residents pay higher taxes and deserve better roads. Esther McClnng, 4326 North Snelling, explained residents should be aware of the fact that Snelling is a state Aid road am the city will be reimbursed fram MSA fW1ds for the improvement, as well as impose an assessment to property owners in the area. She stated the assessments collected would be used for a future road inprovement; noted HaInline Avenue am siems Court residents were not assessed for the roadway inprovements. McClnng explained this is the first time this has oo::u=ed in the City, due to the adoption of the assessment policy. Councilmember Mahowald explained the assessment am inprovement issues are not separate in the minds of the Council; indicated all carnments related to both issues are being considered. He advised the assessment is forthcoming am is to be discussed at the hearing. Mahowald carnmented that the Council detennined the assessment policy to be fair am all residents would be assessed for a roadway inprovement at some time, either now = in the future. . Councilmember Hansen reported that siems Court was not inproved by reconstruction, only bituminous overlay. Hansen noted that 100 percent of the MSA fW1ds received for this project will be utilized for the project, as well as the assessments received fram property owners for the reconstJ:uction. She advised the Church properties would be assessed at 100 percent of the costs of inproving the road am favored the inprovement. . . Minutes of the Arden Hills Special Council Meeting, 6/3/91 Page 5 fiRING (Cent'd) Mrs. Rydberg, 1486 Briarknoll Drive, stated the road needs repair and agreed the assessment issue is difficult to separate from the :i1nprovernent issue. She suggested Council consider an area assessment for all persons using the road. Mayor Sather reviewed the recently adopted asE:ocsment policy and noted that construction rates are set on an annual basis. He explained that any street reconstruction project, regardless of the roadway designation, is proposed to be assessed at 50 percent of the annual cost for that year; this year the annual cost is set at $55.00 per front foot, therefore, the assessment is proposed to be $27.50 per front foot to residents. He noted the C1lurch properties will be assessed at $55.00 per front foot, due to their tax-exempt status. The Mayor explained the monies received from state Aid are utilized for road ~ements and other items, such as the installation of signalization at Red Fox Road, Grey Fox Road and HaInline Avenue. Gene cafferty, 1556 Royal Hills Drive, supported the ~ement of the road. He questioned if there are optional plans for the road :i1nprovement. He suggested sufficient parking be provided by the park area. Councilmernber Malone advised there are plans and specifications for the road :i1nprovement at this time, as explained earlier by Engineer Maurer. Engineer Maurer explained the plans for the improvement are approximately 90% complete and the pathway/sidewalk mentioned earlier and parking situation at the park were issues discussed at a previous hearing. He advised sketch drawings were prepared for the neighborhood meeting last week and it appears there is no SUJ:POrt for the pathway. He explained parking is proposed from Royal Hills Drive to the south end of the park property; actually there is sufficient room for 26 parking stalls, however, the last half of the parking area would require excavation of the hill at the end of the street. Maurer advised area residents report approximately six to eight vehicles as the lOClSt they have seen parked for activities at Royal Hills park. He stated it was detemined that as many parking stalls as are feasible will be placed along the street between Royal Hills Drive and McClung Drive, stopping short of the hill area, and placing striped and signed pedestrian crossings at both intersections; it appears there may be ten to twelve stalls. Maurer stated the placement of stop signs has not been addressed at this time; nonnally signs are reviewed after completion of the road :i1nprovement. He explained a traffic study is authorized and a procedure is outlined by MN/OOI', with criteria to determine if a stop sign is warranted. Based on the discussion and public safety issues, Maurer carmnented that Council would consider such a study depending on complaints regarding public safety concerns. cafferty questioned if citizen input would be received relating to the amount of parking stalls, installation of stop signs and the design of the street. Maurer advised the road is proposed to be the same configuration as =ently exists, with a slight curve at the extreme north end; this is to align with the turn lanes onto Highway 96. . Councilmernber Hansen re::[Uested the Engineer explain why the road is scheduled for reconstruction versus bituminous overlay. . . . Minutes of the Arden Hills Special Council Meeting, 6/3/91 Page 6 HRING (Cont'd) Engineer Maurer explained the city =nducted a Pavement Management study in 1988, to detennine the status of all roadways in Arden Hills. He advised at that time North Snelling was not designated as a roadway eligible for MSA funjing, however, the inspection of the road indicated a rating f= reconstruction; advised there are four categories identified in the study: 1. No repair required; 2. Normal maintenance required: cracksealing/sealcoating; 3. OVerlay required; and 4. street reconstruction. He reIXJrted the rating was not based on the cost feasibility, only the rating in the Pavement study. Maurer reported there is no basic structural integrity to the roadway surface and, if a bituminous overlay is placed on the street, within two years the road would be back to its current =ndition with two inches of additional blacktop. CouncilInember Hansen reported the road was apparently =nstructed as an egress from the Arsenal property. John McClung, 4326 North Snelling, discussed the previous =ndition of the road, when drainage was properly addressed. He reported that City sewer and water improvements filled the drainage ditches and created standing water ponds. McClung thanked Councilmembers for the time spent with residents to answer questions and relieve same =ncerns related to the irrprovement. McClung discussed drainage problems in the area and expressed =ncern that if the excavation of same prcperties is not aClCOllplished during the road irrprovement prcx::ess, the drainage problems would not be eliminated. He expressed =ncern that he would again be assessed for future irrprovement. McClung questioned the utilization of MSA funds in =njunction with this ~vement, the amount to be funded, and discussed deferring funds for a number of years to pay the full amount of the project. Engineer Maurer advised the amount to be funded by MSA funds is $150,000.00; the City has the ability to encumber future years funding. eouncilInember Malone explained the time period for drawing funds f= a project and the advance encumbrance process. He indicated there are other projects which may qualify for MSA m:mies, such as signalization. Maurer advised this method of utilizing MSA funds is not a change in the City policy; the city has historically internally funded irrprovement projects and applied for reilllbursement of the funds. He briefly reviewed. the Hamline Avenue project. John McClung admitted the roads in Arden Hills are in poor condition. He thanked Council for the explanation of MSA funds and how the funds are utilized. John Buhajenko, representing the Ukranian Church, stated he is not cpposed to the i.JTprovement. He expressed concerns relative to the drainage problems on the Church property. eouncilInember Malone suggested the Engineer review the drainage =ncerns at this site. . . . Minutes of the Arden Hills Special Council Meeting, 6/3/91 Page 7 HRING (Cont'd) John Roth, 4293 Colleen Circle, stated Arden Hills is a ''million dollar" city and the roads are not indicative of this status. He conunented that inprovement of the roadway may assist the resident having trouble selling his home at this time. He favored the inprovement and suggested Council may consider an adjustment in the assessment rate for oversized frontage parcels. Councilmember Malone referred to the site plan for the Church and indicated the drainage should be addressed in conjunction with the approved grading plan f= this property. He advised the architect for the project should address these drainage issues. Unidentified resident, 1519 Arden vista Court, spoke in fav= of the iJnprovement. Mrs. Ingerran,1534 Royal Hills Drive, spoke in favor of the inprovement based on safety concerns. Grace Young, 4444 No. Snelling, COIIUIleI1ted that there is a certain "chann" to the road in its present condition. She expressed thanks to staff and Council f= the neighborhocrl meeting and f= the preservation of the trees. Mayor Sather asked for further comments from the floor. Hearing no response, the public meeting was closed at 8:50 p.m. Councilmember Mahowald commented that the discussions during both hearings on this matter have been infonnative and instructive to him. He indicated initially he favored the improvement and voted against the reconstruction based on the unanimous residential input opposing the inprovement. Mahowald stated he has since changed his vote based on the rationale presented by residents favoring the inprovement and the responsibility as a Councilmember to maintain the infrastructure of the City. Councilmember Malone stated the public hearing pr=ess and neighborhocrl meetings have afforded Counci1members an opportunity to become aaruainted with residents in this area and address individual concerns. He advised that although he would consider a request from the Church relative to rescinding the "No Right Turn" restriction onto Snelling Avenue, the remaining Counci1members may be opposed. Malone also noted that the drainage issues relating to the undeveloped property in this area may not be addressed until such time as a plat is filed for development. He indicated a willingness to review the safety concerns outlined by residents, relating to installation of stop signs. Councilmember Hansen reminded residents of the restriction which does not allow placement of plantings in City easements; indicated the city is experiencing problems due to residents plantings trees and installing other landscaping on utility easements. Malone move::l, seconded by Hansen, to adopt Resolution No. 91-35, ORDERING THE IMPROVEMENT IN THE MATI'ER OF THE 1991 NORI'H SNELLING AVENUE IMPROVEMENT. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Malone move::l, seconded by Hansen, to adopt Resolution No. 91-36, APPROVING THE PlANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND ORDERING THE ADVERI'ISEMENT FOR BIDS IN THE MATI'ER OF THE NORm SNELLING AVENUE IMPROVEMENT OF 1991. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) . . . Minutes of the Arden Hills Special Council Meet~, 6/3/91 Page 8 HRING (Cont'd) Malone moved, seconded by Hansen, to adopt Resolution No. 91-37, DEI'ERMINING ASSESSED COST OF IMPROVEMENl' AND ORDERING PREPARATION OF PIDPOSED ASSESSMENT ROLL IN THE MA'ITER OF THE NORlH SNELLING AVENUE IMPROVEMENr OF 1991. Motion =ied unaniloously. (5-0) Counci1member Hansen requested staff determine the dates of the street inprovements f= Royal Hills Drive, Briarknoll Avenue and McClung Drive, to determine if some residents are eligible f= a reduced assessment on a =rner lot, as specified in the Assessment Manual. She suggested this matter be discussed at the Council Worksession held June 17. Malone moved, seconded by Mahowald, to adopt Resolution No. 91-38, CALLING FOR HEARING ON PIDPOSED ASSESSMENT FOR 1991 NORlH SNELLING AVENUE IMPROVEMENl'S. Motion =ied unanillKJusly. (5-0) COUNCIL <XliJMENTS eounci1member Hansen suhnitted a resignation letter to Mayor Sather dated 6-1-91, which stated she has received a sabbatical leave and is resigning her p:lSition as Counci1member effective July 1, 1991. Mayor Sather and Counci1members offered congratulations to Hansen and expressed deep regret in receiv~ her resignation. RESIGNATION ; COUNCIIMEMBER NANCY HANSEN Council directed staff to prepare the appropriate Resolution for accept~ the resignation and declar~ a Council vacancy for action at the Regular Meet~ held Jillle 10. ADJOURN Malone moved, seconded by Hansen, that the meet~ be adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Motion =ied unaniloously. (5-0) Gary ~~!~ Clerk Administrator ;La ft;ft-- 'IhomasR.Sather Mayor NOrICE OF MEETINGS The next Regular Council Meet~ will be held on June 10, at 6:30 p.m., at city Hall.