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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 03-11-1991 .... MINUI'ES OF THE ARDEN HILlS RmJlAR CXJUNCIL MEEl'ING KlNDAY, MARCH 11, 1991, 7:30 P.M. - CITY HALL . Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Sather called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL 'lhe roll being called the following members were present: Mayor 'lhornas Sather, ColU1cilroembers Nancy Hansen, Paul Malone, JoAnn Growe and 'lhornas Mahowald. Also present: Planner John Bergly, Att=ney Jerry Filla, Engineers Terry Maurer and Mark Graham, Park Direct= John Buckley, Public Works SUperintendent Dan Winkel, Clerk Administrator Gary Berger and Deputy Clerk Catherine Iago. CALL 'IO ORDER ADOPr AGENDA Malone moved, seconded by Growe, to adopt the March 11 Agenda as suJ:mitted. Motion =ied unanilnously. (5-0) c.ouncil1neJnber Malone requested the 2/25/91 minutes be amended, under Consent Calendar discussion, second sentence, as foll=: APPROVE MINUI'ES ....and expressed concern that the estilllated cost for printing a brochure with the City of Sh=eview is expensive; requested staff insure the costs are equally distributed between the two cities." Counci1rnember Mahowald questioned if the 2/19/91 Worksession minutes have been completed. Clerk Administrator Berger advised the minutes will be fOJ:Ward.ed to Council at a future meeting. . Mahowald moved, seconded by Malone, to approve the February 11 Council minutes, as suJ:mitted, and the February 25 Council minutes, as amended. Motion =ied unanimously. (5-0) OJNSENT CALENDAR c.ouncil1neJnber Malone requested Building Inspector Kriesel prepare a report on the Boundary Law seminar for Council review, Item 4 (b) , after attendance at the seminar. eouncil1neJnber Mahowald referred to Item 4(d), Keithson Pond Appraisal, and questioned if staff is requesting authorization to retain the services of Mr. Davis to accamplish the appraisal. Clerk Administrat= Berger advised staff will be contacting Ramsey ColU1ty to determine a "fair market" value of the 2.5 a=es of land and begin negotiations with Mr. Reiling to obtain the temporary easement. He explained that if an initial offer is rejected by Mr. Reiling, staff may recarmnend retaining the services of Mr. Davis for an appraisal. Berger in:iicated this item is suJ:mitted to Council f= intornational purposes. Hansen moved, seconded by Malone, to approve the Consent Calendar as suhnitted and authorize execution of all nE'C€'~S<1ry documents contained therein: a. b. c. . d. e. Approve Business Licenses. Request Attendance at One Day Seminar. Approve 1991 Diseased Tree Removal Contract. Aclmowledge Keithson Pond Appraisal Infornation. Approve List of Clailns and Payroll. PUBLIC OlMMENTS None. , " ".: Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular council Meeting, 3-11-91 Page 2 . DISCUSSION; LEX/FOX BUSINESS 1\RFA REZONING Council was referred to the planning Commission minutes elated 3-6-91, and the report from Clerk Administrator elated 3-8-91, regarding the proposed rezoning of the Lexington/Fox Business Area. Planner Bergly advised a public hearing was held at the Planning Commission meeting and two property owners expressed ooncern relative to the proposed rezoning of their existing business sites: 1. Tyson O::IlTg:lanies, 1300 Grey Fox Road, from I-2 to I-Flex, and, 2. Pugleasa Company, 1253 Connelly Avenue, fram I-2 to B-2. Bergly explained the Tyson O::IlTg:lanies expressed ooncern that the proposed I-Flex District Regulations will have a significant negative impact on the value of the property and ccmqJaI1y representatives suggested a chan;Je in the language of the ordinance, which defines the existing use of the site as a permitted use in the I-Flex District. He further explained the existing language states the present use of the site is all~ to oontinue as a Special Use and expansion of the use will require the property owner to follow the regulations in the I -Flex District through the SOP procedures. Bergly indicated the Pugleasa property is located south of the railroad tracks and adjacent to the initial study area. He advised a letter was received from the owner's legal counsel stating the Company invested a substantial amount of money in acquiring the property and oonstructing a new wilding on the site in 1986. It further states that if the proposed rezoning is approved and the existing use is not permitted in the B-2 District, it would =eate a serious . hardship and prevent further expansion of the existing use. Bergly advised the Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning, excluding the Pugleasa property at 1253 Connelly Avenue to allow the Planner to oonduct an investigation as to the current use of the site and report to the Commission at the regular meeting in April, and to request Council direct staff to work with the Tyson representatives to clarify the language pertaining to existing warehousing uses on Grey Fox Road. . Council was referred to a letter from Attorney Filla, dated 3-11-91, relative to conversations with property owners on Grey Fox Road and proposed chan;Jes to the I-Flex District Regulations. Attorney Filla reviewed the infonnation in the letter and discussions with Tyson property owners. He suggested council oontinue discussion of the rezoning to the April Council meeting, to allow further too for staff to review alternative language in the Tyson matter, and for Planning Commission to review infonnation fram the Planner regarding the Pugleasa site. Filla also recammended Council take action on the matter of amending the Comprehensive Plan, Resolution No. 91-17. Mahowald moved, seconded by Malone, to table discussion of the proposed Ordinances Nos. 277 and 278, relating to the Rezoning of the Lexington/Fox Business Area to the regular Council meeting held in April, to allow staff review of possible alternative language relating to the existing warehousing uses on Grey Fox Road and review of infonnation relating to the Pugleasa property on Connelly Avenue by the Planner and Planning Commission. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) .. ~... . . . Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meetin;J, 3-n-91. Page 3 RES. #91.-1.7 Moved by Mahowald, seconded by GroWe, to adopt Resolution No. 91.-1.7, AMENDING'lliE <X1>IPREHENSIVE PIAN FOR 'IRE CITY OF ARDEN HILlS BY INCllJDING 'IRE PlANNING SIUDY FOR'lliE LEXINGI'ON/FOX BUSINFSS ARE/\. AND ANY REIlISIONS '10 'lliE SIUDY. Motion =ied unanimously. (5-0) CASE #91-01.; SITE PIAN REIlIEW, r-DUNDS VIEW H. S., 1.900 CX>UNTY ROAD F Council was referred to the Planner's memorandum and Plannin;J Commission minutes dated 3-6-91., relative to the application f= site Plan Review for Mounds view High School f= site i1tg:lrovements. The Planner explained the request includes four items for cxmsideration and briefly outlined the proposal. He explained that a Master Plan for the high school was previously approved by Council, with the stipulation that any proposed cxmstruction plan or changes to the site plan J::e reviewed by Planning Commission and approved by Council. Bergly reviewed the Commission discussion relative to the proposed landscapin;J on the site; the zoning code requirement would require planting of three trees or shrubbery. He stated that the applicant preferred to plant trees rather than install shrubs, due to ease of maintenance on trees versus shrubs, therefore an additional tree was included in the landscapin;J. John OstIUJrl, representin;J the School District, advised that maintenance of shrubbery is more "labor intensified" than maintainin;J the trees. He agreed to install shrubs along the retainin;J wall, however, the Cammission still recommended a fourth tree J::e planted. OstIUJrl advised the school district is not oppose::l to the plantin;J requirements. Council questioned the cost differential to construct the concession wilding with brick versus concrete bloCk. Architect Bill Martin advised the cost is approxilnately $1.2,000.00 higher to cxmstruct the wilding with brick and the school district would have to eliminate some of the other site amenities if brick is utilized. He explained the intent is to utilize a color scheme on the proposed wilding that is similar to the color of the school bJilding. Malone moved, seconded by Growe, to approve Case #91.-01., site Plan Review for Mounds view High School, based on the findin;Js and conditions as outlined in the Planner's report and listed on page 5 of the Plannin;J Commission minutes dated 3-6-91.. Motion =ied unan:i1oously. (5-0) John OstlUJrl, representin;J the School District, expressed gratitude to the Light Brigade f= their generous contriJ::ution which will fUJrl the cxmstruction of the proposed concession and storage facilities at Mounds view School. RES. 91.-16; ORDER FFASIBILITY SI'UDY, 1991. PARK/TRAIL Council was referred to the 3-5-91. memorandum from the Park Director, relative to the proposed 1991. Park/Trail Development, as reconunended by the Park Committee. The Park Director outlined the proposed park improvements, which include resurfacin;J of existin;J termis/hard courts, cxmstruction of additional termis courts in Ingerson Park, Construction of bike/walking trails and hard surface in 0Jrmnings, Floral and Hazelnut Park to connect with the existing trail system. Buckley displayed diagrams of the proposed improvements. , .. . . . Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, 3-11-91 Page 4 RES. 91-16 (Cont'd) Council questione:i the arrangement of the basketball court at CUmmings Park and suggested it be changed to allCM full-court play, rather than half-court play. The Park Director explained it aj:pearS the use of the court with the current arrangement allows two separate groups to participate in the activity at the same time; agreed it could be easily chan;Jed to acx:ornmodate full-court play. Buckley advised that neighborhood meetings were held to discuss the illlprovements. Hansen moved, seconded by Mahowald, to adopt Resolution No. 91-16, ORDERING PRELIMINARY FEllSIBILITY REroRr FOR 1991 PARK IMPROVEMENI'S. Motion carried unanim::lusly. (5-0) <XlNCEPI' RPI'; COUNTY RD. I ALIGNMENT Council was referred to a report fram the Clerk Administrator dated 3-7-91, relative to the Draft County Road I Concept Report fram Ramsey County. Berger reviewed the meeting held with staff, Ramsey County representatives, Shoreview city staff and Arn1y officials to discuss the proposed inprovement project and aligrunent alternatives. Engineer Maurer explained that this is a "concept" report, not a feasibility study and the matter will have to return to Council in the form of a feasibility study, with costs outlined. He advised that this matter was before Council in 1988 and Alternative #1 was chosen as the Council preference. Maurer briefly outlined the four alternatives, noting that Alternative #4 is recommended by the City of Shoreview and the County, and is the only straight aligmnent of the roadway proposed. The Engineer explained that strictly from an engineering standpoint, Alternative #4 is the best choice for aligrunent. He advised the problem with Alternative #4 is that it will open a number of fiscal concerns for Arden Hills, due to the County funding policy; it is the most costly alternative for the City of Arden Hills. He advised the feasibility study should outline several senarios for cost participation and funding methods. He noted the City has the responsibility for aoquisition of 2.6 acres of land in conjunction with aligrunent alternative #4; the other alternatives do not require land aoquisition. Engineer Maurer reviewed the discussions with the City Engineer fram Shoreview and referred to camments in a memorandum fram Chuck Ahl, dated 3-7-91, which advises Shoreview staff has expressed a willingness to cooperate on cost discussions. Council questioned if the Arn1y officials indicated a willingness to donate the land necessary to a=rplish aligrunent alternative #4, and if the City is also responsible for other items such as moving the fence, aa::ess road, well and wetland issues. Ramsey County Engineer Kathy Roettger advised the Arn1y has expressed a willingness to provide the city of Arden Hills with a long-tenn lease for the land required for easement, at no cost to the city. Tim Mayasich, Ramsey County Planner, advised the County asStmtes the responsibility for all other items outlined in =njrmction with the realigrunent of the roadway. cormcil discussed the use of funds set aside for this project, which were obtained when the Arn1y Training facility requested utility service fram the two cities and =ncurred that Arden Hills cost participation should not exceed the amount received for this purpose. . I/' . . . Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, 3-11-91 Page 5 00. RD. I (Cent' d) Malone moved, seconded by Growe, to accept the proposed aligrnnent Alternative #4 for County Road I, as outlined in the Ramsey County Draft Concept Report, with the understarrling that the city of Arden Hills cost participation for construction of the roadway realignment will be limited to a:maximum of $70,000.00. Motion ca=ied unanimously. (5-0) RES. 91-18 & 91-19; NORm SNELLING AVE. IMPROVEMENI'S Council was referred to a rneJlK)randum fram the Clerk Administrator dated 3-8-91, and a letter fram Engineers Terry Maurer and Mark Graham dated 3-7-91, relative to the feasibility study for North Snelling Avenue street reconstruction. Engineer Maurer advised the estllnated project cost for reconstruction of North Snelling Avenue is $318,000.00 and a portion of the project cost is proposed to be assessed to the abutting properties, with the remainder funded by Municipal state Aid construction funds. He outlined the improvements to the roadway and e>q>lained the assessment policy indicates that all property with tax exerrpt status should be assessed at 100% of the cost of the inprove.ment and residential properties may be assessed at 50% of the cost of a standard street. Maurer advised that the MSA funds for the Hamline Avenue iIrq:Jrovement project have been rei1nl::ursed to the city; e>q>lained options for funding the Snelling Avenue iIrq:Jrovement with MSA funds and outlined some alternatives for utilizing the existing MSA funds. The Engineer advised two Council actions are required; receiving the feasibility study and ordering a public hearing on the improvement and ordering the preparation of plans and specifications. He indicated the recammendation to order plans and specifications at this time is to aCCOlllll1Ollate a fairly tight project schedule and proceed with this improvement concurrently with other projects. Maurer stated that if the project does not proceed, the monies spent for preparation will not be wasted, since the plans and specifications remain effective 1.ll1til utilized. Ce1.ll1cilmernber Hansen questioned how to respond to residents with concerns related to the proposed assessment for abutting property owners, versus an area assessment; this road is utilized by other persons than just area residents. Maurer referred to the section of the assessment l1'aI1ual which stated that property owners abutting the roadway are assessed the equivalent of a local residential street, rather than a collector/county road assessment rate. Councilmernber Malone explained the city cu=ently restricts the North Heights Lutheran Church parishioners fram executing a right turn onto Snelling Avenue; questioned if this requlation will still be enforceable. Attorney Filla questioned why the regulation was i1lIposed. Council advised the requlation was i1lIposed to divert traffic to Highway 96 and to limit the number of vehicles on Snelling, due to the condition of the road. Filla advised that property values increase due to the improvement and benefit to the property owner is the basis for justifying the assessment. Malone moved, secorx:led by Growe, to adopt Resolution No. 91-18, RECEIVING THE FEl\SIBILITY REEORr AND ORDERING A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE IMPROVEMENT IN THE MATl'ER OF THE 1991 NORm SNELLING AVENUE STREEI' RECONSIRUCl'ION IMPROVEMENI' AND CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON APRIL 29, 1991, AT 7:30 P.M., AT CITY HALL. Motion ca=ied unanimously. (5-0) Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, 3-11-91 Page 6 . SNELLING (Cont'd) Malone moved, seconded by Growe, to adopt Resolution No. 91-19, ORDERING PREPARATION OF PLIINS AND SPECIFICATIONS IN THE MATI'ER OF THE 1991 NORm SNELLING AVlllUE STREE:r REXXlNSTRUCl'ION :IMPROVEMJ;Nr. Motion caxried unarllinously. (5-0) INVESIMENT Council was referred to a report from the Clerk POLICY Administrator dated 3-8-91, relative to the proposed investment policy which was continued from the 1/28/91 Colmcil meeting to allow staff to review and make recommendations concerning the document. The Clerk Administrator advised the A=untant has suggested some significant changes in the dcx::ument and suggested discussion of the changes may be deferred to the March 18 Worksession meeting and the Accountant and Treasurer be requested to attend. Mahowald moved, seconded by Malone, to schedule a Council W=ksession to be held on March 18, 1991, at 4:30 p.m., to place the proposed Investment Policy on the agenda and to request the City A=tant and Treasurer to attend the meeting. Motion caxried unanimously. (5-0) . Council was referred to a memorandum from the Clerk Administrator dated 3-6-91, recommending approval of the Motor Vehicle Records policy, effective 3/11/91. Berger stated he contacted Karen Olsen regarding the language in the action level section of the policy and determined the word "discipline" may mean tennination, as outlined in the city Personnel Ordinance, Section 19-27. He noted the policy is highly recarnmended by the city's Risk Management Company and in general is a practice utilized by cities to nanage liability insurance. MJI'OR VEHICLE RE<XlRDS POLICY Colmcil questioned if the policy has been discussed with staff. Winkel stated the staff has briefly reviewed the policy and are aware of the fact the policy would be enacted. He advised the staff will be updated with the point schedule and action levels. Moved by Growe, seconded by Malone, to approve the Motor Vehicle Records policy as subnitted, effective March 11, 1991. Motion caxried unanimously. (5-0) PERF. APPRAISAL & SAlARY INCR; Aa1IN. SOCRErARY M.HILLYER Council was referred to a memorandum from the Clerk Administrator dated 3-6-91, regarding the annual perfornance appraisal for Administrative Secretary Mary Ann Hillyer. Berger stated Hillyer received a positive perfornance appraisal and recarnmended she be moved to step 5 in the 1990 plan, retroactive to December 28, 1990. Councilmember Malone questioned the length of time which has passed since the last salary in=ease f= this position. . Berger explained this individual was started at a higher level in the salary schedule, based on experience in municipal government and adjustJnents have been recarnmended to keep in compliance with the comparable worth regulations. . . . ... Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, 3-11-91 Page 7 HILLYER (Cont'd) Malone camnented that with the adoption of the 1991 pay plan, the Council has discussed the concept that adoption of the plan does not necessarily mean an automatic salary adjustment f= employees. Malone llIOVed, seconded by Growe, that based on a positive perfonnance evaluation for the Administrative Secretary, the individual be moved to step 5 in the 1990 Pay Plan, effective December 28, 1990. Motion ca=ied unanimously. (5-0) REQ. ANI'ENNA AD.TIJS'IMENT , CELLUlAR ONE, WARREN DUNIAP Council was referred to a report fram the Clerk Administrator dated 3-6-91, relative to the request fram Cellular One to reconfigure and adjust the type of antennae cu=ently mounted on the City water tower. Berger reported on the meeting held with Councilmen1ber Malone and Warren Dunlap, for the purpose of discussing two alternatives for antennae placement on the water tower. He advised the Planner and Public Works SUperintendent also reviewed the alternatives and the Planner agreed that either placement would be a=eptable. The Public Works SUperintendent expressed concern with the antennas being attached to the ring encircling the tower, since it is used f= maintenance of the tower, and preferred no antennae be mounted on the ring. Councilmen1ber Malone questioned if the applicant has a preference for the antennae placement. Warren Dunlap, representing Cellular One, advised either alternative would be acceptable. Malone questioned if Winkel was opposed to the antennae being mounted urrler the "bowl" of the tower, above the ring. Winkel stated he would not object to such a mounting if the clearance between the bowl and the ring was sufficient for maintenance purposes. Malone moved, seconded by Growe, to accept the adjustment of the Cellular One antennas on the city north water tower, as follows: 1. '!hat the first preference for placement would be to mount the two vertical antennas on the tank roof and mount the two panels urrler the bowl, conditioned upon the panels and attachment structures being painted white, and if such placement is possible without interfering with the apparatus ring f= maintenance purposes. 2. If it is detennined that the first preference for placement is not feasible, approval is granted f= mounting the two vertical antennas and two panels on the roof of the tower, conditioned upon the cables on the roof of the tower being painted white. Motion ca=ied unanimously. (5-0) COUNCIL <XI>lMENTS WINTER PKING. Councilmen1ber Hansen questioned if the winter parking regulations are assisting the employees with snowplowing. . . . ~ Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, 3-11-91 Page 8 PKING (Cont'd) Public W=ks SUperintendent advised the regulations work well during the evening hours, however, during the daytime the City ~loyees are still experiencing some snowplowing problems. CHAR. GAMBLING Council1nember Malone questione:i if charitable gambling cx:r-IPLIANCE donations to a Ramsey County agency, such as the nursing home, would be in COIIpliance with the "trade area" regulation incorporated. into the City Ordinance. Attorney Filla explained the trade area is defined as Arden Hills and cities contiguous to Arden Hills; suggested. the matter would have to be reviewed and a =nclusion drawn as to the acceptability of the donation. PARK PRO:iRAM SOFTBIILL REX;. Council1nember Malone questioned if the fees for park programs have been increased, as recc:munende:i. Buckley stated. the softball registration fees have been in=eased and the nonresident fee was double:i for softball activities. SIGNS; O)UN!'Y RD. F Council1nember Growe questioned if the daycare facility located. on County Road F was advised of the city sign Ordinance. staff =n=e:i to review the matter with the Building Inspector/Cede Enforcement Official. Council1nember Mahowald requested. staff request the property owner to remove the "lease" sign from the building on lilxington that Zeos will occupy. staff =ncurre:i to direct the Building Inspect= to contact the property owner and request removal of the sign. LEASE SIGN; ROBERI'S PROPERTY CITY HALL ~.; FINAL REPORT eouncil1nember Mahowald reported the City Hall Committee final report and reconunendation is being prepare:i and will be forwarde:i to Council in April. Mayor Sather suggested. an Ad Hoc Committee be appointed. for the purpose of identifying groups = organizations which will qualify as recipients of charitable gambling donations and assist the charities operating within the city to meet the "trade area" requirements as outlined in the Arden Hills Ordinance. He recommended the committee =nsist of three of the gambling managers from the Bingo Hall, one staff and one Council liaison, one clergy representative from a local church and three citizens at large. He referre:i Council to his memorandum of 3/11/91. AD OOC <XlolMI'ITEE; CHAR. GAMBLING JJCW\TIONS The May= requested. reconunendations for appoirrbnent be reviewed at the 3/25/91 regular meeting. JOINT CITIES MI'G; SHARED SERVICES Mayor Sather reporte:i on the joint meeting notification to discuss possible share:i services and requested. Council make an effort to attend. . . . ~. Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, 3-11-91 Page 9 ZYCI\D BlDG. Mayor sather reported on the status of the Zycad building f= possible use by the city to serve as a city Hall facility. He suggested staff contact the real estate representative to discuss possible lease of the facility, schedule a tentative tiIne for viewing the building, and report at the 3/18/91 Worksession meeting. AWOURN Malone !roVed, secorrled by Growe, that the meeting be adjow:nerl at 9:10 p.m. ,~ BMgVl Gary R. er Clerk Administrator ~~ 'Ihomas R. sather Mayor NOTICE OF MEEl'INGS 'Ihere will be a Council Worksession Meeting held on Monday, March 18, 1991, at 4:30 p.m., at City Hall. The next Regular Council Meeting will be held on Monday, March 25, 1991, at 7:30 p.m., at city Hall.