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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 12-14-1992 '. . . MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING December 14, 1992 7:30 P.M. - City Hall ~~LL TQ_ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Sather called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. Present: Mayor Thomas Sather; Councilmembers JoAnn Growe, Dale Hicks, Thomas Mahowald, Paul Malone. Also present were: Councilmember-Elect, Beverly Aplikowski; City Planner, ,John Bergly; Clerk Administrator, Dorothy Person; Deputy Clerk/Zoning Administrator, Catherine Iago; City Accountant, Terry Post; Recording Secretary, Shar Foster. J\DQPT AGENDA Note was made that the original December 14 Council agenda . was revised by staff. MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Hicks, to adopt the revised December 14, 1992 agenda. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). APPJWYI'J'~F_C_QUfiCII. MINUTE.Q Councilmember Hicks requested the first sentence of Page 6 of the November 30, 1992 Council meeting minutes be revised to read " the City has control over the alternatives, it is up to the City to decide " in place of " the . City has little control over the alternatives, but it is up to the City to decide " Counci 1 agreed to this revision. MOTION: Hicks moved, seconded by Mahowald, to approve the minutes of the November 30, 1992 Regular Council Meeting with one revision to page six noted above. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). INTRODUCTION..9F SPECI~L_ GUESTS Mayor Sather acknowledged the presence of several Boy Scouts in the audience and their Leader, Mark Wi] berts . Sather , announced these Scouts from Pack 408 Den 2 have toured the Public Works/Parks facility and are attending the meeting as part of their community service badge award. Counci 1 welcomed the Boy Scouts. , , . Arden Rills Council 2 December 14, 1992 .c.91tS~!iL_<:.::ALEND~B. MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Growe, to approve the Consent Calendar and authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). a. Adopt Resolution No. 92-74 Relating to Apportionment of Assessments Relating to Improvement No. ST-81-2. b. Approve Pay Estimate #2 for 1992 Keithson Pond Improvements. c. Approve Purchase from 1992 Budget - Computer PC Workstation. d. Receive November 1992 Financial statement. e. Approve 1993 Liquor License Renewals. f. Approve Request for Funds - state Aid Allotment. g. Approve Authorization of Contract with Abdo, Abdo & Eick as 1993 City Auditor. h. Approve the Award of Quotes - Radder Equipment and I-Ton Truck Equipment (Plow and Sander) to . Flexible Pipe Tool Co. for $19,890.00. i. Approve List of Claims/Payroll. J'lUl~J~_c:QMkiENTS Ak~~RNATIVES FOR T.R. lUJSNELLING Jean Lemberg, 14.01 Skiles Lane, commented that she has learned there has been some public expression of opposition to one of the alternatives for opening the T.R. 51/Snelling intersection. She said she is aware of many residents who support the opening of the intersection with signalization but have not written letters expressing their support; she asked if Council would like to receive letters from those supporters. Administrator Person reported that recently three letters regarding this issue. Councilmember Ricks commented that he would be interested in knowing the desires of the residents in the area. Councilmember Malone reminded that in earlier discussions of this issue, both sides were represented, so Council is aware that there is not unanimous agreement on this issue. Malone added that when he reviews letters from the public, he views such letters as indicative of the position of the writer(s) only, regardless of whether the ... letter may state that the view expressed reflects the view ,., of an entire neighborhood or group. . Arden Hills Council 3 December 14, 1992 !!NF ll'i I SHE!:LbND__NEVLBQp I NE~Q Qb~_~J_92_::1..L=- M I NOR 2I,HU;l.HLSIQl'lD&'L COBSOLIDATION .QONTR9J,_ ..Pb..Tl,__l>Y S1']:.112 City planner Bergly explained that Control Data Systems is requesting approval to consolidate parcels which they own and then subdivide the consolidated property into three parcels. He outlined the boundaries of the subject parcel, and boundaries and ownership of adjacent properties. Bergly stated that the lot consolidation/minor subdivision would create parcels A, B, and C. He added that parcel A is the NSP substation, parcel B would be the combination of two parcels into a long, rectangular developable lot (for which there is already a buyer), and parcel C would be an L-shaped parcel which contains the north wing of the Control Data Systems building. Bergly stated that the Planning Commission has recommended . approval subject to the applicant dedicating rights-of-way where there are currently easements for abutting streets. He pointed out the location of util i ty and drainage easements and stated these easements have all been approved by the City Engineer. Bergly said recent State legislation, administered by watershed districts, requires that wetl ands be defined, so Rice Creek Watershed District must review and approve wetland easements. He added that the surveyor has revised the subdivision plan and descriptions and has incl uded all the easements as recommended by the Planning Commission, and those changes are included in the plans shown tonight. Bergly explained that conveyance of property is intended and it 1S recomnlended by the Planning Commission that the applicant be allowed to submit this to the County for fi 1 ing as a minor subdivision rather than a plat. Bergly advised that the Planning Commission and staff are recommending approval of Case #92-21 with the following conditions: 1 ) Parcels A, B, and C shall not incl ude the rights-of-way of abutting streets either in the delineation on the subdivision plan or in the legal descriptions, 2 ) The City Engineer and Attorney review and approve the plan and any conveyance or easement documents prior to fi ling, 3 ) . Rice Creek Watershed District review and approve wetland easements, and 4) Park dedication be resolved prior to dev,,,lopment of the property. . Arden Hills council 4 December 14, 1992 Councilmember Malone commented that the City obtains access to park property via a portion of this property; he asked what kind of agreement is in place to allow this access. Jim Bellandi, Attorney for Control Data Systems, explained there was a lease allowing access which has expired. Bellandi stated that he has discussed this matter with City Attorney Filla and the intent is to rewrite the expired lease to continue to allow City access; he added this is not a controversial issue. Councilmember Malone asked if this property is located in an I.-I zone; Bergly answered that it is in an I-I zone and he has been assured that the future intended use is appropriate in the I-I zoning district_ MOTION: Hicks moved, seconded by Malone, to approve Case #92- 21, Minor subdivision/Lot Consolidation (in the revised form viewed this evening) for control Data Systems with the conditions that: 1 ) The City Attorney review and approve the plan and any conveyance or easement documents, . 2 ) Rice Creek Watershed District review and approve wetland easements, 3) Park dedication be resolved prior to development of the property, 4) utility and drainage easements be provided per the City Planner's recommendations and the Engineer's letter of approval. Motion carried unanimously (5-0) . REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF 1993 BUSINESS k];CEI'WJL AN)LJ'.~~l1.1T FEE STRUCTURE Administrator Person recalled that at the November 30 Council meeting the Counci 1 received recommendations from the Finance Committee regarding changes in license and permit fees. Referring to her December 10 report, she reported that staff has reviewed the recommendations of the Finance Committee and conCUrs with recommendations to change the following license and permit fees: 1) Increase in sign license fees: Ini tial permit fee - from $25 to $50 for 1993. Annual sign license fee - 100 sq. ft. or less from $10 to $20; 101 sq. ft to 400 sq. ft. from $2/additional to $ 4/ addi ti anal; over 400 sq. ft. from $2.50/additional . to $5/additional. 2 ) Increase the drive-through restaurant fee from $250 to $300. 3) Increase r.etail sales license fees from $40 to $50. 4) Delete the Rendering Plant license fee (obsolete) . 5) Change the following permit structure: . Arden Hills council 5 December 14, 1992 - Sewer permit - from $15 to $35. - Water permit - fr om $15 to $35; installation from $15/hour to $30/hour. - Plumbing permit - from $15.50 minimum plus $5 for each additional fixture to $15.50 for the firs t fixture and $7.50 for each additional fixture. Person advised that staff has identif i ed the following related items which council may wish to review and discuss at a future worksession: - Definition of amusement devices and cigarette machines. - Fire inspection for special events, alarm system installation, building inspection fees, and liquor license and investigative fees. - Institution of City SAC and WAC charges per unit for new construction. - Dog license fee increase. - Possible redefinition of drive-through restaurants to be treated the same as other restaurants and change basis of fee from square footage to hours of operation. - Garage/boutique sales fees. . - Possible change of retail sales license to general business license fee and change basis of fee from square footage to hours of operation. MOTION: Mahowald moved, seconded by Hicks, to approve the license and permit fee changes numbered 1) through 5) above. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). ~~~ROVE CAf~I~M EQUIPMENT & AUTHORIZE ~~~Y__~DMl~l~TRATOR TO SIGN PROPOSALS EOR__PA~ILJ'BOGESS I NG PURCHM~B Administrator Person stated that some time ago the City reviewed the possibility of performing data processes in- house rather than through an off-site data processing service in an effort to provide enhanced and more cost- effective service. Cit.y Accountant Post recalled that in budget worksession the matter of in-house versus off-site data processing was discussed. He stated that a determinat.ion has been made that there would be a long-term cost. savings by performing data processing functions in-house. He added that. implementation would require the purchase of necessary hardware and components, and it is ant.icipated that very . moderate additional staffing would be required for conversion, after which existing staff would perform the work. Person reported that. t.hree vendors have submit.t.ed quotes for the necessary hardware and components, and staff is ~._.._--- -~---_._--- -------- . Arden Hills Council 6 December 14, 1992 requesting authorization to purchase the necessary equipment at the lowest bid for each item. Councilmember Malone asked what would be the cost of data conversion to an in-house system, Post answered that conversion is expected to cost about $500. Councilmember Hicks asked what is the anticipated cost savings. Post stated that after the initial conversion costs, it is expected there would be approximately $15,000 annual savings from not having to pay the outside data processing service which would be realized in 1-1/2 to 2 years. Hicks noted that individual items are being recommended for purchase from a variety of vendors; he asked if all items would be compatible. Post replied that the items are all compatible, and the reason for the various vendors is simply to receive the best prices. Councilmember Mahowald asked if the hardware may provide futut"e abi 1 ity to enhance other processes performed by the City. Post said the equipment would create a network, which would be an additional side benefit. . MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Growe, to authorize the City Administrator to sign appropriate purchase agreements with the following vendors for data processing hardware and components from the 1993 budget. - Banyan Data Systems: Workstation, serverJ network accessories, installation and annual support $12,744.32 - DCT Systems Group: tape backup unit $ 1,805.18 - Banyan Data Systems: Software purchases for fund accounting, payroll and util i ty bill ings, training and annual support $10,130.03 Total $24,679.53 Motion carried unanimously (5-0) . D~Q~rr~~l~N_OF OFFER FOR BRUEBERR~_~QT As background, Administrator Person recalled that the City 1 ) Received a request from Edgewater Estates Partnership, . Inc. to consider selling the lot at the northwest corner of Brueberry Lane and Old Highway 10, 2) Council advertised the property for sale and received no bids from other interested buyers, and 3) Negotiations continued with Edgewater Estates Partnership to arrive at an agreeable price. . Arden Hills Council 7 December 14, 1992 Person reported that the final result of negotiation is an offer from Edgewater for a purchase price of $28,500 with the condition that the City incur the cost of removing the existing 1 ift station from the subject property. She added that a 1991 appraisal of the property was $26,000 with the lift station removed. Person noted the advantage of selling the lot would be that the buyer has a good development record with the City and intends to develop the lot consistent with adjacent townhomes development. She stated the possible disadvantage is that removing the lift station may have complications which could result in higher than expected costs to the City. Councilmember Malone commented that the subject property appears to be landlocked and its intended use by Edgewater appears to be the only reasonable use of the land. He added that since there has been no interest expressed by any other buyer, he would be inclined to finalize negotiations with Edgewater. . Councilmember Mahowald commented that in reviewing information as to comparable sales, it appears Edgewater's offer is fair and would allow for the best use of the property. He favored proceeding with the sale as negotiated. Councilmember Hicks commented that Edgewater's offer is $28,500 with no park dedication, and costs for removal of the lift station are to be incurred by the City. He said that in this case, park dedication may not be an important consideration, but he would prefer to sell the property for $25,000 as is, making the buyer responsible to remove the lift station. Person said that arrangement was considered, but the 1991 appraisal of $26,000 assumed the removal of the 1 i ft station. councilmember Growe said this does not appear to be a prime lot and she would be inclined to accept Edgewater's offer. Mayor Sather commented that taxpayers would be better served by selling the property and having it become taxable. He added that continuity of development would also be a plus. . ------ -" , . Arden Hills Council 8 December 14, 1992 Councilmember Hicks asked what the developer is planning to build on the lot. Planner Bergly said he has not seen a proposal, but per code there could be two units. Zoning Administrator Iago reported she has seen a preliminary proposal calling for two units, which is consistent with existing development and consistent with the proposed new zoning ordinance. MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Growe, to authorize the City Administrator to finalize negotiations with Edgewater Estates Partnership, Inc. for the sale of the lot at the nOLthwest corner of BLueberry Lane and Old Highway 10 fOL a price of $28,500 with the condition that the City remove the existing 1 Ht station fLom the property and waive park dedication requirements. Motion caLried (4-1, Councilmember Hicks voted nay). COUNCIL COMMENTS ,QlQN OIlJW11\.l'LCE . Councilmember Malone thanked staff for the memorandum outlining r-evisions to the proposed sign ordinance. 1':JRE MlI,RSHALL Councilmember Malone commented that after reviewing information, he is not convinced of justification for a Fire Marshall and would like to see more background and information on this matter. ~OQliyILMEMBER MAHOWALD'S FAREWELL Councilmember Mahowald advised that this would be his last meeting as he will be unable to attend the last December Council meeting. He thanked the citizens of Arden Hills for the opportunity to serve as Councilmember, said he hopes residents realize what a good counci 1 and staff serves the community, and stated that he is confident Councilmember- Elect Aplikowski will do a fine job as Councilmember. Mayor Sather thanked councilmember Mahowald for his valuable service to the City and his friendship to the Council and staff. He stated that Councilmember Mahowald has been very unselfish with the giving of his time at t.he expense of his family, and he wished him the best. . ~~UNCILM~MBER GROWE'S RESIGNATION Mayor Sa ther- said he has leaLned that Councilmember Growe has submitted her resignation effective JanuaLY 1, 1993. He said the Council lS sOLLY to lose Councilmember Growe as she > . Arden Hills Council 9 December 14, 1992 has brought an added sensitivity to the Council. He asked that discussion of the matter of replacement options be placed on the upcoming worksession agenda. ~DJOURN MOTION: Growe movedJ seconded by Malone, to adjourn the meeting at 8:14 p.m. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). ;1 , ,i' '. /)! hi ~ ' "{,(i'l' A i /" ffl1fHt IY-"'*'vl -- ~ /:. v,/'/,; __ .;' 'fj' --- Thomas R. Sather, Mayor Dorothy A. Perso Clerk Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS: The next Council worksession will be December 21, 1992 at 4:30 p.m. The next regular Council meeting will be held December 28, 1992 . at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. .