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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 09-27-1993 . . , > MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS. MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING September 27. 1993 7:30 P.M. - City Hall CALL TO 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: Counci lmembers Beverl y Api ikowski, Paul Malone, Dennis Probst; Mayor sather. Absent: Dale Hicks. Also present were: Public Works Superintendent, Dan Winkel; City Accountant, Terry Post; Community Planning Coordinator. Brian Fri tsinger; Ci ty Administrator, Dorothy Person; Administrative Secretary. Renee Kaulfuss; and Recording Secretary. Shar Foster. ADOPT AGENDA Note was made that this evening's agenda was revised to include Consent Calendar items "e" and "f". MOTION: Aplikowski moved. seconded revised agenda as presented. ( 4 -0) . by Probst, to adopt the Motion carried unanimously PUBLIC HEARING LIQUOR LICENSE REVOCATION - CHARLIE CHUNG. INC. GREAT LAKE RESTAURANT. 1310 WEST COUNTY ROAD E The public hearing for the revocation of the liquor license for the Charlie Chung, Inc., Great Lake Restaurant was opened at 7:34 p.m. Administrator Person reported that appropriate notice of this hearing was published in the New Brighton Bulletin on September 22, 1993. Note was made that this restaurant is no longer in business, and second and third quarter 1993 liquor license fees were not paid. Publ ic comments were invi ted; there was no response. The public hearing was closed at 7:35 p.m. (Action is included within this evening's Consent Calendar, item "a".) APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES MOTION: ApI ikowski moved, seconded by Probst, to approve the minutes of the September 13, 1993 Regular Council Meeting as prepared. Motion carried unanimously (4-0). . . , Arden Hills Council 2 September 27, 1993 CONSENT CALENDAR With regard to Consent Calendar items "e" and "f" relating to the Arden Place Drainage Improvement, Councilmember Malone noted that bids came in considerably higher than estimated. Administrator Person concurred and stated that Consent Calendar items "e" and "f" can be tabled if Council desires, however, affected residents are hopeful that the project can begin soon. Council consensus was that there should be no further delay. Person stated that assessment hearing notices reflecting revised project amounts will be mail ed out to affected residents on September 2S, 1993. MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Aplikowski, to approve the Consent Cal endar and authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. Motion carried unanimously (4-0) . a. Adopt Resolution #93-45 Revoking Liquor License No. 5 Issued to Charlie Chung, Inc., Great Lake Restaurant, 1310 West County Road E. Set a Revised Public Hearing date of December IS, 1993 at 10:00 a.m. for a possible continuation of the "Truth-in-Taxation" hearing, and designate Mounds View High School Cafeteria as the location for such continuation hearing. Approve expenditures to purchase equipment as outlined in the 1993 budget: compact pickup, cutaway van, van body, and four-wheel-dri ve articulated front end loader. Approve uti 1 i ty Extension Agreement with Mounds View, Minnesota to extend water service to the northwest corner of Arden Hills (State of Minnesota property) . Adopt Resolution #93-46 Accepting Bid and Authorizing Execution of Contract in the Matter of the 1993 Arden Place Drainage Improvement. Adopt Resolution #93-47 (Amending Resolution No. 93-44) Designating Cost to be Assessed in the Matter of the 1993 Arden place Drainage Improvement. Approve List of Claims/Payroll. b. c. d. e. f. g. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. . ~ . Arden Hills Council 3 September 27, 1993 UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS CASE #93-16 - SIDE & REAR YARD VARIANCE ROBERT & BARBARA LECHNER 1151 EDGEWATER AVENUE Community Planner Coordinator Fritsinger stated that the Lechners are seeking a side and rear yard variance for the construction of a new detached garage on their residential property at 1151 Edgewater Avenue. Fritsinger explained that the subject property is located in an R2 District in an area of older lake cottage type homes. He reported that the Planning Commission reviewed this case and found that the size of the subject lot is nonconforming in that City Ordinance requires approximately 11,000 square feet of area and this lot consists of just over 6,000 square feet. Fritsinger noted that the old garage had only a one foot setback, however, the pI acement of the new garage wi 11 be shifted slightly to allow for at least a two foot setback. He added that the option of an attached garage was considered but rejected due to concerns relative to lighting and ventilation. Fritsinger reported that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the requested variance. MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Probst, to grant a variance to side and rear yard setback requirements, for Robert and Barbara Lechner, to allow the construction of a new garage on their property at 1151 Edgewater Avenue, with a two-foot setback, on the basis that: The small size of the subject property presents a practical di fficul ty in putting the property to reasonable use under conditions allowed by the City Ordinance, and The proposed garage will lessen the existing side and rear yard setback nonconformity. Motion carried (4-0). RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT UPDATE AND INTRODUCTION OF DEPUTIES Commander Bergeron of Ramsey County Sheriff's Department stated that the purpose of his visit this evening is to communicate with the Council and to introduce the personnel providing law enforcement services to the City of Arden Hills. . . . Arden Hills Council 4 September 27, 1993 Bergeron explained that the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department is attempting to implement community policing methods within its contract ci ties, and as a means of accomplishing that goal, they are working to establish closer relationships between deputies and the cities they serve. Bergeron reported that the Sheriff's Department, assisted by grant money, is presentl y working wi th the Uni versi ty of Minnesota on a program for stricter enforcement of regulations for tobacco (and possibly alcohol) sales. Bergeron further reported that the Department has recently implemented Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), which is proving to be an effective tool in information retrieval and analysis. Each of the following deputies were introduced and presented a brief personal background of themselves: Lieutenant Dan Votel; Deputy Barry Vaughn; Deputy Bob Pavlak, Jr.; Deputy Jim Ericksen; Deputy Greg Engfer; Deputy Jon LaRoque. Bergeron noted that Deputy Evelyn Pedersen also serves Arden Hills, but is absent due to hospitalization. Commander Bergeron invited Council questions/concerns. In response to Council inquiry regarding how information is conveyed amongst deputies, Bergeron explained that deputies keep a log and information is shared at shift change, in addition to deputies personally meeting with one another. Councilmember Malone invited suggestions from the deputies as to how the City can clarify or improve the enforceability of City ordinances. Lt. Votel stated that whenever ordinances are initiated or amended, the Sheriff's Department appreciates being informed. Bergeron stated that in the near future all Ramsey County Sheriff's Department contract cities can expect an invitation to work with the Sheriff's Department regarding local ordinances pertaining to tobacco and alcohol sales. Deputy Engfer asked if the ci ty wishes to have the "no overnight on-street parking" rule strictly enforced. He stated his belief that strict enforcement provides enhanced security for a community by deterring property damage, auto thefts, burglaries, etc. He added that when there is an obvious reason for overnight street parking (such as driveway seal coating) he does not enforce the rule. . . . Arden Hills Council September 27, 1993 5 Administrator Person said there is a system for special requests for overnight parking privileges. A suggestion was made that citizens be frequently reminded, perhaps through the City newsletter or other sources, as to parking rules and procedures for special requests, Council consensus was to strictly enforce the "no overnight on-street parking" rule, with sensitivity to special requests. Deputies commented that they are accommodating when special overnight parking requests are received. Bergeron added that to simplify the overnight parking request process, residents need only make a phone call to the City or directly to the Sheriff's Department. Council thanked the Sheriff's Department for this visit, and invi ted them to forward any suggestions for improving City Ordinances. DISCUSSION REGARDING STAFF SPACE NEEDS Administrator Person acknowledged the fact that the City has postponed changes to the current City Hall site in anticipation of a new City Hall, but recognized that such a move may not occur for quite some time into the future. She reminded the Council that working space and storage space needs at the current City Hall building have been inadequate for quite some time and are now at the point where they must be addressed. With regard to working space, Person explained that the small amount of space available to accommodate City employees has created cramped working quarters, and physical separation of areas such as the Parks and Public Works Departments. She commented that the current 1 ayout is cumbersome and ill ogica I, and creates problems relative to effective communication and confidentiality concerns. With regard to storage space, Person stated that although staff has attempted to reduce records storage, Government Records and Retention guidelines demand more storage space. Person identified the following options to address space needs and the anticipated advantages/disadvantages of each option: 1. Rent temporary office space off-site. Estimated to cost $1,000 per month Not conducive to effective communications Current Council Chambers not disturbed . . - Arden Hills Council 6 September 27, 1993 2. Lease a modular unit to connect to existing City Hall. Estimated to cost between $225 and $250 per month for a 12' X 60' unit May present difficulty in meeting ADA requirements Run-off and drainage would need to be addressed Current Council Chambers not disturbed 3.A. Remodel current City Hall space by adding two office enclosures, enclosing work space for three offices, and a conference room. Estimated to cost $15,000 Would use current Council Chamber space; Council meetings would need to be conducted elsewhere Addresses noise, traffic, layout, improved productivity and storage needs 3.B. Remodel current City Hall space by minimal changes utilizing existing offices and partially enclosing existing Council counter area. Estimated to cost $2,000 - $3,000 No conference room (except Public Works lunchroom) Noise and traffic factors not addressed Would use current Council Chamber space; Council meetings would need to be conducted elsewhere Only a short term solution Administrator Person commented that her preference is option 3A as it could best address concerns and make optimum use of available space. She noted that contact has been made with the City of New Brighton and they are graciously willing to provide the use of thei r counci 1 Chambers for Arden Hi 11 s Council and other large meetings. Councilmember Malone commented that the City Hall is a designated polling place; he asked how that matter would be addressed if the present Council Chambers were used as proposed in options 3.A, and 3.B. Suggestions were made as to possible replacement polling locations, Councilmember Probst stated that he has discussed this matter wi th staff, and whil e he supports action to improve the situation, he realizes that concerns regarding anticipated cost and new meeting and polling places must be addressed. Councilmember Aplikowski suggested yet another option of purchasing a modular unit rather than leasing it, which could be less expensive in the long run. Mayor Sather commented that the City has not done a good job accommodating the space needs of its employees. He added that some work spaces are smaller than most typical residential closets. He said he would be amenable to moving Council and . . . Arden Hills Council 7 September 27, 1993 other large meetings to alternate locations rather than delay employee accommodations any longer. He noted that the proposed options would make the situation tolerable, but by no means lavish. He expressed concern that the ci ty has an obligation to meet at least the minimum working conditions that other businesses in the City are expected to provide for their employees. He voiced his preference for option 3.A. and his support to begin remodeling as soon as possible. Councilmember Malone commented that while it would be conveni ent to maintain the existing Counci 1 Chambers, it appears that doing so does not make the best use of space. He added that it would be somewhat embarrassing for Arden Hills to have to conduct its meetings at another City's facilities, but he is pleased to hear that such arrangements are possible. MOTION: Sather moved, seconded by Malone, to authorize staff to proceed, as quickly as possible, with Option 3.A. for the remodeling of the current City Hall to address work and storage needs, and to pursue the option of conducting Council and other large meetings at the New Brighton Council Chambers. Motion carried unanimously (4-0). Council consensus was that a new location for Council and other large meetings should be arranged to begin the first part of November, 1993. Counci Imember Malone reminded staff to make necessary arrangements for cable TV televising of meetings. COUNCIL COMMENTS TCAAP UPDATE Councilmember Probst reported that he and Administrator Person met recently to begin making arrangements for three public meetings regarding the Twin cities Army Ammuni tions pI ant (TCAAP) property. He stated that the first meeting would be an informative meeting with a question and answer format, the second meeting woul d encompass surrounding communi ti es for discussion and update, and the third meeting would include environmental interests. Probst added that there has been a great deal of misinformation dispersed with regard to the TCAAP property, and the purpose of the meetings would be to correct that situation. He added that he has been working with the City newsletter editor to improve coverage of TCAAP matters. . . . Arden Hills Council September 27, 1993 8 NEWSLETTER REMINDER Councilmember Aplikowski reminded the Council that the next City newsletter is expected to go out the end of November or earlier; she asked that newsletter articles be promptly forwarded to Community Planning Coordinator Fritsinger. PUBLIC WORKS/SAFETY COMMITTEE UPDATE Councilmember Aplikowski reported that Commander Bergeron of the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department attended the last Public Works/Safety Committee meeting and presented a detailed anal ysis of crime and publ i c safety issues. She further reported that the Public Works/Safety Committee is in the process of reestablishing its goals. FINANCE COMMITTEE MEMBER RESIGNATION Counci lmember Malone announced that the Finance Commi t tee recently regretfully accepted the resignation of Chairperson Sandra Shrewsbury. staff was directed to seek candidates to replace that vacancy. PLANNING COMMISSION PACKETS Councilmember Malone commented that Commission packet information has not Council. Staff took note and assured this recently Planning been forwarded to would be corrected. STREET TURNBACKS Council member Malone reported that Public Works Superintendent Winkel and Ci ty Engineer Maurer are currentl y negotiating street "turnbacks" with Ramsey County. He noted that the primary issue which still needs to be resolved relates to the condition of the streets involved. PEDDLER ORDINANCE councilmember Malone asked staff for an update regarding work being done on the Peddler Ordinance. Administrator Person reported that the Peddler Ordinance is expected to come before Counci I in January or February in amp I e time to address peddling activity which typically greatly increase in late spring and early summer. . . . Arden Hills Council September 27, 1993 9 "SHARE YOUR CHAIR" MONTH Mayor Sather and Councilmember Probst drew attention to a letter soliciting support for the "Share Your Chair" campaign being sponsored by Firstar Bank in support of Goodwill Industries and the Easter Seal Society, whereby citizens are encouraged to donate unused wheelchairs and walkers to be used by those in need of that type of equipment. MOTION: Sather moved, seconded by Probst, to adopt Resolution #93-48 Proclaiming the Month of October 1993 as "Share Your Chair" Month. Motion carried unanimously (4-0). FINANCIAL REPORTING Councilmember Malone reported that the Finance Committee is seeking Council's input as to the format for future monthly financial reports. He commented that what has been suggested is a format of less overall detail each month and emphasizing the tracking of "patterns" of expenditures and revenues. Councilmember Probst commented that the suggested format may be helpful in making the figures more meaningful and clarifying the "big picture". Mayor Sather concurred and added that perhaps more detail can be presented quarterly rather than monthly. FUTURE WATER SERVICE Councilmember Malone commented that the Finance Committee has begun to seriously consider how best to address the concern for the City's water needs at the time the current water service contract with the City of Rosevill e expi res. He encouraged Council to consider this matter for later discussion. ADJOURN MOTION: Probst moved, seconded by Aplikowski, to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Motion carried unanimously (4-0). Thomas R. Sather, Mayor Dorothy A. Person, Clerk Administrator . . . .. , . ~ Arden Hills Council 10 September 27, 1993 NOTICE OF MEETINGS: Oct. 13 Oct. 21 Oct. 21 Oct. 25 Oct. 26 Oct. 28 Nov. 3 (Note: 7:30 pm Human Rights AH Council Chambers 4:30 pm Council Worksession AH Council Chambers 7:30 pm Public Works/Safety AH Counci 1 Chambers 7:30 pm Council Meeting AH Council Chambers 7:30 pm Parks & Recreation PW Conference Room 7:30 pm Finance Committee PW Conference Room 7:30 pm Planning Commission New Brighton Chambers Renovation of Arden Hills City Hall will begin October 26. After october 26, Council Meetings and Planning Commission Meetings will be conducted at the New Brighton Council Chambers and other meetings will be conducted at the Arden Hills Public Works Conference Room.