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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 07-12-1993 - . . . MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING July 12, 1993 7:30 P.M. - City Hall CALL 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 Beverly Aplikowski, Dale Hicks, Paul Malone, Dennis Probst. Also present were: City Attorney, John Miller; City Planner, John Bergly; City Engineer, Terry Maurer; City Accountant, Terry Post; Community Planning Coordinator, Brian Fritsinger; Clerk Administrator, Dorothy Person; Recording Secretary, Shar Foster. 1\,DOPT AGENDA Administrator Person reported that although this evening's public hearing regarding the adoption of the official map for the extension of Shoreline Lane is scheduled to begin at 7:45 p.m" staff received notice from one interested citizen that they could not attend until about 9:00 p.m. to provide input. Note was made that the agenda had been revised to add one consent calendar item. MOTION: Probst moved, seconded by Hicks, to adopt the revised July 12, 1993 agenda. Motion carried unanimously (5-0), PUBLIC HEARINGS MQVE PAR~ING REGULATIONS FROM ZONING ORDINANCE TO TRAFFIC ORDINANCE Mayor Sather opened the meeting at 7:36 p.m. for the purpose of conducting a public hearing on removing Section VI.F.2 (Parking) from Zoning Ordinance Chapter 291, adding this section to the Traffic Ordinance Chapter 26.3, and adding administrative procedure authority. Administrator Person verified publication of the notice of hearing in the New Brighton Bulletin on Wednesday, June 23, 1993. She stated that no written or oral citizen input had been received by staff regarding this matter. Public input was invited with no response. Mayor Sather commented that this matter is simply a housekeeping type of item and typically items such as these are not controversial and receive little if any citizen response. . . , Arden Hills Council 2 July 12, 1993 The public hearing was closed at 7:37 p.m. MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Hicks, to remove Section VI.F.2 (Parking) from Zoning Ordinance Chapter 291 and add this section to the Traffic Ordinance Chapter 26.3, and add administrative procedure authority. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). ADQ~TION OF OFFICIAL MAP FOR EXTENSION OF SHORELINE LANE Mayor Sather opened the meeting at 7:39 p.m, for the purpose of conducting a public hearing to discuss the adoption of the Official Map of the extension of Shoreline Lane and consider of whether to proceed with a sewer connection public improvement project. Administrator Person verified publication of the notice of hearing in the New Brighton Bulletin on Wednesdays, June 30 and July 7, 1993. She reported that a letter of objection was received from attorney Dennis Trooien, representing Tony Andersen and Mr. and Mrs. William Bachman. Mayor Sather introduced City planner Bergly and asked those in attendance wishing to speak to sign the guest register. City Planner Bergly stated that approximately a year and a half ago, the Planning Commission considered the matter of connecting the existing two dead-end sections of Shoreline Lane located in the southeastern portion of the City west of Lexington Avenue and south of Edgewater Road, however, no official action was taken at that time. Bergly explained that recently, the City ordered the preparation of a feasibility study the primary purpose of which is to assist the City in establishing a long-term future road alignment which would eliminate the dead-end sections of Shoreline Lane and improve the traffic pattern and safety access in the study area. He noted that the study area included properties currently owned by Tony Andersen and Mr. & Mrs. William Bachman. Bergly stated that the City's Comprehensive Plan consists of written text and various maps, and this evening the Council is considering an amendment to the Official Map within the Transportation Plan portion of the Comprehensive Plan. He noted that the City has no intention of acquiring land for a future road alignment until a road connection is needed, or to restrict development potential in the area, but is simply . ~ 41 Arden Hills Council 3 July 12, 1993 interested in delineating a road alignment to be on file to indicate the City's interest and willingness to provide appropriate right-of-way in the study area when the affected properties are sold or subdivided in the future. Bergly pointed out that the Planning Commission recommended that the alignment of the Shoreline Lane connection be a straight line between the existing dead ends. He noted that doing so would allow a maximum of nine lots to be created - three along Lexington Avenue and three on either side of the proposed Shoreline Lane connection. City Engineer Maurer further explained that existing sanitary sewer lines and easements in and around the study area were researched, and assuming the straight line Shoreline Lane connection alignment, sanitary sewer service could be provided via Lexington Avenue for lots potentially created along Lexington Avenue while sanitary sewer service to the remainder of the study area would require easement acquisition through the Andersen and Bachman properties, Maurer stated that, assuming the straight through Shoreline Lane concept plan, estimated costs to provide services to the nine lots would be $22,630 for total sanitary sewer, $15,760 for water, and $11,517 for overhead, for a total of $49,907. Following the order of signatures on the guest register, comments from citizens were invited. Comments made by citizens are as follows (not verbatim). Dorothy Harty, 3137 Shoreline Lane: I object to the concept plan presented this evening, and question whether the six lots created between Lexington Avenue and the proposed Shoreline Lane connection would be standard size. I wonder how this entire matter came about since neither Andersen nor Bachman are interested in subdividing, Bergly noted that the six conceptual lots between Lexington Avenue and the proposed Shoreline Lane connection would be slightly under the minimum lot size for this zoning district, but perhaps the potential lots could consider shared driveways for maximum use of the property. He added that this matter was prompted from a desire by the City to plan ahead for sensible and logical future development. Councilmember Malone clarified that the matter being considered this evening is actually two fold in that there is a concern to plan ahead for both a logical alignment of a . . e Arden Hills Council 4 July 12, 1993 potential Shoreline Lane connection and a logical alignment for future sewer and water connections, both of which are likely to be needed sometime in the future. He clarified that the outlining of lots in the study area is purely conceptual in nature for the purpose of establishing a "paper street". He added that the issue of future sewer connections came to the forefront when the Warren Hanson subdivision to the north of the study area was reviewed by the City, and the City recognized the sanitary sewer system in the area could become illogical and potentially problematic if not well thought out. Earl & Rosemary Morqan. 3130 Shoreline Lane: I have lived in the neighborhood 30+ years and like the fact that Shoreline Lane is disconnected and has very little traffic. I would like the situation to remain status quo. Robert Harty. 3137 Shoreline Lane: I echo earlier citizen comments. I object to opening up Shoreline Lane as it would create more traffic in the area and we already have a problem with the parking of boats on our street. Gary & Laura Meyers. 1134 Edqewater Road: I object to the road and sanitary sewer concept under consideration and am concerned as to who would pay for potential improvements. Frank Heiderscheild, 3197 Shoreline Lane: previous citizens' objections and question any improvements. I concur with who would pay for Liz LaNasa. 3153 Shoreline Lane: I have lived in this neighborhood for 37 years and object to connecting the two existing sections of Shoreline Lane. I am submitting to Council letters from my neighbors, C.C. & Joyce Hsiao, 3131 Shoreline Lane and Donald Severson, 3146 Shoreline Lane, who also object. (Letters were read aloud.) I question why I did not receive notice of this meeting when my property is only 42' from the study area. Administrator Person and Planner Bergly explained that the City sent individual letters to neighbors in the area simply to ensure neighborhood notification. and published notice of the meeting in the official City newspaper as required by law. Bill Costello. 3159 Shoreline Lane: I have lived in this neighborhood for 18 years and strongly object to the concept presented this evening as it would disturb the peaceful and harmonious neighborhood we enjoy. . - , Arden Hills Council 5 July 12, 1993 A representa ti '{e of David .R!ls!1ellberq, 3168 ShorS'_l ine_ Lane: I have a letter from the Rushenbergs to submit to Council. (The letter was read aloud and posed the questions of who is advocating this concept, what benefit it will provide to the neighborhood, who will pay for improvements, and how it will improve safety; and voiced concern as to potential for increased traffic, increased exposure to vandalism, etc" and disturbance of a peaceful country-like atmosphere.) Tom LaNasa, 3153 Shoreline Lane: I echo the objections already expressed this evening by affected citizens. Jli 11...J2achm<?-.!l.Ll.18-7_.1Losth___Lexinqton: I have 1 i ved in this area for 49 years actively serving the community and raising a family, Our neighborhood is a well-protected environment. Warren Hanson has submitted to the City a plan for sewer extension that does not require what the City is proposing. I question why the City would force taxpayers to spend money needlessly. If the City pursues what is being proposed this evening, I will attack it though all available legal avenues. I have fine neighbors that have been a close and harmonious neighborhood and we want to be left alone. Neither I nor Tony Andersen have any interest in developing our property and if we did we might possibly have a different arrangement in mind than what the City has presented. I question whether the City is being honest with us and I wonder who stands to benefit from this proposal. Al bert Hoh!ILanQ,..._~154phQJ:.~Lj,ne Lane: I have 1 i ved in this neighborhood for 33 years and support the comments of all the previous speakers. One point that has not yet been made is that opening up Shoreline Lane would create more through traffic entering/exiting on either Edgewater Road or Lexington Avenue via West County Road D. Those approaches are already hazardous and steps should be taken to minimize the use of those approaches rather than intensify their use. Dennis Trooien. representinq the Bachman and Andersen properties: Warren Hanson's June 7, 1993 petition is only for sanitary sewer connection, not water connection, and he has suggested connecting to existing manholes which would not require the crossing of either the Bachman or Andersen properties. It should be assumed that when the City approved Warren Hanson's subdivision, attention was given to the availability of services to the lots created. It should be noted that the concept presented this evening by the City Engineer and Planner showing a potential of nine lots in the study area is apparently the City's preferred concept plan, but is not a concept created or endorsed by Bachman, . . e Arden Hills Council 6 July 12, 1993 Andersen or Hanson. I question whether extension of Shoreline Lane as discussed this evening is in the best interest of the City since the neighborhood objects to it. The Council is mistaken if it expects affected neighbors to pay for any potential improvements such as those discussed this evening because there is no benefit upon which to base such assessment. My clients concur with citizen comments heard this evening that the City should not amend the Official Map of the City's Transportation Plan or extend sewer as discussed, but rather should allow Warren Hanson to connect to the existing sanitary sewer as he has proposed. Charles Campbell, 3200 Lake Lane: I see no reason why the City would consider this concept when no one needs or wants it. I wish Warren Hanson well, and believe he has a right to develop his property as he desires. If the City is interested in spending money, Lake Lane is in very poor condition and could use some attention. I question whether this matter is simply another example of an idea being "railroaded" though despite citizen opposition. Norma Bachman, 3187 North Lexinqton: During earlier discussions regarding this matter, there were a number of alignment concept options considered for the study area, many of which did not extend Shoreline Lane though in a straight line. Several of those options (apparently no longer being considered by the City) would be much preferred over the concept presented this evening. My experience has been that the City has done some good planning over the years I have been a resident of Arden Hills, and I believe we could all agree to some compromise involving a concept plan which allowed Shoreline Lane to remain disconnected. At Ms. Bachman's request, Bergly showed some of the options for conceptual subdivision of the study area considered in the past, but added that the Planning Commission has recommended the straight line connection of Shoreline Lane over any other concept plans previously considered. Gordon Dean, 3233 Shoreline Lane: Opening up Shoreline Lane would worsen the already problematic accesses at both ends of Shoreline Lane, therefore, I object to the proposal. Several citizens questioned why the individual notices they received indicated a potential assessment of $8,000. Further citizen comments were invited; hearing no response, the public hearing was closed at 8:39 p.m. - - , Arden Hills Council July 12, 1993 7 In response to Councilmember Malone's inquiry, City Engineer Maurer explained that Warren Hanson has proposed connection to the existing sanitary sewer system to service the lots he has created, which would not require disturbance of the Andersen or Bachman properties. He added that water service connections are available to the lots created by Hanson. Councilmember Probst reiterated earlier Council comments that Council is simply attempting to establish, on paper, an amended Transportation plan which would not be applied until the study area properties were sold, The Official Map would simply indicate that the City is interested and willing to obtain easements at the time the study area properties sell. He assured that the City could acquire easements or proceed with improvements only with the participation of the owners of the properties within the study area. Councilmember Malone stressed that the City takes seriously its responsibility to plan logical street and utility systems to assure systems can be maintained properly with a reasonable degree of ease, and to protect the community from potential hazards such as dangerous curves in streets or poorly designed and potentially problematic sewer systems. with regard to the confusion created by receipt of the individual notices indicating a potential assessment of $8,000, Councilmember Malone explained that the City mailed the notices to alert the neighborhood of this evening's meeting and future "potential" assessment. He noted that when the City sends notices on a matter such as this, the City is required by law to alert recipients of "potential" assessment, even though, in this instance, the potential for assessment is remote until perhaps the distant future. Councilmember Malone said it should be noted that alternate subdivision configurations can be submitted by Andersen and/or Bachman or their successors in the future, and the official Map would not preclude the City entertaining those alternate configurations, but would indicate the City's preferred future road alignment. He emphasized that the City is not considering or planning on proceeding with road improvements in this area at this time. Attorney Trooien countered that defining a "paper street" connection of Shoreline Lane will affect the Bachman and Andersen properties in that should the property owners submit an alternate subdivision configuration, the City could refuse it on the basis that it is inconsistent with the Transportation portion of the City's Comprehensive Plan. . . . Arden Hills Council 8 July 12, 1993 Councilmember Malone stated that there are obvious differences of opinion with regard to the matter of opening up Shoreline Lane versus allowing it to remain disconnected with two dead ends. With regard to the matter of traffic entering/exiting Shoreline Lane, Malone assured that the Council is aware of existing traffic access concerns. Council Aplikowski stated that to dispel insinuations heard during this evening's public input, there is no monetary gain or other benefit to anyone involved in considering an amendment to the Official Map, and no one is trying to "railroad" anything. She reported that the Council has recently been involved in reviewing and attempting to correct problems created by illogical or indiscriminate planning from the past, and it is very difficult and costly to do so. Mayor Sather echoed earlier Council comments and asked the public to try to understand the dilemma faced by the Council in matters such as these. He commended the neighborhood for maintaining a harmonious and united neighborhood and their interest in preserving the atmostphere they now enjoy, however, he cautioned that it is a reality of life that things change and eventually the Bachman and Andersen properties are very likely to be subdivided, and without a logical plan, the City would leave a legacy of "hodge podge" development that would likely create problems in the future. He assured that no one on the Council is interested in taking anything from its citizens, but rather is looking ahead to protect the future of this neighborhood. MOTION: Probst moved, seconded by Hicks, to amend the Official Map of the Transportation plan of the City's Comprehensive Plan indicating the connection of Shoreline Lane with the straight through alignment proposed. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). Note was made that no action is required at this time with regard to the matter of sanitary sewer extension since that matter was simply a discussion item. At 9:13 p,m. Council took a break as citizens departed from the Council chambers; the meeting reconvened at 9:27 p.m. APP~OVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES MOTION: Probst moved, seconded by Aplikowski, to approve the minutes of the June 28, 1993 Regular Council Meeting as prepared. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). . - . Arden Hills Council July 12, 1993 9 CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Aplikowski to approve the Consent Calendar and authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). a. Approve request for door-to-door canvassing - Green Corps. b. Approve List of Claims/Payroll. j?UBLIC COMMENTS Resident Mabel Gluesing, 1143 Ingerson explained that her property includes a very steep hill with clay subsoil and she has experienced drainage problems ever since a neighbor altered the topography of adjacent properties. Ms. Gluesing commented that she and her neighbors have very little use of their backyards due to the drainage problems and would appreciate help from the City in determining how to correct the problems. Councilmember Hicks offered to direct staff and perhaps the City Engineer to review the area and suggest possible corrective measures. (Administrator Person took note.) Ms, Gluesing said that would be very appreciated. pNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS NEWSLETTER UPDATE - KATE HUEBSCH Kate Huebsch, introduced herself as researcher and editor of the city's newsletter, and invited Council, at their convenience, to forward comments or concerns regarding the newsletter. Ms. Huebsch provided Council with a report outlining recent steps taken to reduce the cost of providing the newsletter to Arden Hills residents. Councilmember Malone commented that he has found that the newsletter is communicating to residents in the manner Council desires, and he appreciates the work Ms. Huebsch has been doing. Council thanked Ms. Huebsch for her visit. ~ . . Arden Hills Council 10 July 12, 1993 RE.QUES'!'._.fDR_SANITARY SEWER CONNECT LQ.!LER.91:t_ TCAAP TO _ SHOREV I EW Administrator Person drew Council's attention to a June 23, 1993 letter from the Department of the Army requesting the City review its sanitary sewer service connection to Shoreview at County Road I and Aldine street to determine if sanitary sewer hookup to the Twin Cities Army Ammunitions plant (TCAAP) is possible. Person stated that after checking with the City Engineer, she responded to the Department of the Army advising that the City does not currently have nearby sanitary sewer service in the subject area and has no plans to install service at this location, but that does not preclude the Army from providing this service and hooking up to the City of Arden Hills' existing sanitary sewer lines. Councilmember Probst commented that while the City cannot afford to provide the service requested, the Department of the Army should be advised of the City's willingness to help facilitate in any way possible. Council concurred. MOTION: Probst moved, seconded by Malone, to respectfully refuse the sanitary sewer service requested by the Department of the Army, but to direct staff to advise the Department of the Army of the City's willingness to facilitate in any way possible. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). BINGO LICENSE APPLICATION - C G REIN/DENNIS CAVANAUGH Councilmember Malone stated that after discussion surrounding Dennis Cavanaugh's bingo license application which took place at the last Council meeting, he contacted most of the charitable organizations presently operating at the pot-a-Gold bingo hall and learned that, for the most part, those organizations are satisfied with continuing to operate at pot-a-Gold. He, therefore, suggested the Council discontinue further consideration of Cavanaugh's bingo license application. Councilmember Hicks reported that he also spoke with a number of the charities and concurs with Malone's findings. . - . Arden Hills Council 11 July 12, 1993 Councilmember Aplikowski echoed the comments of Malone and Hicks and added that despite recent press remarks to the contrary, she has never been a supporter of changing the current gambling arrangements in the City. She concurred that there is no reason to consider the application further. Mayor sather commented that although the Council has a strong interest in seeing the Arden Plaza fill their vacancy, Council consensus is that a bingo hall at that location is not an appropriate use at this time. Councilmember Hicks recommended the fee paid by Mr. Cavanaugh for this application be returned. MOTION; Malone moved, seconded by Hicks, to refund to C G Rein/Dennis Cavanaugh the entire application fee for a bingo hall license application for the Arden Plaza site. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). Councilmember Aplikowski advised Mr. Cavanaugh that the City is currently working on establishing a Community Development Committee, which may be of some assistance in finding an appropriate tenant for the vacant Arden Plaza property. COUNCIL COMMENTS ROAD TURN BACKS Councilmember Malone noted that the issue of road turnbacks will be discussed at an upcoming Council worksession. TCl\.AP MEETING Councilmember Probst advised Council that he and Administrator Person would be attending a meeting regarding the Twin cities Army Ammunitions plant property on July 13. U~CO~BG BOARD MEETINGS Councilmember Probst advised that contrary to the schedule of City meetings listed on this evening's agenda, the Human Rights and Park and Recreation Committees will not be meeting in the months of July and August 1993. ~ - - Arden Hills Council July 12, 1993 12 LTJN~RANT VENDOR ISSUE Administrator Person reported that, per legal counsel, the Council will need to review the itinerant vendor issue in greater detail, and in the interim, staff will handle itinerant vendors as they have been handled in the past. ADJOURN MOTION: Aplikowski moved, seconded by Probst, to adjourn the meeting at 9:51 p.m. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). Thomas R, Sather, Mayor Dorothy A. Person, Clerk Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS: The next Council worksession will be held July 20, 1993 at 4:30 p.m. The next regular Council meeting will be held July 26, 1993 at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.