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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 04-12-1993 . . . MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING April 12, 1993 7:30 P.M. - Mounds View High School Cafeteria 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: Mayor Thomas Sather; Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, Dale Hicks, Paul Malone, Dennis Probst. Also present were: City Attorney, Jerry Filla; City Planner, John Bergly; City Engineer, Mark Graham; Public Works Superintendent, Dan Winkel; Clerk Administrator, Dorothy Person; Community Planning Coordinator, Catherine Iago; Recording Secretary, Shar Foster. j'.DOPT_J>GENDA It was noted that there were agenda items under "Unfinished and New Business" (consideration of resolutions and adoption of ordinances) that directly related to this evening's two "Public Hearings". Council agreed to rearrange the agenda to consider those resolutions and ordinances immediately after the public hearings, MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Hicks, to adopt the April 12, 1993 agenda with the change of order as noted above. Motion carried unanimously (5-0), PUBL I~_J:tr;hKl~Gs. 1993 PAVEMENT~_M1UNTENANCE Mayor Sather opened the meeting at 7:35 p.m. for the purpose of conducting a public hearing on the 1993 Pavement Maintenance Improvement Notice. He stated the purpose of this hearing was to receive input with regard to the 1993 Pavement Maintenance Program, He explained the procedure for the hearing would be that the City Engineer would make a presentation with regard to the 1993 Pavement Maintenance Program, then Council and the public would be invited to comment or ask questions. He instructed anyone wishing to speak to sign the guest register, after which their names would be called in the order listed, Administrator Person noted that one letter regarding this matter was received from Sandra Bainbridge, 4113 James Circle. . . ~ Arden Hills Council Apri 1 12, 1993 2 City Engineer Graham introduced himself to the audience and stated that this evening's hearing is required by law as a means of providing the public a forum for public input regard an improvement project, in this instance, the 1993 Pavement Maintenance Program for bituminous overlay and seal coating of streets within the City. Graham explained that rating of City streets involves periodic examination to determine condition and then a determination is made by the City Engineer, with input from the Public Works Department, as to the best available means of protecting each street and extending its useful life. Graham explained the processes to complete a 1-1/2 inch bituminous overlay or seal coating of existing street surfaces. He illustrated on a map the street segments proposed to receive overlay or seal coat in 1993. Graham announced that this evening, estimated assessment amounts can be provided, but the actual assessment hearing on this matter is scheduled to take place in May 1993; at that hearing, the public will have an opportunity to specifically discuss matters relative to assessments. Graham explained that the City's Assessment Policy calls for all seal coating work to be paid 100% by the City; all bituminous overlay work to be paid 50% by the City and 50% by the benefiting property owners, on a front footage basis. He explained the method of calculating assessments for corner lots or lots abutting other streets which have been improved and assessed, Graham noted that some of the benefiting property owners in the 1993 Pavement Maintenance Program are townhome owners. He stated that a determination has been made that an assessment cannot legally be levied on a townhome association, therefore, the assessment for the streets benefiting the townhome owners is proposed to be spread amongst townhome owners on a per unit basis. Graham stated that the Feasibility Report for this project estimated a residential front footage assessment of $3.03. He added that bids were opened on April 6, and assuming the project would be awarded to the low bidder, and applying the City's assessment policy (whereby benefiting property owners pay for 50% of the cost), the front footage assessment for residential property owners would be $2.98 per front foot, and the per unit assessment for townhome owners would be $63.78. . Arden Hills Council 3 Apri 1 12, 1993 Graham reviewed the schedule for 1993 Pavement Maintenance Program, which called for 1) Assessment hearing to be held May 10, 2) Awarding of the project June 4, 3) Construction to commence in July 1993, and 4) Completion of the project in August 1993. Mayor Sather advised the public that if an individual property is assessed more than a $500 assessment, that assessment will be payable over a five year period with interest; if an individual property is assessed less than a $500 assessment, that assessment will be payable over a three year period with interest. He added that there would be no interest applied if the assessment were paid in full within thirty days of the assessment hearing. Names were called in the order listed on the guest register. Comments made by citizens are as follows (not verbatim): . Gordon Fay, 1841 Gramsie Road - I am not opposed to this improvement project, but I request that concrete curb and gutter be installed at least for my property; I would be willing to pay for it. It is important that the City review the drainage situation at Fairview because drainage there is blocked and creates drainage problems in other locations. Jim Talbott, 1810 GramsiemB_oad - My home was built in 1961 before Gramsie Road was completed. The home was built at an appropriate elevation according to the street plan, but the street plan was not followed, hence, there are water drainage problems. I fear that if the street were raised, even as insignificantly as 1-1/2 inches for overlay, there would be an increased water drainage problem affecting my property. Graham said he would review any potential problem areas with residents, City public works crew, and the contractor to analyze what measures should be taken to enhance drainage. He added that it is customary for the contractor to "fea ther" the bi tuminous over! ay to match driveway approaches as well as possible. . Ken Hanzalik, 1768 Venus Avenue - I and my neighbor, Walt Harmer of 1776 Venus Avenue experience drainage problems when there is a heavy rainfall. Mr. Harmer sent a letter to the City regarding this matter, but received no response. Perhaps we need a situation like that which exists at the Dellview/Glen View Court area, or perhaps a new manhole cover would help. When was road work last done on Venus Avenue? Crystal Avenue had work done on it just last year and it is already cracked. I support spending money wisely and I don't think we need concrete curbs on these . Arden Hills Council 4 April 12, 1993 residential streets, The blacktop "curb" put in on Crystal street last year is of no value. Graham said he did not know off hand when work was last done to Venus Avenue, but has the history records and could check. with regard to cracking, Graham stated that overlay will not eliminate crack patterns in streets, but if necessary patch work is done to the worst spots and the entire street is overlayed, it would result in maximum street life with minimum cost. There are no plans to install the blacktop "curbs" referred to, . chuck McCann. 1839 Venus Avenue - The Feasibility Report outlines criteria used for rating streets and guidelines as to when the ratings warrant reconstruction. with the condition of Venus Avenue being so bad, why is the road not being reconstructed? There are two catch basins at the end of the street, but they are often clogged with leaves, etc. in a heavy rainfall, then water backs into my garage and could eventually back into my basement. The "crown" of the street needs to be cut down. I wrote a letter to the City in this regard and have received no response. Rather than a proposed bond issue for a new City Hall, perhaps that money should go toward streets. We need to watch spending very closely, Have bids been let for this project? Graham said that when street ratings are determined, there is consideration given as to whether overlayment or seal coating can cost effectively extend the life of the street instead of the much higher cost of reconstruction, He added that sometimes the pitch of a street can be realigned in order to redirect drainage, with regard to the clogged catch basin problem, he stated that the City's recently adopted storm water management utility should help alleviate that situation, Regarding bids, Graham reported that bids have been let, received, opened, and accepted; however the project has not yet been awarded. Al Lawson, 1777 Glenview Avenue - I have no objection to the overlay project, who is responsible to address the poor condition of County Road F and Snelling? . Mayor sather commented that County Road F and Snelling are two streets which are being considered for a possible "street jurisdiction swap" between the City and Ramsey County, Terry Schutten, 1251 Wyncrest Court - I am here as a citizen of Arden Hills to hear this discussion, but I also work for Ramsey County and am involved in the possible "street jurisdiction swap" concept. If a decision is made to . . . Arden Hills Council 5 April 12, 1993 "swap" streets, the streets involved would be brought to a reasonable condition prior to that action. Derm.L"L1:'J::.<::.hal~_53 Briarknq.LLDrive - Even small amounts of rainfall create drainage problems. Despite repairs, there is a problem with the catch basins in that they don't properly drain, BarneJ Palmer, 1300 Nursery Hill Lane - I originally came to this meeting to oppose this improvement, but I have changed my mind, The information I received in the mail was very incomplete and gave a poor explanation of the proposal, Attending this hearing has clarified some of my questions, I am concerned about the significant number of garbage trucks and buses that use my street because I believe those heavy vehicles significantly reduce the life of a street. Perhaps we could limit the number of garbage vendors or have buses rerouted to reduce the number of trips they take, Mayor Sather commented that the School Transportation Department makes a concerted effort to reduce transportation costs and coordinate busing, but there are trips made to and from several different school locations. Ralph Larso~._1273 Nursery Hill Lan~ - Our street has curb and gutter, but an additional 1-1/2 inch overlay will negate the effectiveness of the gutter, I am not opposed to the project, but need assurance that the final project will be workable. I am familiar with the engineering firm of Maier Stewart and know they have a good reputation and trust they will check into all the concerns and do a good job. Can the low bid accommodate unanticipated situations where minor repairs, milling, or thicker bituminous will be needed? If those kinds of repairs are needed, will assessments increase? Graham stated that he is aware that attention needs to be given to many details and several sections of the affected streets must be individually examined to determine the best way to proceed. He added that it may be necessary to try to "mill" portions of existing streets prior to overlaying the street. with regard to repairs and assessments, Graham stated that there is room within the bid for minor repairs as needed, He assured that if change orders are needed to address such needs, the residents' assessments will not increase once assessments are levied; however, the City's share of the project may need to be adjusted, . . . Arden Hills Council 6 April 12, 1993 '\Ij,l1QE'l!,-t"AJ:lc:l"xson_~325 Karth Lake Circle - I am uncomfortable with Graham's response to Ralph Larson's comments, wherein he said it may be necessary to "try to mill" portions of existing streets, I get the impression that there is no plan as to how to address problems, but rather the engineer will simply "try" certain measures. The information sent to me by mail was vague and unclear, In the future, the City should send out more specifics. Graham stated that the "milling" process is relatively a new process, but that it has been done by engineers and contractors with success and is considered a suitable process to be used as needed, He added, however, that it is more expensive to "mill" a street section, so it will be done only when a determination has been made that it is necessary. Arlene Mitchell, 1283 Wynridqe ~rive - To what extent does overlaying a street extend its life expectancy? There is little traffic and no potholes yet on my street; its rating is not bad compared to others in the neighborhood. I appreciate preventive measures, but question whether overlaying my street at this time is premature. Graham responded by saying that there are many points to consider when determining when to overlay a street, such as distressed pavement, cracking, maintenance records, age, etc. He added that another consideration is that typically there can be much better bids by "clustering" a number of streets in a neighborhood and overlaying all of them as a complete package. He added that he feels Wynridge Drive is due for overlayment now before there is worse deterioration of the street. He offered to discuss his analysis with Ms, Mitchell after the public hearing if she desired. Q~ott ~Qlso~ 1321 Wyncrest Court - How often does the City perform inventory/analysis of streets? I question whether overlayment of Wyncrest Court is warranted at this time because there are no potholes; perhaps it should be postponed for a few years, Graham explained that about every three years a City-wide street inventory/analysis is conducted, and City crews rev~ew streets even more regularly. He reiterated that it is cost effective to overlay a street to extend its life before it is in a very deteriorated state. Mayor Sather asked if anyone else wished to speak; there was no response. The public hearing was closed at 8:27 p.m. . . e Arden Hills Council Ap d 1 12, 1 993 7 Councilmember Malone commented that the City makes every attempt to use funds as wisely as possible to get the most of very limited funds, by using good judgment in the best interest of the City. He added that the commitment to overlaying and seal coating is a cost effective measure because those processes extend the life of streets significantly reducing the need to reconstruct streets, He advised the public that typically a residential property would be assessed about $3/front foot for an overlay project compared to $12/front foot for a cold-in-place recycling project or $30/front foot for a reconstruction project. He stated that typically better bids are received when streets are "clustered" together, He reminded the public that even though a street such as Wynridge is currently rated better than other streets in the City, typically those ratings drop very quickly after a certain point, With regard to stresses on streets, Malone commented that the City tries to address drainage problems because poor drainage destroys streets very quickly, He added that a lot of thought has been given over the past years with regard to the possibility of regulating garbage trucks, but evidence to prove their negative affect on streets is conflicting, therefore, their contribution to destruction of roads has been hard to prove. A question arose from the audience as to how the Council can consider a new City Hall when there is so little money in the City's budget. Councilmember Malone invited the public to visit the City Hall to examine the facility and witness the condition under which City employees must work before taking a position as to the need for a new City Hall. A question arose from the audience as to whether the streets to be overlayed would be overlayed one side at a time, Graham stated that customarily a street is overlayed one side at a time to minimize the time that residents are inconvenienced by the project. MOTION: Hicks moved, seconded by Aplikowski, to adopt Resolution 93-24 Ordering The Improvement In The Matter of The 1993 Pavement Maintenance Improvement, Motion carried unanimously (5-0). MOTION: Hicks moved, seconded by Aplikowski, to adopt Resolution 93-25 Determining Assessed Cost of Improvement, Ordering Preparation Of Proposed Assessment Roll And Setting The Assessment Hearing Date In The Matter of The 1993 Pavement Maintenance Improvement, Motion carried unanimously (5-0), . . . Arden Hills Council Ap ri I 12, I 993 8 MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Aplikowski, to adopt Resolution 93-26 Establishing The Assessment Rates For 1993 Bituminous Overlay Projects (at $2.98 per front foot for residentially zoned property and at $63.78 per unit for townhouses served by Arden View Drive and Arden View Court), Motion carried unanimously (5-0), MOTION: Hicks moved, seconded by Probst, to adopt Resolution No, 93-27 Accepting Bids And Authorizing Execution Of Contract In The Matter Of 1993 Pavement Maintenance Improvement, Motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor sather suggested Council handle "Approval of Minutes", "Consent Calendar" and "Public Comments" prior to opening the next public hearing, in order to allow the audience an opportunity to disperse. Council concurred. AP_PRQY~U.__QLGQP'!l'~U.MINUTES Councilmember Probst referred to the second to last paragraph of page two of the March 29, 1993 regular Council meeting minutes, which read "O'Keefe stated that after five fatalities and three severe injuries. "Probst said he believed the numbers in that sentence were transposed, and the sentence should read "O'Keefe stated that after three fatalities and five severe injuries , "Council concurred. MOTION: Probst moved, seconded by Malone, to approve the minutes of the March 29, 1993 Regular Council Meeting with one revision to page two as noted above. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). CONSENT CALENDAR MOT ION : Malone moved, seconded by Hicks, to approve the Consent Calendar and authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). a. Adopt Resolution No. 93-23 - Class B - Pull Tab Premises Permit (renewal) ABWA, Roseville Chapter Lady Slipper, at Flaherty's Arden Bowl, 1273 West County Road E (pending approval from Ramsey County Sheri ff) . Approve List of Claims/Payroll. b. . . . Arden Hills Council April 12, 1993 9 ~llJH,._:Lc:~COMMENTS There were no public comments. Mayor Sather called for a short break as members of the audience dispersed. The meeting reconvened at 8:55 p.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS (CONTINUED) REVISED ORDINANCE TO .z,ON1JtQ REGULATIONS AND USE OF SIGNS Mayor Sather opened the meeting at 8:57 p.m, for the purpose of conducting a public hearing on the revised ordinance to zoning regulations and use of signs, Community Planning Coordinator Iago verified publication of the notice of hearing in the New Brighton Bulletin on Wednesday, March 24, 1993 and an amended notice announcing the location of the hearing in the New Brighton Bulletin on Wednesday, March 31, 1993, City planner Bergly commented that Planning Commission, staff and Council has been working on a revised zoning ordinance for about three years and a revised sign ordinance for about 1-1/2 years, He added that over the last several months, the proposed revisions have been reviewed and revised several times to iron out all the details. Council was in receipt of the proposed draft Zoning Ordinance and Sign Ordinance in bound book form dated March 8, 1993. Bergly reported that the draft was compiled for purposes of this public hearing and if Council takes action to approve the ordinances, the drafts will be reviewed for typographical errors and the ordinances will be published as prepared in the draft, including any revisions Council desires. Bergly stated that the Planning Commission, at their April 7, 1993 meeting recommended the following revisions to the March 8, 1993 drafts: Zoninq Ordinance, Section VI.A.5. - be revised as follows: size. In R-l and R-2 District, no accessory structure shall exceed seven hundred twenty eiqht (728) (700) square feet in floor area and for accessory structures located in the rear yard of a principal structure, the total floor area of all such accessory structures shall not exceed twenty- five (25) percent of the minimum required rear yard area for the principal structure. . . . Arden Hills Council Apri I 12, 1993 10 Siqn Ordinance ,_$_~_qtiQIL~Y, E. - add enumerated item 11 to read as follows: Banners, pennants, ribbons, streamers, string of light bulbs, except as special event signs as allowed by Council approval. Siqn Ordinanc~Sectigp IX.I.3,c. - be revised as follows: C. Certain Temporary Signs Require Annual Application and an Annual Fee. 1. The fellewing tE~6rary sign3 rC4HiYE an annual a~~lieatien aRa annual fee: a. Class I Real EstatE si~n3; b, Pelitieal si~ns; 2. Eaeh real estate effice er iR~ivi~ual offeriR~ real estate fer sale; ~alitieal eaR~i~ate; er o~enser af a refereR~tlffi Oi~R, 3~all make ap~lieatien far a 1 year ~ermit each year priar ta inDtallin~ Oi~RO. This ~Ermit shall Be "alid fer all oi~n3 installed iR the 12 month ~eried fellewin~ the issuance ef the ~ermit by the iRdi~idual, a~eRey, ~retl~ ar ~arty te wham the 3i~n permit io iooued. (REMAINDER OF SECTION RENUMBERED ACCORDINGLY.) Bergly also stated that he recommends the "Landscape plan" section of the Zoning Ordinance be revised to incorporate the following items: Zoninq_~dinance, Appendix A, Landscape plan - add enumerated items 7 - 9 as follows: 7. plant materials existing on a site at the time of development or expansion of structures, may be used as a credit against the requirements of these landscape regulations; the City council shall determine the extent of the credit allowed, based on an evaluation of species, size, location, quality of existing plant materials and the consistency with the intent of these regulations. A reasonable attempt shall be made to protect and preserve trees and incorporate them into the landscape plan, 8. . . . Arden Hills Council 11 April 12, 1993 9. A landscape performance bond or other acceptable surety is required for all screening or landscaping required in this ordinance. a. The amount of the bond shall be 125% of the cost of materials and installation. b. The bond shall be provided prior to the issuance of any building permits and shall be valid for one full year from the date of installation. Councilmember Aplikowski referred to Sign Ordinance, Section IX.I.3.c.3. which indicated that an annual permit and fee shall be valid for up to three special events within 12 months of the permit for school, church, and civic organizations. She questioned whether that section correctly reflects the City's intent, Bergly said that the matter of special event permits was reviewed by Planning Commission and the language in the draft reflects their intent. Couneilmember Malone said the policy of allowing three special events in a year has been in practice for a while, and appears to be working well. He recalled that prior to establishing that policy, all special event signs had to come before Council for approval. Mayor sather invited public input. There was no one present to make comment, The public hearing was closed at 9:02 p,m. Councilmember Probst stated that he supports adoption of the revised Zoning Ordinance, He added that at the Planning Commission level there were very few comments from the public, except with regard to regulations for exterior storage and parking of recreational vehicles, He noted that thic final draft incorporates regulations with regard to the lengths of recreational vehicles. Councilmember Malone said he believes the Planning Commission has been very responsive to the concerns expressed by the public with regard to recreational vehicles, and this final draft will accommodate the vast majority of recreational vehicles. Councilmember Probst asked legal counsel if it would be appropriate to lift the imposed development moratorium after the new Zoning Ordinance is adopted. City Attorney Filla answered yes. . . . Arden Hills Council April 12, 1993 12 MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Hicks, to: Adopt Ordinance 291 Adding Appendix C to the Arden Hills Municipal Code Relating to Zoning Regulations, and Approve the Summary of Ordinance 291 for publjcation and posting, and Incorporate revisions to Section VI.A.5 as recommended by the City Planner and/or Planning Commission and outlined in bold face print above, and Direct that sections 37 through 9 and their subdivisions be amended as requested by the City Planner and be added to the Landscape portion of the Procedure Manual. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). MOTION: Probst moved, seconded by Malone, to lift the imposed development moratorium effective the day after the effective date of Ordinance 291, Motion carried unanimously (5-0), MOTION: Hicks moved, seconded by Malone, to: Adopt Ordinance 292 Adding Appendix D to the Arden Hills Municipal Code Relating To The Use Of Signs, and Approve the Summary of Ordinance 292 for publication and posting, and Incorporate revisions to the following sections as recommended by the City Planner and/or Planning Commission and outlined in bold face print above: Section V,E. Section IX.l,3.c, Motion carried unanimously (5-0), UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS CASE 93-01 - REZONING, AMENDED PU~ FINAL GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN EDGEWATER ESTATES, 3RD ADDITION Planner Bergly recalled that in February 1993, the Planning Commission and Council approved a Preliminary PUD plan for Edgewater Estates, He added that the applicant, Paul Keleher, representing Edgewater Estates 3rd Addition, in order to accommodate the proposed townhome development, has requested the following actions: . . . Arden Hills Council Apri 1 12, 1993 , 0 ~~ A rezoning of the 100' X 150' site (previously the old City lift station site) from R-l to R-3 District Approval of an amended PUD General Development Plan Bergly added that the Planning Commission considered this request at their April 7 regular meeting and, based on the rationale presented by the City Planner, recommended waiver of the development moratorium, approval of the rezoning, and approval of the amended PUD General Development plan with the following conditions: 1. Submission of an amendment to the Edgewater Estates Townhouse Association By-Laws (and approval of such amcndment by thc City Attorney) which clearly defines the Association's responsibility for maintaining or replacing landscaping in the drainage and utility easements if the City is required to perform utility maintenance work within the easement which results in damage to the landscaping. The applicant utilize erosion control methods outlined by the Planning Commission to stabilize soils within 72 hours of completion of final grading of the site. 2. Bergly stated that the applicant has indicated that he accepts the conditions listed above. Bergly suggested the City Attorney be involved in making sure the conditions are handled properly. Administrator Person stated that approval should be subject to the closing of the property sale, Bergly explained that condition 2 above stems from Planning commission member Rye's suggestion that, as an erosion control measure, a fast-germinating grass seed be planted to stabilize graded areas. councilmember Hicks stated that his understanding was that the fast-germinating grass seed is to be used only as an interim measure until the graded areas are sodded, MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Probst, with regard to Case 93-01, Edgewater Estates Third Addition, to waive the development moratorium, and approve a rezone from R-l to R3. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). Council directed City Attorney to prepare an appropriate rezoning ordinance. . . . Arden Hills Council April 12, 1993 14 MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Hicks, with regard to Case 93-01, Edgewater Estates Third Addition, to approve (subject to the closing of the property sale) the Amended PUD, Final General Development Plan for two additional townhouse units, based on the rationale listed in the City Planner's report dated 4/7/93, with the two conditions noted in bold face print above, Motion carried unanimously (5-0), COUNCIL COMMENTS I?XGl'L11ND:z;QJH!i<:LORD I NAN CE S Councilmember Malone thanked the Planning Commission for a superb job in compiling the revised Sign Ordinance and Zoning Ordinance, ':LQlllTulL:3E:QE . 'I'C;MF~RO P ER TY Councilmember Probst stated that he is a strong advocate of cooperative efforts toward joint use of the Twin Cities Army Ammunitions plant (TCAAP) property, but he is concerned with language which has appeared in some of the correspondence regarding the property. He cautioned staff to be prepared to respond quickly and appropriately in continued correspondence and discussions regarding the TCAAP property so that the status of the property is properly conveyed, Councilmember Malone commented that it is surprising that although the City of Arden Hills has always been responsible over the years to deal with matters regarding reviews for various approvals and matters of a tax nature, now some parties apparently do not believe Arden Hills has any control over the TCAAP property even though the state, by its behavior over the years, has acknowledged the City's control. MOTION: Probst moved, seconded by Aplikowski, to direct staff to be prepared to respond quickly and appropriately with regard to continued correspondence and discussion regarding the TCAAP property to assure that the status of the property is properly conveyed, Motion carried una~imously (5-0). COMMITMENT TO PARKS AlmHJ~J;;C~E:ATION Councilmember Probst reported that at the last meeting of the Parks aild Recreation Committee, there was concern expr8ssed as to the City's commit.ment to Parks and Recreation since the departure of former Parks and Recreation Director Buckley, . . . Arden Hills Council Ap d 1 12, 1 993 15 COlJncilmember Malone recall.ed that several persons in the Parks and RecreaL10fl area approached Council about a year ago with this same concern. He said that to dispel those concerns, he would remind those concerned that the Council's commitment to Parks and Recreation can be evidenced by recent significant increased funding for Parks and Recreation. MOTION: Probst moved, seconded by Hicks, that consistent with recent strategic planning efforts and our vision for the City of Arden Hills, the City Council hereby affirms its commitment to the Parks and Recreation programs now in place and encourages the expansion of programs within the limitation of our financial and personnel resources, Further, that the Council support a deliberative process to assure the selection of the best and most appropriate person(s) to follow Mr. Buckley, Motion carried unanimously (5-0) FREELANCE PEDDLERS Councilmember Malone said he learned that freelance peddlers were in the City over the Easter weekend selling flowers, etc. He expressed his opinion that such activity is unfair to taxpaying businesses in the City, and suggested staff bring this matter to the attention of Ramsey County Sheriff's Depa~tment. MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Hicks, to direct staff to advise Ramsey County Sheriff's Department to aggressively enforce rules against freelance peddlers within the City, Motion carried unanimously (5-0), RESPONS~ TO CITIZEN LETTERS Councilmember Hicks referred to comments received this evening during the 1993 Pavement Maintenance public hearing to the effect that citizens have sent correspondence to the City and received no response. He said he believes the City does a good job responding to citizens, and it is an important public relations effort to do so, He suggested that staff respond to all citizen correspondence informing the writer as to when their concern will be addressed, or at a minimum to inform the writer that their letter was received. Council concurred. . . . Arden Hills Council hPJQIJlm MOTI ON : M.:'1.1one mcvecl i at 9:27 p,m. Thomas R, Sather, Mayor NOTICE OF MEETINGS: 15 Ap ri 1 12, 1 993 seconded by Hicks, to adjourn the meeting Motion carried unanimously (5-0). Dorothy A, Person, Clerk Administrator The next Council worksessicn will be held at 4:30 p.m., April 20, 1993 at City Hall, The next regular Council meeting will be held April 26, 1993 at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.