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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 03-29-1993 ... -' i" . . e MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 29, 1993 1:30 P.M. - Mounds View Senior High School CALL ~O QED~lROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Sather called to order the regular City Council meeting at 1:32 p.m. Present: Mayor Thomas Sather; Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, Dale Hicks, Paul Malone, Dennis Probst. Also present were: City Engineer, Terry Maurer; Public Works Superintendent, Dan Winkel; Clerk Administrator, Dorothy Person; Community Planning Coordinator, Catherine Iago; City Accountant, Terry Post; Recording Secretary, Shar Foster. ADOPT AGENDA Note was made that a revised agenda was printed on March 29, 1993. Because citizens were still joining the meeting, Council agreed to move agenda item "Informational Meeting For Residents" to after "Approval of Minutes" and "Consent Calendar". MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Hicks, to adopt the revised March 29, 1993 agenda with the change of order noted above. Motion carried unanimously (5-0), APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES councilmember Probst asked that the first sentence of the third complete paragraph on page four of the March 8, 1993 Council minutes be revised to read: "councilmember Probst said that one of the impediments to the development of the Gateway Business District is improving vehicular access, and there is a goal to "dress up" the roadway," Councilmember Hicks asked that the final paragraph of page five be revised to read: "Council member Hicks said the intent of his motion is for the City planner and the applicant to work together on developing a landscape plan for this portion of the development that will be a part of and coordinate with the concept landscape plan for the future development." MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Probst, to minutes of the March 8, 1993 Regular with the two revisions noted above. unanimously (5-0). approve the Council Meeting Motion carried ~ . . .' , , Arden Hills Council March 29, 1993 2 CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION: Hicks moved, seconded by Aplikowski, to approve the Consent Calendar and authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein, Motion carried unanimously (5-0). a, Adopt Resolution No. 93-19, Relating to Apportionment of Assessments Relating to Improvement No. ST-Sl-2. b. Approve Resolution No, 93-20, Bingo Hall License Application (Pot-O'Gold) from Goldie K, Siedow, c. Adopt Resolution No. 93-22, Relating to Apportionment of Assessments Relating to Improvement No. W-1S-5. d. Approve Assignment of Ordinance #290 for Surface Water utility, e. Approve 1993 Business Licenses. f. Approve List of Claims/Payroll. INFORMATIONAL MEETING FOR RESIDENTS REGARDING T.H. 51 & SNELLING AVENUE Tom O'Keefe, MNDOT Planning Division and Gary Thompson, MNDOT Traffic Division were introduced. O'Keefe stated that after three fatalities and five severe injuries in 5.5 years at that location, MNDOT decided last year to close the T,H. 51/Snelling Avenue intersection in order to allow MNDOT time to review the matter. He added that MNDOT and the City have had continued discussions regarding the closure since shortly after. O'Keefe reported that the intersection had a volume of approximately 1,200 vehicles per day, which is very high for an unsignalized intersection. He added that the traffic count for County Road E has only increased 40 vehicles per day since the Snelling/51 intersection was closed. He said MNDOT has evaluated the situation surrounding the Snelling/51 intersection to determine what options were available and the viability of those options. He stated that MNDOT's Planning Section reported to the City last November that the following alternatives would be considered for further study (in order of MNDOT preference): . Arden Hills Council 3 March 29, 1993 . Option 1: No change - intersection would remain closed permanently Rationale for this option would be that it is the safest and least expensive, and turning movements would be eliminated, The effects would be a decrease of mobility; traffic, safety and pollution concerns would "move elsewhere", Option 2: Build frontage road between Old Snelling and Lydia Avenue on the west side of T.H, 51 This option is thought to be nearly as safe as closing the intersection, and it eliminates turning movements at Snelling/51; however, it would be very expensive and traffic, safety and pollution concerns would "move" to the Lydia Avenue intersection, mobility would be improved for some users and worsened for other users. Option 3: Snelling/51 intersection would remain closed and the County Road E Bridge would be widened to accommodate higher levels of traffic using County Road E as an alternate route This option would be very expensive and would "attract" more traffic to County Road E, Traffic counts on County Road E have not raised significantly since closure of the Snelling/51 intersection, therefore, MNDOT does not believe bridge widening is warranted. If this option were chosen, the project would have to compete for funding. Option 4: Redesign, signalization and reopening of Snelling/51 intersection This option would improve mobility, but it would be very expensive, it is expected it would be less safe than the unsignalized intersection which existed in the past, and it would slow "through" traffic in the area. . O'Keefe stated that MNDOT's Planning Section and Traffic Section have recently met to determine which of the four alternatives under study are actually possible. He added that MNDOT's current position is that Option 4 has been found to be an unacceptable option unless nearby local streets are proven to have substantially higher safety concerns as a result of keeping the Snelling/51 intersection cl osed. O'Keefe said he admires the activism of the Arden Hills community in trying to resolve this issue. . . . Arden Hills Council 4 March 29, 1993 Mayor Sather explained that the procedure to be used for receiving public would be that all persons who signed the guest register would be invited to speak; he asked that each speaker limit comments to two minutes per person, Names were called in the order listed on the guest register. Comments made by citizens are as follows (not verbatim): Ray McGraw, 1421 Bussard Court: These hearings have been going on over a year, and the state has an obligation to provide access to property. closure of the Snelling/51 intersection has created difficulty accessing property and has added time to emergency response. Jean Lemberg, 1401 Skiles Lane: It is surprising that the State thinks signalized intersections are less safe than unsignalized intersections, yet they install so may signals. When T.R. 51 originally came through, the Old Snelling access was not closed because it was the only direct access. Access now that the Snelling/51 intersection is closed is very difficult. Convenience is not the only element; safety is also very important. The Lydia/Snelling intersection has worse sightlines than a redesigned intersection at Snelling/51 would have. Petitions from citizens have demonstrated the community's desire to reopen a safer intersection at Snelling/51. Though the old intersection at Snelling/51 was unsafe, the gory details of past accidents have colored this issue. Accidents at the old intersection were not necessarily attributed to the design of the intersection, but probably to a large extent due to the high speed limit of T.H. 51 and other factors. Roads cannot be closed simply because accidents occur. We desire safety as well as access. The County Road E bridge over T.H. 51 is inadequate to accommodate the traffic that is now using it. If we make no change now, this matter will surface again when changes to the Snelling/694 interchange are considered, Ken Schacht, 1683 West County Road F: I can't see a good solution, but closing the Snelling/51 intersection is not the answer. Residents along County Road E now have the burden of the "moved" traffic. My daughter experienced a near accident at the Snelling/51 intersection, but I think opening the intersection with a signal seems appropriate. with regard to MNDOT's concern that a signalized intersection would impede "through" traffic, it must be considered that there are several signals between Snelling/51 and Rosedale; also, a signal would help to slow the high rate of speed along 51. . . - Arden Hills Council March 29, 1993 5 Brad Lemberg, 1401 Skiles Lane: I've lived at my residence for 27 years and through my experiences I believe the present situation is very unsafe, The area of Snelling/51 is now an urban area and cannot be treated as a country road. I can't believe the County Road E traffic counts reported by MNDOT are accurate. Accidents or near accidents at County Road E are commonplace. Traffic on Lake Johanna Boulevard is also now being affected. Problems have just been moved elsewhere. Signalization with turn detection is warranted at Snelling/51. Intersections don't kill people - drivers kill people. Leon Hass, 1420 West County Road D: I've heard good arguments from both sides, but I am most concerned about the poor manner in which this matter is being handled. If the Traffic Section of MNDOT has now concluded that a redesigned, signalized intersection at Snelling/51 is not a viable alternative, why is there no one here tonight from the Traffic Section to answer our questions when this issue has been under scrutiny so long. I urge the Council to listen to the citizens and let them govern the outcome of this matter, MNDOT has made themselves look like fools. Rhoda Behr, 1401 west County Road E: In 1966, when County Road E was widened, my driveway was made very steep, and as a result, I am forced to access my home from only one direction for safety's sake. There have been many near accidents for vehicles and pedestrians on County Road E. Pauline Hass, 1420 West County Road E: I am disillusioned by how the system, both MNDOT and the City Council, has failed. No one wants an unsafe intersection, we just want a safe alternative. Redesign of the Snelling/51 intersection has been done before when MNDOT thought they had a plan for an improved situation, yet now the "improved model" is deemed unsafe by MNDOT. MNDOT does not seem to know what they are doing in this instance. I hope the Council will take a stand very soon. Also, I would like to see the sign that reads "Use County Road E" removed as it only encourages higher traffic levels on County Road E. Jim Schroedl, 1450 Skiles Avenue: For 30+ years I've lived in the area. Being in the insurance business I understand concerns for safety, I believe closure of the Snelling/51 intersection is a good step from a safety standpoint, and I think the community should accept the situation as is because it is safer. ~ Arden Hills Council 6 March 29, 1993 Joe Kahnke, 1541 Edgewater Avenue: I see no alternative other than a signalized intersection, Accidents occur at all intersections, but we cannot close all intersections to be "safer", Rolf Engel, 3265 North Snelling Avenue: I suggest a fifth option, that being the Snelling/51 intersection remain closed except to emergency vehicles. Closure of the Snelling/51 intersection adds about four minutes to a trip from my home. This four minutes could be crucial in an emergency, The option of a frontage road is better than leaving the situation as is. . Linda Swanson, 1124 Ingerson Road: I have provided my comments, in writing, several times to the Council since this issue arose. Council needs to consider the entire community, safety, convenience, costs, etc. I have actually gone to MNDOT offices and reviewed their file on this matter. Since the 1970s, the State and County have recommended against signalization at the Snelling/51 location due to safety concerns, We pay MNDOT to know how to deal with these types of issues and some people are ignoring that fact. There is a lot of talk tonight about convenience, but sometimes people have to learn to deal with change. The only reason to reopen the intersection appears to be convenience; convenience is no reason to ignore safety. Terry Hoxmeier, 3320 Lametti Circle: I'm opposed to reopening the Snelling/51 intersection using any of the alternatives because of safety concerns and the costs to implement changes. I applaud MNDOT for taking a firm stand. The costs involved are extreme and we need to be very careful in spending taxpayer's money. There is clearly no consensus on this issue. Many of the people who would receive the benefit of convenience if the intersection were reopened are opposed to reopening, Mary Remmers, 3160 Ridgewood Road: If traffic coming from 694 and from Rosedale would simply travel at a lower speed, the situation would be much safer for the entire stretch of T.H. 51. The speed limit is not only too high, it also needs improved enforcement. . Barb Ernst, 3521 North Snelling Avenue: I have recently moved to the community and think it is important for citizens to realize that the entire metro area has had to accommodate growth, Now T.H. 51 is a freeway. The idea of allowing emergency vehicles only to use the Snelling/51 intersection is a good idea. Also, the frontage road option . - ~ Arden Hills Council March 29, 1993 7 is OK. Convenience is the least of my concerns. Safety is of the utmost importance; the speed of T.H. 51 needs to be lowered or at least enforced. Steve Lambros, 1313 Skiles Lane: I am new to the community and was interested in hearing all the angles of this issue before commenting. MNDOT's goal is supposedly mobility, yet they have reduced mobility be closing the Snelling/51 intersection. I wonder where the 1,200 vehicles per day that previously used the Snelling/51 intersection have gone since MNDOT claims that County Road E is not more highly traveled than before. Rave those vehicles just vanished? The added miles to access our homes does not seem significant until you consider the number of people affected, times the number of trips, times the number of miles. When you consider the grand total of all additional miles traveled, the additional fuel used, and the additional pollution, it is very significant. I would like to see the Snelling/51 intersection reopened in a safer design and also the speed limit of T.R. 51 reduced. I understand the complexity of this issue and the emotions that are involved, but it is time that a position is taken and something is actually done to bring the entire matter to a close. Mayor Sather invited comments from anyone who had not yet spoken; no further speakers came forward. In response to comments from citizens to the effect that the Council has not been responsive in this issue, Mayor Sather explained that the Council did take action to suggest that MNDOT evaluate the Snelling/51 intersection, then Council accepted the closure of the intersection, and now Council is responding to the request of citizens to revisit the issue. Regarding the idea of keeping the intersection closed except to emergency vehicles, he questioned whether it would be possible to monitor and enforce that type of arrangement. Councilmember Aplikowski stated that she is very disturbed that MNDOT has now taken the position that a redesigned, signalized intersection is not a viable alternative. She recalled that in the late 1910s or early 1980s, the City apparently had the option of a signal at Snelling/51, but that option was turned down and a signal was located at Lydia/51 instead. She stated that her concern is safety, not convenience, and one large factor to the safety issue is the matter of the high rate of speed on T,H. 51. . ~ . . Arden Hills Council 8 March 29, 1993 Councilmember Hicks asked O'Keefe what would likely occur if the City requested MNDOT re~onsider the signalization option, O'Keefe responded saying that the decision that a signalized intersection is not a viable option was made at a high level in MNDOT, and though there may be political and legal routes to pursue if the City so desires, he did not believe MNDOT would reconsider the signalization option. Councilmember Hicks asked if there are any other intersections under MNDOT's jurisdiction that are still open after accidents have occurred. Thompson stated that the decision to install signals is usually based on certain "warrants", and in the case of the Snelling/51 intersection, MNDOT decided that closure was the safest alternative, Councilmember Hicks stated that the option of a frontage road between Old Snelling and Lydia seems unreasonable and perhaps a frontage road from old Snelling to Glenhill would be a better idea, O'Keefe reiterated that a frontage road would have a high volume of traffic, safety concerns, and wetland concerns. Councilmember Malone asked if MNDOT has applied the same objective criteria in making a decision on the Snelling/51 matter as has been applied to comparable intersections in the State. O'Keefe and Thompson said they believe the usual criteria has been applied and they would be willing to provide examples if requested. Malone said he would like that assurance. Councilmember Malone asked, presuming the Snelling/51 intersection remains closed, if MNDOT would consider revisiting the matter if the traffic situation on County Road E or other alternate routes becomes intolerable. O'Keefe said reconsideration under those conditions is possible. Councilmember Probst expressed his opposition to the frontage road option based on his opinion that it would not be in the best interest of the City, He added that the signalized intersection option appeared to be the best option, but given that MNDOT's current position is that a signalized intersection is not a viable option, the next best available option appears to be to keep the intersection closed. He further stated that regardless of the action taken with respect to the Snelling/51 intersection, the County Road E/Snelling intersection definitely needs attention. . . e Arden Hills Council 9 March 29, 1993 MOTION: Probst moved, seconded by Malone, to accept MNDOT's recommendation that the Snelling/51 intersection remain closed, and to request that MNDOT actively keep the City fully advised as to future plans or proposals for T.H. 51 both at the 694 and the County Road E intersections, The following discussion took place prior to the vote. Councilmember Malone asked if the intent of this motion is to bring this matter to a close. Councilmember Probst answered yes, that there does not appear to be any other alternatives given MNDOT's position. Councilmember Hicks advised the audience that if the motion on the floor passes, he is prepared to make another motion with regard to other safety concerns at County Road E, Brad Lemberg said that having been a City Engineer himself, he would urge Council to pursue answers to the questions "What has MNDOT's study actually included?", "To where did 1,200 vehicles per day that previously used Snelling/51 go?", "Who at MNDOT is ultimately responsible to make decisions regarding this issue and why are those persons not in attendance tonight?" and '~hat warrants and criteria were the basis for MNDOT's position?". Motion carried (3-2; Probst, Malone, Sather voted aye; Aplikowski, Hicks voted nay). Councilmember Hicks reiterated his frustration with MNDOT's position because it essentially "ties the City's hands". He commented that the issue involves not only access to the immediate neighborhood but also reasonable accessibility throughout the City, He added that he does not believe the frontage road option is acceptable, and he is concerned that problems and hazards have simply been "moved" from the Snelling/51 intersection to other routes, with regard to the idea of widening the County Road E bridge, he stated his belief that the cost would be prohibitive. MOTION: Hicks moved, seconded by Aplikowski, to take the following actions to alleviate safety concerns in the County Road E/T.H. 51 area: ~ . . Arden Hills Council 10 March 29, 1993 Request that Ramsey County restripe County Road E to create two lanes west of T.H. 51 to old Snelling, Request that a right turn lane be installed for eastbound traffic and a left turn lane for westbound traffic at the County Road E semaphore immediately west of the bridge over T.H. 51, and Revisit the speed limit issue to pursue a reduction in speed limit to 30 mph in the area of the County Road E/T.H. 51 intersection, and Request Ramsey County install a bikeway/walkway along the County Road E bridge over T,H. 51. The following discussion took place prior to the vote. Councilmember Hicks stated that he realized the motion offered is a "band-aid approach" to the safety issues, but there did not appear to be any other alternative. Councilmember Malone asked if there is adequate right-of-way for a bikeway/walkway along the bridge. City Engineer Maurer stated that he believed so, but would investigate. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. Mayor Sather called a short recess as the audience dispersed. After a few minutes, the regular meeting reconvened. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS FERNWOOD AVENUE WATER TOWER ADOPT RESOLUTION ORDERING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS & SOLICITATION OF BIDS Mayor Sather asked if Council had any questions of the City Engineer with regard to the Fernwood Avenue water tower interior repairs, sandblasting and painting (with exterior painting as an option), or proposed Resolution No. 93-21. Council had no questions, . . . Arden Hills Council 11 March 29, 1993 MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Hicks, to adopt Resolution No. 93-21 Ordering Preparation of Plans and Specifications and Solicitation of Competitive Bids for the Repair, Refurbishing and Repainting of the Fernwood Avenue Water Tower. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). FINANCING PLAN FOR WATER TOWER FUND Administrator Person distributed to Council a memorandum and recommendation from City Accountant Post regarding the development of a financing plan to fund the north water tower maintenance project, Post's memo recalled that in 1988 the Permanent Improvement Revolving Fund (PIR) provided funding for the $800,000 improvement project to construct the south water tower. Post's recommendation called for consolidating the remaining $136,035 obligation from the 1988 construction of the south water tower with the $300,775 obligation for the north water tower maintenance project to arrive at a total principal obligation of $468,870 in the Permanent Improvement Revolving Fund (PIR). Post explained that the financing arrangement he has recommended assumes a 6% interest rate with payments made quarterly from the water Fund, commencing with the third quarter of 1993. Under his recommendation, both obligations would be satisfied by June 30, 2002. Councilmember Malone and Post discussed the matter of interest rate, Post stated that he used a 6% interest rate in his calculations because that is the approximate rate the City would face if borrowing the funds through other sources. Malone expressed concern that establishing a 6% interest rate would be fair in today's market, but perhaps would result in "lost opportunity" toward the end of the term. He asked if it would be possible to establish a floating rate, perhaps the prime rate plus three. Post said that would be workable. MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Probst, to ratify the City Accountant's financing plan for the north water tower project, whereby $300,715 is to be borrowed from the PIR Fund and consolidated with the remaining obligation from the south water tower project. The obligation is to be repaid in quarterly payments to the PIR Fund from the Water Fund at an interest rate of prime rate plus three (rate to be amended annually). Motion carried unanimously (5-0). . . . Arden Hills Council 12 March 29, 1993 REVIEW TIF INFORMATION FOR "COTTAGES LIFESTYLES" Administrator Person distributed to Council documents and information provided by financial consultants, Ehlers and Associates, with regard to Tax Increment Financing (TIF) arrangements being considered for John Arkell's "The Cottages" development. The handouts included: A Preliminary Draft of the Modified Development Program for Development District No. 1 Including Tax Increment Financing plans for Tax Increment Financing Districts No.1 - No.2 (approved by the City Council June 26, 1989) and Tax Increment Financing District No. 3 (under consideration) A Preliminary Draft of Tax Increment Financing Plan for Tax Increment Financing District No. 3 ("Cottages Lifestyles") A Tax Increment Financing Procedure Referring to the Tax Increment Financing Procedure outline, Person reported that the step of calling a public hearing has been accomplished, the hearing set for April 26, 1993. She further reported that the step of delivering fiscal and economic implications material to Ramsey County and Mounds View School District thirty days prior to the public hearing has also been accomplished. She added that the next step is for Council to review the preliminary draft documents in preparation for the April 26 public hearing. She drew attention to specific pieces of information within the drafts. Mayor Sather commented that since the preliminary draft documents were just received and Council has not had the opportunity to review them, it would be prudent to simply acknowledge receipt of the drafts and arrange to discuss the documents either at the next Council worksession or regular Counci 1 meeting. Councilmember Malone asked if John Arkell is willing to accept a level of property valuation to assure a certain level of property tax on the development. Person stated that matter would be addressed within the Development Agreement, a draft of which will be provided to Council prior to the April 26 hearing. Malone asked if there is any further action required of Council prior to the April 26 hearing. Person answered no, but suggested that Council appoint the law firm of Dorsey & Whitney as legal counsel for this TIF matter. . . . . . Arden Hills Council 13 March 29, 1993 MOTION: Probst moved, seconded by Malone, to acknowledge receipt of the TIF preliminary draft documents and direct staff to schedule a time during the Council's next worksession to discuss those documents. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Hicks, to appoint the law firm of Dorsey & Whitney as legal counsel for this TIF matter. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). COUNCIL COMMENTS SNELLING/T.H. 51 INTERSECTION Councilmember Aplikowski apologized to Council for her expression of frustration this evening during the Snelling/T.H 51 discussion. She added that she has felt victim of a higher level of government when dealing with MNDOT on this issue. BUDGET Councilmember Malone noted that Accountant Post, in his March 16, 1993 memo has asked for direction regarding the handling of special revenue funds such as the Program Fund and Shade Tree Fund. Malone recalled the original intended management of these funds called for the funds to be "zeroed out" at year end, Malone commended staff for attaining very favorable year end figures in special revenue funds and in the public works area. MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Aplikowski, to make appropriate end of year transfers to close out the Program Fund and Shade Tree Fund to zero and transfer remaining funds to the General Fund. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). WATER RATES Administrator Person distributed to Council a March 25 memorandum from Accountant Post regarding the water purchase price increase and the two-tier pricing method facing the City in 1993, Given the fact that this memo was just distributed, Council agreed to discuss these matters at their next Council worksession. , - . . ,- ~,., Arden Hills Council 14 March 29, 1993 MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Probst, to direct staff to include in the next utility billing a notice and explanation of anticipated rate increases. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). ADJOURN MOTION: Hicks moved, seconded by Aplikowski, to adjourn the meeting at 9:37 p.m, Motion carried unanimously (5-0). Thomas R. Sather, Mayor Dorothy A, Person, Clerk Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS: The next regular Council meeting will be held April 12, 1993 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mounds View Senior High School Cafeteria. The next Council worksession will be held at 4:30 p.m., April 20, 1993 at City Hall.