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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 03-08-1993 . . ~ , MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING March 8, 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: Mayor Thomas Sather; councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, Dale Hicks, Paul Malone, Dennis Probst. Also present were: Attorney, John Miller; City Planner, John Bergly; City Engineers, Mark Graham and 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 8, 1993. MOTION: Probst moved, seconded by Aplikowski, revised March 8, 1993 agenda. Motion unanimously (5-0). to adopt the carried STORM WATER UTILITY INFORMATIONAL MEETING City Engineer Graham gave a presentation to provide information to the public with regard to the Surface Water Management utility. He stated that a formal informational meeting is not required, but is being held as a courtesy to Arden Hills residents because the City is planning to implement a Storm Water utility in the second utility billing quarter of 1993. Graham explained that a Surface Water Management utility is a method by which a City collects revenue and has an itemized budget to manage, treat, and dispose of storm water and to address water run-off issues which are raised by Rice Creek Watershed District, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, or other agencies. Graham added that Surface Water Management utilities are common among surrounding communities and the typical types of projects which would be funded by the Utility include annual street infrastructure projects, cost participation in County/State road projects, local drainage issues, drainage easement acquisitions, repair and maintenance of existing facilities, ditching cleaning, pond construction, street sweeping, report/permit preparation, etc. . . - Arden Hills Council March 8, 1993 2 Graham reviewed the proposed fee structure for the Surface Water Management Utility stating that all properties zoned residential, business, and commercial will be charged. He explained that fees for individual properties will be determined according to zoning classification, and levied on a quarterly basis as a separate item on utility bills. He added that undeveloped property will be charged one-half of the usual rate for single-family residential property. Graham quoted the following proposed Surface Water Management Utility fees per quarter (effective the second quarter of 1993): Zoninq Classification Per Acre or Unit R-l (single family) R-2 (single and two family) R-3 (townhouse & low density multiple) R-4 (multiple dwelling) I-I, 1-2 (limited & general industrial) B-I, B-2 (limited & general industrial) Undeveloped property $11.94/AC=$3.98/Unit $15.64/AC=$3.91/Unit $32.48/AC $32.48/AC $50.75/AC $50.75/AC $ 5.97/AC There were no questions or comments received from the floor. Action on this matter was taken within this evening's Consent calendar. APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Probst, to approve the minutes of the February 22, 1993 Regular Council Meeting as prepared. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). 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). Adopt Resolution No. 93-14 Establishing the 1993 Surface Water Management Utility Rates. Adopt Resolution No. 93-15 Establishing City Policy On Operation Of A Surface Water Management Util ity. Adopt Ordinance No. 290, Chapter 28, Utilities Article V (Relating to the Establishment of a Surface Water Management Utility). Adopt Resolution 93-16 Receiving the Revised Feasibility Report and Ordering a Public Hearing on the Improvement in the Matter of the 1993 Pavement Maintenance Improvements. a. b. c. d. . . . Arden Hills Council March 8, 1993 3 e. Adopt Resolution No. 93-17 Ordering Preparation of Plans and Specifications in the Matter of the 1993 Pavement Maintenance Improvements. Adopt Resolution No. 93-18 Approving the Plans and Specifications and Ordering the Advertisement for Bids in the Matter of the 1993 Pavement Maintenance Improvements. Approve Paid Family Leave of Absence for John Buckley and Accept His Resignation Effective July 5, 1993. Approve Business Licenses and Rubbish Haulers. Approve List of Claims/payroll. Tree City - 1992 National Recognition (8th Award). f. g. h. i. j. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments from the floor. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS CASE 93-02 SPECIAL USE PERMIT W.W. GRAINGER BUILDING City Planner Bergly stated that Greystone Construction has applied for a special use permit to allow building expansion of the existing W. W. Grainger building at 4444 West Round Lake Road, in the Gateway Business District. Bergly explained that the existing building was constructed several years ago with an exterior finish which does not now conform to the City's new zoning regulations for the Gateway Business District, and Planning Commission has expressed concern as to whether the exterior finish material should be brought into conformity as a condition of approval for this building expansion. He added that the Planning Commission considered that Grainger plans additional expansion of the premises in the future. Given that information, Planning Commission, took the position that it would be appropriate to allow the exterior of the building expansion (current application) to have continuity with the existing building rather than require the exterior finish of the entire building to be brought into conformity with the new zoning regulation at this time. He added that Planning Commission recommended the applicant be required to submit a status report four years from the date of approval relative to the "future addition" noted on the site plan. With regard to landscaping, Bergly reported that the Planning commission determined that the landscaping requirement for the current application is equivalent to 30 Arden Hills Council 4 March 8, 1993 . caliper inches of trees, and they recommended the trees be placed in the front yard for the purpose of screening and enhancing the site. Bergly stated that the u.s. Fish and Wildlife service may, in the future, install a walking path around the lake at the rear of the Grainger property, therefore, the Planning commission has suggested that some of the required trees be located in the rear of the Grainger property. Councilmember Aplikowski supported Planning Commission's position not to impose on the current application the new zoning ordinance regulations relative to the exterior finish of the building since this expansion is not the final development of the site. she commented that she prefers some landscaping in the rear of the building, not only to enhance the rear space, but also to limit screening in front of the building. councilmember Hicks commented that trees in the rear of the building might not be appropriate until the time development to the rear of the building takes place. Bergly said staff has recommended a landscape escrow account to assure that the landscaping requirements of this application are completed at some appropriate time in the future. . Councilmember Probst said that one of the impediments of the development of the Gateway Business District is improving vehicular access, and there is a goal to "dress up" the roadway. He supported the idea of a landscaping escrow so that landscaping could be planned to coordinate with other enhancements in the area. Probst commented that, in light of planned future expansion of the premises, it would not be appropriate to require this phase of expansion to conform to the new exterior finish requirements. Councilmember Hicks asked if Grainger initially had a long- term landscape plan prior to submitting this application. Bergly said there was no long-term landscaping plan, only a landscape plan which dealt with the original site. Hicks stated that before any landscaping is done, he would want to see an overall complete landscape plan for the premises as it is envisioned for the final finished site. MOTION: Hicks moved, seconded by Malone, with regard to Case 93-02, W. W. Grainger, 4444 West Round Lake Road, to: 1) Waive the Development Moratorium, 2) Grant a Special Use Permit to allow expansion of the existing building at 4444 West Round Lake Road, conditioned upon the following: . Arden Hills Council . b) . d) 5 March 8, 1993 a) That the north and east temporary walls of the structure are acceptable as painted concrete block walls, and plans for future expansion of the building show construction of the permanent north and east walls with uniform concrete panel material to maintain the continuity of the existing building materials and include enhancement of the structure by one of the following methods: utilizing building materials required by the Gateway Business District regulations; Addition of an approved decorative enhancement to the walls, which may be carried through to the existing structure; or, Landscaping enhancement to the site on the north and east areas. That the landscaping requirement for the current application is equivalent to 30 caliper inches of trees. The developer and the City Planner are to work together to develop a landscape plan to satisfy the landscaping requirement for the current application, or arrange an escrow for that landscaping. The landscaping required for the current application should be part of an overall final finished site landscape plan. That the "future addition" shown on the Site Plan is not approved as part of this application. A complete submission package for Planning Commission and Council review and approval are required prior to construction of the future phase. That applicant submit to the City an approved permit from Rice Creek watershed District. c) The following discussion took place prior to the vote: Mayor Sather asked if the applicant has considered an escrow for landscaping. Rob O'Brien of Greystone Construction provided Council with copies of a March 8, 1993 letter from Grainger which outlined Grainger's position with regard to the matter of landscaping and future expansion plans. O'Brien commented that Grainger is adamantly opposed to screening the front of the building because of visibility concerns. He added that there are already many existing trees in the rear portion of the property. . Councilmember 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 . . e Arden Hills Council 6 March 8, 1993 development that will be a part of and coordinate with the concept landscape plan for the future development. Councilmember Malone said the motion on the floor would result in allowing an existing building to expand without having to conform to the exterior finish regulations which have been upgraded since the original building was constructed. He emphasized that the applicant must understand that when the building is further expanded in the future, there is an expectation that the entire site be brought into conformity with the regulations in force at that time. He stated that it is usual practice for the City to require a building to be brought into conformity with existing regulations whenever the building is expanded. He clearly stated that his vision is to see the entire Gateway area upgraded. He reminded the applicant that property owners would benefit from such upgrading through increased property values. Public Works Superintendent Winkel advised that the City has a utilities easement between the proposed expansion and the lake. Councilmember Aplikowski said she recognizes the fact that Grainger is a long-time business in the community, she values the business, and does not want them to feel threatened by the City's vision for the area. Councilmember Malone reiterated the importance of Grainger understanding that the City has a future vision for the area, and future expansion and development will be expected to comply with regulations in force at that time. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). CASE 93-03 SITE PLAN REVIEW MODIFICATIONS - MOUNDS VIEW HIGH SCHOOL Planner Bergly stated that Mounds View High School has requested site plan modifications for the Mounds View High School site including three elements 1) The replacement of the existing four-court tennis court area with an eight- court tennis court area, 2) A reconfiguration of the student drop off area for improved traffic flow and safety, and 3) Expansion of the parking and service area on the southwest corner of the building for improved traffic flow. Bergly stated that the new zoning regulations include restrictions regarding the height of fencing, however, those restrictions may not be appropriate for public use sites, therefore, a variance is required either for the fencing height or the front yard setback. Arden Hills Council 7 March 8, 1993 . Bergly explained that the applicant has expressed a desire for a windscreen in the chain link fence, and to move some trees from the property and replant them along the tennis court, blended with existing trees, to help screen the visual effects of the windscreen. He advised that the zoning ordinance has a "30% open" requirement for fencing, which would require a variance if a windscreen were allowed. With regard to the reconfiguration plans for the student drop off in front of the school, Bergly described the one- way in/out traffic pattern for traffic entering from and exiting onto County Road F. He stated that the reconfiguration would include changing the location of the vehicle parking area, moving parked vehicles closer to the County Road F right-of-way. He added that the applicant will be required to obtain a permit from the County prior to construction, and it is possible that a parking setback variance will also be required. . Bergly reported that the Planning Commission has considered this case and recommended variances for the fencing height and "30% open" issues. He added that they further recommended 1) Amending the landscape plan to include two rows of deciduous trees planted along the tennis court fence to lessen the visual effect of the windscreen, 2) Bike parking be provided near the tennis courts, 3) Speed bumps be located in the student drop off area, and 4) A lighting plan (compatible with the stadium lighting scheduled) be presented. Councilmember Aplikowski opposed the recommendation from Planning Commission with regard to speed bumps in the student drop off area. She offered the opinion that speed bumps are not necessary or appropriate in this instance. She also stated that absolute caution must be taken to assure that the configuration of any deciduous trees or other landscaping in the front of this area does not hamper visibility for traffic entering or exiting the school, or create dark secluded areas which could create security concerns. Bergly said landscaping could be arranged in such a configuration to assure the greatest possible safety, security and visibility. Councilmember Probst commented that it would be reasonable for the City to impose a condition that any trees that are planted and do not survive must be replaced. . Councilmember Malone asked if the applicant is aware of the new regulations regarding "trespass" lighting. Bergly stated that it may be reasonable to mention that matter within Council's motion on this case. . . ~ Arden Hills Council 8 March 8, 1993 Malone concurred with Aplikowski's position that there is no need for speed bumps in the student drop off area, mainly because the maneuvers that a driver must make in that area, without any speed bumps, would likely result in sufficient speed control. Council was advised that the rationale for either the front yard setback or the fencing variance would be: The regulations are established to protect the character of a residential district, The use across the street is industrial in nature (MnDOT radio tower and Ryder School Bus garages) although in a Residential District the impact of the higher fence on the property across the street would be insignificant, There are no residents within 800 feet along County Road F, The school site is fully utilized and alternative location of an expanded tennis facility is not possible, and The 35 feet of additional right-of-way at the northwest corner creates an artificial condition that does not affect the physical relationship between the roadway and the fence. The rationale for a parking setback variance would be: No other alternatives achieved the safety and convenience objectives of the option proposed, and The safety achieved is an acceptable trade-off for such variance. MOTION: Probst moved, seconded by Hicks, with regard to Case 93-03 Site Plan Modification for Mounds View Senior High School, to take the following action: 1) 2 ) Waive the Development Moratorium; Grant a variance to two components of fencing regulations, i.e.: A 7-foot height variance from the allowed 3- foot fence height in front yards, and A variance to the "30% open requirement"; Grant a variance of 15 feet for the parking setback at the east end of the student drop-off area, if such variance is needed; Approve the Site Plan Modification with the following conditions: A) That there be no "speed bumps" installed in the student drop-off area; B) That the school prepare planting plans for replacing the trees removed at the drop-off area, to soften the impact of the variances 3) 4) A.den Hills Council 9 Ma.ch 8, 1993 . g.anted. Such plans a.e to be app.oved and submitted with app.op.iate bonding p.io. to issuance of building pe.mits. Any t.ees planted which do not su.vive must be .eplaced; C) That Rice C.eek wate.shed Dist.ict .eview and app.ove the site g.ading and d.ainage plans and, if needed, a pe.mit f.om RCWD be obtained p.io. to const.uction; D) That the Landscape Plan submitted fo. the tennis cou.t a.ea be amended to include two .ows of deciduous t.ees planted along the County Road F fenceline, to lessen the visual impact of the windsc.een; E) That nea. the tennis cou.ts it is .ecommended that bike pa.king be p.ovided; F) That the applicant submit an ove.all campus lighting plan which is consistent with City o.dinance. Motion ca..ied unanimously (5-0). CASE 93-04 SPECIAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT - VAUGHN TOWER . Planne. Be.gly explained that this case involves a .equest for a Special Use Permit Amendment to install th.ee sets of four antennae to the 100-foot and 175-foot points on the 700-foot Vaughn Towe., located in the Gateway Business District, place a 12' X 30' modular building at the base of the tower, and erect a chain link secu.ity fence around the building. Bergly stated that under the new zoning regulations, the Gateway Business District has prohibited uses and permitted uses, allowing antennae only as a special accessory use, not as a principal use. He fu.ther reported that the City Attorney has opined that since the Gateway Business District does not now allow towers, the Vaughn tower is now a nonconfo.ming use: and although pre-existing nonconfo.ming uses are allowed to continue, they a.e not allowed to be enla.ged o. intensified; the.efo.e, app.oval of this case would be in conflict with the regulations. Be.gly added that the Planning Commission .eviewed this case, conducted a public hearing, and .ecommended denial on the basis that app.oval would constitute expansion of a nonconfo.ming use in the Gateway Business Dist.ict. He added that atto.neys fo. U.S.West have a diffe.ing inte.p.etation and a diffe.ence of opinion on this matte.. . Jaymes LittleJohn, atto.ney .ep.esenting the applicant, appea.ed befo.e Council stating that the.e is a debate as to . . . Arden Hills Council March 8, 1993 10 whether the Vaughn Tower is a nonconforming use because the antennae is a "structure to facilitate the use". He added that the proposal is to change the use, not expand the use. LittleJohn explained that the proposal is to use the property for cellular telephone transmission antennae which are necessary for the ever increasing use of cellular phones. He added that u.s. West has an FCC license mandating that cellular phone use be available nationwide. He further stated that the FCC recognizes that the increasing use of cellular phones requires constructing antennae as needed to facilitate the use. He opined that if the City does not allow the antennae, such action would be in direct conflict with FCC regulations. LittleJohn reviewed the merits of cellular phone from the standpoint of commerce and public safety in addition to convenience. He added that many Arden Hills citizens are cellular phone users and many 911 emergency calls are received from cellular phones. LittleJohn asked that Council either determine that this is a permissible use or an allowable use based on the importance of cellular communications. Councilmember Hicks asked how a location for antennae is chosen. A U.S. West representative stated that the need for antennae is determined by the frequency of cellular phone calls within a geographic area. He added that U.S. West does not have power of imminent domain, but seeks locations that will support the volume of cellular phone use in a particular geographic area. Councilmember Aplikowski stated that as a cellular phone user, she understands the importance of providing this service to the community, and expressed an interest at arriving at an acceptable alternative. Councilmember Malone commented that the merits of cellular phone service are irrelevant; the issue is how the City will handle a nonconforming structure. Probst concurred. MOTION: Probst moved, seconded by Malone, with regard to Case 93-04, to deny a Special Use Permit Amendment to install cellular phone antennae on the Vaughn radio tower, based on the fact that approval would constitute expansion of a nonconforming use in the Gateway Business District. Motion carried 4-1 (Aplikowski voted nay; all others voted aye). Arden Hills Council 11 March 8, 1993 . CASE 93-05 SITE PLAN REVIEW VALENTINE HILLS ELEMENTARY Bergly stated that Case 93-05 involves a site plan review for a 16' X 40' addition to the west side of Valentine Hills school to be used for storage purposes. Bergly explained that the addition includes no windows or exterior doors and is to be of the same exterior material as the main building. He added that per landscape regulations, this addition would require that one 2" caliper tree be added to the site; the applicant has indicated that a tree of at least that size will be planted on the site. Bergly reported that the Planning Commission and staff have reviewed this case and recommend approval on the basis that the proposal meets all ordinance requirements, it will have minimal impact on the neighborhood, and it is designed to blend with the existing school. MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Aplikowski, with regard to Case 93-05 site plan Review for Building Addition to Valentine Hills Elementary School, 1770 West County Road E2, to: 1) Waive the Development Moratorium, and 2) Approve the site plan with the condition that the applicant provide an acceptable landscape plan for the placement of the tree on the school property. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). . ORDER PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING ZONING/SIGN ORDINANCE CHANGES planner Bergly reported that the Planning Commission bas indicated their preference for the Council to host a public hearing on the Zoning/Sign Ordinance changes. Councilmember Hicks added that the Planning Commission has reviewed this matter at length a number of times and compiled the proposed document, and he believed it would be appropriate for the Council to host the public hearing on the matter. Administrator Person and City Engineer Graham advised Council as to the tentative agendas of upcoming Council meetings. Councilmember Probst suggested that the public hearing on the Zoning/Sign Ordinance changes be held at a location other than the City Council Chambers in order to accommodate the number of residents who may attend the hearing. . Administrator Person indicated that a date of April 12 would allow adequate time to make arrangements for establishing a location and meeting necessary publication deadlines. . . . Arden Hills Council March 8, 1993 12 Indication of Council was that Mounds View Higb School would be the preferred location for the meeting. MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Hicks, to set a public hearing on the matter of Zoning/Sign Ordinance Changes to be held April 12, 1993 at 8:15 p.m. at a location to be determined. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). TIF DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT ORDER PUBLIC HEARING & AUTHORIZE PREPARATION OF DEVELOPER AGREEMENT Administrator Person stated that in order to respond to development interests by developer John Arkell, the establishment of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District and related TIF Development plan is being considered. Bob Ehlers, of Ehlers and Associates (Financial Consultant to the City), explained that several steps are included in the process of establishing a TIF District and related TIF Development Plan. He explained that in addition to the City reviewing a proposed TIF Development Plan, the law requires that the School District and the County be given at least 30 days to perform their respective review of the plan and forward their comments. In response to Councilmember Malone's inquiry, Ehlers briefly explained the TIF process from beginning to end. He stated that the TIF Development Plan would be prepared for Council review, then it would be forwarded to the School District and the County, and then a hearing on the matter could be scheduled. Administrator Person advised that a public hearing date of April 26, 1993 has been suggested. She added that in order to meet the 30-day requirement for School District and County review of the Plan, staff could, with Council direction, work with Ehlers and Associates to prepare a draft TIF Development plan for Council's consideration at their March worksession; then the Development plan could be forwarded to the School District and the County in ample time to satisfy their required 30-day review period before a public hearing could be held on April 26, 1993. Ehlers suggested that at the same time that staff is preparing the draft TIF Development Plan, the staff should also be working with John Arkell to prepare a Developer's Agreement between Arkell and the City. . . . Arden Hills Council March 8, 1993 13 Malone moved, seconded by Hicks, to: Direct staff to prepare a draft TIF Development Plan for Council review at their March 16, 1993 worksession, Direct staff to prepare a Development Agreement between the City and John Arkell for Council review at their March 29, 1993 regular Council meeting, and Set a public hearing on the matter of Tax Increment Financing for April 26, 1993. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). MOTION: 1) 2 ) 3) ANIMAL CONTROL CONTRACT Administrator Person reported that staff has reviewed options available for animal control within the City, having contacted the Humane Society, White Bear Township, and private services. Person explained that researching the matter has revealed that the most workable option is to contract with Animal Control Services Inc. in that they provide live traps, 24- hour service and assistance in finding veterinarian services. Rick Ruzicka, President of Animal Control Services was present to answer questions with regard to the service his company provides. Councilmember Malone asked what other nearby cities are served by Animal Control Services, and how often Animal Control Services is typically called out for service. Ruzicka responded that Maplewood, South st. Paul and Oak Park Heights are nearby cities that his company services. He said it is difficult to estimate how often Arden Hills would require service, but the peak time of year is in the spring and summer. He explained that Animal Control Services Inc. takes a very pro-active approach to animal control by offering methods to ease the process of locating owners of lost animals, etc. Community Planning Coordinator Iago stated that in checking references on Animal Control Services Inc., they were found to be highly regarded by other communities they serve. MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Hicks, to direct the Administrator to ratify the contract for animal control services with Animal Control Services Inc., effective May 1, 1993, at the rates contained within the contract. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). Arden Hills Council . COUNTY ROAD F "TURNBACK" City Engineer Maurer recalled that at a previous worksession there was discussion regarding possible "turnbacks" of roads between the City and Ramsey County. He stated that the County has expressed interest in a turnback of County Road F to the County and a turnback of Old Snelling to the City, and a meeting in this regard will be held in the near future to discuss costs and right-of-way acquisition, etc. 14 March 8, 1993 Councilmember Malone commented that an important element with regard to the turnback of Old Snelling is wbether it would include the bridge in that area. Councilmember Hicks stated that he is uncomfortable considering turnbacks in a piecemeal fashion, and would prefer a complete package. Maurer stated that the potential "swap" of County Road F for old Snelling may be very workable and beneficial to both parties due to the designations of the roads involved. . Councilmember Probst expressed his concern as to who will ultimately be responsible for Stowe Avenue, which is apparently a County road but does not appear to be attended to by the County. Public Works Superintendent Winkel advised that he has received information indicating that Ramsey County is planning to improve Stowe Avenue by cold- in-place recycling this year. SPEED LIMIT RECOMMENDATION OLD SNELLING (T.H. 51 TO HWY. 96) Public Works Superintendent Winkel reported that a member of the Public Safety/Works Committee contacted Ramsey County with regard to the matter of possible speed reduction on Old Snelling from T.H. 51 to Highway 96 and was instructed to seek Council direction as to how the City would like Ramsey County to proceed to address the speed issue. Winkel added that the Public Safety Committee has recommended decreasing the speed limit from 40 to 30 mph (from T.H. 51 north to County Road E) and from 45 to 35 mph (from County Road E north to Highway 96) and requiring more enforcement of the speed limits. . Mayor Sather said he would be inclined to ask the County Engineers to determine what is appropriate in this matter. Councilmember Hicks said he understands the County won't study the matter until they receive a request from the City to do so. . . . Arden Hills Council March 8, 1993 15 Councilmember Probst asked if the issue is primarily that of speed or whether there is an enforcement problem. Councilmember Aplikowski commented that there is a concern that the speed limit is unsafe given the condition of the road and the large number of abutting residences. Administrator Person stated that perhaps it may be practical to ask the County to coordinate the speed limit study witb other work done in the area. Councilmember Malone commented that although he is aware of the concerns that have been raised, he is not certain that the speed limit of the road is inappropriate. He reminded Council that requesting the County perform a study would be asking them to expend taxpayer's money for such a study. He said it would be acceptable to ask the County to check into this, but he would be uncomfortable asking them to spend money on an in-depth study. Councilmember Hicks commented that there are several citizens who have expressed concern that the speed limit is excessive. MOTION: Aplikowski moved, seconded by Hicks, to forward to Ramsey County a request to study a possible speed reduction for old Snelling Avenue per the recommendation of the Public Safety/Works Committee. Motion carried (3-2; Aplikowski, Hicks & Sather voted aye; Malone & Probst voted nay). COUNCIL COMMENTS PARKS & RECREATION AND PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS Councilmember Probst reported that there are discussions underway with regard to Arden Hills scheduling the use of school tennis courts during off-school hours. He said he would keep Council apprised on this matter. Probst advised that there is funding available through Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficient Act (ISTEA) for "enhancement" purposes, and perhaps the City should investigate that funding source possibility. Administrator Person advised that staff will be attending a meeting in the next week regarding ISTEA funding possibilities. Mayor Sather recalled that Council, at their last meeting, appointed Jeanne Winiecki as interim chair to the Planning Commission until a permanent chairperson could be appointed. He suggested appointing Winiecki as Chairperson on a permanent basis. . . . Arden Hills Council March 8, 1993 16 MOTION: Probst moved, seconded by Aplikowski, to ratify the appointment of Jeanne Winiecki as Chairperson for the Planning Commission. Motion carried unanimously (5-0). Administrator Person commented that staff would like Council to consider, at their next worksession, the possibility of changing the regular Planning Commission meeting to a week earlier in order to allow more time between the Planning Commission meeting and the following Council meeting. ARSENAL PROPERTY Administrator Person reported that Ramsey County officials have had discussions with representatives in Washington, D.C. with regard to interest in a joint sharing arrangement for the use of the arsenal property, and have received positive feedback. She added that the State has now expressed interest in the property also. ADJOURN MOTION: Probst moved, seconded by Malone, to adjourn the meeting at 9:23 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 Tuesday, March 16, 1993 at 4:30 p.m. The next regular Council meeting will be held March 29, 1993 at Mounds View Hiqh School Cafeteria at 7:30 p.m.