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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 01-25-1993 & 1-25-1993 WS . . . MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING January 25, 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 7:33 p.m. Present: Mayor Thomas Sather; Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, Dale Hicks, Paul Malone. Also present were: City Engineer, Mark Graham; Parks Director, John Buckley; Public Works Superintendent, Dan Winkel; City Accountant, Terry Post; Deputy Clerk/Zoning Administrator, catherine Iago; Recording Secretary, Shar Foster. ADOPT AGENDA Note was made that Consent Agenda item "Approve List of Claims/Payroll" should be revised to read "Approve List of Payroll". MOTION: Hicks moved, seconded by Malone, to adopt the January 25, 1993 agenda with the revision noted above. Motion carried unanimously (4-0), APPROYAL OF COUNCIL MINUTES MOTION: Aplikowski moved, seconded by Malone, to approve the minutes of the January 11, 1993 Regular Council Meeting as prepared. Motion carried unanimously (4-0). 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 (4-0). a. Approve 1993 Liquor License Renewal - Great Lakes Restaurant. b. Approve 1993 Business Licenses. c. Approve List of Payroll. PUBL_IC COMMENTS There were no public comments. . . . Arden Hills Council 2 January 25, 1993 UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS 1993 PAVEME~~_~AINT~pANCE IMPROVEMENT: RESOLUTION NO. 93-08 - FEASIBILITY REPORT & PUBLIC HEARING RE~9LUTION NO. 93-09 - PLANS & SPECIFICATIONS Within Council packets were copies of the Feasibility Report on the 1993 Pavement Maintenance Project. City Engineer Graham briefly summarized that the project consists of bituminous overlay and seal coat improvement on a number of City streets, based on ratings of the conditions of streets City-wide. He added that in accordance with the City's Assessment Manual, 50% of the bituminous overlay cost is proposed to be assessed to abutting property owners, while the City will pay the balance. Graham recommended Council adoption of Resolution 93-08 receiving the feasibility report and ordering a public hearing for March 8, 1993, and Resolution 93-09 ordering plans and specifications. Mayor Sather commented that Council has reviewed and discussed this matter at length in Council worksessions. MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Hicks, to adopt Resolution 93-08 Receiving The Feasibility Report And Ordering A Public Hearing (March 8, 1993 at 7:30 p.m.) On The Improvement In The Matter Of The 1993 Pavement Maintenance Improvement. Motion carried unanimously (4-0). MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Aplikowski, to adopt Resolution 93-09 Ordering Preparation of Plans And Specifications In The Matter of The 1993 Pavement Maintenance Improvements. Motion carried unanimously (4-0). REVIEW FEASIBILITY REPORT - ~~li,-5_~-LQkP SNELLING AVENUE There were 80 - 90 citizens present to hear and/or participate in discussion regarding the closure of T.H, 51/0ld Snelling Avenue. Mayor Sather announced that there was a register to be signed by anyone wishing to speak, and speakers were asked to limit their comments to two minutes; a few minutes was allowed for the register to circulate. City Engineer Graham explained that he serves as the City Engineer, and he and other representatives of the City met with the State Department of Transportation (MnDOT) in . Arden Hills Council 3 January 25, 1993 November 1992 to discuss the matter of the closure of the T.H. 51/01d Snelling Avenue intersection. Graham reported that at the November meeting, there were four options recognized with regard to the intersection: Option 1 Do nothing, leaving the intersection closed permanently. Option 2 Create a frontage road and redesign the intersection including traffic signalization. Option 3 Create a frontage road along Snelling to Lydia, (which would involve wetland issues and participation by the City of Roseville). Option 4 Widen/redesign County Road E bridge/intersection Graham stated that tonight's meeting is the forum for receiving input, then Council will determine what options they wish to pursue, if any. . Deputy Clerk Iago called names from the register in the order they were listed. Following is a synopsis of each speaker's comments/questions (not verbatim). Tom Fabel. 1550 Edqewater Avenue - My concern is the unsafe condition that existed prior to the closure of the intersection and the many deaths which occurred at that location. The death of a Mounds View High School student was the final straw, after which I, my brother phil Fabel, and some Mounds Views Senior High students drafted a letter to the Attorney General pleading for review of the intersection, stressing that if no action Were taken, there could very likely be a case of negligence against the government entity responsible for the intersection. The Attorney General's office took steps which eventually culminated in the closure of the intersection. I'm not sure which options being considered might be acceptable, but I oppose returning the intersection to its former situation as it was intolerable from a safety standpoint. I believe the City of Arden Hills would be liable if the intersection Were returned to the former situation, and I am presenting a letter to Council stating that position, as well as a petition signed by 19 Rotary Club members supporting keeping the intersection at least as safe as it is today. . Tom Mulcahy, 3530 Siems Court - I believe that some time ago, this intersection was changed from an "x" design to a "right angles from both sides" design based on MnDOT's recommendation that the "X" design was unsafe; however, what MnDOT created has now been closed because it is now deemed unsafe. I object to an influential person in the community using their relationship with a person of power, such as the situation with Tom Fabel and the Attorney General, because . Arden Hills Council 4 January 25, 1993 this does not provide Eor due process, Now the Council and MnDOT are faced with an impossible situation because no matter what takes place, it is likely that some lawyer may accuse the City of negligence. Linda Swanson, 1124 Ingerson Road - I thank the Council for this open meeting as I have only heard about other meetings on this subject after they have occurred. I'm opposed to the options presented on the grounds that they are unsound. To my knowledge, local police and fire departments have not voiced their concerns for safety at this intersection. A signalized intersection would be detrimental to the existing neighborhood by creating more traffic, air pollution, and noise pollution, in addition to being very costly. The only reason which has been given to reopen the intersection is to provide for more convenience, IE the intersection is opened, noise barriers will be necessary. . Tom Lynch, 3220 North Hamlin~ - I have lived within 800' oE this intersection for 27 years and have dealt with this issue many times in the past. Seven people have been killed during those 27 years, even aEter realignment and the installation of a traffic signal at Lydia/Snelling. The speed limit of Snelling is the same as a freeway, which is very inappropriate, in fact, the area is so dangerous that I began avoiding the intersection beEore it was closed. Phil Fabel, 34~? Glenarden Court - Since 1971, this is the third time this matter has come up. No one should profess to know more about the matter than MnDOT; MnDOT has made their position clear by closing the intersection, and that action should stand. David Webster, 3529 Snelling - I have lived in the area for 15 years and witnessed tremendous growth in the area. Since the intersection closure, the area seems much safer, particularly for children. I was involved in an accident at this intersection, and I understand the inconvenience posed by the closure of the intersection, but I feel it is worth the added safety. . Todd Albertson, 1543 Glenhill Road - I moved to the area in 1963 and have witnessed many accidents at this intersection. I represent the Arden Hills Three Association and all eight people within the Association are opposed to the service road option. I believe reopening the intersection would be a fatal mistake. Kay Reyerson, 3201 Ridgewood Road - I echo the comments of earlier speakers and favor any measure that will make a safer neighborhood. I am particularly concerned about the frontage road option as I believe it would endanger wetland . Arden Hills Council 5 January 25, 1993 areas. I urge Council to keep the intersection closed and not approve any major project. Raminik ShahJ 1435 Bussard Court - I am opposed to permanent closure of the intersection and don't think the number of accidents experienced is atypical. I would support a realigned intersection perhaps with traffic signalization. It is impossible to close all intersections because there have been accidents there. . chuck Kelly, 1430 Lametti Lane - I represent a number of families with regard to this matter who do not wish to experience further deaths, thus support keeping the intersection closed. (Using a overhead projector, Mr. Kelly presented evidence, copies of which were in Council packets, supporting his position.) According to the state's study of semaphores, a traffic signal will actually increase the frequency of severe accidents at this particular type of intersection. Reopening the intersection may expose the City to liability should another serious accident occur. A traffic signal will result in significant increase in noise and air pollution. Daily traffic counts continually increase on Highway 51. Ambulance and Fire Department access has not been affected by the intersection closure according to the City's Public Works Superintendent and Health One Ambulance. According to Ramsey County Traffic and MnDOT, there has been an insignificant increase in traffic count on County Road E since closure of the intersection. The petition requesting reopening of the intersection does not reflect City-wide sentiment; a survey or vote would be the only way of determine City-wide opinion. A traffic signal at the intersection has been considered before and rejected by MnDOT. Joe Kahnke, 1541 Edqewater Avenue - The thing that is being totally overlooked is the fact that our area is becoming urbanized and we need to slow down traffic rather than cut off traffic routes. The signal at Lydia/Snelling helps somewhat, but a 55 mph speed limit is not appropriate for T.H. 51/Snelling. I see nothing wrong with a signalized intersection and believe it would be effective, but I also believe many past accidents have been caused by speed rather than roadway design. It is not reasonable that long-time residents have their access cut off. . Jean Lemberq, 1401 Skiles Lane - I support opening the intersection in the safest way possible. I am frustrated that the intersection was closed in a dubious manner. There is no way to close all intersections where accidents have occurred. If MnDOT is open to the option of full signalization and approach warning lights, that should be a safe way, I, too, am heartsick about past fatalities, . Arden Hills Council 6 January 25, 1993 however, some things mentioned during this evening's discussion are not relevant. School buses did not use the intersection for many years before its closure because they identified the unsafe circumstances, but the School Board has indicated buses would use a signalized intersection. I've heard that a cost sharing arrangement between the City, County, and State is a possibility. MnDOT is the expert in this matter and they are not opposed to reopening the intersection with a safer design, Janeen Kaier, 1434 West Gounty Road E - Convenience alone is not a valid reason to open the intersection. It should be opened safely, not in its former design. It is council's duty to the citizens of the City to consider reopening the intersection in a safer design. . John Swanson, 1468 Lametti Lane - I favor some sort of access, but not a traffic signal. County Road E and other alternate routes are inadequate to handle diverted traffic load or pedestrian/bike traffic. Volume and speed of traffic were the primary concerns surrounding the former intersection. There is no method to reduce volume, only divert it, however, we can try to reduce the speed on Old Snelling/T.H. 51, then traffic controls could be added. Georqe Morse, 1540 Edqewater Lane - I moved to this area three years ago, and because of safety concerns, stopped using the intersection even before it was closed. The intersection should not be reopened in its former design and a 1/2 million dollar cost to reopen it in a safe design is a very high price to pay for convenience. The best option is to do nothing other than perhaps try to reduce the speed. Ray McGraw, 1427 Bussard Court - (Gave background as to the creation of the Snelling/T.H. 51 and County Road E intersections.) MnDOT closed the intersection without due process moving the traffic to other routes. citizens have been denied the right to a safe and convenient access and emergency response time has been negatively impacted which could result in deaths in other ways. Let's not make any further mistakes, let's build a safe and sane intersection. . Mary Miller, 35Q5 Glenarden Road - There is a problem with emergency response time now that the intersection is closed. Because of the closing of the T.H. 51/Snelling intersection, we are forced to use alternate routes to access our residences. Recently, I was caught in a traffic jam created by an accident around one of the alternate routes which would have made emergency response impossible if emergency response would have been needed in my neighborhood. The former intersection was dangerous, a redesigned intersection is appropriate, simply closing an access is inappropriate. . Arden Hills Council 7 January 25, 1993 Brad Lemberq, 1401 Skiles Lane - I have many years experience as a municipal engineer myself, and I resent the manner in which this intersection was closed without due process. The public should be aware that the signals which are now at Lydia/Snelling were originally bid for the T.H. 51/Snelling intersection, but a decision was then made not to install them at that location. In my opinion as a traffic engineer, County Road E is a very poor alternate route and traffic around Lake Johanna is unsafe. There is no provision for pedestrian or bike traffic to cross. T.H. 51. Noise barrier walls along highways have proven to be ineffective, Money is available through MSA funds to improve the intersection. Right-of-way was originally purchased for a diamond intersection and that is what should be designed by a professional. We need a replacement. . Paul ine,Haas, 142.0 West County Road E - r' ve heard rumor' that the people on County Road E are pushing to reopen the intersection, but as one of those residents, I want to report that we want a safe intersection to service the entire community. A vital artery has been closed without due process and now there is additional safety concerns along County Road E. For the whole community, we want an intersection; if a signalized, redesigned intersection is found to be a good alternative, let's do it. Clifford Nimis, 1485 Glenhill Road - Accidents at the former intersection were the result of speed on the roadway. primarily, we need to reduce speed so there is less chance of serious accidents. Mayor Sather announced that Council has received a number of pieces of correspondence and staff has also maintained a list of resident phone calls expressing various positions on this matter. Councilmember Aplikowski stated that she shares the concern regarding the speed of traffic on this roadway in addition to the poor design of the intersection. She stated that she would favor ordering a feasibility study to determine if a new intersection with reduced speed is a viable possibility. . Councilmember Malone recapped the background surrounding this issue, and stated that the City left it to MnDOT's discretion whether or not to close the intersection after the last fatality. He added that options for reopening have been considered, and although it is out of the question to reopen the intersection in its former design, perhaps there is a safer design for reopening the intersection. He said that since this matter involves main roads, in the interest of circulation of traffic, it would be prudent to examine the options. . Arden Hills Council 8 January 25, 1993 Councilmember Hicks echoed the comments of Councilmembers Aplikowski and Malone, stating that an improved design for the reopening of the intersection needs to be investigated thoroughly, Mayor sather stated that if the only options were to open the intersection in its former design or close it permanently, he would definitely close it permanently. He added that he is not convinced that any of the options presented will be "safe havens", and although it may be difficult to reduce speed, it is worth investigating that possibility. Sather said it appears that Council consensus is to review the options for a redesigned intersection and keep the intersection closed in the interim. He added that it would be appropriate to report that position to MnDOT and send MnDOT a copy of the minutes of this meeting. MOTION: Hicks moved, seconded by Aplikowski, to direct the City Engineer to investigate all possible options for the T.H. 51/Snelling intersection for Council consideration at their February 22, 1993 regular meeting. Motion carried unanimously (4-0). . There was a comment from the floor that perhaps there are interested citizens who would be willing to facilitate a committee to discuss this matter with MnDOT. Mayor sather responded that there could be a worksession to review that matter after the City Engineer's report is reviewed. A citizen suggested conducting any future meetings on this subject at a location large enough to accommodate the number of people likely to attend. Sather said staff could try to make those arrangements. Jean Lemberg said many informational meetings have taken place on this issue, the options have been published for months, now it is time to take action. Councilmember Aplikowski stated that some kind of action will likely be determined soon, but the public must keep in mind that funding must be available for a redesigned intersection. Mayor Sather asked the public to follow up by showing MnDOT and the County the desires of the community. He stated that an intersection improvement project could require the pledging of many years' MSA funds. . Sather clarified that, barring any unforeseen problems, Council will be considering the City Engineer's findings at their regular Council meeting on February 22, 1993 at 7:30 p.m., at a location to be announced (probably Mounds View or Valentine Hills School). . . . Arden Hills Council 9 January 25, 1993 while the assembly departed, Council recessed and then reconvened. DRAFT STORM WATER UTILITY City Engineer Graham explained that he has provided Council with a sample ordinance relating to the establishment of a surface storm water runoff management utility, a sample resolution to establish policy on the operation of the utility, and a sample resolution to establish utility rates. Graham stated that the substance of the sample ordinance and resolutions was largely provided by City Attorney Filla and is very similar to what is in use by the City of Shoreview. Graham suggested that conducting an informational meeting would be appropriate before adopting the ordinance and resolutions even though the matter is not expected to be controversial. He commented that it is possible the utility could be in place for the second utility billing quarter of 1993. He added that Council will need to consider how the storm water utility would be administered to undeveloped and underdeveloped property. Consensus of Council was that staff should compile a complete package of information and recommendations on this matter to be considered at the next Council worksession. MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Hicks. to accept the draft storm water utility report. and to direct staff to refine all details of the report and prepare recommendations with regard to undeveloped and underdeveloped property for Council consideration at their February 16, 1993 worksession, Motion carried unanimously (4-0). RESOLUTION 93-07 - AWAIR BILL Parks Director Buckley reported that Minnesota's Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), signed into law in May 1973, requires all workplaces with 50 or fewer employees to be in compliance by July 1, 1993. As part of that compliance, he recommended the City: 1) 2 ) 3) 4) Review the AWAIR act (A Workplace Accident/Injury Reduction Program). Review the City Employee Safety and Health Policy, Review the AWAIR indicators. and Demonstrate direction and support by adopting Resolution 93-07. . . . Arden Hills Council January 25, 1993 10 Councilmember Malone asked if the budgeted amount of $7,250 is adequate to do all that is required to comply with law. Buckley said he anticipates the budget is adequate for compliance with both OSHA and AWAIR. Public Works Superintendent Winkel commented that in past years, steps have been taken and funds have been spent on equipment, etc. in an effort to comply with OSHA standards. MOTION: Hicks moved, seconded by Malone, to adopt Resolution No. 93-07 Recognizing The Need For Safety In The Workplace Per The AWAIR Bill, Motion carried unanimously (4-0). COUNCIL COMMENTS There were no Council comments. ADJOURN MOTION: Malone moved, seconded by Aplikowski, to adjourn the meeting at 9:42 p.m. Motion carried unanimously (4-0). ,..i: .' ,),'-:/ ~/r'lf,. --, !if-'.I;jhIK~/1t\ /"---/ Thomas R. ~ather, Mayor 7 ,A:>; P son, Clerk Administrator V NOTICE OF MEETINGS: The next regular Council meeting will be held February 8, 1993 at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. The next Council worksession will be held Tuesday, February 16, 1993 at 4:30 p.m. (Monday, February 15 is President's Day holiday). ... .. " . . . MINUTES OF THE ARDEN HILLS COUNCIL WORKSESSION MEETING MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 1993, 5:00 P.M. - CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Mayor Thomas sather called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. ROLL CALL The roll being called the following members were present: Mayor Thomas Sather, councilmembers Dale Hicks, Paul Malone and Beverly Aplikowski. Also present: Engineers Terry Maurer and Mark Graham, City Accountant Terrence Post, Public Works Superintendent Dan Winkel, Park Director John Buckley and Community Planning Coordinator Catherine Iago. ADOPT AGENDA Malone moved, seconded by Hicks, to adopt the Worksession Agenda as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) 1993 PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT RPT, Council was referred to the 1993 Pavement Management report prepared by the City Engineer. Engineer Graham advised that all City streets were rated and noted the estimated assessment rate is listed as $3.22!per front foot. He explained this rate may be reduced if bids received for the project are more favorable, and a reduced rate may allow expansion of the proposed project by including more streets. Councilmember Malone expressed surprise at the low ratings listed for many streets and asked if staff had comparison figures from the previous study. Engineer Maurer stated he would send a print out of the street ratings for Council review. staff noted the estimated project cost for the Bituminous Overlay and Seal Cost projects is $123,700.00, which includes 15% overhead to cover miscellaneous costs as listed in the report. The Engineer indicated the estimated amount proposed for assessment is 50%, as established by the adopted Assessment Policy. He noted the remaining balance of 1993 budgeted funds for pavement management would allow improvements to Keithson Drive or other maintenance improvements as authorized by Council, Councilmember Hicks noted some of the streets shown for improvement are not extremely old, such as Briarknoll. Engineer Graham advised he did not have information relating to the age of the streets and ratings at this time and will forward this information to Council. - . . , . . . MINUTES OF THE ARDEN HILLS COUNCIL WORKSESSION, 1-25-93 Page 2 PVMT. MGMT. (Cont'd) Council concurred that the 1993 Pavement Management proposal is appropriate and matter as part of the Regular Meeting they will consider this agenda. AGENDA REVISIONS Mayor sather reviewed the Agenda and advised he was working from previous worksession materials. He noted the following Revisions: DISCUSSION OF TIF PROPOSAL, JOHN ARKELL, THE COTTAGES. This matter is postponed to the February Worksession Meeting. EVEREST GROUP DISCUSSION OF ROUND LAKE DEVELOPMENT. This matter to be discussed at 6:00 p.m. this evening. ADMINISTRATOR REPORT. Postponed to the February Worksession meeting, STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND PROPOSED COUNTY ROAD TURNBACKS. Engineer will briefly review this evening. Council concurred with the agenda revisions, Department functional Engineer Maurer reviewed his letter dated 1/5/93, regarding meetings with with Ramsey County Public Works to discuss the effects on the City of the proposed consolidation of roadways in Ramsey County. DISCUSS PROPOSED COUNTY ROAD TURNBACKS Maurer advised the County would prefer to proceed with two turnbacks immediately: Hamline Ave and County Road F turnback to the County for a total of 1.48 miles. He noted that in exchange for these two roadways, the County proposes the City take back Old Snelling Avenue and some other segment (possibly Lake Johanna Boulevard or County Road F)~'Maurer stated the County is also proposing a one-time lump sum payment of approximately $8.00 per square yard to cover the cost of overlay for the roadways. / The Engineer noted that, with this proposal, the City would take over 1,19 miles of County roads and 2.61 miles of State Aid roads, for a total of 3.80; the County would take over 1.48 miles of City roads, for a net gain in mileage for the City of 2.32 miles. He further noted one drawback to the proposal is that Ramsey County cannot guarantee the roadways turned back to the City will be included in the State Aid Program. Maurer also explained Hamline Avenue and County Road F are in good condition compared to the sections of roadway the County is proposing to turn back to the City. . MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL WORKSESSION MEETING, 1-25-93 Page 3 ROADS (Cont'd) Maurer stated there is some liberty to negotiate for funds from the County in to bring the County roads scheduled for condition. an amount appropriate turnback into good Council concurred to direct the Engineer to meet with Ramsey County representatives and begin negotiations for the road turnbacks and costs associated with upgrading the roads to an acceptable quality. There was discussion relating to possible costs for improvement of Stowe Avenue by reconstruction and installation of utilities in the roadway, The Engineer indicated costs relating to this matter would be discussed with Ramsey County during negotiations. Also discussed was responsibility for replacement or widening of the Old Snelling Bridge and if the railroad would participate in the costs. . Mayor Sather related his discussion and subsequent agreement with the City of Shoreview relating to removal of snow from Arden Hills sidewalks during the 1992-93 winter season. He indicated the City may have a legal obligation to remove snow from City sidewalks and questioned if staff had prepared a policy statement relative to this issue, SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL POLICY Public Works Superintendent Winkel and Parks Director Buckley described the problems related to the removal of snow from City sidewalks, based on lack of equipment and the retaining wall obstruction along the Hamline Avenue sidewalk. Winkel indicated he had contacted independent contractors to determine interest in contracting for snow removal services; some indicated they had no interest in providing this service. Staff explained they did not have sufficient information to discuss a policy at this time. Council concurred to direct staff to research alternatives for sidewalk snow removal for discussion at a future worksession meeting. RENTAL OF CITY HALL FACILITY Accountant Terry Post advised that several requests have been received by staff for use of the City Hall facility for meetings. He explained staff has concerns relating to the inability to secure administrative offices from the general public and establishing a rental fee which would cover costs for an employee to open and close the building. . . MINUTES OF THE ARDEN HILLS COUNCIL WORKSESSION MEETING, 1-25-93 Page 4 RENTAL (Cont'd) Post indicated that staff has briefly discussed this matter and no policy has been determined for submission to Council. council concurred to direct staff to research rental of City Hall and prepare a policy for Council review at a future meeting. AMEND 1994 BUDGET PROCEDURES Accountant Terry Post outlined a process whereby the 1994 budget would be discussed in two stages; staff would begin working on the budget assumptions earlier than in the past and would prepare a five year capital equipment plan. He also stated staff would address goals outlined in the Arden Hills 2000 Teambuilding report and try to integrate them into early budget policy discussion. Post stated the procedures would direct early budget discussion to capital expenditure and policy issues such that later budget discussion would largely focus on operation items. ~ Council concurred they would prefer to discuss policy issues surrounding capital equipment purchases earlier in the budget process. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Hicks questioned correspondence he received from the Volunteers of America. He explained they requested he forward a letter on their behalf which outlines their activities, however, he is unaware of any activities by this organization in the City. staff offered to research the request and report to Hicks. Councilmember Malone asked what other Councilmembers recall regarding arrangements for the purchase of the City's backhoe. He noted that although the minutes of earlier discussions are not clear, he recalled that originally, the City had two tractors and planned to sell the Massey Ferguson tractor and use a portion of money from the budget (originally allocated for the purchase of a bobcat) to purchase a backhoe. . Public Works Superintendent Winkel recalled that originally there were plans to purchase a bobcat and money budgeted to do so, however, the opportunity to purchase a backhoe at a very good price presented itself, so the backhoe was purchased using the funds budgeted for a bobcat. He added that now if a decision Were made to purchase a bobcat also, the only way to do so would be to sell or trade in the Massey Ferguson tractor. . . . MINUTES OF THE ARDEN HILLS COUNCIL WORKSESSION, 1-25-93 Page 5 COUNCIL COMMENTS (Cont'd) Councilmember Hicks emphasized that when the opportunity to purchase the backhoe arose, it was a very good deal. Councilmember Malone stated that his reason for raising this issue is the fact that the City now has a John Deere tractor, a Massey Ferguson tractor, and a backhoe, and he is concerned that it appears the City's equipment inventory is "mushrooming". Winkel commented that the only reason for possibly getting rid of the Massey Ferguson would be to replace it with a bobcat which would be a multi-functional piece of equipment. Hicks said that in addition to the excellent opportunity to purchase a backhoe, he recalled that at the time the decision was made to purchase the backhoe, the City was faced with a major repair cost for the Massey Ferguson tractor, so the Massey was to be sold when the backhoe was purchased. Winkel did not recall any repair concern surrounding the Massey at the time of purchasing the backhoe, although he was aware the Massey had some history of past repair costs and perhaps it had not been serviced as well as it should have been. Accountant Post recalled that the backhoe was not anticipated to be purchased during the year, and if the backhoe had not come into play, the Massey could have been sold to purchase a bobcat. Winkel said his understanding was that money had originally been set aside in the budget for the purchase of a bobcat without having to sell the Massey Ferguson tractor. Malone stated that if the original plan would have taken place, the City would have ended up with two tractors and a bobcat, however, the situation now is that budget money has been used and the City still has two tractors, a backhoe. and no bobcat. Winkel stated that certainly the Massey Ferguson could be sold or traded in if a bobcat is purchased, and he would look into that possibility. Councilmember Aplikowski questioned if the City directs letters of appreciation to Charitable Gambling organizations, such as the Light Brigade for contributions made within the City. Mayor Sather advised that Council, as a group, normally acknowledges the Light Brigade as one organization which contributes all of their donations within the City. Council recessed for 15 minutes and reconvened at 6:10 p.m. . . . " MINUTES OF THE ARDEN HILLS COUNCIL WORKSESSION, 1-25-93 Page 6 COUNCIL COMMENTS (Cont'd) Resident Jean Lemberg questioned if the closing of Trunk Highway 51 would be discussed at the worksession meeting. Mayor Sather advised discussion of the closing the regular Council meeting. would be held at Tim Nelson and Bill Franke or Everest Group, and Rob Davidson, President of Nielsen & Associates Realty, appeared before Council to review a preliminary proposal for development in the Gateway Business District, located at the intersection of 1-694 and I-35W. They provided a summary of the background of Everest Group and, using a slide presentation, introduced Council to past projects which they have accomplished or are presently involved in. EVEREST GROUP DISC ROUND LAKE TIF DEVELOPMENT With regard to a proposal for the Gateway Business District, Nelson explained that Everest Group has reviewed the City's zoning codes and envision some areas which must be worked out. He added that Everest recognizes that the City designed their zoning characteristics without a specific proposal in mind. The City's current zoning characteristics which were of concern to Everest were the requirement of at least 25% but no more than 50% office space, and the requirement of no more than 75% warehouse. Nelson explained Everest's overall idea is for a fairly intense development to create a tax base for the City, create jobs, and create a certain image at this key intersection. He added that this can be accomplished through a specially designed plan for an office/warehouse development, and Everest hopes to locate tenants fot. i;hich they can "build to suit", with perhaps a corporate user who would initially occupy a portion of the development and "grow into" the entire development over time. Nelson emphasized Everest's belief that an exclusive developer should be involved in the overall planning effort for this property. He added that Everest is interested in pursuing this project and if chosen, they would expect substantial City and citizen input as to how best to fit into the community. Nelson pointed out some planning issues which would likely need to be addressed, such as the nearby developing residential neighborhood, the transmission tower, access and ownership. He presented preliminary ideas as to possible site plans for the development, and stated that landscaping and setback requirements would require additional discussion, . . . MINUTES OF THE ARDEN HILLS COUNCIL WORKSESSION, 1-25-93 Page 7 EVEREST Nelson added that Everest would propose GROUP (Cont'd) significant City participation with Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and would be interested in exploring both the bond method and the "pay as you go" method, He said another possibility Everest would consider is being designated as the developer of the property without ownership through a program with City assistance. He explained how some of Everest's past development projects have been arranged in this manner. In summary, Nelson stated that key ingredients to Everest's involvement would be flexibility in the City's planning requirements, specifically openness to light industrial uses, and a mix of uses (perhaps 35% office/65% warehouse/industrial). He stated that if three necessary elements (coordinated mixed uses, TIF, and designation as exclusive site developer) could be worked out, Everest would be interested in further pursuing this project. He added that the purpose of this evening's presentation was simply conceptual in nature, and obviously mOre worksessions would be required to work out details. Mayor Sather advised that this meeting would need to adjourn very shortly because the chambers need to be used for another meeting. He asked Council if they had any general questions at this time. councilmember Malone asked what would be the next step if the City were to be open to the three necessary elements Nelson identified. Nelson stated that the next step would be to review with staff an outline of intended uses, nature and intensity of development, etc., and then present a preliminary draft development agreement for the City's consideration. Malone asked if Everest Or the City would be expected to perform road improvements. Brief discussion took place as to the fact that road improvements, critical t.o support this development, would be a typical function of TIF. Councilmember Hicks stated that the flexibility of uses would not be an issue from his standpoint, and it appears that TIF is a possibility that can be worked out, but he would like a clearer understanding as to what would be involved by designating a "exc I us i ve devel opeL'" . There was bri ef di scussi on regarding what "exclusive developership" might entail. Hicks stated that he is supportive of continuing on to the next step, which is to further discuss Everest's concept in more detail. . . e , .t, MINUTES OF THE ARDEN HILLS COUNCIL WORKSESSION, 1-25-93 Page 2, EVEREST Note was made that this meeting was for discussion GROUP (Cont'd) purposes only, and while Council has not given any approval or made any commitment to Everest Group, Council is inviting Everest to prepare further detailed information for Council review. ADJOURN The worksession adjourned at 7:27 p.m.