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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 02-08-1982 " . Minutes of Regular Council Meeting Village of Arden Hills Monday, February 8, .1982 - 7:30 p.m. Village Hall Call to Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Woodburn called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Roll Call Present - Mayor Robert Woodburn, Councilmen Diane McAllister, Janet Hollenhorst, Maurice Johnson . Absent - None Also Present - Village Prosecuting Attorney Jerome Filla, Planner Orlyn Miller, Engineer Donsld Christoffersen, Treasurer Donald Lamb, Clerk Administrstor Charlotte McNiesh, Deputy Clerk Dorothy Zehm Approval of Minutes McAllister moved, seconded by Hollenhorst that the Minutes of the February 1st Council Meeting be approved as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. Business from the Floor None Arden Hills Jaycees - Steve Larsway, President President Laraway reported the Arden Hills Chapter of Jaycees was established January' 1, 1982, and is willing to serve the City; introduced the officers of the Arden Hills Jaycees; asked the community's support, and invited interested potential members to visit the-meetings at Flaherty's Bowl the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Status Report - Jay Bros. Prosecuting Attorney Filla reported that Jay Bros. has not complied with the City zoning regulations to date; has paid $25, $100 and $500 fines, but there is still no compliance. Filla noted that it appears Jay wants to ignore the law and pay fines; briefly de- scribed alternatives of 1) Civil action in District Court esti- mating 9 months to 1 year to trial, or 2) Criminal action estima- ting 2~ months to trial for the misdemeanor. Filla reccmmended the City try to resolve the matter via criminal action one more time. After discussion, Council concurred that Filla procede with crim- inal action to obtain compliance with the City zoning require- ments. . Case No. 81-29, Preliminary Plat - Roysl Hills Planner Miller explained that the original Preliminary Plat of Royal Hills consisted of 19 lots, with two cul-de-eacs, and Royal Lane stubbed at the property line; noted that it was the develop- er's intent that the road be extended to Floral Drive over an ease- ment on the west side of the Hanson property; noted that the inital plat proposal required no lot area or width variances. Miller reported that he and the Planning Commission had concerns relative to grading and tree removal, and suggested a modified plat which would eliminate one cuI de sac and create deep lots to Highway 10 which could be allowed to be narrower than 95' and not increase the density. Miller noted that the revised plat reduces the number of lots to 16, 7 of which are 85' wide. Miller reported the Planning Commission agreed with the concept of 7 substandard in width lots, with the contingency that all houses be a minimum of IS' apart. Miller reported that the Planning Commission's first choice, relstive to Royal Lane, is to extend it to Floral Drive along the Hanson property easement (status of easement was not known at this time). Miller reported that the Commission's second choice was to dispense with the road connection and create ... Minutes of Regular Council Meeting February 8, 1982 , a "cuI" in the park (to allow for a future connection); noted the Commission's third choice was to stub the road at the property line (allowing a future extension). Miller reported that the Planning Commission recommends approval of sideyard variances on the seven 85' wide lots (lots 4, 5 and 6 on Royal Lane and lots 2, 3, 4 and 5 on Norma Ave.) The aggregate between adjacent homes must be a minimum of 15' and each individual lot must have a side setback minimum of 5'. Miller noted that the Commission opposed its fourth choice, that the road ~ go through the park. Miller recommended approval of the revised 16 lot plat, with 10' side setback variances on the 7 85' lots which he said would pro- vide flexibility for house conetruction, not increase the density and will save the amenities of the parcel (minimize grading and . save the trees). Miller noted that looping of Floral Drive has always been anticipated; noted that whether or not the road is extended, the proposed development could still be accomplished; noted that if the road is not extended, an additional variance for the cul-de-sac will be necessary (over 500' maximum length). Developer Eibensteiner said he can comply with the 10' minimum sideyard setback requirement on the seven 85' wide lots. Adele Anderson, Chairman of the Parks Committee, reviewed the Park Committee's recommendations relative to the proposed road extension; noted that the trees in Floral Park are also beautiful, and should not be disturbed; committee recommends that a road not go through the park, rationale being safety and environmental concerns and a financial loss; also additional traffic on Floral Drive at Hamline is a concern. Anderson said that if the road must go through the park, compensation for the loss of land for the road (1.7 acres est.) should be obtained, as well as for the portion of the park which will not be usable for park purposes (southeast corner). Anderson said the Parks Committee sees the park as an existing development, extremely valuable, and not for sale. Tom Rockne (speaking for concerned residents of the Floral Drive area) asked the developer's intentions as to townhouse construc- tion on the Royal Hills parcel. Eibensteiner said the terrain is not suitable for townhouses; said he initially considered townhouse development, but determined that single-family development, as shown, is the best way to de- velop the land; townhouses will not be built here. Rockne presented two transparencies of the Royal Hills/Floral Dr./ Briarknoll area indicating potential traffic to the north and south if the road extension is completed for Floral Drive; indi- cated a potential of 3 times the traffic now experienced on Floral Drive. Rockne said there is better sight distance at Colleen and Hamline than at Floral and Hamlin~; residents in Floral Drive area never knew there would be a traffic increase when they moved there; re- ported that he talked to Cardiac Pacemakers, and they are also concerned about the impact of additional traffic at the Floral/ Hamline intersectiori. Rockne said the park will be "unsafe" if . a road goes through it, and children will be deprived use of the park. Rockne said a road through the park would set a precedent; the safety of the neighborhood could be decreased; the re~idents know the cars that should be in the area and those that are un- familiar. Rockne said there are other long cul-de-sac streets other than the one in Royal HIlls; noted that Grey Fox Road is for truck traffic in an industrial area and should not be compared with the cul-de-sac in a residential/park area. Rockne said the Floral Drive residents recommend no road through the park, recommend a traffic signal st Hamline and Hwy. 96 and a by-pass lane at Colleen for north bound traffic and a by-pass lane at Floral Drive by extending the right turn lane at Cardiac Pacemakers access drive. Rockne said if traffic is increased on Floral Drive, Floral Drive will have to be widened, for which they will be assessed, and it does not benefit us at all - only those in Briarknoll and Royal Hills will benefit. -2- . . . Minutes of Regular Council Meeting February 8, 1982 A list of residents present at the meeting and opposed to the connection of Royal Lane to FIQral Drive was submitted to the Council (87 names) A petition (approximately 61 names) supporting the opening of an additional access/egress route via West Floral Drive was read and submitted to Council by Al Ambrose on behalf of McClung/ Briarknoll residents. Ambrose said that a fair balance of traffic flow should be created not only for present residents, but for future residents of this undeveloped area (estimated 160 more people). Ambrose said that the trsffic at Floral/Hamline and Colleen/Hamline is not really an issue, both streets can handle the traffic; the park is more than adequate to serve the entire area; suggested that the problems to be resolved are those of public safety. Ambrose noted that the dead-ending of Floral Dr. was an error in the past and an error now, if not extended; the creation of another illegal cul-de-sac (Royal Lane) compounds the error; noted there are some illegal cul-de-sacs in Arden Hills, but were allowed only because it was "impossible to do otherwise". Ambrose said the traffic problem on Hamline will not be improved whether the Royal Lane/Floral Drive connection is made or not; whatever happens, the problems on Hamline will only get worse and the City will have to face this problem. Ambrose suggested that Council build the road as recommended by the Planner, Engineer, safety officials and residents of McClung/Briarknoll subdivision noted there are 126 lots in Briarknoll/Colleen vs 26 lots in Floral Dr. and cuI's to the south. Ambrose said the safety of residents should come first; City should stop the creation of pro- blems we have in other areas. Jerry Singer, Eide Circle, said the residents of Eide Circle are also affected by the Hamline Ave. traffic problem; these residents also use the park; he sends his dog to the park as well. Singer said if he can buy the property (Royal Hills) from the developer, at a fair price, he will give it to the City for open space. In discussion, Miller noted that the Royal Hills parcel is the last to be developed; City Code legally allows the City to grant variances, the basis of which has to relate to conditions of the land and the granting thereof will not be detrimental to public welfare. Miller noted that the access problem was created by psst decisions; stubbing the road as proposed meets the subdivision regulations; developer has met this requirement; proposed exten- sion of the road grew out of discussion and was originated by the City as a concern. Engineer Christoffersen, in answer to inquiry about MnDOT's plans relative to a Hamline/Hwy. 96 semaphore, reported that a semaphore at that intersection is not in the current plans. Christoffersen noted that Hamline is a City street, ending approximately 50' north of Floral Drive intersection; noted that south of this point, Hamline is MnDOT r.o.w. Johnson said he noted a sight problem at Hamline/Indian Oaks, Hamline/Colleen and Hamline/Floral intersectione; also a problem at Nursery Hill Lane for children waiting for a bus. Johnson said his concern is for the entire Hamline Ave. area; suggested Council give serious consideration to Hamline and consider the entire area as a single packsge; sug- gested if the road is extended to Floral Dr. we also address the intersections of Floral and Hamline, 96 and Hamline semaphore etc. Woodburn said that the approach of making one contingent upon the other would be "putting off" and would preclude a solution to the road; if stubbed now, it will never be extended. Woodburn said the City is aware of the Hamline Avenue problems; Hamline is a V illage road, if improved, the cost will be assessed; noted thst in the past, the City received a large amount of strenuous objec- tions to improvement of Hamline Avenue to state-aid requirements; as an alternative, it was overlayed. It was noted that in about four years, Arden Hills will have about ~ million in state aid funds for state aid road improvement of Hamline Ave. or other Village roads designated as state aid. -3- .. Minutes of Regular Council Meeting February 8, 1982 McAllister moved, seconded by Johnson, that Council approve the Preliminary Plat of Royal Hills (dated 12-9-81), subject to: 1) a minimum 20' aggregate side setback variance on the seven 85' wide lots, providing for a minimum of 20' between houses, and 2) a road connection from Royal Lane to Floral Drive; park dedi- cation to be resolved at time Final Plat is submitted for approval. In further discussion, an alternative road plan through the park was suggested by developer Eibensteiner (a transparency of which was shown) creating a potential of two residential lots which could be placed for public auction. Eibensteiner said he had not foreseen paying for the road; would bid on the two lots; money for the lots would compensate for lost park land, and the lots would be ultimately assessed for the street and utilities. Sue Hustings said proposed lots, are would affect them. the property owners to the south of the two out of town; is not sure how this proposal (Tschida property). . Woodburn moved to amend the motion to add the contingency that the developer is responsible for construction of utilities and street as outlined by the City Engineer and Council. Amendment was seconded by Johnson and motion on the amendment carried (Wood- burn, Johnson, McAllister voting for the amendment, Hollenhorst voting in opposition). (3-1). Original motion carried (McAllister, Johnson, Woodburn voting in favor of the motion; Hollenhorst voting in opposition). (3-1) Resolution No. 82-13, Ordering Improve~~_~-E~' SS-W~P-ST 81-5 In discussion, developer Eibensteiner said he feels it "unfair" for him to pay for the entire street, plus a park dedication. Woodburn explained thst the road is a detriment to the park; therefore, the City needs the park dedication. Eibensteiner was asked if he feels the improvement (SS-W-P-SP 81-5) is feasible. It was noted that cost of preparation of plans and specifications and previous engineering costs, are the responsibility of the developer should he not pursue the develop- ment. Eibensteiner said he will make his decision by Monday, February 15th; asked that preparation of plans and specifications be author- ized now; acknowledged he will pay all the costs incurred by the City relative to the development if he decides not to pursue the l'inal Plat. Bob Hanson (Floral Drive), explained his position relative to apparent assessment of his property for two potential lots on Royal Lane; noted the property is one parcel of land which is not divided into lots and he does not intend to develop it and/or sell it for profit; asked that no assessment be placed on the property until such time it is sold or developed; realizes the sewer, water and street will be extended along the north of his 350' x 250' parcel, but these "improvements" do not benefit his property. Mrs. Hanson concurred with Mr. Hanson's comments; said they are . in no position to pay the potential assessments and may lose their home if the property is aseessed. Woodburn thanked the Haneons for sharing their position relative to potential assessments; noted that an assessment hearing will be scheduled at some later date if the developer determines to proCeed with the project. McAllister moved, seconded by Johnson, that Council adopt Reso- lution No. 82-13, ORDERING IMPROVEMENT NO. SS-W-P-ST 81-5, with the understanding that the developer will pay all,costs incurred by the City if the project is dropped. Motion carried (McAllister, Johnson, Woodburn voting in favor of the motion; Hollenhorst voting in opposition). (3-1). -4- Minutes of Regular Council Meeting Februsry 8, 1982 REPORT OF VILLAGE PLANNER ORLYN MILLER Concept Plans - Cummings Psrk Miller explained that the concept plans presented tonight are basically in response to the Parks Committee's direction as to types of facilities proposed for the site and how these will adapt to the site. Miller indicated the proposed ~ocation of two softball fields, one for high level play which is proposed also for football and soccer, and the other is smaller for neighborhood playas well as for skating and hockey. It was noted that these fields are near the intended parking area (CDC parking lot). . A tennis court, basketball and play area were indicated in the northwest corner which Miller said would be partially screened from the residential area by berming; picnic area was noted along the lake hillside at the north and a sliding hill was indicated in the west which he said would require little or no grading. Miller noted that significant grading will be needed on the ball- field/skating and court sites; noted that trails are proposed throughout the park. In discussion, Woodburn suggested that a band shell (amphitheater) might be a consideration in the sliding hill area. Miller said the needed grading for an amphitheater could be included in this concept if desired. Buckley said this could be a consideration in the future; is not envisioned in the present park concept. It was reported that the concept has been basically accepted by the Parks Committee and will be presented to the neighborhood at the Parks meeting on February 9th for public comment, after which the plan will be submitted to Council for approval. Johnson asked if the'trails are suited to senior citizens as well as young people; noted that eome of the trsils appear to be very steep. Buckley said this was not given much attention in the de- velopment of previous trails. Miller said the slopes in Cummings Park can be reduced by use of retaining walls and steps; noted this would be expensive and more difficult to maintain. Parks Committee Chairman Anderson noted that some of the terrain in Cummings Park is very steep; northwest corner is quite level. Johnson suggested a relatively flat walking loop around the court area. Miller said this can be accomplished. Miller noted that the trails provide access to the various areas of the park; noted that access is extremely limited to the park. Johnson asked if it is intended that the parks be utilized by community industries or just the neighborhood. Buckley said mid-day industrial use of the park is anticipated with access from the C.D.C. parking lot. '. Some of the concerns expressed by Council were possible over de- velopment for a neighborhooA.park, ,J?arkJ.n!l' access to the pa,rk primari).y f~om t e north. <:::fA'~~~~t/?vLh ~~-<.z:Z& .?1U<...etA&, ~ '7~Jj~..' Miller~ ated the cost ~ding at $32,000 - $38,000 as pro- posed. .Memo re Completion and Adaption of Comprehensive Development Plan Council was referred to Planning Memo of 1-26-82; noted that the Capital Improvemente Plan is a specific requirement of the Metro- politan Planning legislation; suggested Council's attention to this item; noted that transportation, parks and open space, air- ports and solid waste plan items are substantially completed. It was reported that the Finance Committee has the Capital Imrove- ment Plan on its February Agenda to appoint a sub-committee to work with the Planner & Engineer. REPORT OF VILLAGE ENGINEER DONALD CHRSTOFFERSEN Resolution No. 82-14, Approving Plans and Specifications sod Ordering Advertisement for Bids - County Rd. E, Project C Bikeway Council was referred to plans and specifications for the bikeway -5- Minutes of Regular Council Meeting February 8, 1982 from Lexington to Hwy. 51, the MnDOT Grant Agreement and Resolu- tion No. 82-14, Approving the ~lans and Specs and Ordering Ad- vertisement for Bids. Christoffersen noted that the grant funds 75% of 8' wide bikeway on the south of Co. Rd. E; 6' wide bikeway on the north side of Co. Rd. E is not included in the grant. Christoffersen noted that the amount of the grant will be determined after bids are received. . Johnson moved approval of Resolution No. 82-14,APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND ORDERING ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS - COUNTY IWAD E, PROJECT C, BIKEWAYS. Motion was seconded by Hollenhorst and carried unanimously. (4-0). . The bid opening was scheduled at 2:00 p.m. on March 18, 1982 at the Village Hall. Johnson moved, seconded by Hollenhorst, that Council adopt Resolution No. 82-15, AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF THE MN DOT GRANT AGREEMENT AND SUPPLEMENT AGREEMENT NO. 1 on behalf of the City of Arden Hills. Motion carried unanimoualy (4-0). OTHER BUSINESS Resolution No. 82-11, AppointinJLSoun~11~3n To Fill Unexpired Term McNiesh reported that she has not received any more volunteers or recommendations for Council appointment. The four people presently under consideration are: llale Hicks, Keith Ness, Thomas Mulcahy, Jeanne Winiecki. Johnson reported that he called 20-21 residents, committee members (past and present),relative to the four candidates; noted that eight had no opinion; 13 gave definite indication. Johnson said he feels he contacted a truly cross-section of the community as best he could, as a guide for himself; recommended the appoint- ment of Dale Hicks. Hollenhorst suggested deferral of appoint- ment for two weeks to see if there are any more volunteers. McAllister and Woodburn said they hesitated to wait any longer; feel the need for five on the Council. Woodburn commented that all four candidates for appointment would serve the Village well. Johnson moved, seconded by McAllister, that Council adopt Resolu- tion No. 82-11, APPOINTING DALE HICKS AS COUNCILMAN TO FILL THE UNEXPIRED TERM. Motion carried unanimously (4-0) (until December 31, 1982). Committee Appointments Mayor Woodburn appointed the following committee members for the balance of 1982: Jim Helfmann -Public Works Committee Arthur Erickson - Board of Appeals. Hollenhorst moved to ratify the appointments. Motion was seconded . by Johnson and carried unanimously. Motion carried unanimously (4-0) . Woodburn asked that Wm. Gillies be invited to the next two Public Works Committee meetings as a guest; has expressed some interest in serving on the committee. Resolution No. 82-12, Congratulating Arden Hills Residents, Jacquie Samuel and Lynda Grant - 1982 and 1981 Queens of the Snows McAllister moved, seconded by Johnson, lution No. 82-12, CONGRATULATING ARDEN SAMUEL AND LYNDA CRANT - 1982 AND 1981 Motion carried unanimously (4-0) that Council adopt Reso- HILLS RESIDENTS, JACQUIE QUEENS OF THE SNOWS. (Copy of Resolution to be sent to both Queens) -6- . . . Minutes of Regular Council Meeting February 8, 1982 RCLLG Ad Hoc Committee re Suburban Court System Hollenhorst reported that she will chair the Ad Hoc Committee which will look at statistics relative to the Suburban Court System. Claims and Payroll Hollenhorst moved approval of the Claims and Payroll as Motion was seconded by Johnson and carried unanimously. submitted. (4-0). 1981 Cash Financial Report McNiesh referred Council to the 1981 Cash Financial Report which was prepared for Council's review; noted that she will have a memo relative to the tables and various funds; report will be on a future Council Agenda for Council action. Liaison Reports Johnson submitted two names of residents interested in committee work: Howard Sorenson (Nursery Hill Court) Scott Peterson (Arden Hills #3) Johnson reported that he received a request that the new fire siren proposed in Arden Hills be installed by June 1982. McAllister reported the 1980 I-ton truck needs $1,000 t in repairs, apparently a new transmission. Adjournment McAllister moved, seconded by Johnson, that the meeting adjourn at 12:41 a.m. Motion carried unanimously (4-0). ae~IWJ~ Charlotte Mc iesh Clerk Administrator f~#~ Robert L. Woodburn Mayor Notice of Meeting The next Regular Council Meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Monday, February 22nd at the Village Hall. -7-