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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 01-08-1996 I I. I I I I I I I I~ I I I I I I I I- I MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 8, 1996 7:30 P.M. - NEW BRIGHTON COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Dennis Probst called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:31 p.m. Present: Mayor Dennis Probst; Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, Paul Malone, and Susan Keim. Councilmember Dale Hicks Absent: Also present were: City Accountant, Terry Post; Public Works Superintendent, Dwayne Stafford; Parks & Recreation Director, Cindy Walsh; City Attorney, Jerry Filla; Community Development Director, Kevin Ringwald; and Recording Secretary, Cathy Sorensen. ADOPT AGENDA MOTION: Malone moved and Keim seconded a motion to adopt the revised agenda adding items e-h under Unfinished and New Business for the January 8, 1996 Regular City Council meeting as presented. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). APPROVAL OF MINUTES December 21, 1995, Council Worksession Meeting: Item 3d - "Councilmember Aplikowski suggested the Committee become involved with other groups, such as the League of Women Voters, to belp define project opportunities." Councilmember Aplikowski wanted it clarified that she intended the Committee to network with other groups, not necessarily become involved with them. I I- I I I I I I I I. I I I I I I I Ie I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 8.1996 2 January 2, 1996, Special City Couucil Meeting: Mayor Probst noted the title should be "Regular", not "Special" City Council Meeting as per the City Code of Ordinances. MOTION: Malone moved and Keirn seconded a motion to approve the minutes, as modified, ofthe December 21,1995 Council Worksession and the January 2,1996 Regular City Council Meeting. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). CONSENT CALENDAR A. Claims and Payroll MOTION: Malone moved and Malone seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented, and authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Probst invited the audience to address the Council on any issue not already on the agenda. There were no public comments at this time. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS Proclamation for Darlene Scott Mayor Probst introduced a proclamation recognizing Darlene Scott for her efforts and years of service to the City of Arden Hills. MOTION: Malone moved and Keirn seconded a motion to adopt the Proclamation for Darlene Scott. Motion carried unanimously (4-0). Mayor Probst presented a copy of the proclamation to Ms. Scott, and the Council expressed their thanks and best wishes to her. Resolution #96-05. Ordering the Preparation of Plans and Snecifications for the 1996 Trail Development Proiect Cindy Walsh, Parks & Recreation Director, reviewed for the Council an update that was provided at the November 16, 1995 Council Worksession on the 1996 budgeted trail priority segments. Ms. Walsh continued that the 1996 Park Fund Budget includes $40,000 for trail development, and that plans and specifications will be prepared for an eight foot wide I I. I I I I I I I I. I I I I I I I I- I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 8.1996 3 bituminous trail for the 1996 priority segment. This extends from Colleen Avenue north to the Arden Vista Court cul-de-sac, and two alternate segments will be included. She stated that the five foot wide easement will likely include stepping stones, not a bituminous path. The first alternate segment will extend from Colleen Avenue south to Briarknoll Drive, and the second segment will begin at Colleen Avenue and extend west to North Snelling Avenue. Ms. Walsh indicated she and the Parks and Recreation Committee met with area residents surrounding the trail on December 12, 1995, and most residents were supportive of the proposed trail development. Mayor Probst questioned whether all residents involved were invited to the December 12th meeting. Ms. Walsh verified that both townhome associations and residents around the alternate trail segments were invited. Councilmember Malone questioned the length ofthe entire segment with alternates. Ms. Walsh indicated that it would likely be under one mile. MOTION: Malone moved and Keirn seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #96-05 Ordering the Preparation of Plans and Specifications for the 1996 Trail Development Project. Motion carried unanimously (4-0). Resolution #96-06 Supportin~ the Reconstruction of Hi~hway 96 and Recommending Certain Design Issues to Ramsey County Dwayne Stafford, Public Works Superintendent, reported to the Council that Ramsey County has requested the affected cities along the Highway 96 corridor to provide input on their respective segments of the highway and to make recommendations as to their own needs and preferences. Mr. Stafford continued that Trunk Highway 96 was identified as early as 1988 to be the first major turnback from the State Highway System to Ramsey County, with the turnback becoming effective in the fall of 1994. Mr. Stafford indicated that a Task Force also determined in 1988 the need for upgrading the entire segment of Highway 96 between Old Highway 8 and Highway 61, and the Task Force is now making final recommendations, with final plans and specifications to be completed in 1996, with construction beginning in1997. Mr. Stafford reviewed for the Council the specifications and recommendations: 1. Trails A 10 foot wide bituminous trail is planned for the entire corridor on the south side of the highway approximately 16 feet south of the curb. Possible upgrades to the trail are concrete edge bands on both sides of the trail to improve appearance and durability, also a I I. I I I I I I I I. I I I I I I I Ie I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 8.1996 4 colored rock seal coat for a warmer look. Other options to the trail are rest stops and lighting. a. Recommendation Staff recommended the basic 10 foot bituminous trail without concrete edge bands or a colored seal coat. Rest areas and lighting of the trail on south side are not recommended, due to the high costs associated with these items. The trails should COllilect to existing Arden I-Iills trails where appropriate. 2. Sidewalk A five foot nine inch wide concrete sidewalk is proposed for the north side of the corridor. This walk would be 13 feet north of the highway curbing. a. Recommendation Staff recommends replacing the proposed sidewalk with a 10 foot bituminous trail on the north side of the highway at Ramsey County expense. The trail would have marked crosswalks at signalized intersections. The north trail would have one rest area adjacent to a yet to be determined TCAAP entrance and all trails would be ADA accessible. 3. Landscaping Up to five percent of the overall project costs would be considered by the County for landscaping enhancements. This would allow approximately $750,000 for landscaping. A low-level landscape treatment would consist of one (1) tree per 200 linear feet. A high- level landscape treatment would consist of one (I) tree per 50 linear feet, at the cost of $640,000. The engineers recommended plantings in clusters in lieu of straight line plantings. The total project budget is $15-20 million, and the high-level landscape treatment is within the five percent budget. a. Recommendation Staff recommends the highest level oflandscaping from the County, utilizing all monies available to the City. 4. Lighting Basic lighting would be installed as part of the project. The basic lighting package would provide only for signalized intersections and areas with special safety concerns. Any additional lighting for roadway, trails, ornamental, etc. would have to be paid for by the City. I I. I I I I I I I I- I I I I I I I .e . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 8.1996 5 a. Recommendation Staff recommends the basic lighting package, which should include additional lights at the City Hall and the church entrances for special safety reasons. The additional lighting provided for special safety reasons should be paid for by the County. 5. Signalization The Arden Hills major intersections identified in the draft report where traffic signals may be warranted are: the 35W ramps, U.S. Highway 10, Snelling Avenue (if it is an access to TCAPP property, Hamline Avenue, and Lexington Avenue). The total costs for the identified signals is estimated to be $480,000, of which all but $40,000 would be eligible for Federal or County State Aid Highway (CSAH) turnback funds. a. Recommendation Staff recommends all of the identified intersections be signalized plus the proposed Arden Manor/Round Lake Road intersection. Staff would recommend that the County coordinate all the signals to keep traffic moving and to incorporate an EVP (Emergency Vehicle Preemption) system into the basic package at no cost to the City. 6. Utilities Any new City utilities installed as part of the project shall be paid for by the City, which would include sewer, water, and storm sewers. The engineers have made a preliminary estimate which Ramsey County believes to be conservative. This estimate projects the cost of storm sewer for the first segments (Old Hwy.IO to Hwy.8) to be $310,000, of this, $77,500 would be paid by the City while the rest would be covered by Federal and CSAH turnback funds. The storm sewer on the second segment (Old Hwy. 10 to Lexington) is estimated to cost $780,000, of which $585,000 would be eligible for CSAH turnback funds, leaving $195,000 to be paid for by the City. These costs do not include ponds, easements or water quality treatment fixtures, which will be needed. If a rural road construction design were used rather than an urban construction design, then the storm sewer costs could be significantly reduced, if not eliminated. a. Recommendation Staff recommends installation of the necessary storm sewer plus one 16" casing for a future watermain crossing at Snelling Avenue. The County would pay for any storm sewer costs above the $272,500 estimated tor the Arden Hills segments. I I. I I I I I I I I- I I I I I I I I- I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 8. 1996 6 7. Scheduling A preliminary construction schedule for all segments has been identified. It indicates construction to begin in 1997 with three (3) segments, two (2) of which are in Shoreview and one (1) in Vadnais Heights. Staff has previously requested that Arden Hills get on schedule in 1998 for Segment #1 (Old Hwy. 8 to Old Hwy. 10) and 1999 for Segment #2 (Old Hwy. 10 to Lexington). a. Recommendation Staff recommends that the re-construction of Segment #2 be scheduled the year following the re-construction of Segment # I. Staff further recommends that Segment #1 be completed in 1997 with Segment #2 being completed in 1998. 8. Other considerations Staff recommends the County design engineers incorporate a future over pass at Highway 10 into the design of Highway 96. Staff recommends Council's consideration of an Arden Hills welcome/entry type sign at each end of the Highway 96 corridor. Staff recommends pursuing landscape monies from Cities with no medians, walks, etc. to be used in Arden Hills where wider medians are proposed. Staff recommends that Ramsey County complete final design plans for service road and intersection connecting Arden Manor to Round Lake Road by February 15, 1996. Those final design plans should be coordinated with City staff to ensure consistency with City objectives. The Highway 96 and Round Lake intersection should be designed so that it minimizes the wetland impact to Round Lake, be aligned with an access to Arden Manor, and be signalized. Mayor Probst questioned the type of lighting to be used in the basic lighting package. Mr. Ringwald indicated that Shoreview's shoebox type lumenaires are being proposed in the basic package. Mayor Probst indicated his support of the EVP (Emergency Vehicle Preemption) feature, as well as the storm sewer recommendations. Mayor Probst indicated a change to Recommendation # 7 of Resolution No. 96-06, adding the word "and" between the two sentences in #7, which would read "Council recommends that the re-construction of Segment #2 be scheduled the year following the re-construction of Segment #1 and Staff further recommends that Segment #1 be completed in 1997 with Segment #2 being completed in 1998." I I. I I I I I I I Ie I I I I I I I Ie I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 8. 1996 7 Mayor Probst indicated the presence of a grade separation bridge over Highway 10 would have a signilicant impact on the community and he is not in favor of an overpass in the design requirements. Futhermore, Staff should investigate with Ramsey County the possibility of relocating the by-pass traffic off of Highway 10 and back onto Interstate 35W to preclude the need for the overpass. Councilmember Aplikowski questioned if the road will be four lanes through the entire reconstruction length. Mr. Stafford indicated the road will be four lanes throughout. Council member Aplikowski questioned if trails will be incorporated on both sides ofthe segments. Mr. Stafford indicated North Oaks preferred trails to sidewalks, but a linal decision has not been made. Councilmember Aplikowski indicated she would prefer a wider trail to sidewalks. Councilmember Aplikowski questioned if the intersection connection from Arden Manor to Round Lake Road will be changed. Mr. Stafford indicated the intersection will be changed as part of the plan. Councilmember Aplikowski questioned who will be responsible for the cost of the intersection change. Mr. Stafford indicated an application has been sent to the County to fund this cost, but indicated the City may be responsible for a portion. Councilmember Aplikowski expressed concern of being able to meet the costs incurred if they are understated. Kevin Ringwald, Community Development Director, suggested adding a clause to Condition #11 of Resolution No. 96-06 stating the costs will be the County's responsibility. Mayor Probst indicated the target date of final design plans by February 15, 1996 is not realistic. Mr. Ringwald indicated the Staff has discussed with the County expediting plans for this portion of Highway 96 due to development interest in the Gateway Business District. Mr. Ringwald suggested inserting the phrase"preliminary plans" in place of "final design plans" in Item #8 of proposed Resolution #96-06. Mr. Stafford informed the Council the County will be available to meet within the next two weeks before determining final plans and cost responsibilities. Mayor Probst agreed that a meeting should be held. Councilmember Malone questioned if the additional lighting cost to be paid for by the County is for installation and the electrical costs of operating the lights. Mr. Stafford indicated it was for installation only. Councilmember Malone indicated operational costs in addition to installation costs, should be evaluated when considering this item. I I. I I . I I I I .- I I I I I I I Ie I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 8. 1996 8 Mayor Probst questioned if the City or the County was responsible for the traffic lights. Mr. Ringwald indicated he was unsurc. Mayor Probst continued that Condition #5 of Resolution No. 96-06 should include language to add signals when warranted. Mayor Probst questioned whether the language changes of Resolution No. 96-06 should be finalized this evening, or the item be tabled until the next regular meeting. Mr. Stafford indicated it was not necessary for the Council to adopt the Resolution this evening. Mayor Probst requested that Staff forward these comments to Ramsey County before finalizing. Mr. Ringwald indicated a summary would be forwarded to the Council for review at the next Worksession. North Suburban Tobacco Compliance Project Mr. Post reviewed for the Council that the University of Minnesota, on behalf of the North Suburban Tobacco Compliance Project, has requested from the City a letter of interest and support of its attempts to obtain funding to address youth alcohol and tobacco sales problems. Mr. Post continued that the attached letter describes the project in more depth, and that the Mayor directed Staff to investigate the request and provide the Council with more intormation: I. The communities of Falcon Heights, Maplewood, New Brighton, Roseville, North St. Paul, Shoreview and White Bear Lake have previously been involved in similar efforts and are considering participating in this proposal. To date, only Vadnais Heights and Roseville have committed. Staff did talk to Shoreviewand New Brighton, who indicated their intentions to participate. 2. The letter of support would not commit the City to any future financial commitments. The City, ifit continued to participate after receipt of the Grant, may be responsible tor the costs of any local police involvement. If the Grant is received, the City would have the ability to decide ifit wanted to fully participate or not. Mr. Post continued that Staff recommends the Council show support and interest in the project by sending the attached letter. Councilmember Keirn expressed that while it is important to decrease alcohol and tobacco sales among youth, she cannot support the letter as it will put the businesses who sell alcohol and tobacco at ri sk. Councilmember Malone agreed that he cannot support the letter tor different reasons. He indicated that the project has been portrayed as a research project, but, in fact, is not. He also noted that the University has applied for funding twice for this project and has been denied. . I. I I I I . I I .- I I . I I I I I- I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 8. 1996 9 COlUlcilmember Aplikowski agreed that while it is good to state that the City is against alcohol and tobacco for youths, the project seems to be a "sting" operation and will only get results once. She also expressed concern the City would be responsible for the police costs in the project, and feels the City's police force is currently doing that work. Councilmember Aplikowski also noted that a large portion of youth alcohol consumption occurs in private, not public places. Mayor Probst expressed his support for the project to decrease alcohol and tobacco use among youths, and indicated that the support would be for morale purposes only, not funding. Mayor Probst expressed his respect for the concerns raised. Councilmember Malone suggested moving on to next item on the agenda. Licensed Charitable Gambling Renewals Mr. Post reported to the Council that Resolution No. 96-09, Bingo Hall License, and Resolution Nos. 96-10,96-11 and 96-12, premises permits, are up for renewal. Mr. Post continued that the hall license expires on May 31, 1996 and the premises permits expire on March 31, 1996. Mr. Post indicated that State Charitable Gambling Board requirements are that premises permit renewal applications and supporting City Resolutions be reviewed and approved sixty (60) days prior to license expiration date of May 31, 1996. Mr. Post indicated the City reviews bingo hall license applications one hundred and twenty (120) days prior to license expiration. Mr. Post indicated that the organizations have all submitted renewal applications, renewal fees and, where appropriate, substantiation of trade area spending compliance. Mr. Post continued that Staff has begun, but not completed, the process of obtaining background checks for all individuals with check signing authority of the Charitable Gambling organizations. Mr. Post indicated that Staff recommends that Council approve the renewal of the Bingo Hall license. Staff further recommends that Council approve premise permit renewal applications for two organizations, pending receipt of background information. Resolution No 96-09. Annrovinl! Binl!o Hall License Application MOTION: Malone moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 96- 09, Approving Bingo Hall License Application. Motion carried unanimously (4- 0). Resolution No. 96-10. Approving Light Brigade Charitable Gambling Premises Permit Renewal Application at the Arden Hills Bingo Hall Mr. Post indicated that the organization has completed all submittals, and has met all trade area spending requirements, including being a significant Park Fund contributor. I I. I I I I I I I Ie I I . I . I I .- I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 8. 1996 10 MOTION: ApIikowski moved and Malone seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 96- 10, Approving Light Brigade Charitable Gambling Premises Permit Renewal Application at the Arden Hills Bingo Hall, pending receipt of background investigation information. Motion carried unanimously (4-0). Resolution No. 96-11. Approvin~ 621 Foundation Charitable Gamblin!! Premises Permit Renewal Application at the Arden Hills Bin\:? Hall Mr. Post indicated that this is the first renewal for the 621 Foundation, they have submitted all necessary information, and that all profits from this establishment go as grants to teachers within District 621 for special projects. MOTION: Keirn moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 96-11, Approving 621 Foundation Charitable Gambling Premises Permit Renewal Application at the Arden Hills Bingo Hall, pending receipt of background investigation information. Motion carried unanimously (4-0). Resolution No. 96-12. Approvin~ 621 Light Brigade Charitable Gambling Premises Permit Renewal A9plieation at the Blue Fox Mr. Post indicated that this is a renewal for a Class B pull-tab gambling booth, and that profits from this activity are pooled together with bingo profits for contribution purposes. MOTION: Malone moved and Keirn seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 96-12, Approving 621 Foundation Charitable Gambling Premises Permit Renewal Application at the Blue Fox, pending receipt of background investigation information. Motion carried unanimously (4-0). Mayor Probst expressed the Council's appreciation for all the organization's contributions to the community. ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS Mr. Post reported there will be an informational meeting for the 1996 Street Improvement project on January 9,1996 at 5:30 p.m. at the Army Reserve Center. Mr. Post reported that he has written to Climb Theatre to request clarification of their intent to apply for a premises permit renewal for charitable gambling at the Big Ten Supper Club, as well as documentation oftheir compliance with trade area spending requirements. Mr. Post indicated that Climb Theatre is technically unable to renew their permit at this point, because they have exceeded the 60 day leadtime required by the State of Minnesota. Mr. Post I .- I I . I . I I .e I I I I . I I .. I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 8. 1996 11 continued that Mr. Filla, City Attorney, has been involved as well, and that Staff is attempting to communicate with the organization. Mr. Post also indicated that another organization has expressed interest in the site. Mayor Probst indicated that given the difficulty in the past, the regulations regarding charitable gambling rules need to be reviewed before something can be done, since the implications of this are unknown. Mr. Post gave his opinion that the premises permit application for the Big Ten Supper Club could be postponed until Ordinance gambling issues are resolved. Councilmember Aplikowski commented that Climb Theatre needs to be apprised of the implications of not renewing its permit. Councilmember Malone indicated the law allows the City to be arbitrary and to use its best judgement; the City is involved in the number of charitable licenses given, not the charities involved. He continued that the organizations either comply with the regulations or face having their premise permits not be renewed. Councilmember Aplikowski questioned why the City is attempting to contact Climb Theatre. Mr. Post eXplained the license is not expired as of yet, so the City is attempting to communicate with Climb Theatre. However, he continued that their permit will expire February 29, 1996. Mr. Malone suggested that an ordinance amendment requiring a bond could be considered for future premises permit applications. Mayor Probst indicated that the concern is compliance with trade area spending, and that such a bond could be requested for first time applicants. Mr. Post commented on the 1995 Construction Activity report submitted by David Kriesel, Building Official. Mr. Post noted that building permits issued were higher than 1994, and the estimated valuation of construction in 1995 was close to 20 million dollars. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Malone had no further comments. COllllcilmember Aplikowski commented favorably on the warning signs that had been installed on County Road F. Councilmember Keirn commented that the Human Rights Committee will meet January 16, 1996. I I- I I I I I I I I~ I I I I I I I Ie I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 8. 1996 12 Mayor Probst commented that he will not be at the upcoming Tuesday evening Worksession on January 16th, as well as the Northwest Youth and Family Services Open House on Thursday, January 11, 1996. Mayor Probst indicated that Minnesota Volunteer Recognition Week will be April 21-27, 1996, and directed Staff to begin preparations for a Resolution recognizing volunteer efforts, as well as plans for volunteer recognition in April and possibly a fall event. Mayor Probst requested Cindy Walsh to review for the Worksession the proposed hockey arena at the National Sports Center. ADJOURN MOTION: Malone moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:37 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). 've Closed Session was next on the Agenda to discuss the legal ~q and Wilson County .",d r '"~ k :'y .' /: / . b '.. /. .. , Bnan Fntsmger' City Administr~tor