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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 03-25-1996 . . .- . I . . I . .~ . I . I . . . .. . MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 25, 1996 7:30 P.M. - NEW BRIGHTON COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDERlROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Probst called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. Present: Mayor Dennis Probst, Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, Susan Keim, Paul Malone, Dale Hicks. Absent: None. Also present were: City Administrator, Brian Fritsinger; City Accountant, Terry Post; Public Works Superintendent, Dwayne Stafford; Community Development Director, Kevin Ringwald; Parks and Recreation Director, Cindy Walsh; City Engineer, Greg Stonehouse; and Recording Secretary, Cathy Sorensen. ADOPT AGENDA Mayor Probst stated Item G, Receiving 1995 Treasury Report, needs to be added to the Consent Calendar. MOTION: Aplikowski moved and Keirn seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the March 25, 1996, Regular City Council meeting as amended. The motion carried unanimonsly (5-0). APPROVAL OF MINUTES March 11, 1996: No corrections. MOTION: Keim moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the March II, 1996, Regular Council Meeting minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). . . .It . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 25. 1996 2 CONSENT CALENDAR A. Appointments to City Committees B. 1996 Business License Renewals C. Adopt Resolution #96-22, Relating to Apportionment of Assessments Relating to Improvement No. W-78-5 D. Adopt Resolution #96-23, Relating to Apportionment of Assessments Relating to Improvement No. ST-81-2 E. Planning Case #95-16, Balfany Preliminary Plat F. Claims and Payroll G. Receiving 1995 Treasury Report MOTION: Hicks moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented, and authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 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 A. Adopt Resolution #96-21. Approving the Plans and Specifications and Authorization for Bids for the 1996 Street Improvements Dwayne Stafford, Public Works Superintendent, stated that after numerous meetings with residents and staff, they have come to a tentative understanding on the street improvement project He stated one issue remaining is the street width on Pascal Avenue. He noted that based on the City Council's direction, the City Engineer was to look at the feasibility of keeping the street 21 feet wide. He noted that Terry Mauer, Consulting Engineer, has made the recommendation that the street be narrowed from the standard 32 foot width to 24 foot wide measured face of curb to face of curb. Mr. Stafford also noted he contacted the Lake Johanna Fire Chief, Don Szurek, who recommended a 24 foot street for safety purposes. I I I- I I I I I I Ie I I I I I I I I. I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 25. 1996 o ~ Mr. Stafford stated the Public Works Staff recommends approval of Resolution #96-21, supporting the 1996 Street Improvement Plans. He also noted that Staff would like an Oak A venue representative to be given the opportunity to inspect the plans and specifications. Councilmember Hicks inquired ifthere could be a liability issue with regard to the street width of21 feet Greg Stonehouse, City Engineer, stated it is difficult to ascertain if there could be a liability. He stated that if cars are parked on both sides of the street, it may be difficult for an emergency vehicle to get through. He stated 24 foot street widths allow sufficient room for emergency vehicles to pass. Councilmember Malone requested to see the updated Pascal Avenue plans. Discussion was held regarding the plans. Mayor Probst inquired if there is a difference in the amount of vegetation between the two plans. Mr. Stonehouse stated the difference is only in the amount of grass; the number of trees remained thc same. Mayor Probst compared the emergency vehicle safety issue to the Amble rcplatting request that is upcoming on the Agenda. He stated the Amble property include four homes, with no concerns idcntificd from the Fire Chief, where Pascal Avenue has five homes. Mayor Probst stated he does not see the value to the community to lose more trees for an additional three feet of pavement. Mayor Probst inquired if there was anyone in the audience from Pascal Avenue who wished to speak. No one responded. Councilmember Aplikowski stated Mr. Sean McDermott of 3632 Pascal Avenue sent a fax regarding Pascal Avenue prior to the Council meeting. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she does not see a problem with the street width of21 feet Gloria Kuehn, 3581 Ridgewood Road, inquired what the plans were for Ridgewood Court Brian Fritsinger, City Administrator, suggested Mr. Stonehouse review the Ridgewood Court plans. Mr. Stonehouse stated an overlay would be done, with the narrowness of the street at an inverted crown, sloping to the ccnter. He stated this will allow the water to drain to the north end of the street, and allow the grade to surface drain to the ditch along Lake Johanna Boulevard. He stated there will be no need for curb and gutter, and they will be adding berming to assist with the draining as well. Mayor Probst verified that the water ultimately drains to Lake Johanna, and they are not changing that I I I- I I I I I I I. I I I I I . . .e I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 25.1996 4 Mr. Greg Smith, 1644 Oak Avenue, stated the plan fits well with what they had envisioned, and it is the best solution at this point MOTION: Hicks moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to amend Resolution #96-21, Approving the Plans and Specitications and Authorization for Bids for the 1996 Street Improvements, to include Pascal A venue street width to be constructed at 21 feet The motion carried (4-1), Malone voting nay. Councilmember Malone stated he is concerned with the 21 foot street width. He noted the Amble property is a private driveway, not a public right-of-way as is Pascal Avenue. He inquired the street width of Reiland Lane in Shoreview. He stated he believed it to be 25 feet, and noted the Fire Department has had problems with access at that width. He stated the 24 foot street width would better serve the community. Mayor Probst stated Councilmember Malone has a valid point, and his own comments should not suggest the absence of a safety issue, but noted there is also a need to weigh the "counterbalances." Mayor Probst stated he is comfortable with the 21 foot street width. MOTION: Hicks moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #96-21, Approving the Plans and Specifications and Authorization for Bids for the 1996 Strcet Improvements, including the 21 foot street width for Pascal A venue. The motion carried (5-0). B. Adopt Resolution #96.20. Accepting Bid and Authorizing Execution of Contract in the Matter of the Bike Trail Improvement of 1996 Cindy Walsh, Parks and Recreation Director, reported to the Council that Staff recommended to the Council to approve the base bid and two alternate trail segments based on receiving the Cooperative Trails Grant from the Minnesota DNR. She noted that all three segments could be complete in 1996, with the far northern section in 1997, based upon receiving the grant. Mayor Probst noted a revised resolution was distributed. He inquired if the length of the alternate trails is much different trom the original bid. Mr. Stonehouse replied it is reflective of the contractor's desire to do more work. Mayor Probst noted the alternate prices are very good. Mayor Probst clarified what portion of the project the grant would cover. Ms. Walsh stated the grant would cover $45,191.50 of the project, and includes the northern segment that connects to Highway 96. She stated the project needs to be completed by November I, 1997. Councilmember Malone inquired of the funding approval. Ms. Walsh stated the entire project funding is $45,191.50, contingent upon doing the entire segment before 1997. , , ,- , , , , , I ,e , , , , , , , ,e , ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 25.1996 5 Councilmember Malone inquired how much it would cost to do the north segment alone. Ms. Walsh stated they did not have the estimates at the meeting, but that Mr. Stonehouse may have some estimates. Mayor Probst verified the City had budgeted $45,000 for the project Councilmember Malone stated the estimate shows $37,400. He verified the trail lengths of 1,000 feet from Colleen Avenue to Arden View Drive, and an additional I ,050 to Highway 96. Discussion was held on trail lengths and locations. Councilmember Malone stated his estimate is $50,000. He stated he did not realize the grant required other construction. Mayor Probst stated the entire project cost is $105,000, and the City budgeted $40,000 in 1996 and will receive $45,191.50 from the grant; therefore, the cost to the City in 1997 will be approximately $20,000. Councilmember Malone stated he wanted to understand the full project cost before making a decision. MOTION: Hicks moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #96-20, Accepting Bid and Authorizing Execution of Contract in the Matter of the Bike Trail Improvement of 1996. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). C. Planning Case #96-01. Amble PreliminarY Plat Kevin Ringwald, Community Development Director, reported to the Council that the applicant is requesting approval of a preliminary plat consisting of four lots on a 2.99 acre parcel zoned R-l Single Family Residential District He stated the property currently contains two single family homes, which are scrviced by an existing bituminous driveway. He stated the applicant wishes to subdivide the property to place the two existing structures on their own separate lots, and to create two additional lots for their other two children to construct homes on. Mr. Ringwald noted the Planning Commission had previously postponed its review to allow the applicant to modify the side lot lines of Lot 3 to maximize the lots buildable area in relationship to the ravine which extends up from Karth Lake. Mr. Ringwald stated the City Council may grant a variance from the Subdivision Ordinance in Section 22-12, (a), ofthe City Code based on the following conditions: (1) There are special circumstances or conditions affecting said property such that the strict application of the provisions of this chapter would deprive the applicant of the reasonable use of his land; (2) The variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right of the applicant; and . . .- . . . . . . .e . . . . . . . .e . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 25 1996 6 (3) The granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to other property in the territory in which said property is situated. Mr. Ringwald stated the Planning Commission recommends approval of Planning Case 96-01, preliminary plat including a subdivision variance allowing the provision of a private driveway, subject to the following conditions: I. Provision of the required driveway easement prior to final plat approval; 2. Provision of adequate sediment and erosion control measures; 3. Payment of the appropriate park dedication fee; 4. Provision of a driveway which is consistent with the requirements of the Fire Code; and 5. Provision of signage at the southerly edge ofthe driveway (West Amble Road) which identify the addresses located on the private driveway. Councilmember Hicks inquired if the driveway width will be 30 feet. Mr. Ringwald stated the existing driveway will be used and will need to be extended to the northern property line of Lot 2. Mayor Probst noted that the lot lines on Lot 3 bows on both sides. He stated the Council has taken great pains to avoid this design in the past, and inquired why it was being done now. Mr. Ringwald stated the original plat had parallel lot lines, but the Planning Commission felt the revised lot lines maximized the buildable area of the lot. He noted they will pull the building pad as far west as possible, so it is closer to the private driveway and to the existing structure. Mayor Probst verified that all setback requirements would be met. Mayor Probst noted the ease of processing of this application compared to a previous planning casc (Buctow). Mr. Ringwald noted that both applicants have been working with Staff since November, 1995. Councilmember Malone noted the building envelope goes beyond the ravine, east towards the lake, and stated that the building pad is speculative. He noted the original plat could not fit a house, and that this modification should solve the problem. Mr. Ringwald agreed with Councilmember Malone. Mr. Paul Amble, 1211 West Amble Road, noted that the square on Lot 3 is an existing garden, not a building pad. . . .- . . . . . . I. . . . . . I I .- . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 25. 1996 7 MOTION: Malone moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Planning Case #96- 01, Amble Preliminary Plat, including the subdivision variance allowing the provision of a private driveway, subject to the following conditions: I. Provision of the required driveway easement prior to final plat approval; 2. Provision of adequate sediment and erosion control measures; 3. Payment of the appropriate park dedication fee; 4. Provision of a driveway which is consistent with the requirements of the Fire Code; and 5. Provision of signage at the southerly edge of the driveway (West Amble Road) which identify the addresses located on the private driveway. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS Mr. Fritsinger had no further comments. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Aplikowski stated that four "no-parking" signs have been placed on Dellview Road within her neighborhood, and she will remove them if they appear in her yard. She stated her lmderstanding was that the signs would be placed if a resident wanted them. Mr. Stafford stated that Councilmember Aplikowski is correct, but to his knowledge Public Works has not placed any "no parking" signs in neighborhoods since November, 1995. He was unsure who placed the signs. Councilmember Keim stated the Human Rights Committee meeting is April 9, 1996, not April 10, 1996, as stated on the agenda sheet. She inquired which staff has been designated for that meeting. Mr. Fritsinger stated it has not been decided yet. Councilmember Keirn inquired when the next Council meeting is. Mr. Fritsinger replied it is scheduled for April 8, 1996. Mayor Probst stated the County's public information meeting on Cleveland Avenue is on March 27, 1996. He suggested that a Councilmember attend. Councilmember Hicks stated he would be available to attend. . . .e . . . . . . .. . . . I . I . .e . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 25.1996 8 Mayor Probst noted he will not be in attendance at the April 8, 1996, City Council meeting. Mayor Probst inquired of the status of the Bonding BilL Mr. Fritsinger replied there was no update to share at this time. Mayor Probst stated he felt it was important for the City to increase the public's awareness of the activities surrounding TCAAP, and will be contacting a reporter at the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Mayor Probst statcd the Metropolitan Council is sponsoring a workshop on regional communities through the Livable Communities Act. He stated the workshop is on April 9, 1996, and will be held at the Humphrey Institute for no charge. He suggested a Councilmember or Staff mcmber attend. ADJOURN MOTION: Hicks moved and Keirn seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8: 15 p.m. he motion carried unanimously (5-0). ~. Brian Fritsinger City Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next regular City Council meeting will be held April 8, 1996, at 7:30 p.m. at New Brighton City HalL