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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 07-15-1996 I .. I I I I I I I .. I I I I I I .. I I MINUTES CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 15, 1996 7:30 P.M. - SHOREVIEW COMMUNITY CENTER CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Dennis Probst called to order the Special City Council meeting at 7:35 p.m. Present: Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, Dale Hicks, Paul Malone, and Susan Keirn. Mayor Dennis Probst. Also present were: City Administrator, Brian Fritsinger; City Accountant, Terry Post; and Public Works Superintendent, Dwayne Stafford. AGENDA ADOPTION MOTION: Malone moved and Keirn seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the July 15, 1996, Special City Council meeting as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). CONSENT CALENDAR A. Walter Dunnett Reimbursement MOTION: Malone moved and Keirn 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). ..... -. I I I I I I I .. I I I I I I I. I I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 15. 1996 2 UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Resolution #96-44, Award Bids for Watermain Improvement Project of 1996 Dwayne Stafford, Public Works Superintendent, advised that bids for the Old Highway 10, Waterrnain Improvement Project were received within the past week. The low bid was submitted by Bonine Excavating, Inc. at a cost 01'$139,972.50. With the late bid and short construction period, this bid was approximately $40,000 higher than the engineer's estimate. Mr. Stafford referred to the July 12, 1996 memorandum from City Engineer Stonehouse concerning the bid results and options available to the City. Discussion ensued regarding the bid results, impacts of delaying the northerly and southerly portions of the project, rationale for proceeding, impact on proposed assessments, and staff capabilities and cost expectations for completing the southerly portion as a City repair project. Mayor Probst stated he had ditliculty in supporting a bid award because of the bid range and the low bid being significantly above the earlier engineering estimate. MOTION: Malone moved and Hicks seconded a motion to reject all bids and directed the Public Works Superintendent to complete the Old Highway 10 Waterrnain Improvement Maintenance Project from County Road F to Valentine Avenue. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Staff was directed to notify all affected Old Highway 10 residents ofthe correlation of the northerly section watermain installation project because of this action. I I. I I I I I I I .. I I I I I I I. I I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 15. 1996 3 B. Gene Schmidt, 1628 McCracken Lane, Assessment Discussion Mr. Fritsinger reviewed the recent request from Mr. Schmidt for reconsideration of his assessment and the points outlined in the staff report clarifYing the use of the current assessment policy. The City attorney has recommended that the assessment is based on the policy and procedurally was done correct. Staff recommends Council reiterate its support of its previous action to deny the appeal. Councilmember Hicks commented that Mr. Schmidt raises some good questions, but believes the fair thing for all involved is to follow the policy. If the City doesn't follow its policy, other residents would expect similar treatment. Mayor Probst spoke against the motion. Comer lots are difficult to deal with and the City did grant a reduction at the corner lot across the street (1624 Chatham) due to an easement which reduced the developability of the lot. Mayor Probst indicated that Mr. Hick's motion is consistent with the policy, however, he stated there should be room for some logic and accommodation. Councilmember Keirn questioned whether there was a curb adjacent to Mr. Schmidt's property. Mayor Probst responded affirmatively. Councilmember Hicks commented on the drainage patterns in the area, and the only argument that could be considered for reducing the assessment would be the lack of change to the property. Councilmember Aplikowski indicated that this was a difficult issue for her, but the policy is clear and, as such, until the policy were changed, she couldn't agree to reduction. MOTION: Hicks moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to deny the request for reconsideration on the assessment appeal. The motion carried (3-2). Mayor Probst and Councilmember Keirn opposed. ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS Mr. Fritsinger reviewed his response in regards to pond maintenance. Councilmember Malone reviewed the history of the neighbors requesting the previous property owner maintain the site. Councilmember Hicks commented his support for the recommendation of the administrator and the remainder of the Council concurred Mr. Fritsinger indicated he is receiving a great deal of response to the RFQ for architectural services. He requested clarification on the role of Mayor Probst in the selection process should BRW/Ellness submit. While there is not a legal conflict of interest, questions have been raised by respondents to the role of Mr. Probst. I I. I I I I I I I .. I I I I I I I. I I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 15.1996 4 Mayor Probst commented that he has discussed this issue with several of the respondents, and he intends to abstain from voting and discussions on the selection of the architect. Councilmember Hicks was concerned about Mayor Probst abstaining from discussions because of his valuable expertise and knowledge of this field. Mr. Fritsinger indicated he has begun discussions with Decisions Resources Incorporated (DR!) on the proposed Community Survey. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Aplikowski reviewed the recent activities as part of Land O'Lakes 75th anmversary. Mayor Probst noted that he was quite disappointed with the response from Welsh Company in regards to proposed Gateway Development and anticipated an appropriate staff response. ADJOURN MOTION: alone moved and Hicks seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. moti n carried unanimously (5-0). Brian Fritsinger City Administrator NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next regularly scheduled City Council meeting will be held July 29, 1996, at 7:30 p.m. at Ne,v Brighton City Hall.