Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCWS 07-15-1996 .. . MINUTES .- CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA WORKSESSION JULY 15, 1996 4:30 P.M. - SHOREVIEW COMMUNITY CENTER I CALL TO ORDERlROLL CALL . Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Acting Mayor Beverly Aplikowski called to order the City Council worksession at 4:55 pm. Present: Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, Dale Hicks and Paul Malone; City Administrator, Brian Fritsinger; Public Works Superintendent, I Dwayne Stafford; Conununity Development Director, Kevin Ringwald; Parks and Recreation Direction, Cindy Walsh; City Accountant, Terry Post, and Consulting Engineer, Greg Stonehouse. Mayor DeIDlis Probst arrived at 5:00 pm and Councilmember Susan Keim arrived I at 5 :05 p.m. City Issues - Short Term . a. 1997 Budl!et Staff reviewed the basic assumptions oftl1e proposed 1997 budget and requested affirmation . of these points. These included a levy increase of 0-3%, capital items and salary costs. The Council concurred that these assumptions were correct, and Staff should proceed with Ie development of the 1997 preliminary budget on this basis. Mayor Probst indicated he will be unavailable to attend the July 29, 1996, Council meeting . and August 19, 1996 worksession meeting. Councilmember Malone will be unavailable for the August 12, 1996 Council meeting. Staff was directed to schedule a worksession meeting . for August 12, 1996, at 6:30 pm to review the preliminary budget. b. 1996 Street Improvements - Review Proeess . Mr. Fritsinger and Mr. Stonehouse reviewed tl1e process followed in 1996 as part of the 1996 Pavement Management Program (PMP). Mayor Probst conunented tl1at the 1996 process was an improvement over 1995 but minor adjustments should be considered. No . significant problems were identified as part of the 1996 process. City Issues - Long Term . a. 1997 Street Improvement Proeess The Council considered several minor changes to the street improvement process. These . were primarily related to the notification and meeting process. Council encouraged a change from using alternate streets to a three (3) to five (5) year plan where residents could . receive advance notice of projects. The Council also requested the preparation of a list of all city streets with a schedule of all work which has been completed historically by street. .- . I I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JULY 15. 1996 2 (' b. Assessment Poliey I Staff presented a brief report sununarizing a variety of issues which have been raised by residents regarding the Assessment Policy. I Councilmember Aplikowski questioned whether tl1e percentage paid should change from tl1e current 50/50 split. I Mayor Probst indicated the policy uses sound reason and is a fair policy and questioned why we should change it or the process. The assessment approach is fair, and thc policy works. I He did agree that corner lots have been a problem. Councilmember Hicks stated the reconsidcration of the per unit vs. front footage approach I may be appropriate. Councilmember Malone concurred witl1 Mayor Probst that tl1e policy works. A change to I unit assessments may be problematic but a mixed formula may work. The hearing dates were scheduled to allow for resident input and making decisions on the project proceeding prior to work beginning. Interest rates are controlled by State Statute. -- Councilmember Keim discussed her observations with respect to corner lot valuations. She suggested tl1at Council should consider a review of this portion of tl1e Assessment Policy. . Council directed Staff to revisit the corner lot metl10d and evaluate tl1e per unit vs. front footage approach. Any reconunended changes should simplify and not complicate tl1e I existing policy. e. Newsletter I The Council reviewed the proposed newsletter prepared by the Newsletter Task Force. The Council elected to use the name "Arden Hills Notes" and asked for some review and . language clarification on the topics included. Staff was directed to be sure that the articles or notes make sense to residents who may not have an historical perspective. Council authorized proceeding with publication in August. I Shoreview Joint Council Meeting . a. Lexington Avenue Restriping Dan Solar, Ramsey County Engineer, made a presentation to the Arden Hills and Shoreview City Councils in regard to proposed striping changes to Lexington A venue. This area of . road south of Highway 96 was rebuilt in 1984 and was initally striped for four lanes. After complaints, it was reduced to three lanes. .- . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JULY 15. 1996 3 ) The County sees several options for tl1is area including widening, restriping for four lanes and a combination where left turn lanes could be added near roads. This portion oftl1e road - will be partially rebuilt as part of the Highway 96 reconstruction - The Councils agreed that Ramsy County should hold an information mceting for residents and a joint letter from the Mayors should be the invitation. This setting would allow the County to present their reconunendations and receive a response from citizens. The project - would be scheduled for completion in 1997. - b. Joint Hoekev Arena - The Councils briefly reviewed the status of the Quad Ice Arena proposed in Blaine. A - number of issues were discussed including the lack of confidence in the financial proformas; - demographics of current and future participants; philosophy/political need for project; the location of facility; school involvement; Bethel College involvement; pending fcderal - legislation; proximity to other rinks; MASC agenda; Ramsey County activities and contract - language. . The Councils will be expected to take formal action on tl1is project in August. Staff will - continue to work with all parties on agreements and methods to reduce risk to participating -~ cities. - Roundtable Diseussion . a. Committee Reports - The Council reviewed the activities of the various committees. Staff should begin . considering options in regards to a new fire contract and begin preliminary discussions with the Lake Johanna Volunteer Fire Department (LJVFD). I The Council discussed the merits of additional discussion witl1 conunittees to assist with tl1e I focus of the committees. b. Department Head Reports . Mr. Ringwald commented on the Welsh Company proposal and letters. Mayor Probst - expressed concern about the tone of the letter received from Welsh. - Mr. Stafford, Ms. Walsh, Mr. Post, and Mr. Ringwald briefly reviewed other departmental ii activities. . The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 pm. .. I