HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 10-15-1996
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I MINUTES
,. CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 15,1996
8:00 P.M, - ARMY RESERVE CENTER
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I CALL TO ORDER/RQLL CALL
I Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Dennis Probst called to order the regular
City Council meeting at 8:03 p.m.
Present: Mayor Dennis Probst, Councilmembers Beverly Aplikowski, Dale Hicks,
I Susan Keim, and Paul Malone.
I Absent: None.
Also present were: City Administrator, Brian Fritsinger; City Accountant, Terry Post;
I Coml11unity Development Director, Kevin Ringwald; City Engineer, Greg Stonehouse;
Public Works Superintendent, Dwayne Stafford; Administrative Secretary, Sheila
Stowell; and Recording Secretary, Carla Wirth.
Ie ADOPT AGENDA
I MOTION: Hicks moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt the agenda for the
October 15, 1996, Regular City Council meeting as presented. The motion
I carried unanimously (5-0).
I APPROVAL QF MINUTES
September 30, 1996, Regular Council Meeting
I Revise Page 3, fifth paragraph, to indicate "Councilmember Hicks asked" (not
Councilmember Malone).
I MOTION: Aplikowski moved and Hicks seconded a motion to approve the September 30,
1996, Regular Council Meeting minutes as corrected. The l11otion carried
I unanimously (5-0).
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I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - OCTOBER 15.1996 2
it CQNSENT CALENDAR
I A. Fireworks Display Permit
B. Authorization, 1996 Audit Engagement Agreement
C. Lift Station #6 Improvement, Change Qrder #1
I D. New Street Signs
E. Resolution #96-58, Authorizing Termination of Gas Main License, Twin Cities Army
Ammunition Plant
I F. Clail11s and Payroll
G. Resolution #96-60, Regarding Use of Advance Encul11hrance - General State Aid Funds
(City)
I H. Met Council Inflow/Infiltration Control Grant Agreement
MOTION: Malone 1110ved and Keil11 seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as
I presented and authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein.
The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
I PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ie Mayor Probst invited the audience to address the Council on any issue not already on the agenda.
There were no public comments.
I UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
A. Planning Case #96-13, James Danielson, 3238 N. Hamline Avenue, Variance
I Kevin Ringwald, Community Developl11ent Director, advised the Council of their previous
I action to postpone consideration on Planning Case #96-13 to allow time for staff to work with
the applicant to modify the building location to minimize the requested variance and improve the
visibility frol11 the Lynch property. It was noted the applicant originally requested approval of
I front and side yard setback variances to allow for the construction of a 22 foot by 24 foot
detached garage. The front yard setback was proposed to be 12 feet while 40 feet is required and
the side yard is proposed to be five feet while ten feet is required.
I Mr. Ringwald stated the applicant has modified his request such that the front yard setback
would be 15 feet (previously 12 feet) while 40 feet is required. The applicant has also
I reconfigured the building such that less of the wall is penetrating into the setback area and has
improved the sight lines from the adjacent home (3220 North Ha1111ine Avenue).
I Councill11ember Malone commented on the unusual circumstances which exist due to the
configuration of the property and location of the lake. He noted the proposal will result in the
~ removal of the pumphouse and a less non-conforming structure. Thus reducing the non-
conformances overall.
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I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - OCTOBER 15.1996 3
tt James Danielson, applicant, stated he has nothing to add to the presentation of Staff and believes
the modification cOl11plies with the desires of the Council. He added the relocation is an
I improvement and additional landscaping will be provided to improve the view from the street.
Mayor Probst concurred the proposed relocation is a better fit with the Lynch property and more
I attractive than the area where the building could be located without the need for a variance. He
indicated his intention to support variance approval.
I MOTION: Hicks moved and Malone seconded a 1110tion to approve Planning Case #96-13,
James Danielson, 3238 N. Hamline Avenue, Variance, as revised and based on the
I Iallowing rationale: I) this garage could be constructed in the front yard without
the need for a variance; however, it would result in a greater constraint to the
visual aspect of neighbors; 2) the subject property is located on a lakefront and of
I unusual shape with limited back yard area; 3) the existence of an unusually large
right-of-way for Hamline Avenue; 4) consideration of the requested variance will
result in an overall reduction of the existing non-conforming situation; and 5) the
I restriction that no further building will be constructed on the site within this
building envelope.
Ie Councilmel11ber Aplikowski agreed with comments made but questioned the restriction on
furthcr building. It was explained that the restriction is to prohibit further construction within the
building envelope. Councilmel11ber Aplikowski stated she is glad this situation could be worked
I out between staff and the applicant for the betterment of both parties.
The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
I Mr. Danielson stated he will comply with the restriction prohibiting further construction within
I the building envelope.
Due to the late arrival of Sheriff Fletcher, Mayor Probst requested the agenda be revised to delay
I Agenda Item 6B and next consider Agenda Items 6C, 6D, 6E, and 6F.
C. 1996 Street Improvements, Change Qrder #2
I Greg Stonehouse, City Engineer, advised the Council is asked to approve Change Order #2 as
part of the 1996 Street Il11provement Project. This Change Order is needed to account for
I additional costs incurred as a result of the realignment ofQak Avenue to the east due to easement
issues and is specific to the construction of a retaining wall on Oak A venue and replacement of
several trees. He advised the total cost of Change Order #2 is $10,600.
I MOTION: Malone moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve Change Order #2
tt as part of the 1996 Street Improvel11ent Project in the amount of $10,600. The
1110tion carried unanil110usly (5-0).
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I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - OCTOBER 15.1996 4
f' D. Stowe Avenue - Final Pay Estimate
I Mr. Stonehouse advised the Council is asked to approve the Final Pay Estimate for Stowe
Avenue to Valley Paving, Inc. in the amount of$19,409.39 which includes $18,794.89 in
retainage and $614.50 in construction. He advised that all punch list items have been completed
I and recommended approval ofthis payment suhject to receipt of Minnesota Form IC-134,
Consent of Surety from the contractor's bonding company, and the executed Certificate of
Substantial Completion.
I Dwayne Stafford, Public Works Superintendent, reported on his findings after an inspection of
this project and noted the formation of a sand delta at the storm water outlet into lake Johanna.
I Mr. Stonehouse advised the contractor has cleaned the outlet into Lake Johanna.
MOTION: Malone moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the Final Pay
I Estil11ate for Stowe Avenue to Valley Paving, Inc. in the amount of$19,409.39.
The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
I E. Resolution #96-57, Authorizing Application for Recycling Grant Fund for 1997
Ie Mr. Ringwald advised the Council is asked to adopt Resolution #96-57, authorizing application
for the Recycling Grant Fund for 1997. He noted the amount is slightly higher ($200) than last
year and the resolution also approves the annual Score Grant request in the amount of$I9,347.
I MOTION: Hicks moved and Aplikowski seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #96-57,
Authorizing Application for Recycling Grant Fund for 1997. The motion carried
I unanimously (5-0).
F. Resolution #96-59, Authorizing the Negotiated Purchase and/or Condemnation of
I 1900 Edgewater Avenue
I Mr. Ringwald advised the Council is asked to adopt Resolution #96-59, authorizing the
negotiated purchase and/or condemnation of 1900 Edgewater A venue which is the house
extcnsively damaged by fire in 1993.
I Mr. Ringwald displayed an overhead which identified the location of the property and pictures of
the property and house under consideration. He reviewed Staffs negotiations with the property
I owner and advised the City has exhausted all means of having the hOl11e repaired, other than
abatement of condemnation. Mr. Ringwald stated the property owner has been provided with
sufficient time to correct the Code violations.
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I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - OCTOBER 15.1996 5
t' Mr. Ringwald informed Council of neighborhood concerns regarding the value of the new home
to be constructed since the average home value in this neighborhood is about $69,000 but the
I average value of homes being constructed today are about $240,000. He noted that a charitable
organization is interested in pursuing the acquisition of the property and constructing a hOl11e of
similar type to this particular neighborhood, if the City is interested.
I Mr. Ringwald recommended the Council authorize Staff to extend an offer to purchase 1900
Edgewater Avenue for an al110unt not to exceed $17,300 and if the offer is not accepted by the
I property owner within ten days of receipt ofthe offer, then Staff would be authorized to proceed
with the abatement/condemnation of the building.
I Brian Fritsinger, City Administrator, advised of revisions to proposed Resolution #96-59.
I Councilmember Malone stated he is sympathetic to the property owner's plight, however, he
believes they have been given adequate time to gain compliance.
I Councilmember Keim noted the letter from the mortgage company and questioned ownership of
the property (Kathy Skweres or mortgage company). She also asked whether this property is in
the midst of foreclosure. Mr. Fritsinger advised of Staffs discussion with the City Attorney
Ie regarding this issue and the intent of the resolution to proceed only if there are no property
encumbrances. Councilmember Keil11 stated she believes the mortgage company would accept
an offer to purchase such as this.
I Councilmember Hicks asked if Staff has had recent discussion with the homeowner advising of
the implications of this process. Mr. Ringwald reviewed Staffs past discussion with the property
I owner.
Councilmember Hicks agreed that a three year time period is sufficient and commented on the
I need for some type of closure for the neighboring properties.
I Mayor Probst stated his intention to support the resolution because he believes it is the best
option for the neighborhood.
I MOTION: Hicks moved and Keim seconded a l11otion to adopt Resolution #96-59,
Authorizing the Negotiated Purchase and/or Condemnation of 1900 Edgewater
Avenue. The 1110tion carried wlanimously (5-0).
I The Council then returned to Agenda Itel11 6B.
I B. Presentation by Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher
.. Sheriff Bob Fletcher, Ramsey County, introduced John Luey, Undersheriff of the Patrol
Division; Larry McDonald, Arden Hills resident, retired St. Paul police officer and Community
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I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - OCTOBER 15. 1996 6
t' Affairs Officer; Joel Block, Arden Hills resident and Community Affairs Officer; and Mark Petit
who is working hand-in-hand with Larry McDonald to head up the Volunteers Involved in Public
I Safety (V.I.P.S.) program.
Sheriff Fletcher then updated the Council regarding strategic plans of the Ramsey County
I Sheriffs Office based on goals and guidelines established by hundreds of Ramsey County
citizens to improve public safety. He advised regarding the V.I.P.S., its vision, fundamentals of
volunteerism, and goals established in this progral11. Sheriff Fletcher informed the Council
I regarding funding mechanisms, including Federal and State grants. He stated his intention to
bring volunteerism to a higher level and advised of training programs for Community Affairs
Officers.
I Sheriff Fletcher explained information managel11ent aspects of the Ramsey County Sheriff's
I Department and how a grant will be used to purchase a number of computers which will provide
a l11ethod of dispensing information to the Council and residents and also provide
teleconferencing and fax broadcasting. Sheriff Fletcher stated the first user group to be
I approached will be block clubs ofthe cities that contract with the Sheriff's Departl11ent.
Sheriff Fletcher distributed and reviewed the quarterly report, noting that Arden Hills is one of
Ie the most crime-free communities in the country. He explained how mapping technology will be
beneficial to residents and Councilmembers.
I In response to Councilmember Malone's question, Sheriff Fletcher explained that to comply with
the Data Practices Act, the specific address will not be identified.
I Sheriff Fletcher explained these programs will provide tools for both the Sheriff's Department
and policy makers (Councilmel11bers) and also prol11ote crime prevention education. He
I requested input on how the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office can better serve Arden Hills.
Councilmember Malone commented on the importance of having two-way communication and
I improved communication with the City's residents. He expressed concern with the turn-over of
deputies and added the residents do question why the City does not have its own police
department. He noted the Council does obtain competitive bids to assure the cost is justified.
I Sheriff Fletcher agreed that cOl11l11unication between the street officer and resident is a key issue
and with the need to establish this vital link. He brought up the option of having a teen night or
I activity where officers can becol11e 1110re familiar with youth.
Councilmember Aplikowski commented on her concern of speeding traffic and damage to
I mailboxes. She concurred things are moving in the right direction but there is a need to improve
communication with residents.
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I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - OCTOBER 15 1996 7
t' Larry McDonald reviewed multi-housing strategies and their work at the mobile home park to
meet with those residents who need assistance in working with the owner. He updated the
I Council regarding their attel11pt to eliminate graffiti in the community and at local schools. Mr.
McDonald reviewed the Mounds View High School's past philosophy to just remove graffiti and
their new stand to take an active role in preventing it in the first place.
I Mayor Probst expressed his appreciation to the volunteers in this program and commented on the
need for continued cooperative efforts to prevent crime. He indicated support for a zero
I tolerance with regard to graffiti.
I Sheriff Fletcher commented that should the new megawatt radio system become a reality, it will
not be "on the financial backs" of the contract cities.
I Mayor Probst requested that officers visit Council meetings on a period basis (quarterly) to
introduce thel11selves.
I Mr. Fritsinger explained the reason officers are asked to drop off the Council's meeting packets is
to provide an opportunity for Councilmembers to become familiar with officers who work in the
City.
Ie ADMINISTRATOR COMMENTS
I Mr. Fritsinger updated the Council regarding the status of the 1996 street project and slow
progress made by the contractor. He stated because of this, the contractor has been placed on
notice that penalties will be assessed if the project is not completed by this Friday, October 18,
I 1996 (which includes placing the second lift of bituminous). Mr. Stafford stated he would not
want blacktop to be laid if the tel11perature falls below 40 degrees.
I Mr. Fritsinger updated the Council regarding prohlems with the relationship between utility
companies and residents during City street projects. He explained the City does attempt to
I address these issues at preconstruction meetings; however, problems occurred again this year.
Mr. Fritsinger infoIDled that residents view the work being done as a "city" project but the City
has no control over the utility companies. He advised staff will continue its efforts with the
I various utility cOl11panies.
Due to the on-going rights-of-way discussion with US West, Mayor Probst inquired ifthe City
I should address such responsibilities of work within public rights-of-way through the codification
process. Mr. Fritsinger stated there are certain things that could be required (restoration) which
could be included in the Code. He concurred that as the codification proceeds, this issue should
r be addressed.
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~sc S -"'{l.:)' t .,. ~.!c:lS
!nce th 0 Illak receilo
Air. J<ritsil1 e drol1ght Y: the COl1l1C;: the third
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all a ated hIlS ater
WOrk in the n::~aypr~e:tCOl1l1CiI rega . . oVer 157 Illil~:;e billing ao
Air. Prit . tlJre.' fle stated ~d;g staff's \.Ie gallol1S; the ~.the City of
C SIng a w' ork' Ighe
enter' er I1Pd III pr b WIth iiI st
f Il1B] , ated h 0 abl 1 e III .
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ft oIllIll" e ad' lIncil est illJ illJce.
Or l1ext 1111Ities VISed a Ii regard' Other d WhIch .
gl1ar Week. Ai. Who are Ol1rth ~l1g the ay to cOn . IS clear 1
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re Where th rs, It Illa er adVise g Partici as 110t b ad Ice A
sPOnsibility ey wOl1ld Y Consider d the AiAS~ation illJd eel1 identifi ;na at the Ai. .
sOIllewh gl1arillJte an aIlle has i . another e but th atIOl1al
Aiayor p at. e nlore h 11dIllent to h ndICated Illeetil1g h ere is clJr Sports
h rob oUrs t e Ai. ' as a as b Tel1U
s eet, AiAS st 110ted th of I1sage h aster A reSl1/t ofc eel1 Sched 1 Ya
reql1ested C Illay be ere are run ' t I1s relievlreeIllent fo OIlcern On I1 ed
sheets Air. Prit. offeril1g' lors that. l1g IlllIni . r the first
. Or h SIng Il1d In cIPaf . sev
Jas rela e believ, er Illake' uceIllel1t illJ effOrt t Itles of th eral
aYIlleni.ed this con~e~rden flil;: ~~ear to Ai~~~O~d Wh~t~i;tl1re the Part' . at
illJd e . ould re t at th e first h ICIPan
'Yor PrObst i XfJlaIl1ed the c~:~~~der its p::~:e dea/l1::~~artic;~~~rrthe fOl1rth
cOlIJplet d nql1ired i[ eratIon III PatIOl1 Ai to be Illad eceIVed Ii
et tile. aYb . r.p'. eft . e
11 start. 0 sUbnJit Ii re IS a "d e tOWard rItSI11ger Or all [OlJr
In 1997, i[it Orthe Mi hrop dead" d s the $5000 adVised he
tL C Proceed g ty DUCk ate. Air P . ' 00 doWn
~ s. sOr:' rIts'
MElVTS illJt and ba Il1ger adv'
Sed On ISed th
~e fl: curre . at docllIn
rIcks re 11t tlInil1g th el1tatiol1
)l1Jil1g Wo ql1ested an ' e project
'lcll1d rksession I1Pdate re
~ Var;~ a list o[ b~: n:el1Joral1~arding City
I1s aVailabl IdlngS that Ul1J has bee flaIl sites Ai.
e bl1ild' l1Jay be 11Prepa' r. hit .
be has Ings. aVailable ft red reView' SIl1ger stat
1nlissi":::d receiVed . Or lease. H~~~e histo~~ :-
re I ask 1101zc Sed o[
a So b' ed ilJt e that AAi. staff'
\ eIl1g. erest At . s
s SOlIcited ft ed COlin' Is Seek'
~gS sch Or the Nati Cill1Jel1Jbers Ing llJel1Jber:
QUy h elduled by th 011aj Cities Bto noti[y hi;: [Or its
. e d Ai' e l?a oard' Ai.
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Out th Ota Ai olInt
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s <1Jld erel1 epa
trava'I Ce wh' rtnlent
1 s ex Per . ICh he a and
Ienced . ttended
In Ard . He
- ~%
s are
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I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - OCTOBER 15.1996 8
it Mr. Pritsinger advised the City has received the third quarter water usage billing from the City of
Roseville and he wants to l11ake the Council aware it is over 157 million gallons; the highest
I water usage since the drought year of 1989.
Mr. Fritsinger updated the Council regarding stajrs work with file l11aintenance which is clearly
I more than a one-day project. He stated staff will probably request another day to continue this
work in the near future.
I Mr. Pritsinger updated the Council regarding the proposed Quad Ice Arena at the National Sports
Center in Blaine. He advised a fourth participant has not been identified but there is currently a
list of communities who are considering participation and anojher meeting has been scheduled
I for next week. Mr. Pritsinger advised the MASC has indicated, as a result of concern on
guarantee of hours, it may consider an amendment to the Master Agreement for the first several
I years where they would guarantee more hours of usage, thus relieving municipalities of that
responsibility somewhat.
I Mayor Probst noted there are rumors that in an effort to capture the participants for the fourth
sheet, MASC may be offering inducements beyond what the first three participants received. He
requested Mr. Pritsinger make it clear to MASC that the same deal needs to be made for all four
Ie sheets or he believcs Arden Hills should reconsider its participation. Mr. Pritsinger advised he
has relayed this concern and explained the consideration may be towards the $500,000 down
payment.
I Mayor Probst inquired ifthere is a "drop dead" date. Mr. Pritsinger advised that documentation
was completed to submit for the Mighty Ducks Grant and based on current til11ing, the project
I will not start in 1997, ifit proceeds.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
I Councilmember Hicks requested an update regarding City Hall sites. Mr. Fritsinger stated as
I part of the upcoming worksession, a memorandum has been prepared reviewing the history of
this project and includes a list of buildings that l11ay be available for lease. He advised of staffs
activities in touring various available buildings.
I Mayor Probst advised he has recently received notice that AMM is seeking l11embers for its
Technical Advisory Commission and asked interested Councill11embers to notify him. Mayor
I Probst advised members are also being solicited for the National Cities Board.
Mayor Probst reviewed l11eetings scheduled by the Ramsey County Sheriffs Department and
I updated the Council on the reccntly held Minnesota Mayor's Conference which he attended. He
cOl11mented on the benefit of finding out the problems and travails experienced in Arden Hills are
.. shared by other cities within the State.
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I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - OCTOBER 15. 1996 9
t' Mayor Probst expressed his concern that the water quality of Lake Johanna is diminishing and
commented on the need to determine actions which will improve water quality. He noted that
I residents sometimes blow grass clippings onto the street or deposit them in the lake. Mayor
Probst commented on the importance of educating the public regarding the resulting
environmental problems and stated hc will work with staff and may suggest the formation of a
I task force to address this concern.
Councilmember Hicks asked if some lake property owners do not understand that depositing
I grass clippings into the lake will add to its nutrients and diminish water quality. Mayor Probst
stated some may not understand this concern while others may not believe their small amount of
grass clippings contributes to the overall degradation.
I ADJOURN
I ed and Aplikowski seconded a l11otion to adjourn the meeting at
The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
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Ie Brian Fritsinger '
City Administrator
I NQTICE OF MEETINGS
I The next regular City Council l11eeting will be held October 28, 1996, at 7:30 p.m. at New
Brighton City Hall.
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