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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 11-24-1986 / MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Village of Arden Hills Monday, November 24, 1986 - 7:00 p.m. Village Hall Call to Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Woodburn called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Closed Meetin~ (7:00 to 7:30 p.m.) Council discussed Lindey's Triangle Easement Litigation. Roll Call -. Present: Mayor Robert Woodburn. Councilmembers Dale Hicks, Nancy Hansen, Gary Peck and Thomas Sather. Also Present Engineer Donald Christoffersen, Public Works Supervisor Robert Raddatz, Clerk Administrator Charlotte McNiesh, Newly Appointed Clerk Administrator Patricia Morrison, Deputy Clerk Catherine Iago. Treasurer Donald Lamb arrived at 8:45 p.m. Approval of Minutes Clerk Administrator advised on page 8 of the November 10th minutes the compost site employee's name was incorrect; his name is William Berglof. Hansen moved, seconded by Peck, that Council approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 10th as corrected. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Introduction of Newlv Appointed Clerk Administrator Mayor Woodburn introduced Patricia Morrison, newly appointed Clerk Administrator, and welcomed her to the Village. Business from the Floor None. Status Report - Park Dedications Opus Park Dedication - Northwoods Phase I Sather referred Council to his memorandum of November 13th, reo his discussions with Tim Murnane of Opus corporation on park dedication, and a letter from Murnane (dated 11-19-86) which outlines the verbal agreement for payment of the dedication. He advised Council the applicant was issued an occupancy permit on November 19th, based on the terms agreed to in the letter from Opus. Sather moved! seconded by Hicks, that Council ratify the park dedication terms for Northwoods Phase I as outlined in the November 19, 1986 letter to the Village of Arden Hills from Opus Corporation Manager Timothy Murnane. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Timothy Murnane extended an open invitation to all Village employees to attend the Northwoods Open House on December 3rd between the hours of 4:30-6:30 p.m. Preliminary Discussion - Assessment Policy for Road Reconstruction Mayor Woodburn stated the Village has not had a set policy for assessing street reconstruction projects because very few have been done. He noted that in the past, street assessments have been close to 100%, however this method may not ~. be practical in the future. Woodburn noted that the Glenhill Road improvement is pending and others will possibly be scheduled, therefore this would be the time to discuss a standard assessment policy for road improvements. Woodburn noted all new subdivision developments have been assessed 100% to the lots. He reviewed what some other cities have developed as their assessment policies for street reconstruction. Engineer Christoffersen advised the estimated cost for repair of Glenhill Road, based on the City of Roseville's feasibility report, would be $68.00 per front foot if assessed 100%. Roseville will be assessing approximately 25%. Mayor asked if that entailed reconstruction of the road or just resurfacing. Engineer stated it was for reconstruction of the road. , Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, November 24, 1986 Page 2 Hicks asked Engineer if Glenhill Road was used mainly by residents of that area or more for general traffic flow. Christoffersen stated it was probably used more for residential traffic. Mayor noted the Arden Hills portion of the road was used more by general traffic as it is an easier access to Snelling Avenue. Hicks felt that use of the road affects what portion of the road should be paid by assessments vs general taxes. Mayor asked Councilmembers for general policy suggestions. . Engineer advised there is a minimum assessment of 20% on any improvement. Hicks asked Clerk Administrator if the street assessments outlined in her memorandum of 11/20/86 were based on the first time construction of the streets listed. McNiesh stated that was her understanding. Hicks proposed as a general policy for street repair that Council consider a 50% assessed to property owners, 50% Village cost. Hansen proposed a 25% assessment, or consider a policy comparable to the City of Shoreview and assess amount needed to bring the street up to standard. She was uncomfortable with a 50% assessment policy. Sather proposed there be a different policy for improvements such as curb, gutters and sidewalks vs resurfacing or refurbishing public streets. He proposed 25% assessment for resurfacing or refurbishing, and 50% assessment for curb, gutter and sidewalk. Mayor commented that a 25% assessment policy was conservative. Hicks noted that the community as a whole pays no matter how the costs are distributed; he stated it seems unrealistic, given the history of assessments in the City, that the newer areas are assessed 100% for improvements; some older areas were only assessed 70%, which is the rationale in favor of higher assessments on reconstructing streets in the older portions of the City. Peck agreed ~ith Hicks; suggested Council could set assessment policy at the higher percentage and adjust downward rather than the reverse. He noted Shoreview's formula for determining the assessments, noting the percentage would vary with each improvement. Peck noted that the formula used by the City of Shoreview was simple and clear cut; suggested it may be a good idea to use a similar formula for Arden Hills. Engineer stated Council may consider the fact that on occasion storm sewer installations are sometimes required when street improvements are undertaken; he noted in that situation there would be a larger area of assessment than just the properties fronting the street improvement. He also stated he has heard the argument that.older residents have been paying road maintenance taxes . longer for improvements; commented he was not sure how effective that argument would be. Mayor stated this item would be discussed at a future meeting. . Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, November 24, 1986 Page 3 Public Safety/Works Committee Recommendations Street Li~htin~ Plan Council was referred to the Minutes of the Public Safety/Works Committee Meeting of November 20th, which outlines the Street Light Subcommittee plan. Hansen reviewed the recommendation by the Committee to start the program in 1988 by installing street lights at main and secondary intersections over a period of five years (approximately 25 per year). She noted Paul Malone, committee member, was present to explain the colored attachments and commended . him for the work he had done with the plan; she also thanked the Committee members for their time and efforts. Mayor suggested that Council may decide after hearing Malone's presentation to refer this matter to other Committees for their recommendations. Paul Malone displayed a map which was color coordinated to the charts outlining the street light plan. He described what the charts detailed and summarized the costs for annual energy, servicing and in some cases installation (see PS/W Committee Minutes of 11-20-86). Hansen suggested this matter could be sent to the Finance Committee and Planning Commission for their review and recommendation. Mayor concurred. Hicks commended the committee on their hard work on this matter. Hicks moved, seconded by Peck, that Council refer the Street Lighting Plan, as submitted by the Public Safety/Works Committee, to the Planning Commission and Finance Committee at their respective January 1987 meetings for their review and recommendations. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Request for Street Li~ht - Katie Lane Cul-de-Sac Council was referred to the PS/W Committee minutes of 11-20-86, regarding the request for a street light on Katie Lane cul-de-sac. Hansen reviewed the reasons for the request; vandalism, arson in home under construction, cul-de-sac used as access to the park. She noted there are a large number of police calls in that area and the Committee recommended installation of the street light and also suggested the Public Works Supervisor place fill in the area used to gain entrance to the park. She advised the Committee had also discussed placing a "Dead End" sign at that location. Peck questioned how this request would affect the street lighting plan previously discussed. Paul Malone explained where Katie Lane is listed in the overall street lighting plan. He added that the Committee expects random requests of this type will come in before the plan is initiated. Hansen stated there was discussion at the 11-20-86 Committee meeting about the plan's not being in effect as yet; that five lights have been budgeted for 1987, and that the police report this is a problem area; based on this rationale, they r~commended the request be granted. She also noted the request . meets all previous criteria set by the PS/W Committee Mayor referred to the Ingerson Road situation, which was similar in nature, and stated that police patrols and blocking the park entrance in that area alleviated the problem. He suggested barricading the park entrance on Katie Lane and requesting police patrols. Sather concurred with Hansen that a light is warranted in this area. Peck stated he is not opposed to a light in this area, but questions its effect on the overall plan. There was Council discussion of similar requests for street lights on Bussard and Wyncrest. Hansen moved, seconded by Sather, that Council approve the installation of a street light on lot 12 in the Katie Lane cul-de-sac. Motion failed. (Hansen, Sather voting in favor; Woodburn, Hicks, and Peck voting in opposition). (2-3) ~- - ---_._~ . Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, November 24, 1986 Page 4 Council requested Public Works Supervisor Raddatz, after contacting property owner Barry O'Meara, to place fill in the area used to gain entrance to the park. Request for Speed Si~na~e - Lakeshore Place Council was referred to PS/W Committee Minutes 11-20-86, regarding the request for speed signage on Lakeshore Place. Hansen reviewed the discussion of the use of Lakeshore Place as an alternate route to Mounds View High School. She noted that vehicles travel at excessive speeds in this area where children wait for the school bus, and the situation is dangerous. She advised that Deputy Herbst had checked with MNDOT, and found . that speeds can be reduced 10 mph without approval from MNDOT; Committee recommends that 20 mph speed signs be placed at both ends of the street. Herbst will then patrol regularly to help eliminate the problem. Noting that the street is being used as a "through road", Woodburn asked cost of signs stating "No Through Traffic" (about $40.00 per sign). Sather asked penalty for violating "No Through Traffic" sign; noted that speed limit signs are well known, would be more enforceable. It was moved by Hansen, seconded by Sather, that Lakeshore Place be posted as a 20 mph speed zone. In discussion, Woodburn asked if this would set a precedent for other secondary roads in the Village. McNiesh stated it was her understanding that reductions of 10 mph in speed limit bore some relationship to length of the road; cannot be randomly placed. Motion carried (Hansen, Sather, Peck, Hicks in favor, Woodburn opposed). (4-1) Reimbursement for Dama~ed Sprinkler Heads - Townhouse Villa~es Council was referred to Public Works Supervisor memorandum (11/20/86) regarding the lawn sprinklers damaged during snowplowing last winter in the Townhouse Villages. Raddatz advised the sprinkler heads were placed in the grass area right behind the curb; during snowplowing some of them were broken. He suggested the Village pay for these damaged sprinkler heads, and send a letter informing the Townhouse Villages we will not pay for any future damages. Raddatz added that when plowing in the future, snow will be winged back in a different manner to avoid damaging the sprinklers. Hicks moved, seconded by Hansen, that Council authorize payment of $321. 64 for repair of sprinkler heads damaged during snowplowing in the Townhouse Villages and that we notify Townhouse Village that in the future, the Village will not be responsible for damage to the sprinkler system. Peck moved, seconded by Hansen, to amend the motion stating that Townhouse Villages be notified that City personnel will be winging back the snow with blade raised six inches to avoid damage to sprinkler heads; therefore, plowing may not be as neat as in the past. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Original motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Discussion of Draina~e Pond - Opus Corporation . Public Works Supervisor Raddatz advised Council there is "bubbling water" in the drainage pond on the north side of the Northwoods Building on Red Fox Road. He has discussed the matter with the engineer and workers on the site; noted there is no discoloration of the water and no smell. Raddatz stated he will check for a possible watermain break that is following an underground crevice. Union Requests - 1987 Contract Council was referred to letter (10/30/86) from Union Business Representative Tim O'Connors, outlining 1987 Union requests. - --- . . Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, November 24, 1986 Page 5 Sather summarized requests: 1. Wages - .50 per hour increase, all classifications. 2. Insurance - $20 increase for insurance. 3. Holidays - Additional holiday, Martin Luther King Day. Sather reminded Council holidays are settled for 1987; at this point Martin Luther King Day is an unpaid holiday for all City employees. Peck asked policy for July 4 holiday, since the holiday falls on a Saturday; was advised that City Ordinance provides for holidays on Friday when actual date falls on Saturday. . It was noted that the Union requests would equal an approximate 4% increase, including the $20 extra for insurance. McNiesh added that after the 1986 contract was negotiated, employees decided to add dental coverage (single rate $11.23/month, family rate $36.06/month). With this dental coverage, employees with family coverage are paying about $17.00 per month. Several employees have additional life insurance at their expense. She noted the current rates run through July of 1987; there will probably be an increase at that time. Hansen stated she would like to keep insurance contribution at $195; feels this is a reasonable amount. It was moved by Hansen, seconded by Peck, that Council retain the services of Labor Relations Associates, Inc. for negotiation of the 1987 Union Contract. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Msyor Woodburn appointed Councilman Sather as Council liaison. Winter Park and Recreation Pro~ram Council was referred to Minutes of Parks and Recreation Committee meeting (11/18/86), recommending approval of the winter program. Council discussed new after school sports program; this will be offered two days per week in this session, depending on response and demand. Gymnastics program was discussed at length. Council expressed concern re range of gymnastics skills taught, liability of City in possible injuries, and qualifications of instructors. McNiesh advised that waivers are signed by parents or guardians for all programs. The program offered by Mary Jane Olsen is not sponsored by the City, only listed in the brochure as a service to residents. Council asked if brochure clearly states which programs are Arden Hills' sponsored and which are outside-sponsored. Council asked enrollment in Arden Hills' sponsored gymnastics program (17 to 20 participants in fall of 1986) . Sather moved, seconded by Hicks, that Council approve the Winter Parks Program. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) In discussion, Woodburn stated he would like Parks Director to explain the gymnastics program to Council. Hansen concurred, asking for input on qualifications of instructors in gymnastics and aerobics, and expressing concern that they are teaching appropriate skills for maturing bodies, and avoiding teaching methods which could incur injuries. Cable TV Li~htin~. . Council was referred to minutes of Cable Communications Citizens' Advisory Committee meeting (11/13/86), regarding the purchase of lights for Council chambers for televising meetings, cost to be repaid to General Fund when franchise fee payment from Group W is received in March of 1987. Hicks moved, seconded by Hansen, that Council approve the expenditure of $976.00 to install permanent lighting in Council chambers for the purpose of televising Council meetings on Cable TV, and that expenditure be taken from General Fund, to be reimbursed when franchise fee is received from Group W. Sather moved, seconded by Hansen, to amend motion to include an additional $200.00 expenditure for wiring and other necessary items to install lighting. Amendment carried unanimously. (5-0) In discussion, Peck commented about other suggestions from committee concerning , , Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, November 24, 1986 Page 6 televising meetings, such as sound system, map, etc. McNiesh advised that lapel microphones are budgeted in 1987. Original motion carried unanimously. (5-0) REPORT OF VILLAGE TREASURER DONALD LAMB Investments $476,908.07, at First Minnesota, @ 5.65%, to mature 11/20/87. ~ $1,135,000, at Kidder Peabody, @ 5.63%, to mature 6/11/87. Hansen moved, seconded by Peck, that Council ratify Treasurer's report as . submitted. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) OTHER BUSINESS Plannin~ Commission Appointments Hicks advised he would be absent from Planning Commission meeting 12/3/86. He said three members had requested re-appointment, and submitted a list to .the Deputy Clerk. He noted there will be some vacancies on the committee, and asked for Council referrals. Park Director's Attendance at Council Meetin~s Hansen asked that Parks Director attend Council meetings when park issues are on agenda. Additional Telephone Line at Villa~e Hall Hansen asked status of additional telephone line into Village Hall. Raddatz advised he had met with sales representatives regarding new telephone systems. He suggested Council may want to review information before adding one line to Village Hall. He will be compiling information on all systems he has researched. Smokin~ in Villa~e Hall Hansen stated she would like Council to consider either no smoking, or restricted smoking areas, in Village Hall. Park Dedication - Shannon Square Sather reported he had submitted the proposal to Mr. Cavanaugh re Shannon Square Park Dedication. He advised Mr. Cavanaugh was not receptive to the proposal, but noted that some tenants of Shannon Square expect December 1986 occupancy; therefore, we should receive a response shortly. St. Paul Chamber of Commerce East Metro Area Request to Attend Council Meetin~ Mayor summarized brochure from this agency, which intends to promote industry and COmmerce in this area. McNiesh advised they had asked to be placed on December 8 or 29 agenda to discuss Arden Hills' participation in this program. Council concurred the organization could appear for a brief period of time at a future meeting to review their proposal. Resolution 86-60. RESOLUTION REVISING 1986 BUDGET McNiesh reviewed the budget revisions suggested by the auditor because of substantial changes. Hicks moved. seconded by Sather, that Council approve Resolution 86-60, . RESOLUTION REVISING 1986 BUDGET. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Authorization to Execute Ramsey County/Shoreview/Arden Hills A~reement re Lexin~ton Avenue Brid~e McNiesh explained plans and specifications have already been approved; needs authority to execute agreement. It was moved by Hansen, seconded by Peck, that Council authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute the Ramsey County/Shoreview/Arden Hills agreement re Lexington Avenue Bridge. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Approval of On Sale Wine/Beer License - Davanni's - Shannon Square McNiesh advised Davanni's are planning to open December 15, 1986. She noted only one place can be open (Q Petroleum is currently open) until park n . Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, November 24, 1986 Page 7 dedication has been resolved. Hicks moved, seconded by Hansen, that Council approve the On Sale Wine/Beer License for Davanni's effective at such time as their occupancy permit has been issued. In discussion, Woodburn asked if all necessary information has been received for application. McNiesh advised Sheriff's Office and Fire Chief will be inspecting all liquor licenses on December 2. . Schedule Special Joint Meetin~ Arden Hills/Shoreview, December 6. 9:00 A.M., Shoreview City Hall Hicks moved, seconded by Peck. that Council schedule a special joint meeting with Shoreview December 6, at 9:00 a.m., at the Shoreview City Hall. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Claims and Payroll Hicks moved, seconded by Peck, that Council approve Claims and Payroll as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Temporary Banner Si~n for Northwoods McNiesh advised Northwoods had requested a temporary banner sign for their project, displaying a real estate logo and telephone number, for a period of twelve months. Hicks moved, seconded by Peck, that Council approve the temporary banner sign, for a period of twelve months, for Opus Corporation Northwoods project as requested. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Adjournment It was moved by Hansen, seconded by Peck, that the meeting adjourn at 10:30 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. a~. tPJQf/hd t;~-J~~~ ;?t4{Ll1!; .,' ,_ ,.' "- Charlotte McNiesh Robert L.:,Woodburn 'Clerk Administrator Mayor Notice of Meetin~ The next regular Council meeting will be held December 8, 1986, 7:30 p.m., Village Hall. . - - -- ----