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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 02-03-1986 .. MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Village of Arden Hills Monday, February 3, 1986 - 7:30 p.m. Village Hall Call to Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Woodburn called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Roll Call Present: Mayor Robert Woodburn, Councilmembers Nancy Hansen, Dale Hicks, Gary Peck, Thomas Sather None Engineers Don Christoffersen, Glenn Van Wormer, Barry Peters, City Planner Orlyn Miller, Treasurer Donald Lamb, Public Works Supervisor Robert Raddatz, Clerk Administrator Charlotte McNiesh Absent: Also Present: . Approval of Minutes Motion was made by Hicks, seconded by Peck, that the minutes of January 27 be approved as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Business from the Floor None Improvement No. P-85-3, Hamline Avenue, Phase II Noting that some inaccuracies have appeared in local publications relative to estimated costs of the proposed Hamline Avenue improvement, Barry Peters (SEH) presented to the Council the following summaries: 46' Roadway $842,095 36' Roadway $731,895 Surcharging 120,000 120,000 Sidewalk, west side 34.905 34,905 $997.000 $886,800 Sidewalk, east side 18,200 18,200 $1,015,200 $905,000 In discussion, Council noted that Parks Committee has recommended a sidewalk on the east side of Hamline, extending from Karth Lake Circle to Wyncrest; asked if there is room for one on the right-of-way as planned. Christoffersen replied that there is an 8' easement; 5' could be used as sidewalk, leaving a 3' boulevard. Asked if estimate for 36' roadway included any turn lanes, Christoffersen said that none were included. Council further asked if there is a feasible way to discourage cut-through traffic on Hamline Avenue, Van Wormer stated that the only way to do so would be to create physical restrictions, which would inconvenience local traffic as well; he noted that, apparently motorists are finding it (Hamline) the most expeditious route even in its present condition; thus would seem hard to discourage. Van Wormer stated he did not anticipate a great increase in traffic from outside the area after reconstruction; added that during the reconstruction, some of the motorists currently using the route will find alternate routes and perhaps not return. . Council asked if warrants are used to determine the need for turn lanes, as they are for semaphores... Van Wormer stated that there are guidelines given by the State, but not specific "numbers of accidents" or "traffic counts"; noted that the number of turns at STH 96 and Arden View Court would far exceed any guidelines given; general advice is whenever there are three residences or one commercial establishment making a turn, a ' turn lane should be provided for safety reasons. Van Wormer further stated that the Parks Committee had been looking for cross walks to provide safe crossing east and west across Hamline; his advice is that the City put in one or two cross walks, providing access to the parks; past experience has been that motorists would probably respect one or two cross walks; would not advise over two; City could thus provide access to Floral and Cummings Park. ~ . . Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, Page two February 3, 1986 Asked the potential of installation of a semaphore at the intersection of Hamline and I-694, similar to those at Lexington and Rice, Van Wormer felt this was not a viable possibility, since motorists would not be making left turns; those on Lexington and Rice are provided because of large numbers of left turns coming off the ramp. He added that the STH 96 and Hamline intersection has met warrants for installation of a light, but is low on the State's priority list at this time, since there are other locations with higher traffic volumes and accident incidents needing semaphores. In order to encourage the State to move this intersection up in priority, Van Wormer suggested continued close monitoring by the State and by SEH. Council asked if it would be possible to install a "No Left Turn" sign on Highway 96 at Hamline between certain hours? Van Wormer stated MnDOT would first have to agree to it; and it would probably be difficult to defend in court. . Other alternatives for stop signs on Hamline, or a semaphore at "F" were discussed, as well as signage at pedestrian crossings to parks. Concern was also expressed for safety of children boarding and exiting from school buses; suggestion was made that possibly the School District could be encouraged to have bus routes set up so crossing of Hamline by students is not necessary. Motion was made by Hansen, seconded by Hicks, that Council adopt the resolution Ordering Construction of Improvement No. P-85-3, and Ordering Plans and Specifications Therefor, for a 3-lane, 46' road with detached sidewalk on west side. In discussion, Sather asked if motion could include pathway on east side from Karth Lake Circle to Wyncrest, at additional cost of $18,200. It was noted that advantage of this would be safety; disadvantage, more blacktop and less green area. Hamline residents present were asked extent of use of Hamline by bikers, joggers, etc. now -- the three who responded stated there was very little use at the present time; could, of course, increase if sidewalks were available. The engineers were asked if the sidewalk could be narrower than 5'. Their recommendation is that no sidewalk should, for practical purposes, be less than 4'; 5' is recommended. Planner Miller was asked if installation of this sidewalk would decrease opportunities for landscaping; he replied that there is very little opportunity for landscaping on the west side now (snow plowing, salt, etc. would seriously jeopardize any planting attempted), could perhaps have the sidewalk on the east curve somewhat to allow for some shrubbery. It was moved by Sather, seconded by Peck, that the motion be amended to include installation of a sidewalk on the east side of Hamline, from Karth Lake Circle to Wyncrest Court. In discussion, Hicks asked where funding would come from for this walkway; although it is a small percentage of total price, seems like a luxury, would not be highly used; if residents are willing to pay assessment for it, would be willing to consider it; asked if Parks Department would be willing to pay for it. Sather stated the Parks Department would probably be willing to pay to ~ stripe one or two crosswalks to park entrances...foot traffic is probably minimal now because of the condition of the road, would increase if Council provides sidewalks leading to the parks. Queried where people would be "going to and from" with sidewalks, Sather stated they would be collectors, going to the one or two cross walks on Hamline, Christoffersen noted that he could include the east side sidewalk on the plans as an alternate, and Council could defer decision on its inclusion until the time that bids are opened for the project. .. Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, Page Three February 3, 1986 The motion to amend original motion carried (Sather, Peck, Hicks in favor, Woodburn, Hansen opposed). Original motion carried unanimously. (5-0) (Resolution No. 86-8, ORDERING CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVEMENT NO. P-85-3, AND ORDERING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS THEREFOR. ) . Feasibility Study - Under~round Power Lines or Power Liens on Only One Side of Hamline Avenue Council was referred to Parks and Recreation Committee minutes (1/25/86) recommending a feasibility study re costs of burying lines, or moving all to one side of Hemline Avenue, to enhance landscaping possibilities and improve safety. Miller explained that he had given the Parks Committee a very rough, uneducated estimate of $500,000+ (based on extension of costs of burying lines on County Road E in 1981); Parks Committee had felt that, although the cost seemed so high as to make the possibiity unrealistic, it would like a study made by NSP to obtain a more accurate figure for discussion. Miller added that, based on past experience, it would require significantly more research and engineering to determine cost more definitely. Engineer Christoffersen stated that NSP would bill the City for the costs of the study. Mike Lamey, 1349 Colleen, asked where land for burying lines would come from. Christoffersen stated NSP already has easements; would not require more land. Lorraine Manuel, 4408 Hamline Ave., expressed opposition to the study and burying cable if it would add to the special assessment. Sather noted that the planned improvement of Hamline, to be completed in 1987, will probably look pretty good; however, in considering aesthetics, Parks Committee felt it would be in our best interests to have this study; also felt the underground installation is more free from wind and storm damage. (It was noted that NSP states that maintenance costs are equal for either above-ground or below-ground lines, probably because underground lines are more expensive to service.) Hicks moved, seconded by Hansen, that Council discontinue any further studies on costs of putting power lines underground on Hamline Avenue. Motion carried (Woodburn, Hansen, Peck, Hicks in favor; Sather opposed) ( 4-1) Tax Forfeited Land. Out lots A and B, Chatham Fourth Addition Council was referred to Parks and Recreation Committee minutes, (1/25/86) recommending that Village not acquire these two pieces of tax forfeited land. In discussion, McNiesh stated that, if the Village does not accept them, they become State property and the State must maintain them; noted the School District was contacted several years ago regarding the outlots, but took no action. Motion was made by Sather, seconded by Peck, that Council adopt Resolution No. 86-7, APPROVING CLASSIFICATION OF PARCELS OF TAX FORFEITED LAND AS NON-CONSERVATION LANDS AND AUTHORIZING THE SALE THEREOF. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) . Donation - Picnic Shelter at Hazelnut Park, Aid Association for Lutherans Council was referred to Parks and Recreation Committee minutes, (1/25/86) explaining that the Aid Association for Lutherans would like to donate $2,500 for erection of a picnic shelter at Hazelnut Park. Arden Hills would provide the concrete slab on which it would be erected, at a cost of $1,000, and agree to maintain the shelter after its installation. Motion was made by Hicks, seconded by Hansen, that Council accept the $2,500 donation from the Aid Association for Lutherans, to install the picnic shelter at Hazelnut Park and authorize the Mayor to execute the Memorandum of Agreement, and authorize the Parks Department to spend $1,000 for shelter base. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, Page Four February 3, 1986 SprinR Park ProRrams Council was referred to "Spring Park Program" prepared by Parks Director Buckley. Sather moved, seconded by Peck, that Council approve the Spring Parks Program as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) ResiRnation - Board of Appeals McNiesh informed Council of William St. Marie's desire to resign from the Board of Appeals because of increased work load and time commitments; noted he had served several years faithfully. Motion was made by Hicks, seconded by Sather, that Council accept with regret the resignation of William St. Marie from the Board of Appeals and requested that a letter of appreciation be sent to him. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Sale of Public Works Truck Council was referred to Raddatz' memo of 1/31/86, asking Council's approval to consummate sale of the one ton truck with plow, to the highest bidder, if that bid is $4,500 or over. The scheduled date of bid opening is February 6, and since Council's next meeting has been re-scheduled to February 24, would prefer to sell the truck earlier. Council asked Raddatz' valuation of truck. He stated "blue book" price of :!:$5,000 some months ago; noted this is optimum season for selling the plow. Hicks moved, seconded by Hansen, that Raddatz be authorized to accept any bid in access of $4,500. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) . Other Business None. REPORT OF CLERK ADMINISTRATOR CHARLOTTE MCNIESH Approval of 1985 Year End Transfers Council was referred to McNiesh's memo of 1/31/86 detailing recommended year-end transfers to be made. McNiesh reported the estimated 1985 income from Federal Revenue Sharing was $43,000; actual amount received was about $600 below this, thus transfer from Federal Revenue Sharing to the General Fund will be about $600 less. In 1985, Village budgeted $100,000 for a third fire station; since this is not going to be expended, McNiesh recommended that $50.000 be transferred to the Permanent Improvement Revolving Fund, and the balance remain in the General Fund, so that the cash balance in the General Fund at the end of 1985 will be about the same as at the beginning of the year. Col- lection of taxes levied is currently less than budgeted, partly due to tax abatements and partly due to delinquencies. Motion was made by Sather, seconded by Peck, that Council authorize year-end transfers as recommended by McNiesh. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) It was noted that with extra expenses already occurring in 1986 and the prospect of decreased revenue, Village may have expenses exceeding income in the current year. Approval for AmeriData Hard Disk and Multimate TraininR Course Sather moved. seconded by Peck, that Council approve Shirley Marshall's attending courses as suggested. with the understanding that the training received will then be passed on to other Village employees. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) . Resolution No. 86-6, Chanaina Precinct No.4 Boundaries McNiesh explained that this resolution will merge precinct no. 5, which includes the Arden Manor Mobile Home (all voters north of STH 96) with precinct no. 4, which has the Village Hall as its polling place. Rationale for this change is (1) this will equalize the size of the precincts (precinct 4 will be about the same size as precinct 3) and (2) provide handicap access at the polling place (precinct 5 does not have handicap access). It was moved by Sather, seconded by Peck, that Council approve Resolution No. 86-6, RESOLUTION CHANGING PRECINCT NO. 4 BOUNDARIES FOR THE CITY OF ARDEN HILLS. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) . . . Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, Page Five February 3, 1986 Claims and Payroll Motion was made by Sather, be approved as submitted. seconded by Peck, that Claims and Payroll Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Closed Meetina - Employment Raddatz discussed his reasons for recommending that Charles Pagel be terminated as of February 4, prior to completion of his probationary period. Motion was made by Hicks, seconded by Peck, that Council concur with Mr. Raddatz' recommendation to terminate Mr. Pagel's employment February 4, paying him for accrued vacation, and to pursue #2 orH3 applicant from the August interviews, and to bring a recommendation to the next Council meeting. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Adjournment Motion was made by Peck. seconded by Sather, that the meeting adjourn at 9:10 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) ~)(/A~ ftl),~ Charlotte McNie~ Clerk-Administrator ~~~- Robert L. Woodburn Mayor Notice of Meetina The next Regular Council Meeting p.m. at the Village Hall. will be held February 24, 1986, 7:30