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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 11-12-1985 . . Minutes of Regular Council Meeting Village of Arden Hills Tuesday, November 12, 1985 - 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, Gary Peck, Thomaa Sather (about 7:40 p.m.) Absant: Councilmember Dale Hicks Also Present: Engineer Donald Christoffersen, Planner Orlyn Miller, Treasurer Donald Lamb, Public Works Supervisor Robert Raddatz, Clerk- Administrator Charlotte McNiesh, Deputy Clerk Dorothy Zehm Approval of Minutes . . Hansen moved, seconded by Peck, that the minutes of the October 28 Council meet- ing be approved as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. (3-0) Business from tha Floor None. REPORT OF VILLAGE ENGINEER DONALD CHRISTOFFERSEN Improvement No. P-8S-3, Hamline Avenue. Phase II. Floral Driva to STH 96 - Feasibilitv Report Council was referred to the feasibility raport for Hamline Avenua Improvement No. 85-3 (Floral Drive to STH 96), dated 11/8/85, and to attached drawing indicating the proposed improvements. Christoffersen noted that the total project is estimated to cost $877,000; recommended that the project be constructed in two phases because of the soil conditions, part I in 1986, consisting of a 24' bituminous surface, with temporary aggregate shoulder on each side; part 2 in 1987, consisting of curb and gutters, remaining bituminous base and final full 46' width wearing course, Sidewalk and final restoration. Christoffersen explained that the finished section would consist of a 46 foot wide bituminous streat with concrete curb and gutters; noted a five-foot con creta sidewalk is proposed along the wast side of Hamline from STH 96 to Floral Drive, within the 66' street right-of-way, with a 5' - 7' separation between the sidewalk and street, depending on power pole locations. In discussion, Christoffersen noted that method of financing of this project has not been datermined; this will occur at the time of the assessment hearing. Tha estimated cost of the pathway was quoted at $28,000. Christoffersen ex- plained that for M.S.A. funding, a walkway can be bituminous or concrete. ChYistoffarsen said he would anticipate concrete to ba more expensive. Neither Christoffarsen or Miller ware aware of any significant funding available for pathways at the present tima. (Sather arrived at the meeting - 7:40 p.m.) Hansen movad, seconded~by Peck. that Council adopt Resolution No. 85-58, RECEIVING REPORT AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLIC HEARING. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) . (Public Hearing was scheduled on Monday, December 9, 1985, at 7:30 p.m.) Copies of the Feasibility Report are to be referred to the Parks, Planning, Public Works, and Public Safety committees for comments to Council. Christoffersen requested authorization to proceed with the road survey now before snowfall; estimated the cost at about $3,000; said part of the survey information would include marking of utilities, cable, gas and electric (not soil borings). Hansen moved, seconded by Peck, that Council authorize the road survey, at a cost not to exceed $3,500.00. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) . -. Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, November 12, 1985 Page two Improvement No. SS-W-P-ST-85-2, EdRewater Estates Christoffersen reported that the Plans and Specifications for Improvement No. SS-W-P-ST-85-2 have been prepared and requested that he be authorized to advertise for bids. Hansen moved, seconded by Peck, that Council adopt Resolution No. 85-49, APPROVE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) (Bid opening to be on December 19 at 2:00 p.m. at the Village Hall - award of bid at following Council meeting.) Public Works Committee Concerns Sather referred Christoffersen and Council to concerns expressed at the Public Works Committee meeting: . - Sinking sewer and water connections in the Karth Lake area. Christoffersen said he is preparing a report for the committee relative to this matter. Sather asked if inspection reports are available for the Karth Lake project. Christoffersen said the reports are retained only until the project is com- pleted and accepted by the City. - Royal Hills North improvement - Sather noted that we are experiencing some sinking problems in this area also. Christoffersen said he is aware of this and will be reporting on this area also. Christoffersen reported that he has alerted the developer to the problems, advising him that the roads are not constructed for tha heavy hauling of dirt he has been doing; re- ported that these roads do not have the final wearing course to date. Christoffersen said he'll look up the inspection reports on this area. REPORT OF VILLAGE PLANNER ORLYN MILLER Case No. 85-18, Special Use- Permit for Satellite ReceivinR Antenna, MnDOT TraininR Center, 1900 W. County Road I Council was referred to Planning minutes of November 6 and Planning memo (10/29/85). Miller reported that a public hearing was held to determine the impact of the proposed antenna on the public and/or on adjacent properties; reported no negative impact was found and the Planning Commission recommends approval as proposed. A transparency was shown of the MnDOT Training Center site, south of County Road I. Miller indicated the proposed location for the 12' diameter, ground- mounted antanna, south of tha Training Center building; stated it will not be visible from the neighborhood across County Road I or from adjacent Arsenal properties. Hansen moved, seconded by Peck: that Council approve a Special Use Permit for a 12' diameter ground-mounted receiving antenna on the MnDOT Training Center site, as requested with Case No. 85-18. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) Case No. 85-2, Final Plat - EdRewater Estates Council was referred to the Planning memo (10/29/85), Planning Commission minutes (11/6/85) and to the proposed Final Plat of Edgewater Estates. Miller reported that the Final Plat is identical to the Preliminary Plat as . approved, except for minor dimensional adjustments; noted that Lot 6, Block 1 is the only lot with a dimensional variance, having a mean depth of 125' (130' required); stated this lot does contain an adequate building envelope and does exceed 14,000 square feet. Miller reported the Planning Commission recommends approval of the Final Plat, recognizing the Lot 6, Block 1 mean depth variance, and subject to RCWD approval of the drainage plan and DNR approval of the PUD plan. , Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, November 12, 1985 Page three Millar reported that we have verbal approval only from DNR to date; said he does not anticipate any problems; reported RCWD has the drainage plan on its November 28 agenda. Miller explained that tha City does not execute the plat until the bid has been awarded for the streets and utilities; noted that park dedication is usually tied to building occupancy. Sather moved, seconded by Hansen, that Council approve the Final Plat of Edgewater Estates, subject to: (1) Written City Engineer and RCWD approval of the drainage and grading plan. (2) Written DNR approval of the PUD plan. (3) Resolution of park dedication prior to building occupancy. (4) Filing of racordable document, allowing buildings on the flowage ease- ment on Lots 6, 7 and 8, Block 1, with Final Plat when recorded at . Ramsey County. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) Case No. 85-19, Site Plan and BuildinR Permit Review, Everest Investments II - Office/Warehouse BuildinR Council was referred to Planning memo (10/30/85) and to Planning Commission minutes (11/6/85). Miller explained that the applicant is proposing revised plans to meet the revised space and parking needs of their tenant at their Red Fox Road site. Miller reported that the current proposal is for a 2-story office/warehouse building of 73,150 square feet, representing about a 33% incraasa in floor space, but reduced site coverage. Miller said the number of parking spaces has been increased by 40%; site coverage is 73% (75% permitted). Tim Nelson displayed the previous site plan with a 55,000 square foot 1-story building and the current site plan proposal with the 2-story building with the additional parking; noted that the landscaping has been increased. An artist's rendering of the building was displayed, as seen from Red Fox Road. Nelson advised they have a signed lease; tenant has an intense employment and excessive parking needs; building space and parking are pro- posed to meet the needs of the tenant. Nelson said the monument sign will be relocated to meet the setback require- ment of 25'; advised that no variances are requested. Miller reported that the Planning Commission recommends approval subject to the conditions listed in the Minutes (11/6/85); noted that the concern of the Commission was the extensive parking in front of the building. In discussion, it was requeste~ that the plans be referred to Fire Chief Koch for his approval and comments. It was asked how many parking spaces would be lost by the provision of additional green space in front of the building. Miller said, unless 8 spaces can be eliminated, it isn't worth the effort. Nelson said they need the number of parking spaces proposed. It was asked if the additional trees can be accommodated without losing the number of spaces. Miller explained that the front of the site is bermed (not a high berm); noted . the original plan had a low percentage of parking, in comparison; reported that the Planning Commission wants to break up and soften the expanse of parking. Miller said a possibility might be to reduce the parking space width from 9' (required) to 8!', which is a matter of marking. '. Exterior lighting was queried. It was noted that lights on the building at Highway 51 (Zycad) have not been corrected; are still a distraction for traffic on Highway 51. Miller said he has the lighting specifications - 18' poles with "shoebox" down lights with hidden lenses. Miller said the building is proposed for single-tenant use; therefore a signage plan is not required. Miller noted that the plan does provide for a road easement along the east side if 1/2 of the loop road occurs on this site - noted that the site coverage would be 1+% over the maximum permitted if this occurs; as proposed the coverage is at 73%. ----- ----- -------- . < Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, November 12, 1985 Page four Hansen moved, seconded by Sather, that Council approve the site plan and building permit for Everest Investments II as presented with Case 85-19, con- tingent upon: (1) Approval of final grading and drainage plan by the City Engineer. (2) Approval of final landscaping plan (with intensified berm planting along Red Fox Road) and lighting plan by the City Planner. (3) Verification of screening of mechanical equipment (roof-mounted) by the City Planner. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) Case No. 85-11, Final Plat of Northwoods and Phase I Site Plan and Buildin~ Permit Review - Opus Corporation Council was referred to the Final Plat of Northwoods, Planning memo (10/31/85) . and Planning Commission minutes (11/6/85). Miller reported that the Final Plat is identical to the approved Preliminary Plat, which consists of 4 lots, plus an outlot, except the Everest Investment II parcel has bean excepted from the plat. Miller explained that the applicant is requesting approval of the Final Plat and approval of site plans and building permits for two office structures; reported that the Planning Commission recommends approval, with the five contingencies listed in the minutes of 11/6/85. Bob Worthington, Opus Corporation, explained that Northwoods consists of four lots and an outlot and a road system for an office and office/showroom development; noted that the outlot will be converted into two additional lots and the continuation of the road, looping back to Red Fox Road. Worthington explained that their previous plan was for a 50% office, 50% showroom on Site A and a 75% office, 25% showroom on Site B; explained that, because of severe soil conditions on Site B, making a one-story building impossible, they are now proposing a three-story building (75,000 square feet) and a one-story building (28,890 square feet). Worthington said there are 116 on-site parking spaces provided for the one-story office/showroom building and 41 spaces in an underground garage, plus 263 surface parking spaces (304 total spaces) for the three-story office building. Worthington explained that the 2-acre site (Lot 3, Block 1) is proposed for restaurant use by others, Lot I, Block 1 is propos ad for an up to five-story office building. Worthington referred to the site plans of the first phase of development (Lot 2, Block I and Lot I, Block 2) and to a scale model; explained that the landscape plan will remain about the same as for the original proposal; ax- plained the total development is proposed for construction over six years -- east portion in 3 to 5 years. Elevations of the Phase I structure were shown, which Worthington described as having all brick exteriors, with tinted glass and contrasting mullion design of windows; noted the buildings are of a saw tooth design to break up long walls. Floor plans were shown, as well as an architect's rendering. Worthington said the buildings'will be dark earth-tone brick with rust con- trast at windows and entries. Worthington noted that the 3-story building will have a 3-story atrium, and will have an on-site ponding area with fountain to give an architectural amenity to the building as well as serve as an entry to the development. Worthington said they intend to petition the City to construct the street and utilities; intend to grade this fall for construction of Phase I in the spring; first building will be the 3-story office and then the one-story office/showroom. In discussion, Miller noted that a signage plan will be required if build- . ings are not single-occupancy; noted that the Final Plat is not executed by the City until award of bid for street and utilities; a single building permit could be issued prior to the recording of the plat; a development agreement will be needed assuring construction of the subdivision improve- ments (streets and utilities) if second building permit is requested prior to the filing of the plat. Hansen moved. seconded by Sather, that Council approve the Final Plat of Northwoods and Site Plan and Building Permit approval of Phase I contingent -----.---- . , . Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, November 12, 1985 Page five upon: (1) Approval of final landscaping and lighting plan by the City Planner. (2) Approval of final grading plan by City Engineer. (3) Submission and approval of signage plan prior to building occupancy if required by Ordinance. (4) Verification of screening of mechanical equipment by City Planner. (5) Resolution of park dedication prior to occupancy of first building. (6) Filing of Final Plat, or exacution of a development agreement relative to street and utilities, prior to issuance of the sacond building permit. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) . Traffic Study Miller reported that the Planning Commission recommends that the City initiate a traffic study relative to the industrial area potential development and its impact on Lexington Avenue and Highway 51 traffic; noted that how to handle left turns efficiently is the primary concern. Miller reported that the Opus traffic study included this entire industrial area, as proposed to develop at the present time. Council took the recommendation under advisement. Case No. 85-20, Si~n Variances - Two Temporary Construction Si~ns - North HeiRhts Lutheran Church Miller reported that the two construction signs installed on the NHLC site exceed the 32 square foot maximum size required by ordinance; reported that the Board of Appeals and Planning Commission recommend approval of the 96 square foot sign fronting on Highway 96; reported the Board of Appeals recommends approval of the sign fronting on Highway 10 (192 square feet) based on the fact'the sign is temporary, but recommends the residents across Highway 10 be contacted relative to impact of the sign, prior to Council action. Miller reported the Planning Commission recommends denial of the variance for the Highway 10 sign because of adverse effect on the residential area across Highway 10. Miller explained that the 32 square foot maximum was, in his opinion, meant for collector or local streets; reported he does not believe highway signs were a consideration when the ordinance was drafted; feels a degree of variance is warranted based on the wide right-of-way, traffic speed and the large site; suggested it may have been the committee's reasoning that highway signs may be dealt with on a variance basis. Mr. Arlo Lien, (NHLC) , presented pictures of the signs fronting on Highway 96 and on Highway 10, and copies of the telephone survey of Highway 10 residents, indicating 13 - no objections 2 - objecting 2 - could not contact Lien said they were unaware of the requirements for temporary construction signs; noted the signs were designed by their architect to inform passersby of the development under construction; size of signs was determined by the architect based on the site size, traffic speed and setback. Mayor Woodburn read comments from a telephone survey made by a resident (not the applicant) which indicated objections from more than two residents. . In discussion, the length of time the signs are proposed at these locations was estimated by Lien to be October or November, 1986. It was noted that the Highway 10 sign is huge, but the site is also huge. Sather moved, seconded by Hansen, that Council grant an area variance for the two temporary construction signs as they stand. Motion did not carry (Sather and Hansen voting in favor of the motion; Woodburn and Peck voting in opposition) (2-2) Lien asked if the two signs could be exchanged, the larger sign facing Highway 96. Consensus of Council was that the larger sign is too large for either location. -- . . . Minutes of Regular Council Meeting.. Novembar 12, 1985 Page six Hansen moved, seconded by Peck, that Council approve an area variance for the two temporary construction signs of 64 square feet (each sign to be a maximum of 96 square feet). Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) Sather reported that there is a real estate "For Sale" sign at 1-694 and Highway 10 which also appears to be over-sized. Draina~e Encroachment - 1528/1536 Briarknol1 Drive - German/Fischer Council was referred to Board of Appeals recommendations (11-2-85). Miller reported that he and the Board of Appeals met on the subject sites with property owners Wayne German and Dianne Fischer. Miller explained that the grade changes between the two houses, coupled with the side-entry garage at 1528 Briarknoll, has created the need for a retaining wall at the common property line (violates the 3 foot setback for retaining walls) and encroaches on a 5-foot wide drainage easement (5 feet on each side of the . line) . Miller listed the concerns considered by the Board of Appeals: (1) Provision for adequate drainage to prevent runoff from 1528 Briarknoll from discharging onto the lot at 1536 Briarknoll. (2) Functional access to the side-entry garage at 1528, without negatively impacting 1536 (only 19+' of maneuvering space is pro- vided) . (3) Conformity with Ordinance requirements for setbacks and drainage easements. Miller reported that the Board looked at alternativas and made the following recommendations: (1) Provision of a curb along the west side of the driveway at 1528 Briarknoll, directing drainage to the street and not onto the adja- cent lot. (2) Grant a setback variance for the retaining wall to make it a "legal" wall, based on tha hardship condition of the natural slope between the lots. (3) Provision of a short fence at the top of the wall, or some other mutually agreeable screening method, to minimize the negative functional, visual and safety impacts upon the adjacent property caused by the Side-entry garage. Mr. German was present; reported that when the Briarknoll plat was developed, all the lots were tiered; noted that if the lots were used as proposed, no problem would exist; reported that the neighbor hauled out the excavated dirt from the site making the retaining wall a necessity at the property line; explained this left him no choice, in order for him to access the garage. In discussion, it was queried if original grades were looked at. German said a 5' differential was the intent between the lots. It was asked if the neighbor feels the recomme~ded solution is reasonable (Fischer was not present at the Council meeting). Miller said Mrs. Fischer objected to a fence on the wall; said she objected to a 6' fence more than a 4' wall (6' fence would be permitted by ordinance); expressed no problem with a 4" to 6" curb along the driveway edge. German explained that Registry Homes (developer of Briarknoll) had intended to build all the homes in the subdivision; as it turned out, they are not building all the houses; explained that they would have had a dip, between the lots, to carry the drainage, without a retaining wall. German said he . proposes a 6" curb with a top log, creating a 12" total curb, which will direct drainage to the street; said 1536 would not receive the drainage. Hansen moved that Council accept the recommendations of the Board of Appeals requiring a 12" curb along the west side of the driveway, directing drainage from the lot at 1528 Briarknoll to the street, and grant a setback variance for the retaining wall to make it a "legal" wall as constructed. Motion was seconded by Peck and carried unanimously. (4-0) . . . Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, November 12, 1985 Page seven Advance Refunding Bonds Steve Mattson, Juran and Moody, presented a proposal for Advance Refunding of 1985 Bonds, which would result.in an estimated gross savings of about $618,000.00; present value savings of about $375,000.00. The Transaction Summary was reviewed by Mattson for Council. Mattson noted that interest rates have been driven down and feels strongly that the City can, by advance refunding, experience a $618,000 savings; noted this advance refunding may not be permitted after the first of the year; in order to sell, have to set a sale for the first week in December. Mattson said the City can lower its interest from 8% to 7%; explained that expected income from assessments will cover the $367,515.00 cash neaded from the City to enter into the transaction. Mattson explained that we don't have to take $367,000; could take $200,000, which would cut down the savings. The proposed new . issue is $2,200,000. Principal outstanding on the existing issue is $2,515,000. After discussion, Sather moved, seconded by Peck, to adopt Resolution No. 85-61, PROVIDING FOR PUBLIC SALE OF $2,200,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION ADVANCE REFUNDING BONDS OF 1985. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) The sale was scheduled for December 3, 1985; bid opening at 11:00 a.m. at Juran and Moody with award of bid at a Special Council meeting on December 3, 1985, at 5:30 p.m. Council deferred further discussion and action relative to the Bond Refunding Proposal to the November 25 Council meeting, at which time Mattson will present more data, Treasurer Lamb to meet with Mattson in the interim. It was noted that if the bond sale is not consummated, no fees will be charged to City. Approval of License/Permit Fees Effective 1/1/86 (Resolution No. 85-60) Council was referred to proposed License/Permit Fees (effective 1/1/86) and to McNiesh's memo reporting comments received from the business community relative to the proposed fees. In discussion, Hansen reported receipt of several comments that the proposed increase from $30 to $50 for retail sales is too great. It was queried why a license is required for a veterinarian and not for dentists, medical doctors, chiropractors, etc. Also questioned was a license fee for private gas pumps (were not licensed previously). Woodburn moved, seconded by Sather, to adopt Resolution No. 85-60, Adopting the Fee Schedule as Proposed by Council at its previous meeting, deleting the licensing of private gas pumps and veterinary clinics. After discussion, the motion fa~led. (0-4) Sather moved, seconded by Peck, that Council action be deferred to the November 25, 1985 meeting. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) REPORT OF PUBLIC WORKS SUPERVISOR ROBERT RADDATZ Boulevard Tree TrimminR Council was referred to Raddatz' memo of 11/8/85. . Raddatz reported that the Public Works Department is trimming boulevard trees that are obstructing and/or hindering plowing and sanding of streets; noted that very few residents heeded the City's request last year to trim their trees. Raddatz reported that the cost of trimming is not known to date -- they are still trimming; noted that boulevardplantings are the responsibility of the property owners; reported the Public Works Committee was split on whether the City's costs should be passed 011 to the property owners. It was the consensus of Council to not charge this year. It was agreed that if the cost is to be assessed in future years, homeowners must be notified. of the problem and given adequate time to correct it, advising that if the work is not done, it will be done by the City and the cost assessed. . . . Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, November 12, 1985 Page eight Water'Tower Needs Council was referred to Raddatz' memo of 11/7/85 relative to water usage. Raddatz noted that, at times, the reports indicate we are using more water than we can pump; noted that water consumption has steadily risen over the years; suggested more storage would offset the problem. After discussion, Council concurred that the City Engineer be requested to prepare a summary of our current water needs, tower costs, etc. for Council consideration at the November 25 meeting. Water contract with Roseville/St. Paul is to be reviewed re possibility of an emergency hook-up with Shoreview if such a hook-up is determined to be needed for fire protection. Request to Participate in Suburban Rate Authority . Council was referred to letter request from Suburban Rate Authority (10/28/85) . Council concurred to not participate at this time. Other Business None REPORT OF CLERK ADMINISTRATOR CHARLOTTE MCNIESH LandscapinR, Northpark Corporate Center, Phase II Council was referred to Landscape Inspector Oelke's report (11/7/85). Hansen moved, seconded by Peck, that Council approve the Northpark Corporate Center, Phase II landscaping, and authorize reduction of the bond to a one~ year maintenance bond, contingent upon the addition of two Austrian pines at the west end of the building, and the replacement of the dead Austrian pine at the northwest end of the west berm. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) LandscapinR, Bethel ColleRe, Phase IV Student HousinR Council was referred to Landscape Inspector's report (11/7/85). Hansen moved, seconded by Peck, that Council accept the landscaping for Bethel College, Phase IV Student Housing and authorize reduction of the bond to a one-year maintenance bond. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) Claims and Payroll Peck moved, seconded by Sather, to approve the Claims and Payroll as presented. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) Pull Tabs at Blue Fox Council was referred to McNiesh's memo of 11/1/85. Council deferred discussion to November 25 meeting. Adjournment Hansen moved, seconded by Peck, that the meeting adjourn at 12:34 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) CZltA L4.ft< t;)}dlk-1 ~~4~~ . Charlotte McNiesh -- " 0 ert 1. Woodburn Clerk-Administrator Mayor . Notice of MeetinR The next Regular Council Meeting will be held on Monday, November 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Hall.