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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 04-08-1985 , , MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING Village of Arden Hills Monday, April 8, 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 Thomas Sather, Gary Peck, Nancy Hansen, Dale Hicks None Planner Orlyn Miller, Treasurer Donald Lamb, Clerk Administrator Charlotte McNiesh. Deputy Clerk Dorothy Zehm . Absent: Also Present: Approval of Minutes Hansen moved, seconded by Peck, that the minutes of the March 25th Council meeting be approved as amended. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Business From the Floor None REPORT OF VILLAGE PLANNER ORLYN MILLER Case No. 85-2 Planned Unit Develo ment Conce t Plan - Gerald McGuire Council was referred to Planning memo (3/20 85), Proposed Types of Units and Amenities, minutes of Planning Commission meeting (4/3/85) and to transparencies of proposed concept plan. Miller explained that the applicant is proposing a residential planned unit development consisting of 7 single family lots (to remain R-l zone), 31 town- house units and 37 apartment units (rezone from R-1 to R-3). Miller explained that the natural drainageway which crosses the site provides a natural separation between the higher densities and the single family lots; explained that the lots are intended to be sold for custom construction, the townhouses will be sold as townhouse condominiums, and the apartments will be rented initially and eventually sold as condominium units. Miller reported that the proposed plan is at the maximum R-3 density (4.5 units per net acre); noted that the City Comprehensive Development Plan designates about 1/3 of the subject site as medium density (4.5 units per net acre). Miller noted that approval of the Concept Plan identifies land uses and land use intensity; explained that for approval of the PUD, more detailed plans will have to be submitted, reviewed and approved in accordance with General Plan requirements. Attorney William Keefer, representing the applicant, Gerald McGuire, described the proposed amenities of the 37 apartment-style condominiums, 29 of which will be two-bedroom units and 8 one-bedroom units; noted that the two-story building plus penthouse will have an elevator and will have underground park- ing for 58 cars (I! spaces per unit), exterior will be all brick veneer. The townhouses will be one and two-story buildings of brick and maintenance-free siding, will be two and three-bedrooms; will have one-car and two-car garages. Keefer explained that they must obtain concept approval before approaching a mortgage lender. . In discussion, Council asked the following questions: Queried why area is considered difficult for fire and police personnel to find (resident comment at Public Hearing). Miller reported that the resident feels it is difficult to give directions to the area; poor access to main roads. Miller reported that the Planning Commission did get into a discussion relative to a street extension from Highway 10 to Round Lake Road West; pros and cons were that it would pro- vide better emergency access for the industrial area to the west, but it would cause a mix of industrial and residential traffic. Miller explained that the PUD plan is usually reviewed by the Fire Chief as part of the General Plan review. .. Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, April 8, 1985 Page two - Asked the scale of the apartment huilding. Miller said it is about 300 feet long, tip to tip. - Asked what developer would do with the townhouse portion of the site if he determines that townhouses become impractical. Miller said the developer can request an amendment, which requires General Plan review for a new proposal. - Asked the size of the penthouse. Answer was - about 20% of the roof cover (2,500 square feet of area); penthouse is about 3/4 of the building width and 40 feet long at the center portion of the building. - Asked how the developer envisions the street on the property line will be paid for. Keefer said by the property owners on either side. ~. Cross sections of elevations were reviewed by Council. Miller noted that the townhouses are at a lower elevation, actually below the Highway 10 grade; noted that the earth rises beyond the townhouse area, falls where the parking lot is proposed, rises again to the apartment site. Miller said the two- story portion of the building is about 6' to 8' above the townhouse roof line; third story is IS' to 16' above the peak of townhouse roof line. Miller noted that the site elevations vary from 890' to 925', and showed a profile of the site showing the separation between the apartment and townhouses. Miller noted that the development will present a low profile from Highway 10; would see about 1-1/2 stories of the apartment building .- from the upper floor of the townhouses, one would see about two stories of the building. Miller noted that the biggest grade change occurs between the apartment units and town- houses; explained that the proposal meets the natural terrain very well. Comments from the Floor were: GeorRe Winiecki - resides on the adjacent property to the south. Winiecki said the Winiecki family has trouble with the cost of the road and is not in favor of this road. Winiecki stated that the water line is more on the Winiecki property, said the sewer will have to be located on the Bussard property. Keefer explained that the road on the property line is the City's desire -- the developer does not need the road. Keefer said road access to the pro- posed development can be provided on site; we don't have to involve the neighbor's property, but this is inconsistent with the City Engineer's pro- posed road location. Jim Winiecki said he wants to change the sequences of the two phases of construction - wants the townhouses first, then the road can be discussed to serve the apartment, after the Winiecki property is sold. Keefer said that they want to develop the property now; don't want to wait until Winieckis sell their land; that doesn't seem fair. Keefer said there are many questions that are unresolved -- if we can finance the pro- ject. (if market is right) we may acquire the adjacent property as an additional phase. Keefer said they have a timing problem; need concept approval; noted that the road as proposed is consistent with the City's plan to extend a road to the west. Jeanne Winiecki says she objects to the proposal as shown; objects to the phasing; noted that what we get is an apartment building; the lots will be sold; feels the developer will want more apartments later. after one ~ apartment building is built. .., Lee Roebke said he lives on Highway 10; said that traffic problems do occur in the early morning and late afternoon with traffic to and from the high school and Bethel College; feels these problems need to be addressed; said he had an accident there himself. Roebke said he objects to apartments - wants single family homes similar to homes on east side of Highway 10; feels this area could become a huge apartment complex. Jeanne Winiecki asked how the public will get to the park if the developer puts in a private road. Keefer said they will do whatever the City , Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, April 8, 1985 Page three decides it wants. Miller noted that private roads are not permitted by Ordinance; the road access to the apartment would be a driveway (similar to the one at Hunters Park Apartments) - noted that this apartment is only 1/2 the density of Hunters Park apartments. Miller said there is a need for public access to the park; noted that the proposed street would provide this access as well as access to the apartment, and access to the adjacent property to the south; feels for these reasons, the road belongs as proposed, along the common property line. . Leonard Grudnoske said the R-3 could eventually be all apartments, and not townhouses. Miller said this is a concern; nothing prevents the developer, or others, from requesting a change from this plan; noted that it would be possible to modify the plan in the future. Miller said it is possible for the City to rezone the site in sections as development occurs. Grudnoske said he does not object to the plan proposed; is afraid the entire parcel will be apartments and we won't get the townhouses. Jeanne Winiecki said she objects to apartments, not to townhouses. It was asked if it follows that the area to the south (Winiecki's 8f acres) will also be at R-3 density. Miller said at least (R-3), or a greater density (R-4). The developer was asked if it is possible to chan~e the project to all town- houses, instead of an apartment building. Keefer said this is not our proposal. nor our desire. Keefer explained that the proposal provides for various styles of living; noted that as people get older, some prefer to not have grass to mow, or sidewalks to shovel; some want a security building, need an elevator or all amenities on one floor. Jeanne Winiecki asked why the developer does not intend to sell the apartments as condominiums immediately - answer was that there are tax advantages if they are held and then sold. She was asked if ahe is more opposed to the rental aspect than to the ownership aspect. Winiecki said she wants Arden Hills to be a city of homes; does not want the apartment aspect. Traffic generated by the proposed development, and its impact on the exist- ing traffic pattern, was expressed as a concern which should be addressed. Miller reviewed the anticipated trips per day, based on national traffic studies; noted that Highway 10 is a minor arterial, with a very undesirable inter- section at Highway 96; noted that the traffic report does not deny some times of congestion. McGuire was asked if he has been involved in a PUD anywhere else; developed it in part and then walked away or sold it? Answer was, no. McGuire said he plans to develop the whole piece as proposed. . Miller was asked if the site is suitable for single family development. Miller said the upper area would be suitable for single family, noted that you are not aware of the lake from the townhouse area; said his personal opinion is that the highways and power sub"station adversely impact the site; noted that these are the reasons the area is shown as R-3 in the Comprehensive Development Plan. Miller noted that if the site were developed entirely in townhouses, there would be an increase in land coverage; apartment reduces the coverage, with its underground parking; therefore, more open space is realized. Hicks moved that Council approve the Planned Unit Development Concept Plan with the following contingencies: 1. All buildings shall conform to required setbacks from street right- of-way lines. (Two townhome structures will need to be adjusted.) 2. All single family homes and townhomes which encroach upon the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service drainage easement must be built above the 890 elevation. " Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, April 8, 1985 Page four 3. Storm water storage within the drainage easement must meet RCWD require- ments and must be approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 4. The right-of.way for the new street along the south property line shall conform to the water and sewer easement. 5. The PUD Concept Plan is approved in accordance with Section VIII,G(2) of the Zoning Ordinance. Each stage of development is subject to all applicable provisions of Section VIII ,G(3) "General Plan". 6. Requested rezoning shall occur simultaneously with General Plan approval. 7. The apartment building will have a predominantly brick exterior and the . townhomes will have wood or metal house siding with brick trim. Motion was seconded by Sather and carried (Hicks, Sather, Hansen, Peck voting in favor of the motion, Woodburn voting in opposition). (4-1) Case. No. 85-3, Minor Subdivision - Lot Split and Consolidation, John Picha Council was referred to Planning Memo (3/25/85), Planning Commission minutes (4/3/85) and to a transparency showing the two subject lots (1184 Highway 96 and 1163 Karth Lake Drive). Miller explained that the proposed 40' adjustment of the rear lot lines has no impact on future development of adjacent land, and both lots exceed all dimensional and area requirements; noted that if approved. a surveyor R.L.S. will be needed by the City, prior to recording the split and consolidation. Sather moved, seconded by Peck, that Council approve the lot split and con- solidation as requested. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Case No. 84-24, Parkway System Feasibility Study Miller explained that the thrust of the study is to create a system to improve the aesthetics of some of the streets, at the time they are reconstructed; reported that the Task Force had discussions with Ramsey County Public Works; explained that evaluations were made to determine the most adaptable routes, all of which could benefit by this design recommendation, which provides for bike/pedestrian paths separated from vehicular traffic. Miller reported that the Task Force and Planning Commission recommend approval of an amendment to the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan (pages 63 - 65b and maps 12, 12A and 14A of the Parkway System Feasibility Study). Miller noted that the Planning Commission recommended the addition of County Road F (35W to Highway 10) as an additional potential parkway route, a major entrance to Arden Hills from the west. Miller explained that Lake Johanna Blvd. was used to graphically show the parkway systems concepts; it was not intended to indicate priority. Miller said the plan will require review by the Metro Council staff, a courtesy review which will take about 30 days. In discussion, it was noted that on map 14A, over-story trees are shown 4' from the curb which does not seem realistic. Miller said the County also expressed this concern; feels it can be worked out. It was suggested that the cost-per-foot of the separated 8' wide bikeways be added to the study. . Miller noted that the two Planning Commission opposition votes did not oppose the document but they did not want the document altered without it going back to the Task Force. Hansen moved, seconded by Sather, that Council accept the Parkway System Feasibility Study as presented. Hicks moved to amend the motion to add the additional gateway and parkway route on County Road F (35W - Old Highway 10). Motion was seconded by Peck. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, April 8, 1985 Page five Original motion carried unanimously. (5-0) (Miller to submit to Metro Council). . Cash Defeasance Proposal, Steven Mattson (Juran and Moody) - Resolution No. 85-17 Council was referred to Mattson's letter of 4/4/85 and attachments thereto relative to the proposed defeasance project. Mattson explained that the City has three outstanding General Obligation Bonds (1972 - 1977) prior to arbitrage regulations (5/15/78); explained that the City has accumulated more money than is due and payable - $1,835,000 in these three issues. Mattson explained that the City could free up the excess monies by calling in the bonds or by defeasance. Mattson reported defeasance has been done in nine other Minnesota cities. Mattson said that $1,611,893.94 is the amount they feel will be freed up to be used by the City for any City purpose. Mattson reviewed the Full Cash Defeasance Schedule and the month-to-month escrow cash flow (May I, 1985 - November 1. 1997); noted that the securities shown yield about 11% (average). Treasurer Lamb said, in general, he feels this is the way to go; said it will free up money; said he is not optimistic that interest rates will soar. Mattson said they must have a trustee; Juran and Moody feel First Trust of St. Paul has a good program that works well. Mattson said they also need a CPA to advise whether the securities purchased are sufficient; proposes Voto, Reardon, Tautges and Company; reported that Juran and Moody has had good experience with them, and has experienced reasonable charges for their services. Mattson noted that the City would be buying securities at dealers' cost. not on a retail basis. In discussion, it was asked if deregulation will have an impact on this de- feasance schedule. Mattson said it would not. Mattson said the City may use the money immediately or re-invest it, as it sees fit. Hicks moved. seconded by Hansen, that Council adopt Resolution No. 85-17, APPROVING DEFEASANCE PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN OBLIGATION BONDS OF THE CITY. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Gambling License - St. Joseph's Society for the Little Sisters of the Poor, Blue Fox Inn Council was referred to Lease Agreement between the applicant. Lois Blomberg, and Thomas Cossack (Blue Fox Inn), and attached diagram indicating proposed location of pull-tab sales within the building. Blomberg requested approval of the gambling license permitting pull-tab sales at the Blue Fox Inn. and asked that the 3D-day waiting period be waived. In discussion, Blomberg was asked what portion of each dollar goes to the St. Joseph Society. Blomberg explained that the booth will be operated by members of the Society and designated people at the Blue Fox Inn; if sales people are paid to operate the booth, they will be paid by the Society; noted that most of the time it will be operated by Society volunteers. Blomberg said that the income anticipated is unknown; they have been told it is estimated between $15.000 and $50,000 per year; "we hope they are right". Blomberg said that only private clubs have been able to sell pull-tabs until now, and they have no costs. . Tom Cossack was asked what advantages pull-tab operation provides the Blue Fox. Cossack said it could bring in customers, and the $600 per month rent will help him. Peck moved, seconded by Sather, that Council approve the gambling license to permit pull-tabs to be sold at the Blue Fox, and approve waiver of the 30-day waiting period. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, April 8, 1985 Page six REPORT OF PUBLIC WORKS SUPERVISOR ROBERT RADDATZ Water Connection, 1467-69 West County Road E Council was referred to Raddatz's memo (4/4/85) re water at 1467 and 1469 W. County Road E, east of Lindey's Steak House. Raddatz reported that low water pressure has been experienced at times at the little house, behind the large house on County Road E (both are owned by the owners of Lindey's). Raddatz reported that they investigated the cause of the low water pressure and found that the municipal water connection is to the big house; the small house is supplied with water from a line from the large house - the reason for the low pressure at times. . Raddatz referred Council to the City Code requiring that no more than one housing unit or building be supplied from one service connection except by special permission of the Commissioner. Hicks moved, seconded by Hansen, to grant permission for, the two houses (1467 and 1469 W. County Road E) to be served by one water service connection since both houses are on one lot and under one ownership. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Request for City Participation in Costs to Control Erosion - Siems Court Council was referred to Raddatz's memo (4/4/85) and to a map showing the 10' wide private driveway (serving three residences) encroaching on the Siems Court right-of-way. Raddatz reported that about 60' of the City street is actually shifting because of the erosion; the balance of the street, at this time, is in fairly stable condition. Raddatz reported that Mr. Abeln has requested City participation in the cost of his proposed terracing project, now estimated at $12,OOOf. Council discussed justification for City participation since the City did not put the driveway in. It was noted that any participation would be a non- budgeted expenditure. Concern was expressed relative to participating in the repair cost, using tax money, unless the City has caused the problem. Hicks moved that Council authorize the expenditure of $1,000 for the project as outlined by Raddatz, since the road requires stabilization. Motion was seconded by Hansen and carried unanimously. (5-0) PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS North Hei~hts Lutheran Church Park Dedication Hansen reported that Parks Director John Buckley has looked at the 4.5 acres proposed to be dedicated to the City, in satisfaction of the North Heights Lutheran Church park dedication; reported that the Comprehensive Plan calls for a park in this location; reported that the Parks Committee recommends Council acceptance of the 4.57 acres, which Buckley feels is useful for park purposes, consisting of about 3.57 acres of land plus 1 acre of pond. Hansen moved to approve the concept proposal for park purposes; noted that extensive grading would be required for a softball field, but area is very conducive for a passive park. Hicks reported that the Planning Commission expressed concern that park dedi- . cation is proposed for approval prior to General Plan review. Hicks sug- gested that Council defer its approval, pending presentation of the North Heights Lutheran Church plans for General Plan approval. Council concurred to defer action on the proposal. Community Survey Hansen reported that the cost of the proposed Park Community Survey is estimated at $500; survey is intended to identify the ages of users of the. parks, assist the Committee in projecting uses in the future, types of parks desired and obtain the community's feelings about parks. A suggested addition to the proposed survey was to add a "return date". Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, April 8, 1985 Page seven Hansen moved, seconded by Sather, that Council authorize the Parks Committee expenditure of $500 to conduct the survey, and approve the survey form, with the insertion of a return date. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Arbor Day Hansen reported that City residents and Council members are invited to parti- cipate in the Arbor Day Celebration on April 27th, rain or shine, to assist in the planting of trees and park clean-up. Summer ProRram Proposal Council was referred to proposed 1985 Summer Program recommended for approval by the Parks and Recreation Committee. . Sather moved, seconded by Peck, that Council approve the Summer Program Proposal as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. Request for Time Extension for Variances - DwiRht Jessup Hicks moved to approve a time extension until June I, 1985 for the variances (Case No. 84-4) 3350 Dellwood Avenue. Motion was seconded by Hansen. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) REPORT OF VILLAGE TREASURER DONALD LAMB Investment 3/26/85 - $222,742.46 at First Federal @ 8.30% to mature 4/15/85. Hicks moved, seconded by Hansen, to ratify the Treasurer's investment. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) OTHER BUSINESS Report of Fire Board MeetinR of March 27th Hansen asked Council's input relative to unresolved Third Fire Station matters; reported that the Fire Department wants to.participate in the construction plans; wants to accrue 7% of building cost beginning at date the Agreement is signed, and then wants a guaranteed 20% up front for the first three years. Hansen reported that the Fire Department wants certain reversion items changed -- wants some percent of equity after 15 years in land, building and equipment. Hansen reported that Shoreview does not agree to this. Hansen also reported that Shoreview is proposing another fire station in the south of Shoreview. The general consensus of Council was to continue to promote the Agreement we have with the contract cities; will agree to some changes unless they are major changes. Report on Firemen's Pension Board MeetinR of March 26th Peck reported that no business was conducted because of poor attendance of appointed members. Woodburn appointed Nancy Hansen as alternate Firemen's Pension Board member. Hicks moved, seconded by Sather. that Council ratify the Mayor's appointment. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) . Peck reported that ratification of increase of benefits (May 19, 1983) has not been received from Shoreview or Arden Hills; are requesting response by May 31st. Peck reported that according to the actuarial report, the un- funded liability has been reduced substantially ($532,000 to $376,000) largely due to interest earnings. (McNiesh to copy new actuarial report for Council, when received.) Re ort on Joint Meetin with Roseville Council Hicks referred Council to his summary report 4/2/85) Joint Meeting. Roseville and Arden Hills Councils. (See Minutes of Joint Council Meeting, 4/2/85). Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, April 8, 1985 Page eight In discussion, Council expressed concern of over-use of the beach area now; lake is currently open to the public for swimming and fishing; addition of a boat access to already crowded conditions would create a safety hazard, over-use of the lake and insufficient parking. Ice Rinks Peck referred Council to letter from Joyce Stradinger re appreciation for use of rinks; Peck asked if ice can be improved on City rinks next season. Article in Bulletin re Burglaries Council was referred to this article by Peck; suggested that Town Crier inform readers of ways to reduce the chance of home burglaries. Public Safety Committee Meeting Hansen reported that Fire Chief Dave Koch has been invited to the next Public Safety meeting, April 15th at 7:00 p.m. . Letter from Kermit McRae re Hamline Avenue Hicks asked clarification of first paragraph of letter; said he does not agree with the solutions; would like to start the improvement this summer; noted that the design is completed and in for review; suggested we start the project. It was reported that the City Engineer will present a Feasibility Report at the April 29th meeting. Ingerson Road Drainage Woodburn reported that experience has shown that revitalization of the shallow ditch might do much to alleviate the existing problem of water across the road; noted that the 6" deep:t ditch is now filled up, but was effective wilen it was put in. Woodburn noted that it is a County road; feels the problem lies with the County to correct the drainage; concurred that a storm sewer is needed to resolve the problem. (McNiesh to request revitalization of the shallow ditch.) REPORT OF VILLAGE CLERK ADMINISTRATOR CHARLOTTE MCNIESH Bid Award - 1985 Diseased Tree and Stump Removal Council was referred to bid tabulations of the four bids received, and to Buckley's memo of 4/4/85. Hicks moved, seconded by Peck, that Council award the bid Tree and Stump Removal to the low bidder. Woodchuck Tree. unanimously. (5-0) for 1985 Diseased Motion carried Peddler's Permit, Blue Bell Ice Cream, Inc. McNiesh reported that one solicitor is involved; name unknown at this time; noted that the requested license period is April 1 to September 30, 1985. Hansen moved, seconded by Hicks, that Council approve the Peddler's Permit for one Blue Bell Ice Cream, Inc. solicitor in Arden Hills, subject to re- ceipt of necessary documents. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) Claims and Payroll Council was referred to Payroll and to several sets of Claims. McNiesh reported that the entire $10,000 Woodbridge refundable deposit has been used, plus an additional $60.00; noted that no Administrative costs are included. . Council concurred that an accounting of the .expenditures be given to Woodbridge Properties. Hicks moved, seconded by Peck, that Council approve the Claims and Payroll as presented. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) ",.. . . . Minutes of Regular Council Meeting. April 8, 1985 Page nine Adiournment Hansen moved, seconded by Peck, that Motion carried unanimously. (5-0) the meeting adjourn at 11:59 p.m. ~~iL Charlotte McNiesh Clerk Administrator .f~~~~~ Robert L. Woodburn Mayor NOTICE OF MEETINGS: April 22nd - 7:00 P.M. - Special Study Meeting April 29th - 7:30 P.M. - Regular Council Meeting