HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 04-23-1984
Minutes of Regular Council Meeting
Village of Arden Hills
Monday, April 23, 1984 - 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
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- Mayor Robert Woodburn, Council members Dale Hicks,
Michael Christiansen, Kathleen Rauenhorst, Thomas
Mulcahy
Absent - None
Also Present - Bond Counsel Tom Deans, Engineer
Christoffersen, Treasurer Donald
Administrator Charlotte McNiesh,
Dorothy Zehm
Donald
Lamb, Clerk
Deputy Clerk
A~proval of Minutes
H cks moved, seconded by Christiansen, that Council approve the
Minutes of the April 9th meeting, as amended, and the correction
to the March 26th meeting. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0)
Business from the Floor
None
PuaLIC HEARING:
Improvement No. SS-83-6, Sewer Extension South of Round Lake
Mayor Woodburn opened the Public Hearing. Clerk Administrator
McNiesh verified publication of the Notice of Hearing in the New
Brighton Bulletin on April 4th and April 11th, and reported that
notices were mailed to affected property owners on April 9th.
(See attached Extract of Minutes - Public Hearing)
Rauenhorst moved to adopt
IMPROVEMENT NO. SS-83-6.
unanimously. (5-0)
REPORT OF PUBLIC WORKS SUPERVISOR BUD JOHANSEN
Resolution No. 84-14, ORDERING
Motion was seconded by Hicks and carried
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Chan e Order - Contract for Lift Station No. 2
Counc was re erred to Johansen s memo of 4 18/84. Johansen
explained that the pipe has been leaking for some time; noted that
pipes were inserted into a steel sleeve in the wall and caulked in
place, instead of a continuous pipe; sleeve has loosened, with the
constant "stops" and "starts"; consequently the leaking situation
has been aggravated to a point where it must be fixed. Johansen
said the cost of repairs could be paid from the general maintenance
fund, or can be financed as a Change Order to Lift Station No.2
Contract.
Hicks moved, seconded by Rauenhorst, that Council approve the
repairs as a Change Order to Lift Station No.2 Contract. Motion
carried unanimously. (5-0)
1984 Seal Coating
Council was referred to color-coded map of the City indicating
streets to be seal coated on a 5-year basis. Johansen noted that
the streets shown in blue are scheduled for 1984 seal coating.
Johansen said the Public Works Department could prepare the
specifications and advertisement for bids, using the Engineers
specs from past years, but feels the expenditure for the Engineer's
specs is valuable because it includes oversee of the project.
Rauenhorst moved, seconded by Mulcahy, that Council instruct the
Engineer to prepare the specifications and advertise for bids for
1984 seal coating as proposed. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0)
Minutes of Regular Council Meeting
Monday, April 23, 1984
Page Two
Vehicle Rental for Summer Months
Council was referred to Johansen's memo of 4/17/84 and attached
quotes from five rental agencies.
Concerns expressed relative to the proposed rental of Johansen's
personal vehicle:
1. Not green in color.
2. Insurance coverage, which Johansen said he would
check out with the Hite Agency (City's agent).
A. Covered by City or Johansen's policy?
B. Deductible Collision coverage?
3. Probably not a good precedent to set.
4. Not a full-sized truck.
.
After discussion, Hicks moved, seconded by Christiansen, that
Council authorize the rental of Johansen's truck for the three
Summer months at $400/month as per memo.
In further discussion, Mulcahy said he does not feel it is a wise
general policy, but is willing to try it one year. Rauenhorst
- sajd she sees no advantage to the City when a Road King or Courier
can be rented at $420/month. Motion carried (Hicks, Christiansen,
Mulcahy voting in favor; Rauenhorst, Woodburn voting in opposition).
(3-2)
Employees Uniform Service
Council was referred to Public Works Committee Minutes, and to
Johansen's memo of 4/19/84.
Johansen reported that the Public Works Committee recommends Council
approval of the Public Works Employees uniform allowance proposal
as outlined in the memo; reported that the proposal is acceptable
to the Public Works and Parks Department employees; noted that if
the proposal does not prove to be satisfactory, and Council wishes
to discontinue the allowance, rental of uniform service can be
resumed.
Johansen reported that Roseville follows a similar practice, and
has experienced no problems.
Christiansen moved, seconded by Hicks, that Council approve the
uniform allowance proposal as outlined. Motion carried
(Christiansen, Hicks, Woodburn voting in favor of the motion;
Rauenhorst and Mulcahy voting in opposition). (3-2)
Summer Public Works Employees
Council was referred to Johansen's memo (4-17-84) re Summer
Employees.
Hicks moved, seconded by Christiansen, that Council approve the .
employment of Steve Zehm, Bruce Landman and Steve Oen as out-
lined in the memo. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0)
Discussion - Financing Additional Water Tower
Woodburn reported that the arsenal wants to know soon whether
Arden Hills will provide water to the arsenal and, if so, what
the charges would be. Woodburn referred Council to several tables
he had prepared re how the sale of water to the arsenal will affect
the City.
Mulcahy queried the City's need for another water tower; suggested
that the City's need for a water tower is different from the need
for a water tower to serve water to the arsenal.
Rauenhorst noted that "water for the arsenal" is not on the agenda;
therefore Council should not discuss water to the arsenal tonight.
Minutes of Regular Council Meeting
Monday, April 23, 1984
Page Three
Alternative ways of financing a second water tower were discussed:
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- assessment
-federal grant
- general taxes
- increased water rates
- participation of arsenal in tower, watermain,
additional and/or increased pump sizes etc.
Hicks noted that he likes increasing water rates somewhat because
tax exempt propertiestwouldparticipate in the costs; noted that
homeowners may be better off by paying for thl towlr through taxI'.
Mulcahy said there are too many "ifs":
- no adequate basis for tower size.
- who are the arsenal representatives making the
request? no report on the meeting
- too many complex contract questions if we had a
15 year contract, would rates be adequate for this
period of time.
- what are the charts we were given supposed to show?
What do they mean?
- feels we don't have a concrete proposal at this time
for consideration.
"
Rauenhorst suggested the matter be laid over; asked if we need a
water tower, and, if so, how large a tower?
Christoffersen reported that the need for an additional water
tower is in a major water study report; is based on a real need
and standards, and is on file in the City office.
Rauenhorst moved, seconded by Mulcahy, that the matter be tabled
to the May 14th meeting. Motion c~rried unanimously. (5-0)
(copies of 1967 water study report to be provided to Council
members prior to the meeting.)
REPORT OF PARK DIRECTOR JOHN BUCKLEY
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Play Structure - Cummings Park
Buckley reported he received response from five vendors and a
total of eleven proposals; reported that the Parks Committee
recommends the Game-Time structure; advised that it meets the
needs and is a wood structure which provides:
- a spiral slide
- a clatter bridge from deck to deck
- 7 levels of decks
- a spider rope for climbing
- a tire climber
- a smaller wave slide
- a spring-type balance beam
- an earth mover for the sand area
He feels it is the best structure for the money.
Mulcahy reported that the Committee and John recommend this
structure, which is within the $8,000 budgeted.
Rauenhorst moved, seconded by Mulcahy
purchase of the Game-Time structure.
(5-0)
that Council approve the
Motion carried unanimously.
,
Minutes of Regular Council Meeting
Monday, April 23, 1984
Page Four
Approval of Spring Park pro~ram Leaders
Council was referred to Buc ley's memo (4-20-84) re program
personnel 1984 Spring Program.
Hicks moved, seconded by Rauenhorst, that Council approve the
hiring of the leaders for the 1984 Spring Program as listed in
memo. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0)
Summer Park Program
Hicks ~oved, seconded by Rauenhorst that the Arden Hills Parks
and Recreation Oepartment 1984 Summer Park Program be approved as
listed. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0)
Summer Park Maintenance Employees
Council was referred to Buckley's memo (4-20-84) re Summer Park
Maintenance Personnel.
.
Buckley recommended that Kevin Fuller be hired from May 1st through
September; explained that Kevin has experience in keeping the
mowers operating properly. Buckley said he proposes to start the
additional maintenance employees in June.
Mulcahy supported Buckley's recommendation.
Rauenhorst moved, seconded by Hicks, to approve the hiring of
Kevin Fuller at $4,75/hour effective May 1st throught September,
198.4. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0)
CABLE TV
Complaint re Overhead Cable Lines
Dan Taylor, 1605 Lake Johanna Blvd., reported that the Cable TV
line, installed across his property is unsightly because of the
thickness and positioning; feels i~ lowers the value of his house,
because it obstructs his view of the lake. Taylor asked if the line
could be re-routed, and if so, asked who would pay for it.
Council concurred that this is an unusual situation; requested
that Group W be asked to explore options to resolve this unsightly
situation; Taylor to be notified of Group W's response.
Status of Cable Franchise
Woodburn reported that the Commission voted to approve the reduced
channel capacity system; reported that marketing will begin when
individual cities give permission; noted that this could be in a
couple months for Arden Hills; reported that the Cable Committee now
recommends that Arden Hills go along with the proposal.
Case No. B4-5, Special Use Permit for Veterinary HosPItal -
Richard H. Routhe
Council was referred to draft of Special Use Permit -- Case No. B4-5.
Hicks moved, seconded by Rauenhorst, that Council approve
Special Use Permit -- Case No. 84-5, as drafted. Motion carried
unanimously. (5-0)
REPORT OF VILLAGE TREASURER OONALD LAMB .
Investment
4/16/84 - $300,000 for 30 days at First Federal at 10.40~
interest, to mature 5/16/84.
Christiansen moved to ratify the Treasurer's investment. Motion
was seconded by Rauenhorst and carried unanimously. (5-0)
Oiscussion - Proposed Third Fire Station
Council was referred to copy of North Oaks' letter to Shoreview
(4-18-84) concerning the Joint Power AgreementlAdditional Fire
Station in Shoreview.
.
.
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Minutes of Regular Council Meeting
Monday, April 23, 1984
Page Five
Council concurred with several of North Oaks' statements reflecting
North Oaks' p~sition. which also apply to Arden Hills. McNiesh
was requested to relay Arden Hills position to Shoreview. with the
added statement that Arden Hills' benefJt is considered minimal in
comparison to North Oaks and Shoreview's benefit.
OTHER 8USINESS
Fire Department Policies
HtCks reported that he received a call reporting the presence of
a City truck at a fire in Shoreview. Hicks asked if Arden Hills
employee/volunteer fire fighters use City vehicles when on fire
calls; asked if City employee/fire fighters are paid by City when
answering fire calls, as well as by fire department; asked City's
liability if fire fighter has an accident with a City truck when
answering a fire call.
In discussion it was the general understanding that volunteer
fire fighters receive some pay from the fire department for
answering fire calls, and for attending drills; employees are
paid by the City for time spent at fire, and that City truck on
occasion are used to answer fire calls. It was noted that the City
of Arden Hills currently has more fire fighters during the day
t~an the other cities, (understands Shoreview has none at the
present time.) It was noted that the number of hours spent on fire
calls is not large and that Council has not discouraged partic-
ipation by City employees in any way.
Woodbridge Properties Status Report
The two 1st phase buildings on County Road E were reported to be
substantially complete, and reportedly will be occupied in June 1984.
Woodburn reviewed previous Council action ~elative to maintenance
of the on-site sewer and water lines by the City, after acceptance
of the lines by the City. Council ~oncurred that this was the
understanding. -
The status of the revenue bonds for the project was queried.
McNiesh reported that the City has approved the Preliminary
Applications; bORds have apparently not been issued. It was noted
that if the IRB's are not issued, the antiCipated $150,000
administrative fee to the City may, consequently, not be forthcoming.
REPORT OF CLERK ADMINISTRATOR CHARLOTTE McNIESH
Release of Bond - Special Use Permit for Stockpiling on Milton
Property
Council was referred to letter from Planner Orlyn Miller (4-11-84)
reporting that the Class 5 material has been removed from the
Milton property and that, in his opinion, the terms of the
Special Use Permit have been satisfied.
Christiansen moved, seconded by Hicks, that Council authorize
release of the bond. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0)
Claims
Christiansen moved, seconded by Mulcahy, that the Claims be
approved as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0)
Arden Hills Sportsman's Club - Concession Stand License
Rauenhorst moved, seconded by Christiansen that Council approve
the 1984 Concession stand license for the Arden Hills Sportsman's
Club at Tony Schmidt Park, effective May 20, 1984. Motion
carried unanimously. (5-0)
May Council Meetings
Rauenhorst moved, seconded by Hicks, that Regular May Council
meetings be held on Monday, May 14th and on Tuesday, May 29th.
Motion carried unanimously. (5-0)
RCLLG Meeting
May meeting will be at the Arden Hills Village Hall on May 16th.
. ._-~
Minutes of Regular Council Meeting
Monday, April 23, 1984
Page Six
It was noted that this conflicts with the Public Works Committee's
regular meeting; Public Works meeting will consequently be held in
the Public Works building that evening.
Board of Appeals MeetinQ
Hicks reported he will not be able to attend the April 26th Board
of Appeals meeting because of an out of town engagement; asked that
arrangements be made for use of the hall by the Committee at 6:00 p.m.
Adjournment
Rauenhorst moved, seconded by Mulcahy that the meeting adjourn
at 11:20 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. (5-0)
.
~~~
Char otte McNiesh
Clerk Administrator
~~~~~~
liert L, Woo burn
Mayor
Notice of Meeting
The next Regular Council Meeting will be held on Monday, May 14th
I~ 7:30 p.m. at the Village Hall.
.
Extract of Minutes of Meeting
of City Council
City of Arden Hills
Ramsey County, Minnesota
April 23, 1984
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting
of the City Council of the City of Arden Hills, Minnesota, was
held in the City Hall in said City on Monday, April 23, 1984, at
7:30 p.m.
.
The following members were present: Mayor Woodburn and
Councilmembers Hicks, Rauenhorst, Christiansen and Mulcahy; and
the following were absent: None.
Also present were Charlotte McNiesh, City Clerk Administrator;
Oonald Christoffersen, City Engineer; Donald Lamb, City Treasurer;
and Thomas Deans, City Bond Consultant.
MAYOR WOODBURN: Mr. Christoffersen, our Village Engineer,
would you explain the project, please.
MR. CHRISTOFFERSEN: Thank you, Mr. Mayor, Councilmembers,
Ladies and Gentlement, this improvement is a sanitary sewer improve-
ment and extension. It serves two different types of situations.
1. The current sewage flow is from the area outlined in
orange (Lexington Avenue then back to Round Lake; this
is the lift location, Highway 96, Highway I-694, 35W).
Generally the main sewers in this whole area outlined
drain to the sewer pumping station at this location on
Old Highway 10, north of I-694, which in turn pumps
southerly to a sewage system through Arden Hills, and
eventually discharges into Roseville. This system to the
south is becoming over-taxed. It was not designed for
anything in the north area. It was set up for everything
south of I-694, and at the time it was set up, the whole
north area drained to the old North Suburban District
interceptor.
2. The secondary need for the sewer system is on the south
portion of Round Lake and the improvement of that area.
The proposed improvement includes the installation of a
sewer (showed transparency of area bordered by I-694,
35W, Old Highway 10, 14th Street N.f.). The proposal is
to construct this sewer, beginning at the sewer pumping
station on Old Highway 10; to construct it deep enough
.
to eliminate that pumping station; bring it by gravity
along Old Highway 10 and along the vicinity (not exactly
located but schematically) located in a westerly direction,
just north of the freeway, around by the railroad crossing
and cross over into New Brighton. The Metropolitan
Interceptor is proposed to be extended from somewhere by
the railroad bridge to the west of 35W; there's a large
New Brighton interceptor at that point; Metropolitan Sewer
Board proposes to extend that interceptor over to Arden
Hills so this connection can be made, that has not been
done at this time. The Metropolitan Sewer Commission
proposes to do that as soon as Arden Hills gets this
particular program under way. There is a need for it
because there are problems with the downstream flows. We
are talking about constructing an IS" sanitary sewer deep
enough to eliminate that particular lift station. ~
I have two schematic alternatives; showing where there might
be benefitted property. This drawing illustrates an alignment
extending the sewer south on Old 10, then extending west along the
north side of 1-694 and back up into New Brighton; the dotted area
is what we are showing as front footage assessment which is set
back 200'; beyond the 200' would be an area assessment. This
dotted area would not be charged on an area basis, just a front
foot basis. This area has been assessed before, in fact, portions
of all of this area have been assessed. This area has been assessed
for a previous improvement for a frontage and an acreage; some of
these properties have been charged acreage in the back. There is a
consideration to have assessment on acreage for the unsewered areas.
The unsewered areas, on an acreage basis, I have outlined - the
dashed outline there may be some additional areas of area assessment
back in this location. It depends on what is desired as far as
extension of area improvement.
This is just another illustration, changing the alignment of
the sewer slightly on the easterly end, rather that coming clear
down to the north side of the freeway. There is a property line
about mid-way between the lift station and the freeway; placing
the sewer next to the existing water; if placed in this location,
it would be double-sided frontage (200' on one side and 200'
on the other times the length). From that point it would probably
still drop back to this lower area along the freeway.
This particular project is expensive by itself and maybe
exceeds benefits; of course that would have to be determined. It's
an IS" sanitary sewer trunk line. I mentioned it is rather deep.
In the location where it is extremely deep, rather than have the
abutting property owners have to dig down 40't to get into the
sewer we would put manholes in strategic locations and put drop
sections in the manholes; so, you would not have to dig quite as
deep to make a connection.
Your honor, I believe that completes my portion of the
presentation.
2
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MAYOR WOODBURN: O.K., Mr. Deans is here tonight, our Bond
Counsel. Mr. Deans, would you like to explain some of the
financing possibilities.
MR. DEANS: Mr. Mayor and members of the Council, first of
all this project would be, it is my understanding, built next
year. It would be built and assessed next year. The bond issue
would be sold next year, tonight is not the assessment hearing.
If bonds were sold, it has typically been the City's policy to
charge 1% above the rate on the bonds for the assessments to the
extent that that is within the usury law.
Under Alternate 1, which was the proposal with a single side
assessment footage would be approximately 3500' to be assessed;
if assessed at $35/ft. that would be $122,500. There is apparently
35 acres that would be available for an area assessment - that
would raise about $28,000; total assessment of $150,500.
Under Alternate 2, there is apparently 4300 feet that could
be assessed at $35/foot ($4300) and 35 acres that would raise
$28,000; total assessment of $178,500.
If all that property were able to be assessed, that would
be within the 20% of the total cost of either one of these projects.
Total cost of alternate 1 is estimated at this time at $548,040.
Alternate 2 is a little bit more expensive; is estimated at
$579,570.
It does not appear, unless you went to a much higher per foot
level of assessment. For instance, look back at the January 27th
memo, if still have that in your files, in alternate #1 you would
have to be assessing that 3500 feet at $124/foot to get it up to
actually pay for most of that project. For assessment of 100% for
Alternate #2 you'd have to be assessing 4300 feet at $108.22/ft.
to get you to the total of the project. There is money coming in
from the City in either one because of the park land in the area.
This was based on your 1971 policy of paying 80%. Obviously you
cannot assess the property more than it is benefitted.
As I understand it in Alternate #2, part of the sewer runs
through some swamp. I don't know how developable that swamp is.
That would be determined either by the Councilor ...
~lR. CHRISTOFFERSEN: Regarding that swamp, the drawings I
have illijstrated on the board, and in the computations, the
footage through the swamp was included.
MAYOR WOODBURN: And the potential park footage too?
MR. CHRISTOFFERSEN: That's right.
MAYOR WOODBURN: Mrs. McNiesh, were there any written comments?
MRS. MCNIESH: None, your honor.
. 3
,.
MAYOR WOODBURN: We'll open the meeting then to anyone who
wishes to comment on the proposal. Is there anyone here that ...
Yes, sir. Will you please identify yourself for the record and
make your comments.
GEORGE WINIECKI: I live at 4175 Highway 10. I am the Admin-
istrator. I represent 14 owners in that property, myself being
one. That is the bottom section on Mr. Christoffersen's graph.
It appears it's going to affect the price of property that I am
involved dramatica1ly, either proposal. . I guess the thing I am
concerned about is - I look at the concern of this thing as being
"Is it needed right now?" and obviously it appears we'll be
assessed for this thing, but the Village, in general, is getting
a lot of benefit out of this thing, and I'm concerned as far as we
being assessed for the gain of other people. I mean, I can under-
stand assessments coming through and we getting a gain from it, .
but a fair gain is what I'm looking at, that's my biggest concern.
Also, I wish to speak on behalf on Joe Bussard. I believe he
lives at 4335 Old Highway 10. He talked to me today. He couldn't
be here because he has a severe cold and he has the adjacent pro-
perty to the piece of property 1 live on. He is totally against
the project altogether. I'm not really sold on it myself yet. I'd
like to talk to Mr. Christoffersen a little bit more about it. Joe
really wants to make sure the Council is aware that he is not in
favor of it at all. He is not too happy with it. That's all I
have for now.
MAYOR WOODBURN: Thank you. Any other ...
JIM WINIECKI: 4471 Highway 10, I guess what I want to know
first is, what is the dollar cost? The second thing is, is there
another alternative? We just went through the water assessment.
We just got through with the water in front of our house, being
assessed for that. We don't even have the water, and we paid for
that. When in the hell is it going to end? It seems like one
thing on top of another. Now, another $5BO,000 project. I don't
know. Sometimes it is just beyond me.
MAYOR WOODBURN:
the items brought up;
the present time, are
from the people here?
JEANNE WINIECKI: 4471 Highway 10. I don't think I'm exactly
clear on where the need came from. We are all served by sewer now.
Does the need come from the rest of the developments. Are the new
developements the cause of this need.
I think we'll have some comments on some of
perhaps as we go along, a little later. At
there any other comments from the audience,
MR. CHRISTOFFERSEN: Shall I answer that?
4
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MAYOR WOODBURN: I don't know how many comments we'll get;
we can answer them as we go along. If we get a lot of them, I
think maybe we can answer them as we go along. We have:
- don't need it now
- when will assessments stop?
- have water we're not using
- question about Bussard property development
- now, Mrs. Winiecki's question
Why don't you go ahead with those, Mr. Christoffersen.
MR. CHRISTOFFERSEN: Mrs. Winiecki's question. There is a
need because of sewers downstream. Yes, they are becoming over-
loaded because of the developments north of the freeway. The
sewers south of the freeway were not designed to serve the area
to the north of the freeway. At the time the sewers to the south
were designed, it was planned to take the sewage from the north to
the North Suburban Sanitary District. Also to include the arsenal.
The negotiations that Council made in the past, apparently to go in
that direction, fell through; consequently, at one time they
determined to go south again; take it south through the lower
capacity sewers, and then re-build them when the time came that the
over-sized sewers were needed. An investigation was done some
time later, and it was determined, and also during the Comprehensive
Plan Studies completed in the early 80's; New Brighton has a 42"
interceptor not too far away that has excess capacity that can carry
everything from the north portion of Arden Hills. We made an
in~estigation and found it more economical to put in the sewer as
proposed to New Brighton, than to build new sewer all the way down
to Roseville. I hope that explains the need, you have been on
sewer I believe for some time; you live on Round Lake; you were
assessed for sewer in that area in Improvement 12 and 13; when 12
and 13 was built, we also put in the pumping station and the force
main to the south.
MAYOR WOODBURN: May 1 add to that ... This spring we had a
rather mild melt of course, of snow. Even as mild as it was, we
had sewage overflow out of some of our manholes down south because
of what was coming in from the north; not far south of where you are.
JEANNE WINIECKI: In other words, then, it would benefit the
entire community; cause is because of over- development for the
sewer lines that affects the south... (inaudible) seems irrational...
MAYOR WOODBURN: That matter was considered by the Council...
(inaudible) Lets go back to the first question. I guess you have
covered the need. I frankly don't know how to answer where does it
stop. I don't know when it ever stops. It seems it never seems
to stop.
JIM WINIECKI: I don't know. It does seem like that. We're
going to pay the brunt on each end.
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5
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JEAN WINIECKI: Another concern is the arsenal wanting City
water. Is that going to be another thing that will affect our
neighborhood because of our proximity to the arsenal.
MAYOR ~IOODBURN: - No, it won't be. ~Iorry not. That one you
won't pay for. In fact, you only can benefit if it would go through,
in your costs, but that's a discussion a little later tonight.
Anything else for the moment, Mr. Christoffersen?
MR. CHRISTOFFERSEN: As far as the question, How much? I'm
not prepared to say how much because the decision hasn't been made.
I think Mr. Deans went through the general rates that might be
looked at, and I alluded to the portions that probably would not
be re assessed. Actually, there are areas along Highway 10 at least
the first 200' along Highway 10 that were previously assessed for
sewer on a front footage basis that would probably not be considered ...
again as an assessment. It would be the property more remote from
the 200', the interior portion, that would be assessed. I don't
really know what the footage would be.
JEANNE WINIECKI: How would that be assessed front footage when
its just acreage?
MR. CHRISTOFFERSEN: The land adjacent to the sewer would be
considered the front footage - the 200' adjacent to the sewer line;
this area would receive service; property will be closer to this
main 1 ine.
. GEORGE WINIECKI: I guess I'm talking to Mr. Christoffersen
on those two diagrams. (inaudible) It appears that the property
at 4175 will bear a bulk of the assessment. It's my feeling that
possibly the Council is aware of some things, down there that this
property may... sooner or later it's going to develop. I think
something will happen on it in the not too near fut~re. Is the
location of this sewer line where it should be? Obviously, you have
to look at the proximity of things down there. Are the areas
chosen the best choice.
MR. CHRISTOFFERSEN: There are two alternate locations that
we looked at - along the watermain line, the northerly one along
the north of your property. That was a difficult decision when
we put the water line in. It was felt by the adjacent property
owners that there might be a road in that general location,
possibly extended through to 14th Street to make a connection.
That is one location. The southerly one you notice on the draw-
ing, is the one along the freeway following the most shallow land
that we could to get around. Obviously, if the program were
undertaken, it would be in the best efforts to find out from the
property owners their best guess as to where to put the line.
Obviously, we would not want to put it right through a building
we would want to locate it where it's most practical. I think
we're looking at, on the northerly side of your particular pro-
perty that's the deepest, I believe, and as you come down it
probably falls off to the south. It gets shallower and shallower.
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It's the shallowest at the south end of your property. As far as
individual property, if it can possibly be worked out, I think it
would be the intention and desire to fit into that.
GEORGE WINIECKI: Along the southerly edge, granted, it
would be easier for them to put it in, but again all the burden
of the assessment is pushed over on that piece of property. I
guess what I want made clear is that the north is gaining from
something on that's going to the southern part of the Village.
You've got to be fair in what the costs should be to the property
owners.
MAYOR WOODBURN: I can assure you that fair is what we want
to be. I know you don't mean that we aren't, but none-the-less
that too is why we are listening here, to see what can be done.,
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MR. CHRISTOFFERSEN: There is obviously a two-sided frontage
on the north; there is only one-sided on the south. In either case
the frontage would be essentially assessed against your property.
I suspect it would be about the same, whether it is at the north
or the south. Obviously, the total cost of the improvement has
something to do with the rate.
GEORGE WINIECKI: I'm looking at too - you have two big
easements running down that north and south lines of the property.
MR. CHRISTOFFERSEN: As I recall, there is a 20' easement on
the north.
GEORGE WINIECKI: Right down the center, 10 on each side.
MR. CHRISTOFFERSEN: If there were something built to the
south, and the sewer was constructed to the south, I would assume
that there would be a 20' - 3D' easement over to that sewer, where-
ever it might be.
GEORGE WINIECKI: Is there another alternative?
MR. CHRISTOFFERSEN: Not that I know of. Like 1 say we did
investigate going to the south. There was the other alternative of
leaving the lift station and constructing less shallow sewers,
pumping across the other direction to the west, but by the time
you put sewers and feeding back gravity sewers to get back to the
lift station, the lift station operation over a period of time it
was found to be more economical to spend the capital up front and
get rid of the long-time operation of the one lift station because
they are expensive to operate.
MAYOR WOODBURN: The Council has been working on this with
Mr. Christoffersen 3 to 5 years, I think; it feels like. I don't
know exactly how long, but we have had many reports on it and
finally ordered the feasibility study on this north section be-
cause it turned out to be the best - cheapest. Any further
comments?
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I'm going to leave the floor open for comments for awhile,
instead of closing to comments. My recollection of Arden Hil11tes
is that they always come up with some more ideas; so 'we'll leave
it open. We'll go to the Council for any questions or comments.
The proposal to be looked at tonight, if it's not held over,
is to order the improvement. It would not be constructed nor would
it be assessed for some length of time, and the figures that you
heard mentioned tonight are not the assessment figures. and may
not be real at all. There may not even be an assessment if that
is legally possible, for sure, but we do have to present what
seemed to be the worst case figures on something like this. It's
necessary, legally necessary in a 429 procedure, in essence.
COUNCILWOMAN RAUENHORST: I have a question re concerns about
the areas to be assessed. It was my position that we should be ~
sending public notices to a larger group of homes and property
owners than we have. Are we precluded from assessing a larger
area - after tonight, we cannot expand the assessment area; if
we order the improvement, it is based on this assessment area.
MAYOR WOODBURN: It can be expanded with another public
hearing. The audience should know that that was a very strong, in
fact the Council took a position that the whole north area should
get notices of an assessment hearing because they might be assessed.
There were several factors that mitigated against that and there
was a reversal of the Council's opinion at the next meeting. I
think it seemed perfectly logical to many of us to assess the
whole area with a small assessment - the area that was contributing
toward the drainage, but it doesn't seem too logical to the ~ourts
apparently. They threw out that kind of assessment to houses that
already had benefit. In other words, they have sewer now; so,
they aren't benefitted by sewer even if the sewer is too small,
they can still flush it and it may run over downstream; so,
sewered property cannot be assessed, if the Duluth case is
applicable, and apparently it is. This is one of the things we've
been over. Of course the bulk of this, no matter which way you cut
it, is going on general taxes, not on the home owners; although
individual home owners could see an assessment, individual
property owners rather, not on the home owners.
(NAME INAUDIBLE): Am 1 understanding you correctly that
according to the Duluth case, or whatever it is, none of the people
to the north could be taxed?
MAYOR WOODBURN: No, - assessed.
(NAME INAUDIBLE): Assessed. Excuse me, but its possibly going
to go on the general taxes.
MAYOR WOODBURN: The houses that now have sewer the court says,
it would be very difficult to prove their benefit, when they have
sewer already, and, as such, they threw out the assessment on
sewered houses. Even though it was a case similar to this where
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the sewer was inadequate, none-the-1ess. they got rid of it off
their property; therefore benefit was difficult to show. Taxes
can be Village-wide; would be Village-wide. Mrs.Winiecki.
JEANNE WINIECKI: How do you justify an assessment through
swamp that is supposed to be set aside for park dedication?
under the tower?
the
and
MAYOR WOODBURN: The people owning the tower agreed to any
assessments, in writing. The Council saw to that; so. they'd be
paying part that otherwise would be going on taxes. Mr. Winiecki.
JIM WINIECKI: These people up north that won't be assessed.
How did we get an assessment for the water when we don't have it?
MAYOR WOODBURN: You were assessed for the main, not an
assessment for water service to your house; service to your house
could be another assessment. It's the same as happened in other
parts of the Village - a large main comes in - one area is not
ready for water, but the main has to be paid for, and you have to
have it - let's assume you do; so the whole area is served by a
main and is assessed for the main; and later on there may be an
assessment on your street if water came down there to serve you
directly. That is routine.
JEANNE WINIECKI: How does that differ from the sewer that we
are talking about?
. MAYOR WOODBURN: I'm doing an awful lot of talking. I'm
going to get Mr. Christoffersen to talk.
MR. CHRISTOFFERSEN: In this particular case. you were charged
an area charge; obviously the 12" main does not go in front of your
house; to get water to your house. a 6" to 8" main would have to be
extended to your property. By putting the 12" main in. it put water
that much closer to your property and the area charge is assessed
to get the water closer to you. that's the reasoning behind it.
The same thing is applied to the south end of Round lake in the
area we have described. There is a sewer going through, a large
sewer. The area immediately adjacent to it, beyond the 200'. but
within the service area is proposed to be assessed. Only those
areas that would most likely connect diret1y to it, not the area,
for instance. - say the rendering plant is already connected to an
existing sewer built by New Brighton; that area would not be
assessed, because it would receive no benefit. There is some
area to the west, or to the east, that is remote from the sewer,
and those properties along 1-694 are away from the sewer, but are
still closer to the sewer line, and the sewer is deep enough to
where little short prices can get it to them. While now, they
have to go a long way away. I guess that's the rationale behind
the area assessment.
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Where you draw the line is sometimes based on judgement.
For instance, when we were assessing water between Snelling and
Hamline, we brought the water main up Hamline Avenue - where do
we assess area? Well, it was relatively easy - we drew the line
right down the middle; assessed this half to Hamline and this
half to Snelling.
LEONARD GRUDNOSKE, 4445 Highway 10. I don't know if this
pertains to any thing, but, you indicated some of this would go on
the general taxes, .for everybody, That would be fine, but how
about Bethel College who continues to add to this problem, but
doesn't pay taxes. In the first place, they run it down to
Highway 10 when they shouldn't. They were supposed to run it
toward the freeway when they built. They are half the problem
right now and they aren't going to pay anything for this - no
tax.
.
MAYOR WOODBURN: I'm not sure which way they ran it, or
whether it made much of a problem, did it, Don? increased the
probl em?
MR. CHRISTOFFERSEN: I'm not sure either. I recall there
was some switching; that was before my time. I don't recall.
All that happened somewhere in the early '70's. I believe the
plan for the south area was planned to include the Bethel area.
I don't know whether or not it has been assessed for sewer in
the past. It could have been, because you can assess that kind
of property. I don't believe it goes on taxes, but it can be
assessed. We'd have to look to see. I don't know if it's relevant
because the design of the sewer coming up from that side would
take in a large area, or at least a part of that property.
MAYOR WOODBURN: The major problem is north of Bethel north
of where it drains in, at least, the area of overflow is north
of there; north of where it comes into the system. It's the
north end coming down. I suppose there's additive effect that
everything together.
MR. CHRISTOFFERSEN: To give you an idea, there is a 15" or
18" pipe, 15" 1 believe, coming up from County Road E2, and
somewhere along there changes to a 12", does it not? We're
talking about an 18" alone to New Brighton; so, that gives you
an idea of what the flow is, and the problem we have. If we
were to rebuild to the south, we'd have to start out with an
18" and go parallel and carry it all the way to the south, through
the lift stations.
JEANNE WINIECKI: Is this really the result of poor planning?
MR. CHRISTOFFERSEN: I don't know how it would be poor
planning. Council had good serious negotiations in the past and
they apparently fell through. 1 remember reading one statement
where the Council was all ready to sign an agreement with the
arsenal, and they had a catch in the agreement that the arsenal
had the right to have the City disconnected at any time. Do
you remember that, Mrs. McNiesh?
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MRS. MCNIESH: No. I do not. That was before my time.
MAYOR WOODBURN: Well, at all times, there was another sewer
planned. There was never a time when some kind of main wasn't
considered, as going to be necessary.
JEANNE WINIECKI: It seems to me then the area that is going
to be assessed hasn't caused the need.
MAYOR WOODBURN: That is often the case.
CHRISTOFFERSEN: Let me say this. At the time that all this
action was going on, I don't believe that New Brighton sewer was
an issue until - I want to say 1975, that we became aware that it
was available for use, and that New Brighton even wanted the City
to use it, and by that time the City was committed to a new line
to the south. The City was against using it at that time because
New Brighton didn't have enough capacity in that line, according
to them - they only had a small amount - they wanted us to use
that small amount, but not everything. Since Arden Hills was
faced with building that whole line to the south, we thought that
was the best way to proceed. It was only in 1980 or 1981 that
New Brighton was able to realize that the capacity of that sewer
they had barred Arden Hills, far exceeded what they had planned
on; so, consequently, they came to us and asked us if we could
use that additional capacity. Total - look back at the whole thing
and had New Brighton been right at the very beginning, that would
have been the best plan; so, I think what we're ending up with is
th~ best plan.
MAYOR WOODBURN: Just a short time more - if there are...
are there any comments from any body that hasn't spoken yet?
DON GROWER: I am a planner and I represent the Naegele
Companies and their site, and 1 guess we're only concerned that
there be some kind of a fair measure of benefit for assessment
against the property. Secondly, we would feel that this is kind
of an incentive for us to develop some site plans for the develop-
ment of the property and we would like the sewer to follow a
pattern that we would layout. That's our only comments.
MAYOR WOODBURN: One more.
JIM WINIECKI: What is the possibility that this project
could be delayed and new owners consulted.
MAYOR WOODBURN: That gets to be kind of indefinite. like
the property over here.
JIM WINIECKI: Then, like I said before, we get besieged by
assessments going through us, let's spread this out for more
people.
MAYOR WOODBURN: anything... one more.
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GEORGE WINIECKI: Either one of those plans, Plan A or Plan B,
I can see the cost-wise of it going on the southern part of it, and
I can see the benefits right along northern part, because there's
already an easement there, but I guess I'm really not sold on
either one right now, and I guess I want to go on record saying
that I, living at 4175 Highway 10, do not want to see it go in.
MAYOR WOOOBURN: Any body that hasn't spoken that would like
to? We'll close the Public Hearing then at this time (8:20 p.m.).
In discussion, Tom Oeans was asked if delayed assessments are
feasible. Deans advised that there is no statutary procedure for
delay of assessments, other than for senior citizens. Deans
explained that if the project is to begin next spring, the assess-
ment hearing would be scheduled in August of 1985; noted that at
least $110,000 would have to be assessed (20% of $550,000 total .
cost for Alternate 1).
George Winiecki surmised that development of the Winiecki and
Bussard properties could occur within the next year or two.
Christoffersen said it would be best to fit the sewer to the needs
of the properties, if this were known; feels the better plan, at
present, is to run the sewer along the existing east/west water-
main easement rather than through the center of either of the
properties; noted it would be difficult for Bussard to use the
sewer to the south along 1-694. Christoffersen said that the
alignment of the sewer will be needed before fall of 1984 in order
to prepare plans and specifications for advertisement for bids in
the spring of 1985.
Planner for Naegele reported that their property in the I-694/35W
area of Arden Hills is on their list for him to plan or sell; noted
that Naegele mayor may not develop the site themselves.
Councilmember Rauenhorst then introduced the following resolution
and moved its adoption:
Resolution No. 84-14
RESOLUTION ORDERING IMPROVEMENT
NO. 55-83-6
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Arden Hills,
Minnesota, that in accordance with the provisions of Minnesota
Statutes, Chapter 429, as amended, the Council held a public
hearing on the proposed construction of Improvement No. 55-83-6,
consisting of the installation of trunk sanitary sewer and
necessary appurtenances from Sewage Pumping Station No. 10 southerly
to 1-694, then westerly to I-35W, just north of its intersection
with 1-694, and then to the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission
Interceptor located near I-35W in New Brighton, in the area as
described in the Notice of Hearing, at a cost presently estimated
at $580,000, and substantially in accordance with the preliminary
report as to the feasibility thereof which is now of file in the
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office of the Clerk Administrator; and having considered the views
of all interested persons and being fully advised in the premises,
the Council does hereby determine the order that said improvement
shall be constructed and financed, and special assessments shall
be levied{ therefore, pursuant to said Chapter 429, and that the
area proposed to be assessed therefore shall include the property
as described in the Notice of Hearing. The City Engineer is
directed to prepare and submit to the Council the final plans and
specifications.
.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was
duly seconded by Councilmember Hicks, and upon vote being taken
thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: All; and the
following voted against the same: None; whereupon said resolution
was declared duly passed and adopted.
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