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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 07-31-1989 MINUTES OF THE ARDEN HILLS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, JULY 31, 1989, 6:30 P.M. - CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Sather called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. . WORKSESSION; ROUND LAKE DEVELOPMENT DISCUSSION Council held a Worksession between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., to discuss the Round Lake development area. John Griffith, representing Trammell Crow, was present to outline their preliminary development plan. ROLL CALL The roll being called the following members were present: Mayor Thomas Sather, Councilmembers JoAnn Growe and Thomas Mahowald. Absent: Councilmembers Nancy Hansen and Paul Malone. Also Present: Attorney Jerry Filla, Engineer Terry Maurer, Clerk Administrator Gary Berger and Deputy Clerk Catherine Iago. ADOPT AGENDA Growe moved, seconded by Mahowald, that Council adopt the Agenda as submitted by the Clerk Administrator. Motion carried unanimously. (3-0) APPROVE MINUTES changed from 1988 to Clerk Administrator Berger advised there should be a minor date correction in the July 10 Council minutes on page 6, paragraph 3, second sentence; the date should be 1989. There were no further corrections. Mahowald moved, seconded by Growe, that Council approve the Minutes of the July la, 1989 Regular Council Meeting as corrected. Motion carried unanimously. (3-0) . CONSENT CALENDAR Growe moved, seconded by Mahowald, that Council approve the consent calendar for the 7-31-89 meeting and authorize execution of any necessary documents contained therein: a. Approval of Fall Recreation Programs. b. Approval of List of Claims and Payroll. Motion earried unanimously. (3-0) PUBLIC COMMENTS None. CASE #88-36; REVISED SITE PLAN, HANS HAGEN, CLEVELAND & COUNTY ROAD E-2 Council was referred to a memorandum from Planner Bergly dated 7-31-89, relative to the revised site plan for Hans Hagen corporate headquarters, Cleveland Avenue & County Road E-2. Clerk Administrator Berger reported that Planner Bergly was unable to attend the meeting; the item was tabled by Council pending resolution of the Cleveland Avenue improvements. Attorney Filla stated he had briefly discussed this matter with the Planner and Zoning Administrator; staff is recommending approval of this matter subject to the 5 conditions listed on page 2 of the Planner's report dated 7-31-89. Filla eXplained the City needs to obtain a sanitary sewer easement on this site to facilitate the construction of a lift station; suggested an additional condition which requires the applicant to provide the City with the necessary easement, as prepared by the City Engineer, be attached as part of the approval. . The Attorney noted Item #5 on the first page of the Planner's report relates to a parking variance; the variance request was not a part of the original proposal and has not been reviewed by the Planning Commission or Board of Appeals. Filla advised no public hearing is required to approve the variance and Council may take action on the variance at this time. He recommended Council specifically refer to the variance in any action taken on this matter. Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, July 31, 1989 Page 2 CASE #88-36 (Cont'd) Filla stated that Hans Hagen has informed the Planner the variance is requested due to the topography of the land prohibiting placement of the proposed building further to the southeastern portion of the site to accommodate the parking. . Hans Hagen requested Council consider removing the restriction prohibiting rooftop mechanical equipment, which was included as part of the Planning Commission recommendation for approval; explained this was due to operating efficiency of the mechanical units. He stated the revised building plans include a portico on the front of the building and a parapet on the rear of the building to screen the equipment. Mayor Sather stated that the Zoning Code requires mechanical equipment on rooftops to be screened; for the record he advised Hagen if the proposed building design does not accomplish screening of the rooftop equipment, the City may require further screening. Attorney Filla advised a sign variance is also being requested. Councilmembers concurred that it would be appropriate to refer this matter to the Planning Commission for their review and recommendation based on the revisions and variances. Growe moved, seconded by Mahowald, that Council refer Case #88-36, Revised Site Plan, Hans Hagen, Cleveland and County Road E-2, to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation at their regular meeting held August 2, 1989. Motion carried unanimously. (3-0) . RES. 1189-42; TERMINATION OF THE KEM MILLING PURCH AGREEMENT Council was referred to a memorandum from the Clerk Administrator dated 7-28-89, relative to termination of the Kern Milling Purchase Agreement based on the results of Phase II of the Environmental Assessment. Berger recommended termination of the agreement until such time as removal and disposal of all hazardous materials is completed by Darling & Company. Attorney Filla reviewed the background of the purchase agreement; he suggested Council continue negotiations for acquisition of the site. Rolfe Worden, Attorney representing Darling & Company, suggested Council consider amending the purchase agreement rather than terminating. He stated it appears the major problem identified by Delta Environmental is removal of the underground storage tanks. Worden explained that Darling & Company would be willing to remove the two tanks and surrounding soils which appear to be contaminated or reducing the purchase price by $20,000.00 and the City would remove the tanks. Worden requested a full copy of Delta Environmental's report, with attachments, for their review. Tim Guzek, General Manager of Kern Milling, was also present and reiterated Worden's recommendation for amending the purchase agreement. . Attorney Filla commented that Darling & Company has indicated they would be willing to remove only two of the underground tanks, those which appear to have soil contamination, and have excluded mention of the remaining four tanks. Filla noted all problems identified in Delta's report would have to be addressed and due to the cost of the report, Council may include discussion of cost sharing for Delta's report in the negotiations for purchase of the site. . . . Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, July 31, 1989 Page 3 RES #89-42 (Cont'd) Council discussed release of the environmental report to Darling & Company and agreed to release the full report to company representatives upon termination of the agreement. Mahowald referred to Delta's report which advises MPCA requires inactive storage tanks must be properly abandoned by the property owner; he expressed concern the city may be involved in some legal entanglements relative to the tank removal. He favored terminating the agreement at this time and continuing negotiations with Darling & Company. Growe moved, seconded by Mahowald, that Council approve Resolution No. 89-42, Resolution Terminating Purchase Agreement with Kern Milling/Darling and Company, effective July 31, 1989 and continue negotiations with Darling & Company to resolve the problems identified. Motion carried unanimously. (3-0) Council directed the City Attorney to continue negotiations with Attorney Rolfe Worden, representing Darling & Company, for purchase of the Kern Milling site and authorized staff to forward a complete copy of the Delta Environmental report to Darling & Company. REALIGNMENT; GREY FOX ROAD Council was referred to a memorandum from the Clerk Administrator dated 7-28-89, relative to the realignment of Grey Fox Road. Chuck Ahl, Shoreview City Engineer, was present to discuss the request for realignment of Grey Fox Road in Arden Hills to meet the newly aligned Island Lake Avenue in Shoreview. He stated the feasibility of realignment of the two streets at a 90 degree angle would cause a condemnation of the Church property on the Shoreview side and would not provide for easy access for the YMCA south driveway. City Engineer Terry Maurer discussed his concern relative to the turning radius for traffic southbound on Lexington Avenue from Grey Fox Road; he stated he has discussed this matter with Chuck Ahl and is satisfied the turning radius is sufficient. Mahowald moved, seeonded by Growe, that Council approve the realignment of Grey Fox Road in Arden Hills to meet the newly aligned Island Lake Avenue in Shoreview as proposed in Shoreview's memorandum of 7-26-89. Motion carried unanimously. (3-0) Council discussed the feasibility of interconnecting water utilities between the two cities for utilization in emergency situations in conjunction with the road realignment. Engineer Ahl and Maurer concurred that the estimated cost for installation of the system would be approximately $10,000.00. Ahl explained the County does not allow the City to "open cut" Lexington Avenue and close down the roadway, therefore, the higher cost is due to the installation method and the necessity of installation of two valves, one in each city, as a measure to insure the connection is utilized only for emergency situations. Ahl advised this is an opportune time to install the connection, since the realignment is in progress. He noted that cities typically do not meter this type of connection as it is only used in emergency situations. Council directed the City Engineer to work with the engineer from Shoreview to prepare a feasibility report and cost estimate for installation of an interconnecting water system at Grey Fox Road/Island Lake Avenue for the next Regular Council Meeting held 8-14-89. Council also directed Maurer to study the feasibility of installing interconnecting water systems at other locations along Lexington Avenue. . . . Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, July 31, 1989 Page 4 LEXINGTON AVE; RESTRIPING Council was referred to a memorandum from the Clerk Administrator dated 7-28-89 relative to the restriping of Lexington Ave. between Control Data and Highway 96. Engineer Terry Maurer advised he had discussed this matter with Ramsey County Traffic Engineer Dan Solar and Solar believes the current striping, one lane in either direction with a middle turn lane, is inefficient. Maurer stated the current striping method creates some traffic delays, however, this section of roadway does not have a history of vehicle accidents; he expressed concern that a change would substitute the traffic delay problems for traffic safety problems. He recommended continuing with the current striping method based on the fact that traffic delays are not a sufficient reason to change the current method. Council requested an opinion from the Shoreview Engineer. Chuck Ahl concurred with Maurer's recommendation based on traffic safety factors. Mahowald moved, seconded by Growe, that Council approve the restriping of Lexington Avenue, one lane in either direction with a middle turn lane, between Control Data and Highway 96 and directed staff to forward this information to Ramsey County. Motion carried unanimously. (3-0) DISCUSSION; PAVEMENT MGMT. PLAN Council was referred to a memorandum from the Clerk Administrator dated 7-28-89, relative to the Engineer's review and recommendation for amending the Pavement Management Plan. Engineer Maurer explained that typically streets can go 4-5 years between sealcoating and he did not foresee any problems with delaying some of the streets identified for sealcoating this year. He recommended the City proceed with the streets scheduled for overlay this year and used the monies saved from not sea1coating to reconstruct Indian Oaks Circle and other non-plan overlaying as determined by his firm. Maurer identified Norma Avenue and Arden View Drive as streets that would require repair but were not scheduled this year. Growe moved, seconded by Mahowald, that Council authorize MSA Engineering to proceed with Plans and Specifications for the programmed overlays and reconstruction of Indian Oaks Circle, with any remaining monies to go toward non-programmed street overlays in the general area of projected overlays. Motion carried unanimously. (3-0) STOP SIGN; CO. RD. F & FERNWOOD AVE. Council was referred to a report from Clerk Administrator Berger dated 7-28-89, relative to a request for a stop sign at the intersection of County Road F and Fernwood. Engineer Maurer conducted a study of this intersection and concluded that an all-way stop sign installation is not warranted at the intersection. He stated there are only two peak traffic times, approximately four hours in duration, on Fernwood Avenue and installation of a stop sign would help only during those four hours. He did not agree the traffic on County Road F should be penalized during the remaining twenty hours. Maurer further advised the Ramsey County Sheriffs department has received reports of only two accidents at this location over the past three years; the number is TIot sufficient to warrant the stop sign. Mahowald moved, seconded by Growe, that Council deny the request for installation of an all-way stop sign at the intersection of County Road F and Fernwood and further directed staff to notify the affected businesses, specifically Cardiac Pacemakers and Land O'Lakes of Council action and provide a copy of Engineer Maurer's report. Motion carried unanimously. (3-0) Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, July 31, 1989 Page 5 STATUS REPORT; SEWER ODOR ON HAMLINE AVENUE Public Works employee Dan Winkel was present to report on the status of the Hamline Avenue sewer odor situation. Dan advised the public works crew is scheduled to begin work on this project on . Wednesday, August 2, 1989. Mayor Sather stated it was his understanding that work on this project was to begin the week of July 10, as directed by the Council at the July 10 Regular Council meeting. The Clerk Administrator explained the project was discussed at the staff meeting and assigned to the public works department. Mayor Sather explained that assurances were given to residents regarding a date for project completion, based on Council action, and the deadline was not met. He expressed concern that the project did not begin as directed and requested the Clerk Administrator to convey his dissatisfaction and concern to staff members. REQUEST PURCHASE WATER UTILITY VAN Council was referred to a memorandum from Public Works Supervisor Raddatz dated 7-27-89, relative to purchase of a utility van for use by the water department. Dan Winkel reported on the quotes received for purchase of the van chassis and van body; he noted that purchase of this item has been delayed two years and $30,000 was budgeted for purchase in 1989. He recommended sale of the old water van when the new van is delivered. . Council questioued this estimated value of the old van and if any other equipment on the van is salvageable. Winkel stated the old van's approximate value is $1,000.00 and there are no other items on thc van which are valuable; the hand tools will be utilized on the new van. Growe moved, seconded by Mahowald, that Council authorize the purchase of a cut-away van chassis from Rosedale Chevrolet in the amount of $13,509.00 and the purchase of a van body from L-Z Company in the amount of $10,194.00, and further authorize sale of the old water van outright when the new van is totally complete. Motion carried unanimously. (3-0) Council questioned if more than two quotes were required prior to purchase of equipment. The Clerk Administrator advised he had contacted the City Attorney and two or three quotes were an appropriate number to meet requirements for purchase; Winkel noted that he attempted to receive further quotes for the van body, however, the companies contacted did not manufacture the equipment. RES. #89-43; ADOPT 1989 LEVY levy year 1989; the in Taxation law. Council was referred to a memorandum from the Clerk Administrator dated 7-27-89, relative to certifying a preliminary sum of money to be levied to the County for Clerk noted this action is in compliance with the 1988 Truth . Berger advised many cities are certifying a preliminary levy by August 1, as recommended by the AMM, to avoid the possibility of a lawsuit for noncompliance. He reviewed the worksheet utilized to determine the levy amount. The Clerk also recommended that Council consider setting dates for Budget worksessions. Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, July 31, 1989 Page 6 RES #89-43 (Cont'd) Council directed Berger to submit possible dates for the worksessions and they would contact him individually to confirm attendance on those dates. . Mahowald moved, seconded by Growe, that Council adopt Resolution No. 89-43, Resolution Approving a Preliminary Sum of Money to be Levied for Levy Year 1989, Payable in 1990, And Amending the Levy on 1972 Improvement Bond Series 2. Motion carried unanimously. (3-0) ORDINANCE 11260; WEED REMOVAL removal in the City and Council was referred to a memorandum from the Clerk Administrator dated 7-25-89, relative to a proposed Ordinance amendment which outlines procedures for weed strengthening enforcement of the current Ordinance. The Clerk Administrator advised this matter was brought to his attention by Weed Inspector Dave Winkel essentially due to the fact the current Ordinance is weak in the area of enforcement. He stated the amendment authorizes the inspector to notify the property owners of the complaint, cut the weeds after the property owner's deadline has passed, bill the property owner for the work done and certify the amount for weed removal to the County for collection with real estate taxes if the property owner does not pay the bill. Berger advised the City will not be actively pursuing enforcement of the Ordinance, only responding to complaints received. Attorney Filla stated the Ordinance amendment is appropriate and the City should adopt some system for retention of notices served to property owners. Growe moved, seconded by Mahowald, that Council adopt Ordinance No. 260, An Ordinance Amending Section 16, Nuisances, Of City Code. Motion carried unanimously. (3-0) . SALARY SCHED/JOB DESCRIPTION; PUBLIC WORKS SUPERVISOR Council was referred to a memorandum from Berger dated 7-24-89, relative to a proposed Job Description and Salary Schedule for the Public Works Supervisor position. Mahowald moved, seconded by Growe, that Council authorize the Clerk Administrator to implement the salary schedule for the Public Works Supervisor position as outlined in his memorandum of 7-24-89. Motion carried unanimously. (3-0) PUB. WKS. SUPER; SELECTION PROCESS Council discussed the process for selection of candidates to interview for the Public Works Supervisor position. Council concurred to direct staff to send copies of applications received to Councilmembers for their review prior to the 8-14-89 Regular Council Meeting at which time they will select a list of final candidates for interviews. Council advised the interviews would be scheduled on 8-21-89, at the Council Worksession. ADMIN. SECRETARY; PERMANENT STATUS & SALARY INCREASE Council was referred to a memorandum from Berger dated 7-24-89, regarding the Administrative Secretary's completion of her probationary period and recommendation for permanent employee status and salary increase. The Clerk Administrator explained he had conducted a performance evaluation and found the employee to be excellent in all job responsibilities. He advised the movement to Step 4 in the pay plan was based on an excellent performance appraisal and the fact Mary Ann has over 10 years municipal administrative secretarial experience. . Growe permanent employee status for to Step 4 at $11.71 per hour, moved, seconded by Mahowald, that Council confer Mary Ann DeLaRosa and authorize a salary increase retroactive to June 28, 1989. Motion carried. (3-0) Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, July 31, 1989 Page 7 REPORT; PROJECTED REV/EXPENDITURES Council was referred to a memorandum from the Clerk Administrator dated 7-28-89, relative to the projected monthly revenues and expenditures. He stated the intent of this report is to be general in nature and give the Council a board overview of projected fund amounts versus actual expenditures and revenues. He noted this report will be sent to Council on a monthly basis and is for informational purposes. . PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL; CLK ADMIN. Council concurred to schedule a performance appraisal for Clerk Administrator Berger at 6:30 p.m., 8-28-89, prior to the Regular Council meeting. COUNCIL COMMENTS EURASIAN WATER MILFOIL PROBLEM Councilmember Growe expressed concern relative to the current outbreak of Eurasian Water Milfail infecting metro area lakes. Council concurred to instruct the City Engineer and other staff to coordinate efforts with Ramsey County, to convey to the County the Council concerns and to request information relative to methods of inhibiting the plant growth in Ramsey County lakes. It was also suggested that staff contact the DNR regarding this matter. Councilmember Growe questioned the editorial in the New Brighton Bulletin from resident Henry Petersen relative to a sewage backup and payment for damages. She expressed concern regarding the statement by the Public Works Supervisor that the City would pay for replacement of the damaged carpeting. COMPLAINT; SEWER BACKUP . The Clerk Administrator advised the City has appealed the Court decision to award damages to Mr. Petersen; the City was not responsible for the sewage backup that occurred in this particular instance. He discussed this matter with the City Insurance representative who advised that in the event any problem arises that involves potential liability for the City the insurance company should be notified in order for them to begin collecting facts relative to the problem. Mayor Sather stated it is important that Council make an effort, through staff or other communication methods, to define to residents the limits of City responsibility for such claims; some areas needing responsibility definitions include easements, water/sewer lines, and property damage occurrences. FINANCE COMM; RESIGNATIONS Mayor Sather advised that two members of the Finance Committee have submitted their resignations; Chair Trudy Rautio and Ed Menze. He explained the Committee appointed acting-chair for one month. Tom Steele as Sather suggested Council liaison Malone recommend a member for appointment as Chair of the committee. Council discussed the status of the City Committees; Mayor Sather suggested combining all Committees and drawing members to setup Ad Hoc Committees when necessary to review projects designated by Council. . The Mayor advised he has been attending the respective Committee meetings to discuss the idea of Councilmember liaisons listing items for the Committees to study; he noted Committee members suggested the list of items be prioritized. After discussion, Councilmembers concurred to submit their lists of items for study by their respective Committees and directed the Clerk Administrator to review the lists and prioritize the top four or five items. . . . Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, July 31, 1989 Page 8 COMMITTEES (Cont'd) Mahowald moved, seconded by Growe, that Council accept the Finance Committee resignations from Chair Trudy Rautio and Ed Menze and authorize staff to forward letters thanking them for their service to the community. Motion earried unanimously. (3-0) Councilmember Mahowald questioned if staff had compiled any information relative to an Ad Hoc Committee to study a new City Hall facility. The Clerk Administrator advised the staff had been compiling information for discussion at the July worksession; since the July meeting was cancelled, the information will be presented at the August worksession meeting ROSEVILLE SCHOOL ADVISORY VOLUNTEERS Mayor Sather referred Council to a letter from the Roseville Area School requesting community leaders to serve on their advisory Council. He suggested any Councilmembers interested in serving contact the Clerk Administrator to forward this information to the appropriate authority. ADJOURN Growe moved, seconded by Mahowald, that the meeting be adjourned at 9:50 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. (3-0) Ga~ ~rge~ Clerk Administrator ~Mav Thomas R. Sather Mayor NOTICE OF MEETINGS The Council will hold a Special Meeting for the purpose of an exit interview on Monday, August 14, 1989, at 6:30 p.m., at the City Hall. The Regular Council Meeting will be held on Monday, August 14, 1989, at 7;30 p.m., at the City Hall. The Council will hold a Worksession meeting on Monday, August 21, 1989, at 4:30 p.m., at the City Hall.