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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 08-14-1989 MINUTES OF THE ARDEN HILLS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, AUGUST 14, 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. . EXIT INTERVIEW; ROBERT RADDATZ Council conducted an employee exit interview with former Public Works Supervisor Robert Raddatz between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL The roll being called the following members were present: Mayor Thomas Sather, Councilmembers Paul Malone, JoAnn Growe and Thomas Mahowald. Absent: Councilmember Nancy Hansen. Also present: Attorney Jerry Filla, Planner John Bergly, Park Director John Buckley, Clerk Administrator Gary Berger and Deputy Clerk Catherine Iago. ADOPT REVISED AGENDA Mahowald moved, seconded by Malone, that Council adopt the 8-14-89 Revised Agenda submitted. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) APPROVE MINUTES as submitted. Motion abstained) (3-0-1) Growe moved, seconded by Mahowald, that Council approve the Minutes of the July 31, 1989, Regular Council Meeting carried. (Growe, Mahowald and Sather voting in favor; Malone CONSENT CALENDAR Malone moved, seconded by Growe, that Council approve the consent calendar for the 8-14-89 meeting and authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein: a. b. . c. d. e. Approval of Mn/DOT Agency Agreement. Acknowledgment of Arsenal Field Complex Update. Approval of Final Landscape Inspections. Approval of Household Hazardous Waste Collection Agreement. Approval of List of Claims and Payroll. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) PUBLIC COMMENTS None. CASE 1189-11; REZONING 1-2 to B-2, 3771 LEXINGTON, ROBERTS Council was referred to the Planner's report Planning Minutes dated 8-2-89, relative to the to Rezone from 1-2 to B-2 the property located Lexington Avenue, Scott Roberts. and the request at 3771 Planner Bergly eXplained the Zoning Code requires that the applicant submit a development plan to illustrate the possible results of the rezoning and potential development of the site. He noted the proposed shopping center plan submitted by the applicant does not necessarily reflect what will occur on the site and the developer may submit a plan for any of the other uses permitted in the B-2 District. Bergly stated the parcel is located between two sites on Lexington Avenue which have been rezoned from the 1-2 category to the B-2 District since the Comprehensive Plan was prepared. He explained other uses along Lexington Avenue show mostly commercial uses and there are one or two sites remaining with industrial uses which have not been discussed for purposes of rezoning. . The Planner advised the rezoning of this parcel as proposed meets all criteria established in both the Zoning Code and Comprehensive Plan. Bergly explained the Commission discussed traffic generations from the proposed shopping center on this site and indicated more trips are generated by retail/service development but will contribute less to peak hour traffic as the trips are scattered throughout the daytime hours. Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, August 14, 1989 Page 2 . CASE #89-11 (Cont'd) The Planner reviewed the internal traffic circulation problems which exist in this industrial area, noting the traffic exits onto Lexington from each site without any circulation between businesses along Lexington Avenue or utilizing the other streets in the area. He explained this rezoning, if approved, would be the first of the large industrial buildings in the area to be redeveloped; when other buildings follow suit, the traffic circulation pattern in the area and access to Lexington should be reviewed. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning based on adjacent uses and the uses allowed in the B-2 District are more compatible with adjacent uses than those permitted in the 1-2 District. Councilmember Malone expressed concern relative to the traffic circulating onto Lexington Avenue and questioned if the City could restrict the number of curb cuts onto Lexington Avenue. He stated it appears to be logical to extend the B-2 District along Lexington Avenue to the north, but not beyond 1-694. Planner Bergly advised~the options for restricting traffic onto Lexington are becoming limited; separate ownership of the parcels increases the problem. He explained the access points could be limited if the parcels were owned by the same person and there may be a chance to do so in conjunction with the industrial areas to the west of Lexington Avenue. Councilmember Mahowald questioned if the applicant has indicated when construction would begin on this project. . Bergly stated the architect for the project advises construction could begin next spring. Growe moved, seconded by Mahowald, that Council approve Case #89-11 an application for rezoning and adopt Ordinance 261, Rezoning a portion of Lexington Avenue from 1-2 (General Industrial) To B-2 (General Business. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) CASE #88-36; REVISED SITE PLAN, HANS HAGEN, COUNTY RD. E-2/CLEVELAND Council was referred to the Planner's report and Planning Commission minutes dated 8-2-89, relative to the Revised Site Plan submitted by Hans Hagen for development on Cleveland Avenue and County Road E-2. The Planner explained this matter had been reviewed by Council and referred to Planning Commission due to the site plan revisions and two requested variances. Bergly stated the Commission had reviewed the revised plan and discussed the variances for parking and sign at length. He explained the parking and sign variance relates to setback requirements from County Road E-2; a variance of 15 ft. for both parking and sign setback are being requested. The Planner described the uniqueness of the site as related to the unusually large right-of-way on Cleveland and County Road E-2. The applicant had originally proposed a two-story building which could be placed on the site without any variances. The revised building plan is for a one-story building with a larger footprint and the topography limits placement on the site. . Bergly noted Planning Commission recommended approval of the 15 ft. parking setback based on the fact the variance would enhance the site appearance and there were identifiable hardships. The Planner stated Commission did not take formal action on the sign variance. He explained that in discussion at the meeting it appeared the Commission consensus was that the sign variance would be appropriate and enhance the site appearance. Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, August 14, 1989 Page 3 . CASE #88-36 (Cont'd) Bergly explained that during preparation of an easement document for the sewer lift station on this site, the Engineer discovered the site encompasses four separate parcels of land. He advised the parcel should be combined into one parcel and suggested this could be accomplished by Council action this evening, since a public hearing is not required. He advised an easement document could be prepared in conjunction with the lot combination. The Planner reviewed the conditions listed in the Planning Commission recommendation for approval of this application. Bergly suggested Council determine what action they wish to take on the sign variance; the matter could be referred to Board of Appeals and Planning Commission or Council could take action on the matter. Councilmember Malone questioned if Council could take action on the lot combination without formal application from the applicant. Attorney Filla advised the Council could require the applicant to plat the property or require the applicant submit a boundary survey combining the four parcels. He advised that platting is a much "cleaner" process than the boundary survey, however, the City's interest can be protected with either document. Filla advised Council can take action on the lot combination without a formal application and at this time there is no provision to require the applicant to plat the parcels of land. Council questioned which process the applicant would pursue. . Hans Hagen advised he would prefer platting the parcels and questioned if he could proceed with the development based on submission of a certificate of survey and at the same time file the plat application. Hagen explained it was his understanding the lots had been vacated and he was purchasing a metes and bounds description. Attorney Filla advised Council the platting can occur after the development is under construction, if the applicant submits the certificate of survey combining the lots. There was discussion relative to park dedication for this site. Council directed staff to review the park dedication and determine if it was previously resolved when the area was first platted. Malone moved, seconded by Growe, that Council approve Case #88-36, Revised Site Plan, Hans Hagen Corporate Headquarters, Cleveland Avenue and County Road E-2, including a 15 foot front setback variance from Cleveland Avenue and County Road E-2 for the parking lot, subject to the following conditions: 1. 2. 3. 4. . 5. 6. 7. The site grading and drainage plan, including erosion control, be approved by the City Engineer and Rice Creek Watershed District prior to grading. The rooftop mechanical equipment be screened as proposed by the applicant, and required by Code, with the stipulation that further screening will be required if complaints are received regarding visibility of the equipment. Any trash dumpsters shall be screened in accordance with the Zoning Code. An access permit be secured from Ramsey County Highway Department. Easement for the Cleveland Avenue lift station and improvements be provided by the applicant prior to issuance of a building permit. The applicant provide the City with evidence, via a certificate of survey, of the combination of the four parcels of land, prior to the issuance of a building permit. The applicant resolve park dedication, if required as determined by staff, prior to the issuance of a building permit. Motion tarried unanimouly. (4-0) Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, August 14, 1989 Page 4 CASE #88-36 (Cont'd) Councilmember Malone questioned the requested sign variance; indicated there was no information in the planning packet. . Bergly advised the sign location was not identified when the revised site plan was submitted; the applicant has since submitted the site drawing with the sign location. He explained the sign is located 10 ft. from the County Road E-2 and Cleveland Avenue right-of-ways. Councilmember Malone stated the spirit of the Sign Ordinance is to keep signs off the right-of-ways in the city; agreed this is an unusually large right-of-way. He questioned if the applicant would consider moving the sign if the County were to utilize the right-of-way. Hagen stated he would move the sign as snow storage would become a problem if the right-of-way were utilized for improvement of the road. He noted the site topography limits locations for the sign and if the right-of-way was reduced the sign would have to be placed in the parking lot area or closer to the building. There was discussion relative to placing an expiration date on the variance in the event the right-of-way were utilized by the County. Attorney Filla commented the sign may become a visual obstruction for traffic if the roadways were expanded to include the right-of-ways; conditions placed on the variance approval would be appropriate in this case. Malone moved, seconded by Mahowald, that Council approve the requested 15 foot Sign Setback Variance from both County Road E-2 and Cleveland Avenue, Case #88-36, Hans Hagen Corporate Headquarters, based on the following: . 1. The unique right-of-way situation poses a hardship and the siting of the sign, with the variances, will be consistent with ordinance requirementse 2. The variance will expire should Ramsey County reconstruct the intersection so as to increase the roadway surface to the existing right-of-way line. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) REQ. PURCHASE; 1989 TRUCK, PARK DEPARTMENT Council was referred to a memorandum from Park Director Buckley dated 8-11-89, requesting authorization for purchase of 1989 3/4 ton pickup truck for use by the Park Department. Buckley reported on the price quotes received from several dealerships in the metropolitan area and explained the quotes received on either of the two vehicles he recommends for purchase are $2,616.00 over the budgeted amount. He suggested the excess funds be utilized from the sale of two used vehicles and the savings balance from the recent purchase of the public works water van. Council questioned if Buckley would be requesting funds for the purchase of a snowplow for this vehicle and what the cost would be. Buckley advised he would transfer the snowplow from the current 3/4 ton truck when it is sold if the plow is in good condition; a new plow would be approximately $1,500.00. . Councilmember Malone questioned if the excess monies saved from the purchase of the water van can be utilized for this purchase, since the monies are directly related to the utility fund. He also asked if the vehicle would be painted green. Clerk Administrator Berger advised the monies could not be utilized from the utility funds; suggested he could meet with Buckley and Lund to identify any excess funds in the budget which could be utilized toward_this purchase. Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, August 14, 1989 Page 5 TRUCK (Cont'd) The Park Director recommended the truck be purchased from available 1989 vehicles and not specially painted green, to save monies. He noted the recently purchased water van is white and there is substantial savings if a specific color is not requested; commented that other communities have discontinued using a specific color for city owned vehicles due to the cost savings. . There was discussion relative to the process of receiving quotes for the vehicles versus formal bids. Attorney Filla advised if the total cost of the vehicle is less than $15,000.00 formal bids are not required. Malone moved, seconded by Growe, that Council authorize the purchase of a 1989 3/4 Ton Pickup Truck from either Iten or Viking Chevrolet at a cost not to exceed $14,616.00 and that the Park Director work with the Clerk Administrator to identify excess funds to cover the cost in excess of the 1989 budgeted amount and have the information available at the next regular meeting held 8-28-89. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) DISEASED TREE REMOVAL PROGRAM noted the costs for MILLING WORK SNELLING AVE; REQ. EVENING HRS. Park Director Buckley reported to Council on the diseased tree removal program for 1989; due to the drought in 1988 there are more trees scheduled for removal. Council tree removal are reimbursable. No action taken on this item. Council was referred to a memorandum from the Clerk Administrator dated 8-11-89, relative to a request from Valley Paving, Inc. for possible nighttime milling operations on Snelling Avenue due to contract deadline. . Doug Vetter was present from Valley Paving to explain this is a MnDot project and he is requesting the authorization to work evening hours to complete the project prior to September 29; no construction is permitted during the Minnesota State Fair and if necessary the extended hours would be utilized. Council expressed no opposition to the evening milling hours if deemed necessary. STATUS REPORT; OAK AVE. EASEMENTS other adjacent property regular Council meeting FINAL READING; ORD 11260; WEEDS clarifies and relates Attorney Filla reported to Council that he had obtained one of the necessary easements in conjunction with the Oak Avenue improvement project and is in contact with the owner; the matter should be resolved prior to the next held 8-28-89 Council was referred to a report from Clerk Administrator Berger dated 8-10-89, relative to amending Ordinance #260 as recommended by Attorney Filla; the additional language the nuisance abatement specifically to weed removal. Malone moved, seconded by Growe, that Council amend Ordinance No. 260, to add additional language at the end of Section 16-2 (a), as follows: "The following procedures shall apply to the abatement of nuisances caused by any of the vegetation described in this section." Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) Malone moved, seconded by Mahowald, that Council waive the requirement for reading Ordinance No. 260. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) . Malone moved, seconded by Mahowald, that Council adopt Ordinance #260, Amending Section 16, Nuisances, of City Code, as amended. Motion carried unanimously. 4-0) Council concurred that the City Attorney be instructed to prepare an amendment to the City Code which eliminates the need for orally reading the proposed ordinance and offers the option to have proposed ordinances appear before Council on more than one occasion unless Council waives the second occasion. Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, August 14, 1989 Page 6 TIF POLICY STATEMENT & LETTER AGREEMENT Council was referred to a report from the Clerk Administrator dated 8-4-89, relative to the policy statement for administrative costs and letter of agreement for TIF' applicants . James Casserly, Financial Consultant, was present and explained the documents are standard and represent an effort on behalf of the city to recover a portion of the costs relating to requests for tax increment assistance. He suggested Council determine the amount of initial deposit that will be required from a developer and offered the sum of $5,000.00 due to the size of projects proposed at this time. Casserly advised that Council may request a lesser sum for smaller scale development projects. Councilmember Mahowald suggested a prOVls~on be made in the policy statement for Council to determine the amount of initial deposit. Growe moved, seconded by Mahowald, that Council approve the Policy Statement as amended as follows under Section V, Subdivision A: " The initial deposition amount shall be the sum of $5,000.00 unless otherwise determined by Council.", and Letter of Agreement as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) SELECTION PROCESS PUBLIC WKS. SUPER. Council discussed the selection process for the Public Works Supervisor position and interview schedule. Council concurred on the following: . 1. Five candidates will be interviewed for a period of one-half hour each, beginning at 4:30 p.m., at the Council Worksession held 8-21-89. 2. The Clerk Administrator will notify the candidates, schedule interview times and prepare a questionnaire for the interview process. HAMLINE AVE. ODOR UPDATE Clerk Administrator Berger reported on the methods taken to alleviate the sewer odor problem on Hamline Avenue. He noted that no further complaints have been received. Council reviewed the memorandum from Engineer Terry Maurer dated 8-9-89. DISC; TRAMMELL CROW CONTRACT Financial Consultant James Casserly reported to Council on contract discussions with the firm of Trammell Crow relative to development of the Round Lake District. Casserly outlined several negotiation strategies for Council consideration in regards to development of the district. No action taken on this matter. COUNCIL COMMENTS: BUDGET WORKSESSIONS Council concurred to schedule a budget worksession on September 5, 1989, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., and determine any future dates at the 8-21-89 regular Council worksession. . STREET LIGHT REQUEST Councilmember Mahowald suggested staff respond to the letter from Mr. Flanagan relative to procedures for requesting street lights. NEWSLETTER; SUMMARIZE INFORMATION Councilmember Mahowald requested the Clerk Administrator summarize in a cover letter the information contained in the weekly newsletter packet. . . . Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, August 14, 1989 Page 7 ARSENAL UTILITIES Councilmember Mahowald referred to a letter from the City of Shoreview relative to future options for utility services to the Arsenal and Lexington Avenue. Mayor Sather recommended the Shoreview letter be discussed at the September Council worksession; suggested the City Attorney and Engineer be present. He noted the proposed Personnel Policy for Arden Hills will be discussed at the September worksession. RAMSEY COUNTY SHERIFFS CONTRACT Councilmember Malone expressed concern relative to the additional costs proposed in the Ramsey County Sheriffs 1990 contract. Clerk Administrator Berger advised other contract cities have expressed concern relative to the increased costs; the figures represent a 14% budget increase. He noted that Falcon Heights is considering other options for police services. Malone suggested Council consider referring this matter to the Public Safety/Works Committee for their review and recommendation. COMMITTEES Mayor Sather requested Councilmembers submit a list of priority items for the city committees to study for discussion at the 8-21-89 worksession meeting; noted the Finance committee list has been submitted. He requested the Council liaisons discuss the possibility of creating a "talent pool" of all committee members and the members could work on projects if interested. STAFF MEETING; ALL EMPLOYEES Clerk Administrator Berger reported to Council an all employee staff meeting is scheduled on 8-15-89; reviewed agenda items for discussion. ADJOURN Malone moved, seconded by Growe, that the meeting be adjourned at 10:20 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) ~ 'R Iiu~ Gary R. Berger Clerk Administrator --JiM tI4-- Thomas R. Sather Mayor NOTICE OF MEETINGS There will be a Council meeting for the purpose of the annual evaluation of the Clerk Administrator held Monday, August 28, 1989, at 6:30 p.m., at the City Hall. The next Regular Council Meeting will be held on Monday, August 28, 1989, at 7:30 p.m., at the City Hall.