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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 09-11-1989 . - . MINUTES OF THE ARDEN HILLS REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1~ 1989, 7:30 P.M. - CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Sather called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL The roll being called the following members were present: Mayor Thomas Sather, Councilmembers Nancy Hansen, Paul Also present: Planner John Bergly, Attorney Jerry Filla, Public Works Supervisor Dan Winkel, Clerk Administrator Clerk Catherine Iago. Malone and JoAnn Growe. Engineer Terry Maurer, Gary Berger and Deputy PRESENT AWARD; DEPUTY CLK. IAGO Mayor Sather presented Deputy Clerk Iago with a plaque from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks which confers her the title of Certified Municipal Clerk. Sather explained the certification award is presented by the IIMC for achieving its high education, experience and service requirements. Deputy Clerk Iago expressed her appreciation to the Council for the opportunity to attend the educational programs offered by the IIMC to complete the certification process. ADOPT AGENDA Hansen moved, seconded by Growe, to adopt the revised agenda as submitted, adding Item 7.a under Public Class B Gambling License at Big 10 Supper Club, from the Lions Club. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) Comments, Request for Arden Hills/Shoreview Clerk Administrator Berger noted that memorandums regarding two informational items listed on the Agenda were inadvertently omitted from the Council packets and were distributed this evening. APPROVE MINUTES Malone moved, seconded by Hansen, that Council approve the August 28, 1989 regular Council minutes as submitted. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) CONSENT CALENDAR Hansen moved, seconded by Malone, that Council approve the Consent Calendar for the September 11 meeting and authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein: a. Adoption of Ordinance No. 264, Repealing Section 2-44, 2-45, and 2-46 Relating to Ordinance Readings. b. Acknowledgment of Initial Landscape Inspection for MSI Insurance. c. Approval of List of Claims and Payroll. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) PROCLAMATION; HONORING RESIDENTS 25TH ANNIVERSARY Council was referred to a memorandum from the Clerk Administrator dated 9-7-89, relative to a request from Albert Tsai for a Council proclamation honoring his parents on their 25th wedding anniversary. Mayor Sather read the proposed proclamation honoring Yeou-Ren and Chu-Shyr Tsai, eleven year residents of Arden Hills. Hansen moved, seconded by Growe, that Council approve the Proclamation Honoring the City Residents on their 25th Wedding Anniversary,Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, 9-11-89 Page 2 PUBLIC.COMMENTS . REQUEST CLASS B GAMBLING LICENSE, BIG 10, LIONS CLUB Council was referred to a memorandum from the Clerk Administrator dated 9-11-89, relative to the request from the Arden Hills/Shoreview Lions Club for a Class B Gambling License to sell pull-tabs at the Big 10 Supper Club. Fred Haas, President of the Lions Club, appeared before Council and briefly described the organization and its operation in the community since 1979. He reviewed donations the Lions Club has made to the community over the years. Haas eXplained he is aware of the fact the Council has imposed a moratorium on the number of charitable gambling licenses issued in the city, however, he is requesting Council consider a variance from the number allocated for a period of one year, to allow the Lions Club to operate at the Big Ten Supper Club. Haas thanked the Clerk Administrator for placing this item on the agenda, the Council for consideration of this matter, and apologized for late submission of the information relative to the request. Mayor Sather explained the late submission of the request did not allow the City Attorney sufficient time to review the information and report on the matter; recommended Council forward the request to the City Attorney for review and recommendation at the regular Council meeting held September 25. Council concurred. . CASE #89-12; MINOR SUBD, 1975 GLENPAUL AVE., MEL FISH Council was referred to the Planner's report and the Planning Commission minutes dated 9-6-89, regarding the request to realign lot lines on Lots 2 and 3, Block 1, Dalsoren Addition, Mel Fish, 1975 Glenpaul Avenue. Bergly explained the request for realignment of the lot line which divides the two lots will create an equal exchange of land to the adjacent landowners and service the interests of both property owners by creating more regularly shaped front, rear, and side yards. He noted the proposal more nearly meets the requirement in the subdivision regulations that side lot lines be perpendicular to street right-of-way lines. The Planner noted that a 10-foot-wide easement for drainage and utilities should be provided by the applicant, such easement to be centered on the new lot line. Bergly advised the Planning Commission recommended approval of the request based on the considerations outlined in the Planner's report and subject to the applicant providing the easement as outlined above. Hansen moved, seconded by Growe, that Council approve Case #89-12, Minor Subdivision/Lot Line Realignment, Lots 2 and 3, Block 1, Dalsoren Addition, Mel and Eleanor Fish, 1975 Glenpaul Avenue, based on the considerations listed in the Planner's report of 9-6-89 and contingent upon the applicant providing a 10-foot-wide drainage and utility easement as recommended by the Planner. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) - CASE #89-13; LOT COMBINATION, LOTS 4 & 5, BLOCK 3, ARDEN OAKS ADDN., Council was referred to the Planner's report and Planning Commission minutes dated 9-6-89, relative to the request for the combination of Lots 4 and 5, Block 3, Arden Oaks Addition, 1462 Arden Oaks Drive, Pat and Raghu Sharma. Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, 9-11-89 Page 3 . Bergly'explained the applicant proposes to combine the lots to make one larger lo~ in order to accommodate placement of a larger home and garage. He stated the lot combination will require the vacation of the utility and drainage easement along the common property line between lots 4 and 5. The Planner advised the Planning Commission recommended approval of the lot combination and vacation of the easement as proposed; questioned the procedure for vacating an easement. Council was referred to a letter from Engineer Maurer dated 9-8-89, advised the existing easement is not currently used for utilities or drainage; recommends vacation as proposed. Councilmember Hansen expressed concern relative to the vacation of the easement. Engineer Maurer stated the easement was required when platting the land, however, it is not utilized as a drainage or utility easement; some areas of land have established drainageways prior to platting, this type of easement was required in the event it was necessary. He explained the consolidation and construction proposed across the existing lot line will result in the homeowner addressing the issue of drainage flow away from the addition. Hansen requested the Council minutes reflect the fact that it is the responsibility of the landowner to divert the drainage and remedy any drainage problems that occur on the property. . Attorney Filla advised the procedure for vacation of dedicated easements requires a public hearing by Council, two weeks published notice, and the finding by the City that the dedicated area is no longer needed for public purpose. Filla questioned if the applicant has a construction timetable and if the construction plans include a drainage plan for the addition. Pat Sharma explained the builders are ready to begin and a drainage plan is included in the construction plans. Hansen moved, seconded by Malone, that Council approve Case #89-13, Lot Consolidation of Lots 4 and 5, Block 3, Arden Oaks Addition, based on the four Items listed in the Planning Commission minutes of 9-6-89, restating that any drainage problems which occur as a result of the construction on this site are the responsibility of the homeowner, and that Council set a public hearing for October 10 and direct staff to publish a Notice of Hearing on the Vacation of the Drainage/Utility Easements on the parcels of land. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) CASE #89-14; VAR. ACCESS. STRUCTURE LOCATION, 3421 NO. SNELLING, JEFF FOG Council was referred to the Planner's report and Planning Commission minutes of 9-6-89 and the Board of Appeals minutes of 8-29-89, relative to the requested variance for placement of an accessory structure in the front yard, 3421 North Snelling Ave., Jeff Fog. Planner Berg1y advised the Zoning Ordinance prohibits placement of an accessory building between the principal structure and the front yard lot line. He stated the applicant has lakeshore frontage on Lake Johanna and the front lot line is on Snelling Avenue; the request is to place a garage 80 ft. from the front lot line. . Berg1y reviewed the considerations listed in his report of 9-6-89; noted that lake front lots probably were not considered when the provision governing accessory structure location was drafted. He explained garages do not belong between the house and the lake. Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, 9-11-89 Page 4 . CASE #89-14 (Cont'd) The Board of Appeals and Planning Commission recommend approval of the variance based on the unusual lot shape and terrain, the heavily landscaped front yard which will prohibit any negative visual impact and the setback of the garage being far enough from the street to prohibit visibility from vehicular traffic. Bergly stated the Board of Appeals suggested review of the ordinance for possible revision as it relates to lots with lake frontage. . Councilmember Growe noted the current driveway on the south property line encroaches on the adjacent parcel of land. Jeff Fog, applicant, stated he has discussed this matter with his neighbor and the two parties are negotiating an easement to accommodate the encroachment. Malone moved, seconded by Growe, that Council approve Case #89-14, Variance to allow an accessory structure between the house and the front property line as proposed, 3421 North Snelling Avenue, Jeff Fog, based on the seven Items listed in the Planner's report of 9-6-89, Planning Commission and Board of Appeals recommendations for approval. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) CO RD E/LEXINGTON SIGNALIZATION; AND EVP SYSTEM, RAMSEY COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS Council was referred to a memorandum from the Clerk Administrator dated 9-7-89, outlining the proDosed signalization project for County Road E and Lexington Avenue and the Emergency Vehicle Pre-emption system. . Dan Soler, Ramsey County Traffic Engineer, explained that Ramsey County needs plan approval from the City of Arden Hills to proceed with the proposed signalization project along County Road E and Lexington Avenue. He stated the signalization plan originally was two separate projects; it is more cost effective to combine the project. Soler noted the plan had initially been reviewed by the City and Council basically agreed with the plan, except for the EVP system. He advised the City of Shoreview has approved the emergency vehicle pre-emption system and the plan remains at a standstill until both cities concur on the system. Mayor Sather suggested Soler discuss the design of the signalization at Pine Tree Drive/County Road E and at Lexington Avenue/Red Fox Road; noted easements will be required and questioned if property owners have reviewed the plans. Soler discussed the signals at County Road E and the Highway 51 ramps; the only change would be in the control equipment to coordinate/interconnect the signals. He eXplained that at County Road F/Lexington there will be overhead signal indicators for the County Road F traffic and at County Road E/Lexington the traffic will be able to accomplish left turns in all directions on both the green arrow and a green light. Mayor Sather reviewed the problems of designing the signal at Pine Tree Drive/County Road E and the proposed driveway relocation at Lexington Ave/Red Fox Road; suggested that if the adjacent property owners have concerns/comments relative to the plan, a meeting be scheduled with the City Engineer, Planner and Dan Soler to .discuss the matter. . Soler agreed to meet with staff and property owners, however, he explained the City would have to approve the plans at this time or the two signals will be deleted from the plan at this time. Mike Flanagan, St. Paul Book & Stationary, questioned if the County would consider posting "no right turn on red" at the existing northbound off-ramp for Snelling and having all-way stop for a few seconds at the Pine Tree Drive/County Road E signal light. . Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, 9-11-89 Page 5 SIGNALS (cont'd) So1er advised that the Highway 51 off-ramps are controlled by Mn/Dot; generally it is not practicable to place a tlno right turn on redH sign at tpe exit ramp, as traffic may back up on the ramp. He further explained that an all red signal is utilized for 1 or 2 seconds at most signals, however, a longer span of time for the all red signal is not recommended. Flanagan explained there had been discussions relative to requesting a variance to remove the green space in front of St. Paul Book, realign the entrance and place a driveway across the front of the building to align with the signalization. Councilmember Hansen suggested the property owners discuss placement of a service lane across the rear of their respective properties. Council questioned if the Engineer had reviewed the plan; Maurer stated he had briefly reviewed the proposal. There was discussion relative to providing time for the Engineer to review the plan in de tail. Soler explained the City of Shoreview is requesting the project begin as quickly as possible along Lexington Avenue due to the proposed Target Store construction. He stated there are three possible actions Council could take this evening; the project can be approved as presented, approval can be contingent upon the access issues being resolved at the two locations discussed or the two signals discussed can be deleted from the plan at this time. . There was discussion relative to which option Council preferred. Mayor Sather questioned if the Engineer felt the issues could be resolved within a short period of time. Engineer Maurer stated if Council approved the project, contingent upon reaching a reasonable solution for alignment of the signal, the matter could be resolved within 30-45 days. He explained all the alternatives could be explored within that time span, however, the consensus may not please all parties involved. Ken Petersen, representing MSI Insurance, stated MSI is willing to work with staff, adjacent property owners and the County to resolve the issues and keep the project on schedule. Kevin Carroll, Carroll's Furniture, stated he did not want to delay the project and expressed concern relative to the proposed median in front of his business. He is willing to discuss realignment of his driveway to align with the Pine Tree Drive signal. Councilmember Malone questioned if the cost of moving Carroll's Furniture driveway is included in the project costs. He expressed concern that it will take extensive time to work out the alignment issue as there are very few options available for realignment. Soler stated the cost of realignment of the driveway at Carroll's Furniture is included in the project costs. _ Mayor Sather questioned if MSA funds are available for the project. Clerk Administrator Berger and Engineer Maurer stated they have reviewed the matter and the MSA funds are available. Berger noted the Council would still have the option to assess for this project. Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, 9-11-89 Page 6 SIGNALS (Cont'd) Councilmember Malone explained to business representatives that the City and County are willing to work with them to resolve the issues discussed this evening, however, the final _ signalization plan may be as proposed this evening if no consensus is reached. Soler stated if major changes are proposed in the plan the proposed project at the intersection of Pine Tree Drive/County Road E and Lexington Avenue/Red Fox Road may be delayed. Tom Cossack, owner of the Blue Fox, questioned the length of the median proposed in front of his business on Lexington Avenue. He suggested the County shorten the median so as not to prohibit access to his driveway from Lexington Avenue. Soler stated the County plan provides for movement of his driveway on Lexington Avenue to the south. He stated the costs for the driveway movement are not included in the proposal and would be the responsibility of the property owner. Soler explained that the County had discussed movement of the Blue Fox driveway to a more southerly placement when Lexington Avenue was improved; since the property owner argued for maintaining the driveway at its present location, the costs for movement at this time will be the responsibility of the property owner. Soler explained the length of the median was determined by the need to protect the loop detectors, alignment of vehicles for turning radius, and the fact the County is trying to prohibit left turns into the service station on the Shoreview side of Lexington Avenue. Engineer Maurer suggested the existing driveway remain and the southerly driveway _ proposed be added; this would provide right turn access/egress for the site. Soler suggested the driveway could be moved to the southerly border of the site to access from the adjoining property; noted there is an access easement provided along the southerly border of the Blue Fox property for this purpose. He stated the cost for moving the driveway will be borne by the property owner. Attorney Filla pointed out that the service station entrance will be moved further south on Lexington Avenue, in conjunction with the Target Store construction in the City of Shoreview. Tom Cossack favored the proposal to leave the existing driveway on Lexington Avenue and have another driveway installed south of the existing driveway, as shown on the diagram displayed by the County Engineer. Malone moved, seconded by Growe, that Council approve Ramsey County Public Works Department Plans for Traffic Signals along Lexington Avenue and County Road E, Projects Nos. SAP 62-615-13 and SAP 62-651-24, and that the City Engineer is directed to meet with the affected property owners along County Road E & Pine Tree Drive to discuss the signalization at that intersection and return to Council with a recommendation for signalization at the next regular meeting held September 25. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) . EMERG. VEHICLE PREEMPTION SYSTEM Council was referred to the Clerk Administrator's report dated 9-7-89, relative to the EVP system alternatives and costs to install the system in conjunction with the signalization projects. Dan Soler eXplained the City has three options: 1. Do not install, the system in all directions at an intersection, and 3. Install the main line of the intersections only. 2. Install EVP at the - - . Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, 9-11-89 Page 7 EVP (C~nt'd) Counci1member Malone questioned if there are any studies which show a reduction in fire losses due to the system installation. Fire Chief Winkel explained he is not aware of any studies to document a reduction in fire losses; pointed out the main concern is the safety of all emergency vehicles responding in emergency situations. He noted the main users of the EVP system will be Ramsey County Sheriffs Department and Health One vehicles. Winkel explained the signalization project is being installed due to the projections for increased traffic along the main streets in conjunction with the proposed new Target Store. Counci1member Hansen questioned what the costs will be to place the necessary equipment in the vehicles to activate the EVP system. Winkel stated it would cost approximately $1,500.00 for the activating unit; if the unit is installed in the vehicle light-bars the cost is approximately $1,000.00. He explained that some of the fire department equipment already has the necessary equipment. There was discussion relative to costs for installation. It was noted that not all intersections have to be done at this time; the equipment can be added in the future. Winkel suggested the main line intersections be done at this time and that Council consider future installation at the following intersections: Hamline Avenue/Highway 96 and Highway 96/Lexington Avenue, and 1-694. Soler stated the City of Shoreview approved EVP in all directions as outlined in Alternative A; if Arden Hills favors Alternate B, only those intersections will be done. Malone moved, seconded by Growe, that Council approve the Emergency Vehicle Pre-Emption System Alternate B, as proposed in conjunction with the Ramsey County Public Works Signalization Projects Nos. SAP-615-13 and 62-651-24. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) Councilmember Hansen questioned if the funding for these projects would be included in the 1990 Budget. The Clerk Administrator advised that MSA funds are available, however, Council will make the determination for funding of the project. WATER TOWER STRATEGY Council was referred to the report of Engineer Maurer dated August, 1989, relative to the city water tower. Engineer Maurer station appears explained there briefly summarized the report and advised that a booster pumping to be the most reasonable solution to filing the new tower; are several option for design and placement of such a facility. Maurer recommended Council consider an updating of the City's 22 year old water study be completed prior to making a final decision on the booster station issue. He referred to a time schedule listed on page 9 of his report for completion of the water study and Council action. Council questioned the cost of updating the water study. . . . Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, 9-11-89 Page 8 STRATEGY (Cont'd) Maurer approximated the cost between $3,000-7,000.00. There was discussion relative to modification of the existing booster station and the cost for installation of a free-standing booster station. Malone moved, seconded by Growe, that Council direct the City Engineer to proceed during the next 6-9 month period with preparing a more detailed study of the city water system and to outline options for filling the the water tower to capacity, at a cost not to exceed $7,000.00. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) REQ. PURCHASE FILE CABINETS Council was referred to a memorandum from Deputy Clerk Iago dated 9-8-89, requesting authorization to purchase three 5-drawer file cabinets at a total cost of $795.00. Malone moved, seconded by Hansen, that Council authorize the expenditure of $795.00 for the purchase of three 5-drawer file cabinets from S & T Office Products. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) COUNCIL COMMENTS EURASION WATER MILFOIL SEMINAR beneficial. Milfoil and Councilmember Hansen did not favor sending staff to the EurasianWater Milfoil seminar; suggested attendance at the Freshwater Institute held in October would be more She reviewed actions that have taken place at Lake Johanna regarding Purple Loose-Strife problems. Clerk Administrator Berger advised another Councilmember had requested having a staff member attend and receive update information on the problem. Councilmember Hansen explained the Arden Hills proposed Clean-up day was cancelled due to lack of volunteers; suggested staff contact the City of Shoreview regarding a joint-city clean-up day. She noted Shoreview has scheduled their clean-up day on October 7 and notice could be placed in the New Brighton Bulletin if a joint effort is feasible. JOINT CLEAN-UP DAY; ARDEN HILLS & SHOREVIEW HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY; SEPT. 23 Councilmember Hansen reminded Council the Hazardous Waste Day joint effort with New Brighton/Arden Hills has been set for September 23; volunteers are needed. ADJOURN Growe moved, seconded by Malone, that the meeting be adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Motion carried unanimously (4-0) ~~~ Gary . Berger Clerk Administrator ~~ Thomas R. Sather Mayor NOTICE OF MEETING The next regular Council meeting will be held on Monday, September 25, 1989, at 7:30 p.m., at the City Hall.