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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 01-29-1990 MINUTES OF THE ARDEN HILLS REGULAR COcNCIL MEETING M~NDAY, JANUARY 29, 1990, 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. . ROLL CALL The roll being called the following members were present: Mayor Thomas ,Sather, Councilmembers Nancy Hansen, Paul Malone and Thomas Mahowald. Absent: Councilmember JoAnn Growe Also present: Attorney Jerry Filla, Engineer Terry Maurer, Planner John Bergly, Public Works Supervisor Dan Winkel, Clerk Administrator Gary Berger and Deputy Clerk Catherine Iago, CLOSED MEETING LABOR NEGOTIATIONS Council held a closed session to discuss the labor negotiations between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. ADOPT AGENDA Mayor Sather advised the City Attorney and Clerk Administrator requested Item 5 a., Resolution No. 90-07, Accepting Work and Approving Final Payment on Oak Avenue Project, be removed from the Consent Calendar. Malone moved, seconded by Hansen, that Council adopt the January 29 Agenda, excluding Item 5 a, 110tion carried unanimously. (4-0) OATH OF OFFICE; TREASURER GREEN Mayor Sather administered the Oath of Office to Treasurer Frank Green. APPROVE MINUTES Hansen moved, seconded by Mahowald, that Council approve the minutes of the January 8, 1990 Regular Council Motion carried ur,animously. (4-0) Meeting as submitted. CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Malone questioned Twin City Sanitation offers multiple rates to customers as required by ordinance; noted only one rate is listed on the 1990 application, . Deputy Clerk Iago advised she will check the application form and report back to Council. Malone moved, seconded by Hansen, to adopt the Consent Calendar with the provision that the 1990 Refuse Haulers License for Twin City Sanitation be approved subject to their offering a multiple rate to their customers, Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) PUBLIC COMMENTS None. PUBLIC HEARING GATEWAY BUSINESS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMT & REZONING Mayor Sather opened the Public Hearing on the Gateway Business District Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezoning at 7:41 p.m. Clerk Administrator Berger verified publication of the Notice of Hearing in the New Brighton Bulletin on January 17, 1990 and mailed to affected property owners the same date. Planner Bergly identified the area south of Highway 96, bounded on the west by Highway I-35W, east by Highway 10 and south by Highway 1-694. He eXplained there are three actions necessary to accomplish the rezoning of this area; amend the Comprehensive Plan, amend the Zoning Ordinance by adding a Gateway Business District and to rezone the parcels in t'le tract from 1-2 to GB District. . Bergly advised there are 16 parcels on the site and displayed a diagram showing shaded parcels which are presently developed; some of the developed parcels are considered permanent and others are considered interim. Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, 1-29-90 Page, 2 . PUBLIC HRING (Cont'd) The Planner explained the basic Rezoning of this area will not change the uses dramatically from what they are now zoned although the process for ac:ieving development will change considerably. He stated the Planned Unit Development procedure will be utilized when approving development in this area, Bergly stated there will be two basic area designations for development in this area; an individual/single land use area where a developer may utilize a minimum parcel of 10 acres and a mixed use area designation which will require a minimum parcel of 20 acres, Bergly stated generally the City hopes to have one or two larger developers for the entire parcel, although there could be as many as four different developers for the site. He also noted the PUD procedures and GB District guidelines require a higher standard of development, better quality buildings, and more open space. The Planner explained the Comprehensive Plan will also be amended and referred to the report prepared over one year ago: a map indicating land uses in the area is included in the report, He stated general business uses are proposed in the north area of the site, existing developed properties in the central area, a large area in the southern portion of the site for a business campus type development at the intersection of 1-35W and 1-694. He explained there is an area next to Round Lake that is undeveloped and this area is proposed for potential higher density residential development; this is being proposed to compliment the business development in the area and reduce the traffic impact on the intersection of 1-35W and Highway 96, Bergly noted the only major change proposed relative to traffic is to reroute the north end of the Round Lake Road West by jogging around the business area several hundred feet east of its present location. . The Planner referred to the park proposed Ofi the east end of the development and trails indicated along the lake and through the business area; those are proposed public improvements. He also explaine(: the existing and proposed residential areas on the east edge of the development area, along Highway 10, which are a part of the Comprehensive Plan amendment but not included in the rezoning. Councilmember Malone commented the study of this area has been accomplished over a two year span. He noted the rezoning of this site has numerous advantages to the City; enhanced property values in t:he area, pressing for more lIupscale development, making the best use of a site that is otherwise encumbered in terms of access, developing the area with parkland and trails around Round Lake which essentially cannot be used for any other recreational purposes and removal of current unattractive uses. Mayor Sather questioned if there was a~yone present who wished to be heard either in favor of or opposed to this matter, Ambrose 1ndykiewicz, 1920 W. Highway 96, questioned what effect the rezoning will have on his business located at the intersection of Highway 96 and Round Lake Road West; noted the proposed access places the roadway through his property. He also questioned how the business will be affected and if it must conform to the new GB District requirements. . Planner Bergly explained the plan showing the roadway realignment is schematic sense only; the alignment of the road in the final development stage will come only after engineering studies have been completed. He advised the City has studied this intersection for a long time and views the current use of the property as an interim use which will be phased out as the land values become such that it is more desirable to develop in other forms. Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, 1-29-90 'page 3 PUBLIC HRING (Cont'd) Ambrose Indykiewicz questioned if the business will be allowed to COIltinue operation. . Bergly stated it is his understanding the current use of the property is a nonconforming use which does not conform with the present zoning of the property; the use may continue to operate as long as it is not changed nor expanded, He advised if the present use is discontinued for a period of time it would be possible for the City to require a phaseout of the current use. The Planner commented it would not be the intent of the City to take action to acquire the parcel or to offer to developers for development of the GB District; if developers look at the entire tract it may be they will take action to obtain the parceL Ambrose Indykiewicz questioned if taxes on the parcel will increase due to the rezoning of this area. Bergly eXplained the rezoning itself would not change the tax structure of this parcel; stated it is possible taxes will increase as the area is upgraded and land becomes more valuable an increase will be imposed, Councilmember Malone noted the taxes are based on improvements to the property rather than the land itself, Ambrose Indykiewicz asked for an explanation of what will occur in regards to the roadway realignment if the rezoning is approved. . Planner Bergly stated the rezoning of the property and the development of the ,property are two separate issues. He advised the rezoning will not implement the plan to develop the property, it merely sets in place the possibility for developers to review the plan and see how the area could be developed. He noted the roadway alignment and land uses are designated in the Comprehensive Plan and that is forwarded to the Metropolitan Council for review and recommendation; the roadway could possibly be changed or relocated in the future. George Indykiewicz, 1920 W. Highway 91>, questioned if the existing business will have to upgrade to conform to the guidelines in the GB District, Planner Bergly stated the business will be allowed to continue its present use until such time as the property is sold to a developer or the City determines the need for access to the remainder of the property and proceeded to acquire land for street right-of-way. George Indykiewicz questioned if a bridge from this area across I-3SW is still being proposed and if the bridge is utilized will it change the realignment of the roadway through his property. Mayor Sather explained the proposed bridge is included in the plan submitted to the Metropolitan Council for their review and recommendation. He noted it is possible development on this property will not occur within the next 10 years. Councilmember Mahowald commented that the proposed bridge is not being considered as the primary access to the properties included in the GB District. . Planner Bergly agreed that traffic will have to proceed to Highway 96 and the bridge will provide some minor outlet for traffic circulation through the area in both New Brighton and Arden Hills; it will not substitute for the realignment at Highway 96. George Indykiewicz asked how long it will be before development occurs in this area. Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, 1-29-90 Pag~ 4 PUBLIC HRING (Cont'd) Mayor Sather advised it is hard to estimate when a developer will contact the City expressing interest in developing this area or a portion of the area. . Councilmember Mahowald explained projections for development of the entire area are proposed over a ten-year period of time. George Indykiewicz expressed concern that taxes will be increased on his property with the rezoning and Tax Increment Financing designation. He asked if there are any other TIF districts in the City. Planner Bergly explained the rezoning of the site will not affect the taxes on the property. He advised the TIF designation is merely a method utilized by the City to use the tax increment from the redeveloped property to pay for public improvements to the area. Bergly stated this is the first time the City has proposed implementingaTIF district and this area meets the criteria for the TIF designation. Council discussed Tax Increment Financ:j"lg and how it works George Indykiewicz stated he objects to the proposed rezoning. Mayor Sather asked for further comments from the floor. There was no response. He closed the public hearing at 8:15 p,m. Mayor Sather explained the Metropolita~ Council has not completed its review of the Comprehensive Plan amendment at this time. Clerk Administrator Berger advised a meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 1-30-90,'with Robert Overby from the Metropolitan Council to discuss any concerns or questions the Met Council has relative to the Comprehensive Plan amendment; Planner Bergly and Engineer Maurer will also attend the meeting. . Council concurred to defer action on this matter pending the Metropolitan Council review of the Comprehensive Plan amendment and their response is received. Mayor Sa~her stated the City will advise property owners and interested parties when this matter is returned for Council action. APPOINTMENT; HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Council was referred to a memorandum from Administrative Secretary DeLaRosa dated 1-24-90, relative to a request from Gordon Dean for appointment to the Human Rights Commission. Mahowald moved, seconded by Hansen, to appoint Mr. Gordon R. Dean to the Arden Hills Human Rights Commission effective January 29, 1990, for a three year term to expire 12-31-92, Motion carried unanimously, (4-0) UPDATE; TIF & RAMSEY CO, STUDY Clerk Administr:ltor Berger reported on the recent meetings he has,attended regarding TIF and the Ramsey County Study; referred to the Executive Summary that was previously distributed to Council, Berger stated the County has expressed the fear that cities are gradually capturing more of the County tax base. He explained the City Managers attending the meetings have expressed concern thet the study prepared by Ramsey County only identifies the negative impact and conCi~rns of the County and does not incorporate the positive impact of TIF in the municipalities and the fact that this is the last economic development tool available to cities. . Berger advised it is the intent of the City Manager to draft a letter to. Legislators which will be a companion to the Ramsey County Study; the pr~mary, concern is to provide the Legislators with both views of tax ~ncrement flnanclng. . . . Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, 1-29-90 P!'-ge 5 CONTRACT CITIES ORGANIZATION; POLICE SERVICES Council was referred to a memorandum from the Clerk Administrator dated 1-25-90 and a letter from Shorevie,? City Manager Dwight Johnson, outlining a proposal to o~ganize the contract cities served by the Ramsey Councy appoint one individual from each community to serve on Sheriffs Department and the Committee. Clerk Administrator Berger reported the Managers and Administrators from the contract cities have attended meetin~3 on various issues at irregular times and meet only when a significant issue surfaces; the proposal is to meet on a regular basis, possibly biweekly, and the chair appointment will be rotated on a regular basis among the communities according to a predetermined schedule. Berger requested Council authorization to serve on the committee. Council concurred that the Clerk Administrator be appointed to serve on the Contract Cities Committee to review and discuss the police services, COUNCIL COMMENTS JOINT MEETING; COUNCIL/SCHOOL BOARD Councilmember Hansen questioned if there was interest on the part of the Council to schedule a joint meeting with School Board <Officials, in response to a letter recently received from the Board, Council concurred and directed staff to attempt to schedule a breakfast meeting with the School Board and report back with tentative dates. REPORT; FINANCE COMMITTEE Councilmember Malone reported on the Finance Committee election of Tom Steele to serve as Chair; explained the cow~ittee is reviewing the assessment policies and Plan program, preparing a Capital Malone noted the Committee has been reviewing the water rates and is currently preparing a report on the rate schedule. CITY HALL COMMITTEE Councilmember Mahowald questioned if the City Hall Committee wiJ,1 be meeting in February, as proposed. Deputy Clerk Iago reported she will check with the Administrative Secretary; the meeting was tentatively schedule for February 21. REVIEW JOB DESC. PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL; PARK DIRECTOR BUCKLEY Mayor Sather recommended Council schedule a performance appraisal for the Park Director in accordance with the procedures adopted in 1989. Sather noted the recommendation by Council at the 1-22-90 worksession that the Park Director provide an update of his current job a more accurate job description for the Park Director position comparison of the Park Director and Program Supervisor duties to create and to provide a positions. The Mayor recommended a meeting be scheduled with the Park Director and Clerk Administrator to review the current job duties of the Park Director on Monday, February 5, at 5:00 p.m. Council concurred. . . . Minutes of the Arden Hills Regular Council Meeting, 1-29-90 Page 6 session be acceptable Clerk Administrator Berger reported a conflict with the February scheduled dates for Team Building; suggested the held in March. He requested Council determine which dates will be to schedule the session. TEAM BUILDING After discussion, Council concurred to schedule the Team Building session on March 30 and 31 at McGuire's Inn. BID OPENING; SIGNALIZATION LEXINGTON/CO, ROAD E Clerk Administrator Berger reported Ramsey County will be opening bids fOT signalization of Lexington Avenue and County Road E on 2-14-90, He stated Ramsey County has indicated conntruction will begin in mid April with possible completion in August. Malone moved, seconded by Hansen, to schedule a meeting on Monday, February 5, at 5:00 p.m., for the purpose of reviewing and updating the Park Director's job description and a meeting on Monday, February 12, at 6:30 p,m., for the purpose of conducting a performance evaluation for Park Director Buckley. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) EVALUATION; PARK DIRECTOR ADJOURN Hansen moved, seconded by Malone, that the meeting be adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. (4-0) Gary R. Berger Clerk Administrator Thomas R. Sather Mayor NOTICE OF MEETINGS The next Regular Council Meeting will be held on Monday, February 12, 1990, at 6:30 p.m., at the City Hall,