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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 10-16-2006 ~ . ~~HILLS Approved: CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA '''ORK SESSION l\lEETIl\G OCTOBER 16,2006; 5:00P.M. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to duc call and noticc thcrcof, Mayor Bcvcrly Aplikowski called to ordcr thc work session mccting at 5:05 p.m. Prcsent: Mayor Beverly Aplikowski, Councilmembers Grcgg Larson, David Grant, Brcnda Holden, and Vincent Pcllegrin Absent: None . Also prescnt wcrc City Administrator, Michcllc Wolfe; Community Development Director, Karcn Barton; Assistant City Administrator, Schawn Johnson; and Parks and Rccreation Managcr, Michelle Olson Pl nC Park Tour- Members of thc Parks, Trails, and Rccreation Committee mcmbers providcd the City Council with a tour of the City's park syskll1. The park tour visitcd current and/or future parks, trails, and community buildings, The following is a list of the locations that thc PTRC and City Council visitcd: . Cummings Park (old wamling house buildingltcnnis courts); . Floral Park (Buckthorn project/ne\vly resurfaccd tennis courts); . Frec\vay Park (Warnling housc building/County Road E trail) . Hazelnut Park (Wanning house building/Diagonal trail); . PCITY Park (Trail conncction possibilitics to swamp lift road & underpass); . County Road E2-(Safc routcs to school discussion); . Valentine Park (Sitc improvcmcnt discussion) . Old Highway 10 railroad sleeve-(Trail discussion). The PTRC tour orthc City's parks concluded at 6:30 PM. TCAAP Framework/Public Financin2 Discussion- . Community Dcvclopmcnt Dircctor Karcn Barton provided thc City Council with an overvic\'v or the previous rramework vision conversations. City staff has provided thc City Council with a list ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - October 16, 200() . of comments and concerns from previous work session discussions and a copy of the framework vision plan. Tonighfs meeting provided the City Council with a refrcsher on public financing options that arc available for the City Council to consider regarding the TCAAP property. Stacie Kvilvang and Sid Inman of Ehlcrs & Associates and Steve Bubul of Kcnnedy and Gravcn were present at the meeting to provide an overvicw of public financing options to members of the City Council. Ms. Stacie Kvilvang (Ehlers & Associates) provided the City Council with a power point presentation regarding TIF and other bonding options that could be utilized for the TCAAP project. Councilmember Grant asked how the counties and school districts view T1F financing. Ms. Kvilvang said that TIF financing usually equates to incrcased student populations and morc long term tax grO\vth for the school districts and counties. Typically projccts of this magnitude would not occur without some torm ofpub1ic financing, Mr. Sid Inman (Ehlers & Associates) noted that the Bcst Buy office complex in Richtield has created a very favorable economic forecast for the City of Richfield. The Best Buy project was funded with TIF dollars. The TC AAP project is currently considered a tax cxempt prope11y. The . TC AAP land would be taxable property once it is sold and appraised by Ramsey County. Councilmember Holden asked how the appraised value of a vacant property is assessed. \1s. Kvilang said that vacant property is typically assesscd based upon its market value and projected income value. Councilmember Larson noted that thc City and the developer may have differing opinions regarding the property valuc versus the assessed property valuc. Ms. Stacie Kvilvang said that the Ramsey County assessor will typically compare the vacant land to other similar properties in order to assess the land value tor TC AAP. Mr. Steve Bubul said that Ramsey County may utilize the negotiated price as the assessable land value. The property is unique in that the build out of the development will occur ovcr timc and not all at once. Councilmember Grant stated that public financing will depend greatly on the density of the project. The need tor public financing will vary depending on how large the project bccomcs over time. Mr. Sid Inman notcd that most projects of this magnitude will use a combination of bonding and . T1F dollars. Most cities use a pay as you go approach when funding infrastructure improvements. 2 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - October 16, 2006 . Ms. Kvilvang noted that the City of St. Anthony utilized 429 funds and funded the project for two years unti I the development team was brought on board. The City of St. Anthony also utilized revenue bonds for its redevelopment project. City Administrator Wolfe noted that the master development agreement will deal with the financial issues relating to the proposed TCAAP project. Councilmember Grant asked when the City Council would have the opp0l1unity to review the financial proposals and convey their thoughts pertaining to the TCAAP funding mechanisms. Ms. Stacie Kvilvang said that the City Council will be setting the project parameters up front and the consultant will eome back with options for the City Council to considcr at a later date. The City Council will always have the final decision regarding the projcct parameters. Councilmember Pellcgrin askcd what are the biggest mistakes that other cities have made when bonding for development projects. Mr. Inman recommended that cities should always provide clear direction, conduct a sensitivity study, review market conditions, and follow all state statutes pertaining to bonding requirements. . Councilmember Grant said that it is important for the City Council to understand the bonding parameters and the financial risks to the City. Councilmember Larson asked Ehlers & Associates if they predict any changes at the state legislature pertaining to tax increment financing, Mr. Inman said that he is projecting no changes to the TIF laws in 2007. Mayor Aplikowski thanked the staff from Ehlers and Associates for attending tonight's meeting and discussing public financing options for the City to consider in the future. Community Development Director Karen Barton asked for the City Council's input regarding the existing framework vision and what aspects ofthe vision that they would like to see changed. Councilmember Grant indicated that he would like to see the density of the proposed project be reduced by twenty-five percent. Councilmember Holden asked if the proposed TCAAP density was utilized by Ehlers and Associates when they presented the original financial plan. Ms. Kvilvang said that Ehlers & Associates did use the proposed density levels in the original financial plan for the City. . 3 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - October 16, 2006 . Councilmember Grant requested that the City Council have a discussion with the developer regarding the proposed density for the TCAAP project. Councilmember Holden requested that larger maple and oak trees are included in the final plans. Mayor Aplikowski noted that the water feature for this project nceds to be reviewed and discussed by the City Council. Also thc City Council needs to consider work force and senior level housing for the TCAAP site. Councilll1ember Pellgrin said that he is concel11ed that the City does not have a plan or structure in place regarding the development process. Mayor Aplikowksi noted that the project developers and financial planners will come back to the City Council with a plan that will work financially for Arden Hills. Community Development Director Karen Balion said that the intent of this discussion was at the rcquest of the City Council to discuss issues and their project wish list regarding the TCAAP property. More structured discussions will occur in the near future that include the developer and the City's financial advisors. Councilmember Holden noted that the current City Council had minimal input in the original . TCAAP vision. City Administrator Wolfe said that during the master planning phase of the project, membcrs of the City Council will have the opportunity to discuss the plan in more detail. It will be a more orderly process during the master planning stage. At this time, we are asking for City Councils input regarding their likes and dislikes of the vision. Councilll1ember Holden statcd that the pond is an expensive amenity, but it may necessary for stoml water treatment. City Administrator Wolfe noted that a number of the potential developers raised concems about the proposed "wagon wheel" design and the traftic pattems that the proposed vision would create. Councilll1ember Holden asked how does the proposed development plan combine and cOlmect the old Arden Hills with the new Arden Hills. City Administrator Wolfe said that it is important for the City to create connectivity between the City by setting standards for signs, benches, trash cans, etc... Councilmember Grant noted that a large tenant may be needed during the phase one portion of thc TCAAP project to ensure economic vitality. Highway 96 is the window of the development . project. It is important to have something to draw people to this location. 4 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - October 16,2006 . Mayor Aplikowski noted that the City has a great oppot1unity with the TCAAP property, but also great responsibility to ensure that the project is economically feasible for the City. Councilmembcr Holden stated that the City may want to consider the possibility of having a development with 60% residential and 40% commercial/industrial. Councilmember Grant reiterated that he does not want the current residents of Arden Hills to pay for this project. Councilmembcr Holden asked for an update regarding the wildlife conidor area. City Administrator Wolfe said that very little has changed regarding the wildlife corridor area. It was included in the offer to purchase as a "public benefit" conveyance. Councilmember Holden asked what percent of the TCAAP property is scheduled to be green space. Community Development Director Balion said that approximately forty acres of green space is proposed in the project. Councilmember Larson said that he is not concemcd about the lack of a retail center and not . having a defined downtown area in Arden Hills. Councilmember Grant is conccmed about how the City will pay for the proposed TCAAP operating costs. Community Developmcnt Director Karen Barton announced that congressional staff is reviewing the proposed offer to purchase between the City and thc GSA. The congressional staff will make a recommendation to the House and Senate sub-committees that will be responsible for reviewing and hopefully approving the offer. Discuss Proposed Interim A2reement with CRR- Community Development Director noted that the City has a preliminary development agrecment with CRR for the City Council to review. City Attomey Steve Bubul provided the City Council with an overview of the proposed agreement and language changes that were made from the previous agreement. Mr. Steve Bubul noted the proposed preliminary agrecment is meant to be a bridge bcfore the City may begin working on a master development agreement. The proposed agreement establishes the criteria for establishing a Tlf District and outlines CRR's obligation to pay the City for expenses that are occuned prior to when the interim agreement expired. In the agreement there is no dollar cap and the City provides CRR with exclusive negotiation rights for . a set period of time. 5 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - October 16, 2006 . Councilmember Larson said that the CUlTent framework vision was the result of a long process that brought many different groups of people to the table. The vision should be used as a framework [or moving forward with this project. Councilmember Holden said that the current City Council must have the opportunity to review the vision and create a plan that fits the community as a whole. Councilmember Larson said that the vision was part of a process that brought many different interest groups to the table to create a plan that is workable for the City. Mr. Bubul also noted that the proposed agreement states that the developer must follow the written standards agreed upon by the City, as long as the City negotiates in good faith. Councilmember Holden asked if the City can utilize a new developer. City Administrator Wolfe said that the City could explore this option, but it would be difficult for the City to find a new developer that meets the GSA' s requirements. Councilmember Larson said that it is imp0l1ant for the City Council to begin discussing proposed land uses and not density at this time. Mayor Aplikowski said that she is not concerned about density at this time. She is more . concerned about locations for the proposed land uses. Mr. Steve Bubul said that developers are looking for an agreement that creates on-going discussions with the City. The developer would prefer to work off a City development plan or vision in order to gain a better understanding of the proposed development project. Councilmember Holden asked when the next GSA payment due? Community Development Director Karen Barton said that the next payment is due after congressional approval. Councilmember Grant asked if environmental insurance is addressed in the agreement. Mr. Bubul said that environmental insurance was not covered in the first agreement, but it can be included in the proposed agreement. Mr. Bubul will modify the proposed agreement and present the City Council with a modified agreement at a future meeting. Mounds View School District Resolution Discussion- City Administrator Michelle Wolfe noted that the Neighbors United group requested the City of Arden Hills to pass a resolution supporting the passage of an operating levy for the Mounds View School District on November ih. At this time, the City of Shoreview has passed a resolution . supporting the operating levy. The Cities of New Brighton and Mounds View have decided not to take fornlal action in support of the operating levy, but agreed that individual council members 6 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - October 16, 2006 . could supp0l1 the initiative by writing letters or voicing their personal support to the School Board and Neighbors Untied. In the past, the City Council has agreed not to support or disapprove the actions of other political bodies. Councilmember Holden recommended that the City remain status quo in regard to not taking a stance on political issues that are not deemed City business. Councilmember Grant said that he does not believe it is the City Council's role to support levy referendums through a resolution. Councilmembcr Pellegrin said that he does not support the City's passing of a resolution on this matter. Mayor Aplikowski said that she is not supportive of passing a resolution created by a parent or neighborhood group that is not directly affiliated with the school district. Membcrs of the City Council agreed that the proposed resolution will not be placed on a future City Council meeting agenda. Geese Removal Discussion- Community Development Director Karen Barton noted that the Canada Geese numbers in the . metropolitan area have grown dramatically over the last few years. City Hall has received a number of complaints from residents regarding geese, wild turkeys, deer, and moles destroying vegetation, fouling the area, causing property damage, and even becoming aggressive. Therc are a number of ways in which the City could deal with nuisance wild life. None of the proposed methods are 100% effective. The proposed methods may also not be socially acceptablc or without cost to the City, The following is a list of methods for which the City Council may wish to consider regarding wild life nuisance control: . Controlled hunting of the animals; . Non-lethal management techniques used by the DNR, including barrier fences, scare tape, energized fences, hazing, and landscaping; . Trapping and relocation. Mayor Aplikowski said that she does not believe that wild life nuisance control should be the responsibility of the City. It should be a resident and homeowner association issue. Council member Pellegrin said that animal control is not a public safety issue. It is more of a quality oflife issue. Councilmember Larson noted that the City currently contributes 5500.00 per year towards geese . removal for Lake Johanna. There have becn problems with geese at the beach in the past. 7 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - October 16, 2006 .~.- Councilmember Pellegrin said that in his opinion the only reason why the City should get '. involved in wild animal control is when it is deemed a public safety problem. Councilmember Grant said that he is not supp0l1ive of the City providing assistance for wild animal control. Councilmember Larson said that the City may have a problem with geese at the Tony Schmidt Park public beach if they do not continue to remove the geese on a yearly basis. Mayor Aplikowski noted that the beach should be the responsibility of Ramsey County and not the City. Councilmember Larson said that Ramsey County has refused to pay for this service in the past. City Administrator Wolfe said that City stat I will provide information to the public regarding animal control issues and will only address animal control issues that could impact public safety in Arden Hills. Council Comments and ReQuests- Councilmember Larson raised a question about proposed variances to driveways. He was wondering if the City Council should review the issue of multiple access driveways at a future . meeting. It was his understanding that the City Council's intent was to have one paved driveway access per property owner. Members of the City Council were in agreement that residents should be allowed only one paved driveway access in Arden lElIs. City Administrator Michelle Wolfe stated that a few of the residents along Siems Court are upset about the narrowing of the roadways in the 2006 PMP project. City staff is working on a response to the residents concerns and will forward a copy of the response to you in the weekly administrative rep0l1. Mayor Aplikowski adjourned the Work Session meeting at 9:45 p.m. . ~~~~ ~ ~. Beverly Mayor City Administrator . 8