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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-19-08-WS ~ ~HILLS Approved: March 10, 2008 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION FEBRUARY 19, 2008; 5:00 PM ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDERJROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Pro Tern Holden called to order the City Council WorksSession meeting at 5:19 p.m. Present: Mayor Stan Harpstead (arrived at 5:30 p.m.); Councilmembers David Grant, Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes (arrived at 5:30 p.m.), and David McClung. Absent: None. Also present: Interim City Administrator Jim Willis; Assistant City Administrator Noah Simon; Public Works Director Gregory Hoag; Civil Engineer Kristine Giga; City Planner James Lehnhoff; Planner I Meagan Beekman; and Recording Secretary Barbara Hughes. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously (3- 0). 1. AGENDA ITEMS A. City Hall Parking Options Public Works Director Hoag presented preliminary drawings and a cost estimate for expanding the parking lot at city hall, noting that there are limited times that the lot has expanded parking needs, i.e., election days, town hall meetings, and other well-attended City meetings. He stated staff recommends the use of porous pavements, permeable pavers, or other Best Management Practices for the overflow parking area. He indicated that the existing steep slopes and wetlands on the northern portion of the property do not allow for expansion in these areas; the area that could be considered for expansion is along the southern portion of the site, to the east of the existing city hall entrance. He added the existing lot holds 65 parking spaces, and staff has ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - February 19,2008 2 determined there could be an expansion of 45 parking stalls with a turn-around area at the end of the parking lot. He stated that the estimated cost for a pervious parking lot holding 45 spaces is approximately $150,000, and constructing a standard impervious parking lot of this size would cost approximately $50,000; however, the runoff would need to be treated to meet Rice Creek Watershed District standards, adding approximately $ 10,000 to this cost. He reported that Assistant City Administrator Simon met today with representatives of Ramsey County Public Works and they have indicated a willingness to explore their site as an option for overflow parking, particularly on election days. City Planner Lehnhoff stated the City has used this building in the past and the County has not charged for the use of the building. Assistant City Administrator Simon stated that the Ramsey County Public Works parking lot represents a good option because the parking lot would be mostly vacant during the evening. He added that the available overflow parking area is located between the Sheriff's office and Public Works. Mayor Pro Tern Holden stated that it appears overflow parking is needed only approximately three times per year. She asked if it would be possible to have the area leveled off and allow people to park there on grass. Public Works Director Hoag replied this IS an option that could be explored, barring any restrictions contained in the City Code. Mayor Pro Tern Holden asked if the expansion cost for the overflow parking lot is proportional to the number of added stalls. City Engineer Giga replied in the affirmative, adding that staff used a calculation of approximately $3,000 per parking stall. Discussion ensued regarding current parking availability at city hall. Mayor Harpstead and Councilmember Ho]mes arrived at 5 :30 p.m. Councilmember McClung asked if additional parking stalls could be gained by removing the median in the parking lot. He stated his preference would be to have an overflow arrangement with some grass that is workable, keeping this as a plan for the future when the City needs to add additional parking space. Counci]member Holden concurred with Counci]member McClung and stated she is not willing to spend $] 50,000 on this. Counci]member Grant also concurred with Councilmembers McClung and Holden. Mayor Harpstead asked if a walkway could be constructed connecting the National Guard parking lot to the City Hall parking lot. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - February 19,2008 3 Public Works Director Hoag stated this would entail less than twenty feet of sidewalk to connect the south side of their parking lot to the existing sidewalk. He added that many residents understand that the National Guard parking lot is used for overflow parking and they are willing to park there and walk to city hall. It was the consensus of the City Council to explore other viable options for expanding the parking lot at city hall. B. Sign Code City Planner Lehnhoff presented several proposed changes to the Sign Code. He stated the City Council enacted a one-year moratorium on dynamic display signage in January 2007; when staff started looking at other parts of the Code, it became evident that further modification to the existing Code was needed to further clarifY and update the Sign Code. He noted that since the Sign Code is not part of the Zoning Code, state statutes and the City Code do not require a public hearing with the Planning Commission to make changes to the Sign Code; however, in order to have additional review of the proposed changes, the Planning Commission reviewed the proposed changes at their regular meeting on January 9, 2008, and at a work session on February 6, 2008. He stated the Planning Commission came to a consensus that the proposed changes should be forwarded to the City Council for review, and official review of the changes has tentatively been set for the March 10, 2008, City Council meeting. City Planner Lehnhoff stated that a number of policy questions were brought up by the Planning Commission and staff is seeking direction on these issues from the City Council. Counci]member Holden asked how the Sign Code addresses signs that are placed on top of a huge monument. City Planner Lehnhoff replied that the sign area is calculated just by the text and graphics and the Code does not look at the area outside of that; at this point, the Code does not contain any restrictions on the sign area. Regulations can be created to address this issue. 1. Should roll out portable sil!ns be permitted? City Planner Lehnhoff explained the previous Sign Code did not specifically allow these types of signs and hence were prohibited; however, they were specifically added into the current Sign Code in 2006. He noted that some cities permit these types of signs while others ban them completely. He added the Code currently has a time limit of 30 days for this type of sign; if someone wants to continue using this type of sign, they are required to come in and get a permit. He explained from a legal standpoint, the City can regulate time, manner, and place for signs. Councilmember McClung stated he would be in favor of prohibiting this type of sign. Counci]member Grant concurred. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - February 19,2008 4 Councilmember Holmes asked if the Code could state that roll out signs are prohibited, while allowing A-frame signs with more stringent rules. Answers to Question Number 1: Councilmember Holden: No. Mayor Harpstead: Yes, with more restrictive time limits. Councilmember Grant: No. Councilmember McClung: No. Councilmember Holmes: No. City Planner Lehnhoff stated the general consensus is "no," and agreed to draft language for inclusion in the Sign Code for review by the City Council. 2. Should the A-frame (sandwich) signs vlaced in front of businesses be vermitted? City Planner Lehnhoff stated there have been an increasing number of A-frame signs being used in the City. He stated the current Sign Code does not directly address these types of signs, and added that some cities permit these types of signs while others ban them completely. He stated that staff recommends no sign permits be required if the Council determines that A-frame signs shall be permitted. Councilmember McClung stated he would be in favor of allowing A-frame signs if there are restrictions on size and length of time they can be on display. Councilmember Grant stated the number of signs in one location should be restricted as well. It was the consensus of the City Council to permit A-frame (sandwich) signs in front of businesses without the necessity of obtaining a permit. It was also the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to prepare appropriate language addressing size and length of time permitted. 3. Should the manual changini! messai!e boards be vermitted? City Planner Lehnhoff stated there are a handful of businesses that use the manual changing message boards, which are classified separately from dynamic changing signs. He added changeable message signs are not clearly addressed in the current Code and, if specifically permitted, staff recommends limiting how much of a sign could be a manual changing message board (i.e., 35% or less). It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to prepare appropriate language to specifically permit changeable message signs without the necessity of obtaining a permit and limiting the sign space to 35% or less. 4. Should internal window sii!ns require a vermit? ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - February 19,2008 5 City Planner Lehnhoff explained that although the Sign Code regulates internal window signs and permits are technically required, staff has had very little success in obtaining sign permits for these types of signs because the signs change so frequently. He stated from a staff perspective, he would prefer to have the Sign Code retain the regulations that limit the amount of window area that can be covered with signs. It was the consensus of the City Council to remove the permit requirement from this section of the Sign Code but retain the regulations that limit the amount of window area that can be covered with signs. 5. What is the aoprooriate time limit for a temoorarv sil!n? City Planner Lehnhoff stated the current Sign Code of somewhat unclear regarding how many times a property can have a temporary sign. He explained that a temporary sign is clearly limited to 30 days, but past interpretations have suggested that a property could have multiple signs for 30 days each time. He stated that staff recommends that the Code be amended to state that a property or business can have a temporary sign on three occasions per calendar year, with a maximum often days of display for each occasion, and the permits could be used consecutively. Councilmember McClung stated his agreement with this revision and added this is more in line with the intent of the Code. It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to prepare language amending the Sign Code to state that a property or business can have a temporary sign on three occasions per calendar year, with a maximum of ten days of display for each occasion, and the permits could be used consecutively. 5. Should businesses with !!rand ooenini!s and soace for rent be allowed to have additional temoorarv sii!nal!e? City Planner Lehnhoff stated the City can allow properties with new business grand openings and vacancies to have alternative temporary sign regulations and presented proposed regulations for the City Council's review. Mayor Harpstead expressed a concern regarding large leasing companies leaving their "for lease" signs on the building well after the space is occupied. City Planner Lehnhoff stated the regulation can state, for example, that ten days after a space is filled, the City will require removal of the sign. He added this requirement would be easy to track through business licensing. It was the consensus of the City Council to add regulations to the Sign Code that allow properties with new business grand openings to have temporary signage for 30 days and that allow properties with space for sale or lease to have temporary signage, provided the temporary signage is removed no later than ten days after the space is leased or sold. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - February 19,2008 6 Discussion ensued regarding the language contained in the overall Sign Code and the Clear Channel litigation. Councilmember Holden asked how the changes to the Sign Code will be communicated to the public. City Planner Lehnhoff stated the City website will be updated to include the Sign Code changes and a letter will be sent to those business owners affected by the temporary signage changes. Mayor Harpstead stated the amendments to the Sign Code will be presented to the City Council for approval on March 10, 2008. CALL TO ORDERJROLL CALL The Planning Commission joined the City Council at 6:20 p.m. for a joint Work Session. Present were Commissioners Elizabeth Modesette (anived at 6:45 p.m.), Janet Stodola, and Chair Clayton Larson. C. Former Citv Hall Propertv/Public Works Propertv City Planner Lehnhoff presented background information regarding what mayor may not be appropriate for the former city hall property, and stated that instead of inviting open development proposals for the property, a community participation process was started to develop an RFP that describes the uses and types of development desired by the City. City Planner Lehnhoff presented a summary of the meeting results with the community and a recap of what was discussed during the brainstorming session, as well as the discussion held with the Economic Development Commission. Councilmember Holden asked if staff has talked to representatives of the child care center to determine if they are interested in expanding. City Planner Lehnhoff agreed to contact representatives of the child care center. City Planner Lehnhoff stated that based on input obtained at the community meeting, there is a definite desire to continue a residential theme for the property, with potentially some interest in small neighborhood retail while retaining approximately one-third of the property as some type of city-owned or green space. Councilmember Grant stated there is an interest in affordable housing there and asked if the property could be used as a trailer park for those residents in Arden Manor who may lose their homes. City Planner Lehnhoff stated allowing a manufactured home park would require a change to the Zoning Code. He stated that affordable housing on this property is a real possibility and the City can dictate that through the RFP and purchase agreement. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - February 19, 2008 7 Discussion ensued regarding potential uses for the property and minimum price for the land. Mayor Harpstead stated he felt that a one-third requirement for open space is too high. He suggested requiring a percentage ofthe development, perhaps 20%, as affordable housing. City Planner Lehnhoff stated that with the recent changes in the real estate market, it may be prudent to first determine the desired land uses and then obtain an appraisal to better understand what the property is worth. Discussion ensued regarding demolition and cleanup costs. Planner I Beekman stated that in 2008 the estimated demolition and clean up on the property was $83,000. Councilmember Grant stated the City will also need to determine what type of access will be allowed for this parcel, adding that the amount and type the City is willing to entertain is going to drive the price, especially as it relates to a mixed use. City Planner Lehnhoff stated there was no clear consensus at the community meeting regarding access from Hamline A venue. Chair Larson stated one of his observations is that the City will have a very difficult time getting commercial through, with the traffic being the main objection. He stated if the parcel is primarily residential, this would appear to create more traffic. He suggested moving the access point further down Hamline Avenue, acquiring the right-of-way and having a frontage road, and then cutting the day care access to the south and installing a signal. Councilmember Holden expressed concern about a signal because it would create a bottleneck. Chair Larson recommended placement of a vegetative barrier on the CR 96 side of the property. Councilmember Grant stated if the parcel is developed as residential, the buffer should be on CR 96 and if the parcel is developed as commercial, he would be in favor of having the buffer on the south side. Councilmember Holmes stated one option would be for a coffee shop or bookstore type of development, including office condos, versus residential. COlmnissioner Modesette arrived at 6:45 p.m. Dave Ehresman, Arden Hills Townhome Association, appeared before the City Council and Planning Commission and reiterated the association's concerns with respect to access to Hamline A venue, potential runoff and drainage problems, and excessive parking. He stated he felt that the option of offices condos, and a coffee shop or bookstore would be satisfactory. Discussion ensued regarding market trends, the housing market, and access. Councilmember Grant suggested limiting access on Hamline Avenue to right in/right out only. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - February 19,2008 8 Mayor Harpstead and Councilmember McClung were in agreement with right in/right out access points. Commissioner Stodola noted there is a cul-de-sac across from the entrance to the day care center and if you only have right in/right out, that may impact other homes. Discussion ensued regarding access points off of CR 96. Councilmember Grant stated that access issues will present a challenge to developers responding to the RFP. Mayor Harpstead asked the City Council if they were in favor of the property having a residential component. Councilmember Holden stated her preference would be for mixed use/residential and commercial. Councilmember Grant concurred with Councilmember Holden. Councilmember McClung stated he would lean toward some limited mixed use. Councilmember Holmes stated she would want to make certain the City works with the townhome association, and added she would be in agreement with any residential, mixed use, or commercial. She stated it will be important to let people know that there is limited access to the site. Councilmember Holden concurred with Councilmember Holmes. Councilmember Grant concurred with Councilmembers Holden and Holmes. Mayor Harpstead stated he would be in favor of residential. Mayor Harpstead asked the City Council if there were residential included on the site, does the Council wish to explore affordable housing as part of that component? Councilmember McClung replied yes. Councilmember Holmes replied yes. Councilmember Holden replied she would prefer to see mixed residential and not all affordable housing. Councilmember Grant replied yes. Mayor Harpstead replied yes. City Planner Lehnhoff suggested including access as one of the discussion points for the next public meeting, to be held sometime in March. D. Tree Preservation/Landscaping Standards ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - February 19, 2008 9 Planner 1 Beekman presented a draft tree preservation ordinance and revised landscaping ordinance, and stated that the City has few regulations in place dealing with tree loss and tree replacement. She explained staff would like to compile the landscaping ordinance into one section of the code that would be more user friendly. She added that the drafts have gone to the Planning Commission for initial review as well as internally to members of staff that would be impacted, including public works staff, the city foresters, and the city attorney. She stated that since this is part of the zoning code, a recommendation will be made by the Planning Commission with a public hearing held. She noted the revised code will impact any future projects; any past properties that may have cut trees will not be impacted. She stated the City Council needs to consider how restrictive it wants to be but still get a good product out of a development. Planner I Beekman stated a question came up about those properties that do not currently mt;et the City's landscape requirements and whether those properties would be required to meet these new landscaping requirements. She noted that other cities have enacted similar regulations, which allow a three year timeline to bring the landscape requirements up for existing properties to code. She stated in order to cut down trees in your yard, regardless if you are grading or expanding, a permit would be required if the City wanted to regulate all tree removal. Staff does not recommend this: however, the City would require mitigation if the threshold of 10% or more is reached. Discussion ensued regarding what will trigger the tree preservation requirements, resulting mitigation, and the definition of a significant tree. Commissioner Modesette expressed concern about the City's ability to enforce the ordinance. Mayor Harpstead asked about heritage trees and whether a neighborhood could petition to have a tree designated a heritage tree. Discussion ensued regarding heritage trees and responsibility for maintaining trees that might be designated a heritage tree. Planner I Beekman explained that mitigation of trees should ideally be done on a tree for tree basis and stated the proposed ordinance states that significant trees be replaced by planting that number of caliper inches of trees determined at a rate of 1:2 or one inch replaced for every two inches lost. In addition, planting practices have to meet national nursery stock standards. Planner I Beekman stated another issue to be addressed is whether owners should be able to give the City cash in lieu, and indicated that St. Paul currently does this. For example, if you have a piece of property and you have to replace 100 caliper inches of trees but a landscape architect says you only have room for 50 caliper inches, the City can then (a) find alternative locations for those trees, or (b) set up an account where the cost of those trees plus 10% for installation would go into an account for tree preservation, buckthorn removal, etc. Chair Larson stated he was concerned the proposed ordinance may create a burden to a business owner wanting to expand its business because the tree preservation requirements may prohibit the business from completing its expansion. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - February 19, 2008 10 Councilmember Holmes stated she did not agree with the reduced requirements contained in Subd. 5(B)(I), (2), (4) and (5). Planner I Beekman noted that the City is not obligated to do this in any instance and the amount to be reduced can be determined by the City Council. Discussion ensued regarding reduced requirements. Councilmember Holden asked about the plan of communication for the ordinance changes. City Planner Lehnhoff replied the website will contain the revised ordinance; in addition, a ~ommunication will be inserted in the City newsletter. Mayor Harpstead asked that the revisions be communicated in a direct mailing to the business community. Mayor Harpstead asked Chair Larson if the Planning Commission was in agreement with the proposed revisions. Chair Larson replied in the affirmative. Planner I Beekman stated she has provided the revised ordinance to several landscape architects and invited their comments; in addition, a copy was provided to a professor in urban forest management at the University of Minnesota who asked to receive a copy of the document to share with his class and to provide comment. 2. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REOUESTS Councilmember Grant requested that an updated City Council directory be provided to residents; this directory has previously been included with utility bills. Councilmember Grant asked about the status of the Bethel College sign. Interim City Administrator Willis provided the City Council with a summary of the responses to the various questions posed by Mayor Harpstead to the Council at its February 13 worksession meeting. He requested the City Council review the responses for accuracy and provide any feedback. He stated the next step is to incorporate the responses into a document for City Council approval that will give direction regarding the TH 10/CR 96 concept plan. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION -February 19, 2008 11 Councilmember McClung requested a copy of the draft meeting minutes from the February 13 worksession meeting. Commissioner Modesette asked if the City Council has any knowledge on how the County and State will handle the connection of CR 96 and TH 10 if that intersection were modified south of TH 10 and CR 96. Mayor Harpstead requested that Commissioner Modesette email her question to the City Council. Councilmember Holden reminded the City Council of the blood drive on March 1st on Lake Johanna Boulevard. Councilmember Holden requested an update on the status of the Richard Wenzel matter. Councilmember Holmes provided an update to the City Council regarding her and Mayor Harpstead's recent meeting with Bill Harper, Josh Straka, and Fred Gates, the three people who work with Representative Betty McCollum, as well as Nick Riley, the lobbyist for Ramsey County, and Tony Bennett, to discuss the County Road H project. She stated that Mr. Harper informed them that they only do authorization every five years and it is done in stages. She reported that the City is going to start out getting money for the engineering design ($2 to $3 million), then it might take four years to get the rest. She indicated that Rep. McCollum can request that and Rep. Oberstar might also help. She stated she got the impression they would put in for 2010, maybe half of it, or 25%. Assistant City Administrator Simon presented an email from Harry Brull and stated that based on the responses from the City Council, the date for meeting with the first group of City Administrator candidates is Saturday, March 1st. He requested the City Council provide him with available times to meet on March 1 st as well as a second date for meeting with candidates. Mayor Harpstead suggested meeting at 8:00 a.m. on March 1 st. ADJOURN ................. ~.- " d the City Cotincil Work Session Meeting at 8:35 p.m. .~ Noah A. Simon Deputy City Clerk