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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-27-09-R EN HILLS - Approved: July 13, 2009 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 27, 2009 7:00 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Stan Harpstead called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor Stan Harpstead; Council Members David Grant, Brenda Holden, and Dave McClung and Fran Holmes. Absent: None. Also present: City Administrator Ronald Moorse; Public Works Director Gregory Hoag; Civil Engineer Kristine Giga; Finance Director Susan Iverson; Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson; Accounting Analyst Joe Rueb; Travis Winter, Bolton and Menk Inc.; and Recording Secretary, Tina Borg. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE L APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Harpstead requested the motion to recognize Public Works Week be moved to the consent calendar as item 4F. He requested Public Works Director Hoag still announce Public Works Week under the Public Inquiries/Informational section of the meeting. Councilmember Holden requested item 4D be pulled from the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Holmes requested item 4C be pulled from the Consent Calendar. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember McClung ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 27, 2009 2 seconded a motion to approve the agenda as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5-0) 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL A. TCAAP Update City Administrator Ronald Moorse stated the Ramsey County Board, at its April 21 meeting, approved its support for the Arden Hills TIF legislation, to include it in the County's 2009 Legislative package and authorize representatives to work with members of the legislature to seek its approval. Arden Hills submitted a High Priority Project funding application today, for the CR H/I35 W interchange project through Representative McCollum's office. Representative Oberstar has also indicated he is supportive of this application. Representatives of the City and Ryan Companies met with representatives of the Army and GSA on April 22 in Washington D.C. The meeting was facilitated by Representative McCollum. The purpose of the meeting was to move the sale of the property forward by working through outstanding issues. The meeting was productive in that there was an agreement on a path to move the sale forward. A conference call between the City, RRLD, Army, and GSA will be scheduled for May 1 to discuss the schedule of action items. B. Motion to Recognize Public Works Week Public Works Director Gregory Hoag stated that National Public Works Week is May 17 to May 23. This is an opportunity to recognize the services provided by the City's Public Works Department in protecting and repairing the City's public works systems such as water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, street, park, and public buildings on a routine basis. He reviewed the members of the Public Works Department and recognized the number of years of service for each member. Mayor Harpstead stated that there are a number of members of the Public Works Department with significant experience and that this helps the City serve the residents better. Councilmember Holden stated that there has been a great deal of positive responses from residents concerning the Public Works Department and its employees. C. Employee of the Year ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 27, 2009 3 City Administrator Moorse stated the employee selected as the 2008 Employee of the Year was nominated and selected by the City's employees and each nomination had to be related to Exceptional Performance and Significant Accomplishments. He announced that the 2008 Employee of the Year was the City's Accounting Analyst Joe Rueb and presented him with a plaque. Accounting Analyst Joe Rueb stated that he was honored by the City's recognition. Mayor Harpstead thanked him for his excellent performance and accomplishments. Public Mayor Harpstead opened the public inquiries/informational at 7:12 p.m. Mayor Harpstead closed the public inquiries/information at 7:13 p.m. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None. 4. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Claims and Payroll B. Nancy Kneeland Resignation from Economic Development Commission C. Motion to Approve Resolution 2009-006 to Adopt the General Records Retention Schedule for Cities D. Motion to Approve Resolution 2009-005 recognizing National Public Works Week: May 17-23, 2009 MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as amended and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 5. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS A. Motion to Authorize Staff to Purchase Two New Submersible Pumps from Electric Pump Company in Bloomington, MN, for a Cost Not to Exceed a Total of$18,500, Plus the Cost of a Licensed ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 27, 2009 4 Electrician to Perform the Electrical Change Over in the Control Panel, to be Reimbursed by Presbyterian Homes per the agreement of 2008. Councilmember Holmes asked Public Works Director Hoag if he had talked with City Attorney Filla regarding authorizing reimbursement based upon City Ordinance 10-33 subdivision 4 and the Agreement of 2008 with Presbyterian Homes. Public Works Director Hoag stated that City Attorney Filla had stated that the pump purchase and the pump replacement is covered within the Agreement of 2008 and the Ordinance will cover the excessive discharge and the extra inline grinder. MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to Authorize Staff to Purchase Two New Submersible Pumps from Electric Pump Company in Bloomington, MN, for a Cost Not to Exceed a Total of $18,500, Plus the Cost of a Licensed Electrician to Perform the Electrical Change Over in the Control Panel, to be Reimbursed by Presbyterian Homes per Arden Hills City Ordinance 10-33 subdivision 4 and the Agreement of 2008. Councilmember Holden asked if the amount being requested was $18,500 or $18,600. Public Works Director Hoag stated that the amount was for $18,600. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Harpstead seconded a motion to amend the amount being requested to $18,600. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Motion was called to a vote. The amended motion carried unanimously (5-0). Councilmember Holden asked when a letter would be going to Presbyterian Homes. Public Works Director Hoag stated that it was expected to be drafted, sent, and a meeting set up within the next week, B. Motion to Authorize Staff to Purchase a New Pavement Cutting Saw from Esch Construction Supply, Inc. located in St. Paul MN, for a Cost Not to Exceed $5,374.10, to be Funded from the Equipment/Building Replacement Fund. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 27, 2009 5 Public Works Director Hoag stated in the adopted 2009 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) was the purchase of a pavement cutting saw estimated to cost $7,000.00. The Public Works Department currently rents or borrows this equipment as needed, which can pose scheduling issues for the City's crews and with Ramsey County if the City borrows theirs. This equipment will assist the Public Works crews in patching streets, water main breaks, manhole adjustments and other pavement repairs. It is estimated that this equipment will have a 20 year useful life. Councilmember Holden asked how often this equipment is used during the year. Public Works Director Hoag stated that the equipment is used about twelve times a year and the City does have difficulty scheduling the use of this equipment with Ramsey County and United Rental. The purchase of a new pavement cutting saw would pay for itself in five years based on the rental rates the City pays. Councilmember Holden asked if neighboring cities had pavement cutting saws or if one of the neighboring cities would be interested in making a joint purchase. Public Works Director Hoag stated that neighboring cities do have them but it is difficult to schedule time to use them. The pavement cutting saw has become a popular tool to use when doing patch work. Mayor Harpstead stated that the City should explore sharing specialized equipment with neighboring cities. Councilmember Grant asked for clarification regarding the City's usage of twelve times a year. Public Works Director Hoag stated that the pavement cutting saw would be used for all water main breaks which is typically about eight to ten times a year and for patching pavement cracks which is currently about twelve to fifteen times a year. Councilmember Grant stated that it may be difficult to schedule with Ramsey County. He stated that with other cities utilizing the same equipment about twelve times a year it would not be difficult to schedule something if they were joint owners. He asked if the Public Works Department had approached any other city in jointly purchasing a pavement cutting saw. Public Works Director Hoag stated that he had not talked to them directly on the sharing or joint purchase of this particular piece of equipment. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 27, 2009 6 Councilmember Grant asked if the City had discussed any other particular pieces of equipment with neighboring cities. Public Works Director Hoag stated that the Public Works Department does talk with neighboring cities on how they can share services and equipment but this particular piece had not been discussed. Mayor Harpstead clarified that if the City had a pavement cutting saw readily available then it would be used more often. Councilmember Holmes asked how much more usage the City would have if they owned one. Public Works Director Hoag stated that this would depend on the type of patch that was needed but with the equipment readily available the patches would be done correctly in a timely manner and would estimate that the usage would at least double. Mayor Harpstead asked what the City was paying United Rental when they needed to rent the equipment. Public Works Director Hoag stated that the rate was $200.00 to $250.00 per day. Councilmember Holden stated that it may be possible that one of the neighboring cities would want to share the pavement saw with the City and purchase one together. Public Works Director Hoag stated that the logistics of maintenance and blade replacement would need to be resolved and until it is it may pose a problem. Councilmember Holden stated that the City has talked about sharing equipment with other cities in the past and this is something that will continue to come up and needs to be addressed and resolved. She asked how much a blade replacement cost and how long a blade can be expected to last. Public Works Director Hoag stated that a blade cost about $300.00 and lasted about three years. Councilmember Grant stated that based on a rental rate of$200.00 and an average use of twelve times a year the purchase of the pavement saw would pay for itself two years versus five years. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 27, 2009 7 Councilmember Holden stated that the price of the blade replacements and additional maintenance was not included in that figure. Mayor Harpstead stated that when the City rented the equipment the rental price covered any maintenance or blade replacement. MOTION: Mayor Harpstead moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to Authorize Staff to Purchase a New Pavement Cutting Saw from Esch Construction Supply, Inc. located in St. Paul MN, for a Cost Not to Exceed $5,374.10, to be funded from the Equipment/Building Replacement Fund. Councilmember Holden stated that she would not support this motion. The City should be more proactive in talking with neighboring dries in order to share equipment and possibly purchase major equipment together. Motion was called to a vote. The motion carried (3-2, Councilmember Grant and Councilmember Holden). 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. To NEW BUSINESS A. Approval of Resolution 2009-007: Awarding the 2009 Pavement Management Program to Frattalone Companies, Inc., of Little Canada, MN, in the amount of$1,196,405.98. Approval of Resolution 2009-008: Declaring cost to be assessed and ordering preparation of proposed assessment roll for the 2009 Pavement Management Program Civil Engineer Kristine Giga presented a location map outlining the 2009 Pavement Management Program for the Glenarden Neighborhood. Bids for the project were opened on April 9, 2009 and the lowest bid was from Frattalone Companies, Inc. This bid was 16% less than the Engineers' estimate. She reviewed _ the costs and that these costs do include overhead and engineering costs. The project is proposed to be assessed consistent with the City's assessment policy, which states that 50% of the costs for roadway improvements will be assessed to residential properties. The remaining portion will be financed using various City ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 27, 2009 8 funds. The portion to be assessed is just under $600,000.00. The estimated per unit assessment is between $6,601.69 and $6,990.03 which will be based on decisions made by the Council regarding a few of the residential units. Five properties in the area were listed as sub-dividable in the feasibility report and counted as two residential equivalent units (REU). Upon further review, the property at 1445 Forest Lane is not large enough to be divided into two lots that would meet the current City code. As a result, Staff recommends that it be assessed as one unit. Two of the property owners listed have submitted written requests to re-evaluate the consideration of their properties as 2 REUs, because the existing homes would have to be removed in order to subdivide the property. Three of the four properties currently identified as 2 REUs would not be able to subdivide their parcels without removing their homes. There have been no similar instances on recent projects. Staff is seeking guidance on the assessment roll from the Council. Lindys Park was not included in the assessment because It is right-of-way, and not a delineated parcel. Freeway Park is a delineated parcel and is about the size of a lot, therefore, it has been included as one REU. If Staff is directed to prepare the assessment roll then Staff would request additional guidance regarding the term and interest rate for upcoming meetings. She reviewed the project schedule for the project and the two resolutions before the Council. Mayor Harpstead clarified that Staff was requesting direction on preparing the assessment roll and these would be separate from the motions. He asked if Staff was expecting to have this discussion at this time. Civil Engineer Giga stated that this was correct and discussing some of the issues at this time would be beneficial Councilmember Grant stated that the PowerPoint presentation contained information that was not in the Council packet and this would be helpful, especially those slides related to the REUs. He stated that 37% overhead seemed high and asked if this was a standard rate that Roseville had seen in their projects. Civil Engineer Giga stated that Roseville does their assessments differently in that they assess one year after a project has been completed and the amount assessed is based on actual costs. Councilmember Grant asked if reviewing past projects for Roseville would the 37% overhead be comparable to what they have seen. Civil Engineer Giga stated that she would look into this and get back to the Council. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 27, 2009 9 Councilmember Grant asked from a cost perspective not an assessment policy perspective if overhead typically runs 37% of the project. Civil Engineer Giga clarified that 20% of the 37% is engineering fees. Councilmember Grant clarified that 20% engineering fees was a part of the 37% leaving 17% for true overhead costs. Civil Engineer Giga stated that this was correct. The 37% includes 20% for engineering costs and 4%-5% for contingencies and the remainder is for legal fees and administrative fees. - Councilmember Holden asked who was doing the engineering for the project. Civil Engineer Giga stated that Bolton & Menk, Inc. would be doing the engineering. The contract that was approved by the Council last fall was for feasibility report through construction. Councilmember Holden clarified that there was a mailing that went out to the Glenarden Neighborhood informing the residents that there was a Council meeting. Civil Engineer Giga stated that the mailing did go out and there had been one returned with an expired address that Staff did forward to the correct address. Councilmember Grant stated that he had received one e-mail in support of the project. He stated that the low bid was from Frattalone Companies Inc. and Arden Hills had not utilized this company for this type of project in the past. He asked if Roseville had utilized this company for similar projects and if they had what their experience was with them. Civil Engineer Giga stated that Roseville had utilized Frattalone in the 1990's and they had positive experiences with them. Staff also talked to Little Canada and Eagan because Frattalone had worked in these cities on more recent projects. Both Little Canada and Eagan provided a good review of Frattalone. MOTION: Mayor Harpstead moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve Resolution 2009-007: Awarding the 2009 Pavement Management Program. _ Councilmember Grant asked to clarify that all the totals were correct and what the total amount of the award was. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 27, 2009 10 Mayor Harpstead stated that the total amount of the bid not including the engineering and overhead was $1,196,405.98. Civil Engineer Giga stated that $1,196,404.98 was the contract bid with Frattalone and the $1,583,141.01 included the engineering and overhead. Councilmember Grant stated that the in the Council packet it shows that the costs for roadway is $1,188,304.44. He asked if the engineering and overhead was included in this figure. Councilmember Holden stated that this was correct. Councilmember Grant stated that he had been reluctant to vote given the current economic climate for a project unless it came in well below the City's expectations in terms of cost. With the bid coming in 16% lower than what the City was expecting he would be voting in favor of the project. Councilmember McClung asked if Arden Hills was the first city in this area to open bids for a project of this size for this year. Civil Engineer Giga stated that Roseville had also opened bids a week before Arden Hills did. Councilmember McClung asked if those bids had come in similar to those received by Arden Hills. Civil Engineer Giga stated that the bids were similar. Councilmember Holden stated that she would be supporting this project because the project is less than previously estimated. She asked if the large oak tree on the corner on Skiles Lane and Glenarden would remain. Civil Engineer Giga stated that she would check the plans for this particular tree but the plans but Skiles was narrowed to preserve trees. There are a few trees in the neighborhood that could not be avoided and replacement trees will be planted for those. The motion was called to a vote. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). _ MOTION: Mayor Harpstead moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to approve Resolution 2009-008: Declaring cost to be assessed ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 27, 2009 11 and ordering preparation of proposed assessment roll for the 2009 Pavement Management Program. Mayor Harpstead asked if this motion would set up the assessment date. Civil Engineer Giga stated that the assessment date was not part of this motion. The approval of this motion is ordering Staff to prepare the assessment roll, not to set the assessment date. Councilmember Holden clarified that in the Resolution where the streets are named it shows Snelling Avenue North from Arden Place to the cul-de-sac and this should be Snelling Avenue North Frontage. Civil Engineer Giga stated that this would be checked and corrected if needed. Mayor Harpstead stated that Staff had requested guidance on the assessment rolls. Councilmember Holden clarified that the Snelling Avenue North Frontage correction would be made throughout the document. Public Works Director Hoag stated that the streets should be named what the postal addresses are and what the address is listed as in the property tax records. Civil Engineer Giga stated that she would confirm what the addresses are and make the appropriate changes. Mayor Harpstead asked for the suggestions on what Staff would like Council to provide input on. Civil Engineer Giga stated 1445 Forest Lane was listed as two REU and this property is not large enough to be divided into two lots that would meet the current City code. This property should be changed to one REU. Mayor Harpstead stated that this change would be acceptable since there are not two full lots. It was the consensus of the Council to change the status of 1445 Forest Lane from two REU to one REU. Civil Engineer Giga stated that three of the four remaining properties currently identified as two REUs would not be able to subdivide their parcels without removing their homes. The Arden Hills assessment policy does state anything ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 27, 2009 12 about placement of any structures. The assessment policy states that any property that is able to be subdivided into more than one lot according to current City code is assessed that way. This request is being brought forward because two of the property owners have submitted written requests to re-evaluate the consideration of the properties. Councilmember Holden clarified that the property was actually two lots that could be subdivided if the house was not in the middle of the two lots. Civil Engineer Giga stated that this was correct. Councilmember Holden stated that in the past there have been situations where a home has been moved in order to sell the second lot. This provides an opportunity for the City to have a deferral of one lot for these property owners. Civil Engineer Giga stated that she would look into this with the City Attorney. Mayor Harpstead stated that this would make sense. The second assessment could be deferred until such time as the second lot becomes available. Councilmember McClung stated that he would agree with this. Councilmember Grant stated that he would agree with this. The City had done this a couple of years ago in the Royal Oaks neighborhood. Mayor Harpstead stated that given the current economic times anything the City could do to keep the interest rate reasonable would be appreciated. Councilmember Holden stated that only four of the five pieces of property in question had been reviewed. Civil Engineer Giga stated that the fifth lot was currently a situation where the home is over far enough where the property could be subdivided at this time. Civil Engineer Giga clarified that 1445 Forest Lane was being changed from two REUs to one REU, the three homes that are straddling two lots are 1400 Forest Lane, 3544 North Snelling Frontage Road, and 3438 Glenarden Court, and 1433 Forest Lane is a fully dividable lot. _ It was the consensus of the Council that the three homes straddling two lots remain two REUs. AR-DEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 27, 2009 13 Councilmember Holmes asked for clarification on the per unit assessment amount of$6,601.69 and $6,990.03. Civil Engineer Giga stated that the difference in the assessment amounts would be determined by the number of REUs which may change based on the Council's decisions regarding the five REUs in question. Councilmember Holmes asked Civil Engineer Giga to explain why Lindy Park is not included. Civil Engineer Giga stated that Old Snelling use to be Snelling and that right-of- way is significantly wider than what would be typical on a roadway. Lindy's triangle is within that wider right-of-way and it is not a delineated parcel. The City's assessment policy discussed delineated parcels only and Lindy's Park is not a delineated parcel. Councilmember Holmes clarified that the other park is delineated. Civil Engineer Giga stated that Freeway Park is delineated. Councilmember Holden asked if the cost for Lindy's Park is spread through the costs of the remaining units. She asked Civil Engineer Giga to provide a breakdown of this area when the assessments are brought back to the Council. Mayor Harpstead stated that in terms of length of assessment the last assessment had been extended out to ten years. Civil Engineer Giga stated that the mill and overlay from 2007 had been extended from five years to seven years and this assessment is set at ten years but could be extended if the Council directed Staff to do so. Mayor Harpstead stated that the ten years would be acceptable. He stated that Finance Director Iverson had suggested a change. Finance Director Susan Iverson suggested that the City look at doing an equal annual installment so that the amount would be consistent and people would be better able to budget for the amount. The equal annual installment would be similar to a house payment in that the interest payment would be greater in the beginning and the principle payment would increase as time progresses. Currently the assessment policy calls for equal annual principle payments which would be a larger payment amount in the beginning and the payments was progressively get smaller. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 27, 2009 14 It was the consensus of the Council to do equal annual installments. Mayor Harpstead stated that he liked the methodology that the Council had used previously with the interest rate. Finance Director Iverson stated that what the Council had done previously was to look at the City's investment portfolio and what the City was getting as a return and add 1%-1.5% to that amount. She stated that prime at this time is 3.2% and the assessment policy says to add 2% to this. At the end of March, the City's annualized rate of return without the money market was 3.945%. She asked if Council wanted Staff to use the 4% and add 1% or use the 3.2% and add 2%. Mayor Harpstead suggested that Staff use the City's current rate of return and add 1.5% or the prime rate plus 2%, whichever is lower. Finance Director Iverson stated that what is put in the hearing notices is not set until the Council adopts the assessment roll. Councilmember Holmes clarified that the interest rate would remain the same for the length of the assessment. Finance Director Iverson stated that once the Council sets the rate in the assessment roll and adopts it then it can not be changed. Councilmember Holden stated that she would support having the rate based on the City's rate of return rather than the prime rate. Finance Director Iverson stated that the amount will fluctuate between now and the time the assessment roll is adopted and could be lower. She stated that when the notices go out to the residents the rate will reflect the City's rate of return plus 1.5% but this amount would not be set until the assessment roll is adopted by the City. Councilmember Holden asked Finance Director Iverson to check what the City had done with the last assessment roll. Finance Director Iverson stated that she would and provide this information back to the Council. Mayor Harpstead stated that the Council should discuss how to deal with Freeway Park. In the past the City has reduced City parcels and taken them off the rolls. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 27, 2009 15 Councilmember Holmes asked why the City would do this. Mayor Harpstead stated that the City would have to pay both halves of this parcel if they did not do this. Councilmember Holden stated she would rather wait to see what the cost of Lindy's Park is before making any decisions regarding Freeway Park. The motion was called to a vote. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 9. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Councilmember Holden stated that in the Admin Update it stated that part of North Snelling had been done using 45 tons of asphalt. She asked what the cost per ton for the asphalt had been. Public Works Director Hoag stated that he did not have the exact figures at this time. Councilmember Holden asked if the potholes on this road would continue to be filled. Public Works Director Hoag stated that this was correct. Councilmember Holden asked how long it took the Public Works crew to lay the 45 tons. Public Works Director Hoag stated that it took a full crew of six people one day. Councilmember Grant stated that the Admin Packet states that the City is starting to work on the flower gardens. He asked when they would all be completed. Public Works Director Hoag stated that people are being put on the project as they become available based on the other projects within the City. Councilmember Grant asked if there would be any replanting of gardens that have thinned out over time. AR-DEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 27, 2009 16 Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson stated that the crews take an inventory of each of the gardens and take plants from areas that have overgrowth and replant them in other gardens that have experienced some die off. Councilmember Grant stated that about a year ago he had asked the O&M Department to update the Emergency Response Manual and to present it to the Council. Since this has not happened yet he requested City Administrator Moorse to direct Staff to update this up to date and bring it back to the Council at their last meeting in May. City Administrator Moorse stated that he would work on this but could not commit to the date that Councilmember Grant is requesting. Public Works Director Hoag stated that he has been working on an update that the Council has not seen. Councilmember Grant stated that an Emergency Response Manual needs to be update and distributed to Council and other public entities that rely on the phone numbers being accurate. Public Works Director Hoag stated that Ramsey County does have the correct phone numbers. Councilmember Holden stated that the City needs to handle their Emergency Response correctly and this includes the manual. Councilmember Grant stated that he had attended the CTV 15 banquet and it was a great event. He recognized the valuable contribution that CTV 15 provides to the ten communities in the area. Councilmember Grant asked Public Works Director Hoag where the department was regarding the I&I Sump Pump Program. Public Works Director Hoag stated that he had met with New Brighton a week ago and Sonja from the office support staff is working with changing their database into a database that Arden Hills can use. There was an article that will be in the newsletter that is coming out. Staff is starting on the process of getting ready to move forward with the program. The final letter for the residents is almost complete. Councilmember Grant asked what the goal was for getting started. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 27, 2009 17 Public Works Director Hoag stated that he was expecting to get started May 15. Councilmember McClung stated that five to six people had donated seventeen trees to the City's parks during the Friends of the Parks tree sale. He stated that he would like to set a goal of 50 trees for the City's parks next year. He thanked all the residents who participated in the program and those that had donated trees. Councilmember Holden stated that the City should get the Emergency Response Plans for Northwestern College and Bethel College. She asked if all the residents who had presented problems during the smoke testing had resolved the issues. Public Works Director Hoag stated that the Department was working with the residents and businesses to get those issues resolved. Councilmember Holden asked if there were any problems getting these problems resolved. Public Works Director Hoag stated that with some of the residents it is a problem of trying to explain to them that it may be a clean out but we don't know that for sure and we have to work with them to determine what the problem is. Councilmember Holden clarified that Guidant had changed how they handled their drainage. Public Works Director Hoag stated that this had been resolved. Councilmember Holden asked how long residents had to correct the problems. Public Works Director Hoag stated that a time line had not been in the original plan. Councilmember Holden asked if there are any other classes that Staff needs to take for Emergency Preparedness. Public Works Director Hoag stated that he would check into what course everyone has taken and what is required and let Council know. Councilmember Holmes asked if City Administrator Moorse had sent a Thank You to Representative McCollum. City Administrator Moorse stated that he is putting that together and will get that sent out. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 27, 2009 18 Councilmember Holmes stated that she had received calls from residents regarding the Northwestern Student Center that is being considered. The residents have expressed concerns that the prayer tower is too high. Councilmember Holmes stated that the Parks and Recreation Clean-Up Day had been well attended. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson had facilitated the event. She also stated that she is working on getting a Celebrate Arden Hills Committee together. She stated that the City may start putting together some items for this since the event is planned for next year. Councilmember Holden asked how many people were interested so far. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that there were currently five members. Councilmember Holden stated that this is a committee. Councilmember McClung stated that there will be an insert in the newsletter asking for volunteers. Councilmember Holden asked when the first committee meeting would be. She stated that Councilmember Holmes should be the liaison and get started. ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Mayor Harpstead adjo e Regular City Council Meeting at &A .m. 'Stan Ha ea Ronald J. Nfo6rse Mayor City Administrator