Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-21-09-WS ,,,-A.IR LENNSILLS Approved: October 26, 2009 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 21, 2009 5:00 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 City Council Work Session meeting at 5:00 p.m. Present: Mayor Stan Harpstead Council Member David Grant (arrived at 5:08 p.m.) Council Member Brenda Holden Council Member Fran Holmes Council Member Dave McClung Not Present: City Attorney Jerry Filla (excused) Also present: City Administrator Ron Moorse Community Development Director James Lehnhoff Park and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson Public Works Director Greg Hoag City Planner Meagan Beekman Craig Gallup, Musko George Altendorfer, Ramsey County Sheriff's Department Marcus Thomas, Bolton & Menk 1, AGENDA ITEMS A. Green Lighting System for Hockey Rinks and Softball Fields Park and Recreation Manager Olson presented the City Council with information on the lighting systems for hockey rinks and softball fields utilizing more energy efficient lighting. She noted the PTRC had reviewed this information as well. Park and Recreation Manager Olson indicated that Musko was the easiest and most cost effective option including the transition to new fixtures. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION -SEPTEMBER 21,2009 2 IA. Green Lighting System for Hockey Rinks and Softball Fields (continued) Craig Gallup, Musko thanked the Council for their time and gave a formal presentation about athletic lighting, energy efficiency and Iife cycle costs. He noted that Musko was responsible for 80% of the outdoor athletic lighting in the State of Minnesota. Mr. Gallup indicated that not all outdoor lighting was created equally and that the cost of replacement, along with the utility expense should be taken into consideration. He noted that some lighting systems are even going wireless. Further explanation was given regarding the relation of spilled light in relation to the height of the light pole. Lastly he reviewed the pricing for various lighting systems and noted there were grants available for the systems. After his presentation, Mr. Gallup asked for comments or questions from the Council. Councilmember Holden questioned the warm-up period of the lights. Mr. Gallup explained that the ?fights took roughly five to six minutes to warm up and light at their peak level. Mayor Harpstead questioned if the existing poles could be used for the new lights and asked the age of the poles. Mr. Gallup stated he would work with the current light poles and that this would be a cost savings to the City. Park and Recreation Manager Olson stated that she was unsure but thought that the poles were at least 15 years old. Mayor Harpstead asked if there were complaints about light spilling over from the hockey rinks for ball fields. Park and Recreation Manager Olson explained there have been calls from concerned citizens if the lights are left on beyond the allotted times. Mayor Harpstead felt this lighting system was a step in the right direction both economically and environmentally. He thanked Mr. Gallop for his presentation. It was the consensus of the Council to direct staff to pursue the new green lighting system grant opportunities. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-SEPTEMBER 21,2009 3 B. Police Service Review George Altendorfer, Ramsey County Sheriff's Department presented the City Council with information on police services. He introduced Commander Joe Paget with the County and Commander Mike Salter. Mr. Altendorfer reviewed staffing analysis, technology advancements, historical data and additional statistical information with the Council. He indicated that the City of Arden Hills contract for services in 2010 did decrease slightly. Mayor Harpstead questioned the number of investigations done on a yearly basis in Arden Hills. Mr. Altendorfer indicated he did not have that number in front of him, and could get back to the Council with that information. He then reviewed the averarV ge response time to service calls. Discussion ensued regarding the 2010 budget numbers along with the patrol deputy scheduling. Mayor Harpstead questioned the current staffing level for the City of Arden Hills. Mr. Altendorfer noted the City currently had a staffing level of 5.5 FTE deputies and felt that this number should be higher than is currently suggested within the contract but that he understands this number will be maintained into the foreseeable future. He felt the police services were operating very efficiently between the cities - served. Mr. Altendorfer then reviewed the number of calls in the City. Councilmember Grant stated the information missing was the distribution of power shift calls by City or squad. Mr. Altendorfer stated he received the CAD information today and that those numbers had not been reviewed. Councilmember McClung questioned if the department could present the City with the number of calls received by time of day. He noted that the largest portion of calls were assist/medical. Mr. Altendorfer indicated this information could be brought back to the City. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-SEPTEMBER 21,2009 4 IB. Police Service Review (continued) Councilmember McClung indicated the fire department has presented the City with a new staffing model to provide 24/7 service with full EMT services. He questioned. if the police department would have to also respond to the medical calls or if they could remain on patrol. Mr. Altendorfer stated he would like to wait and see how the quality of the resource was, along with reviewing the response time. Mayor Harpstead felt this was a good point in that the City of Arden Hills did not need five emergency vehicles responding to a single event. He suggested that the management of these calls would be critical going forward. Councilmember Holmes questioned how Ramsey County parks were staffed, if this was local police or County. Mr. Altendorfer explained there was a water patrol unit made up of three deputies, a sergeant and a commander. These officers were responsible for all the waterways in the County and 6,000 acres of county parks. He noted their primary responsibility was to the parks but indicated that local law enforcement would assist in an emergency situation. Additional reserve officers, community service officers, and part time officers are called in when needed. Mayor Harpstead questioned if each City involved in the shared police services had a 5.5 FTE. - Mr. Altendorfer stated it requires a minimum of 5.5 FTE patrol depuies to provide one squad 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Further discussion ensued regarding the speed board stats along with the location and mobilization of the units. Councilmember Holden expressed concern that the Ramsey County speed board was not placed in the City until she raised the issue with public works. She questioned if there could be a set schedule to rotate the units. Mr. Altendorfer indicated this was mostly complaint driven. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-SEPTEMBER 21,2009 5 IB. Police Service Review (continued) Mayor Harpstead noticed a trend that the City of Arden Hills has had reduced use of the speed boards throughout the City over the past several years and would like this to be addressed. Mr. Altendorfer further reviewed visibility information with the Council and then asked for comments or questions. Councilmember Holden expressed concern about the visibility contacts noted by one officer as they were always in the same pattern and at the same convenience stores. She indicated she would like to see more visibility in the neighborhoods. Councilmember Holmes agreed and encouraged the squad cars to stop at the neighborhood parks and speak with the children. Mr. AItendorfer stated this was left more to the community service officers. Mayor Harpstead explained that increased visibility in the neighborhoods and parks would build community throughout of the City of Arden Hills and serve the residents well through the contract police services. Councilmember Grant questioned how the deputies were not able to drive all 30 miles of roadway more often. He stated he would be interested in doing aride-a- long to get a better understanding of how the officers were serving the community. Mr. Altendorfer noted this was a good point and has been made by other City's as well. He indicated the relief deputy was suggested for greater visibility but was pulled from the budget. This was a challenge for the group as it came down to the resources available to the City. A substantial change in visibility would mean a change in staffing levels. Mayor Harpstead noted the Council could suggest which areas need increased police presence to assure they are on a required route. Mr. Altendorfer explained that Arden Manor has the largest number of calls at this time. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-SEPTEMBFR 21,1009 6 IB. Police Service Review (continued) Mayor Harpstead reviewed a list of initiatives for administrative citations suggested by the Sheriff's Department and the first one would be to institute a false alarm fee. Mr. Altendorfer explained that 99% of the alarms responded to by the department were false. Further information was provided about Project Lifesaver and how it would track people at risk. Information was sent out to each City Manager to be provided to its residents. Mayor Harpstead suggested that Project Lifesaver be written into an upcoming City newsletter. Discussion ensued regarding parking concerns in the City within neighborhoods and in the parks. Mr. Altendorfer noted that 150 overnight parking tickets are given each year and some will be for the chronic offenders while the others might be one time offenders. Councilmember Holmes stated she would be in favor of handing out warnings to first time offenders. Mayor Harpstead thanked the sheriff deputies for their report and dedicated service to the City. C. Update on Erosion Correction Project on the Old City Hall Trail Public Works Director Hoag presented the City Council with information on an erosion correction project on the old City Hall trail. He noted the Council approved preliminary engineering and surveying of the site earlier this summer. Public Works Director Hoag indicated Bolton & Menk completed this work and were present to review the information in detail. Marcus Thomas, Bolton & Menk reviewed the drainage concerns on the property and noted there were three possible ways to solve the issue. He explained the water currently washes off the trail into the southwest corner of Mr. Nelson's property and then onto the Reiling property. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-SEPTEMBER 21. 2009 7 IC. Update on Erosion Correction Project on the Old City Hall Trail (continued) Mr. Thomas stated he was proposing minor changes in the flow routes but stated the water would end up in the same place. Mayor Harpstead questioned if the proposed changes would create water concerns elsewhere. He stated he would be in favor of a long term solution. Mr. Thomas stated he was proposing the water flowing through a different area of the property that was heavily wooded and more naturally resistant to erosion. He explained that the townhome property slopes and drains towards the trail. The trail would need to be tipped the other direction to channel the water and flow south. Public Works Director Hoag explained that the standards for installing trails 15 years ago were different than the standards today. He noted this trail needed a two foot bench and was built too wide at eight feet along the ten foot easement. Councilmember Holden questioned when the next scheduled maintenance was for the entire trail. Public Works Director Hoag stated there has been some crack filling over the years and the trail would need major rehabilitation in the five to seven year range. Discussion ensued regarding the drainage issues surrounding the Old City Hall trail. Mr. Nelson presented the Council with his findings and felt that the trail was too big and too close to the hill. He felt the most effective solution was a retaining wall. Councilmember Holmes questioned if the retaining wall would then shift the erosion problem to the neighboring property. Mr. Nelson felt this was the case. Mr. Thomas further reviewed his proposal to change the grade of the trail to tip it away from Mr. Nelson's property. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-SEPTEMBER 2112009 8 IC. Update on Erosion Correction Project on the Old City Hall Trail (continued) Councilmember Holden questioned how the City would handle future erosion concerns on the Reding property if they chose to develop the site. Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated he was not sure how this would be handled but noted there was a wetland on that site. Discussion ensued regarding the retaining wall location along with the grading of the property. Councilmember Holden questioned if the City's insurance would cover the retaining wall as the City's water caused the erosion on the property. City Administrator Moorse stated he would check into this. Public Works Director Hoag reviewed several pictures of the site with the Council. Mayor Harpstead questioned if Mr. Nelson would be in favor of the retaining wall even if it meant losing the tree. Mr. Nelson stated he would as the retaining wall would allow him to shield his property from the trail, as he would add additional shrubs. Mr. Thomas further reviewed Options 1-3 with the Council in detail. Mayor Hargstead questioned if the retaining wall would pose future maintenance concerns to the trail. Mr. Thomas felt that the retaining wall was proposed to be set back far enough from the trail to get equipment through to work on the trail Councilmember Grant stated he was in favor of the multi-layered retaining wall to resolve the drainage concerns and allow the homeowner to screen the trail from his property. Councilmember Holden clarified that the retaining wall was roughly $25,000- $30,000 and questioned the additional expense to reconstruct the trail. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-SEPTEMBER 21 2009 9 IC. Update on Erosion Correction Project on the Old City Hall Trail (continued) Mr. Thomas explained the trail reconstruction would be an additional $15,000- $20MOO. Councilmember Holmes questioned if the Council were to proceed with Option 2 if the City would have to provide compensation to Mr. Nelson due to the fact that a portion of his yard has been damaged. Mr. Thomas said that the trail grade could be changed with cover provided to the irrigation system. He noted there were mitigation efforts the City could take on the trail to alleviate future concerns. Mr. Nelson commented that he felt the reconstruction of the trail would not solve the erosion concerns due to the location of the trail on the easement. Councilmember McClung indicated that Option 2 and Option 3 would both push the water problem further south and stated the Council should consider this when making a decision. Mayor Harpstead explained he would like to review the easement location and size near this trail. He noted he was in favor of Option 3 creating a retaining wall. Mayor Harpstead suggested the tree on the townhome property be spared and that additional landscaping be added to the retaining wall to assist in absorbing the water. - Councilmember Grant indicated the water flowing onto the Reding property would be entering a wetland which was undevelopable. He stated he was in favor of saving the townhome's tree as well as this plan moves forward. Councilmember Holden questioned what staff would recommend for the height of the retaining wall. Mr. Thomas noted this would be an aesthetic decision and that from an engineering perspective; it would not make a difference. Councilmember Holden stated she would like to minimize the expense of the retaining wall. RDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-SEPTEMBER 21 2009 10 I C. Update on Erosion Correction Project on the Old City Hall Trail (continued) Mayor Harpstead indicated staff would need to come back with a proposal on the two tiered retaining wall before Council would approve the expense. Councilmember McClung noted he would be in favor of the retaining wall but expressed concern for pushing the water problems to the south and having this become and erosion concern in the future. He suggested this effect should be minimized. It was the consensus of the Council to direct staff to explore the parameters of putting a retaining wall on Mr. Nelson's property to address the erosion concerns. D. Shoreland Management Ordinance Worksession City Planner Beekman presented the City Council with a brief background on the Shoreland Management Ordinance. The Planning Commission had discussed this issue at two work session meetings along with the Shoreland Ordinance being discussed at a neighborhood meeting. She reviewed the potential changes under seven bullet points with the Council and asked for further comments. Councilmember Holmes questioned the meaning of the term Mayor Harpstead explained this was not a boat lift but rather a lift system used for handicap accessibility to the waterfront. He suggested that the quality of these lifts be regulated by the City to assure the public's safety. Councilmember Holden asked why the accessory structure was set at 120 square feet and felt this number was too high. City Planner Beekman stated this was the current City regulation and that all buildings less than 120 square feet did not require a building permit. Mayor Harpstead stated he would be in favor of storage bins or containers as opposed to structures or sheds. He suggested the sheds be smaller or that they be pushed back farther from the water. Mayor Harpstead added that he would not be in favor of the sheds having power. Discussion ensued regarding fences and landings.. AIRDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-SEPTEMBER 21 2009 11 ID. Shoreland Management Ordinance Worksession (continued) City Planner Beekman explained that the current regulations do not speak to fences. She noted the DNR exempts fences as structures, and from a practical point of view the City has granted fence permits in the past up to the ordinary high water level. The new regulation would require that fences be set back at least 25 feet from outside of the shore impact zone. Mayor Harpstead suggested a lot line fence be allowed within the shoreline impact zone but any others would need to be out of the shore impact zone. He added that staff should do some research on retaining walls to see how they are regulated in neighboring communities. Further discussion was held regarding the average setback to the lake regulation. The Council was in favor of keeping the current language in the Ordinance as it provided a way to regulate the average setback along the lake shore. City Planner Beekman reviewed dock size information with the Council. She noted the Ordinance would allow for a four foot minimum dock or up to 10% of the lot width. Discussion ensued regarding the storage of boat lifts or inoperable material within the shore impact zone. City Planner Beekman indicated this area of the Ordinance was the most concerning to the Lakeshore owners and that they were not in favor of additional regulations. She added that additional regulations would be difficult for the City to enforce as many of the properties were hard to view from public land. Mayor Harpstead suggested that inoperable boat lifts be stored outside of the shore impact zone. After further discussion, the Council was in favor of keeping the proposed language to regulate inoperable boat lifts. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-SEPTEMBER 21,2009 12 ID. Shoreland Management Ordinance Worksession (continued) City Planner Beekman reviewed information on the storage of non-motorized watercrafts. She indicated kayaks, canoes and paddle boats were allowed to be stored in the shore impact zone. Councilmember Holmes suggested the number of non-motorized watercrafts be limited to three. Mayor Harpstead asked that staff look into the storage of watercrafts on the Lakeshore not belonging to the property owner, and if this should be further regulated. Staff noted they would address this concern. The Council came to a consensus to maintain the proposed non-motorized watercraft language and not limit the number of watercrafts. City Planner Beekman reviewed the permeable surface credit information. She indicated the Council and Planning Commission want to promote native plantings and Lakeshore restoration projects. Staff continues to work out the details on this concept but would like to -allow credits to homeowners that expand their hard surface coverage with a permeable finishes if they did an equal amount of shoreline restoration. Mayor Harpstead noted he had no objections provided it was immediately adjacent to the shoreline. Community Development Director Lehnhoff agreed stating the language would need to be worked out to promote the idea of using native plantings. He noted the performance standards could be set within the Ordinance as well. Councilmember Holden questioned if this would further reduce the green space for shoreland homeowners. Councilmember Holmes stated this may reduce the green space but would increase the plantings along the shoreline and would reduce the geese concerns. Councilmember McClung and Councilmember Holden stated they were not in favor of the concept and stated they would need further information before this idea would proceed. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-SEPTEMBER 21, 2009 13 ID. Shoreland Management Ordinance Worksession (continued) City Planner Beekman stated that staff would like to tie together increase impermeable surfaces to shoreline protection and that the details would need to be filled in. It was the consensus of the Council to direct staff to bring the Shoreland Management Ordinance back to the Planning Commission for their recommendation and then be brought back to the Council in a worksession meeting. E. Draft Revised Traffic Sign Policy/Dellview Glenview Intersection Update Public Works Director Hoag presented the City Council with information on a revised traffic sign policy. He reviewed the current sign placement request used by the City. There were five sign classifications at this time. Discussion ensued regarding the sign policy and if this policy should be handed out to the residents. Mayor Harpstead suggested the language read "street sign request", to reduce the confusion with any other sign ordinance in the City. Councilmember Holmes felt that not enough information was provided on when traffic signs were warranted. Mayor Harpstead indicated he would like to see an informational sheet provided to the homeowners of what the warrants are, but that the final discretion was left up to the Council. Councilmember McClung stated he would like to review the City of Roseville's guidelines. Councilmember Holmes suggested that the information to the public be less than what is written within the policy. Public Works Director Hoag noted there were clear cut guidelines for stop signs, but questioned how the City would further regulate no parking on the various streets throughout the City with some being state aid streets. He indicated there were a lot of gray areas throughout the sign regulations. RDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION -SEPTEMBER 21 2009 14 IE. Draft Revised Traffic Sign Policy/Dellview Glenview Intersection Update (continued) It was the consensus of the Council to direct staff to review the information, address the street signs and work in additional language regarding the stop signs, and bring back to Council for approval as a Consent Item. Public Works Director Hoag asked if the Council was in favor of acting formally on the sign at Dellview and Glenview. He indicated the warrant analysis does not warrant a sign. Mayor Harpstead noted the Council does not need to take any formal action at this time, as the sign is not warranted. Councilmember McClung questioned if a sign had been requested. Public Works Director Hoag noted there was a request in writing after the sign was removed but that nothing further has come from the conversation. Mayor Harpstead suggested the sign policy be forwarded to the individual to clarify the City's position on traffic signs. F. Celebrating Arden Hills Park and Recreation Manager Olson presented the City Council with an update on Celebrating Arden Hills. She reviewed the ideas the Committee has devised thus far, the first being to move the celebration to the fall. Park and Recreation Manager Olson noted they have also suggested making the festival a two day event. The first day would involve an art exhibit at City Hall with a wine tasting. She reviewed this idea with the City Attorney and explained that it would be allowed if hosted by a vendor with a liquor license that also catered. Councilmember Grant questioned if the Council was in favor of the wine tasting event and asked if this should be an event that is charged a fee. Councilmember Holden asked how the committee felt they would raise $15,000 to cover the expense of the event. She indicated she would not be in favor of the City covering any portion of that expense. RDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION- EPTEMB R 21 2009 15 IF. Celebrating Arden Hills (continued) Councilmember Holmes noted the fireworks were a large portion of the expense. She explained that the two day event would hopefully bring in more City business owners as well as its residents. Mayor Harpstead stated he would be in favor of a one day event, on a Saturday. City Administrator Moorse suggested the event be held along County Road E to draw the retail businesses into the event. Councilmember Holmes indicated an event on County Road E could allow for vendors to set up, residents to dine out, watch a movie and then stay for fireworks. Councilmember McClung questioned if the event should be brought back to "A Day in the Park" event to be more focused on the residents. He noted this would be a more budget conscience decision. Councilmember Grant stated another option would be to partner with the City of Shoreview. Park and Recreation Manager Olson clarified with Council that the direction was for a one day event. She questioned if the Council was in favor of Bingo. Mayor Harpstead suggested an event with wine and bingo would not appeal to those with young families. He noted the fall would make for a shorter event and - suggested that 4 to 6 events be planned for the day with food booths. Councilmember Holden agreed that the event should be one day and that a business focused event be planned separately. Councilmember Holmes questioned where the event should be held. Mayor Harpstead noted that Tony Schmidt would provide for the largest population to show for the event. Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated if the event were held at Cummings Park parking arrangements could be made with Boston Scientific to eliminate the parking concerns at Tony Schmidt Park. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIi WORK SESSION-SEPTEMBER 21.2009 16 IF. Celebrating Arden Hills (continued) Councilmember Holmes stated the fireworks may go off better at Tony Schmidt Park than at Cummings Park. Park and Recreation Director Olson indicated she could have someone come in and looking at Cummings Park to see if the site would work for fireworks, as the park would be more favorable for parking. I COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Councilmember Grant stated he was approached by a gentleman who is building a -home on Thom Drive. He had great concerns about building his home on a wooded lot and the restrictions with the City's Ordinance. Councilmember Holmes stated there was some flexibility within the Ordinance and suggested the builder contact the City. Councilmember Grant noted there were several "No Parking" signs along Valentine Hills Elementary and that one of the signs was missing. He suggested this be replaced. Councilmember Grant asked that the I&I spreadsheet be sent out to the Council, along with the statistics on where the City was with Met Council fines. City Administrator Moorse noted the City was below the threshold at this time, but that additional information was uncertain at this time from the Met Council. Mayor Harpstead stated if the data comes in favorable and the City does not receive a penalty or fine, can it be terminated early. Public Works Director Hoag noted he has not heard this information to date. Discussion ensued regarding the amount of expenses for sump pump corrections that can be reimbursed by the City. Public Works Director Hoag explained that staff chose a reimbursement amount for self help work by property owners on the various fees and hours estimated by local plumbers for this work. Councilmember Holden questioned how the homeowners would be brought into compliance and when additional fees would be charged. Y A ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-SEPTEMBER 21. 2009 17 2. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS (continued) Public Works Director Hoag stated that after 60 days he would notify staff to begin assessing fees to the homeowners not yet in compliance and that to date there were only two homeowners still not complying. Councilmember Holden indicated she would like to see some sort of procedure drafted for the I&I policy. Public Works Director Hoag noted that he has learned some valuable lessons with the letters that were sent this summer. He indicated he would stagger the letters next summer and have them more concentrated by neighborhood to ease the scheduling of appointments. Mayor Harpstead the City Council Work Session me at 9:45 p.m. Al Stan H stea .� Ronald J. Aoorse Mayor City Administrator