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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-13-10-RCITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 13, 2010 7:00 P.M. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL ARp EtTHILLs Approved: October 11, 2010 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Stan Harpstead called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:04 p.m. Present: Mayor Stan Harpstead, Council Members Fran Holmes, Brenda Holden, David Grant, and David McClung. Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson; City Planner Meagan Beekman; Finance Director Susan Iverson; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; and Recording Secretary, Tina Borg. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Grant requested Item 7B Councilmember McClung requested Item be moved to the Consent Calendar as Item 4E. 8A be removed from the agenda at this time. Mayor Harpstead stated the City Council had a work session prior to the regular meeting and no formal action was decided on. The City Council will reconvene the work session after the regular meeting. Councilmember Holmes objected to removing the discussion of the Arden Hills Library from the regular agenda. The Council can continue the discussion at the work session after the meeting but if there is any actions that are decided, the Council should have an opportunity to do this during the regular meeting. Mayor Harpstead agreed to leave the discussion on the Arden Hills Library on the agenda. MOTION: Mayor Harpstead moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to Approve the Agenda as amended. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL September 13, 2010 2 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL A. TCAAP Reuse and Public Sale Update City Planner Meagan Beekman stated the City held a conference call with Mr. Legare on September 2, 2010. During the conference call Mr. Legare stated he had met with the Army to discuss the process for deeding the property. He indicated that the deal structure of transferring the property in three stages has not changed. He also stated the Army was now considering holding a sealed bid auction rather than an online auction. Mr. Legare stated that he had completed the draft Invitation for Bid (IFB) and he was almost finished getting comments back from all interested parties. Once he has completed incorporating these comments he will forward the draft IFB to the City for review. He wants comments from the City regarding statements within the IFB about the City's land use and zoning regulations on this property. Mr. Legare's goal is to have the draft IFB available to the public within the next two weeks. If he does not receive negative feedback on the terms of sale from potential buyers, he will make the draft final and the auction would be held within 45 to 60 days after that. During the conference call Mr. Legare indicated that the license agreement had been completed by the Army and sent to the County; however, according to Greg Mack, the Army has requested to reevaluate the access to the northern most parcel of land to be transferred to the County. The County is waiting for a revised agreement from the GSA. Once the extent of required remediation is known, the County and the Army will negotiate on the cleanup. According to Mr. Legare, the land transfer would not take place until after all required remediation is complete. Mayor Harpstead requested Mr. Legare be informed of the City's meeting schedule to ensure adequate time to review the IFB and make comments. Councilmember Holmes stated Mounds View High School had inquired about the trails and if they would be ready for this winter. City Planner Beekman stated that the County trails in this area would not be ready this winter. B. Celebrating Arden Hills Fall Festival Update Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson stated The City's Fall Festival, "Celebrating Arden Hills" is set for September 18, 2010. This year's event will have a dual track with activities being held both at Tony Schmidt Regional Park and Presbyterian Homes of Arden Hills. Parking will be limited at both venues. Lake Johanna Boulevard will remain open through the event; however, there will be limited parking available in Tony Schmidt Regional Park. Near the park, Lake Johanna Boulevard and County Road E will be available for on street parking. At Presbyterian Homes, overflow parking is available at Sutton Place on County Road D and Cleveland and on both sides of Lake Johanna Boulevard. Perry Park will have shuttles running every 15 -20 minutes to and from Presbyterian Homes and Tony Schmidt Regional Park all afternoon and evening. PUBLIC Mayor Harpstead opened the Public Inquiries /Informational at 7:14 p.m. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL September 13, 2010 3 2. Public Inquiries (continued) Mayor Harpstead closed the Public Inquiries /Informational at 7:15 p.m. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. July 19, 2010, City Council Worksession Meeting B. August 16, 2010, City Council Worksession Meeting MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Mayor Harpstead seconded a motion to approve the July 19, 2010, City Council Worksession Meeting minutes and the August 16, 2010, City Council Worksession Meeting minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). 4. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Claims and Payroll B. Resolution 2010 -044: Approving the Charitable Gambling License for St. Katherine Ukrainian Orthodox Church Pot `O Gold Bingo C. CP Rail Bridge Trail Improvements Payment #1 D. Authorization to Hire Valley -Rich Company, Inc. to Raise Two Sanitary Sewer Manholes E. Resolution 2010 -045: Supporting the City's participation in the "Be Active! Be Green! Recycling Container Project" Grant Program MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). 5. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS None. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Consider Application of the Holiday Station Store for Off -Sale 3.2% Beer License City Administrator Patrick Klaers stated The City Council initially considered this application at their July 12, 2010, regular meeting. At that meeting the Council moved to table this matter and schedule a public hearing. To date, the City Staff has received no inquiries regarding this application. Mayor Harpstead opened the public hearing at 7:17 p.m. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL September 13, 2010 4 6.A. Consider Application of the Holiday Station Store for Off -Sale 3.2% Beer License (continued) Mr. Dustin Krauth, 17600 Elm Road N, Maple Grove, MN, representing Holiday Station Stores, reviewed the steps and training that Holiday Station would take to ensure the sales would not be to minors. Councilmember Holden asked what was considered a valid ID. Mr. Krauth stated employees accept a valid driver's license and scan it. As long as the license looks legitimate and is scanned then the employee will accept it. Passports are also acceptable as a valid ID. Councilmember Holden asked how Holiday Station was going to ensure the liquor sold did not get distributed to minors. Mr. Krauth stated employees are given the proper training and they are taught to be aware of what is going on around the store including outside. They will use the same procedures that are used for tobacco sales. If alcohol is passed to another individual on the premises then the sheriff will be called. If there seems to be other suspicious circumstances such as the exchange of money in the parking lot then the employee would not make the sale. Mayor Harpstead closed the public hearing at 7:24 p.m. MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion to Approve the Application of the Holiday Station Store for Off -Sale 3.2% Beer License. Councilmember Holmes stated she had asked for this item to have a public hearing in order to get input from the residents because this was something new to the City of Arden Hills. She clarified that the residents have had no input either way and because there have been no complaints about this proposal the application should be granted. Councilmember McClung stated he had not heard anything negative or positive from residents. Councilmember Grant stated Mr. Krauth's presentation showed that Holiday is doing everything they can to ensure the proper sale of 3.2% beer and they are up to the standards of any other establishment selling 3.2% beer. Councilmember Holden asked if this was something that would be issued annually. City Planner Beekman stated the license would need to be issued annually and that compliance checks would be conducted by the County Sheriff. The motion was called to a vote. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL September 13, 2010 5 B. Resolution 2010 -048 Ordering Abatement at 2028 Edgewater Avenue for Noxious Weeds and Other Growths of Vegetation Not in Compliance with City Regulations City Planner Beekman stated due to complaints regarding excessive grass and weed growth, Staff inspected 2028 Edgewater Avenue on August 4, 2010. After inspection it was determined that the property was in violation of Section 602.02 Subd 6 of the City Code. This type of violation allows the City to use the accelerated abatement process in Section 602.07 of the City Code. A certified letter was sent to the property owner informing them of the code violation on August 6, 2010, and requesting the violation be corrected within 10 days. The property owners did not resolve the violation and a second and final certified letter was sent on August 27, 2010. The homeowners have completed the removal of a fence that was located on City property; however, the excessive weed and grass growth has not been resolved. Due to the ongoing nature of the violations, Staff is requesting the City Council to issue an order for abatement and to continue the abatement for a period of two years. The property owner has seven days from the Council's order to complete the work before the City can have the work completed. If the same violation occurs within two years of the Council's order, Staff can order abatement without an additional Council hearing or action. Councilmember Grant asked if the City would use the same vendor for these services that was used previously. City Planner Beekman stated the City would use the same vendor. Councilmember Holmes asked if this property was a foreclosed property or if it was occupied. City Planner Beekman stated the property was occupied and the City's Code Enforcement Officer had been in contact with the occupants. The occupants had indicated they would take care of the lawn but this had not been accomplished by the deadlines set by the City. If the abatement order is approved, the property owner will be notified and given seven days to bring the lawn into conformance before the City hires a contractor to do the job. She also stated the property owners did remove a fence along the Elmer L Anderson trail that was encroaching on City property. The fence was in disrepair and the backyard has not been maintained. Mayor Harpstead opened the public hearing at 7:33p.m. Mayor Harpstead closed the public hearing at 7:34 p.m. MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to Approve Resolution 2010 -048 Ordering Abatement at 2028 Edgewater Avenue for Noxious Weeds and Other Growths of Vegetation Not in Compliance with City Regulations. Councilmember Grant asked if the fence had hidden the backyard from view before it was taken down. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL September 13, 2010 6 6.B. Resolution 2010 -048 Ordering Abatement at 2028 Edgewater Avenue for Noxious Weeds and Other Growths of Vegetation Not in Compliance with City Regulations (continued) City Planner Beekman stated the fence had been in serious disrepair and it had gaps where passersby could see into the backyard. Also the fence did not enclose the backyard so the neighbors to the north and south of the property could see the backyard easily. Councilmember Holden asked Staff if there were other properties that had trees or fences encroaching on City property that would need to be addressed. City Planner Beekman stated this encroachment had been obvious. There may be others but they are not obvious and the property lines would need to be defined before a determination could be made. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated Staff had been working with the Code Enforcement Officer on two other encroachments and these have been resolved. Councilmember Holden suggested when the City requires a resident to move a fence, garden, or other structures the information, including the reason, should be in the Administrator's Update. The motion was called to a vote. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Adopt 2010 Operating Levy Payable in 2011 and Establish the 2010 Truth -In- Taxation Hearing Date Finance Director Sue Iverson stated by September 15, 2010, the City is required to adopt and certify to Ramsey County a preliminary levy and Truth -In- Taxation hearing dates. Based on City Council direction at the August 16, 2010 work session, Staff has prepared a preliminary levy of $3,088,964. The overall levy limit for the City of Arden Hills with the state mandated levy limit plus allowable special levies is $3,218,680. The proposed 2011 levy is $129,716 under that limit. The overall increase in the proposed levy is a 2.4% increase over the 2010 levy; however, the City's portion of the levy after Fiscal Disparities equates to a 1.4% increase over the 2010 City portion of the levy. The impact on an average medium home valued at $276,000 is an increase of $49.21 or 8.1% annually. The average decrease in market value for residential property in Arden Hills was 1.0 Determination of the preliminary levy amount is based on 2011 budget information assembled to -date. The 2009 Legislature changed the Truth -In- Taxation laws. The City is now only required to announce and schedule one regular meeting at which the Council discusses the budget and levy and takes comments from the public. The City may adopt the budget and final levy after the hearing during the same meeting. The meeting must be between November 25 and December 26 and must occur at or after 6:00 p.m. The City must notify the ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL September 13, 2010 7 7.A. Adopt 2010 Operating Levy Payable in 2011 and Establish the 2010 Truth -In- Taxation Hearing Date (continued) County Auditor of the meeting date by September 15. It is anticipated the Council will adopt the final 2010 levy payable in 2011, and the 2011 budget on December 13, 2010. Councilmember Grant clarified this was setting the preliminary levy which meant the rate could not increase once it was approved but it could decrease when the final levy is approved. He also clarified the decrease in the City's commercial /industrial areas has increased the burden on residential property. The value of the City's commercial property is declining rapidly which results in less property taxes being collected by that property class. Finance Director Iverson stated this was correct. MOTION: Mayor Harpstead moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to Adopt Resolution 2010 -046, a Resolution Setting the Preliminary Levy Taxes in 2011 in the Amount of $3,088,964. Councilmember McClung stated residents are asking for lower taxes and the City should prioritize their budget and make additional cuts before determining a levy. He stated he would not support anything above a flat levy and he would vote against the motion on the floor. He asked the Council and Staff to take another look at the budget and find additional areas that could be cut. Councilmember Holden stated she does not agree with Councilmember McClung's implying that the Council has not looked at the budget and made cuts. The residents want the City to remain the same and this would include not cutting City services. If the City does not collect enough to cover the costs of City services then the City will need to make a dramatic increase in taxes in the future. This would be similar to what happened with the City's water and sewer services last year. She stated during the work session the Council was in favor of the City providing TIF for Presbyterian Homes for the library. This would be money out of the pockets of the residents yet the $49.00 per year the City is potentially asking for is viewed as a hardship for the residents. She stated she is in favor of the levy. Councilmember McClung stated no one was suggesting the City not recover the costs of City services. He is just asking that the budget remain flat and the City continue to review expenses to make additional cuts. He stated this year is of particular concern for him because residents have been experiencing hard times. Councilmember Grant stated no one wants to see their taxes increase. The City needs to get the commercial office space filled in order to increase the City's tax base. Residents have been tightening their belt and the City has as well. However, the City needs to be careful not to over correct and make more cuts than they should. The tax amount recommended by Staff is too high and is a sizable increase for the residents. He recommended the City make additional cuts and approve a lower levy amount. Councilmember Holmes stated she agrees with the levy being proposed. This is a preliminary levy amount and the City may decide on a lesser amount for the final levy. The City has a couple ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL September 13, 2010 8 7.A. Adopt 2010 Operating Levy Payable in 2011 and Establish the 2010 Truth -In- Taxation Hearing Date (continued) of months before the final levy needs to be finalized and the City may make cuts in that time. The amount being presented is a conservative number and until the budget is reviewed further the City should be sure to err on the side of caution. Finance Director Iverson clarified the average residential property owner of the City would have a $32.00 per year increase even if a flat budget is approved. She also clarified that last year the Council used $41,000 in reserves to balance the budget and that the proposed increase includes funds to reestablish a zero based budget. If the levy is approved as presented the total increase on the average residential property owner would be $49.21 per year. Councilmember Grant stated $49.21 is an 8.1% increase to the average homeowner and this is too high. Mayor Harpstead stated he is in favor of the motion. The City has acted responsibly in the past and throughout the year and this is reflected in the lower increases the residents have seen. He recommended rather than making marginal cuts at this time, the City approve the preliminary levy amount and further review the budget at a future work session in order to set the final levy. Councilmember McClung stated he agreed the City has been prudent over the last three years but today's economic environment is different and calls for the City to be more prudent than they have been in the past. MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to amend the amount of the levy to $3,016,465. Councilmember Grant stated the City has been wise and prudent but they need to go back through the budget to find additional cuts. This is not a good time for residents and reducing the amount of the impact to the residents would be a good idea. Councilmember Holden stated the budget should be looked at again but the Council needs to be able to look at the consequences any changes in the budget may have. The City has a couple of months to review the budget and look at additional areas that could be cut without impacting the City negatively but the City needs to have the ability to evaluate the decisions it makes. The preliminary levy can be lowered if the City determines there are additional cuts that could be made. She stated she would not support the amendment at this time. Councilmember Holmes stated this is a preliminary levy not the final levy. The taxes are going to increase for the residents and the difference between the two motions is $17.00. The preliminary levy needs to be set at the higher amount to ensure the City has room to cover existing expenses and once the budget is reviewed and all the contract amounts for City services have been determined the final levy may be lowered, if it is appropriate. Mayor Harpstead agreed and stated he would vote against the amendment to the levy amount. The City needs to be sure they are covering the City's expenses and not setting the residents up for higher increases in years to come. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL September 13, 2010 9 7.A. Adopt 2010 Operating Levy Payable in 2011 and Establish the 2010 Truth -In- Taxation Hearing Date (continued) The motion to amend the levy amount was called to a vote. The motion failed (2 -3). Ayes: Councilmembers Grant and McClung Nays: Mayor Harpstead, Councilmembers Holmes and Holden The primary motion was called to a vote. The motion carried (3 -2). Ayes: Mayor Harpstead, Councilmembers Holmes and Holden Nays: Councilmembers Grant and McClung MOTION: Mayor Harpstead moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to Adopt Resolution 2010 -047, a Resolution Adopting Truth -In- Taxation Public Hearing Dates for Proposed Taxes Payable in 2011. The Date Established is December 13, 2010. Councilmember Holden stated she would like to have the meeting on December 6 because the Council does not normally have a second meeting in December. She also stated she would like to make sure there is enough time for residents to speak and for the Council to react to what the County and the Schools will say about their levies. MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to amend the date of the Truth -In- Taxation hearing to December 6, 2010, at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Harpstead stated the City has not typically seen a large number of people come forward in regards to the levy. He clarified he would vote against the addition of this meeting time to the schedule and the additional cost to the City. Councilmember McClung agreed with Councilmember Holden that it would be a good idea to have the meeting on December 6, and allow the City time to evaluate what the County and the Schools propose. The motion to amend the date and time was called to a vote. The motion carried (3 -2). Ayes: Councilmembers Grant, Holden, and McClung Nays: Mayor Harpstead and Councilmember Holmes ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL September 13, 2010 10 7.A. Adopt 2010 Operating Levy Payable in 2011 and Establish the 2010 Truth -In- Taxation Hearing Date (continued) MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to amend the time of the Truth -In- Taxation meeting to 6:00 on December 6, 2010. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). The amended motion to have the Truth -In- Taxation hearing on December 6, 2010 at 6:00 was called to a vote. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). C. Resolution 2010 -050; Resolution Awarding Bid for the Lexington Avenue Sidewalk Project Public Works Director Terry Maurer stated on July 26, 2010, the City Council authorized a consultant contract with MFRA, Inc. to complete engineering and construction services for the sidewalk and trial improvements along Lexington Avenue. The project is composed of two separate sidewalk/trail segments. Trail A is existing bituminous trail rehabilitation from County Road F to Cummings Park Drive and Trail B is new concrete sidewalk from the CP Rail to Grey Fox Road. The plans and specifications were completed and the City solicited bids during August and early September. There were a total of five bids ranging from $90,011.62 to $129,816.01. The lowest bidder is North Valley, Inc. of Elk River, Minnesota. This project is budgeted to use PIR Funds and special assessments. For the special assessments, the City has entered into an agreement with Inland Shannon Square Cub, LLC and Inland Shannon Square Shoppes, LLC in which they will each pay for one quarter of Trail B construction and engineering services. The amount each entity will be assessed is estimated at $13,500 based on the low bid; for a total assessment of $27,000. Staff has received an oral response that the amount is acceptable to Inland Properties. Construction is estimated to last approximately two to three weeks and the specifications state October 29, 2010 as the mandatory completion date. It is anticipated that construction will begin in early October. Councilmember McClung stated the funding sources for this project were the assessments and the PIR Fund. He asked if the PIR Fund had the resources for this project. Finance Director Iverson clarified the PIR Fund had the resources for this project. Councilmember Grant asked if this project would be completed this year. Public Works Director Maurer stated the contract specifies completion of the project this year. Councilmember Holmes asked if the City had solicited the area businesses in regards to the assessment and if this was something that was voluntary. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL September 13, 2010 11 7. C. Resolution 2010 -050; Resolution Awarding Bid for the Lexington Avenue Sidewalk Project (continued) Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated at the direction of Council Staff had met with the area businesses in regards to the trail and asked if they would assist in the project. The businesses had requested this be set up as an assessment versus a pay up front expense. City Planner Beekman explained that the businesses had voluntarily agreed the assessment and have waived holding a public hearing in regards to this matter. At this time the assessment is no longer voluntary. Councilmember Grant stated the PTRC is in support of the trail and he would like to see this project move forward. He encouraged the Council to vote in favor of this trail. MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to Adopt Resolution 2010 -050; Resolution Awarding the Bid for the Lexington Sidewalk Project to North Valley, Inc. of Elk River, Minnesota, in the Amount of $90,011.62. Councilmember Holden asked if there would be signs for cars to yield where the trail intersects the parking lot. Public Works Director Maurer stated there would be pedestrian ramps at the driveways but there will not be any signs. The motion was called to a vote. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). D. Snelling Avenue Improvements (TH 51 to County Road E): Authorize Consultant Contract for Engineering Services Public Works Director Maurer stated the City's Public Works and Engineering Staff have initiated a preliminary investigation for various roadway improvement alternatives for Snelling Avenue, from Trunk Highway 51 to County Road E. To assist City Staff with this project, a scope of work document was prepared for completing the topographic survey, mapping the existing condition features, analyzing the existing bridge, and providing a bridge improvement recommendation. Staff reviewed proposals and is recommending Kimley -Horn and Associates, Inc. for this work. Engineering services will be paid for from the PIR Fund and Enterprise funds; these fees will be incorporated into the total project cost that will be assessed back to property owners and potentially funded by State Aid dollars. A total of $80,000 was included in the 2010 CIP for the completion of the scoping document analyzing alternatives and the subsequent feasibility study. Approximately 60% of the budget is anticipated to be spent on the scoping document including geotechnical investigation, Kimley -Horn services, and the City of Roseville engineering staff. The remaining budget will be reserved for preparation of the feasibility study once an alternative is chosen. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL September 13, 2010 12 7.D. Snelling Avenue Improvements (TH 51 to County Road E): Authorize Consultant Contract for Engineering Services (continued) MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion to Authorize Staff to Contract with Kimley -Horn Associates, Inc. to Provide Engineering Services for the Snelling Avenue Improvement Project in an Amount Not to Exceed $12,593. Councilmember Holden requested clarification on what the process is for this project. Public Works Director Maurer stated what is being prepared at this time is the scoping document. This document will include the options that are available to the City. The request at this time is for authorization to hire a consultant to complete the bridge analysis and the topographic survey because these are areas that the Roseville engineers do not have the capacity and /or expertise to complete. Once the scoping document is complete the Council will have an opportunity to discuss the options and determine which option they would like to move forward with. Once this is determined a feasibility report will be completed to ensure the option is viable. Councilmember Holden asked for clarification on how the money that was budgeted is being spent. Public Works Director Maurer stated the City had budgeted $80,000 for the preliminary study for this project. At this time there is approximately 60% or $48,000 of this being spent on the scoping document. This includes the costs for the Roseville engineering staff and the proposed amount for Kimley -Horn. Staff is expecting to retain the remainder of these funds to apply towards the feasibility study that will be done after the City has chosen an option. Councilmember Holden stated the City had requested Staff to look at this area to look for road improvement alternatives that would not cost the City millions of dollars and this is not what this process is sounding like. Councilmember McClung asked if the scoping document would contain options that are cost effective for the City. Public Works Director Maurer stated the scoping document would contain several options for the City to consider along with the cost estimates for these options. The motion was called to a vote. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Review and Discuss Library Proposal Councilmember Holmes stated she had requested this item to be on the agenda because this is an important issue for the residents of Arden Hills. People are upset about the library closing. The ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL September 13, 2010 13 8.A. Review and Discuss Library Proposal (continued) City had given the County the land that the current library is located on and has worked with them in the past to reduce operating costs. The residents do not think the options being presented to the County for relocating the library are good options; they would like to see the library stay in its current location. The Library Board is asking the City Council to support one of the options and if the City wants to support the Presbyterian Homes location then there would be a financial commitment from the City with the granting of TIF for the redevelopment project. Councilmember Grant stated it is clear a library is an asset to the community and the community wants the library. He stated he felt the County should move slower on this item and keep the library open in its current location until a better option is identified. There may be other options available in the near future with the sale and development of TCAAP. The two solutions presented have drawbacks. He stated he would be in favor of keeping the library in Arden Hills and wants to encourage the County Board to keep it where it is. He pointed out that the County will be spending money either way and they could put this toward the current location and keep it open for now. Mayor Harpstead stated the library has been slated for removal for a while and unfortunately Arden Hills was not selected as a regional location. The library building is not usable long term in its current condition. The current library will not stay where it is and the current building will not be used. The County will not financially support keeping the current library open. The only viable option for the residents of Arden Hills to have a library in Arden Hills is to support the Presbyterian Homes location. Presbyterian Homes is in the process of redeveloping their property and they are willing to work with the City and the County to support having a library at this location. The New Brighton location is not as favorable an option for the Arden Hills residents. If the City is not able to provide the needed financial support then Presbyterian Homes will not be able to include the library. Councilmember Holden the City had presented a location to the County on County Road 96. They declined this location because it was too close to the Shoreview location. The Presbyterian Homes location is close to the Roseville library. The County spent a lot of money on the Roseville library and some of this money could have been used to update the Arden Hills library location. Councilmember McClung stated it is unfortunate the Library Director and the Library Board are moving so quickly with this project. He would like to see the library stay in its current location in Arden Hills but this is not what the County would like to see happen. He stated he has been led to believe that the there is not enough votes to keep the library where it is. Arden Hills should keep a library in the City and the proposal by Presbyterian Homes is a viable option. If the current building could be updated then it would be the best option for the City. Councilmember Holden stated this is something the City should fight for. She questioned how the Council could say they are going to stand up to Mn/DOT for the residents but they are not willing to do the same when it comes to the library. Some of the members of the Library Board are in favor of keeping the current location. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL September 13, 2010 14 8.A. Review and Discuss Library Proposal (continued) Councilmember Holmes stated the County Board is made up of elected officials and they should listen to the residents. She stated she had talked with Tony Bennett and he is not excited about the proposed location options. The City Council needs to represent its residents and stand up to the County and fight for what the residents want. The repairs to the current building are equivalent in cost to the construction costs for the other locations. The other locations only have a twenty-year lease and this is not long enough to justify the investment. Councilmember Grant stated the library is an asset to the community. It would not hurt to ask the Library Board and the County to consider leaving the library in its current location. The direction the Library Board was given was to move fast on this project to cut operating costs. There are a lot of things the City has fought for on behalf of the residents and this should be one of them. Mayor Harpstead stated the City would need to evaluate trade offs with a new location for a library. The most efficient locations for libraries are in high density areas with connectivity via trails, roads, and transit systems. The City also needs to keep in mind the changing demographics of the City and Presbyterian Homes may be a better choice for the future. The Council needs to think about the long term in deciding on what would be a good location for a library. Councilmember Holmes stated the Council needed to decide if they are willing to support the Presbyterian Homes location and give TIF to support this. Mayor Harpstead stated Presbyterian Homes would be requesting TIF from the City regardless of the library decision. The redevelopment plan and the amount of the TIF request would be different if the City does not support a library in this location. Councilmember Holden suggested the City send a letter to the County Commissioners and let them know the City was not supportive of relocating the library and felt the options presented by the County had some drawbacks. The City could request the process slow down so that a more suitable site can be located. Councilmember Grant stated the County Board is rushing forward and it may be to their advantage to wait to find out about the development of TCAAP and the northwest quadrant of the City. He agreed the City should have a library and the Council should fight for this for the residents. Councilmember McClung stated the City should have been fighting to keep the library in its current location six months ago. It is late in the process at this time since the Library Board is requesting a letter of support for one of the options presented. Councilmember Holden stated she has been fighting the closing of the Arden Hills Library for a long time and has attended Library Board meetings and County Commissioner meetings to express these concerns. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL September 13, 2010 15 8.A. Review and Discuss Library Proposal (continued) Councilmember Holmes stated the City has asked repeatedly for information from the Library Board on what it would take to keep the library in its current location. This information was not given to the City until July. According to the feasibility report the cost to construct a new facility in either the New Brighton Community Center or Presbyterian Homes would be the same as remodeling and updating the current facility. She stated the process is moving too fast and the City needs time to evaluate the options better. Mayor Harpstead asked if Council was prepared to provide direction to Staff for the Library Board meeting on Wednesday, Sept 15. Councilmember Holmes stated any commitment on the part of Arden Hills to support Presbyterian Homes would be premature. Councilmember Grant asked if a public hearing would need to be held because of the TIF request. Finance Director Iverson stated a public hearing would be required and there is one scheduled for October 25, 2010. Councilmember Holden stated if the City is not committing to any TIF at this time then the City can look at the Presbyterian Homes proposal as a viable option. The City should still send a letter expressing that they would like to see the library stay in the current location and request the process be slowed down in order to make an appropriate decision. The City at this time is open to considering TIF but there are no commitments at this time Councilmember McClung stated at this time Arden Hills is open to looking at the proposed redevelopment of Presbyterian Homes which would include a library but because there is a request for TIF the City must follow a set process that includes a public hearing before a final decision can be made Councilmember Grant stated that if the Library Board is going to make a decision at this time then the City should support the Presbyterian Holmes location in order to keep the library in Arden Hills. Councilmember Holden stated the Council should pass a resolution outlining the City's stance or send a letter to the County Commissioners, the Library Board and Susan Nemitz. MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to Adopt a Resolution that Includes the Language: Whereas the Arden Hills Library needs improvement, Whereas the Library Board has tentatively selected New Brighton Community Center, which has parking problems and Presbyterian Homes in Arden Hills, which has traffic problems, Whereas TCAAP provides an option for a regional library, be it resolved that the Arden Hills City Council does not support either the New Brighton Community Center or the Presbyterian Homes options and wants to explore ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL September 13, 2010 16 8.A. Review and Discuss Library Proposal (continued) improving the Arden Hills Library and keeping this available until a more appropriate site is located. Councilmember Holmes asked City Administrator Klaers what he would tell the Library Board beyond what was outlined in the proposed resolution. City Administrator Klaers stated based on what he has heard the Council say tonight, he would tell the Library Board that the City Council supports keeping the library in its current location and slowing down the process of finding a new location. If the Library Board were unable to slow down their process then the City would support the redevelopment project at Presbyterian Homes, which would include a library. Councilmember Holmes stated she did not agree with the last part in that it was not certain the City would support the redevelopment project at this time. Councilmember McClung stated the City was open to considering the Presbyterian Homes redevelopment project. City Administrator Klaers stated it needs to be clear if the City would be supportive of the Presbyterian Homes project or not. Councilmember Holmes stated the City is not saying no to the project at this time but they are not able to say yes either. Councilmember McClung stated the redevelopment project has started a process that the City must abide by before a final decision can be made and this process includes a public hearing that is scheduled for October 25, 2010. No commitment can by made by the City until these obligations have been met. Councilmember Holmes stated at this time it was not clear if there was a consensus to support the TIF project or not. Councilmember Grant stated he would not be able to vote until after the public hearing because he wants to know what the residents want. Councilmember Holden stated at this time the Council is split on supporting the TIF request for the Presbyterian Homes project and this would not be decided until after the public hearing. Councilmember Grant expressed thanks to Presbyterian Homes because they had sped up their design process in order to accommodate the potential addition of the library and the deadlines set by the Library Board. Mayor Harpstead stated there was a motion on the floor to adopt a resolution. City Administrator Klaers recommended the Council not compose Resolutions during the meetings and recommended Staff work on producing a draft the Resolution for the Council's next meeting. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL September 13, 2010 17 8.A. Review and Discuss Library Proposal (continued) Councilmember Holmes withdrew her motion. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Harpstead seconded a motion to Direct Staff to create a Resolution outlining the City's Position Regarding the Arden Hills Library, based on the Language presented by Councilmember Holmes and a Special Council Meeting be Held on September 20, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). 9. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Councilmember Holden reminded Council, Staff, and residents there were still tickets available for the Northwest Youth and Family Services, Taste of the Northwest on September 30. Councilmember Grant thanked Staff for their hard work on making the trail on County Road E possible. Councilmember Grant requested Staff look at the two properties that Council had granted abatements on earlier in the year. One of these properties is not in compliance with the City codes and this should be addressed. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated the Elmer L. Anderson Trail grand opening will be October 14 at 5:00 p.m. Staff is working on an invitation list for the event. The signs for the trail are being produced at this time and should be installed the beginning of October. Councilmember Holden requested an update on the County Road E bridge. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated Kimley -Horn has been working to keep in contact with MnIDOT and the most recent information is that the bridge is on the schedule to be done earlier than originally planned. The timeline will need to be reviewed for the project and Staff is discussing this with Kimley -Horn. Once Staff has additional information a report will be brought to the Council for review. ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). Mayor Harpstead adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 10:01 p.m. jeAd/ Patrick Klaers City Administrator Stanle arp ead Mayor