HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCAgen_28 March12CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Regular Meeting of the City Council
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
AGENDA
March 28, 2012
A. CALL TO ORDER:
B. ROLL CALL: LINDSTROM ____ HARRIS ____ GOSLINE ____
LONG ____ MERCER-TAYLOR ____
FISCHER ____
C. PRESENTATIONS:
1. Neal Kwong Youth Citizenship Award Presentation
2. CERT Graduation
3. Metropolitan Council/Met Transit Presentation on Snelling Bus Rapid Transit –
Charles Carlson
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 14, 2012
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
F. CONSENT AGENDA:
1. General Disbursements through 3/19/2012: $54,704.16
Payroll through 3/15/2012: $13,797.64
2. City License Renewal
3. Gibbs Farm Sidewalk Agreement
4. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon
G: POLICY ITEMS:
1. Coal Tar Sealant Ordinance
H. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
I. COMMUNITY FORUM:
J. ADJOURNMENT:
The 2012 Neal Kwong Youth Citizenship Award
Recipients
Seth Reasoner
Katherine Allen
CERT Graduation
Recipient List
Sandra Young
Jon Stamnes
John B. Sagstetter
Jonathan Machler
Yelena Kurdyumov
Lisa Koland
Duane Pulford
Marjan Jahani
Veronica Hill
Steve Goers
Jim Bownik
Rick Ailts
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Regular Meeting of the City Council
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
AGENDA
March 14, 2012
A. CALL TO ORDER:
B. ROLL CALL: LINDSTROM _X_ HARRIS _X_ GOSLINE _X_
LONG _ab_ MERCER-TAYLOR _ab_
FISCHER _X_
C. PRESENTATIONS:
1. St. Anthony Police Department Annual Report
Presented by Chief John Ohl and Captain Dominic Controneo
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 8, 2012 Approved
E. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
F. CONSENT AGENDA: Keith Gosline Moved Approval 3-0
1. General Disbursements through 2/28/2012: $229,902.19
Payroll through 2/29/2012: $31,491.71
2. City License Renewal
3. Approval of City Hall Roof Replacement bid
4. Acceptance of Source Comics and Games Donation
5. Sanitary Sewer Cleaning Program
6. Reestablishment of City’s Precinct Boundaries
G: POLICY ITEMS:
1. Tobacco Ordinance Amendment Pam Harris Moved Approved 3-0
2. Coal Tar Sealant Ordinance Tabled
H. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
I. COMMUNITY FORUM:
J. ADJOURNMENT: 8:17pm
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair
__________________________
The City That Soars!
Item General Disbursements and Payroll
Description
General Disbursements through 3/19/2012: $54,704.16
Payroll through 3/15/2012: $13,797.64
Budget Impact
Attachment(s) General Disbursements and Payroll
Action(s)
Requested
Staff recommends that the Falcon Heights City Council approve general
disbursements and payroll.
Meeting Date March 28, 2012
Agenda Item Consent F1
Attachment General Disbursements and Payroll
Submitted By Roland Olson, Finance Director
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair
__________________________
The City That Soars!
Item City License Applications
Description
The following individuals have applied for a Municipal License for 2012. Staff has
received the necessary documents for licensure.
1. Hermes Floral
2. Warner’s Stellian
The following individuals have applied for a Mechanical License for 2012. Staff
has received the necessary documents for licensure.
1. Drain Pro Plumbing
2. Kline Corp.
3. Champion Plumbing
The following individuals have applied for a Tree Trimming License for 2012.
Staff has received the necessary documents for licensure.
1. Midwest Tree Experts
Budget Impact
Attachment(s) N/A
Action(s)
Requested
Staff recommends that the Falcon Heights City Council approve the 2012 City
License Applications
Meeting Date March 28, 2012
Agenda Item Consent F2
Attachment
Submitted By Jessica Anderson, Office Assistant
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair
__________________________
The City That Soars!
Item Approve Sidewalk Agreement with Ramsey County Historical Society
Description
As part of the Northeast Suburban Campus Connector Project- Phase 2, we are
constructing sidewalk on the north side of Larpenteur Avenue between Coffman
Street and Cleveland Avenue.
The sidewalk is in the right of way in front of the Gibbs Farm Museum, a site on the
Historic Register. The project is funded through Federal Transportation dollars
and is required to have a finding of “no negative impact” on this historic site. We
have been working with the State Historic Preservation Office to negotiate an
agreement with the Ramsey County Historical Society (RCHS) to achieve this
finding. We also need a temporary easement from them to construct the
improvements.
The attached document details the major points that we have agreed upon. The
City Attorney has reviewed the document.
The RCHS executive committee approved the agreement at their meeting March 20,
2012.
Staff is in the final approval phase of the project and construction is scheduled for
this summer.
Budget Impact The project is funded by Federal transportation funds. The agreement includes a
commitment to pay for RCHS attorney fees, up to $3,000, as well as to install
landscaping along the north side of the sidewalk, estimated to cost $12,000. These
items will be covered by the Federal grant.
Attachment(s) Agreement
Action(s)
Requested
Staff recommends that the council make a motion to approve Sidewalk Agreement
with Ramsey County Historical Society and authorize the Mayor and City
Administrator to enter into the agreement.
Meeting Date March 28, 2012
Agenda Item Consent F3
Attachment Agreement
Submitted By Debra Bloom, City Engineer
1180507.1 1
AGREEMENT FOR
SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION
THIS AGREEMENT is made on the ______ day of ______________, 2012 between the City of
Falcon Heights (“City”) and the Ramsey County Historical Society (“RCHS”).
RECITALS
A. RCHS owns property located at 2097 and 2129 Larpenteur Avenue (“Property”). The
property at 2097 Larpenteur Avenue is on the Minnesota Historic Register.
B. The City desires to construct a sidewalk in the Larpenteur Avenue right-of-way adjacent to
the Property as a part of the federally funded project known as SW-12-03 Northeast Suburban
Campus Connector - Phase 2, S.P. No. 160-091-003 NMTP 6209(117) (“Project”).
C. The City and RCHS have come to an agreement on how to minimize the impacts of the
Project on the Property and desire to memorialize the conditions precedent to completing the
Project.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of their mutual covenants, the parties agree as follows:
1. Sidewalk Construction: The City agrees as follows:
a. Plans. The City will construct the sidewalk in accordance with the attached
Exhibit A Option 4.
b. Sidewalk width. The sidewalk will be constructed at a 6 foot width in front of the
Property. It will be constructed directly behind the existing curb with no grass
boulevard.
c. Sidewalk color. The sidewalk will be standard concrete colored with a clear
sealant to minimize the appearance of the new walk in front of the Property.
d. Tree removal. The City will remove the trees shown on the attached Exhibit A
including removal of all stumps.
e. Fence. The City will remove the existing split rail fence in front of 2097
Larpenteur Avenue. The City will install a new two rail split rail cedar fence as a
part of the Project. The new two rail cedar fence will be installed in the same
location as the current fence and will be of the same width and height of the
existing fence.
f. Retaining wall. There will be no retaining wall in front of the 2097 property.
There will be a retaining wall in front of 2129 Larpenteur Avenue as set forth in
Exhibit A. The retaining wall will be constructed of field stone boulders and will
have a maximum height of 2.5 feet.
g. Planting plan. The City will work with RCHS on a planting plan for the land
from the sidewalk to 15 feet north of the sidewalk. This plan will consist of
native plant species. The layout and species list will be coordinated with RCHS
prior to installation. A preliminary planting plan is attached as Exhibit B. Any
1180507.1 2
revisions to the preliminary planting plan are subject to the review and approval
of RCHS. The landscaping will be bid as a part of the Project. The City shall
complete the landscaping no later than June 15, 2013. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the City shall endeavor to complete the landscaping by November 1,
2012.
2. Easement. RCHS will grant the City a temporary easement to perform the work on its
property, which temporary easement shall terminate on November 13, 2013. The
easement is attached hereto as Exhibit C. The City shall repair any damage to RCHS’
property arising out of the use of the easement area by the City, its agents or contractors.
3. Cost. The construction of the Project, as detailed above, and the City’s maintenance,
repair and replacement obligations set forth herein will be paid for entirely by the City at
no cost to RCHS.
4. Ownership and Maintenance. The ownership of the constructed Project infrastructure
will be as follows:
a. Sidewalk. The concrete sidewalk will be owned, maintained and repaired by the
City. Maintenance includes, but is not limited to, snow removal, removal of
debris, and replacement of damaged panels.
b. Retaining wall. The boulder retaining wall will be owned, maintained, repaired
and replaced by the City. Maintenance includes, but is not limited to periodic
weeding and repair.
c. Landscaping. Any landscaping installed as a part of the Project will be
maintained by RCHS once the Project warranty period is over. For the purposes
of this paragraph, the project warranty period shall be until November 1, 2013.
d. Fence. The split rail fence will be owned and maintained by RCHS. Maintenance
includes staining, removal and replacement of damaged sections.
5. Closure of Sidewalk. The City agrees to post signs closing the sidewalk for twenty-four
(24) hours at such times as RCHS sprays the apple blossoms on the trees on the Property
each year. RCHS will provide at least twenty-four (24) hours notice prior to any
necessary sidewalk closure.
6. Attorneys’ Fees. The City agrees to pay up to Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000) of any
attorneys’ fees incurred by RCHS in connection with the preparation and negotiation of
this Agreement.
7. Authority. The Mayor and City Administrator of the City of Falcon Heights represent
and warrant that the Falcon Heights City Council has approved this Agreement and the
City’s obligations under this Agreement and that the Mayor and City Administrator are
authorized to sign this Agreement on behalf of the City. The Mayor and City
Administrator further represent and warrant that upon execution by the City and RCHS
this Agreement shall be a binding obligation of the City enforceable in accordance with
its terms.
1180507.1 3
8. Indemnification. Subject to the limitations, immunities and defenses in Minnesota
Statute Chapter 466, the City shall indemnify and hold RCHS harmless from any and all
losses and liabilities, and all damages, expenses, costs, and fees, including reasonable
attorneys’ fees, arising out of or related to this Agreement or the City’s use of the
easement area.
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Dated: ________________, 2012.
Mayor
City Administrator
RAMSEY COUNTY
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Dated: ________________, 2012.
Its
Its
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
7.51530
GIBBS FARM GIBBS FARM
LARPENTEUR AVENUE
GIBBS FARM EASEMENT AQUISITION
OPTION 4
CLEVELAND AVENUE
6' WIDE ATTACHED
CONCRETE SIDEWALK
2' WIDE
BOULDER
RETAINING WALL
SLOPE LIMITS
3' WIDE
2' WIDE
LARPENTEUR AVENUE
GIBBS FARM
3' WIDE
SLOPE LIMITS
TEMPORARY EASEMENT (1866 SF)
REMOVE TREE OR SHRUB
6' WIDE ATTACHED
CONCRETE SIDEWALK
EXISTING CROSSWALK/
NO PARKING SIGN
EXISTING POWER POLE
EXISTING
GIBBS FARM SIGN
EXISTING COUNTY ROAD 30/
NO PARKING SIGN
EXISTING SPEED LIMIT/
NO PARKING SIGN
EXISTING METAL POLE
4' WIDE
8' WIDE
5' WIDE
REMOVE EXISTING WOOD RAIL FENCE
INSTALL NEW WOOD RAIL FENCE
REMOVE EXISTING WOOD RAIL FENCE
INSTALL NEW WOOD RAIL FENCE
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
7.51530
GIBBS FARM
LARPENTEUR AVENUE
GIBBS FARM PLANTING PLAN
CLEVELAND AVENUE
6' WIDE ATTACHED
CONCRETE SIDEWALKBOULDER
RETAINING WALL 15' WIDE
LARPENTEUR AVENUE
6' WIDE ATTACHED
CONCRETE SIDEWALK
REMOVE EXISTING WOOD RAIL FENCE
INSTALL NEW WOOD RAIL FENCE
REMOVE EXISTING WOOD RAIL FENCE
INSTALL NEW WOOD RAIL FENCE
PROPOSED TREE (T)PROPOSED SHRUB (M)
15' WIDE
PROPOSED TREE (M)PROPOSED SHRUB (S)
EXISTING
SIGN
EXISTING
SIGN
NATIVE SEEDING
AND PLUGS
GIBBS FARM
Trees and Shrubs:
Tree SpeciesSizeHgtQty
Alleghany serviceberry Amelanchier laevis15 galT3
Hackberry Celtis occidentalis15 galT3
Iron woodostrya virginiana15 galT3
Pagoda dogwood cornus alternifolia 10 gal T 2
Quaking aspen populus tremulioides10 galT5
American plum prunus americana5 galM7
Total23
ShurbSpeciesSizeHgtQty
Downy arrow-wood viburnum rafinesquianum5 galM5
Highbush cranberry viburnum trilobum2 to 3 galM4
Black chokeberry aronia melancarpa2 to 3 galM6
Gray dogwood cornus racemosa2 to 3 galM8
Slaghom sumac rhus typhine2 to 3 galM4
Bush honeysucklediervilla lonicera1 galS3
Prairie roseroasa arkansana1 galS8
Meadow roserosa blanda1 galS8
Total46
5. Height ranges are given for reference, and they refer to the maximum mature height of each species. Tall (T) > 12 ft,
Medium (M) < 12ft and > 4 ft, and Short (S) <4 ft.
I. Container grown trees and shrubs will be planted in designated areas of the project.
2. The trees and shrubs will be mulched individually with shredded bark mulch and watered at the time of planting.
3. Recommended sizes are given for each species. Some adjustments in the sizing may be recommended at the time of
planting based on current availability.
4. Recommended quantities are given for each species. Some substitutions from within this plant list may be recommended
at the time of planting based on current availability.
Seed and Seeding:
2. Once the soil has been prepared, the grass seed will be hand broadcast throughout the project area.
3. A raking will follow to incorporate the seed into the soil.
4. The seed mixes shall consist of the following species and amounts:
Grasses Species Lbs/ project area
Kalm's bromebromus kalmii0.5
Side oats grama bouteloua curtipendula0.5
Blue gramabouteloua gracilis0.25
Bottlebrush grasselymus hystrix0.15
Silky wild rye elymus villosus0.15
Little bluestemschizachyrium scoparium0.5
2.05
White prairie clover petalostemum candidum0.25
Purple prairie cloverpetalostemum purpureum0.75
Black-eyed Susanrudbeckia hirta0.5
Hoary vervainverbena stricta0.25
Golden alexanderzizia aurea0.25
Total 2
I. Seeding dates shall be in the spring or summer before August lOth or in the fall between September
20th and freeze-up.
Plants and Planting:
3. Plant spacing will be approximately 24" on center.
4. A combination of 300 4" pots and 600 plugs will be planted.
Full/Part Sun WildflowersSpecies
Prairie onion Allium stellatum
ThimhJewcedanemone cylindrica
Pussy toesantennaria neglecta
Butterfly weed asclepias tuberosa
Azure asteraster oolentagiensis
Northern bedstrawgalium boreale
Wild geraniumgeranium maculatum
Prairie smoke geum triflorum
Alum-root heuchera richardsonii
Rough blazing star liatris aspera
Showy pensternon penstemon grandifloris
Purple prairie cloverpetalostemum purpureum
Prairie phloxphlox pilosa
Prairie roserosa arkansana
Black-eyed Susanrudbeckia hirta
Prairie violet viola pedatifida
Heart-leaved Alexander zizia aptera
Full/Part Sun Grasses and Sedges
Big bluestem andropogon gerardii
Side oats grama bouteloua curtipendula
June grasskoeleria macrantha
Little bluestem schizachyrium scoparium
Prairie dropseedsporobolus heterolepis
Shade Wildflowers
Columbine aquilegia canadensis
American sp ikenardaralia racemosa
Jack-in-the-pulpit arisaema triphyllum
Wild gingerAsa rtum canadense
Spring beauty claytonia virginica
Wi ld geraniumgeranium maculatum
False lily of the valleymaianthemum canadense
Woodland phlox phlox divaricata
Solomon's seals polygonatum biflorum
Wood blue-eyed grass sisyrinchium montanum
Star flowered solomon 's seal smilacina stellata
False solomon's sealsmilacina racemosa
Early meadow rue thalictrum dioicum
Yellow violet viola puescens
Shade Grasses and Sedges
Pennsylvania sedgecarex pensylvanica
Wood sedgecarex rosea
Sprengcl's sedge carex sprengelii
Bottlebrush grass elymus hystrix
1. Plants will be installed in single species clusters of 3-9 plants. At least 12 species from the
following lists should be used.
2. 60% of the overall quantity of plants will be grasses or sedges, and 40% will be wildflowers.
Page 1 of 3
1179199.1
GRANT OF TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT
____________________________, a _______________ Corporation, “Grantors”, in
consideration of One Dollar ($1.00) and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, do hereby grant unto the CITY OF FALCON
HEIGHTS, a body corporate and politic under the laws of Minnesota, the Grantee, hereinafter
referred to as the “City”, its successors and assigns, a temporary construction easement over,
across, on, under, and through the land situated in the CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS, State of
Minnesota, as legally described on the attached Exhibit A.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the same, unto the City, its contractors, agents, servants and
assigns, commencing on June 15, 2012 and expiring November 13, 2013 together with the right
of ingress to and egress from the temporary easement premises, for the purpose of constructing,
reconstructing, inspecting, repairing, and maintaining a sidewalk, retaining wall and landscaping,
at the will of the City, its successors and assigns. Grantors hereby grant the uses herein
specified, without divesting themselves of the right to use and enjoy the above described
temporary easement premises, subject only to the right of the City to use the same for the
purposes herein expressed. The City, its agents and assigns, will restore the described property
to the condition that existed prior to construction.
The above named Grantors, for themselves, their heirs and assigns, do covenant with the
City, its successors and assigns, that they are well seized in fee title of the above described
easement premises; that they have the sole right to grant and convey the easements to the City;
Page 2 of 3
1179199.1
that there are no unrecorded interests in the easement premises; and that they will indemnify and
hold the City harmless for any breach of the foregoing covenants.
The City agrees that it will not record this document in the real estate records of Ramsey
County without the prior written consent of Grantors.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, the Grantors hereto have signed this document this ____ day of
_______________, 2012
GRANTOR:
By:________________________________ By:________________________________
Its:________________________________ Its:________________________________
STATE OF _____________ )
) ss.
CITY OF ____________ )
This instrument was acknowledged before me on ____ day of ___________, 2012by
and ,
the __________________________ and _________________________ of
______________________, a _____________ Corporation, on behalf of the corporation.
___________________________________
NOTARY PUBLIC
THIS INSTRUMENT WAS DRAFTED BY:
City of Falcon Heights
2770 Larpenteur Avenue
Falcon Heights, Mn 55113
651-792-7042
Page 3 of 3
1179199.1
EXHIBIT A
TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT
The south 15 feet of the following described property:
Parcel A
The West 140 feet of the East 606.69 feet of the South 350.56 feet of the Southeast Quarter of
Section 17, Township 29, Range 23, and the West 104 feet of the East 710.69 feet of the South
266 feet and the North 5 feet of the South 355.56 feet of the West 140 feet of the East 606.69
feet of the Southeast Quarter of Section 17, Township 29, Range 23; Except land taken for road
as shown in Final Certificate filed September 14, 1978, as document No. 2016519
Parcel B
All that part of the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 17, Township 29 N,
Range 23 W, lying within and bounded by the following described lines, to-wit: On the East by
the East line of said Section 17; on the South by the South line of said Section 17; on the West
by a line drawn parallel to and distant 466.69 feet West of the East line of said Section 17; and
on the North by a line drawn parallel to and distant 561.5 feet South of the North line of the
Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of said Section 17.
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair
__________________________
The City That Soars!
Item Beyond the Yellow Ribbon
Description
Recently, a number of the suburban communities in Ramsey County have passed
resolutions of support for the efforts of a County-wide group that is taking the steps
and making the effort to become a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Community. The
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program has been formed to assist local military family
members and military residents with a community network of support including
access to information and services to assist them during the deployment cycle. The
suburban Ramsey County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon group has asked that Falcon
Heights also pass a resolution of support.
Budget Impact None
Attachment(s) Resolution 12-05
Action(s)
Requested
Staff recommends that the Falcon Heights City Council approve the attached
Resolution Supporting the Efforts of the suburban Ramsey County-wide group in
Becoming a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Community Resolution 12-05.
Meeting Date March 28, 2012
Agenda Item Consent F4
Attachment Resolution 12-05
Submitted By Bart Fischer, City Administrator
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
COUNCIL RESOLUTION
March 28, 2012
No. 12-05
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE EFFORTS OF BECOMING A BEYOND THE YELLOW
RIBBON COMMUNITY
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
WHEREAS, Many families support their military service members who are serving in the United
States and overseas to protect the values and freedom enjoyed by the citizens of the United States of
America, and;
WHEREAS, a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Community Group has been formed in an effort to assist
connecting local military family members with a community network of support that is understood
and trusted by military families, where military residents and their families are recognized and can
access information and services to assist them during the deployment cycle and is sustainable for
future military families as deployment becomes necessary, and;
WHEREAS, this Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Community Group will build on the existing strength
of our community and organizations by continuing to support awareness and addressing the needs of
spouses and children throughout the deployment, deployment-reintegration process and through
extended periods after homecoming in ways to lessen their burden while a family member is
deployed or is impacted by their service to community and country, and;
WHEREAS, We believe the effects of deployment do not end when the soldier returns home and
the family is reunited; this process takes months for some families and years for others; We believe
the ultimate vision of the community is to offer support to military families and honor them in our
midst, and;
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights and the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon
Community Group encourage key groups of the community service members and their families to be
proactive and work in harmony to develop a program which empowers community synchronization
of effort and build an enduring and sustainable network of support.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, on behalf of our residents, the City Council of Falcon
Heights is proud to recognize, appreciate and say Thank You to our military members and their
families for their service sacrifices and in all they do.
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the residents and the City Council of the City of
Falcon Heights do fully support the efforts of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Community Group to
support our military members and their families while defending the democratic values of the United
States of America.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Moved by: Approved by: ________________________
Peter Lindstrom, Mayor
March 28, 2012
LINDSTROM ____ In Favor Attested by: ________________________
GOSLINE Bart Fischer
HARRIS ____ Against City Administrator
LONG March 28, 2012
MERCER-TAYLOR
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair
__________________________
The City That Soars!
Item Coal Tar Sealant Ordinance-Tabled from 3/14/12 City Council Meeting
Description The Falcon Heights Environment Commission recommends adoption of an
ordinance regulating products for the sealing of driveways within the City of Falcon
Heights, in order to protect, restore, and preserve the quality of its water.
The United States Geological Service has recognized coal tar based pavement
sealants as a significant source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)
contamination in urban areas. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (2009), PAHs are of environmental concern because several are toxic,
carcinogenic, mutagenic, and/or teratogenic (causing birth defects) to aquatic life,
and seven are probable human carcinogens. PAHs are introduced into the
environment when sealant is worn off paved surfaces by rain, friction from tires,
foot traffic – anything that causes wear to the surface.
Although coal-tar based sealants are no longer widely found in stores, they are still
available, often marketed door-to-door by driveway contractors, according to the
City of Roseville's staff report, May, 2011.
Asphalt-based sealants are derived from petroleum and are not known to pose the
risk of PAH contamination.
At the 3/14/12 City Council Meeting, Council elected to table this Ordinance in an
effort to gain a better understanding of the economic effects this Ordinance change
might have on the residents of Falcon Heights. Staff research indicated a number of
variables between the costs associated with coal tar and asphalt based sealants
depending on the quality of the sealant, the size of the driveway, etc. It is staff’s
opinion that the price difference between the two sealants is not significant. In
addition, one of the largest commercial driveway sealers in the nation, Eagan based
Jet Black, has announced they will no longer be carrying coal tar based sealants.
The draft presented here is based on a model ordinance from the League of
Minnesota Cities. Other local communities, including White Bear Lake, Maplewood
and Roseville, have adopted similar ordinances. This ordinance is consistent with
the objectives of the City of Falcon Heights Water Resource Management Plan.
Budget Impact None
Meeting Date March 28, 2012
Agenda Item Policy G1
Attachment Draft Ordinance 12-02
Coal Based Publication
Submitted By Deborah Jones, Staff Liaison to the
Environment Commission &
Bart Fischer, City Administrator
Attachment(s) • Draft Ordinance 12-02 regulating products for the sealing of driveway.
• "Coal-Tar-Based Pavement Sealcoat, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs),
and Environmental Health," a publication of the U.S. Geological Survey
Action(s)
Requested
Staff recommends that the Falcon Heights City Council approve Ordinance 12-02.
161009v01
RNK:11/16/2011 1
ORDINANCE NO. 12-02
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FALCON HEIGHTS CITY CODE
REGULATING THE USE OF COAL TAR-BASED SEALER PRODUCTS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS ORDAINS:
Section 1. Chapter 22 of the Falcon Heights City Code is amended by adding Article IV
to read:
Article IV - REGULATION OF COAL TAR-BASED SEALER PRODUCTS
22-55 PURPOSE. The City of Falcon Heights understands that lakes, rivers, streams
and other bodies of water are natural assets which enhance the environmental,
recreational, cultural and economic resources and contribute to the general health and
welfare of the community. The use of sealers on asphalt driveways is a common
practice. However, scientific studies on the use of driveway sealers have demonstrated
a relationship between stormwater runoff and certain health and environmental
concerns. The purpose of this code section is to regulate the use of sealer products
within the City of Falcon Heights, in order to protect, restore, and preserve the quality of
its waters.
22-56 DEFINITIONS. For the purpose of this code section, the following definitions
shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:
ASPHALT-BASED SEALER. A petroleum-based sealer material that is commonly used
on driveways, parking lots, and other surfaces and which does not contain coal tar.
COAL TAR. A byproduct of the process used to refine coal.
COAL TAR-BASED SEALER. A sealer material containing coal tar and is for use on
an asphalt or concrete surface, including a driveway or parking area.
MPCA. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
161009v01
RNK:11/16/2011 2
PAHs. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. A group of organic chemicals formed during
the incomplete burning of coal, oil, gas, or other organic substances. Present in coal tar
and believed harmful to humans, fish, and other aquatic life.
UNDILUTED COAL TAR-BASED SEALER. A sealer material containing coal tar that
has not been mixed with asphalt and which is commonly used on driveways, parking
lots and other surfaces.
22-57 USE OF COAL TAR-BASED SEALER PROHIBITED.
A. No person shall apply any coal tar-based sealer to any driveway, parking lot, or
other surface within the City.
B. No person shall contract with any commercial sealer product applicator, residential
or commercial developer, or any other person for the application of any coal tar-based
sealer to any driveway, parking lot, or other surface within the City.
C. No commercial sealer product applicator, residential or commercial developer, or
other similar individual or organization shall direct any employee, independent
contractor, volunteer, or other person to apply any coal tar-based sealer to any
driveway, parking lot, or other surface within the City. A person who owns property on
which a coal tar-based sealer is used is presumed to have used a coal tar-based sealer
in violation of this section.
22-58 ASPHALT-BASED SEALCOAT PRODUCTS. The provisions of this code
section shall only apply to use of coal tar-based sealer in the City and shall not affect
the use of asphalt-based sealer products within the City.
22-59 EXEMPTION. Upon the express written approval from both the City and the
MPCA, a person conducting bona fide research on the effects of undiluted coal tar-
based sealer products or PAHs on the environment shall be exempt from the
prohibitions provided in Section 3.
Section 2. This ordinance is effective immediately upon its passage and publication.
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RNK:11/16/2011 3
ADOPTED this ______ day of ____________, 2012, by the City Council of Falcon
Heights, Minnesota.
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
BY: ______________________________
Peter Lindstrom, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Bart Fischer, City Administrator/Clerk
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey
Fact Sheet 2011–3010
February 2011
Coal-Tar-Based Pavement Sealcoat, Polycyclic Aromatic
Hydrocarbons (PAHs), and Environmental Health
Printed on recycled paper
Key Findings
• Dust from pavement with coal-tar-based sealcoat has greatly elevated PAH concentrations compared to
dust from unsealed pavement.
• Coal-tar-based sealcoat is the largest source of PAH contamination to 40 urban lakes studied, accounting
for one-half of all PAH inputs.
• Coal-tar-based sealcoat use is the primary cause of upward trends in PAHs, since the 1960s, in urban lake
sediment.
• Residences adjacent to parking lots with coal-tar-based sealcoat have PAH concentrations in house dust
that are 25 times higher than those in house dust in residences adjacent to parking lots without coal-tar-
based sealcoat.
• PAHs move from a sealcoated surface into our environment by many mechanisms: storm runoff, adhesion
to tires, wind, foot traffic, and volatilization.
Studies by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have identified coal-tar-based sealcoat—the black, viscous
liquid sprayed or painted on asphalt pavement such as parking lots—as a major source of polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination in urban areas for large parts of the Nation. Several PAHs are suspected
human carcinogens and are toxic to aquatic life.
Sealcoat is the black, viscous liquid sprayed or painted on the asphalt pavement of many parking lots, driveways, and playgrounds.
Asphalt
Tracking
Adhesion
Volatilization
Wind
Runoff
Sealant
Original graphic courtesy of Aaron Hicks, City of Austin, Texas.
How does Sealcoat get from Driveways
and Parking Lots into Streams and
Lakes, Homes, and the Air?
Friction from vehicle tires abrades pavement
sealcoat into small particles. These particles are
washed off pavement by rain and carried down storm
drains and into streams. Other sealcoat particles
adhere to vehicle tires and are transported to other
surfaces, blown offsite by wind, or tracked indoors
on the soles of shoes. Some of the PAHs in sealcoat
volatilize (evaporate), which is why sealed parking
lots and driveways frequently give off a “mothball”
smell. Sealcoat wear is visible in high traffic areas
within a few months after application, and sealcoat
manufacturers recommend reapplication every 2 to
4 years.
Gray asphalt pavement shows through where sealcoat has worn off the driveway of an apartment complex.
What are Sealcoat, PAHs, and Coal
Tar?
Pavement sealcoat (also called sealant) is a
black liquid that is sprayed or painted on some
asphalt pavement. It is marketed as protecting
and beautifying the underlying pavement, and is
used commercially and by homeowners across
the Nation. It is applied to parking lots associated
with commercial businesses, apartment and
condominium complexes, churches, schools, and
business parks, to residential driveways, and even
to some playgrounds. Most sealcoat products have
a coal-tar-pitch or asphalt (oil) base. Coal-tar-based
sealcoat is commonly used in the central, southern,
and eastern United States, and asphalt-based
sealcoat is commonly used in the western United
States.
PAHs are a group of chemical compounds that
form whenever anything with a carbon base is
burned, from wood and gasoline to cigarettes and
meat. PAHs also are in objects and materials, such
as automobile tires and coal tar, the production
of which involves the heating of carbon-based
materials. PAHs are of environmental concern
because several are toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic,
and/or teratogenic (causing birth defects) to aquatic
life, and seven are probable human carcinogens
(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2009).
Coal tar is a byproduct of the coking of coal for
the steel industry and coal-tar pitch is the residue
remaining after the distillation of coal tar. Coal-tar
pitch is 50 percent or more PAHs by weight and
is known to cause cancer in humans (International
Agency for Research on Cancer, 1980). Coal-
tar-based sealcoat products typically are 20 to 35
percent coal-tar pitch. Product analyses indicate
that coal-tar-based sealcoat products contain about
1,000 times more PAHs than sealcoat products with
an asphalt base (City of Austin, 2005).
Runoff from sealcoated pavement (black surface) enters storm
drains that lead to local streams. Drain grate (inset) is marked
“DUMP NO WASTE” and “DRAINS TO WATERWAYS.”
Does product type really matter? PAH concentra-
tions in the coal-tar-based sealcoat product are about
1,000 times higher than in the asphalt-based product
(more than 50,000 milligrams per kilogram [mg/kg]
in coal-tar-based products and 50 mg/kg in asphalt-
based products [City of Austin, 2005]). Anecdotal
reports, such as Web sites, blogs, and comments
by industry representatives, indicate that the coal-
tar-based product is used predominantly east of the
Continental Divide and the asphalt-based product is
used predominantly west of the Continental Divide.
During 2007–08, the USGS swept dust from seal-
coated and unsealcoated parking lots in nine cities
across the United States and analyzed the dust for
PAHs. For six cities in the central and eastern United
States, the median PAH concentration in dust from
sealcoated parking lots was 2,200 mg/kg, about 1,000
times higher than in dust from sealcoated parking
lots in the western United States, where the median
concentration was 2.1 mg/kg. Although both product
types are available nationally, these results confirm
the regional difference in use patterns (Van Metre and
others, 2009).
PAHs are increasing in urban lakes across the
United States. To better understand why this might
be happening, USGS scientists collected sedi-
ment cores from 40 lakes in cities from Anchorage,
Alaska, to Orlando, Florida, analyzed the cores for
PAHs, and determined the contribution of PAHs from
many different sources by using a chemical mass-
balance model. The model is based on differences in
the chemical “fingerprint” of PAHs from each source.
Coal-tar-based sealcoat accounted for one-half of all
PAHs in the lakes, on average, while vehicle-related
sources accounted for about one-fourth. Lakes with
a large contribution of PAHs from sealcoat tended
to have high PAH concentrations; in many cases, at
levels that can be harmful to aquatic life. Analysis
of historical trends in PAH sources to 8 of the 40
lakes indicates that sealcoat use is the primary cause
of increases in PAH concentrations since the 1960s.
Identifying where PAHs are coming from is essential
for developing environmental management strategies
(Van Metre and Mahler, 2010).
Concentrations of PAHs in dust swept from sealed parking lots in
central and eastern U.S. cities, where coal-tar-based-sealcoat
use dominates, were about 1,000 times higher than in western
U.S. cities, where asphalt-based-sealcoat use dominates.
Concentrations shown on the map are the sum of 12 PAHs, in
milligrams per kilogram (Van Metre and others, 2009).
The East-West Divide
Regional Product Use Translates to Large Differences in PAH Concentrations
“Fingerprinting” Shows that Coal-Tar Sealant is the Largest Source of PAHs to
Urban Lakes
5.2
<13
2.1
570
3,200
3,400
3,200
1,300
2,000
C
o
n
t
i
n
e
n
t
a
l
Divide
Seattle
Portland
Salt Lake City
Austin
Minneapolis
ChicagoDetroit
Washington, D.C.
New Haven
Coal-tar-based sealcoat (orange symbol) is the largest contributor
to increasing concentrations of PAHs in Lake Killarney, Orlando,
Florida, as determined by chemical fingerprinting. Similar patterns
were seen in lakes across the central and eastern United States
(Van Metre and Mahler, 2010).
0
20
40
60
80
100
19301950197019902010
Coal-tar-based sealcoat
Vehicle-related sources
Wood combustion
TOTAL PAH CONCENTRATION, INMILLIGRAMS PER KILOGRAM
DATE SEDIMENT DEPOSITED
Fuel oil combustion
Coal combustion
House dust is an important source for human
exposure to many contaminants, including PAHs.
This is particularly true for small children, who spend
time on the floor and put their hands and objects into
their mouths. In 2008, the USGS measured PAHs
in house dust from 23 ground-floor apartments and
in dust from the apartment parking lots. Apartments
with parking lots with coal-tar-based sealcoat had
PAH concentrations in house dust that were 25 times
higher, on average, than concentrations in house dust
from apartments with parking lots with other surface
types (concrete, unsealed asphalt, and asphalt-based
sealcoat). PAH concentrations in the dust from the
parking lots with coal-tar-based sealcoat were 530
times higher, on average, than concentrations on the
parking lots with other surface types.
There are no U.S. health-based guidelines for
chronic exposure to PAHs in house dust. The only
existing guideline is for a single PAH—benzo[a]-
pyrene—issued by the German Federal Environment
Agency Indoor Air Hygiene Commission (Hansen
and Volland, 1998). The guideline advises minimiz-
ing exposure to concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene
greater than 10 mg/kg in dust to avoid adverse health
effects. That guideline was exceeded for 4 of the
11 apartments with coal-tar-sealcoated parking lots
and for 1 of the 12 apartments with a parking lot with
a different surface type. Also of concern is expo-
sure to the sealcoated pavement surfaces themselves
through play activities. Dust on some of the seal-
coated parking lots had a concentration of benzo[a]-
pyrene that was more than 50 times higher than the
German guideline.
From Outside to Inside
Coal-Tar Pavement Sealant Linked to PAHs in House Dust
What about other sources of PAHs? Although
tobacco smoking, candle and incense burning, and
barbecue and fireplace use have been suggested to
affect PAH concentrations in house dust, this study
found no relation between any of these, or the many
other factors considered, and PAH concentrations in
the house dust. The presence or absence of coal-tar-
based sealcoat on the apartment complex parking lot
was strongly correlated with PAH concentrations in
house dust; the only other variable that was related to
PAH concentrations in house dust was urban land-use
intensity (the percentage of land near the apartment
dedicated to multifamily residential, commercial,
office, warehouse, or streets) (Mahler and others,
2010).
Photograph obtained from Jupiter Images.
Photograph courtesy of CLEARCorps, Durham, North Carolina.
Apartments with coal-tar-based sealcoat on the parking lot had
much higher concentrations of PAHs, both in indoor dust and
in parking lot dust, than apartments with an unsealed asphalt
or concrete parking lot or with a parking lot with asphalt-based
sealcoat. Concentrations shown are for the sum of the 16 U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency priority pollutant PAHs (Mahler
and others, 2010), in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg).
9.0 mg/kg
No coal-tar sealcoat
5.1 mg/kg
Coal-tar sealcoat
129 mg/kg
4,760 mg/kg
Our Environment and Us
What are the Concerns?
Some PAHs are toxic to mammals (including
humans), birds, fish, amphibians (such as frogs
and salamanders), and plants. The aquatic inverte-
brates—insects and other small creatures that live in
streams and lakes—are particularly susceptible to
PAH contamination, especially those that live in the
mud where PAHs tend to accumulate. These inver-
tebrates are an important part of the food chain and
are often monitored as indicators of stream quality
(analogous to the “canary in the coal mine” con-
cept). Possible adverse effects of PAHs on aquatic
invertebrates include inhibited reproduction, delayed
emergence, sediment avoidance, and mortality. Pos-
sible adverse effects on fish include fin erosion, liver
abnormalities, cataracts, and immune system impair-
ments. The Probable Effect Concentration (PEC) of
22.8 mg/kg of total PAHs (MacDonald and others,
2000)—a widely used sediment quality guideline
that is the concentration in bed sediment expected to
have harmful effects on bottom-dwelling biota—is
exceeded in one-third of the central and eastern U.S.
urban lakes where PAH sources were studied.
Tumors in brown bullhead catfish from the Anacostia River,
Washington, D.C., are believed to be related to elevated PAH
concentrations (Pinkney and others, 2009). Photograph by A.E.
Pinkney.
When turned over, red
spotted newts that had
been exposed to sediment
contaminated with
coal-tar-based sealcoat
had difficulty righting
themselves (Bommarito
and others, 2010b). Poor
reflexes could result
in decreased survival.
Photograph by Megan
Gibbons, Birmingham-
Southern College.
Skin contact is one way humans can be exposed to PAHs.
Parking lots and driveways with coal-tar-based sealcoat have
concentrations of PAHs hundreds to thousands of times higher
than those with asphalt-based sealcoat or no sealcoat. Photograph
obtained from Corbis Images, Inc.
Human health risk from environmental con-
taminants usually is evaluated in terms of exposure
pathways. For example, people could potentially
be exposed to PAHs in sealcoat through ingestion
of abraded particles from driveways, parking lots,
or play grounds, or through skin contact with the
abraded particles, either directly or by touching toys
or other objects that have been in contact with the
pavement. Inhalation of wind-blown particles and
of fumes that volatilize from sealed parking lots are
other possible pathways. PAHs in streams and lakes
rarely pose a human health risk from contact recre-
ation or drinking water because of their tendency to
attach to sediment rather than to dissolve in water.
Scientific studies have shown a relation between
coal-tar-based pavement sealcoat and harmful effects
on aquatic life.
• Aquatic communities downstream from storm-
water runoff from sealcoated parking lots were
impaired (Scoggins and others, 2007).
• Salamanders and newts exposed to sediment
contaminated with coal-tar-based sealcoat
had stunted growth, difficulty swimming or
righting themselves, and liver problems
(Bommarito and others, 2010a, b).
• Frogs exposed to sediment contaminated
with coal-tar-based sealcoat died, had stunted
growth, or developed more slowly than usual
(Bryer and others, 2006).
FAQ
Q) What is coal tar?
A) Coal tar is a thick, black or brown liquid that is a
byproduct of the carbonization of coal for the steel
industry or the gasification of coal to make coal gas.
Q) What is the difference between crude coal tar,
coal-tar pitch, and “refined” coal tar?
A) Coal-tar pitch is the residue that remains after
various light oils are distilled from crude coal tar for
commercial use. The coal-tar pitch is then separated
(refined) into 12 different viscosities, RT–1 (the most
fluid) through RT–12 (the most viscous). RT–12
is the viscosity used in coal-tar-based pavement
sealcoat.
Q) How can I tell if a product contains coal tar?
A) To determine if the product has a coal-tar base,
look for the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)
number 65996–93–2 on the product Material Safety
Data Sheet (MSDS). The words “coal tar,” “refined
coal tar,” “refined tar,” “refined coal-tar pitch,” or
other similar terms may be listed on the MSDS or on
the product container.
Q) Is sealcoat used on roads?
A) Use on roads is extremely rare. Occasionally a
private property, such as a housing development, will
choose to have the roads sealcoated.
Q) Is use of coal-tar-based sealant regulated?
A) Several jurisdictions, including the City of Austin,
Texas, the City of Washington, D.C., Dane County,
Wisconsin, and several suburbs of Minneapolis,
Minnesota, have banned use of coal-tar-based
sealcoat. Similar bans are under consideration in
other jurisdictions.
References
Bommarito, T., Sparling, D.W., and Halbrook, R.S., 2010a,
Toxicity of coal-tar pavement sealants and ultraviolet radia-
tion to Ambystoma Maculatum: Ecotoxicology, v. 19, no. 6,
p. 1,147–1,156.
Bommarito, T., Sparling, D.W., and Halbrook, R.S., 2010b,
Toxicity of coal-tar and asphalt sealants to eastern newts,
Notophthalmus viridescens: Chemosphere, v. 81, no. 2,
p. 187–193.
Bryer, P.J., Elliott, J.N., and Willingham, E.J., 2006, The effects
of coal tar based pavement sealer on amphibian development
and metamorphosis: Ecotoxicology, v. 15, no. 3, p. 241–247.
City of Austin, 2005, PAHs in Austin, Texas, sediments and
coal-tar based pavement sealants: Watershed Protection
Department, 55 p., accessed September 14, 2010, at
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/watershed/downloads/coaltar_
draft_pah_study.pdf.
Hansen, D., and Volland, G., 1998, Study about the contamina-
tion of PAH in rooms with tar parquetry adhesive: Otto-Graf-
Journal, v. 9, p. 48–60.
International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1980, Coal tars
and coal tar pitches: accessed September 14, 2010, at http://
ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/eleventh/profiles/s048coal.pdf.
MacDonald, D.D., Ingersoll, C.G., and Berger, T.A., 2000,
Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment
quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems: Archives
of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, v. 39,
p. 20–31.
Mahler, B.J., Van Metre, P.C., Wilson, J.T., Musgrove, M.,
Burbank, T.L., Ennis, T.E., and Bashara, T.J., 2010, Coal-tar-
based parking lot sealcoat—An unrecognized source of PAH
to settled house dust: Environmental Science and Technology,
v. 44, p. 894–900.
Pinkney, A.E., Harshbarger, J.C., and Rutter, M.A., 2009,
Tumors in brown bullheads in the Chesapeake Bay water-
shed—Analysis of survey data from 1992 through 2006:
Journal of Aquatic Animal Health, v. 21, p. 71–81.
Scoggins, M., McClintock, N., Gosselink, L., and Bryer, P.,
2007, Occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons below
coal-tar-sealed parking lots and effects on stream benthic
macroinvertebrate communities: Journal of the North Ameri-
can Benthological Society, v. 26, no. 4, p. 694–707.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2009, Integrated Risk
Information System (IRIS): accessed September 14, 2010, at
http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/iris/index.cfm.
Van Metre, P.C., and Mahler, B.J., 2010, Contribution of PAHs
from coal-tar pavement sealcoat and other sources to 40 U.S.
lakes: Science of the Total Environment, v. 409, p. 334–344.
Van Metre, P.C., Mahler, B.J., and Wilson, J.T., 2009, PAHs
underfoot—Contaminated dust from coal-tar sealcoated
pavement is widespread in the United States: Environmental
Science and Technology, v. 43, no. 1, p. 20–25.
Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes
only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
—B.J. Mahler and P.C. Van Metre
For more information on USGS research on PAHs and
coal-tar-based sealcoat go to http://tx.usgs.gov/coring/
allthingssealcoat.html.
Publishing support provided by
Lafayette Publishing Service Center