Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-13-2013 Council MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING CITY COUNCIL LITTLE CANADA, MINNESOTA NOVEMBER 13, 2013 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a regular meeting of the City Council of Little Canada, Minnesota was convened on the 13th day of November, 2013 in the Council Chambers of the City Center located at 515 Little Canada Road in said City. Mayor Bill Blesener called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and the following members of the City Council were present at roll call: CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Mr. Bill Blesener Council Member Ms. Shelly Boss Council Member Mr. John Keis Council Member Mr. Michael McGraw Council Member Mr. Rick Montour ALSO PRESENT: City Administrator Mr. Joel R. Hanson Cable TV Producer Mr. Kevin Flelander City Clerk Ms. Kathy Glanzer MINUTES Boss introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2013 -11 -203 — APPROVING THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 23, 2013 WORKSHOP MEETING AND THE OCTOBER 23, 2013 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AS SUBMITTED The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Keis. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. LAHORE The City Administrator reported that due to a scheduling conflict, ROAD representatives from SEH and the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department TRAFFIC could not be present to review the LaBore Road Traffic Control Study. STUDY The Administrator apologized for the inconvenience. The Administrator indicated that he would review the results of this study which was commissioned by the Council given requests that the City has received over the years for the addition of 4 -way stops and other traffic control measures along LaBore Road. With the addition of the Pinetrce pond Development, the Council felt it warranted to have an independent traffic MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 13, 2013 evaluation conducted. The study was done for the length of Little Canada Road lying between Edgerton Street and County Road D. The City Administrator reviewed in detail the SEH September 23, 2013 report, noting that the evaluation included the following: o The collection of traffic volume data for the approaches to the intersections. o Review of previous traffic count and speed data collected by the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department. o Estimate of traffic from the new Pinetree Pond development and future development to the east that would connect to Cherry Hill Lane and to LaBore Road north of Cherry Hill Lane. o A review of the area including available sign distance. o Review of vehicle crash data. o Evaluation of warrants for intersection control as established by the MN Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. o Review of potential traffic calming techniques. The Administrator reviewed the traffic count data as well as traffic forecasts as outlined in the report. He then reviewed crash data noting that there has been an average of 1.5 crashes per year for the last 3 years at the intersection of LaBore Road and Arcade Street, which translates to a crash rate of 1.06 crashes per million entering vehicles. This is above the state average for a stop - controlled intersection of 0.30, but below the critical crash rate of 1.15. Therefore the intersection is considered safe. Crashes along LaBore Road from Edgerton to County Road D have a rate of 1.73 per million vehicle miles. This is below the 2.30 state average crash rate for a two lane road, thus indicating a safe condition. The report also indicates that the average traffic speeds on LaBore Road 32 mph and an 85th percentile speed of 36 mph, which means that 85% of traffic is traveling at or below 36 mph. Next reviewed was site distance at the two intersections. The evaluation of site distance determined that stopping sight distance for LaBore Road traffic approaching the intersections is more than adequate. The study also determined that due to adequate stopping sight distance, functional intersection sight distance, and small volume of traffic that will be making a left turn from Pinetree Court onto LaBore Road, this intersection is not considered to be unsafe. The Administrator noted that intersection control warrant analysis was done which takes into account traffic volumes, frequency of crashes, and 2 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 13, 2013 approach speed of major street traffic and compares it to values established in the MN Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. An all -way stop warrant analysis was done for both intersections, and it was determined that an all -way stop was not warranted at either intersection. Finally, the study considered various traffic calming measures, which include center medians, traffic lane narrowing, traffic circle, and permanent variable speed display. The Administrator then reviewed the study recommendations, which are as follows: I. Install two permanent variable speed display signs on LaBore Road. One both north and south of the curve at Cherry Hill Lane /Pinetree Court. 2. Install a Red Diamond sign (Road Ends -Type 4 Object Marker — 0M4 -1, 2, or 3) at the end of Cherry Hill Lane to the east. The City Administrator indicated that the concern that he had with the recommendation to install permanent variable speed display signs was with their effectiveness over time given that drivers could become immune to these signs. He also estimated the cost of these boards at $4,000 each. Keis asked if there are stop signs at the ends of Pinetree Court and Cherry Hill Lane. The Administrator replied that there was. He again noted that the recommendation is that 4 -way stops are not warranted at the intersections of LaBore Road /Pinetree Court/Cherry Hill Lane and LaBorc Road /Arcade Street. Keis did not feel that SEH would recommend the variable speed boards if their effectiveness diminished over time. Laurie Brausen, LaBore Road, asked if the study factored in the fact that there may be hot spots along LaBore Road. Brausen pointed out that the area of the curve has only recently become an intersection, and asked if that was a consideration in the study. Brausen noted that many of the crashes that have occurred along LaBore Road have involved only one vehicle, and asked if those events would be included in the crash data. Brausen reported that there have been a history of one -car crashes along the curve, again pointing out that this area has only recently become an intersection with the addition of Cherry Hill Lane and Pinetree Court. Keis asked if these one vehicle crashes have occurred more at night or during the day. Brausen replied both. Keis asked about lighting along LaBore Road. Blesener indicated that intersections are lit. The City Administrator reported that the crash data reviewed for the report was 3 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 13, 2013 based on police reports. Some incidents with only minor damage may not be reported to this data base. Brausen reported that generally people seem to be driving the speed limit on LaBore Road. Brausen also indicated that people driving LaBore Road cannot see Pinetree Court until they round the curve. Reis indicated that turning left coming out of Pinetree Court onto LaBore Road and looking to the west, visibility is impeded by the existing vegetation. Brausen indicated that the vegetation is the Bilek's landscaping, and pointed out that they have been impacted by the Pinetree Pond development and would likely not want this vegetation removed. The City Administrator suggested that he forward tonight's comments on to SEH and request that they attend the next Council meeting to address the issues raised this evening. McGraw asked the Administrator to explain the reasoning for the Council's ordering the traffic study. The Administrator noted that over the years the City has received requests for a 4 -way stop at LaBore Road and Arcade Street. Based on these requests, both the City Engineer and the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department have indicated that a 4 -way stop was not warranted. However, with the addition of the Pinetree Pond development, residents in the area expressed concern about the curve in this section of LaBore Road. A 4 -way stop was also mentioned for the new intersection. Therefore, the Council felt it appropriate to commission an independent traffic study of LaBore Road from Edgerton to County Road D. Brausen felt that the addition of a 4 -way stop at LaBore Road and Arcade Street would make a difference as it would slow traffic before it gets to the curve. The Administrator indicated that both the City Engineer and Sheriff's Department felt that if drivers feel a 4 -way stop is not warranted, they will accelerate leaving the intersection, which would result in higher speeds around the curve. Brausen felt that once drivers became used to a 4 -way stop, they would obey the stop sign and would proceed at posted speeds. Brausen stated that she just wanted it on record that there are a number of one vehicle accidents that are likely unreported, therefore, were not considered as part of the study. The Administrator again indicated that he would have SEH at the next Council meeting to answer the questions raised. 4 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 13, 2013 CONSENT AGENDA Montour asked if it would be necessary to develop a policy for when permanent variable speed display signs are installed. The Administrator noted that in this case, the City has a recommendation from an independent engineering firm for this installation. He also noted that the City has the ability to have temporary speed boards posted in areas of the City. McGraw introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2013 -11 -204 — APPROVING THE CONSENT AGENDA WHICH CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING: *APPROVING THE VOUCHERS; *AUTHORIZING THE CLOSING OF FUND 315 AND TRANSFER OF FUND BALANCE TO FUND 450; *CALLINGA WORKSHOP TO CONDUCT THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S PERFORMANCE EVALUATION FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2013 AT 6:30 P.M.; *APPROVING THE 2014 CONTRACT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE ON BEHALF OF THE CITY; *AWARDING MISCELLANEOUS STORM SEWER IMPROVEMENTS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY ENGINEER AS OUTLINED IN HIS NOVEMBER 8, 2013 REPORT; *APPROVING PARTIAL PAY REQUEST FOR FRATTALONE COMPANIES FOR 2013 IMPROVEMENTS AND APPROVING CHANGE ORDER #1 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY ENGINEER; *APPROVING PARTIAL PAY REQUEST FOR FPI PAVING FOR THE LITTLE CANADA ROAD IMPROVEMENT AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY ENGINEER; *APPROVING FINAL PAY REQUEST FOR T.A. SCHIFSKY FOR 2012 MILL & OVERLAY IMPROVEMENTS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY ENGINEER; *APPROVING MPCA AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATION LEASE AGREEMENT EXTENSION AND AUTHORIZING THE 5 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 13, 2013 CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY FOR LITTLE CANADA ROAD IMPROVEMENT MAYOR AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE ON BEHALF OF THE CITY The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Keis. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. The City Administrator reported that the City received seven responses to its request for proposals for construction management services on a Public Works /Parks Facility. The Administrator reported that City staff and the Mayor reviewed these proposals, and the recommendation is to interview the firms of Bossardt Corporation, EDS Builders, and James Steele Construction. The Administrator indicated that all the firms submitting proposals would be more than capable of providing the service, but it was felt that these three firms would best meet the City's needs. The Council discussed possible interview days, with the consensus being that the dates of November 19, 20, or 21 would be workable. The City Administrator was instructed to set an interview date that would work for the construction management firms. (It is noted that the interview was set for Tuesday, November 19, 2013 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the City Center.) The City Administrator presented a Cooperative Agreement with Ramsey County which outlines the County's cost participation in the Little Canada Road improvement project. It was noted that total project costs are projected at $1,442,641.38. The County is responsible for 74% of these costs ($1,064,131.78), and the City would pay the balance at $378,509.60. The Administrator stated that the Little Canada Road project is an example of intergovernmental cooperation, and pointed out that if this project had not proceeded as a joint project between the County and the City, it would not have gotten done. Blesener stated that his only disappointment is that the project will not be completed in 2013. It was pointed out that it was the coordination of the various utility work that needed to be done that delayed the completion. McGraw introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2013 -11 -205 — APPROVING THE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH RAMSEY COUNTY FOR THE LITTLE CANADA ROAD IMPROVEMENT AND AUTHORIZING 6 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 13, 2013 THE MAYOR AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Montour. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. LITTLE The Administrator reviewed his report dated November 8, 2013 CANADA outlining the necessary easement acquisitions for sidewalk improvements ROAD along Little Canada Road. The Administrator noted that appraisals were EASEMENT done for easements needed from St. John's Church, 334 Little Canada ACQUISITION Road, and 300 Little Canada Road. Easements are also needed from 316 Little Canada Road, 328 Little Canada Road, and 2635 Edgerton Street. Rather than obtaining easements for these three properties, the property owners agreed to provide the easements at the same residential land costs per square foot that were obtained for 334 Little Canada Road plus $950 (the cost of the appraisal based on the quote obtained earlier this year). The Administrator indicated that obtaining these easements on a voluntary basis is less expensive to the City than if the eminent domain process were needed. The Administrator indicated that the action before the Council would be to make an offer of just compensation for the three properties that were appraised. The action on the other three properties would be to authorize payments for the easements as proposed. Boss introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2013 -11 -206 — AUTHORIZING CITY STAFF TO MAKE AN OFFER OF JUST COMPENSATION FOR THE APPRAISED VALUE PLUS AN ADDITIONAL 050 TO THE PROPERTY OWNERS OF 300 LITTLE CANADA ROAD, 334 LITTLE CANADA ROAD, AND ST. JOHN'S CHURCH AS WELL AS AUTHORIZING CITY STAFF TO AUTHORIZE PAYMENTS FOR EASEMENTS TO THE OWERS OF 316 LITTLE CANADA ROAD, 328 LITTLE CANADA ROAD, AND 2635 EDGERTON STREET AS OUTLINED IN THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S NOVEMBER 8, 2013 REPORT The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by McGraw. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. 7 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 13, 2013 SEH The City Administrator reported that he received a quote from SEH to QUOTE FOR conduct a quiet zone study for the at grade railroad crossings in Little QUIET ZONE Canada used by the Canadian Pacific Railroad. The City of Shoreview STUDY has commissioned SEH to conduct a quiet zone study in their city at a cost of $12,000. The quote for Little Canada's study is $10,000. The Administrator recommended approval of the quote, and felt it would be beneficial to have a coordinated approach in conducting this study between the two cities. He also noted that the City of Maplewood may also participate in this study. Rob Mangles, TIS Rail Transportation Consultants, reported that they wanted to also provide a proposal to do the same study, but understood the City's rational in proceeding with SEH. Mangles indicated that he wanted to introduce himself to the City and ask that his firm be considered in future proposals. Blesener pointed out the City's desire for a coordinated approach between Shoreview and Little Canada relative to this study, and suggested that there may be future opportunities that result from the study findings. Mangles presented information on the work that his firm has done as well as information on his background. He also outlined some of the quiet zone study process as well as Federal requirements that railroads are subject to. Mangles indicated that he would submit his company's background information to the City Administrator for future consideration. Reis introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2013 -11 -207 — ACCEPTING THE QUOTE OF SEH TO CONDUCT A QUIET ZONE STUDY FOR THE CITY OF LITTLE CANADA AT A COST OF $10,000 AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Boss. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. STRUCTURAL The City Administrator reported that the City Engineer has arranged for EVALUATION/ a topographical survey and boundary survey for the new Public Works SURVEYING- garage site. The surveyor has done other work in the City for other public NEW PUBLIC projects. The cost of this work is expected to be about $2,500. WORKS SITE With regard to a structural evaluation of the northeast portion of the main building constructed in 1993, the Administrator reported that five quotes 8 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 13, 2013 were obtained. He indicated that one of the elements for consideration was whether or not this portion of the building would be suitable for salt/sand storage. One of the firms submitting quotes indicated that given the steel construction of the building and conflicts with salt and moisture, it is highly unlikely that the building would be suitable for this use. Therefore, the Administrator recommended that this component of the study analysis be eliminated. The Administrator pointed out that Paulson & Clark Engineering submitted the low quote, but that quote did not include a roof evaluation. The Administrator felt that based on the results of the evaluation of other building components, the City could decide whether or not a roof evaluation was necessary. The Administrator recommended that the low quote submitted by Paulson & Clark be awarded. Montour introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2013 -11 -208 — AWARDING THE LOW QUOTE OF PA ULSON & CLARK ENGINEERING IN THE RANGE OF $800 TO $1,200 FOR STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF 2858 CENTERVILLE ROAD NOTING THAT THIS EVALUATION WILL NOT INCLUDE ROOF EVALUATION The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Reis. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. FUND The City Administrator reported that in following the City's General Fund TRANSFER Cash Flow Policy it is recommended that $544,000 be transferred from the General Fund to the Fund Capital Improvement Fund. This policy provides that the General Fund balance be maintained at a range of 42.5% to 65% of budgeted General Fund expenditures. The recommended transfer will retain the General Fund balance at the high end of the range. The Administrator pointed out that the City does not levy for General Capital Improvement expenses, so a transfer to this fund helps with one- time expenses such as new snow plows, fire trucks, etc. McGraw introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2013 -11 -209 — AUTHORIZING THE TRANSFER OF $544,000 FROM THE GENERAL FUND TO THE GENERAL CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND CONSISTENT WITH THE CITY'S FINANCIAL POLICIES 9 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 13, 2013 AUTHORIZE NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS FOR POTENTIAL 2014 IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Montour. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. It was noted that there was a fund transfer approved as part of the Consent Agenda. The Administrator indicated that that transfer involved the transfer of a remaining balance of $964 from a closed bond fund to the Infrastructure Capital Improvement Fund, which was minor in nature. The Administrator reported that staff is proposing that neighborhood meetings be held on the potential improvement of Australian Avenue east of Lakeshore Avenue and the improvement of Schletty Drive south of Little Canada Road. The Administrator pointed out that in addition to discussion a street improvement, watermain is also proposed for these areas. The Administrator indicated that with the exception of Vanderbie north of Allan Avenue, these are the last two streets in the City without watermain. The Administrator reported that the City Engineer is recommending that the City's cap assessment rates for street reconstruction for 2014 be increased to $65.25 per front foot for residential property and $130.50 per front foot for commercial property. He is also recommending the capped water main rate be increased to $7,100. Montour introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2013 -11- 210 - AUTHORIZING CITY STAFF TO CONDUCT NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF SCHLETTY DRIVE SOUTH OF LITTLE CANADA ROAD AND IMPROVEMENT OF AUSTRALIAN AVENUE EAST OF LAKESHORE AVENUE AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Boss. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. Blesener introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2013 -11- 211- ADOPTING THE 2014 CAPPED ASSESSMENT RATES AS FOLLOWS: $65.25 PER FRONT FOOT FOR RESIDENTIAL STREETS 10 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 13, 2013 $130.50 PER FRONT FOOT FOR COMMERCIAL STREETS $7,100 FOR WATERMAIN IMPROVEMENT The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Montour. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. PAY OFF The City Administrator reported that the bank that owns Unit #135 at REQUEST — the Canabury Square Condominiums will be donating the unit to Habitat CANABURY for Humanity. The bank is requesting that they be allowed to pay off the SQUARE HIA assessment on this property. The Administrator noted that when the UNIT #135 HIA assessment was adopted, payoffs were not permitted as the City required the revenue stream from this assessment to meet debt service. The Administrator recommended that if a payoff is considered, that it include all of the interest due through the term of the assessment. The Administrator indicated that not to include this interest would result in general taxpayers picking up this cost. It was the consensus of the Council to allow the payoff provided that interest is paid through the term of the assessment. 2858 Keis asked the status of the occupants at 2858 Centerville Road. The CENTERVILLE Administrator reported that the occupants have requested to be allowed to ROAD stay until the end of December. They were told, however, that this is not practical and the matter has been turned over to the City Attorney to serve on unlawful detainer on these occupants. That process is underway. CITY The City Administrator welcomed the City Attorney's firm, Kelly & ATTORNEY I:,emmons, to Little Canada. They have recently moved into the building located at 219 Little Canada Road. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:52 p.m. W lli&iar nson, City Administrator 11 lesener, Mayor