HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 11222011I CITY OF ST. ANTHONY
2 CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
3 NOVEMBER 22, 2011
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5 CALL TO ORDER.
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7 Mayor Faust called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
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9 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
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11 Mayor Faust invited the Council and audience to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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13 ROLL CALL.
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15 Present: Mayor Faust; Councilmembers Gray, Jenson, Roth, and Stille.
16 Absent: None.
17 Also Present: Interim City Manager Jay Hartman, Police Chief John Ohl, Finance Director Roger
18 Larson, and City Engineer Todd Hubmer.
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20 CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING
21 ITEMS.
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23 1. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 22, 2011, CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
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25 Motion by Councilmember Gray, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve the City
26 Council Meeting Agenda of November 22, 2011.
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28 Motion carried unanimously.
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30 II. PROCLAMATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS.
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32 A. Swearing -In of Police Officer Jeronimo Yanez.
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34 Mayor Faust performed the swearing -in of Police Officer Jeronimo Yanez. He acknowledged
35 Police Officer Yanez's family members and welcomed Police Officer Yanez to the St. Anthony
36 Police Department.
37
38 III. CONSENT AGENDA.
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40 A. Consider November 8, 2011, Council meeting minutes:
41 B. Consider November 16, 2011, Canvassing Board minutes;
42 C. Consider licenses and permits; and
43 D. Consider payment of claims.
44
45 Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to approve the Consent
46 Agenda items.
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48 Motion carried unanimously.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
November 22, 2011
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PUBLIC HEARING.
None.
REPORTS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF.
A. Resolution 11 -072; Approval of the Preliminary Development Plan, the Final
Development Plan and the Planned Unit Development Amendment (PUD) for Autumn
Woods II, 2580 Kenzie Terrace, Saint Anthony Village, Hennepin, Minnesota.
Planning Commission Chair Jensen advised the Planning Commission reviewed the Preliminary
Development Plan, the Final Development Plan and the Planned Unit Development (PUD)
Amendment for Autumn Woods II and unanimously recommended its approval by the City
Council. He presented several drawings of the overall site located in the southwest corner of the
master developed area and discussed the planned access from Kenzie Terrace, the proposed
additional parking along Kenzie Terrace, and improvements to overall drainage on the site. He
advised that the Planning Commission public hearing included testimony from several residents
and stated that an engineering summary was not available at the time of the public hearing. He
indicated the applicants advised that one -half to two- thirds of run -off will be controlled by the
use of rain gardens. He stated that residents also had questions about the groundwater and low
water table and the applicants explained the site is substantially higher than the buildings to the
east and the underground parking is approximately 4 -5' above the water table. He stated that
residents also had questions as to the overall height of the proposed structure and the applicants
advised the proposed building is one additional story above the surrounding buildings on Kenzie
Terrace and as the site slopes to the east, the building will be 1.5 stories higher than the easterly
buildings with the roof tapered to provide relief to the surrounding homes. He explained that the
applicants have requested additional on -street parking on Kenzie Terrace, similar to Silver Lake
Road, pending approval from Hennepin County. He indicated that the public hearing included
additional questions related to overall drainage on the site and whether drainage would be an
issue for houses to the south and the applicants assured that drainage will not be an issue.
Councilmember Jenson requested further information regarding the requested one foot
encroachment into the front yard setback in order to have 6' porches instead of 5' porches.
Planning Commission Chair Jensen explained that the Code allows a 5' porch but with the
flexibility provided by a PUD, the applicants are requesting 6' porches along the front fagade.
He stated that there was no other noted deviation from Code other than the combination of the lot
lines providing for the sharing of multiple driveways. He added that there was discussion
regarding the parking calculations and whether the assisted living facility's parking calculations
were sufficient. He stated that the applicant's assessment of parking needs revealed that many of
the existing parking stalls were rarely used and could handle overflow parking for staff or guests.
City Engineer Hubmer stated that a preliminary review has been done but the final drainage
calculations were received this morning and he has not had sufficient time to review the
application as presented tonight. He requested that he be given additional time to review those
calculations and present his summary at the next City Council meeting.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
November 22, 2011
Page 3
2 Mr. Greg Bronk, President of LaNel Financial Group, appeared before the City Council and
3 presented the site plan showing the existing apartments and proposed site for development of the
4 assisted living facility. He pointed out the excess parking proposed to be shared with the future
5 development and explained that each apartment has one underground parking stall available and
6 City Code requires 34 parking spaces for the assisted living facility. He stated they have
7 requested that the County allow 13 parking stalls to be added along Kenzie Terrace, there are 18
8 underground stalls in the proposed building, and there are 13 parking stalls available at the front
9 entrance of the building, for a total of 44 parking stalls, which exceeds the requirement of 34.
10 He indicated that the parking lot is currently striped for 59 parking spaces and seven of those
11 spaces will be eliminated with the new development; however, at any given time, only
12 approximately 14 spaces are being used in this lot. He stated that up to 82 parking spaces would
13 be available considering the excess parking available on the adjacent lot. He added that
14 approximately 36 jobs would be added in the City as part of the assisted living facility and would
15 the project would create jobs during the year -long construction period.
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17 Mr. Jay Nelson, Architect, appeared before the City Council and presented several drawings of
18 the site and proposed building. He stated the ends of the building and the roof are stepped down
19 to decrease mass. He advised that storm water from the roof will be collected in ponding areas
20 to an area where the water will be treated before entering the City's storm sewer system; in
21 addition, gutters and downspouts on the building will collect water and diverted to the drainage
22 system. He reviewed the frontage along Kenzie Terrace and the applicant's proposed one foot
23 encroachment to allow a 6' porch. He indicated that a 6' vinyl privacy fence will be constructed
24 on the site. He also reviewed the landscape plan which includes major plantings around the
25 perimeter of the building, screening plantings in several areas, and decorative trees at 1.5 caliper
26 inches and larger trees at 2.5 caliper inches. He noted that they want to leave the area in the back
27 of the project as undisturbed as possible because this area is heavily wooded.
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29 Councilmember Gray asked if there are plans to upgrade the retaining wall on the east side of the
30 site and/or to upgrade the fencing in this area.
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32 Mr. Bronk replied that the existing wall seems to be in good shape and they planned to leave the
33 fencing on the east side as is.
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35 Mr. Mark Gibbs, 2617 Lowry Avenue, appeared before the City Council and asked what the total
36 height of the proposed building will be. He also asked how close the corner of the building will
37 be to his property line.
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39 Mr. Nelson stated the height of the building, if measured from the peak, will be 54'8". He stated
40 that the building will be approximately 21'6" from the property line at 2617 Lowry Avenue.
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42 Mr. Royal Anderson, 2621 Lowry Avenue, appeared before the City Council and presented a
43 written list of his concerns to the City Council. He expressed concern that he was not duly
44 notified of the Planning Commission public hearing.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
November 22, 2011
Page 4
1 Mayor Faust stated that notices are sent to all properties within 350' of any proposed
2 development.
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4 Interim City Manager Hartman agreed to check the City's records regarding the public hearing
5 notification.
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7 Mr. Mark Gibbs invited the City Council to his property to see what the proposed building will
8 look like from his back yard.
10 Mr. John Hunter, 2580 Kenzie Terrace, appeared before the City Council and stated he was in
11 favor of the proposed assisted living facility. He indicated he served on the Columbia Heights
12 Planning and Zoning Commission and Columbia Heights faced similar problems with the
13 proposal for the Crestview Nursing Home. He stated that residents felt the building was too high
14 and concerns were expressed about water run -off. He stated that they were able to correct the
15 drainage through their engineers and the development has been good for the community.
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17 Mayor Faust stated that the City Engineer has not had an opportunity to look at the drainage plan
18 which is paramount before making a final decision and recommended that the City Council table
19 action on this matter.
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21 Motion by Councilmember Gray, seconded by Councilmember Jenson, to table action on
22 Resolution 11 -072; Approving the Preliminary Development Plan, the Final Development Plan
23 and the Planned Unit Development Amendment (PUD) for Autumn Woods II, 2580 Kenzie
24 Terrace, Saint Anthony Village, Hennepin County, Minnesota.
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26 Motion carried unanimously.
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28 Mayor Faust stated that this item will be considered by the City Council on December 13, 2011.
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30 B. Resolution 11 -073; Approval of the Administrative Lot Combination for 3629 Roosevelt
31 Street, Lot 1 Block 1 Soo Line Addition; Lot 10, Block 1, Soo Line Addition; Lot 23,
32 Block 1, Soo Line Addition; Lot 24, Block 1, Soo Line Addition; and the South Half of
33 Lot 25, Block 1, Soo Line Addition, Hennepin County, Minnesota.
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35 Planning Commission Chair Jensen advised that this is a request to combine five existing lots on
36 Roosevelt Street to create a single, R -1 lot that is 22,842 square feet. He noted that the intent of
37 the administrative lot combination is to clean up the interior lot lines and provide one property
38 tax statement for the property owner. He noted that a public hearing is not required and the
39 Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the lot combination.
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41 Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Gray, to approve Resolution 1I-
42 073; Approving the Administrative Lot Combination for 3629 Roosevelt, Lot 9, Block 1, Soo
43 Line Addition; Lot 10, Block 1, Soo Line Addition; Lot 23, Block 1, Soo Line Addition; Lot 24,
44 Block 1, Soo Line Addition; and the South Half of Lot 25, Block 1, Soo Line Addition,
45 Hennepin County, Minnesota
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
November 22, 2011
Page 5
VI. GENERAL BUSINESS OF COUNCIL.
A. Approve the Fund Balance Policy.
Motion carried unanimously.
7 Peggy Moeller, CPA, HLB Tautges Redpath, Ltd., presented a summary of the new accounting
8 standards required to be implemented by December 31, 2011, under the Governmental
9 Accounting Standards Board (GASB) #54 related to fund balance reporting in the City's
10 financial statements. She reviewed the current standards which report fund balances as reserved
11 or unreserved and explained that GASB 454 will have five new classifications, namely
12 nonspendable, restricted, committed, assigned, and unassigned. She stated that the nonspendable
13 classification includes items not expected to be converted to cash and which are legally or
14 contractually required to be maintained intact. She also reviewed the restricted fund balance,
15 committed fund balance, assigned fund balance, and unassigned fund balance, providing
16 examples of funds in each of these categories. She discussed the City's General Fund cash flow
17 reserve and noted that the only way the City can show cash flow is in the unassigned fund
18 balance. She recommended that the City authorize a minimum fund balance policy which will
19 enable the City to have a footnote in its financial statements which explains its cash flow needs,
20 why it needs such a large unassigned fund balance in the General Fund, and that the fund balance
21 is necessary even though it is unassigned. She also recommended that the City formalize its cash
22 flow assumptions and adopt a Fund Balance Policy. She then reviewed the Special Revenue
23 Funds under GASB #54 and stated that the City currently has six Special Revenue Funds with
24 one fund affected by the requirements of GASB #54 related to its water filtration and purification
25 fund. She recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to formalize its commitment of
26 the revenue sources that make up the five remaining special revenue funds and to reclassify its
27 water filtration and purification fund to an enterprise fund.
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29 Councilmember Roth stated that the City has kept its fund balance at 30 -35% and asked if this
30 amount is adequate to cover the City's expenses.
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32 Ms. Moeller replied that she felt the City's fund balance was adequate and added if the fund
33 balance were lowered, the City would have cash flow issues in the first six months of the year
34 due to the timing of real estate tax payments to Minnesota cities. She stated that she felt GASB
35 #54 will have a positive impact on cities and will make it easier for the public to compare cities
36 with one another.
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38 Motion by Councilmember Roth, seconded by Councilmember Gray, to approve the Fund
39 Balance Policy as presented.
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41 Motion carried unanimously.
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43 B. Resolution 11 -074• Resolution Committing Specific Revenue Sources in Special
44 Revenue Funds for the City of St. Anthony.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
November 22, 2011
Page 6
Motion by Councilmember Roth, seconded by Councilmember Stille, to approve Resolution 11-
074; Committing Specific Revenue Sources in Special Revenue Funds for the City of St.
Anthony.
Motion carried unanimously.
7 C. Resolution 11 -075; Plans & Specifications & Order Advertisement for Bids for the 2012
8 Street & Utility Improvement Project. Todd Hubmer, WSB & Associates will be
9 presenting.
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11 City Engineer Hubmer presented the proposed 2012 street and utility improvement project for
12 the reconstruction of Belden Drive from 34th Avenue NE to 36th Avenue NE, Coolidge Street NE
13 from 34th Avenue NE to 36th Avenue NE, and 35'h Avenue NE from Harding Street to Belden
14 Drive. He explained the project includes replacement of pavement with asphalt, replacement of
15 the existing sanitary sewer, and replacement of the existing 6" water main with 8" pipe. He
16 stated the project also proposes drainage improvements by extending the storm sewer to the area
17 south of 361h Avenue to intercept some of the water and improve drainage in the roadway. He
18 indicated that meetings were held with residents this spring to discuss their concerns regarding
19 back yard drainage issues and explained that this area drains to the north and over time, people
20 have installed fences, landscaping, etc. and the area currently does not drain effectively. He
21 stated the project proposes to install a new storm sewer along the back lot lines with catch basins
22 and it will be the property owner's responsibility to direct run -off to the drain. He noted that
23 property owners will be responsible for 35% of the cost of these drainage improvements,
24 estimated at $16,000, and the City will be responsible for 65% of these costs or approximately
25 $29,000, which is consistent with the City's flood proofing grant programs. He indicated that
26 this portion of the project is proposed to be bid as an alternate in the 2012 street and utility
27 improvement project. He also reviewed total project costs, funding sources for the project, and
28 project schedule.
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30 Councilmember Roth requested further information regarding the proposed back yard drainage
31 improvements and expressed concern about using a bulldozer in these areas.
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33 City Engineer Hubmer explained that the City will use directional drilling to drill a pipe
34 approximately three feet below grade without disturbing the surface. He assured the City
35 Council that these improvements will not tear up any yards and this procedure has been done
36 several times in the past. He added that catch basins will be installed in the area where the
37 corners of the four properties meet and the proposed improvements and assessments were
38 received favorably by the affected property owners.
39
40 Motion by Councilmember Roth, seconded by Councilmember Gray, to approve Resolution 1I-
41 075; Accepting the 2012 Street and Utility Improvement Project Plans and Specifications and
42 Ordering Advertisement for Bids.
43
44 Motion carried unanimously.
45 D. Engineer's Update.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
November 22, 2011
Page 7
1 City Engineer Hubmer advised that the 2011 street and utility reconstruction project has been
2 substantially completed for the year. He stated that additional work will be done next spring
3 including the second lift of asphalt and turf restoration. He explained that in the past, the City
4 used sod which created a number of issues in getting yards restored because the new sod
5 sometimes did not match up evenly or the new sod was not watered properly. He stated that the
6 City switched over to hydroseeding a couple of years ago because it blends in well with existing
7 turf and provides vigorous growth. He indicated that a new product was recently introduced that
8 combines the seed with a compost element which is more drought tolerant and provides faster
9 germination and growth.
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11 Councilmember Roth asked if it would make sense outsource the turf restoration to a landscaping
12 company.
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14 City Engineer Hubmer indicated that in most instances, the general contractors hire landscapers
15 to do the turf restoration. He stated the City has the ability to withhold money as part of the
16 overall contract until the turf restoration is satisfactorily completed.
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18 Mayor Faust suggested that the City Council discuss this further during its goal setting meetings.
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20 City Engineer Hubmer explained the needed repairs to the failing sanitary sewer line that serves
21 the Diamond Eight Apartments along Macalaster Drive. He stated the line has several cracks
22 and offset pipe joints that have settled and the Public Works Department is not able to access the
23 line with their equipment due to the current condition of the pipe. He indicated that pipe bursting
24 of the sewer is recommended, which utilizes a trenchless mechanism to break the clay open, pull
25 a new pipe in, and allows the work to be done without disturbing surrounding areas. He added
26 that the cost estimate for repairs is $75,000 and can be funded either using the bonding in the
27 2012 street and utility improvement project or the City's sewer and water fund.
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29 Mayor Faust stated that time is of the essence in making these repairs and requested that the City
30 Engineer work with the Interim City Manager and Finance Director to repair the pipe as soon as
31 possible.
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33 City Engineer Hubmer provided an update on the storm water pipe cleaning being done around
34 the industrial park and stated that cleaning is scheduled for next week. He agreed to keep the
35 City Council and property owners updated.
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37 City Engineer Hubmer stated that the City will be installing an LED stop sign at Crestview and
38 29' Avenue. He indicated that an LED stop sign has red flashing lights around the perimeter of
39 the sign making it more visible. He added that this intersection is on a peak and drivers have a
40 tendency not to come to a full stop or recognize the stop sign.
41
42 Mayor Faust requested that the City send notice to residents in this area to inform them of the
43 new stop sign.
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45 City Engineer Hubmer advised that the City is considering installing two mid -block LED
46 crossings, one on Silver Lake Road in front of City Hall and the other on Kenzie Terrace near the
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
November 22, 2011
Page 8
1 shopping center. He stated that the County has requested that the City conduct a study on the
2 effectiveness of these crossings and use the study as a demonstration project. He stated that staff
3 has asked the University of Minnesota Capstone project to take on the study aspect of this
4 project. He added that other funding sources are being explored, including funds from the State
5 to offset the costs of installation and the study.
6
7 E. Resolution 11 -076; Approving the Hiring of Mark Casey as the City Manager for the City
8 of St. Anthony.
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10 Mayor Faust recited the Resolution approving the hiring of Mark Casey as the City Manager and
11 stated that Mr. Casey has been the City Administrator in Annandale for the past seven years. He
12 then introduced Mr. Casey.
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14 Motion by Councilmember Roth, seconded by Councilmember Gray, to approve Resolution I I -
15 076; Approving the Hiring of Mark Casey as City Manager for the City of St. Anthony.
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17 Motion carried unanimously.
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19 Mayor Faust and the City Council welcomed Mr. Casey to the City.
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21 VII. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER AND COUNCIL MEMBERS.
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23 Interim City Manager Hartman — No report.
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25 Councilmember Gray reported on his attendance at the November 17`h Lion's Club meeting. He
26 expressed thanks to the voters for re- electing him to the City Council.
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28 Councilmember Jenson reported on his attendance at the November 16th Canvassing Board
29 meeting. He also reported on his attendance at the November 17`h regional meeting of the
30 League of Minnesota Cities.
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32 Councilmember Roth expressed thanks to the voters for re- electing him to the City Council.
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34 Councilmember Stille reported on his attendance at the November 11 th Veterans Memorial
35 dedication ceremony. He expressed thanks to the Veterans Memorial committee, the Kiwanis,
36 the Lion's Club, Mr. Hartman, Mayor Faust and everyone involved in creating this memorial.
37
38 Mayor Faust reported on his attendance at the following:
39 • November l lth Veterans Memorial dedication ceremony. He expressed thanks to Mr.
40 Glen Seefeldt who gave the invocation.
41 • November 14`h Sister City annual meeting.
42 • November 17th regional meeting of the League of Minnesota Cities.
43 • November 15'h Chamber of Commerce meeting.
44 • November 16th Historical Society meeting.
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46 VIII. COMMUNITY FORUM.
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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
November 22, 2011
Page 9
Mayor Faust invited residents to come forward at this time and address the Council on items that
are not on the regular agenda.
Hearing none, Mayor Faust moved forward with the agenda
IX. INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.
Mayor Faust requested that the City Council meeting on December 27, 2011, be cancelled.
Mayor Faust advised that former Councilmember Brian Thuesen passed away on November 15`h
He stated that Mr. Thuesen served on the City Council for 12 years and worked hard on behalf of
the City and its residents. He asked residents to keep the family in their thoughts.
1:4mor.\ 1111i190M OR"
Mayor Faust adjourned the meeting at 9:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Hughes
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
%f 4�f &� %i. A.
City Clerk CJ
ayor