City Council

10801 Town Square Dr. City of Blaine Blaine MN 55449 Anoka County, Minnesota Minutes - Final City Council Thursday, December 5, 2013 7:30 PM Council Chambers Meeting Number 13-61 1. CALL TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m. by Mayor Ryan followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the Roll Call. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL Quorum present. ALSO PRESENT: Bryan Schafer, Planning Director; Bob Therres, Public Services Manager; Joe Huss, Finance Director; Chris Olson, Police Chief/Safety Services Manager; Jean Keely, City Engineer; Nate Monahan, Parks and Recreation Program Supervisor; Roark Haver, Communications Technician; Al Thorp, Senior Engineering Technician; Jane Cross, City Clerk; and Recording Secretary Linda Dahlquist. Present: 6 - Mayor Ryan, Mayor Pro Tem Swanson, Councilmember Clark, Councilmember Bourke, Councilmember Kolb and Councilmember Herbst Absent: 1 - Mayor Pro Tem Hovland 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4.-1 MIN 13-28 WORKSHOP MINUTES - 11/14/2013 Sponsors: Cross Attachments: Workshop Minutes 11/14/2013 Councilmembers Bourke and Kolb abstained from the Workshop Meeting Minutes of November 14, 2013 due to their absence. Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Swanson, seconded by Councilmember Herbst, that the Minutes be Approved. The Motion was adopted unanimously. City of Blaine Page 1 City Council Minutes - Final December 5, 2013 5. AWARDS - PRESENTATIONS - ORGANIZATIONAL BUSINESS None. 6. COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Ryan thanked the Parks Department staff and volunteers for their work on the holiday party. 7. OPEN FORUM FOR CITIZEN INPUT Mayor Ryan opened the Open Forum at 7:48 p.m. Tom Newland, Allegra owner and resident, gave an overview of the Blaine Business Council and invited the Council, City staff, and Blaine businesses to attend the January 23, 2014 meeting. Chris Hasling, resident, gave an overview of who has been invited to attend the Blaine Business Council meeting. Jerome J. Petron, 10450 Washington Blvd. NE, thanked the City for their good snow removal yesterday. He asked about cuts being made in corners of blocks throughout the City and would like to know who is paying for this work. He commented the City has used reserve funds for the last two to three years and wanted to know if the City will continue to use reserves in the future. He stated the City needs to work within the funds collected annually and not use reserves. Mayor Ryan replied the City does work within its means. He stated the reserves were built in the late 1980’s and the 1990’s. He noted that property values have fallen and that the taxes collected are from the previous year. He noted that the City is a service provider and continues to provide the same services with less taxes collected. He commented the City is down 17 employees and had to close the EDA department. He stated the City has used reserve funds the past two years in order to not levy. Mr. Petron noted that the City has not gotten any LGA funds and he is worried that the City is not working within its means. Councilmember Clark commented the City has downsized and Blaine’s EDA is open for business. Councilmember Swanson requested clarification of the work being done on the street corners. City Manager Arneson replied the work being done is storm sewer work. He stated staff is replacing the catch basins and the work is paid from the Storm Sewer Utility Fund. City of Blaine Page 2 City Council Minutes - Final December 5, 2013 Jason Orcutt, 10176 Ghia Street NE, stated he represents his neighborhood on Ball Road and is seeking cooperation with the City and neighborhood with the future commercial development and options on closing roads. He commented the neighborhood would like to separate the issues with the commercial properties from the residential properties. Mayor Ryan asked if Mr. Orcult has input from the rest of the neighborhood. Mr. Orcult replied most of the neighbors on Ball Road would like to see separation of the commercial properties from the residential properties with a closure. Councilmember Swanson stated a neighborhood meeting will be scheduled for January 7, 2014 to discuss the traffic issues. There being no further input, Mayor Ryan closed the Open Forum at 8:04 p.m. 8. ADOPTION OF AGENDA 9. 8:00 P.M. - PUBLIC HEARING AND ITEMS SET FOR A CERTAIN TIME 9.-1 ORD 13-2274 AMENDING APPENDIX D - FEE SCHEDULE OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF BLAINE FIRST READING Sponsors: City Manager Arneson Attachments: 2014 Proposed Fee Schedule City Manager Arneson stated the City may adopt a fee schedule following publication of notice of proposed action on a fee schedule at least 10 days prior to a public hearing. He noted that the 2014 proposed fee schedule is included in the Council’s handouts with changes shown in red and gave an overview of the proposed fee changes. Councilmember Kolb suggested raising non-resident rental fees. City Manager Arneson replied staff will review what other cities charge and make a recommendation to the Council. Councilmember Bourke asked about lowering the pawnbroker license fee. City Clerk Cross replied the license fee did go down and they are on their third year. Mayor Ryan asked about the amusement license fee and the fee per machine. City Clerk Cross replied the fees have not changed but they were not listed on the original fee schedule. City of Blaine Page 3 City Council Minutes - Final December 5, 2013 Mayor Ryan opened the Public Hearing at 8:10 p.m. Mayor Ryan closed the Public Hearing at 8:11 p.m. Declared by Mayor Ryan that Ordinance 13-2274, “Amending Appendix D – Fee Schedule of the Municipal Code of the City of Blaine,” be introduced and placed on file for second reading at the December 19, 2013 Council meeting. 10. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: Approval of the Consent Agenda Moved by Councilmember Herbst, seconded by Councilmember Bourke, that the following items be Adopted by Consent The motion carried by the following vote Aye: 6- Mayor Ryan, Mayor Pro Tem Swanson, Councilmember Clark, Councilmember Bourke, Councilmember Kolb and Councilmember Herbst 10.-1 MO 13-147 SCHEDULE OF BILLS PAID Sponsors: Huss Attachments: 11/15/13 Bills Paid 11/22/13 Bills Paid This that this Motion be Approved by consent roll call 10.-2 MO 13-148 APPROVE ANNUAL WARNING SIREN MAINTENANCE CONTRACT WITH EMBEDDED SYSTEMS INC. Sponsors: Huss This that this Motion be Approved by consent roll call 11. DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS 11.-1 RES 13-190 GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT TO ALLOW FOR A 12 CLASSROOM ADDITION (18,207 SQUARE FEET) ONTO THE NORTH AND EAST SIDES OF THE EXISTING SCHOOL AND A PARKING LOT/TURNAROUND ADDITION ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE SCHOOL AT 11331 JEFFERSON STREET NE. ANOKA-HENNEPIN SCHOOL DISTRICT #11. (CASE FILE NO. 13-0058/SLK) Sponsors: Schafer City of Blaine Page 4 City Council Minutes - Final December 5, 2013 Attachments: Jefferson Elem - Attachments Planning Director Schafer stated the applicant is proposing to construct two separate additions. He stated the proposed additions will allow space to house all-day kindergarten and special education programs, and will replace aging portable classrooms. He gave an overview of two layout plans. Steve Anderson, 2727 N. Ferry Street, Director of Building and Grounds for the Anoka School District, stated the portable classrooms will be removed and the current parking on the street is a challenge. He stated the proposed plans will address the parking issues. Councilmember Kolb asked if parking will be addressed on 113th and commented she is concerned about the ditches. Mayor Ryan asked if the school owns the ponding area. Planning Director Schafer replied yes. Moved by Councilmember Kolb, seconded by Councilmember Bourke, that this Resolution be Adopted. The Motion was adopted unanimously. 11.-2 RES 13-191 GRANTING FINAL APPROVAL TO SUBDIVIDE 4.35 ACRES INTO 12 SINGLE FAMILY LOTS TO BE KNOWN AS HENNUM MEADOWS SOUTH AT 10000 JACKSON STREET NE. DAN HENNUM. (CASE FILE NO. 13-0047/LSJ) Sponsors: Schafer Attachments: Hennum Meadows South - Attachments Planning Director Schafer stated the applicant is proposing to infill the development west of Jackson Street on 100th Court. He noted the property has been vacant and the owner has decided to sell to the developer. He stated all the land around the parcel has been developed as single-family lots and is Zoned R-1 (Single Family). Moved by Mayor Ryan, seconded by Councilmember Herbst, that this Resolution be Adopted. The Motion was adopted unanimously. 11.-3 RES 13-192 GRANTING FINAL PLAT APPROVAL TO SUBDIVIDE 5 ACRES INTO 14 SINGLE FAMILY LOTS TO BE KNOWN AS HENNUM MEADOWS NORTH AT 10132 JACKSON STREET NE. DAN HENNUM. (CASE FILE NO. 13-0048/LSJ) Sponsors: Schafer Attachments: Hennum Meadows North - Attachments City of Blaine Page 5 City Council Minutes - Final December 5, 2013 Planning Director Schafer stated the applicant is proposing to infill development west of Jackson Street on 102nd Avenue. He noted the property has been vacant and the owner has decided to sell the property to the developer. He stated all the land around the parcel has been developed as single-family lots and is zoned either R-1 (Single Family) or DF (Development Flex). Moved by Councilmember Bourke, seconded by Councilmember Clark, that this Resolution be Adopted. The Motion was adopted unanimously. 11.-4 RES 13-193 GRANTING A VARIANCE TO SECTION 34.07(A)(2)(AA) OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE STANDARD OF 140 SQUARE FEET TO ALLOW FOR AN ADDITIONAL 55 SQUARE FEET OF ALLOWABLE SIGN SQUARE FOOTAGE AND TO THE 14 FOOT HEIGHT STANDARD AN ADDITIONAL 2.5 FEET OF HEIGHT FOR A NEW MONUMENT SIGN AT 9298 CENTRAL AVENUE NE. VILLAGE BANK/DON KVETON. (CASE FILE NO. 13-59/BKS) Sponsors: Schafer Attachments: Village Bank - Attachments Planning Director Schafer stated the applicant Village Bank (D&N Management) is proposing to remove an existing monument sign and replace it with a larger and taller sign. He stated the sign as proposed requires a variance relating to two established signage standards for sign area and height. He noted that staff does not recommend approval without rationale. Councilmember Bourke commented the sign ordinance needs to be updated. Councilmember Herbst commented two signs would be too much clutter. He stated the bank rents space in their building and would include those businesses on the sign. Councilmember Swanson commented if this variance is approved, he expects more variances to come forward. Councilmember Kolb commented the Council needs to update the sign ordinance. She added that if businesses’ reader boards are broken, they should fix them or remove them. She noted she does not have an issue with having a larger sign versus two smaller signs. Councilmember Clark commented he is in favor of the larger sign. He noted that he would prefer a change to the ordinance and asked how quickly a City of Blaine Page 6 City Council Minutes - Final December 5, 2013 change could be made. City Manager Arneson stated an ordinance amendment could be made, but a sign code change could not be made within the timeline for the applicant. Planning Director Schafer replied an amendment could be brought to the Planning Commission in January and then brought to the Council for adoption in February. Donald Kveton, 5750 177th Avenue NW, Ramsey, stated he is redoing both corners at the same time. He stated he is putting in retaining areas with matching flower gardens and signage. He stated he is also enhancing his other properties in Blaine. Councilmember Herbst stated he would like the Council to approve the variance tonight. Councilmember Bourke commented he would like the Council to move forward with the variance. Councilmember Kolb clarified that the Council will work on updating the ordinance in January. Councilmember Clark asked if the variance would be worked into the updated ordinance. He asked if a meeting could be scheduled with business owners on Highway 65. Planning Director Schafer stated the City’s sign ordinance is good and changing the ordinance will take time and money. Councilmember Clark asked will the variance stand if the ordinance is amended. City Manager Arneson replied the variance will stand. Councilmember Kolb stated the rationale should state the property goes from two signs to one sign. Moved by Councilmember Bourke, seconded by Councilmember Herbst, that this Resolution be Adopted. Motion adopted 5-1 (Councilmember Clark). 12. ADMINISTRATION 12.-1 RES 13-194 ADOPT 2014 CHARITABLE GAMBLING FUND BUDGET Sponsors: Huss Moved by Councilmember Kolb, seconded by Councilmember Herbst, that the funds for the Blaine Historical Society be used for the Blaine 50th year anniversary celebration. Amendment adopted unanimously. City of Blaine Page 7 City Council Minutes - Final December 5, 2013 Finance Director Huss stated staff has appropriated funding for the 2014 Charitable Gambling Fund Budget for 12 organizations. He stated total revenues for 2014 have been increased by $20,000 over the 2013 Adopted Budget. Moved by Mayor Ryan, seconded by Councilmember Herbst, that this Resolution be Adopted As Amended. The Motion was adopted unanimously. 12.-2 RES 13-195 APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH ANOKA COUNTY FOR THE DESIGN OF COUNTY STATE AID HIGHWAY 14 (125TH AVENUE) BETWEEN COUNTY STATE AID HIGHWAY 52 (RADISSON ROAD) AND 1500 FEET EAST OF HARPERS STREET IN THE CITY OF BLAINE, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 13-14 Sponsors: Keely Attachments: MOU - 125th Ave Design Location Map - 125th Ave.pdf City Engineer Keely stated Council is asked to consider approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Anoka County. She stated the MOU states the City and County agree in principle that the design and reconstruction of 125th Avenue from Radisson Road to east of Harpers Street is in the best interest of the traveling public. She noted that the MOU states the City will front the costs of design and preparation of a biddable set of plans that meet MnDOT State Aid standards and that both parties will continue to work toward a proration of construction and engineering costs. She stated the division of costs will be defined and detailed in a Joint Powers Agreement. She stated temporary funding for the upfront engineering costs will be from the City’s internal Municipal State Aid Construction funds and permanent funding for the City’s portion of construction will be Municipal State Aid street funds and developer escrows. Moved by Councilmember Kolb, seconded by Councilmember Herbst, that this Resolution be Adopted. The Motion was adopted unanimously. 12.-3 MO 13-149 AUTHORIZE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT WITH SHORT ELLIOTT HENDRICKSON INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $450,639 FOR PRELIMINARY AND FINAL DESIGN FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF 125TH AVENUE (CSAH 14) FROM RADISSON ROAD (CSAH 52) THROUGH HARPERS STREET, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 13-14 City of Blaine Page 8 City Council Minutes - Final December 5, 2013 Sponsors: Keely Attachments: Location Map - 125th Ave.pdf City Engineer Keely stated staff has received five proposals for preliminary and final design for the reconstruction of 125th Avenue from Radisson Road through Harpers Street. She stated staff recommends acceptance of the proposal from Short Elliott Hendrickson in the not-to-exceed amount of $450,639. She stated temporary funding for the upfront engineering costs will be from the City’s internal Municipal State Aid construction funds and permanent funding for the City’s portion of construction will be Municipal State Aid street funds and developer escrows. Moved by Councilmember Kolb, seconded by Councilmember Herbst, that this Motion be Approved. The Motion was adopted unanimously. The Following Item is Scheduled for First Reading 12.-4 ORD 13-2275 AMENDING RESOLUTION No. 03-248, ESTABLISHING THE FEES FOR PARK DEDICATION FOR CITY OF BLAINE. SECOND READING Sponsors: Monahan Attachments: 2013 Comparative Park Dedication Fees.pdf Parks and Recreation Program Supervisor Monahan stated Park dedication fees are placed in a fee schedule that is updated annually by Ordinance. He stated staff is recommending 2014 fee increases for residential of 10%; commercial of 7%; and industrial of 7%. He commented that staff recommends a funding shift of residential of 80% to park dedication and 20% to open space. Councilmember Kolb commented the City has preserved open spaces, but there is current funding needs with the City parks. Declared by Mayor Ryan that Ordinance 13-2275, “Amending Resolution No. 03-248, “Establishing the Fees for Park Dedication for the City of Blaine,” be introduced and placed on file for second reading at the December 19, 2013 Council meeting. This item was postponed from the November 21, 2013 meeting 12.-5 MO 13-146 DISCUSSION ON FOGERTY SIGNAGE IN CITY RIGHT City of Blaine Page 9 City Council Minutes - Final December 5, 2013 OF WAY Sponsors: Therres Attachments: SKMBT_C65213110717090 Councilmember Clark stated the applicant has withdrawn the request. 13. OTHER BUSINESS Moved by Councilmember Clark, seconded by Councilmember Bourke, requested staff to schedule a Workshop in January 2014 to discuss modifying the City’s sign ordinance, and for staff to notify the Chamber of Commerce and the Blaine Business Council of the meeting. Motion adopted unanimously. 14. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councilmember Herbst, seconded by Mayor Ryan, to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. City of Blaine Page 10