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9.c) Olinda Trail/Village Center Parking D Meeting Date: 09/20/2011 Agenda Item: � C City Council Agenda Report City of Scandia 14727 209�' St. North Scandia, MN 55073 (651) 433-2274 Action Requested: Discuss the issue of overnight on-street parking on Olinda Trail N. (CSAH 3.) Susan Rodsjo has also asked to address the Council concerning an idea for expanding parking in the Village Center area. Deadline/ Timeline: N/A Background: • Last winter, parking became an issue in the Village Center district with vehicles being left overnight and not being moved before the plow trucks come by. Vehicles could not enter the parking spots along Olinda Trail due to the piles of snow left behind from the plows going around the parked vehicles. Parking spots are needed along Olinda Trail during business hours for the downtown businesses and Elim Church. The County cannot make separate trips back to plow after the vehicles have been moved so these spots are lost until the plows return. • The City of Scandia's Ordinance #43 does not allow parking on City streets between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. for more than 60 minutes. This applies to any street, road or byway of the City but does not apply to County or State owned roads. • Washington County does not have an ordinance in place to declare a"snow emergency"to require vehicles to be moved for snowplowing. They will,however, pay for and install "no parking" signs if the City Council makes a request through adoption of a resolution. • County staff recommended that any parking ban be from 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. to ensure that they will be completely finished plowing Olinda Trail before vehicles may park there. • On December 21, 2010, the City Council discussed this issue with the owners of the most affected buildings (Wayne Schmitt and Susan Rodsjo) and voted to postpone it to the April, 2011 regular meeting. The parties had asked for an opportunity to find options to reduce on-street parking problems without the need for a formal parking ban. Page 1 of 2 09/16/11 , � • On April 19, the Council discussed the issue and decided to continue the discussion at the May 10, 2011 Work Session meeting. On May 10, it was postponed again because Mr. Schmitt was not present. It was agreed to wait to discuss the issue again when both parties could be present. Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council discuss the matter with affected property owners, who have indicated that they will be present at the meeting. If you wish to request"no-parking" signs, staff will prepare a resolution for action at a future meeting. Staff also recommends that the Council hear Ms. Rodsjo's idea for expanding parking. Attachments/ • Excerpt of City Council Minutes-- December 21, 2010, April 19, Materials provided: 2011 and May 10, 2011 • E-mail from Susan Rodsjo dated September 13, 2011 Contact(s): Prepared by: Anne Hurlburt, Administrator (No parking on Olinda postponed from may]0) Page 2 of 2 09/16/11 f � December 21, 2010 Scandia City Council Page 4 of 4 JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT WITH MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR REPLACEMENT OF GOOSE LAKE AERATOR(RESOLUTION NO. 12-21-IO-06) The DNR has offered to replace the current Goose Lake aerator with a newer, more efficient model. The DNR would pay the entire purchase price up to $6,000. The city would pay for any electrical work needed for hook-up, and continue to pay the ongoing utility and maintenance costs. Peterson, second by Crum, moved to adopt Resolution No. 12-21-10-06, Approving Joint Powers Agreement with the State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for° Purchase and Operation of the Goose Lake Aerator. The motion carried 5-0. CONSIDER"NO PARKING" SIGNS ON OLINDA TRAIL BETWEEN SCANDIA TRAIL AND 209 STREET Building Official/Maintenance Supervisor Steve Thorp has investigated the on-street parking complaints in the Village Center along Olinda Trail (County Road 3). Parked vehicles have hampered the County's snow removal efforts and led to difficult conditions for the downtown businesses. Ordinance No. 43 does not allow parking on city streets between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. for more than sixty minutes, but this does not apply to County or State owned roads. Washington County Public Works Department has offered to pay for and install "No Parking" signs if the Council requests this. The County recommended a parking ban be designated from 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. from November 1 through April 1. Sue Rodsjo and Wayne Schmitt, local business owners, were present to request that the Council delay action until other possible solutions can be worked out. Ms. Rodsjo explained that off- street parking arrangements are in place for the rema.inder of this winter season. Mr. Schmitt will explore a parking arrangement behind his building once the snow melts off this spring. Administrator Hurlburt suggested that the Council postpone action until the business owners can analyze longer-term solutions and parking arrangements. Peterson, second by Ness, moved to postpone action on requesting"No Parking" signs nntil this issue is re-evaluated in April 2011. ADJOURNMENT Peterson, second by Amos, moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brenda Eklund Deputy Clerk . � April 19, 2011 Scandia City Council Page 6 of 8 Mike Caron, Tiller Corporation, and Kirsten Pauly, Sunde Engineering, addressed these delays. A meeting has yet to be scheduled with MnDOT due to their planning of an internal meeting to review the intersection data. The economic data report is projected to be available by the end of this week. The reclamation plans and woodland survey submissions are under review to be sure the details are consistent. Results of ineetings with DNR staff and the Conservation District are in process. It was estimated that the final reports would be submitted by May 3. Ms. Pauly explained that the length of time needed to collect and analyze the reports is not unusual in the preparation of an EIS. This site is particularly sensitive and additional time is necessary to ensure that the end product will be the highest quality studies done in a comprehensive and accurate manner. The Council expressed their frustration in the delays and indicated that it's the perception that Tiller is dragging their feet. Mayor Simonson stated that it is unacceptable that Tiller is not meeting the requirements of the schedule and it puts the Council in a difficult situation. Mr. Caron replied that it not the intent to be disrespectful to the City, but completing the details of the reclamation plan has been more time-consuming than anticipated. The report will be expedited within the next two weeks. Administrator Hurlburt projected that if the reports are submitted and complete by May 3,the consultants might be able to determine a schedule for the next PAC meeting and staff could make another report at the May 17 council meeting. PARKING ON OLINDA TRAIL BETWEEN SCANDIA TRAIL AND 209TH STREET (POSTPONED FROM DECEMBER 21. 2010 MEETING) Earlier this past winter,parking became an issue in the Village Center district with vehicles being left overnight and not being moved before the plow trucks went by. This created large piles of snow left behind from the plow trucks going around the parked vehicles. The City's Ordinance No. 43 (no overnight parking on city streets) does not apply to County Road 3. Washington County has offered to install "no parking" signs if the City makes a request through the adoption of a resolution. The Council discussed this issue on December 21, 2010 and voted to postpone it to the Apri12011 meeting,to allow the business owners an opportunity to find options to reduce the on-street parking problems. The property and business owners still appear to be in disagreement about a solution to the problem. Sue Rodsjo, owner of the Select Hardwoods building at 21090 Olinda Trail, stated that it would be a hardship to the tenant of the lower apartment to post the street as "no parking." Off-street parking for the business vehicles was arranged this past winter, and overnight parking behind the auto service building will be allowed for the next year. Access to the rear of the building is not possible at this time. Ms. Rodsjo believed the parties could work out a reasonable solution. Wayne Schmitt, property owner of adjacent buildings, stated that a temporary fix was worked out this year, but this issue needs to get resolved before moving snow is a problem once again next year. Street sweeping by the County in the spring also causes a difficulty. Mr. Schmitt is . April 19,2011 Scandia City Council Page 7 of 8 willing to work together to find a solution to the parking troubles. There is space behind his building, but road access is blocked. Mayor Simonson invited the property and business owners to the May 10 work session to further discuss this issue. APPROVE ANNUAL OPERATING PERMIT (AOP) FOR GRAVEL MINING AND PROCESSING, TILLER CORPORATION AT 23303 MANNING AVENUE (RESOL UTION NO. 04-19-11-04) The City Council considered Tiller's Annual Operating Permit at the March 15, 2011 meeting, but postponed action to the April 19 meeting to revise the conditions of approval that would clarify that the proportionality of mining and reclamation activities must occur over time, not year by year. Condition#5 of the resolution was revised to reflect this. City Administrator Hurlburt addressed Mr. Lindell's concern about language in the application regarding expansion. There is nothing in the statement that is in conflict with the original Conditional Use Permit or in the mining ordinance language. The City was not aware of any issue with the berms or screening. Routine monitoring of the operation has found nothing out of compliance. The operation is following all rules of the state agencies in the reporting of groundwater monitoring. Council member Ness inquired if Tiller has any plans for expansion. Mr. Caron replied that the asphalt plant is rated for a production of 600 tons per hour and there are no plans to increase this. Simonson, seconded by Ness, moved to adopt Resolution No. 04-19-11-04,Approving Annual Operating Permit Application of Tiller Corporation for Sand and Gravel Mining and Processing. The motion carried 5-0. GAMBLING PREMISES PERMIT. CHISAGO LAKES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION AT MI CASITA MEXICAN GRILL Tom Lawlor, Gambling Manager for the Chisago Lakes Area Athletic Association(dba LARA), has applied for a Gambling Premises Permit at the Mi Casita Mexican Grill, 21050 Ozark Avenue. The City's Ordinance No. 100 includes two criteria upon which this application may be denied: 1) Mi Casita's liquor license violations, and 2) the Scandia Marine Lions currently have an active gambling premises permit for this site(pull-tabs and bar bingo). Council member Schneider recused himself from the discussion on the gambling application due to a conflict of interest as a property owner of the establishment. Mr. Lawlor addressed the Council with a history of LARA, and the organization's offer to contribute gambling proceeds to maintenance of the local ballfields. Mr. Lawlor had a copy of a termination letter to the Lions from the owner of Mi Casita. Lions Gambling Manager Bruce Swenson stated that he had not yet received this termination letter. May 10, 2011 Scandia City Council Page 3 of 4 Consensus was not to proceed with this project, as funds are not available to pursue plans for remodeling or expansion. BUILDING OFFICIAL POSITION Council inember Schneider recommended that the position of Building Official be cut and that this be a contractual or part-time position. Council member Swanson agreed that cuts are being made in other cities and this issue needs to be addressed. Both stated that the city's expenditures are too high. Administrator Hurlburt asked that the council consider the roles that this position has taken on, such as supervising the Public Works department,monitoring the water and septic systems, working with developers and having daily contact with the public as they drop into the office. Hurlburt advised that this is a more complicated issue than what is being proposed. By eliminating the position, there will still be costs to provide these services through the city's engineering and planning staff. Attorney Hebert recommended that the council review the information about this position first then make an informed decision based on this knowledge. Regarding finances, Hebert stated that the city operates on a very conservative budget and is one of the lowest taxed cities in the metro area. The fund balances are good and the city is not in a financial crisis. Council member Ness felt that this brings up many questions that need to be addressed. Ness recommended that staff have time to prepare a report on the Building Official's duties and the effect of eliminating this position.Ness also stated that this issue needs to be decided at a regular council meeting, not at a work session. Swanson and Schneider expressed that they were not interested in a detailed accounting of daily activities. Schneider stated that he has all the information he needs and a report would not sway his decision to eliminate the position. Simonson, seconded by Swanson,moved to direct staff to gather information regarding the Building Official's position and discuss the issue at a future work session. The motion carried 4-1,with Schneider opposed. PARKING ON OLINDA TRAIL BETWEEN SCANDIA TRAIL AND 209TH STREET Action on the issue of posting"No Parking" signs on County Road 3 in the Village Center was postponed from the April 19, 2011 meeting. Property owners Wayne Schmitt and Sue Rodsjo were invited to continue the discussion at this work session. Ms. Rodsjo was in attendance, but Mr. Schmitt was not. Ms. Rodsjo stated that it would be a hardship to the tenants of her building to not a11ow overnight parking in front of the building. She stated that she understands the frustration of the adjacent occupant in having difficulty with access to his business, but she has found alternative parking solutions and has requested that additional parking options continue to be pursued. . May 10,2011 Scandia City Council Page 4 of 4 Mayor Simonson suggested that any action be held off until Mr. Schmitt can provide input on this issue. It was agreed to schedule discussion of overnight on-street parking on Olinda Trail at a work session meeting when both interested parties can attend. AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE WORK SESSION Council member Swanson requested that Bolton and Menk provide an update on the Uptown Sewer System study. ADJOURNMENT Ness,seconded by Schneider, moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Brenda Eklund Deputy Clerk d � Anne Hurlburt From: Susan Rodsjo [susan.rodsjo@frontiernet.net] Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 9:55 AM To: Anne Hurlburt Cc: r.simonson@ci.scandia.mn.us Subject: Parking Issue--Idea for Consideration Great,I added the work session to my October calendar. Also,I would like to bring up an idea for expanded parking in Scandia for the city to consider ASAP.How do you suggest getting this thought to the City Council for consideration? The woman who lives next to the Water Tower,Colleen Kaiser,informed me that she is moving and selling her house.Her property would be the perfect location for a parking lot,and I had talked to her earlier about seeing if we can purchase it if we move forward with renovating the Water Tower Barn. However,I won't know from the Hilltop Water Company until the end of October if we are going to move forward with renovations and start seeking grants. By the time anything happens on this front,if it happens at all,it might be too late if someone else purchases her property. I believe she will be asking about$175,000 for the property.This would be a great location for parking,and the city could rent designated spots to building owners and tenants who need additional parking to help cover costs.I realize that financially,times are tough,but this would be a forward-looking move that would help businesses expand or move to Scandia. The house could be moved off the property,possibly donated to Habitat for Humanity or sold to someone.I spoke with home movers when they looked at the possibility of moving the barn,and they informed me that moving the house would be pretty inexpensive and simple to do(iYs short enough to go under the power lines.The barn would be far more difficult because it's taller than the power lines). Again,please let me know if iYs possible to bring up this idea for consideration before the October meeting.It would be best to consider it while Colleen still has the house listed without an agent,which she is doing for a short time. Thanks Sue f � � �� I � r. ;.�ri ' - - '''� ._ . Susan Rudi Rodsjo Marketing Communications ConsultaM 21450 Pomroy Avenue North Scandia,MN 55073 651-233-0267�cell� 651-4333917(home) susan.rodsjoQfro ntiernet.net From:Anne Huriburt<a.hurlburt@ci.scandia.mn.us> Date:Tue, 13 Sep 201108:54:50-0500 To:SUSAN RODSJO<susan.rodslo@frontiernet.net> Subject: FW: FW: FW: Parking Issue Sue- So I guess we're "on" for October 11. Anne 1