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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 25, 20132 <br /> <br />microphone available for public comment should be replaced. He suggested that the City News <br />section on the main page of website be updated more frequently and include more <br />information. He also recommended a breaking news He <br />proposed the Council provide the public greater information through the City newsletter. He <br />encouraged the Council to take an ADD (Announce, Discuss and Decide) approach with the <br />public. <br /> <br />Mr. Larson <br /> discussed the proposed franchise fee. He stated that a franchise fee is tax regressive <br />and it would not be deductible for residents. He recommended that the levy be increased and that <br />the franchise fee not proceed. <br /> <br />3. STAFF COMMENTS <br /> <br /> <br />A. TCAAP Update <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher <br /> stated that the Snelling Avenue Arterial Bus <br />Rapid Transit (BRT) route, which will connect the 46th Street (Blue Line) and the Snelling <br />Avenue (Green Line) light rail stations with Rosedale Mall, is tentatively scheduled to begin <br />operations in 2015. Stops on the BRT routes are more widely spaced than regular bus routes and <br />bus stops have more amenities such as substantial shelters, ticket vending machines, radiant heat, <br />and real-time bus information. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher <br /> explained that the Metropolitan Council has <br />announced that it will evaluate a future extension of the Snelling Avenue BRT line from Rosedale <br />Mall to TCAAP via Snelling and Hamline Avenues. The extension would run north on Snelling <br />and Hamline Avenues and could serve University of Northwestern, Bethel University, the County <br />to determine the feasibility of BRT extension to TCAAP. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher <br /> reported that an open house to gather public <br />feedback on the design options for the Highway 96/I-35W and County Road H/I-35W <br />interchanges was held at the Ramsey County Public Works facility on November 19, 2013. <br />Attendees were encouraged to view the concepts for both interchanges and ask questions of the <br />staff present. The event was well attended with 66 members of the general public signing in at the <br />welcome table in addition to more who were in attendance but opted to not sign-in. Staff was <br />present from Arden Hills, Ramsey County, MnDOT, and Kimley-Horn and Associates. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher <br /> reported a handout was given to attendees that <br />included a general project summary and project timeline. Sixteen boards were displayed showing <br />area constraints, concepts for both interchanges, and a basic overview of TCAAP. Eleven <br />comments were submitted in writing at the open house. The nature of the comments consisted <br />mostly of concerns with bicycle and pedestrian access, access to TCAAP, pros and cons of <br />roundabouts in general, and the construction impacts of the interchanges. Verbal feedback was <br />generally positive about the momentum to improve the interchanges and raised concerns similar to <br />those submitted in writing. The concept designs are posted on the TCAAP Master Plan page of <br /> <br /> <br />