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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 24, 2014 4 <br /> None. <br /> 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS <br /> A. Franchise Fees <br /> Mayor Grant stated that this was the second public hearing to discuss potential franchise fees in <br /> Arden Hills. He appreciated the discussion on this topic and for the numerous comments gathered <br /> at the previous Council meeting. He reported that 22 residents spoke at the public hearing on <br /> February 10, 2014. He noted that a presentation by staff will be given regarding franchise fees <br /> and comments will be taken afterward. <br /> City Administrator Klaers indicated that the City Council requested that staff include <br /> information on the City Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) in their presentation. Further, staff will <br /> discuss why the City is exploring options for generating additional revenues. The presentation <br /> made this evening is the same as the presentation made on February 10 h. He explained that the <br /> information in this report was previously reviewed by the Council at work sessions in 2013. <br /> City Administrator Klaers explained that the City was no longer generating Park Dedication <br /> Funds to assist with park and trail improvements. He noted that the proposed franchise fees could <br /> assist the City with improvements in these areas, in addition to street improvement projects. <br /> Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson explained that the City was spending <br /> approximately $1 million each year on street and utility infrastructure improvement projects. <br /> While these improvements are necessary, it leaves limited funds to enhance the City's parks and <br /> trails. <br /> Public Works Director Maurer reviewed the City's Pavement Management Plan (PMP) and <br /> street projects as proposed for the next 20 years. <br /> Park and Recreation Manager Olson noted that the City has 14 parks and open spaces. She <br /> discussed a list of typical park improvements. She stated that play structures are replaced on a 20 <br /> year cycle. The expense for these structures ranges from $40,000-100,000 and the structures need <br /> to be brought into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. She <br /> reported that the City has 11 play structures to maintain. The enhancements planned for Freeway <br /> Park were reviewed. Further discussion ensued regarding the expense of hard court and ball field <br /> reconstruction. Dog parks were also mentioned as a potential park improvement. <br /> Park and Recreation Manager Olson reported that Arden Hills has 17 miles of City maintained <br /> concrete, bituminous and natural trails. The Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee has <br /> recommended another 15.5 miles of pathways to be incorporated into the City's trail system. <br /> Eight miles of this system were given a high priority for safety reasons. She indicated that the <br /> cost to construct a six foot concrete sidewalk is approximately $500,000 per mile and $800,000- <br /> $1.25 million for an 8 to 10 foot bituminous trail per mile. <br /> Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson reviewed the balances of the Park <br /> Reserve Fund along with the PIR and Capital Reserve.funds. She explained how PIR funds were <br /> I <br />