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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – AUGUST 23, 2021 5 B. Lexington Avenue and Target Road Traffic Signal System Improvements Interim Public Works Director Swearingen stated on August 9, 2021, City Council approved Resolution 2021-044 receiving the feasibility report for the potential traffic signal system as part of the Lexington Avenue Reconstruction Project and ordering the Improvement Public Hearing. The feasibility report was prepared for the cities of Shoreview and Arden Hills to document proposed improvements, project costs, funding, and assessments for a new traffic signal system installed as part of the Ramsey County Lexington Avenue Reconstruction Project. Interim Public Works Director Swearingen explained projects involving special assessments generally require two public hearings commonly known as an improvement hearing and an assessment hearing. The subject hearing for August 23 is the improvement hearing. The purpose of the improvement hearing is for the City Council to discuss a specific local improvement before ordering it done. The second public hearing is the assessment hearing which will be scheduled after the project has been completed and the actual costs to construct the improvements have been determined. This provides property owners an opportunity to express concerns about the actual special assessments. Interim Public Works Director Swearingen reported at the improvement hearing, interested persons may voice their opinion regarding the proposed project improvements and whether or not they are in the proposed assessment area. A reasonable estimate of the total amount to be assessed and the description of the methodology used to calculate individual assessments for affected parcels is contained within the feasibility report. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429, notices of the public hearing were published in the Pioneer Press on August 10, 2021 and August 17, 2021. A notice was also mailed to each property within the draft assessment roll area on August 10, 2021. Prior to opening the hearing, City staff will present general information regarding the scope of the proposed improvements, the overall cost and funding for the project, and assessments that apply for this project. Interim Public Works Director Swearingen stated the master PUD agreement states that full development of the Lexington Station commercial property will include a new access driveway aligned with Target Road to replace the current access point along Lexington Avenue. The new access is required to include the proposed traffic signal at Target Road based on a completed traffic study. The master PUD agreement further requires the developer of the Lexington Station site to pay for or accept an assessment against the project property for the cost of the access improvements, including the traffic signal. Staff commented further on the project and recommended the Council hold a public hearing. Councilmember Holmes thanked staff for the detailed staff report. She appreciated the fact that the signals along Lexington Avenue would be synchronized. She asked if Scenario 1 or Scenario 2 would be pursued. Interim Public Works Director Swearingen explained after discussions with the property owners, Scenario 2 would be brought forward at the assessment hearing. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:54 p.m.