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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – JANUARY 10, 2022 4 Agreement. The terms of the PUD approval require the School District to implement safety improvements on Lake Valentine Road to address traffic and increased pedestrian crossings between the school building and the north parking lot, including installation of turn lanes and other access improvements, trail and sidewalk improvements, pedestrian signal, signage and striping modifications, and drainage and utility improvements. Planning Consultant Kansier reported the Applicant originally proposed two separate phases of traffic and pedestrian safety improvements for Lake Valentine Road. Phase 1 safety improvements, installed in 2020, included installation of a pedestrian traffic signal system, crosswalk markings, temporary painted center median, curb ramps and sidewalk pedestrian routes to the front of the school. Planning Consultant Kansier explained the Phase 2 traffic and pedestrian safety improvements were scheduled for construction in 2021 in order to allow the School District to acquire additional property from the State of Minnesota. This additional property would have allowed the relocation of the west entrance to the north parking lot to align with the drop-off/pick-up lot on the south side of Lake Valentine Road. Additional improvements include construction of a center median at the crosswalk, modifications to the south boundary of the north parking lot, and the construction of dedicated right turn lanes for westbound traffic accessing the east parking lot entrance and for the eastbound traffic accessing the drop-off/pick-up lot. The Applicant worked with the State of Minnesota for nearly two years on purchasing property, but has been unsuccessful in obtaining an easement or acquisition of land. The State indicated they were at least another year out in considering the sale of this land. As a result, the Applicant believes this option is no longer feasible and asked the City Council to consider a revised alignment. The City Council reviewed this issue at their May 17, 2021, workshop. The Council noted the use of the State property is preferred; however, they understand there is no guarantee the school district will be able to purchase that land. Safety is the most important factor. In August, 2021, the City Council approved an extension of the original Phase 2 construction to 2022. Staff provided further comment on the request and recommended the Council hold a public hearing. Councilmember Holden requested further information regarding the number of parking stalls. Mike Tierney, Bolton & Menk, explained he was the civil engineer that designed the north parking lot. He reported that after all of the revisions were made the north lot would have 335 parking spaces. He indicated the parking deficiency was now 77 spaces. Councilmember Holden questioned why the islands were in place. Planning Consultant Kansier indicated the islands assisted with traffic flow, landscaping and relief from the mass of parking pavement. She indicated the Planning Commission supported the islands because it would assist with traffic circulation within the lot. Mr. Tierney reviewed the revised landscaping plan in further detail with the Council. It was noted the plan includes 27 trees. Councilmember Holmes asked if the ADA ramp requirements had been addressed.