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