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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — APRIL 24, 2023 8 <br />Mayor Grant questioned how much advanced notification did the Council have regarding the <br />solicitation. <br />City Administrator Perrault stated the initial heads up that the County was exploring this <br />project was as early as March 10 and noted the draft solicitation was available at the JDA <br />meeting. <br />Councilmember Holden requested staff provide a direct link to the JDA advisory committee in <br />order to assist the public in finding the summaries for this group. <br />City Administrator Perrault stated he would work make this information more easily accessible <br />to the public. <br />Mayor Grant commented prior to April 13 there were no minutes or summaries for the JDA <br />advisory committee. <br />City Administrator Perrault explained Council was receiving summaries from the advisory <br />committee since March and the public posting of the summaries occurred after April 13. <br />B. Transportation Update <br />Public Works Director Swearingen updated the Council on the Lexington Avenue <br />reconstruction project. He reported Canadian Pacific Railroad began their work on the rail <br />crossing on April 17. He explained no vehicles would be allowed through the closure and noted a <br />detour was in place. He indicated the closure should be in place for another two or three weeks. <br />Starting April 26, Ramsey County will be closing the traffic movement or I-694 eastbound to <br />Lexington Avenue northbound and traffic movement for Lexington Avenue southbound to I-694 <br />eastbound. He described the detour that would be put in place through this area and noted the <br />detour would be in place for two weeks. <br />Mayor Grant reiterated that the Lexington Avenue reconstruction project was being led by <br />Ramsey County. <br />Councilmember Monson stated she has had some conversations with local businesses and it was <br />her hope the City would revitalize the EDC. She discussed how important it was for the public to <br />know how to get to the businesses along Lexington Avenue. <br />Councilmember Holden explained she has been told by six business owners that they have tried <br />to contact the County and have not had a response. She asked that staff speak with the County and <br />encourage the County to be in contact with the local business owners. She commented further on <br />how detrimental this project has been to the businesses along Lexington Avenue. <br />Mayor Grant indicated he spoke with staff regarding signage changes to ensure the public knows <br />the Lexington Avenue businesses were open. <br />Public Works Director Swearingen stated he drove through the site and noted the new signs <br />have not been added. It was his understanding the project manager was seeking approval from his <br />