CCWS 10-20-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - OCTOBER 20. 1997 4 . clear some of the traffic congestion along Highway 96 at Lexington Avenue N, the County had placed "No Left Turn" arrow signs at the intersections and that it appeared to be helping the traffic flow considerably. Highwav 96 Trail Relocation Mayor Probst advised Commissioner Bennett that they had requested his attendance at the meeting to specifically address the City's concerns on the proposed trail alignment along Highway 96, and to review the proposed revised timetable for reconstruction of Highway 96. Mayor Probst opened the discussion on the trail relocation, expressing his frustrations with the apparent unwillingness of Ramsey County staff to discuss and consider alternate proposals. Mayor Probst stated that, considering safety issues alone, the current Ramsey County trail proposal was not acceptable to the City. Mayor Probst expressed his hopes that both parties could explore options, find a logical and safe trail location that would service Arden Hills, Ranlsey County, and surrounding communities, and allow all parties to move forward on a more amicable footing. . Extensive discussion took place regarding ISTEA funding availability; curb and grade separations and related safety issues; interchanges and a possible flyover bridge at the Highway I a/Highway 96 intersection; future TCAAP redevelopment; park and trail access with Mounds View, New Brighton and Shoreview; location of proposed frontage roads; Gateway Business District development and increased traffic volume; buffer strip properties to be purchased by Ramsey County at Arden Manor Mobile Home Park; trail location on the north or south side of Highway 96; proximity of trial for east/west access along Old Highway 8; and existing trail system stubs. Mayor Probst reminded Commissioner Bennett and County staff of the long-term benefits to Ramsey County with connection oftrails at Tony Schmidt Park to Long Lake Park. Mr. Ringwald advised that a recent Highway 8 Corridor study independently completed by the City of New Brighton had proposed a connection at Long Lake Park, in a location similar to that proposed by the City of Arden Hills. Mayor Probst also reminded those present of the TCAAP Reutilization Committee's recommendations that a trail would be incorporated along the west side of the TCAAP property. As discussion continued, Mr. Fritsinger reminded Commissioner Bennett and County representatives that the City was not looking for Ramsey County to incur additional costs, . but to consider incorporating the location of the trail into long-range planning for the area. Mr. Fritsinger and Mr. Ringwald concurred that long-range planning using an alternate route, as suggested by the City's alternate trail location, would provide ------ -------