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<br />- <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 9.1998 <br /> <br />7 <br /> <br />Phase I of 155,00 square feet in their report. Therefore, there is about 45,000 square feet of <br />capacity before an upgrade is needed. He noted the closing date is coming up and the developer <br />wants to move forward with all three phases. The most optimistic estimate for intersection <br />completion is mid- to late-fall but Welsh wants to occupy the buildings in August. This would <br />conservatively result in a 75 day window that buildings would be occupied and roads not <br />functioning in an appropriate manner. <br /> <br />Mr. Ringwald stated a meeting was held with people involved and they looked at three options: <br />I. Leave the PUD condition in place which means the buildings could be started but not occupied <br />until the roads are done. (However, since there are some tenant obligations and in process of <br />selling their buildings that would cause problems and may kill the deal); 2. Install temporary <br />signalization at Round Lake Road and Highway 96 that would require signalizing the ramp <br />which would be cost prohibitive and require Mn/DOT approval which may not be received in a <br />timely manner; 3. Install a different type of control structure, one or two police officers at that <br />intersection at given times. Mr. Ringwald advised that this system is being successfully used by <br />the Blaine Airport. Staffs estimate of $30,000 is based on $40 per hour per deputy for two <br />deputies for five hours per day for seventy-five days. Staff has not received a confirmation of the <br />price from the Sheriff Deputy office. <br /> <br />Mr. Ringwald stated the City is moving towards closing (February 13, 1998) and sale of the <br />bonds. He noted that although it may be inconvenient, the intersection could operate with a <br />police otIicer being present. Mr. Ringwald advised the Council will need to deal with who <br />would pay for it. It is staffs perspective that this is an opportunity cost for the developer and that <br />dollar amount should come from their side. Mr. Ringwald noted staff gave the Council releases <br />from the Governor's office with regard to proposed class rate structure changes in the tax laws <br />for commercial/industrial properties. He noted the City has already expended more than first <br />thought for soils and brick upgrades and, with each item added, the cash flow becomes less. Mr. <br />Ringwald pointed out that putting this Phase on line now increases tax revenue on Phase III by 12 <br />to 18 months. He reported staff recommends approval of the requested modification to state: <br />"Issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy permits for Phases II, III, and IV is subject to Welsh <br />Companies agreeing to reimburse the City of Arden Hills for its costs associated with studying <br />and implementing of temporary control structures which are acceptable to the City of Arden Hills <br />at the intersection of Round Lake Road/Highway 96 to facilitate development of Phases II, III, <br />and IV in 1998." Mr. Ringwald advised that a 4/5 vote of the Council is required for approvaL <br />Mr. Ringwald noted the developer's bench handout explaining their side. <br /> <br />Mayor Probst asked what would trigger using police officers for patrolling. Mr. Ringwald stated <br />this would happen as soon as the building is occupied since occupancy will increase traffic <br />through the intersection. <br /> <br />Mayor Probst noted there is a potential for the occupant to manage the time of arrival by shifting <br />start times so not all employees are entering or leaving at the same time. He stated he thinks the <br />cost estimate for the patrol officcrs may be on the high range. <br /> <br />Mr. Ringwald stated he does not know if tenants for Phase III have been identified but the first <br />two phases probably have tenants lined up. <br />