04-28-25-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 28, 2025 10 fees to be paid as part of the development project, totaling $1,223,500, be allocated toward the additional costs of the trail. The narrative notes that the trail could be constructed by Trident's contractor or by the City. City Administrator Jagoe commented on the request before the Council is a revision to Condition 28 to read: "The Applicant shall install at their expense a trail along Snelling Avenue and within Snelling Avenue right-of-way, adjacent to the Subject Property, which shall be approximately 1,373 feet in length to serve as a connection to Royal Hills Park and consistent with City Code requirements. The final location and specifications of the trail connections shall be approved by the PW Director/City Engineer and Community Development Director. The costs in excess of$90,000 incurred to the Applicant for the installation of the approximately 1,373 feet will be deducted from the Applicant's park development fee." Mayor Grant stated the total length of the trail was 1,373 feet. City Administrator Jagoe explained this was only the length of the trail abutting the North Heights property. She estimated the length of the trail adjacent to the property to the north of the subject property to be 396 feet. Councilmember Weber asked whether the original proposal was not intended for a grade separated trail. City Administrator Jagoe reported this was correct, noting after the developer looked at the area, an initial trail plan was created to start a dialogue with the Public Works Director. She indicated it was at this time, the Public Works Director noted the proposed trail would not meet MSA standards because the trail would have to be grade separated. Councilmember Holden explained the City was supposed to be getting something in return for the flexibility offered for this project and this was supposed to be the trail. She reported the costs were what staff had estimated and the developer had agreed to this. However, she understood there were things the Council did not understand at that time. She stated she appreciated the proposal and appreciated the fact there would be a trail up to the playground. She supported the trail moving forward as proposed by staff. Councilmember Weber clarified the applicant would only be paying $90,000 towards the trail and the City would be paying the remainder. He indicated the developer had readily agreed to put in this trail in order to get the additional density, but then changed their minds, once the costs came in for the actual trail. He did not believe the trail costs were hidden and commented on how the additional density that was approved would be worth more than $1.3 million for the developer. He was of the opinion the developer received a good deal. He supported the developer paying for all trail costs. Mayor Grant commented if his math was correct, the developer would be paying $1.23 million and the City would be paying $253,000. He noted this leaves about $900,000 that the developer will have to bring forward. He indicated these funds could be used for this project or the Old Highway 10 Trail. He stated that particular trail was an important connection for the City because it goes from Roseville to Highway 96. He explained the City has Safe Routes to School dollars from the Met Council and if these funds were applied to this project, the City's portion would be close to fully funded.