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. . .- . . . . . . ., . . . . . . . .e . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JANUARY 29.1996 2 the City depicting different types of pavement distress, including Femwood Avenue, McCracken Lane, Oak Avenue, Pascal Avenue, and Eide Circle, Mr. Stonehouse explained the project schedule, including public hearings, plan approval, opening for bids (early April), assessment hearings, June, 1996, and construction startup, with finalization in September, 1996. He thanked residents for their input received at the January 9, 1996 informational meeting. Mayor Probst inquired ifthe Council had any questions for Mr. Stonehouse. Councilmember Malone inquired why curb and gutter was appropriate for Oak Avenue. Mr. Stonehouse responded curb and gutter is an integral part of the storm drainage system and the City's desire to create an urban, more uniform look He continued it is heavier and will last longer against traffic and snowplowing maintenance. Councilmember Aplikowski inquired if a road can be narrower than 32 feet and still receive curb and gutter. Mr. Stonehouse responded the state regulation is 26 feet, so it is feasible to go narrower, but he would not recommend less than 26 feet He confirmed Oak A venue currently varies between 24 and 26 feet Mayor Probst opened the Public Hearing for questions from the public at 7:51 p.m., and explained the issue this evening was not project costs, but project concept Dwight Warkentin, 1666 Oak Avenue, thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak, and stated he shares a mutual desire for quality streets. Mr. Warkentin explained that Oak Avenue is a dead end street with 27 residents that fosters a strong sense of neighborhood, He explained the street has served the resident's purposes for 29 years and agree's that Oak Avenue should be maintained, However, it should be maintained more like a village street rather than an urban street Mr. Warkentin presented the Mayor with a signed petition from the residents of Oak Avenue who oppose the widening of the street, the curb and gutter, and removal ofthe grass island, He explained the widening of the street is not needed as there is ample off street parking, and would have an adverse aflect on the neighborhood, Mr. Warkentin continued that the curb and gutter is not needed as there are no drainage issues and it would disrupt landscaping, underground sprinkling, mailboxes, etc, He continued that removing the grass island would create a trapezoid-shaped parking lot without trees, grass, as well as the fire hydrant being relocated from its central location, Mr. Warkentin indicated he contacted a civil engineer in a neighboring community, and was told a central reconstruction issue is not the appearance of a street, but the status of the subsoil base underneath, Mr. Warkentin stated he does not observe heaving or settling of the street, and