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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — DECEMBER 8, 2025 4 <br />Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said they do spot replace some of the <br />boards. The spot replacements are happening so frequently that it is to the point that we should do <br />a full replacement of all of the boards, as well as, replacing rotting posts. The structure is not there <br />anymore. It is plugged into the 2026-2030 CIP. <br />Ms. Springer said there were some conversations during the public engagement regarding how <br />often that rink gets used. This plan doesn't include use studies. These recommendations are <br />preliminary and will evolve as they get feedback from Staff and the steering committee. <br />Ms. Springer said they will break the recommendations up into categories: recreation, <br />playgrounds, water access, trails and operation and maintenance. People called out that the <br />playground equipment is geared toward a certain age group and the play equipment is repetitive <br />between parks. Recommendations may be to install equipment geared toward teenagers or smaller <br />kids. Another recommendation is all community parks should have permanent restrooms, <br />drinking fountains and off-street parking. They will also call out park space for native species <br />diversity and habitat. <br />Ms. Springer shared a map that showed the preliminary trail connectivity recommendations. <br />They are identifying where certain connections and improvements make sense in the current trail <br />system. <br />Discussion ensued regarding critical connections that the consultants should include in the plan. <br />Ms. Springer said they will continue to refine these recommendations and develop an <br />implementation plan. The draft plan will be presented at the February steering committee <br />meeting. The draft will get refined based on conversations and comments from that meeting. It <br />will be sent to the PTRC for review and approval in March. The City Council will see the final <br />draft in April for approval. <br />Councilmember Holden said the map shows Lake Valentine Road, she thought we already put <br />that trail in. <br />Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said there are some edits that need to be <br />done on the final map. <br />Councilmember Monson is surprised there is no recommendation to cross 694. <br />Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said Shoreview has a trail on their side of <br />Lexington. In order to get a trail on the Arden Hills side, the bridge deck would need to be <br />expanded. He said MnDOT is doing a study for a 6-year plan for 694. They are planning <br />improvements in 2031. If the City is involved in those discussions, he will express that there is an <br />interest. The cost would be a key component of those discussions. <br />B. 2026 PMP Discussion <br />Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said there isn't a lot tonight that is very <br />different than what Council has previously seen. He asked Councilmembers if they wanted him to <br />present the entire thing or just stand for questions. <br />