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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — APRIL 27, 2026 2 <br />Eric Fosmo, from Kimley Horn is the Project Manager for the Rice Creek Commons Infrastructure <br />project. John Mazzitello, Deputy Director of Public Works for Ramsey County is the Project <br />Manager for the spine road. They introduced themselves. <br />Mr. Fosmo said they will be presenting a code amendment to the Planning Commission at the end <br />of the month, with it being heard at City Council in June. They are seeking feedback on the multi- <br />use trail width in the TRC code. It currently specifies a minimum 12-foot trail width for any trail <br />along the spine road and other roads in the development. The amendment will request a 10-foot <br />width along Rice Creek Boulevard. He shared a graphic showing the specific area they are talking <br />about. It proposes a trail along the outside of the right of way, allowing for significant green space, <br />trees, landscaping or buffers between the road and the trail. There are a few reasons for this request. <br />The Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) has allowance for up to 10-foot trails. If you have 10- <br />foot trails with an appropriate green space boulevard, it doesn't require additional storm water <br />treatment for that paved space. <br />Councilmember Holden said Xcel Energy requested the trail be 12 feet. <br />City Administrator Jagoe said City Staff checked with them and they said 10 feet was acceptable <br />for them and have no comments to require 12-feet. <br />Mr. Fosmo said the 12-foot trail would require additional storm water with additional space within <br />the natural resources corridor to be dedicated to storm water for the public improvements. There is <br />a cost to constructing that storm water and it is a loss of flexibility for future development. The <br />Ramsey County standard for trails along their roadways is 8 feet, trails that are off -road trails have <br />a 10-foot minimum width. The standard for Arden Hills, outside of Rice Creek Commons, is 8 feet. <br />The proposed 10-foot width meets all county, state and federal standards for a multi -use trail. <br />Councilmember Rousseau said there are no bike lanes. So bikers would ride on the roadway with <br />traffic or pick a different trail. She asked how this fits in with Arden Hills being a walkable city. <br />Mr. Fosmo said they aren't proposing to reduce the length of any sidewalks or trails. It's still <br />proposed as a multi -use trail on both sides of Rice Creek Boulevard. It still allows for bikes and <br />pedestrians to utilize the trail at the same time in both directions, on both sides of the road. The <br />shoulder is wide enough to allow for commuter bikes who prefer to be on the roadway. There won't <br />be dedicated bike lanes but the 5-foot width is considered a bikeable shoulder. <br />Councilmember Rousseau said this feels like we are prioritizing vehicles. <br />Councilmember Holden asked where the bike lane will be. <br />Mr. Fosmo on the shoulder or the multi -use trail. The rider can decide. <br />Councilmember Holden said it will be dense up there. She isn't sure if a 5-foot shoulder on each <br />side of the road is sufficient. <br />Mr. Mazzitello said the intercommunity traffic is more likely to use the trails. The commuters who <br />are moving through Rice Creek Commons will be more apt to use the shoulder. <br />Councilmember Weber asked what the proposed speed is on Rice Creek Parkway <br />