CCP 09-28-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST 31. 1998 DRAFT 9 . Council member Malone asked if there is a provision for an emergency overflow. Mr. Vesterholt stated there will be, as required by the Code, Council member Larson asked if the sidewalk extends toward the north of the canopy. Ms. Sterner stated the sidewalk from the parking lot will connect to the entryway sidewalk and it could be minimized by incorporating grass. Councilmember Aplikowski requested a general overview of the plan and building interior. Ms. Sterner explained the modifications made since the last time the plan was presented to add more grass area around the building and patio area, Mr. Vesterholt advised that very few existing trees would be lost. Ms. Sterner presented the interior building plan, noting the Council Chambers and lobby face the lake view. She pointed out the location of the fireplace and adjacent reception area to the City offices. Ms, Sterner then presented the upper level area containing four additional closed City staff offices, community room, and storage, Mayor Probst asked if an additional staircase is included. Mr. Fritsinger explained there does not appear to be a feasible way to place an additional staircase since it takes up too much interior space if located in the middle, or would have to be placed toward the outside as a Fire Code stair case. . Councilmember Larson asked if the stairwell must be enclosed for Fire protection. Mr. Vesterholt stated since three floors are being connected, it must be an enclosed wall. Council member Larson asked if a glass wall could be used for separation to create more of an open area, Mr. Vesterholt suggested he study whether the Fire Code would allow that option. Mr. Fritsinger asked the Council to consider the issue related to NSP overhead lines. Currently there is an underground line on TCAAP which is in need of replacement. After meeting 'with NSP, the company has elected to look at an overhead line along the north side of Highway 96, the west side of Lexington Avenue, and then along County Road 1. He asked if the Council believes there will be a significant impact with an overhead line or if staff should discuss the option of underground, possibly at the City's cost. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she thought that NSP had to do as the customer requests. Mr. Fritsinger stated they will, at the City's cost, which is estimated at $40,000 to $60,000. It was noted that NSP believes underground utilities cost more in maintenance. Mayor Probst stated he understands staff has expended a lot of time and effort to work with NSP, but he does not believe NSP will in-kind this additional cost. He stated he believes an overhead line is inappropriate and the City should continue to investigate undergrounding these lines. Councilmember Malone stated this is high voltage transmission lines which they do not like to . place underground. Mr. Ringwald stated this is correct and involves distribution lines. Councilmember Malone noted this type of line would be at a higher elevation. Mr. Ringwald stated one alternate that exists would be to duplicate the south side of Highway 96, but NSP indicated they don't like to do that and would prefer keeping the lines separated.