CCP 10-26-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - OCTOBER 7, 1998 DRAFT II . on the "Findings - Corner Side Yard and Rear Yard Setback Variance (garage)" section of the staff report dated October 1, 1998. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). COUNCIL REPORT Councilrnember Malone arrnounced that the filings are open for the office of Mayor and Mayor Dennis Probst is the only person who has filed so far. There are two City Council positions with three residents running; Susan Keirn, Mr. Gregg Larson and Lois Rem. Councilmember Malone advised that Community Development Director Cindy Walsh recently left the City of Arden Hills for a job with St. Louis Park. He noted the City has a very capable staff and it is difficult to lose one ofthem, especially for a small community. Councilmember Malone stated that the City Council has looked at the Round Lake Road feasibility report. According to the development agreement, the City is required to have the road fixed by December 31, 1998, including having the intersection operational. The feasibility report indicates it will take approximately $725,000 worth of work to complete the project and, of this money, the City will get approximately $337,000 back from the County. This will probably be the one big project for 1999 and it should be starting in the spring. Councilmember Malone announced that the two Planning Cases for variance requests, approval . recommended by the Commission in September, passed the City Council at their last meeting. Councilmember Malone advised that the City received the grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to construct the trail along County Road F from Hamline Avenue to Lexington A venue. He stated that the project should be interesting because there are wetlands on the north side of the road. If the trail is not constructed, the money can be returned to the DNR. Councilmember Malone stated that NSP has informed the City that there is a fairly high capacity power line that needs to be replaced because it has been struck by lightning. The line comes off the Lexington substation which serves the City of Shoreview. It goes up the extension at Hamline Avenue, underground through the Arsenal and up above ground on the other side. NSP has approached the City with a plan to bring the line up at Hamline Avenue and Highway 96, run it above ground on the north side of Highway 96 to Lexington Avenue and on to County Road I. Councilmember Malone indicated the Council is suggesting that, since the line is underground, it should be replaced underground. NSP feels they have no other options and have gone to the County and have received authorization to build in the right-of-way. If the City wants the line underground, they will have pay the additional cost of approximately 585,000. The City feels there are other options for the location of the line and are waiting to see what NSP comes back with. Commissioner Galatowitsch asked what the above ground lines would look like. Councilmember . Malone stated that it is not a heavy-duty line like the lines in front of City Hall. It would be a regular utility line with the cross bars approximately 26 feet tall. Councilmember Malone reported that southbound Lexington Avenue, south of Highway 96, will be widened to two lanes. Commissioner Sand asked when this will happen. Councilrnember Malone indicated it should be soon. --------------