CCP 02-14-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - FEBRUARY 2, 2000 DRAFT 12 Ms. Randall stated that usually homeowners adjacent to sidewalks are responsible for snow e removal from the sidewalks. She noted that the properties in this area extend across the road and the property is privately owned to the lake. Therefore, the snow removal of the sidewalks across the street may also be the responsibility ofthe homeowners. Mr. Martensodo stated that if this was the case, the homeowners should be notified of this responsibility. He asked what the City does to enforce this responsibility. Ms. Randall stated that the City would notify the homeowner if snow on the sidewalk became a problem however, this is a County Road. Mr. Martensodo stated that if snowblowers are used to remove the snow, the snowblowers would most likely be damaged due to the broken sidewalk. Additionally, he felt that the speed of the traffic along Lake Johanna Boulevard was not monitored. He stated that with the amount of money being used to improve the park buildings, it did not make sense to not spend money on improving the pedestrian access. Mr. Mack stated that there was a long term plan to redevelop Lake Johanna Boulevard, however, this would not be included in the park improvement funding. Ramsey County has recognized that Lake Johanna Boulevard will not be moved and will be improved with entry monuments and additional landscaping. There currently are plans for additional trails along the roadway, however, these trails must be constructed in conjunction with the road. Mr. Mack stated that one intent of the park was to encourage pedestrian traffic as well as vehicular. When the trails open to the north, they will be connected with other existing trails and will improve pedestrian accessibility. Any new connections to Lake Johanna Boulevard that will be possible prior to the reconstruction of the roadway will be made. Additionally, the County Task Force discussed a pedestrian crossing and other traffic cahning devises, however, these must be taken one step at a time. e With regard to winter maintenance, Mr. Mack stated that none ofthe buildings in this park will open year-round. Some of the paved trails, including the north to south connection, will be made accessible in the winter for hikers. An unidentified audience member asked who was responsible for the maintenance of the sidewalk. Chair Erickson stated that the sidewalk along Lake Johanna Boulevard has been an issue that has been brought up a number of times. He indicated that there was also an issue of whether Ramsey County will keep Lake Johanna Boulevard or turn it back to the City. It will be difficult to reconstruct the sidewalk until these issues are resolved. Ms. Randall presented the audience with the City's future trail map. She noted a future trail along Lake Johanna Boulevard that will extend from County Road D through Tony Schmidt park and connect with the trail system through the park. She indicated that it has not been determined when this trail will be constructed and the tirneline will be dependent upon available funding and street improvement projects. Mr. Martensodo requested confirmation that it was the responsibility of the Planning e Commission to ensure that the entire process of this sort of proposal is considered. He felt that the City of Arden Hills was marveling at the proposed improvements to the park without addressing other important issues such as traffic and access.