HomeMy WebLinkAbout4E Resolution Requesting Design Variance for CP Rail Underpass Trail�+.'� .
EN HILLs
Request for Council Action �
Prepared By: Kristine Giga, Ci�il Engineer and Council Meeting Date: Novernber 30, 2009
Micf�elle Olson, �'arks and Recreation Manag�r ;
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Resolution Requesting Design Variance for CP Rail Underpass Trail
Budgeted Amount: Estimated Acival Amount: Funding Source:
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Recornmendation:
1. Motion ta adopt Resolution No. 2009-035: A resolution requesting a variance frorn standards �or
state operations, Old Snellir�g Avenue Trail- CP Rai! U�derpass, State Aid Project 187-020-0� 3.
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Supporting Documents:
1. Memorandurr� from Ci�il Engineer Kristine Giga and Parks and Recreation Ma�ager Michelle
Olsan da#ed No�em��r 30, 2009.
2. Resolution Number 20Q9-035
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' EN HILLS'
MEMORANDUM
DATE: November 30, 2009
TO: Honorable Mayar and City Council Me�nbers
Ron Moorse, City Adrninistrator
FROM: Kristine Giga, Civil Engineer
Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Manager
SUB�TECT: Resoluiion Requesting Design Variance for CP RaiI Undexpass Trail
Back�round/Discussion
At the October Wark Session, the City Council received an update on the CP Rail Trail
Underpass Project. Bolton & Menk, Tnc. reviewed the underpass design that has been
cornpleted to date. One aspeci of th� design that was discussed with Council was the
width af the trail compared to the widt� available between the bridge abutment and the
proposed retaining wa11. The proposed trail width is eight feet. Mn/DOT design
standards require a two-�'oat clear zone on either side of a trail, which would require a
total width of iwelve (12) feet under the bridge. Hovvever, there will only be an eight (8)
foot space between the proposed reiaining wa11 and bridge abutrnent. Therefore, the
available spacing inhibits the construction of 2 foot shouldez-/clear zones on each side of
ihe trai�.
The City Council has indicated that a possible source of fixnding for i�li5 project is
Municipal State Aid Funds. In order to utilize ihese funds, rninimu�n design standards
must be met, ar a design variance must be granted. Boltan axid Menk, Inc. contacted
Mn/DOT State Aid, and confirmed that a design variance would be needed %r the
narrower clear zone undez the bridge. The Variance Committee meeis on a quarterly
basis; the next rneeting is December 17, 2009. Variaz�zce requests must be submitted by
December 1, 2009.
Siaff understands thai the funding sources for the CP Rail underpass have nat been
finalized aaxd thai the project may be fiu�ded with sources oiher than State Aid. However,
staff recommends applying for the design variance at this time, in the event that State Aid
funds are used, to keep the pzoject schedule moving iarwazd. Receiving a variance from
State Aid daes not bind the City to using Stat� Aid funds on this project.
City Council Meeting
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09Memo C�Rail Variance.doc
Page 1 of 2
Co�ncil Action Requested
Motion to adopt Resol�tion Na. 20Q9-035: A resolution requesting a variance from
standards for state operations, 41d Snelling Avenue Trail- CP Rail Underpass, �tate Aid
Projeci 187-020-013.
City Council Meeting
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Page 2 of 2
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�S�EN HzLLS
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTIQN NO. 2009-035
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING A VARIANCE FROM STANDARDS FOR STATE
OPERATiONS, OLD SNELLING AVENUE TRAIL — CP RAIL UNDERPASS,
STATE AID PR03ECT 1$7-020-013.
WHEREAS, the City of Arden Hills wis�es ta canstruct a bike trail along the west
side of OId Sneliing Avenue at the CP Rail bridge crossing, approximately 1,100 feet north
of County Road E; and
WHEREAS, the available spacing between ihe existing CP Rail bridge piers and
abutznent inhibits the const�ction of 2-foot shoulder/ clear zones on each side of the t�-ail as
required by Rule 8820.9995, for a distance of approximately �orty feet underr�eath the bridge;
and
WHEREAS, State Aid Rules provide that a politicai su�division inay reQuest a
variance frorn the Rules; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Arden Hills hereby indemnifes,
saves and halds ha�mless the State of Minnesota and its agents and ernployees of and frorn
clairns, demar�ds, actions, or causes af action arising out of or �y reason of the Old Snelling
Avenue Trail — CP Rail Underpass proj ect in accordance with Minnesota Rules 88209995
and further agrees to defend at their sole cost and expense any action or �roceeding
con�rnenced for the p�upose of asserting any claim arising as a resul# af t�ie granting of this
variance.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE C�TY CC}UNCIL OF THE
CYTY OF ARDEN HILLS, RA.MSEY COUNTY, STATE OF MINNESOTA: That a
variance be rec{uested frozn Minnesota Ruies for Siate Aid Operations to permit the
construction af the Old Snelling Avenue Trail — CP Rail Underpass, without the construction
of the adjacent shoulder/ clear zone areas.
11h+lefrp�inet.us4 rdenhliisL4dmialCounci1452esofutlons1200912409-035, Reslut�on RequesGng Variance for CP Rail Underpass.doc
ADUPTED BY THE C�TY COUNCIL OF THE CITY UF ARDEN HILLS THIS 30T`�
DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2Q09.
ATTEST:
Stanley D. Harpstea�, MAYQR
Ronald 7. Moorse, CITY ADMiNISTRATOR
15Metrwinet.u5lardenhi115Wdrr�inlCouncil5itesoluiion512009L2009-Q35. Reslutian ReQueSting Variance for Cp Rail i3nderpass_doc