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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2A, Floral Park Parking ,- RZEN HILLS Request for Council Review 2 A Prepared By: Work Session Date: December 19,2011 Michelle Olson,Parks and Recreation Manager Floral Park No Parking Discussion Discussion Topic: Staff is looking for direction on how to proceed with this issue. Supporting Documents: 1. . Memorandum from Michelle Olson, Parks and Recreation Manager 2. Attachment A: Letter from Rick Morphew and drawing of no parking are for Floral Park 3. Attachment B: Letter from Sarah Rhude dated 5/19/94 4. Attachment C: Council Memo dated 5/27/94 5. AttachmentD: Draft PTRC Minutes from 9/20/2011 6. Attachment E: Aerial Maps of Current and Proposed No Parking Restriction Changes 7. Attachment F: City Council Meeting Minutes from October 10, 2011 8. Attachment G: Email from Deputy Tony Waldo,Ramsey County Sheriff 9. Attachment H: Resident Emails and Letter with input on proposed parking restriction changes ,- �EN HILLS MEMORANDUM DATE: December 19, 2011 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers Patrick Klaers, City Administrator FROM: Michelle Olson,Parks and Recreation Manager SUBJECT: Floral Park No Parking Discussion Background Earlier this summer, staff received a request from Rick Morphew, an Arden Hills resident who lives at 1514 Arden Vista Court to change the No Parking on Royal Lane from the north side of the road to the south side of the road. Mr. Morphew provided a letter stating his concerns and a drawing illustrating the sight lines on Royal Lane (Attachment A). He indicates that he is concerned for the safety of pedestrians walking from parked cars to Floral Park due to the curve of the road and limited visibility for vehicles. Staff researched the history of the No Parking at this park. Public Works staff indicated that it was their recollection that the No Parking was placed on the north side in order to prevent the hazard of children running down the hill and going between parked cars. After researching the park files, staff was able to locate correspondence between a neighbor and the City in 1994 that explains how the No Parking restriction began (Attachment B). A letter was written on May 19, 1994 by Sarah Rhude, who lived in the neighborhood at that time. The letter requested a reduction in organized baseball games and the addition of parking restrictions on Royal Drive and Floral Drive to alleviate safety concerns. Originally, parking was allowed on both sides of the road along Royal Drive. This resident stated in her letter that this caused safety issues for both pedestrians and vehicles due to the limited visibility on Royal Lane. Ms. Rhude met with the Parks and Recreation Director to discuss her concerns. The Director brought a recommendation to the May 27, 1994 City Council meeting for approval (Attachment Q. The recommendation was to limit parking to only the south side of the road on Royal Lane and Floral Drive and posting No Parking restrictions along the north side of the road (park frontage). The reasoning for this choice was to keep the entrance of the park visible and also to keep pedestrians from walking into the road from between cars. The Council approved the recommendation on the consent calendar with no discussion. The No Parking restriction has been in place on the north side since that time. A cursory review of staff indicates no known problems with the current restrictions since they were implemented 12192011 Floral No Parking Request Discussion.doc in 1994. One concern that has been noted by park staff has been that pedestrians and bicyclists utilizing the park walk down the hill and steps to leave the park. If vehicles park on the north side of the road, pedestrians would walk between parked cars to leave the park, causing visibility issues. Staff brought this item to the Parks Trails and Recreation Committee (PTRC) for discussion at their September 20, 2011 meeting. Minutes of the September PTRC meeting are included for Council review (Attachment D). After discussing this item, the PTRC made a motion to recommend to the City Council that the parking for Floral Park on Royal Lane and Floral Drive be changed from the south side to the north side (park frontage) of the road and to provide "no parking" for a reasonable pick-up/drop-off distance at the advisement of the Public Works Director/City Engineer. Aerial maps showing the current and proposed parking restrictions are included for Council review (Attachment E). This recommendation was brought to the Council for approval at the October 10, 2011 Regular Council Meeting. After discussion, Council - tabled the item to the December work session for further review and further information. Minutes for the October 10, 2011 Council Meeting are included for Council review (Attachment F). Discussion Council requested staff to bring back the following information for review of parking restrictions at Floral Park: • Accident History on Floral Drive and Royal Lane around Floral Park • Ramsey County Sheriff review and traffic opinion • Neighborhood Input • Costs associated with changing the parking restrictions • Parking Needs for the park Accident History on Floral Drive and Royal Lane around Floral Park Staff contacted Deputy Tony Waldo, Traffic Officer for the Ramsey County Sheriff to inquire about the vehicle/pedestrian accident history around Floral Park on Floral Drive and Royal Lane. It was found that in the past ten years, there have been two accidents in the area of the park. The accidents appear to have taken place outside of the park frontage area. The email from Deputy Waldo with the specific accident information is provided for Council review(Attachment G). Ramsey County Sheriff review and traffic opinion Deputy Tony Waldo also included in his email, an opinion on the parking restrictions along Floral Drive and Royal Lane. Deputy Waldo's opinion is that the parking restrictions should remain as is with no changes. He states that keeping the no parking on the north side of Floral Drive provides a clear sight line along the roadway and of the unfenced basketball court. He indicates that if cars were to park on the north side of the road, it would pose a safety issue with having kids running into the street between parked cars. 12192011 Floral No Parking Request Discussion.doc Neighborhood Input Staff mailed a letter to 55 residents in the Floral Park neighborhood. Staff asked for them to contact staff with their input regarding the parking restrictions and proposed changes. Staff received a total of eight responses. Five are in favor of the proposed changes, one is partially in favor and two are against. The emails and letter are attached for Council review(Attachment H). The following is the input received: • Three emails in favor of the proposed changes • One letter in favor of the proposed changes with suggestions for further changes • One email partially in favor of the proposed changes with a proposal to not have parking next to the basketball court. • One phone call in favor of the proposed changes • One phone call against the proposed changes This resident has lived on Floral Drive for the past 20 years and feels that the proposed parking will cause safety issues. His points were: o There is no safe walking area along park and therefore, pedestrians will be forced to walk in the road into traffic o pedestrians will walk between parked cars o cars will have difficulty exiting their vehicles on the passenger side due to the hill o Parking only becomes an issue two days a week, two months a year and he feels it is manageable as is • One email against the proposed changes Costs associated with changing the parking restrictions Staff reviewed the recommendation and feel some additional changes will be needed to allow parking on the north side of the road. Allowing parking on the north side causes passengers to exit their vehicles directly into a perennial garden and into a steep hill. Smaller vehicles will not be able to open their doors to exit on the passenger side. Recommended changes with estimated costs are listed below: o Removal of perennial garden along the park frontage that covers approximately 85 feet: No additional cost anticipated as it would be part of the grading for the retaining wall. o Install retaining wall along the park frontage that has a hill. Staff recommends constructing approximately 225 feet of wall (staff is figuring a 2 foot wall). Estimated cost for this wall: $20.00 per square foot for a total of$9,000. o Construct approximately 225 feet of concrete sidewalk along curb in front of retaining wall to establish a safe location for passengers/pedestrians to walk and a flat area for passengers to exit a parked vehicle. Estimated cost for this sidewalk: $6.00 per square foot for a total of$8,100. 12192011 Floral No Parking Request Discussion.doc o Installation of several no parking signs along the south side of the road and one loading and unloading zone sign for north side of the road. Estimated cost: $1,600, including City labor. o Removal of yellow paint along curb, with the exception of the loading/unloading zone, approximately 410 feet of paint. Originally staff recommended sand blasting. However, this practice is no longer allowed due to EPA hazards and therefore, painting the curb is the best option. Estimated cost: $210, including City labor. o Repair existing stairs (This needs to be done with or without the change as the stair timbers are rotting and are proposed to be replaced with block. Estimated cost: $1,500, including labor. o ESTIMATED T07AL FOR ALL CHANGES: $20,410 (including the estimated $1,500 for the stair repair, which will be done with or without change) Floral Park Parkiniz Needs City in house programs and leagues and the local association leagues utilize this park in the months May through July typically Monday through Thursday evenings. There is one available ball field. If two teams are playing on any given night, cars will need to park along the road due to the lack of a parking lot. If each team has twelve participants and each arrives in one car, it would mean 24 cars parking on that given night. Parking on those nights tends to stretch into the residential areas of Floral Drive and Royal Lane. The City park system has numerous fields without parking lots. This poses a challenge for scheduling and in this case, is difficult to avoid. There are not enough ball fields in Arden Hills with parking lots to satisfy program/league needs. Therefore, this field is regularly scheduled. The one letter received by the City did inquire about possibly adding a parking lot along the back of the tennis courts. However, this is a wooded area with wetland restrictions. The City owns the parcel on Royal Lane just across from the perennial garden, which could be a possibility for adding a small parking lot. However, this is a wooded lot and would be located along the curve, which may have visibility issues with exiting and entering. In addition, this is a wooded area causing a high amount of tree removal. Requested Action Staff is looking for direction on how to proceed with this issue. 12192011 Floral No Parking Request Discussion.doc A ttachmentA.0 Letter from Rick Morphew— 1514 Arden Vista Court Drawing of No Parking Area for Floral Park ` Michelle Olson Parks & Recreation Manager City of Arden Hills 1245 West Highway 98 Arden Hills, K8N 55112-7848 Re: Parking on Royal Lane by Floral Park Dear Michelle, Our family has lived in Arden Hills since 1987atl514 Arden Vista Court. VVe access our home using several routes, one ot which isHarn|ine Avenue past Floral Park. Floral Park is well used for its baseball field, playground equipment and hiking trails. People who use Floral Park park their cars mn Royal Lane in front mf the Park. VVe have driven by the Park many times when there are twenty Pr more cars parked on Royal Lane. Parking is limited by signage and yellow curb to the side of Royal Lane across the street from the Park. As a result, people must cross the street to access the Park which is a safety issue that could easily becorrected. Vehicles that approach Floral Park from either Norma Avenue or West Floral Drive, when cars are parked on Royal Lane, have severally restricted sight lines, limiting their ability to see people/children crossing the street to access the Park. This is caused by the fact that Royal Lane curves from both directions and drivers cannot see around the corners. The solution is simple, inexpensive and intuitive... move parking to the Park side of Royal Lane. Attached tm this letter isa drawing that illustrates the problem. 8v studying the drawing one can easily see the benefits of moving parking across the street. They are: 0- • Increased safety for children and adults who park on Royal Lane and use Floral Park w Increased safety for automobiles that use Royal Lame • Additional space for parking due to longer curb line on the Park side of Royal Lane • A more user friendly Park in Arden Hills Please consider my request to move parking to the Park side of Royal Lane adjacent to Floral � Park and restrict parking the opposite side. Thank you. Respect ly, 1514 Arden Vista Court Arden Hills, K4N 55112 (651) 636-2241 foe c 3� © 4q v` QC 1 91 ;to - x' 113 2 4 d> : - s` " ui CD in 3 p 2 ON) : U -saw ,} O lot 2 Attachment B Letter from Sarah Rhude dated 5/19/94 May 19,1994 Ciudy L.Severtson = Director of Parks&Recreation City ofArden Hills 1450 West highway 96 Arden Hills,MN 55112-5794 Dear Cindy, Thank you for meeting with me at Floral Park on Friday,May 13, 1994 to disouss my - concerns regarding parking during baseball games. I am writing this letter to formally spate my concerns to the city council. I will propose a two-tiered solution;I will suggest parking restrictions for this summer,as well as suggest ways to decrease traffic and disruption to the neighborhood in finnre seasons. The problem has its basis in the fact than Floral Park is intended to be strictly a neighborhood park There is no parking lot,nor is there any alternative to parking on the adjacent residential streets,Royal Lane and West Floral Drive. My family has resided at 1467 Royal Lane,next to Floral Park,for over ten years so I am acutely aware of hour the parking problem has escalated steadily to its present level. It has become a clear and present danger as well as agreat Nuisance. No other parr in Arden Hills causes this level ofneighborhood impact_ For example,although Cummings Park has no parking lot,parking is banned an Wyncrest Court--users must park in the Control Data.Iot Royal Bills Park also has no parking lot but does have designated parking on Old Snelling,in an area separated from homes. Unforbmately,there are no similar alternatives for Floral Park, Therefore,I would like to propose a two-tiered solution; immediate changes in parking restrictions to alleviate the current dangerous situation as well as alternative scheduling procedures(effective beginning in 1995)to alleviate the disruption to the arearesidents. A description of the problem will clarify the proposed solutions. As stated,there are two concerns: the safety factor and the nuisance factor. The safety flactor needs to be addressed immediately, as the situation is dangerous for walkers,those entering and leaving the park (especially children),bicyclists,as well as those driving can. Royal bane has two curves which severely limit visibility in bath directions. The street was not designed for four car widths;in areas where cars are panted on both aides of the street it is difficult for cars to pees in opposite directions and hazardous as they approach the curve. It is an accident waiting to happen! It is also extremely dangerous for anyone walking or biking. ' 3 R :t 2 :i I do not feel it is safe for my children to ride their bikes on their own street for at least four - evenings of the week[ Frequently,people park along the yellow-lined no parking zone. further exacerbating the problem For instance,on the evening of May 18, 1994,four cars were illegally parked along the yellow line on the north side of Royal Lane,making the curve particularly hazardous. During a baseball gmne,it would be difficult,if not - impossible,for an emergency vehicle or fire truck to get around the curve into the neighborhood. R is imperative that changes be madel I propose that parking be allowed on only one side of the street,on both Royal Lane and West Floral Drive, to allow for improved visibility and clear passage. Parking would be allowed only on the south side of Royal Lane,keeping the park entrance open. This would prevent a child darting out from between parked cars as well as lessen the impact on the homes on the block(the south side has a long stretch without residences).Parking would be banned on the north side of Royal Lane. Conversely,parking would be allowed only on the north side of West Floral Drive(which has a stretch of open space along the park). Parking would be banned on the south side of West Floral Drive.Letters should be sent to coaches of Little League teams informing them of these parking changes. Additionally,ICJ PARI'UNG Th IIS SIDE OF THE STREET signs should be posted in the affected areas. These changes should be itnplemeuted as soon as possible to prevent a serious accident. These proposed changes will definitely improve the situation. However,making scheduling changes(beginning in 1995)will more effectively rp � ehht safety problems as well as decrease disruption to the neighborhood residents. As stated earlier,Floral Parke is not designed,nor is it equipped to handle the present volume of traffic. Currently,we have cars parked in front of our home minimally four times a week(often six,due to.practices). It is difficult to mow our lawn.and as people walk on our lawn getting in and out oftheir cam,they frequently leave trash behind. My children cannot play in our front yard without maces strangers walk%through. As stated before,I cannot think of another neighborhood that suffers this much negative impact I believe that the Moral Park neighborhood should not have to either! The proposed parking changes will alleviate the nuisance problem somewhat However,I propose that,beginning in 1995,Mond Park be designated apractice park, Five or six cars parking on the street during practices would be a vast improvement I realize that there is a ball field shortage,but Floral Park should be given the lightest possible schedule of games,only after other fields are exhausted. For example,on the evening of May 5, 1994,one of the fields at Island Lake was open while Floral had a scheduled game,and on the evening ofMay 12, 1994,both fields at Island Lake were open while Floral had a scheduled game. Alternatively,ifall fields are saturated,Floral could be designated for - T ball,which has a shorter season. Floral's field does not drain well after rain;T ball games would not need to be rescheduled as is often a problem for Little League games scheduled at Floral. Even with the ball field shortage,I believe that some combination of these proposals could be implemented. "h �1 w{ S J 'a conclusion,the dangerous situation surrounding Floral Park should be alleviated by immediately restricting parking to the south side of Royal Lase(north side parking banned),and the north side of West Floral Drive(south side parking banned).The traffic - and disruption to the neighborhood residents should be deviated,beginniog in 1995,by designating Floral Park for the lightest possible usage. Thank you again,Cindy,for your effecient and courteous handling of this problem I _ appreciate your promptly bringing this to the councils attention Sincerely, Sarah M.Rhude ;t Attachment C.e Council Memo dated 5/27/94 ,a ' 7 3 CITY OF ARDEN HMU.B l�1t�RAHk7L�i DATE: May 27, 1994 z T0: Dorothy Person, City Administrator FRx2: Cindy Sewertsan, Parks and Recreation DDi.rect= SU MU Letter f-cm a resident reg rd 7 parking issues at F1oza1 Park I received a call from a resident, Sarah Rhude, .regarding narking around Floral Park. I met with this individual on--site in an attenpt to oome up with alternatives/solutions. The letter attached suggests e�cter � Itnoparking areas;" which after meeting, we both agreed would help. Sarah Rhude and her family live in the First house adjoining Floral Park- Her concern is that the park is used on a regular basis by Little Lake Little League. Floral Park does not have a parking lot.- Consequently, cars park along both sides of the street throughout the neighborhood. This creates somewhat of a safety hazard. Sarah Rhude refers to Floral Park as a neighborhood park, which it is. Hawever, all of the parks in Arden Hills are techni ly neighborhood parks. Actually, Floral Park is tied with O mmings Vark for the largest park acreage. Since the city does not have a community park, the neighborhood parks are used for a zwmb-r of city recreation programs as well as youth association games and practices. Floral Park is pxr, a. i antly used as a Little Lakes Little League field. As an organization, Little Lakes has contributed money to install sideline fencing at Floral park in an atteupt to make the playing field safer. 'Mere are 220 kids playing little league baseball from Arden Hills in 1994. All youth associations receive fields according to the number ber of participants from Arden Hills, As you are aware, there are always an insufficient number of fields in Arden Hills to accommodate all parties. The parks Little Lakes can use are limited by what fields are needed by the City's recreational adult and youth - leagues and Mundsview's Girls Fastpitch Association. Given the current demand on our softball fields, if Little Lakes didn't use Floral Park, some other activity would be.planned there- It is not possible to use Floral Park entirely as a practice facility. t r 3 Floral Park Parking Page 2 05/27/94 - As expressed in the letter by Sarah Rbude, there are same valid safety Concerns with parking in the neighborhood. I met with Sarah, and I believe the safety concerns can be alleviated by designating parking = on one side of the street only along park property. I recamend that the entire curb on the east side of Royal Lary be painted yellow and no parking signs be posted and enforced. This would extend the current no parking to cover the entire road frontage of the park.Also, no parking signs could be posted along the north side of Floral Drive. ''Thus, parking would be allowed on only I side of the street_ 'Tills would provide a safer environment for children entering and leaving the park. As it is now, parking is allowed on both sides. It is very difficult for cars to see children as they run through the parked cars. The Ramsey County Sheriff's Department should be made aware of this parking change and encouraged to enforce it. Letters can be sent to the Little Lakes Little League Association to notify parents and coaches of the parking restrictions as well as asking them to not walk across residents lawns_ in future years, there is a possibility of moving little league one or two nights a week to another field, however, another activity similar in nature would replace them on those evenings. Unfortunately, there axe not enough baseball/softball fields in Arden Hill, to allow that neighborhood parks be left unoccupied or as practice fields only. As for the reference M. Rhude makes to Island Lake school fields being open, Shoreview programs that facility. I contacted them to inquire ti re about usage and was informed that little league uses the east field and the Shoreview recreation program use the west field. The Shoreview recreation softball program begins in June. Both fields will be in use every evening June through August.. Staff rinds that the above referenced no parking changes be made and enforced in an .attempt to alleviate the safety concerns. Little Lakes should be notified of these parking changes and encouraged to carpool_ CS:to i AttachmentD. Draft PTRC Minutes from 9/20/2011 Meeting 'It EN HILLS Approved CITY OF ARDEN HILLS PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2011 ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL MEETING TO ORDER Substitute Chair Peck called the September 20, 2011, meeting of the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee to order at 6:39 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Substitute Chair Peck, Committee Members Cindy Garretson, Phil Kramlinger,Nancy O'Malley, Don Messerly, and Council Liaison Ed Werner. Harold Petersen arrived at 6:55 p.m. OTHERS PRESENT: Park and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson and Arden Hills Resident Rick Morphew. ABSENT: Chair Steve Scott (excused), Committee Members Chuck Michaelson, and Rich Straumann. 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Committee Member Garretson motioned to approve the agenda. Ms. Olson asked to move New Business before Unfinished Business and to add the trail walk to Other Unfinished Business. Committee Member Garretson motioned to approve the agenda as amended, seconded by Committee Member Kramlinger. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES—August 16,2011 MOTION: Committee Member Garretson motioned to approve the August 16, 2011,minutes, seconded by Committee Member O'Malley. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Floral Park No Parking Discussion Ms. Olson introduced Arden Hills resident Rick Morphew, of 1514 Arden Vista Court in the Floral Park neighborhood. Ms. Olson explained that Mr. Morphew has safety concerns regarding the current parking restrictions at Floral Park. Mr. Morphew has requested the City move parking to the park side of Royal Lane adjacent to Floral Park and restrict parking on the opposite side. Ms. Olson researched the history of the"no parking" at this park and Public Works staff indicated it was their recollection that this was placed on the north side in order to prevent the hazard of children running down the hill and going between parked cars. Ms. Olson also found some documentation between a neighbor and the City in 1994. The neighbor's Parks,Trails&Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes September 20,2011 Page 2 recommendation to place the "no parking" was brought forth to the City Council and was approved. Mr. Morphew explained the reasoning behind his request and felt that visibility and safety issues where created when vehicles are parked on the north side of the road and pedestrians walk between these parked vehicles in order to cross the street. He agrees the argument on the other side is also valid but he does not feel it is as dangerous. Ms. Olson explained that in order to make a change to the parking restriction, it would need to be a Council action and staff felt the PTRC should review and make a recommendation. Committee Member Garretson indicated she feels Mr. Morphew's idea was very well thought out. She stated she walked the area and agrees that you cannot see around the corner and likes the idea of having an open space. Committee Member O'Malley suggested having a caution sign stating"children crossing" and Committee Member Garretson agreed that might be an idea. Substitute Chair Peck indicated he also looked at the area and feels he has been persuaded to switch the "no parking" and also likes the idea that pedestrians would not have to cross the street when getting dropped off. Ms. Olson indicated that she and Public Works Director Maurer looked at this issue and felt there were arguments to both sides of the road and thus have no recommendation on the issue and would like the committee to weigh in on it. Committee Member Kramlinger agreed that from a safety concern it should be changed to the north side of the street. MOTION: Committee Member O'Malley motioned that parking for Floral park be changed from the south side to the north side of the street. Discussion ensued regarding adding a pick-up/drop-off site at the frontage of the park to a distance recommended by the City Engineer. Committee Member O'Malley accepted a friendly amendment to the motion to include a pick up/drop off area. Committee Member Messerly moved to amend the motion to switch the parking from the south side to the north side of the street and to provide"no parking" from 50 feet southeast of the steps to 50 feet northwest of the path to allow for pickup. Discussion ensued and it was agreed to eliminate the distance requirement from the motion and have the wording state "a reasonable pick-up/drop-off distance at the advisement of the Public Works Director/City Engineer." Committee Member Garretson seconded the motion as amended. The motion carried unanimously (6-0). Attachment E: Aerial Map of Current No Parking Restrictions Aerial Map of Proposed "No Parking" Restriction Changes / o @ § 2 C, Oz DO «\ Iz 2f k ® \f , Q �E/ o @ $§ 2 «^ mo \\ƒ � 0 2 (\� � c ; $ CD \\)) . C g CD CD �2 � o \c O U o CD \\ \ : m ( CD � ■ e>; � {\ { � \o - } � //\ � \.\\ (\ \ � &7§ \ cL \ ° � cl » j � } CD AD 2 ° 0 � 2 o ) � }ƒa . 0 k/} \\ & . \\(IQ � � n 0 \\\ fee mn \\) \ ±\ 0 mn \ }\ / \\% , CD ��� ■ »[y � \ �cD . =50 ] ƒ\ ! / ! M0\ . / ( « } � Attachment F.9 City Council Meeting Minutes from October 10, 2011 ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETNG OCTOBER 10, 2011 4 the Right-of-Way Ordinance, as presented in the October 10, 2011, report to the City Council, as amended by the Staff Presentation. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded the motion to Approve Publication of a Summary of Ordinance 2011-009. The motion carried unanimously(5-0). 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS None 7. NEW BUSINESS A. Floral Park No Parking Discussion Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson explained that earlier this summer, staff received a request from Rick Morphew, an Arden Hills resident who lives at 1514 Arden Vista Court to change the No Parking on Royal Lane from the north side of the road to the south side of the road. Mr. Morphew indicates that he is concerned for the safety of pedestrians walking from parked cars to Floral Park due to the curve of the road and limited visibility for vehicles. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that staff researched the history of the No Parking at this park. Public Works staff indicated that it was their recollection that the No Parking was placed on the north side in order to prevent the hazard of children running down the hill and going between parked.cars. After researching the park files, staff was able to locate correspondence between a neighbor and the City in 1994 that explains how the No Parking restriction began. A letter was written on May 19; 1994 by Sarah Rhude, who lived in the neighborhood at that time. The letter requested a reduction in organized baseball games and the addition- of parking restrictions on Royal Drive and Floral Drive to alleviate safety concerns. Originally,parking was allowed on both sides of the road along Royal Drive. This resident stated in her letter that this caused safety issues for both pedestrians and vehicles due to the limited visibility on Royal Lane. Ms. Rhude met with the Parks and Recreation Director to discuss her concerns. The Director brought a recommendation to the May 27, 1994, City Council meeting for approval. The recommendation was to limit parking to only the south side of the road on Royal Lane and Floral Drive and posting No Parking restrictions along the north side of the road (park frontage). The reasoning for this choice was to keep the entrance of the park visible and also to keep pedestrians from walking into the road from between cars. The Council approved the recommendation on the consent calendar with no discussion. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson further explained that the No Parking restriction has been in place on the north side since that time. A cursory review by staff indicates no known problems with the current restrictions since they were implemented in 1994. One concern that has been noted by park staff has been that pedestrians and bicyclists utilizing the park walk down the hill and steps to leave the park. If vehicles park on the north side of the road, pedestrians would walk between parked cars to leave the park, causing visibility issues. ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETNG—OCTOBER 10,2011 5 Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that staff brought this item to the Parks, Trails and Recreation.Committee (PTRC) for discussion at their September 20, 2011 meeting. Mr. Morphew attended that meeting to present his concerns. After discussing this item, the PTRC made a motion to recommend to the City Council that the parking for Floral Park on Royal Lane and Floral Drive be changed from the south side to the north side (park frontage) of the road and to provide "no parking" for a reasonable pick-up/drop-off distance at the recommendation of the Public Works Director/City Engineer. The Public Works Director and Parks and Recreation Manager met on site and identified an approximate seventy (70) foot area directly in front of the park entrance for the drop off/pick up zone and also identified a small ten(10)foot area directly in . front of the walking trail to be identified as "no parking"for access purposes. The PTRC felt this drop-off and pick-up area would minimize pedestrians from walking down the hill between parked cars. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson-also explained that Staff reviewed the recommendation and feels some additional changes will be needed to allow parking on the north side of the road. There is a perennial garden on the hill along the park frontage.that covers approximately 85 feet. This area has a relatively steep slope extending to the curb. If parking is allowed along the north side, passengers exit their vehicles directly into the garden and into the steep hill. Staff recommends that if parking is allowed on the north side of the road, that the garden (or a portion of the garden) is removed and in addition, a retaining wall be considered for a portion of the hill along the park frontage, depending on degree of slope in order to create an area sufficient for unloading and parking. In addition,the yellow paint along the curb will need to be removed. The Public Works staff recommends sand blasting. This is not a method our crew has the capability of completing and therefore,would need to be contracted to an outside vendor. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that the action requested of the Council this evening is to approve a motion to support or. deny the PTRC recommendation to change the parking restrictions, (No Parking) on Floral Drive and Royal Lane from the north side (park frontage) to the south side of the road with the exception of an approximate seventy(70) foot area directly in front of the park entrance and a small ten (10) foot area directly in front of the walking trail. Councilmember Holden asked if there has been a cost estimate prepared for this change. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson responded that she has not yet done a cost estimate. Public Works Director Maurer explained that he had advised Ms. Olson not to do a cost estimate until there was more direction from the Council. He added that he doesn't anticipate that the change would be made until next spring. Councilmember Holden asked if there have been any accidents reported in this area. Parks and. Recreation Manager Olson stated that the Ramsey County Sheriffs deputy she spoke with did not recall any accidents in the area and was not aware of any problems. Councilmember Holden questioned what the other neighbors think of this proposal. ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETNG-OCTOBER 10, 2011 6 Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated that staff had heard from one other resident who lives next to Floral Park, but he was more concerned with the number of cars parking in the area than where they park. Mayor Grant asked if there are any plans for a traffic study of the area. Public Works Director Maurer stated he does not believe that the traffic is a big problem. People generally drive slower in the area because of the park. But an argument could be made either way as.far as the parking issue. Councilmember Holden questioned when the City Council would be getting the reevaluation of City streets. Public Works Director Maurer stated they will be on next Monday's Work Session agenda. Councilmember Holden suggested this matter be tabled and reviewed along with or after the discussion on City streets. Councilmember Tamble stated that it makes sense to move the traffic to the north,side which would allow more.line of vision. Parking should not be allowed near the corner of Royal Drive and Floral Park. Councilmember Werner commented that the PTRC voted unanimously to support this change. Councilmember Holmes stated she would be interested in hearing the comments of the residents in this area. She also questioned if we should have no-parking zones on both sides of the street. She stated she would like to have more information. Mayor Grant commented that this needs to be thought out carefully. He also wants to hear from the rest of the neighborhood. This is not a time-critical issue and there might be an opportunity to tie this in with the PMP project. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded the motion to defer this to an upcoming work session with additional information. The motion carried unanimously(5-0). 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None 9. COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Grant reported the following: • He attended the grand opening at Northwestern College for their new Billy Graham Student Life Center and the groundbreaking ceremony for Presbyterian Homes. • He also attended the Roseville Area Schools, District 623, Early Childhood Center grand opening. Attachment G: Email from Deputy Tony Waldo, Traffic Officer — Ramsey County Sheriff Michelle Olson From: Waldo, Tony Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 3:07 PM To: Michelle Olson Subject: Floral Park area parking issue. Michelle, Since I spoke to you yesterday, I have found that there were two accidents in the area of the park. I have no idea of the specifics or what caused the crashes. In 2008,there was a two vehicle property damage accident at W. Floral and Norma Circle. In 2011,there was a disoriented driver that struck a parked vehicle in the area of 1399 Floral. Our opinion on the issue of changing the parking on W. Floral is that it should remain as it is with no changes. Keeping the no parking on the north side of Floral Drive provides a clear sight line along the roadway and of the unfenced basketball court that is in close proximity to Floral Drive. If cars were to park on that side of the road could pose a safety issue with having kids running into the street between parked cars. Leaving the parking as it is also lets the no parking area flow onto Royal Lane,which is also clearly marked with a yellow curb. If you have any further questions, please feel free to give me a call at 651-248-2450. Sgt.Tony Waldo Traffic Unit 1 A tta ch m en t H.1m Resident Emails and Letter with Input on Proposed Parking Restriction Changes Michelle Olson From: Sent: Sunday, November 27, 2011 8:43 AM To: Michelle Olson Michelle Tammy and John van Valkenburg are ok with the changes to the floral park parking restrictions.Thank you.John van Valkenburg 1 Michelle Olson From: Sent: Monday, November 28, 2011 10:59 PM To: Michelle Olson Subject: Floral Park Parking Restrictions am in receipt of your letter of November 23 regarding the proposed change in parking on Royal Lane by Floral Park. We live across the street at 1498 Royal Lane. This proposal makes so much more sense then what has been in place. Currently, families with small children have to cross the street to get to their vehicles. The curve in the street by the park means that a driver coming from Floral Drive does not see pedestrians until they are very close. If parking was in front of the park, it would be easier to see them before you got to the park. hope you make this correction as it would be safer for everyone. Muriel Olson Allen Ziaimehr 1498 Royal Lane Arden Hills i Y- }, i 2.+41-J + 1�11 • f (� �� S•�F F".d.-t'��-t L r ri�• t4A,� ,^ } Michelle Olson From: Sent: Sunday, December 04, 2011 9:47 AM To: Michelle Olson Subject: Floral Park Parking restrictions Godd day Michelle.......... my nmae is Dan Hessler. I live on James Circle about 2 blocks from Floral Park. I love that park. I take my Beagle, Tinker Belle on walks daily, sometime twice. I like the parking arrangement as it stands currently and would like to see it remain. I know plans for a new parking arrangement would leave the steps to the park unobstructed but I can still see people parking in front of them anyway, especially in the winter months if the curbs are covered by snow. While walking to and from the park those steps are often needed and again I can see some not so bright folks parking directly in front of them thus making it difficult to access the paved sidewalks ther in. While on the subject of the park may I suggest a couple of more waste baskets for dog doodoo disposal. Currently there are but 2 in the entire park, one near the pavallion and one behind the backstop of the ball field. As a regular dog walker and also runner I am constantly seeing bags of feces that owners have picked up and then tossed in the weeds and I guess I am thinking if there were more waste recepticlas around this may help the problem. I would also like to request ,perhaps, one or 2 more signs encouraging dog walkers to leash their pets and pick up after them. Last Sept my dog and I were both attacked by an Irish Setter, a rather large dog, whose owner was about 50 yards away and simply watched as I repeatedly had to fight the dog off, all the while all she did was call her dog, she would not come to my aid or that of my dog. I finally managed to fight the dog off, and get out of there. I often see owners letting their dogs run loose thinking there is no one else around, it blows my mind....and yes, there are piles of feces all over the park, again, owners just not being responsible and that upsets me to no end. I have 6 young grand children and take them to the park when they visit and am constantly looking out for piles of feces that has been left behind by irresponsible owners. Thank you for letting me vent and throw in my 2 cents worth . Have a great day... Thank You, Dan J Hessler 4109 James Circle Arden Hills 1 Michelle Olson From: Sent: Wedn•ay, December 07, 2011 12:17 AM To: Michelle Olson Subject: Re Floral Park Parking Restrictions Hello,Michelle Olson. Thank you for requesting comments on the Floral Park parking changes. In general,I have no objection to switching the side of the street for parking. My concern is that parking near the northeast corner of Floral Drive and Royal Lane will make it harder for cars turning left from Royal Lane onto eastbound Floral Drive to see Floral Lane traffic. I have had close calls where cars on Royal Drive pulled out right in front of me as I was going westbound on Floral Drive. Even with no parked cars, cars turning left from Royal Drive don't see or misjudge Floral Drive traffic. Additional parking around that intersection is bound to make that problem worse. I would prefer to see no parking next to the basketball court in order to improve intersection traffic visibility. Donald Mears 412o Norma Circle Arden Hills,MN 55112 1 Michelle Olson Arden Hills Parks and Rec Manager Thank you for your letter dated November 23, 2011 regarding the parking around Floral Park. I have reviewed your proposed plan for 2012 Floral Park parking and agree that it is a more suitable solution than the present plan. However, in my view this is only a stop gap solution. The issues facing me (and I believe other homeowners in the area) is that any on street residential parking for 20 -35 automobiles 3-4 nights a week is: 1) dangerous for local pedestrians and traffic 2) disruptive to having guests at my home as there is no available parking for them. I am returning one of your aerial photos with what I believe is the best long term solution. I have hi-lighted in pink an area for off road parking. This solution solves two issues. The disruption to a residential neighborhood of on street even parking as well as the need to.repair the Floral Park tennis court surface every year or so. The trees to the east of the tennis court send their roots under the court surface and destroy it. If these trees (I believe undesirable cottonwood trees) were removed and'replaced with a parking surface we would have a win—win solution. I understand that budgets will dictate what solutions are possible but I would appreciate it if the council would consider my proposal. Respectfully Submitted, Steve Rhude 1467 Royal Lane Arden Hill, Mn .55112 �f g o w o C y � p r rya . o R r W G y^ Zd N ;:. %Zt. � 35 {�kt IS O { Q O R4. O O J pN b V O L H � O n cA cn IL a O �s, ❑ Z is. 'n•.. U a) wU �` U