Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-10-12-WS lt - IR EN�HILLS Approved: January 28, 2013 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORK SESSION MEETING DECEMBER 10,2012 5:30 P.M. -ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Grant called to order the City Council work session meeting at 5:47 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant; Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, Nick Tamble, and Ed Werner Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Director of Finance and Administrative Services Sue Iverson; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; and Deputy Clerk Amy Died 1. AGENDA ITEMS A. B-2 Guiding Plan—Implementation Report City Administrator Klaers stated Marcus Thomas from Bolton&Menk was present this evening to provide the Council with a presentation on the B-2 District Implementation Plan. Marcus Thomas, Bolton & Menk, thanked the Council for their time this evening and then discussed the B-2 Implementation Plan. He noted the purpose of the plan was to revisit goals and recommendations from 2008, to create definitive roadway concepts and to gather public input. He reviewed several questions with the Council that would assist in facilitating discussion. Mr. Thomas explained individual business meetings were well received and he was able to gain valuable feedback. From the information gathered he was able to develop a fourth concept plan. The comments and concerns expressed by business owners were with the current vacancies within the B-2 district, the importance of the Holiday Inn site was stressed, and there was a common desire for some level of City investment in the corridor. There was a relatively wide variation regarding the perception of current traffic conditions in the corridor. There was also concern with the ambiguous traffic control at the Pot O' Gold Bingo entrance. There was wide acknowledgement of the benefits associated with additional eastbound left turn lanes at County ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 10, 2012 2 Road E/Lexington Avenue. Regarding aesthetics, there were two preferences expressed, proper maintenance of the current corridor was important along with additional streetscape improvements. There was no sweeping consensus with the business owners, but the five-lane option was generally the best received alternative. The business owners expressed concern with the perceived risk associated with a large up-front investment for an extensive corridor improvement approach. Mr. Thomas indicated this information has been discussed by the Corridor Advisory Committee (CAC). He then presented the Council with the fourth Road Layout - Phase I Concept Plan. He indicated the improvements were intended to happen all at once. He noted the plans were adaptable and flexible. The plans would evolve into expanded improvements in an incremental manner. Mr. Thomas discussed the benefits noting the current pavement would be maintained, however it would be restriped as a five-lane roadway with a sealcoat improvement. There would be the construction of some new curb lines where additional width was required and driveways were closed. He commented there would be some right-of-way acquisition needed. Councilmember Holmes asked if the County approved of the double left turn. Mr. Thomas stated this had been approved by the County. He stated another improvement within the proposed plan was the integration of a complete pedestrian corridor along both sides of County Road E. Councilmember Holmes questioned how the bike lanes would fit into the roadway. Mr. Thomas explained the bike lane would not be official as there was not enough roadway width. He indicated this would be a great expense to add an official bike lane as additional right- of-way would need to be acquired by the City. Councilmember Holmes inquired if the center turn lane should come and go or if it should extend the entire length of County Road E. Mr. Thomas indicated there were a large number of driveways and this center turn lane would be used. He commented some access points would be closed to improve mobility, but the center turn lane would remain throughout the entire corridor. He then reviewed the access point modifications in detail with the Council. He commented that Mr. Brausen does not want to lose any access to his property. This would have to be evaluated through the feasibility study. Further discussion ensued regarding access points along the corridor. Councilmember Holmes expressed concern with the light at Connelly Avenue stating there were timing and lane capacity issues. Mr. Thomas noted that there would be fundamental improvements to each signal along the corridor to address timing and pedestrian needs. He then noted that four driveways at Holiday Inn ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 10, 2012 3 and Carroll's would be consolidated to assist with traffic flow. He stated the consolidation of several access points would improve the flow of traffic in the entire area. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the City was working with Rob Davidson to resolve access issues at the Holiday Inn and Carroll's. Councilmember Holden requested the electrical boxes be hidden through the proposed improvements. Mr. Thomas stated the City could work to complete some strategic landscaping but the boxes would have to be accessible by the County. He noted the neighboring properties were also excited for the corridor improvements as it would bring new businesses to the area. He then reviewed the Phase I improvement expenses. The estimated improvements would cost $1.8 million. He commented boulevard trees would be included in this Phase along with lighting upgrades. Mr. Thomas commented the expenses would be discussed with the County to see how much they were willing to invest in the project. A portion of the remaining project expenses would then be assessed to the benefiting properties. Public Works Director Maurer indicated the majority of the improvements were within the County cost participation program. He noted the trees, lights and the access point replacements were not within the program. Councilmember Holden questioned if the County would assist with the expense of closing access points. Public Works Director Maurer explained this question has been brought to the County and the City is still waiting for a response. The reduced access points would assist with safety in the corridor. He commented the County has been involved with the entire planning process and fully supported the project. Mr. Thomas stated the next step would be preliminary design and a feasibility study. Those properties that would have access point changes would be contacted for further discussion. The City would then need to speak further with the County to finalize the cost sharing for this project. He anticipated the project could go to final design at the beginning of 2014 with construction beginning shortly thereafter. Councilmember Holmes inquired if this work would be done in conjunction with the bridge. Mr. Thomas anticipated this project to be completed before the bridge is complete. The bridge is slated for reconstruction in 2015 and will take one year to complete. Public Works Director Maurer stated the City would plan to have all of its reconstruction complete in 2014. Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that additional landscaping could be added at a later date to further camouflage the electrical boxes and improve the streetscape. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 10, 2012 4 City Administrator Klaers thanked Mr. Thomas for his work in developing the B-2 District Implementation Plan and thanked him for his presentation this evening. Mayor Grant asked how the Council would like to proceed. The Council supported the B-2 Implementation Plan. The Council recommended that staff proceed with a feasibility report. ADJOURN Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council work session meeting at 6:55 p.m. a 1 Patrick Klaers David Grant City Administrator Mayor 'It' ---AEN HILLS Request for Special Council Work Session Meeting A special meeting may be called by the Mayor or by any two Councilmembers. Reason for meeting: B2 Guiding Plan—Implementation Report by Bolton & Menk Requested Date: 12/10/12 Requested time: 5:30 PM Open meeting X Closed meeting Signature of person(s) making request: Council Member Date ZCI 1 Council Member Date -This section to be completed by City staff- Date received:(a/ Oq Date meeting to be held: 12/10/12 Time of meeting: 5:30 PM Location: Downstairs Community Room, City Hall All necessary posting and notices have been completed. Signature of De ty Clerk Date City of Arden Hills * 1245 West Highway 96 Arden Hills,MN 55112-5743 Phone 651.792.7800 * Fax 651.634.5137 www.ci.arden-hills.mn.us