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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-10-13-WS lt �- IZEN HILLS Approved: August 12, 2013 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING JUNE 10,2013 6:00 P.M. -ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Grant called to order the City Council work session meeting at 6:00 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant; Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, Dave McClung, and Ed Werner Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; and Deputy Clerk Amy Dietl 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Council accepted the agenda as presented. 2. AGENDA ITEMS A. B-2 District Feasibility Report Presentation Marcus Thomas, Bolton & Menk, reviewed the draft B-2 District Feasibility Report with the Council. He discussed the various road improvement alternatives along County Road E between Highway 51 and Lexington Avenue. He noted that the City was looking to revitalize this corridor and that public engagement sessions through an advisory committee were held. Mr. Thomas stated that the City was not looking to make a huge financial investment up front but was hoping to have the improvements be market driven. A refinement of the Phase I concept study was reviewed in detail with the Council. He commented that this study takes advantage of lower cost, easy opportunities to improve travel along the corridor. It was noted that the center left turn lane would be narrowed, while the shoulders would be increased to about five feet. Mr. Thomas indicated that pedestrian improvements would be addressed in the plan, along with balanced traffic mobility and property access. He noted boulevard trees and lighting would be located along the corridor to enhance the corridor aesthetics. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 10, 2013 2 Mayor Grant questioned if the width of the bridge would change. Public Works Director Maurer explained that MnDOT and the County were evaluating a three lane bridge. He commented that the plans were not yet in final design, but that three lanes with a 10 foot pedestrian lane on one side of the bridge is being proposed. Mr. Thomas explained that if the lane configurations were to change, minor adjustments could be made to the Phase I plans. He stated that it was his intent to work within the existing curb lines. Mayor Grant asked what benefit would be received relative to cost. Mr. Thomas commented that businesses and residents in the area would now have a corridor that was clearly striped with better access for both vehicles and pedestrians. Further discussion ensued regarding the traffic flow around the Commers, Davidson, and Flaherty's properties along with which medians and turn lanes should remain in place. Mr. Thomas stated that at this time, the plan showed a dedicated lane into the Davidson property. The Council was not in favor of this turn lane as it would adversely impact bicycle traffic. Mr. Thomas indicated that the concept plan was not perfect, but it would accomplish a lot for improving traffic and pedestrian movements, with the least impacts and expense. He noted that the plan will continue to evolve and expand into the future. Councilmember Holmes questioned if the business owners along the corridor have discussed assessments for boulevard trees. Mr. Thomas explained that this has been discussed in general terms. He told the business owners there would be some upfront costs noting the distribution of the costs was yet to be determined. Councilmember Holden inquired what portion of the project costs the County would pay. Public Works Director Maurer commented that the County would be responsible for the roadway seal coat, a portion of the sidewalk construction, median construction, and most of the signal work. He stated that the County saw the traffic benefits to the proposed enhancements along the corridor. Mayor Grant requested further information on the Carroll's easement. Mr. Thomas stated that the City was made aware of an easement on Carroll's property that could be used for a sidewalk. This was investigated further and after reviewing the documents, two easements were found. The first was on the west side of the property which was titled as a sidewalk and utility easement. The second easement was described in the same manner and continues into the roadway. Until the Carroll's parcel is redeveloped, it would be difficult to negotiate any changes to the easements. Through the Phase I plan, he hoped to have business access driveways consolidated. However, many of the business owners were not interested in shared driveway accesses. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 10, 2013 3 Mr. Thomas reviewed how the traffic signal systems would be modified throughout the corridor. He estimated that the costs for the proposed improvements to be $1.8 million. The next step would be to break down how the project would be funded between the County, City, and assessments. 3. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND STAFF UPDATES None. ADJOURN Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council work session meeting at 6:58 p.m. Patrick Klaers David Grant City Administrator Mayor It, ­-S EN HILLS Request for Special City Council Work Session Meeting A special meeting may be called by the Mayor or by any two Councilmembers. Reason for meeting: B-2 District Feasibility Study Update Requested Date: 06/10/13 Requested time: 6:00 PM Open meeting X Closed meeting Signatune'bf person(s) making request: —3, Mayor or Councilmember Date Councilmember Date -This section to be completed by City staff- Date received:(a Date meeting to be held: 06/10/13 Time of meeting: 6:00 PM Location: City Hall All necessary posting and notices have been completed. Signature of DepLQy 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