Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 2013Public meetings provide opportunity for residents to learn about by Susan Cathey A rden Hills residents had an op son of Pulte Homes shared their thoughts that national and international marketing son of Pulte Homes shared their thoughts - portunity to learn about and offer about the strengths of the 422-acre land have already begun and that, while this about the strengths of the 422-acre land input on the redevelopment of the will undoubtedly be a mixed-use develop -- former Twin Cities Army Ammunition cation, great infrastructure, the enticement ment, it is important for the community to cation, great infrastructure, the enticement Plant property at a workshop held July 30, of green space, and good access to roads, identify its overall vision and focal points. of green space, and good access to roads, at the Ramsey County Public Works Facil biking, and walking trails. - ity. About 75 people, including City and a realistic timeline were needed. Partici - County staff, panel members, developers, There were questions about reasonable expants next had opportunities to choose two There were questions about reasonable ex - and residents took part in the event, which pectations for the environment and energy breakout groups in the following areas: pectations for the environment and energy was part of the Public Involvement Plan sustainability and also what the community "Transportation and access sustainability and also what the community prepared by Kimley-Horn and Associ could do to attract developers. "Commercial and residential development - ates. The evenings schedule included a "Environment and energy sustainability development panel presentation, an audi There was general agreement that Genera"Active and passive open space There was general agreement that Genera - - ence question and answer period, and two breakout groups with time for a summary school and entering the job market, must Much discussion and creative thinking school and entering the job market, must of ideas. be involved in the process. The panel took place in these groups. There was talk be involved in the process. The panel of geo-thermal and wind energy, the need - tial, as this is a long-term project and ideas for more restaurants, the possibility of a tial, as this is a long-term project and ideas panel were asked to comment about at will change over time. They also felt that major destination feature, and grants for will change over time. They also felt that - tractive features in a development site alignment and trust between elected and cutting-edge technology. Each group then alignment and trust between elected and and which land use options would work appointed policy makers and staff charged summarized and shared ideas with the appointed policy makers and staff charged well on the TCAAP site. John Breitinger with carrying out the plans was important.large group. with carrying out the plans was important. of United Properties, Gordon Hughes of Urban Land Institute MN, Matt Kramer of Following the formal presentation, audiThis meeting was one of a series of events Following the formal presentation, audi - the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, ence members had questions for the panel. planned to inform the public about TCAAP ence members had questions for the panel. Pat Mascia of Duke Realty, and Ian Peter Information and ideas that emerged noted plans. Information and ideas that emerged noted - Planning related to TCAAP redevelopment... by Kristine Goodrichby Kristine Goodrich Rice Creek Trail Master Plan updated A n updated Rice Creek North ReCounty Road H. A new regional trail, not County Road H. A new regional trail, not - gional Trail master plan includes part of the Rice Creek North master plan, is part of the Rice Creek North master plan, is additional paved and unpaved trail segplanned someday from County Road H to planned someday from County Road H to - ments, a new trailhead and other recrethe Rice Creek West Regional Trail, which the Rice Creek West Regional Trail, which - ation amenities in a portion of the Twin stretches east to the Mississippi River.stretches east to the Mississippi River. Cities Army Ammunition Plant property. Ramsey County owns a 162-acre wildRamsey County owns a 162-acre wild - Ramsey County is acquiring the land for life corridor within TCAAP on which the life corridor within TCAAP on which the the trails as part of the sale of the TCAAP current TCAAP portion of the trail was current TCAAP portion of the trail was development site. constructed. A trailhead with parking is constructed. A trailhead with parking is located on the north side of County Road I located on the north side of County Road I Like its namesake creek, the current west of I-35W. 14-mile Rice Creek North Regional Trail Original Plan Boundary originates in Anoka County and winds As part of the TCAAP redevelopment, As part of the TCAAP redevelopment, through northern Shoreview. The trail Ramsey County is obtaining an additional Ramsey County is obtaining an additional 2013 Amendment has a loop within TCAAP that ends at Continued on page 5 News from Around the Town: Arden Hills Service Directory Happy news for anyone with a sweet tooth! by Susan Cathey 1245 West Highway 96 Arden Hills, MN 55112-5734 here is a new candy store in town. Sweet Choco T - lat, specializing in gourmet hand-made chocolates and sea salt caramels, opened in Arden Plaza in July. 8:00 a.m.--4:30 p.m. Mother and daughter owners Judy McDonald and Shannon Tillman extend a standing invitation to come 651-792-7800 in and sample their wares. McDonald purchased the store, previously located at Lexington and Larpenteur in Roseville, in 2009. She 911 and Tillman learned the business from former em - ployees, bought new equipment, and began looking for a spot more 651-767-0640 demographic group they thought would be interested in their high corporate and retail. They had heard good things about the busin 651-481-7024 real estate, knew well the importance of the right location. Ha takes care of the property is important, she said, and found bo - 651-767-9640 ing to be great. She believes in partnering with other local bus good experiences with this. David Grant 651-538-0747 - pered and poured into molds. There are over 8,000 molds availabl - lates for weddings, showers, and custom logos for schools and bu their own chocolates and caramels, they stock other mostly local to the interest, the shop is elaborately decorated for each seas Sweet Chocolat will hold an open house with hors doeuvres, choc and a chocolate fountain on Thursday, December 12, from 4 to 7 p on hand. For the future, Judy and Shannon plan to carry on the c and hope to grow and expand their business. Cathey Making Halloween safe and fun for kids by Jessica Luther Children should only go out during daylight hours unless accompa " - sible adult or sibling. Plan a safe route so parents know where their older kids will be Council meetings are held at City Hall " on the second and last Monday of the Stop only at familiar houses in your own neighborhoods. " month at 7 p.m. Meetings are televised live on Cable Channel 16. Meetings of Instruct your children not to eat any treats until they bring th " the Planning Commission are televised " the month. Playbacks of City meetings Help your child pick out or make a costume that will be safe. begin the morning after the meeting " and continue every day until the next If you set jack-o-lanterns on your porch with candles in them, m " City meeting. Playbacks are 3 a.m., 11 a.m., and 7 p.m. Monday through Fri - day, and 7 a.m., 2 p.m., and 10 p.m. on Make sure kids know not to enter strangers' houses and cars. " Saturday and Sunday. For web casts, visit www.ctv15.org. Set a time for your children to return home. " Explain to children the difference between tricks and vandalism. " - letter of the City of Arden Hills, an Make Halloween a fun, safe and happy time for your kids and they " equal-opportunity employe r tradition that you taught them to their own families some day! 2 Benchmarks: a review of recent City Council action August 26, 2013 July 29, 2013 2013 for these items, accepted the Second Approved Payment #3 to North Valley, Approved Valentine Park reconstruction Quarter Financial Reports, and approved " " Inc., in the amount of $382,427 for the pay estimate #4 to Interstate Pavement holding a Special City Council Budget 2013 Pavement Management Program Maintenance in the amount $112,137 Work Session to discuss the 2014 Pre - (5-0) (5-0) liminary Budget and Levy at 5:30 p.m. on August 26, 2013 (5-0) Tabled an abatement hearing for 1423 Approved payment #2 to North Valley, " " Colleen Avenue (5-0) Inc., in the amount of $174,185 for the Tabled Planning Case 13-010 for an " 2013 Pavement Management Program amendment to the Final PUD for Phase 1 Tabled discussion of a purchase of two " (5-0) for the Arden Plaza redevelopment pro - Toro zero-turn mowers to a work ses - posal at 3585 Lexington Avenue (5-0) sion (5-0) Approved Final Payment #5 to Magney " Construction, Inc., in the amount of Directed staff to enter into a contract for " September 9, 2013 $5,896 for Lift Station #1 and #12 Im engineering services with Elfering and - Approved Resolution 2013-034, a resolu " - provements (5-0) Associates to complete a Round Lake tion accepting a donation from the Arden Road feasibility report based on the Approved the Development Agreement Hills Foundation in the amount of $2,500 " proposal submitted on July 22, 2013, at a for the PUD Master Plan and Phase I Fi (used for irrigation and landscaping on - cost not to exceed $13,790 (5-0) nal Plan regarding the Lexington Station the Triangle space) (5-0) redevelopment at 3833 Lexington Avenue August 12, 2013 Approved Resolution 2013-033, a resolu " - (5-0) (McClung excused.) tion appointing current Deputy Clerk Approved Resolution 2013-032 Award " - Approved the First Amendment to the Amy Dietl as the City Clerk of Arden " ing the Snelling Avenue North mill and Development Contract and Planned Unit Hills (5-0) overlay improvement project to Ace Development (PUD) Agreement for 1201 Blacktop, Inc., of Inver Grove Heights in Approved Resolution 2013-035, a resolu " - County Road E (5-0) the amount of $110,702 (4-0) tion setting the preliminary levy for taxes Approved Resolution 2013-031 extending payable in 2014 (set preliminary levy " Authorized staff to enter into a contract " the term of the cable television franchise with North Metro Asphalt and Contract - ordinance and the agreement held by ing for the street and trail maintenance Comcast of Minnesota, Inc until Novem reduced but cannot be increased) (5-0) - based on its quote of $59,842 (4-0) ber 2014 (5-0) Approved Resolution 2013-036, a Reso " - Approved transfer of $1,027,984 from " Approved Ordinance 2013-008 to amend lution adopting the Truth-in-Taxation " the EDA Tax Increment Financing (TIF) the fees noted in City Code Chapter 3, public hearing date for proposed taxes #2 Round Lake Fund to the PIR Fund as Section 350.11 (Administrative Fine, payable in 2014 as December 9, 2013 at well as a budget adjustment for this item Suspension or Revocation) pertaining to 6 p.m. (5-0) (4-0) tobacco sale violations to be consistent Approved Planning Case 13-012 for a " with the fee schedule (5-0) Authorized Amendment #1 to the Kimley " sign variance at 1306 County Road E Horn contract in the amount of $69,400 Approved transfers of $70,126 from the (Brausen Shell Station) (5-0) " for the TCAAP Master Plan which Perminent Improvement Revolving (PIR) includes the analysis and concept layout Approved Planning Case 13-010 for an " Fund to the Park Fund and $30,000 from for the I-35W interchanges at Highway amendment to the Final PUD for Phase 1 the General Fund to the Economic Devel - 96 and County Road H (funding for this for the Arden Plaza redevelopment pro - opment Administration (EDA) Operating amendment coming in total from Ramsey posal at 3585 Lexington Avenue (5-0) Fund, as well as budget adjustments for County) (4-0) submitted by Eureka Recycling Waste creates greenhouse gas emissions. O(CH4) which has 23-71 times greater heat ne common myth about recycling is Many people believe that throwing food trapping capabilities than carbon dioxide. of recycling is the conservation of space - harmless because they biodegrade. How man source of methane. - ever, most people are surprised to learn global warming, carbon dioxide emis - that when these materials break down in a sions, and the environment come from the Trash incinerators emit carbon dioxide sions, and the environment come from the that when these materials break down in a energy saved by creating new products (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O), a green - to greenhouse gas emissions. from recycled rather than virgin materials. house gas 310 times more powerful in Still, over 50 percent of what we continue atmospheric warming than carbon dioxide. Compostable materials such as food waste to throw in the garbage can be recycled and paper decompose anaerobicly (without through curbside collection. continued on page 5 3 And, when it comes to recycling electronics Volunteers make a community great by Lois Rem the Arden Hills-based National Guard G reat communities dont just hap - Unit painted some of our park build pen, they are made. And a big part - ings. Many residents simply help out of what makes a great community is the with their neighborhood parks and the active participation of its citizens. Arden Hills is very fortunate to have a number need. The project need not be large or of residents who strongly believe in vol - time-consuming. - tion, go to www.moundsviewschools. munity but themselves as well. Some org/Community Education. The City depends on volunteers to work participate in order to give back, others on its committees and commissions  do this because they are grateful for all Our local social service agency, North groups that work with staff and Council they have and wish to share; some just - east (formerly Northwest) Youth and like to be part of the big picture. What - Family Services, looks for volunteers to would like to practice writing skills ever your motivation or your location, help with projects that include helping and learn more about the City from the you can make a difference. seniors with light housekeeping and inside, consider the newsletter. If you lawn care so they can continue to live at home. The volunteer coordinator is planning, or parks and recreation, there They bring experience and enthusiasm Debbie Wells, 651-379-3451. are several committees to choose from: the Economic Development Commis by expanding their network of friends, - Ramsey County uses volunteers and/or sion, Planning Commission, and com learning and honing skills, and seeing - interns in the libraries, parks, Sheriffs mittees on Communications, Financial their knowledge and efforts put to use Department, Human Services, emergen Planning & Analysis, and Parks, Trails to help make our community a better - cy management, county commissions place. - and committees, and other areas. You tion form on the City website. can even be a dog park guardian. See Perhaps the www.co.ramsey.mn.us/cm/volunteer. volunteers most visible in Arden Hills Among the most visible are our coaches who work with children There are many other opportunities are our schools that each have several of many ages on a variety of sports, to consider, such as your church, Boy uses for volunteers during the school including soccer, baseball, and T-ball. If Scout and Girl Scout troops and the lo you enjoy children and being active, this - cal branch of the American Red Cross. opportunities. The Reading and Math may be the place for you. Buddies programs at Valentine Hills There are many places where your attracts many volunteers from Boston Other volunteers in the past year have presence and willingness to help can assisted the City by mulching play - In addition, School District 621 runs grounds (two done by North Heights you will meet new people, develop new the Ralph Reeder Foodshelf and Meals and one by an Eagle Scout who also skills, and have the satisfaction of ac on Wheels that serve our residents and cleaned the park and painted shelters). - complishing something worth others in the District. For more informa Some residents volunteer to pick up - - while for your community. garbage in parks and along trails, and Robert Ward joins City staff as Building and Code Enforcement In by Lois Rem in new and existing properties. Current obert Ward has been hired by the R R R R and pending building projects in Arden City of Arden Hills as the new Building and Code Enforcement InspecHills should keep him busy for several - tor. He comes to us from the City of months during the construction season, Crystal, where he was Code Compliance and code enforcement issues go on year-round. Examples of code enforce - ment include rental property, parking, as well as building inspection. He has animals, and vegetation issues. 12 years with the United Fire Depart For further information on building, - inspection, and code enforcement see wife and three teenage children. He seminars.the City website. enjoys a variety of outdoor sports and is (it goes without saying) a true Packer As part of the Community DevelopRob is a native of Wisconsin and still fan. Please welcome him to Arden Hills - ment Department, Rob will work with a resides just across the border with his when you have a chance to meet him. variety of construction and code issues 4 Recycling and energy savings, ontinued from page 3 c thermal units (BTUs) generated from this embedded energy. For some items, paper results in a 44 percent energy sav - incinerators are sometimes captured and like an aluminum can, the energy savings. Virtually every recycled material - converted into energy. Regardless of ings are tremendous. Making a new uses less energy than its virgin-material how much methane is captured from a aluminum can from old cans results in counterpart. 90-97 percent energy savings compared - ated from an incinerator, waste does to making a new can from bauxite and To read a full report about the environ - not generate nearly as much energy as other raw materials. Similarly, it takes - recycling conserves. Overall, recycling 30 percent less energy to make a glass posting, visit Eureka Recyclings produces a net reduction in energy 3.6 bottle from recycled glass. Recycling website, www.eurekarecycling.org. times larger than the amount of energy Notes about recycling electronics generated by incineration and 11 times by Jessica Luther larger than the energy generated by Electronics such as TVs and computers are made from hazardous ma dispose of in the garbage according to Minnesota State Statute 1 are free or reduced-cost recycling options available to Arden Hi has a list of options on its website www.ramseyAtoZ.com. Informa In addition to avoiding the green house the Countys recycling and disposal hotline at 651-633-EASY (327 waste that has a circuit board or cathode ray tube (CRT), includ incinerating, recycling saves a tremen - dous amount of energy. Every product Answering machines " DVD players " Stereos (including receivers " Audio equipment we use has embedded energy  the " Electronic games and speakers) " Camcorders and and game systems " Telephones (rotary and cordless) energy needed to extract, transport, and " " Electronic storage devices " Tape players cameras " CD players " Fax machines and scanners " Televisions product. Every single item we recycle " Computers (including " Home networking devices " Typewriters CPU, monitor, key " MP3 players " VCRs - because recycling conserves much of board, mouse " Radios " Video/digital equipment, and printer) " Satellite receivers and games Rice Creek Trail Plan Rice Creek Trail Plan continued from page 1 Rice Creek Trail Plan 60 acres to expand the wildlife corridor A 150-foot wide corridor will allow the strooms wont be open until spring. The and add parking and other amenities. trail to be extended 1.5 miles south to Metropolitan Council estimated in 2011 The County also will have a narrow Highway 96, where it will connect with the The Ramsey County portion of the swath of land along the east boundary a trail along the highway. The trail will Rice Creek NOrth Reaional Trail is used of the TCAAP development area on be surrounded by restored prairie.nearly 208,000 times a year. which it will extend the trail to High - way 96. It is expected the trails will be com - Other Trail Options pleted in 2015 or 2016 and the trailhead The planned trailhead south of County building will be built in 2018 or 2019. A Road I will include a 100-space parking rden Hills residents also have a lot, eliminating the need for trail users The Arden Hills City Council approved few other new trail or sidewalk to cross County Road I. This new area a motion supporting the amendments segments to look forward to. With the also will have restrooms, equipment to the trail plan in June. The updated rebuilding of the County Road 96/ U.S. plan is required so the County may seek Highway 10 interchange, the trail along funding support from the Metropolitan Highway 96 is being extended to I-35W. and nature interpretive signs also are Council. Total cost is estimated at more The Arden Village apartment complex, than $3 million. planned along the trail, as well as more now under construction, will include a benches. An addition of approximately new sidewalk along County Road F. 9,000 feet of natural surface trail also is Another new trailhead for the Rice planned for walkers and cross-country Creek North Regional Trail also Although no funding is currently desig - skiers. The natural trails will loop recently was installed in Shoreview. Lonated, the City has a prioritized list of - through wetlands and restored prairie. cated adjacent to the off-leash dog park other trails that someday may be added There also is discussion of a partnership on Lexington Avenue, this trailhead has if funding and opportunity arise. with the Minnesota Amateur Sports a bathroom facility, a main 30-space Commission to add additional ski parking lot, a second parking lot with Projects that have been designated as trails and perhaps a ski staging facility. six spaces dedicated to creek boathigh priority include all or portions of: - Other plans for this area include habitat ers, and drinking fountains and other Lake Valentine Road, Old Highway 10, restoration and improved portage access amenities. The work was expected to be Snelling Avenue, County Road E, Lake to the creek. completed in early October, but the reJohanna Boulevard, and New Brighton - Road. 5 ECR-WSS PRST STD U.S. Postage Paid Twin Cities, MN Permit #1962 Arden Hills, MN 55112-5734 . I Public TCAAP meetings held n Rice Creek Trail Master Plan revised s Postal Customer i Recycling saves energy d e Notes from the City Council I n my annual article for the Arden Hills for a couple of years, the planning and safety was the main goal of this separated I try to provide meaningful remediation will continue at an energetic intersection project. Notes, information on important City events pace throughout 2014. In September a along with comments on current and community open house ouse was held to In 2014, Ramsey County is also planning upcoming activities. Last year I wrote that gather ideas on a TCAAP Master Plan. to make improvements on Lexington Av - Ramsey County was planning to pursue the Another community open house to provide enue from I-694 through the County Road acquisition and remediation of the TCAAP feedback on the Master Plan proposal will F intersection. Street improvement projects site and that the City Council supported be held this winter, and the City Council is being considered by the City Council for these efforts by the County. Both wanted to expected to consider the TCAAP Master 2014 includes work on Round Lake Road see the property get out of the ownership Plan in late spring or early summer. Work south of Highway 96 and for 2015, work of the federal government, cleaned up envion the environmental review document, on County Road E between Lexington Av -- ronmentally, and put into productive use.the AUAR, is scheduled for completion enue and Highway 51 (Snelling Avenue). during the summer of 2014; work on the Regulations and Policies is anticipated to improvement in 2015 is a MnDOT project All I can say today is, Boy, has a lot hapbe completed in the fall of 2014. that calls for the replacement of the County - pened with TCAAP over the past year. Road E bridge. This bridge over Highway The City and County entered into a joint One of the challenges for the redevelop51 is planned to be removed and replaced, - powers agreement for the redevelopment of ment of the TCAAP site will be securing and this project will take an entire con - transportation funding for improvements to struction season to complete. of TCAAP from the federal government in the I-35W interchanges at Highway 96 and April; the County approved a contract with at County Road H. This goal will require a I have found the Arden Hills Notes to be Bolander and Sons, Inc. for the remecoordinated approach by numerous investan excellent way to communicate with -- diation of the TCAAP site to residential ed parties at the State Legislature in order residents and businesses. However, some standards; and the City approved a contract of the information in the City newsletter with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. region for these I-35W improvements.can be dated due to the lag time between for three TCAAP planning reports  the creation of the newsletter and its delivery. Master Plan, the Regulations and PoliFor this and other reasons, everyone is - cies, and the Alternative Urban Areawide Speaking of transportation improveencouraged to view our City website at - Review (AUAR). The remediation project ments&the 2013 Highway 10 and 96 grade www.cityofardenhills.org for the latest approved by Ramsey County is expected separation improvement project experiinformation on City projects. You can also - to take up to 30 months to complete. The enced weather delays early in the construcalways call City Hall at 651-792-7800 with - Kimley-Horn work for the TCAAP plans tion season, but it still looks like the project questions or comments. that the City authorized will take about 18 will be substantially completed by the end months to complete. of the year; which means it will be open Patrick Klaers, City Administrator - While the construction of a redevelopment tion scheduled for 2014. Improved public project at the TCAAP site is not anticipated project at the TCAAP site is not anticipated