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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-09-15-WS AkDEN HILLS Approved: March 9, 2015 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION FEBRUARY 9,2015 5:30 P.M. -ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Grant called to order the special City Council work session at 5:35 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant; Councilmembers Fran Holmes (via telephone), Dave McClung, and Robert Woodburn Absent: Councilmember Brenda Holden(excused) Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; and City Clerk Amy Dietl 1. AGENDA ITEMS A. Municipal State Aid (MSA) System Update Public Works Director Maurer provided the Council with an update on the MSA system. He explained how the City received funds from gas and motor vehicle taxes on a yearly basis. He reported that in 2014, $1.76 billion in State Transportation Funds were distributed per the State Constitution as follows: 62% to MnDOT; 29% to counties; and 9% to MSA cities. He explained that Arden Hills received $317,000 in MSA funds in 2014 and 25% of these dollars were allotted to maintenance. The remaining 75%went into the City's construction fund held at MnDOT. Public Works Director Maurer went through the list of potential MSA eligible projects coming up over the next year. 1. Round Lake Road (estimate remaining MSA eligibility) $267,000 2. Lexington Avenue (Ramsey County) $ 77,700 3. Lexington Avenue Right-of-Way(Ramsey County) $183,600 4. County Road E (City led) $487,000 5. Pine Tree Drive Sidewalk(part of CR E project) $ 43,600 6. 1-35W/Hwy 96 Interchange (Ramsey County) $140,000 7. Lake Valentine Road Bridge (MnDOT) $150,000 8. Mounds View High School Trail (City led) $400,000 ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 9, 2015 2 Public Works Director Maurer indicated that these are the projects for which the Council recently adopted a resolution asking for up to a$1.1 million interest-free advance from MnDOT. Public Works Director Maurer reported that the built-up MSA construction funds balance through 2014 were for the Snelling Avenue North mill and overlay and the Round Lake Road reconstruction. Mayor Grant stated that MSA funds can only be spent on MSA eligible expenses, projects and designated routes. Councilmember Holmes asked if an advance of$1.1 million was requested in 2015, if any future advances could be requested. Public Works Director Maurer explained that the City could advance up to five times its annual allotment, or approximately $1.2 million. Mayor Grant noted that MSA fund advancements were interest free. Councilmember McClung supported requesting the advancement as it would help the City fund its proposed capital improvement projects. He requested that staff provide the Council with a one page map of the City's MSA routes. B. Mounds View High School Trail Update Public Works Director Maurer stated that the Council has been discussing the possibility of constructing a trail from the I-35W Bridge to Mounds View High School on Lake Valentine Road. He explained that since MnDOT would be replacing the Lake Valentine Road (County Road F) Bridge, the City had an opportunity to construct the trail in conjunction with this project. He reported that the expense for the project would be $400,000, noting that the size of the retaining wall has been reduced. He commented that curb and gutter along the road would be required. He reported that MSA funds could be used for this project. He suggested that the Council take this opportunity to complete the trail. Councilmember McClung questioned the timing of the County Road F Bridge project. Public Works Director Maurer reported that the project would be bid in late March with construction beginning in April. The goal would be to have the new bridge in service for the start of the new school year in the fall. The Council supported staff proceeding with the Mounds View High School trail project. C. Gateway Sign at Cleveland and County Road D Discussion Public Works Director Maurer discussed the gateway sign at Cleveland and County Road D. He explained that the vendor did not provide the City with a mock-up of the sign and, by mistake, the sign was constructed using incorrect colors. The vendor has agreed to fix the mistake. He suggested that the Council could leave the existing color of the sign and place a tan film over the ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 9, 2015 3 acrylic lettering/logo; or the Council could choose to paint the face of the sign the Arden Hills tan and put green on the front and back of the acrylic logo. He reported that this work could not be completed until warmer weather in the spring. Councilmember McClung stated that he did not like the look of this sign. He recommended that the sign at Cleveland and County Road D more closely reflect the other two gateway signs. Mayor Grant agreed with this statement. He discussed the"haloing effect" that was taking place on the sign. Councilmember Woodburn believed that a light background should be used on the sign as it would attract more attention at night. In addition, the light background would show off the City's logo better. Further discussion ensued regarding options for the gateway sign. Public Works Director Maurer stated that he would discuss options for the gateway sign with the vendor and would report back to the Council before spring. 2. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND STAFF UPDATES Councilmember Holmes discussed an email she received from David Sand last week regarding potential roadway widths and striping in TCAAP. She recommended that staff respond to this email. Public Works Director Maurer commented that City streets were not typically striped and were 28 feet in width. He noted that roads with parking on both sides were 32 feet in width. He reported that a determination on the spine road would be made by the County. He anticipated that the lane width would be 11 feet. Councilmember Holmes questioned how the Council should respond to JDA Chair Sand and his email. Public Works Director Maurer stated that he believed it would be most appropriate to respond to Chair Sand in person. ADJOURN Mayor Grant adjourned the special City Council work session at 6:43 p.m. Amy Dietl David Grant City Clerk Mayor ---S EN HILLS Request for Special City Council Work Session A special meeting may be called by the Mayor or by any two Councilmembers. Reason for meeting: 1 Municipal State Aid (MSA) System Update 2 Mounds View High School Trail Update 3. Gateway Sign at Cleveland and County Road D Discussion Requested Date: 2/9/15 Requested time: 5:30 PM Open meeting X Closed meeting Signature of person(s) making request: 2hm4i'x� / 4 15 Mayor or Council Member Date Council Member Date -This section to be completed by City staff- Date received: Date meeting to be held: 2/9/15 Time of meeting: 5:30 PM Location: City Hall All necessary posting and notices have been completed. / IS Signature of Cit 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