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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-19-11-WS ,.I -fi` QEN HILLS Approved: October 24, 2011 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 19,2011 5:00 P.M. -ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Pro-Tem Fran Holmes called to order the City Council Work Session meeting at 5:03 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant(arrived at 5:07 p.m.); Councilmembers Brenda Holden (arrived at 6:20 p.m.), Fran Holmes,Nick Tamble and Ed Werner. Absent: None Also present: Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Director of Finance and Administrative Services Sue Iverson; Parks & Recreation Manager Michelle Olson; and Deputy Clerk Rebecca Brazys 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Mayor Pro-Tem Holmes moved, Councilmember Tamble seconded, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously (3-0). 2. AGENDA ITEMS A. Allina Update - Review of Arden Hills Program and Activities - Discuss Emergency Response Procedures William Snoke, Director, Office of Emergency Medical Services, Allina Medical Transportation, stated that Allina is a not-for-profit organization with nearly 24,000 employees; 5,000 associated and employed physicians; and 2,500 volunteers that care about improving the health of the communities we serve, not only in medical settings, but wherever people live, learn, and work. He explained that Allina has 11 hospitals, 82 clinic sites, 15 community pharmacies, 3 ambulance care centers, Home Care Agency, Durable Medical Equipment Agency, Hospice and Palliative Care, and Allina Medical Transportation. He then reviewed the governance structure lead by a 17 member Community Board with Kenneth Paulus as Chief Executive Officer, Christine Morrison as Board Chair, and Penny Wheeler, MD as Chief Clinical Officer. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION— SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 2 Brian LaCroix, President Allina Medical Transportation (AMT) reviewed the history of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) which arose from lessons learned from military experience and the need to address problems of sudden cardiac arrest and trauma. He stated that EMS today has one foot in healthcare and one in public safety. EMS in Minnesota is governed by the EMS Regulatory Board which certifies individuals, licensed agencies, and manages fiscal programs. He added there are 309 EMS services in Minnesota. Mr. LaCroix explained that Allina Medical Transportation serves over 100 Minnesota communities with 72,000 ambulance responses annually, approximately 198 responses every day, and more than 440 employees. Allina Medical Transportation is one of Minnesota's largest EMS providers. One million Minnesotans live in AMT's primary service area. He pointed out that AMT has had a base in Arden Hills for 20 years and will soon be moving from the Dunlap Street location to Mounds View. He stressed that the physical location of their ambulance garage does not impact how they perform because they use a fluid deployment system. Kevin Miller, Director of Operations, Allina Medical Transportation, introduced Mark Dascalos and Mike Pintar who are the managers for the north region. He explained that their ambulances are not placed in one location but are placed based on the day of the week and the hour of the day. There could be as many as 20 ambulances placed at the height of the day based on special events. Currently out of the north metro location, he explained there are approximately 30 ambulances which check into their base, load medications, and then head out to various locations and those locations change as needs change. He then reviewed a chart reflecting the history of responses in the City of Arden Hills which showed an average response time of 6.1 minutes for 2010. He also • reviewed a chart reflecting a total of 501 patients transported in Arden Hills in 2010 and the patient destinations, including Health East, Hennepin County Medical Center, Fairview, Regions Hospital, and Allina. He stressed that AMT takes patients where they want to go. He added that there are some exceptions, such as when the hospital a patient wants to go to does not treat the specific medical emergency of that patient. To address concerns about why the police, fire and AMT all respond to emergencies, he explained that when a call comes into their center they're able to talk with the patient and determine the acuity of their needs all of which is overseen by medical direction and which makes it possible to customize the response by fire and police personnel. Not all communities have fire and police respond as well as the AMT personnel responds. Brian LaCroix commented that the decision whether or not to have fire and police as first responders is a community decision. He explained that the initial 911 call goes into the Ramsey County dispatch and they decide where to direct that call. If it's an EMS call, the County will decide, based on the arrangements with the municipality, who they want to send as first responders and at the same time that is happening they hand the call off to the Allina center at which time an ambulance is dispatched. Kevin Miller explained that AMT follows a process called zero response time; having someone on the phone with a patient or family member helping them through the medical crisis while the ambulance is in movement. Mayor Grant questioned if the response time reflected in the chart is an average response time. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION— SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 3 William Snoke stated that they look at what percentage of their calls are responded to in less than eleven minutes with the goal being to have an ambulance on the scene in less than 11 minutes at least 90% of the time. In Arden Hills, that number runs between 95%and 98%. Dr. Charles Lick, Medical Director, Allina Medical Transportation, stated that he and his colleague, the Associate Medical Director, are both emergency physicians and they have a physician advisory council of emergency physicians from each of the Allina locations that patients are taken to. He explained that their job is to be responsible for the clinical quality care that is delivered to the patients; everything from drugs, equipment, medical protocols, and education which he believes they do very well. They have been very aggressive in adopting the "latest and greatest" treatment strategies and they have had great success in treating cardiac arrests. Cardiac arrest is a big problem in this country and strikes over 350,000 people with an average survival rate in most communities of only 5%. AMT has been part of the "Take Heart America" program which was an effort to simultaneously implement all the highly regarded treatment strategies from the 2005 American Heart Association guidelines to markedly improve the survival rate of cardiac arrests. This effort includes having Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) in the community, educating the public, widespread citizen CPR training, make sure first responders are doing the new high performance CPR, and getting the patient to a hospital that is a resuscitation center of excellence with therapeutic hypothermia, intensive care medicine, and 24/7 Cath labs. As a result, the cardiac survival rate has improved from 8 '/2%to 19%. He further stated that they have placed over 1700 AED's in businesses, schools, and churches over the last ten years. They have also begun using a LUCAS device which is a mechanically powered CPR device; with one on each of • the 38 life support ambulances, 10 of their emergency departments, and ten in their Cath labs and Intensive Care Units. Based on the success of the "Take Heart America" program, the Medtronic Foundation has changed how they fund programs and will now focus on five expert groups around the country including the Minnesota Resuscitation Association based at the University of Minnesota. Councilmember Holmes questioned the difference in the training for the police, fire, and AMT staff. Dr. Lick responded that the AMT paramedics have the highest level of training, 1500 hours; the Lake Johanna Fire Department Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) have 130 hours of training; and the Sheriff's deputies have First Responder training which is a 40 hour course. Councilmember Holmes asked if all the AMT ambulance personnel are paramedics. Dr. Lick stated they are either paramedics or EMT's and added that there is at least one paramedic on each ambulance. Mayor Grant asked if the improved survival rate Dr. Lick referred to was aided by also having police and fire respond. Dr. Lick responded yes; dealing differently with cardiac arrest helped reduce some of the response time to less than 11 minutes. He explained that the sooner you shock a patient with an AED, the better their chance of survival. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION— SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 4 Councilmember Werner questioned the cost of an AED. Dr. Lick responded that they offer a package (including the AED, a wall-mount cabinet, a review of the building needs, and training staff) to schools and churches at a purchase price of$1,500 to $2,000. Mr. LaCroix commented on Mayor Grant's question explaining that they don't know definitively how the response of police and fire personnel has impacted the survival rate. He explained that there are certain patient conditions where they know the answer. He stated they partner with 100 communities, large and small, and every community does it a little differently. They recently launched a study with the cities of Roseville and Coon Rapids where both cities have chosen to train their first responders at an EMT level with advanced training provided by Dr. Lick. They're going to see how the different level of first responder training affects the patient outcome. Mayor Grant asked if the Lake Johanna Fire Department and the Ramsey County Sheriff's deputies have AED's. Tim Boehlke,Lake Johanna Fire Department, stated that they have six AED units. Mike Salter Ramseyn 'County Sheriff's department, stated there are AED s in all the front line squad cars. . Mayor Grant questioned the response time for Lake Johanna Fire and Ramsey County Sheriff's. Tim Boehlke responded that it varies based on the time of day. He added that they only respond to medical calls when there is a firefighter working on shift. When they don't have duty crews they only respond to cardiac arrests or accidents with injuries calls. When they are staffed, their response time is probably within a four to five minute range. Mike Salter stated the Ramsey County Sheriffs department looked at their 2010 medicals in Arden Hills and the response was just under six minutes. Councilmember Holmes asked if the Sheriff responds to all medical calls. Mike Salter responded they do. Mayor Grant asked if it is accurate to say that about 60% of the time, either the Sheriff or LJFD are on site a few minutes before Allina pulls up. Tim Boehlke responded that it's probably more often than that. Mayor Grant asked if there is anything we can do to be more effective. Mark Dascalos, AMT Operations Manager, responded that he doesn't think there is more that can be done. Responding to medical emergencies is a team effort between AMT, LJFD and the Sheriffs Department. He added that AMT needs everything that the Sheriff and LJFD personnel can provide in the way of assistance in medical emergencies. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 5 Tim Boehlke explained that Allina, including Dr Lick, is the medical director for LJFD and they provide all the EMS in-house training along with the initial training for new firefighters. He explained that as well as cardiac arrest calls there are a lot of calls for advanced life support. Councilmember Holmes asked what vehicle LJFD uses to respond to such calls. Tim Boehlke explained that there are two LJFD stations staffed; the first station would respond to a medical call in a utility-type vehicle and if there is an additional medical call, the other station will respond in a ladder truck. He stated that their focus is fire calls and it's very rare that LJFD is out on a medical call when a fire call comes in. He added that since the Sheriff and AMT will be responding, if LJFD gets a fire call, their units will cancel off the EMS call and advise the dispatcher. He concurred with Mr. Dascalos' comment that responding to EMS calls is very much a team effort; they work closely on a daily basis and have an excellent relationship; everyone plays a role. Getting the right first responders to the scene to determine the level of emergency makes it possible to slow units down or release units and get them back in service. He also pointed out that statistically people are bigger than they've ever been and having sufficient manpower there can be beneficial to getting a large patient loaded in an ambulance. Kevin Miller stated that only AMT staff members are authorized to drive AMT vehicles, so when a patient is critical, they take a firefighter with them to help manage the patient on the way to the hospital. He added that the even though the p y g y have a fairly good idea of the emergency based on the information provided by dispatch, they "don't know what they don't know" until they actually • get to the patient. He also stated that there are occasions when the patient is extremely large so having the extra personnel on hand is helpful. Mayor Grant asked what percentage of their calls is from Presbyterian Homes. Mark Dascalos stated approximately 20% of their calls are from extended care facilities. He explained that they work with Presbyterian Homes staff to educate them in emergency procedures. He added that if the call is an emergency situation, they will bring in the Sheriff and LJFD, but they try not to ask for their support unless it's absolutely necessary. Kevin Miller explained that they work with Presbyterian Homes and other extended care facilities to identify those patients who have a medical directive so that a 911 call isn't necessary. Dr. Lick explained that the nursing homes try to limit the emergency calls because it is upsetting to their residents and the staff when an ambulance arrives. William Snoke explained it can take up to six hours to get the extended care operation back on track after the disruption caused by the arrival of an ambulance. Mayor Grant commented that Presbyterian Homes is undergoing a major construction project which will continue over the next four years. He encouraged AMT to keep in contact with them because their entrances and exits may change. Councilmember Holmes stated one of their biggest concerns is that over 50% of the LJFD calls are to medical emergencies. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 6 William Snoke stated that the need for firefighters as first responders is fairly well established in their industry; patients do better when you get someone their quickly to administer oxygen or start CPR, or control bleeding, but also to control the scene. Law enforcement has other duties and may not always be able to respond. Having the fire department available to respond to those calls provides a higher likelihood that there will be a trained first responder on scene. Mike Salter stated there is a laddering effect; police and fire get to the scene first and the police have the least amount of medical training but at least they're on scene with oxygen and an AED. Beyond the patient care is the care of the family; some families fight during an emergency and the Sheriff's deputy must deal with those issues. Once the paramedics arrive on scene, the medical treatment is deferred to them and the first responders assist in moving the patient. If you don't have the Sheriff, LJFD and AMT on scene, it becomes very difficult to provide meaningful patient care in a timely manner. Mayor Grant commented that in a medical emergency you need someone who can be there immediately, especially as more technology and equipment is used in emergency situations. He also believes this follows along with the mission of police and fire to Protect and Serve. Tim Boehlke explained that when the Board of Directors made the decision to have the firefighters respond to medical calls when they're staffed, it made sense to utilize trained and equipped firefighters who are sitting in the station available to augment the current services. He added that it's rare for firefighters to be tied up on an EMS call for more than ten minutes. He also stated that when responding to an emergency medical call, they are walking into businesses . and homes of strangers and tensions can be high and having the Sheriff's Department there makes everyone feel better. Councilmember Holmes questioned what percentage of the time is the number of respondents "overkill". Brian LaCroix stated that is a difficult question to answer in terms of providing a statistic. But he added that having a uniformed presence is reassuring. Mayor Grant commented that there may be some calls when they are over-staffed but there are other calls when lives were saved. Eric Nordeen, Lake Johanna Fire Department, stated there are times when the deputy may be in route and gets called away to another emergency and they let LJFD personnel know. If they're going into a possible psych issue, they need the deputies there and the deputies do a good job of knowing when they need to be on scene. Scott Williams, Ramsey County Emergency Communications, stated other communities have the Sheriff and fire department respond to medical emergencies. Mayor Grant commented that if all communities respond the same way, it is easier for dispatch to handle the medical emergency calls without having to differentiate between various municipal policies. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION— SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 7 Dr. Lick stated the physicians group that he is a part of has this discussion regularly with the i hospital partners and it's really a value proposition. He stated it is a three-legged stool; cost, quality, and speed. He said we can get there very quickly and provide a quality response, but there's a cost to that. He stated that you can have a lower quality provider, but is that what you want? To save costs you could cut down on the response times and the number of people coming, but then you're potentially degrading the quality of medical care. He stated his philosophy has been, if you're going to do something, do it well. Councilmember Tamble stated that cost is an issue because public safety is the biggest increase in the City's 2012 budget amounting to a total increase of$58,000. He asked if Dr. Lick had any suggestions to reduce costs. Dr. Lick responded that the more pointed question would be whether or not you can decrease cost without decreasing the quality of care. Brian LaCroix commented that AMT receives no tax subsidies; all their revenue comes from the patients. He added that they have seen a reduction in the number of calls possibly due to the economy. Councilmember Werner asked if the patient is charged for the response of all three organizations. Dr. Lick explained that the patient is only charged for the ambulance service and then only if they are actually transported. Kevin Miller commented that the patient has no knowledge of events during the medical crisis and it's extremely anxious for family members during such a crisis if there's no one there to help. So the sooner help arrives, the better for the patient and the family. Also, having police on site helps to ensure the area the paramedics are entering is safe. He explained there are assaults on their staff every week by patients and others. He cautioned the Council to not only consider the quality of care,but also consider the system which is working well. Mayor Grant thanked the attendees from Allina Medical Transportation, Ramsey County Sheriff, and the Lake Johanna Fire Department for attending the meeting. Mayor Grant recessed the meeting at 6:30 p.m. for a short break. Mayor Grant resumed the meeting at 6:37 p.m. B. US 10/Highway 96 Interchange Improvements—Municipal Consent Public Works Director Terry Maurer stated that at the April 25, 2011 Work Session, representatives of Ramsey County presented and discussed the proposed US 10/Highway 96 grade separation project. Since the proposed project alters access, it does require Municipal Consent from the City. The required public hearing was held on July 11, 2011 and, according to the Municipal Consent process, the City has 90 days from the public hearing to take action to ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 8 Municipal Consent process, the City has 90 days from the public hearing to take action to i approve, deny, or disapprove with conditions. The last City Council meeting within this 90 day window will be the September 26th regular meeting. If the Council takes no action, Municipal Consent is considered granted. Public Works Director Maurer further stated that the Council discussed the Municipal Consent action at the August 151h Work Session but gave no direction at that time. Ramsey County representatives attending that Work Session indicated they would take a closer look at traffic counts relative to movement loss in both the I-694 project and the proposed US 10/Highway 96 project. Ramsey County representatives are present to discuss that analysis and a report on their findings. Public Works Director Maurer explained that if the Council is considering a resolution disapproving the final layout with conditions required for approval, there seems to be three main issues: 1. The northbound US 10 access to eastbound Highway 96. 2. The neighborhood requested a noise wall for the southwest quadrant of the intersection. Mr. Dave Cmiel has suggested that the noise analysis could be looked at in a different manner which will make it entirely fundable by the project. Ramsey County has reviewed Mr. Cmiel's analysis and has determined that the noise wall is still not entirely fundable. 3. Timing of the projects is important as Mn/DOT has suggested the US 10/Highway 96 project could be constructed in 2012 along with the I-694 improvements. If this were to occur, the Hamline/Snelling crossing of 1-694 would be closed at the same time that Highway 96 is closed due to the lowering of the roadway 22 feet. This would force all trips from north to south Arden Hills, including Public Works and Sheriff traffic, to use Lexington Avenue which will also have bridge widening work happening in 2012. Councilmember Holden asked if Municipal Consent can be postponed. Public Works Director Maurer stated that he thinks Municipal Consent should happen now and if the Council has concerns, address those concerns by attaching conditions. Mayor Grant stated that he would like to discuss the sound wall on the west side of US 10. He has read through the report and his interpretation is that a sound wall would be justified. Jim Tolaas, Ramsey County Public Works, stated that the process does require Municipal Consent within a specific period of time. He added that the County shares the City's concerns regarding the staging of these projects. He further explained that the state has everybody's interest at heart and their thought was to complete both bridges within one season to minimize the amount of down time on Highway 96 and shorten the amount of time the east/west connection was disrupted. He added that if they began the Lexington Avenue project later, it would then impact two construction seasons, but going into two construction seasons considering the 1-694 project might be better anyway. He suggested the Council add a condition that the state work diligently toward coming up with a plan that would look comprehensively at the work on 1-694 and Highway 96 and make sure that all the movements and the timing are appropriate. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 9 Councilmember Holden asked if the Vikings Stadium is built in Arden Hills, would there be any change in the US 10/Highway 96 interchange. Mr. Tolaas responded that there would be no change. He added that if the stadium legislation were adopted, there is an environmental study that has to be done as well as a construction project within the stadium area itself. He stated he does not think all of that will happen so fast that it would influence the 1-694 or Highway 96 projects. He added that MnDOT works very hard to stage their projects carefully. He also stated that MnDOT sees Highway 96 as an important east/ west route that helps relieve 1-694 pressures. He explained that it will be a difficult couple of years during these construction projects, but people will reroute and adjust to the changing traffic patterns. Mayor Grant stated that he doesn't think Arden Hills can dictate the state's plans but the City can do its due diligence. Public Works Director Maurer expressed concern about connectivity and how it will diminish the efficiency of the Public Works crew as most of the Public Works equipment is stored north of 1-694 while most of their work is south of 1-694. Mr. Tolaas suggested that we ask to have Arden Hills and Ramsey County staff members meet to review the staging of these projects. He also stated that in response to concerns expressed by Arden Hills, MnDOT has moved up the work on the Lexington Avenue bridge deck to next spring. He encouraged the City to allow MnDOT to move that project back because of the connectivity issues with all the other projects going on. Joe Lux, Ramsey County Public Works, commented that MnDOT wanted to do the Lexington Avenue bridge deck this summer but that project was delayed for several reasons including the state shut down and because the project was more complex than anticipated. Public Works Director Maurer stated if the Council is concerned about the staging of these projects, Staff could create a condition of Municipal Consent requesting reasonable discussions with the County and MnDOT about staging and how we will be able to move around our own city. He added that we also need to consider what effect a firm condition would have on the funding of these projects, some of which have sunset dates. Councilmember Holden agreed with Mr. Maurer's suggestion that such a condition be added, but she would like to see it be a little stronger statement. Councilmember Holmes asked if any other roads will be closed during the I-694 work. Public Works Director Maurer responded there will be some isolated closings during bridge demolition, but those will probably be in the evenings or over weekends. Mayor Grant stated that Council consensus is to direct Public Works Director Maurer to create a condition with a"little bit of teeth in it". ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION— SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 10 Councilmember Tamble asked the County to comment on their findings regarding the noise wall listed by Public Works Director Maurer as one of the three conditions of Municipal Consent. Joe Lux explained that he met with Mr. Cmiel and reviewed his calculations claiming that a 1500 foot noise wall would benefit twelve homesites. He explained that as of June 1, the rules have changed regarding noise walls. The old rules still apply to this situation because the environmental assessment was prepared under the old rules. There are 12 home sites and three buildable lots. The buildable lots would not have been considered but the County agreed to review it again. The addition of the three buildable lots does bring the area closer to the threshold for a 20 foot noise wall, but still does not meet the cost-effective threshold. Councilmember Tamble asked if reducing the height of the wall would make a difference. Mr. Lux responded that reducing the height would also reduce the benefit and impact the cost of the wall. He added that the source of noise for these homes is not Highway 96, but US 10 which is a state highway and it would be difficult to get any funding out of MnDOT. He also explained that the three lots Mr. Cmiel has asked to be included would not be allowed to be considered until a home has been built on each lot. He stated he does not think there is any scenario under which this area would meet the threshold for a cost-effective noise wall. MnDOT has volunteered to have their noise wall person look at it, but they do not have anything budgeted for it. Mr. Tolaas explained that the mill and overlay project doesn't rise to the level that it would cause the issue of a noise wall to be examined. The County's US 10/Highway 96 project cannot fund a • noise wall along US 10 because it is out of their scope and funding capabilities and, he added, their funding source could not be used for a noise wall. Councilmember Holden commented that the Council could include a condition in Municipal Consent addressing the noise wall. Mr. Tolaas responded the City could add a condition, but the County simply cannot use County State Aid Highway funds for a noise wall and the County cannot force MnDOT to do it because they have no leverage or legal basis to require it. He was also concerned that such a condition would result in a delay of the project and some of the funding has sunset dates beyond which the monies would no longer be available. He explained that the region wants these funds utilized and if the County and City "can't get their act together" to utilize the funds, they will be given to someone else. Councilmember Holden asked if there's any berming that can be done. Mr. Lux responded it is possible that the concrete barrier, typically 38 inches high, could be increased in height on the top of the retaining wall on the east side of Lakeshore Place. Councilmember Holmes stated there had been some discussion about placing a wall on Old 10 next to I-694 to block the car lights. Mr. Tolaas stated the County had actually discussed this with MnDOT recently but MnDOT indicated that they are not changing things in a way that would impact the car lights and a portion ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION— SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 11 of US 10 will actually be lower which should be beneficial. MnDOT also claimed there isn't a sufficient accident history in that area indicating a problem. Mr. Lux also pointed out that because of the changes being made; the traffic on US 10 will no longer be starting and stopping in that area which should reduce traffic noise. Councilmember Holden stated she has four issues she would like to see considered: - The City and County agree to the staging of these projects. - Complete another review of the noise wall analysis. - The addition of a fence, something on top of the retaining wall,to mitigate the car lights. - Reduce the speed limit proposed for US 10. Mr. Lux recommended that instead of requesting a change in speed limit that the City may want to request a speed study. Mr. Tolaas added that MnDOT sets the speed limits and any change in the speed limit would be done as a part of a speed study. The County has no control over speed limits. He also stated he does not think MnDOT can raise the speed limit above 55 mph on this segment of US 10 because of its classification. Councilmember Holden was concerned that just requesting a speed survey does not mean that MnDOT will actually do one. • Mr. Lux explained that if there is a County Board resolution requesting a speed survey, it will be done. Councilmember Holden asked if the City is granting Municipal Consent to the County and MnDOT. Mr. Tolaas responded this is a County project so the Municipal Consent is to the County. He explained that because the County is working on a trunk highway, and if the State were doing the work they would have to request Municipal Consent so the County decided since they are acting as an agent of the State on this project, they should request Municipal Consent. Councilmember Holden commented that this project involves US 10 and Highway 96 and the Council can comment on concerns related to US 10. Public Works Director Maurer commented that the County is following the statute for Municipal Consent and that statute says that the City can make comments regarding the area of construction only. He stated this project does include US 10 because they are building the bridges and off-ramps on US 10, but it does not affect the whole stretch of US 10. He added that the Appeal Board would not consider any items that were not within the project area, such as the speed study on US 10. He then suggested the Council consider asking for a barrier on top of the retaining wall greater than 38 inches in height. Council consensus was not to add a condition requesting a speed study. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 12 16 After further discussion, Council consensus was to have Public Works Director Maurer proceed with the following four conditions for Municipal Consent: - Consider timing of closure of Highway 96 and widening of Lexington Avenue Bridge. - Re-evaluate noise analysis for the southwest quadrant to determine if a different length and/or height noise wall would meet the cost-effective criteria. - Increase the height of the barrier to the tallest slip-formed barrier that can be built in that location. - Re-align noise wall on the north side of Highway 96 at the west end to be ready for future extensions. C. Valentine Park Improvement Update Public Works Director Maurer stated that the Valentine Park improvements were last before the Council at their June 131h meeting. Since June, a detailed drainage design relative to the neighborhood draining through the park to Valentine Lake has been completed. It has been determined that a park and a drainage system can co-exist on the property and can be constructed in such a manner as to park protect the k amenities an p p d adjacent properties. In general, this will be accomplished by constructinga plateau at approximately elevation 882 which will p pP y contain the park amenities and parking lot. This area will still be almost two feet below the lowest home opening adjacent to the park which is at elevation 883.91. The highest recorded level of Valentine Lake is 881.1. The remaining park property will be used for a detention pond, rain garden sized to • accommodate a large portion of the neighborhood's requirement when the streets are reconstructed, and a large grass area. Two different concepts for the redevelopment of the park area were then reviewed. Concept One shows the park amenities on the western side of the park nearer the adjacent homes and Concept Two shows the park amenities on the east side of the park nearer the street. The estimated costs for these improvements are: Valentine Park Improvement Cost Estimate Demolition, site preparation and erosion protection measures $21,000 Site grading, pond construction, rain garden, storm drainage facilities $165,000 Parking lot (curb/gutter and pavement) $50,000 Play structure and swing set $60,000 Half court basketball area $15,000 Picnic shelter (16'X16') $35,000 Tree play area $35,000 Concrete path to tree play area $32,000 Furnishings (picnic tables, bike rack, trash receptacles, foot bridge, $32,000 -portable restroom screen Landscaping (shade, ornamental and coniferous trees, rain garden plantings, turf establishment) $31,500 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION— SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 13 Bituminous (8')trail from Glenview to Old Hwy 10 and along Old $45,000 Hwy 10 to Cty Road E2 18" play area curbing $11,500 Mobilization $15,000 Engineering (12%) $65,760 construction contingency $50,000 ESTIMATED TOTAL PROJECT COST $663,760 Councilmember Holmes asked if the culvert flap from the drainage pond outlet into Valentine Lake will be eliminated. She was also concerned about how the drainage from the neighborhood will be handled. Public Works Director Maurer stated that the culvert flap will not be needed due to raising the pond bottom above the ordinary high water level of Valentine Lake. Also, he explained when the flap is under water, no water can escape the pond. He explained that the rain garden to be installed will detain the water flowing from the neighborhood. He stated that after a normal rain, residents should be able to go to the park, park in the parking lot, and utilize the play area as proposed in both concepts. He suggested that once the Council has determined which concept is preferable, he will meet with the neighbors and review that proposal. Councilmember Holden left the meeting at 8:05 p.m. Councilmember Holmes asked how deep the ponds will be and if they will be fenced. Public Works Director Maurer responded that after a storm the pond could be as much as about two to three feet deep. He also stated that there are no plans for a fence. Fences create maintenance problems and if a child were to get into the pond area, a fence would impede rescue. Mayor Grant stated the amount budgeted for this project is only $310,000 but the estimate is more than double that amount. Public Works Director Maurer stated the estimate is high and Council can consider eliminating some of the items proposed. He explained that the Council has already indicated they are not interested in the tree play structure and without that being included the path to that area can be eliminated. Also, the $310,000 is not an accurate amount and is way below the need for the park. He offered to investigate funding for these improvements through the DNR and grants as well as cost participation from Rice Creek Watershed District for the rain garden area. He then suggested that Council direct Staff to remove those items the Council does not want included or to identify a price range within the Council wants the Staff to work to complete these improvements. With that direction, Staff will review options and come back to the Council with a revised cost list. In addition, once the final design has been determined, some of the items listed can be included as • bid alternates which can be removed if the bid is too high. Mayor Grant questioned the need for the bridge. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION— SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 14 Councilmember Holmes stated there has always been a bridge to the park. Public Works Director Maurer explained the bridge is already there in a different location and is an important amenity. Councilmember Holmes recommended the two bituminous trails be eliminated. MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded the motion to extend the meeting to 9:00 p.m. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). Mayor Grant stated he wants to see a financing plan, where the money is coming from, and a reduction in the total cost. Public Works Director Maurer stated that if the Council is comfortable with it, Staff will proceed with final design and a bid package, talk with Rice Creek Watershed District, and then bring the proposal back to Council for further consideration. After some discussion, the Council consensus was to direct Staff to proceed with final design, the financing component, and detailed cost estimate for Concept Plan 1 and bring it all back to the Council for further consideration. D. Discarded City Park Equipment Mayor Grant explained that his church has asked if the playground equipment being replaced at Valentine Park can be donated to the church and then given to the City of Pelican Rapids. He stated the City Attorney researched this issue and determined that the City can make such a donation if approved by the Council and the church signs off on liability issues. He added that the church members have offered to take down the equipment themselves. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated the contract removing the equipment would charge $750 to remove the existing structure and the City would save that amount if the church does the tear-down. The Council consensus was to allow the donation of the used equipment from Valentine Park. 3. COUNCIL COMMENTS & STAFF UPDATES Mayor Grant asked for an update on Sand Companies. Councilmember Holmes stated they are waiting to hear about their housing credits. Mayor Grant asked when the Council will see the PCI ratings. Public Works Director Maurer stated they have the ratings which they will review and add to • the Council's October Work Session agenda. Mayor Grant questioned the status of Select Senior Living. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 15 No one present at the meeting could answer that. • Mayor Grant asked the status of the new CVS Pharmac . Y Public Works Director Maurer stated that CVS is moving forward. Mayor Grant announced that the dedication ceremony for the Northwestern College is October 7, at 4:45 p.m. Councilmember Tamble stated that the website review is continuing. He met with Jill Hutmacher last Friday to discuss the hiring of a project manager and a contractor to do the revamp. He explained this will be a six to eight month commitment. Councilmember Holmes thanked Michelle Olson for the success of the City's recent fall festival. She also reported that she attended the recent Sheriffs meeting and CTV meeting. Councilmember Werner stated the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee meets Tuesday, September 20 and a walk-through is scheduled for Saturday. Public Works Director Maurer reported that the Public Works crew has completed the landscaping in the City Hall parking lot. ADJOURN Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council Work Session meeting at 9:05 p.m. �44 a Patrick Klaers David Grant Ll City Administrator Mayor •