HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 2010 ECR-WSS
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I Arden Hills,MN• 55112-5734 St.Paul,196
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n Arden Hills parks are for adults, too! ,J06:
S Walking/biking trails considered for The Official City Newsletter for Arden Hills Residents July 2010
Highway5l POSTAL CUSTOMER
t Arden Hills parks and trails aren't just for kids!
dWorkforce housing his summer,Arden Hills' 14 parks area,trails,and picnic areas.Tony Schmidt Heights Lutheran Church
are filled with children learning ba- Regional Park will be one of two venues near the intersection of
e Tsic soccer skills,swinging at a soft- for this year's Celebrating Arden Hills Highway 10 and County p
ball,climbing on playground equipment, activities on September 18. Road 96 and head east.The
or enjoying summer day camp activities. distance to Lexington Av-
Leagues are in high gear for kids.The MILES OF TRAILS AWAIT WALKERS enue is 1.14 miles.But the
Notes from the City Council about the future of the Arden Hills Library Recreation Guide published three times Along with 14 parks,the City has con- resident may decide to then
each year lists pages of sports,crafts,and structed and maintains almost 14 miles head south on Lexington to
Rcesidents of Arden Hills are dedi- order to help fund the library,Arden Hills Arden Hills is hoping a similar partnership adventure opportunities for kids. of trails,inviting residents to walk or jog Cummings Park Drive(.62
ated library users and love their Public Works has been maintaining the could work to keep the library here. all areas of Arden Hills.For many years, miles),then turn west and
ocal library. This pride in the Ar- current site by cutting the grass and plow- PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS ARE AVAILABLE,TOO the parks and trails were built and main- go through Cummings Park to Hamline
den Hills library goes back to 1969 when ing the parking lot. It appears that Ramsey County is making Michelle Olson,Manager of Parks and tained using fees that developers paid to Avenue,crossing Hamline toward Floral
the City of Arden Hills gave to Ramsey the decision to close the Arden Hills li- Recreation for Arden Hills,wants to the City as vacant areas were developed. Park,then go north through the Briarknoll
County the land where the current library Despite all our efforts,it appears that the brary based on several criteria. First of all, remind all adults in the City that the parks, With the maturity of the City,these"park and Colleen Avenue neighborhoods until
stands. Once residents learned our library Arden Hills library has a limited life at due to the economy,funding is tight and trails,and recreation programs also pres- dedication fees"are no longer sufficient to the path again runs into County Road 96.
was again being considered for closure, its current site. The residents of Arden the library needs to implement cost-cutting ent exciting opportunities cover the costs of the parks and trails.But Turning west again,in another half mile,
they became understandably concerned. Hills know that the library is a Ramsey measures. Secondly,Ramsey County has for those residents who according to Michelle Olson,the City staff the resident will be back at North Heights
I am using this monthly letter to describe County facility,and the County makes done its cost/benefit analysis,and believes are past their teen years. and the Parks,Trails,and Recreation Com- Church. A short walk turned into a vigor-
the pro-active efforts the Arden Hills City the decisions concerning library locations upgrading/maintaining the library at its Defensive driving classes, mittee members have become quite bold ous workout.
Council and staff are taking to keep the li- and funding. Even though it appears that current site is not warranted given budget r16ft foot care clinics,golf les- about pursuing grants from the county,
brary in Arden Hills and at the current site. Ramsey County has decided it is not going constraints and available options. Others sons,day and extended state,and federal government.In fact, On the opposite end of the City,the Elmer
to maintain the library at its current loca- may disagree,but this is a Ramsey County trips are some of the many Michelle adds,"the Elmer L.Andersen L.Andersen Memorial Trail starts at the
In the past year,representatives from tion,Arden Hills is doing everything we decision. Finally,the Library Board is programs aimed at adults. Memorial Trail Connections project will southwest corner of Arden Hills,pro-
Arden Hills have met on a number of can to keep the library in our community. attempting to locate libraries in high traf- Three of the City's parks have fields for be completed this summer using city,state, ceeds northeast,past Tony Schmidt Park,
occasions with Library Director Susan fic areas with adjacent facilities to draw adult softball or baseball.Four parks have and federal funds." towards Perry Park,hitting County Road
Nemitz,the Library Board,the Arden Arden Hills is facilitating discussions with people to the library. tennis courts and ten have basketball court E2,with various options along the way.
Hills Library Task Force,and the Ramsey Presbyterian Homes and Ramsey County. areas. In winter,three parks have hockey USE THE WEB TO PLAN YOUR NEXT HIKE Residents can combine that walk with a
County Commissioners to discuss options Presbyterian Homes plans to build a new Since plans for the Arden Hills library are rinks and four have recreational skating Michelle's staff and summer interns jog around the Chatham loop for a great
and alternatives to keep the library at the facility on its Arden Hills campus and is still under discussion,residents may want rinks. Sure,kids use these facilities,but are finalizing maps and data about the workout.
current site. I have personally toured the interested in partnering with the library. to contact Tony Bennett,Ramsey County Michelle sees many adults hitting the parks and trails that will be available on
library with Ramsey County Maintenance Presbyterian Homes currently is partner- Commissioner for our area,and Jan Parker, basketball courts or skating rinks.In sum- the City's website to assist residents in Michelle invites all residents to experi-
Department personnel to understand the ing with a branch library in Woodbury; Ramsey County Commissioner to the mer,Arden Hills parks host several adult making recreational choices.All trail ment with the new web tools,visit all of
structural problems at the current site. In an arrangement that is working very well. Library Board. The County Commission- softball leagues. segments are being measured and a map the City's parks this summer,and provide
ers make the final decision about the Arden with distances will be on the website so a feedback to her and the Parks,Trails,and
Workforce housing, continued from page 2 Hills library. Also feel free to contact me Arden Hills is also home to Ramsey resident can map a short walk or prepare Recreation Committee which meets the
Planning for the project has been under- continued and on March 8,2010,the City or any member of the City Council. County's Tony Schmidt Regional Park for a lengthy hike around the City.For third Tuesday of each month.
way for months. Sand Companies first Council approved Sand Companies'land with its swimming beach,boat launch example,a resident can start out at North
proposed this project to the City Council use plans for this site. Sand Companies is Enjoy your summer,and keep reading!
in August 2009.In September the City anxious to begin construction as soon as Public Hearing about improvements to I 694
Council issued a letter of support to ac- housing tax credits are awarded. ��
company Sand Com anies'first housing
P y P g Monday,August 9;2010; p.m
tax credit application,which was for the -� Fran Holmes Arden Hills City Council Chambe
January 2010 awards;this project was not Arden Hills City Council
chosen to receive tax credits in that round, a,Ic:.Iufoxmation and o portunity for comment on the plan to rebuild nine bridges and make improvements
but was encouraged to apply for the fall to 1-694 between Victoria Street and Highway 10
...r.
2010 round.In the meantime,planning ` -
Arden HMIs Service Directory News from Around the Town Benchmarks: a review of recent City Council action It'
1245 West Highway 96
Arden Hills, MN 55112-5734 � May 24, 2010 June 14, 2010
City seeks pedestrian improvements on Highway 51 (Holmes and McClung excused) (Holmes excused) Appointed Joe Mooney to the position
• Approved payment#2 for the Elmer Adopted Resolution 2010-032 amend- of Public Works Superintendent(3-1
Summer Office Hours pp p � p
The City wants biking/walking lanes needed to tie the City together,create a L.Andersen Memorial Trail Connec- ing Resolution 2009-026 to formally McClung)
7:30 a.m.to 5 p.m., Ton Highway 51 included in the state's comprehensive system of parks and trails,
Monday-through Thursday tion project(3-0) include the Tier II Comprehensive
I-694 improvements. improve safety,and enhance the feeling of Sewer plan in the 2030 Comprehen- Authorized staff to proceed with
7:30 to 11:30 a.m.,Friday community,"the resolution states.
Approved Patrick Klaers>election to sive plan approval(4-0) the hiring of an eighth public works
In May the Arden Hill City Council ap- be excluded from PERA(3-0) maintenance worker(3-1 Grant)
651-792-7800 proved a resolution supporting"inclusion The Parks,Trails,and Recreation Commit-
www.ci.arden-hills.mn.us Adopted Resolution 2010-030 to al-
Sheriff and Fire Emergency of pedestrian safe infrastructure as part tee unanimously recommended the resolu- Adopted Resolution 2009-027 ac- low Lake Region Hockey to conduct Approved the updated letter of sup-
of the I-694/Highway 51 Improvement tion.The City asked the Ramsey County ce tin completion of the 2009 Pave- charitable gamblingat the Big 10 port for the Sand Companies,Inc.
911 Project.The existing bridges along this Board to approve a matching resolution. m nt Management Program PMP Supper Club 4 0 g housing tax credit application to the
Sheriff(non-emergency) g g (PMP) PP ( - )
corridor currently do not accommodate The resolution has been sent to and approved final payment ac- Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
651-484-3366 pp p � (
pedestrians. Overpasses and/or widening Mn/DOT for its review. cepting completion of the 2009 PMP Adopted Resolution 2010-031 ap- for the Arden Village project at 1296
Fire(non-emergency) of bridges should be considered. County Road F for an amount not
651-633-2404 i. starts the two-year warranty on the pointing election judges,assistant h'
Water and Sewer Problems project)(3-0) deputy clerks,and absentee ballot to exceed$225,000,along with the
Trail connections crossing over or under board members for the 2010 Primary waiver of the sewer/water access
(During non-business hours) the major highways and railroads are
651-484-3366 Tabled to the June 14,2010,meeting and General Elections(4-0) charges (3-1 Holden)
Mayor: Railroad bridge underpass is rolling along the Sand Companies,Inc.request for
g p g g a letter of support for Housing Tax Authorized staff to contract with Authorized staff to contract with
Stan Harpstead 651-604-9097 pp g
n agreement has been reached Entry Agreement allowing the City to Credits with the Minnesota Housing Tennis West—Finley Bros.,Inc in Serigraphics Sign Systems,Inc. in the
David Council members:65 - with Canadian Pacific Railwayconstruct the trail and charging the City amount of$19,645 for the produc-
David Grant 651-538-0747 g g �' Finance Agency for up to$575,000 in the amount of$7,170 for the partial
Ato allow the City to build a safe with all maintenance responsibilities.On public assistance 3 0 reconstruction and resurfacing of the tion and installation of the Elmer L.
Brenda Holden 651-636-2987 p ( - ) g
Fran Holmes 651-631-1866 pedestrian passage under the railroad July 7 the City took bids from companies Ingerson Park basketball court(4-0) Andersen Memorial signage(4-0)
Dave McClung 651-332-0352 bridge on Old Highway 10 because there interested in doing the construction work. Approved the right of entry/license
currently is no shoulder space for walkers The Council was scheduled to award a bid agreement between Soo Line Rail- Adopted Resolution 2010-033 declar- Approved special assessment waiver
and cyclists. at its July 12 meeting. road(doing business as Canadian ing cost to be assessed and ordering with Inland Shannon Square Cub,
City Administrator: LLC and Inland Shannon Square
Patrick Klaers 651-792-7810 Pacific)and the City of Arden Hills preparation of proposed assessment q
Future plans envision a connecting trail Construction and other associated costs and authorized the advertisement of roll for the 2010 PMP(total amount to Shoppes,LLC with the interest rate
along Old Highway 10. are estimated at$381,000.The majority bids for the CP Rail Trail Project(to be assessed is$306,000 with the city 1%above the City's current rate of
Communications Committee: of the fundingwill come from State Aid return Inland companies agree to a
Arlene Mitchell editor;Kristine construct a pedestrian trail connec- paying the balance of$675,000)(4-0) ( P g pay
' The City Council and Canadian Pacific Funds. tion under the CP Rail bridge on Old 50%of cost of construction of 960
Goodrich;Brenda Holden;Dorothy Railwayboth have approved a Right of g foot long,eight-foot-wide trail along
McClung PP g Highway 10 near Bethel University) Tabled Planning case 10-008,an g, g g
Council Liaison: Dave McClung (3-0) amendment to the Master Planned the west side of Lexington Avenue
Staff Liaison: Becky Brazys Unit Development(PUD)and Final from the Canadian Pacific Railroad
Desktop Publisher: Mary Nosek Developer reapplies for workforce housing tax credits Adopted Resolution 2010-029 sup- PUD for phase 1 of the Arden Plaza crossing north to the traffic signal at
porting the inclusion of safe pedes- Redevelopment Agreement Amend- Grey Fox Road)(4-0)
n June 15 Sand Companies in financial support.This could be done trian crossing as part of the I-694/ ment Number 1,based on the fact the
Council meetings are held at City Hall submitted a second application to through Tax Increment Financing(TIF)or Authorized staff to proceed with
on the second and last Monday of the the Minnesota HousingFinance in other ways,such as the waiver of fees. Highway 51 Improvement Project proposed amendment does not meet p
Y of plans being prepared to re- the spirit of the original a reement or the Brinmeyer/Fursman post-hiring
month at 7 p.m. Meetings are televised Agency for housing tax credits for its Support is subject to the project meeting (part p g p p pg process art of a search contract,
live on Cable Channel 16. Meetings of Arden Village proposal.Arden Village is all state guidelines for TIF as well as the construct nine bridges on I-694 from the B-2 zoning requirements(4-0) p (P
g p p g g
the Planning Commission are televised a 55-unit rental workforce housing project City's business subsidy policy.The actual Victoria Street to Highway 51)(3-0) designed to assist in a successful start
for the new City Administrator 4-0
at 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday that Sand Companies proposes to build TIF calculations cannot be completed un- Approved Planning Case 10-007 fora h' )( )
after the first Mondayof the month. variance at 1146 Waldon Place(appli-
cants requested an eight-foot variance '
Playbacks of City meetings begin the of housing tax credits will be awarded in ing the 2011 tax assessments),but this
morningafter the meeting and continue to the front yard setback to construct
g October. amount is consistent with preliminary TIF an enclosed front entryway addition) AA
every day until the next City meeting. calculations.This letter does not obligate IY WI
Playbacks are 3 a.m., I I a.m. and 7 (3-1 Holden)
Y At its June 14 meeting the City Council the City to provide this support,but it is
w t0UNITE.GHT
p.m.Monday through Friday,and 7 approved issuing a letter of support for offered in good faith. Competition is stiff NI
a.m.,2 p.m.,and 10 p.m. on Saturday Sand Companies'application.The letter for these tax credits—this letter and the Night to Unite Is August 3, 5 to 9 p.m. Neighbors Joining Together
and Sunday.For web casts,visit www. states that the City supports having a financial support increase the likelihood
ctv 15.or The City of Arden Hills is working with the the Ramsey County Sheriff,the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association,and AAA of
g variety of housing options available within of being chosen to receive housing tax Minnesota/Iowa to sponsor a crime prevention effort on Tuesday,August 3,from 5 to 9 p.m.The event is called Night to Unite.
the City and,as a demonstration of its credits.
Arden Hills Notes is the official news- endorsement of this project,it proposes Night to Unite is an opportunity for neighborhoods to et together for fellowship and to promote the importance of crime-prevention
letter of the City of Arden Hills,an to give Sand Companies up to$225,000 Continued on page 4 g pp ty g g g p p p p
equal-opportunity employer. programs in our community.Register your neighborhood by Friday,July 30,at www.co.ramsey.mn.us/sheriff/NationalNightOut and
2 get a planning packet. 3