HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 2010 ECR-WSS
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I Arden Hills,MN 55112-5734 Permit #1962
n I-694 improvements outlined
S Bridge and trail work underway The Official City Newsletter for Arden Hills Residents September 2010
Z POSTAL CUSTOMER City hosts hearing on I-694 improvement project
Armory expansion discussed n August 9 the City Council held of roadway. Safe will be improved b
d g ty Y• h' P Y I-694 also may
0a public hearing about the Min- eliminating left entrances onto I-694 and increase.
Q Future of Arden Hall considered nesota Department of Transporta- by removing the existing weave between ROAD
tion's(Mn/DOT)proposal for improving 1-694,Highway 10,and Highway 51.This Mn/DOT feels CONSTRUCTION
1-694 between I-35E and I-35W.The project will replace the freeway bridges that some of the AHEAD
project is slated to begin in 2011. This along 1-694 with new ones wide enough current traffic
hearing focused on the segment within to accommodate future lane additions. All on local streets
Arden Hills—between Lexington Avenue work will be done within existing highway is people avoid-
Notes from the City Council
and Highway 10. The project will include right-of-way. ing bottlenecks on 1-694 and that with
changing or replacing the interchanges traffic flowing more smoothly on 1-694,
n preparing to write this letter,I graphics with more feature articles.The 8 a.m.,Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday,and with Lexington Avenue,Hamline Avenue, The hearing this through-traffic will return to
started thinking about the Council's Communications Committee is constantly 5 p.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday Highway 51,and Highway 10. This A number of people came for- the freeway instead of using local roads.
major accomplishments so far this striving to improve Arden Hills Notes. If public hearing followed previous Mn/DOT 4& ward to speak about this project. Mn/DOT also feels that replacing the cur-
year.During 2010 the City has:finalized you have ideas for improvements or sto- This staffing allows the department to open houses held to gather input on this While several speakers acknowl- rent intersections at County Road F and
TCAAP zoning regulations so poten- ries you would like to see,please send me respond to medical emergencies during project. edged the need to address the current Hamline Avenue with a single(not split)
tial developers know what our vision is an e-mail at davemcclung@comcast.net those hours and shortens response time traffic bottlenecks and safety issues on the intersection,controlled by a traffic light,
for the TCAAP and what they will be and I will bring those ideas to the Com- to fire and rescue calls.At the end of six In June this year Mn/DOT submitted a portion of I-694 that passes through Arden will improve safety.
permitted to build on that land;built safe mittee. years the department will staff two stations proposed road layout to the City,request- Hills,most expressed concerns about the
pedestrian trails along County Road E2; with a total of six firefighters 24/7/365. ing the City's approval(known as mu- current plan.Their comments fell into Impact on nearby homes
began construction on a safe pedestrian An equally dedicated group of individu- The goal is to make you safer by getting to nicipal consent). After the conclusion of these categories: A number of residents spoke
connection under the CP Rail Bride on als are the firefighters who provide fire, you faster when there is an emergency. the public hearing and the City Council's Local traffic safe and traffic vol-
g g psafety about noise concerns. One
Old Highway 10;approved a workforce rescue and now emergency medical aid to discussion,it became apparent that the umes person,a 31-year resident of the
housing development on County Road the residents of Arden Hills from the Lake The next time you run into one of our general consensus of the audience and Impact on nearby homes area,living on Hamline Avenue
F;and have worked to keep the Ramsey Johanna Fire Department.I am proud to Communications Committee members or the Council was that this plan needs more Pedestrian and bicycle access across north of I-694,summed it up this way:
County Library here in Arden Hills.I am serve as the City's representative on the one of our firefighters make sure to thank work. The Council asked Mn/DOT to 1-694 over the years there have been a number of
proud of where we are and where we are Fire Department's Board of Directors.The them for their service and dedication.Both supply a full set of road volume estimates projects and each project added just a little
headed as a City. Board of Directors of the department,with groups make Arden Hills a desirable,and for 1-694 and its ramps within the City, Local roads—traffic volume and highway noise to the area,but the noise
support from Arden Hills,North Oaks,and safe,city in which to live,work,and play. and for surrounding local roads that will safety has now accumulated to a point where
There are two other items I want to high- Shoreview,is in the second year of a six be affected by this project. The Council Because the proposed changes people cannot enjoy their houses when
light that are near and dear to my heart: year plan to greatly improve fire/rescue Warmest regards, also directed City staff to provide a list of eliminate the freeway exit and their windows are open. While Mn/DOT
first is Arden Hills Notes and the dedicat- services to the three communities.This c the concerns raised at this hearing to entrance at I-694 and Hamline Avenue, believes this project is unlikely to increase
ed volunteers who produce this wonderful year the department has started staffing Mn/DOT and to continue working with residents fear that there will be higher traf- noise dramatically,it all adds up. Another
newsletter,and second is the excellent two fire stations with six firefighters from Mn/DOT to address them. The request fic levels on nearby streets. For example, 23-year resident who lives on Briarknoll
service we get from our fire department, 8 a.m.to 5 p.m.Monday through for municipal consent was tabled. This drivers who now use the Hamline Avenue Drive made the same point. Mn/DOT
the Lake Johanna Fire Department. Thursday Dave McClung,City Councilmember discussion will be placed on the agenda ramps will be pushed to the Lexington reported that possible noise abatement
for a future City Council meeting. Avenue ramps,increasing traffic not only techniques do not meet the State's funding
It takes a group of dedicated individu- on Lexington Avenue,but also on County criteria and so are not in this plan. Resi-
als on the Communications Committee You, too can be The project goals Road F. During the work day a number dents responded that this was little comfort
to sit down and figure out what to put on Mn/DOT has three major goals of Land O'Lakes employees walk across when they cannot enjoy peace and quiet in
these pages and then research and write for this project: improve safety Lexington Avenue at County Road F. their own yards or homes.
the articles.Over the last two years I have T tke to write?Have in interest in community news?The Arden on I-694;position I-694 for a Land O'Lakes employees say that this
been proud to be the Council Liaison to LHills Communications Committee needs you!We're look- future project that will add a lane;and is already a dangerous intersection for Growing traffic volumes on streets where
the Communications Committee.You ing for a new committee member.Putting together the Arden Hills replace bridges that are deteriorating. The pedestrians. Increased traffic volumes there are homes,such as Hamline Avenue,
have probably noticed we have expanded Notes each month is one of our primary duties.Find out more by safety record for this portion of I-694 may make it worse. Concerns were ex- also are creating situations where residents
to eleven full issues with six pages of contacting Becky Brazys at City Hall,651-792-7811. falls far short of the average for this type pressed that traffic on local roads south of
content per issue and increased use of Continued on page 5
Arden Hills service Directory News from around the town Benchmarks: a review of recent City Council action
It..-
1245 West Highway 96 It' roll for the 2010 Pavement Manage-
Arden e
Arden Hills, A"SSI12-5734 July 26, 2010 specifications,and provide construc- g -
• Approved payment 4 to American tion services to construct a new side- ment Program(until the August 30,
Office Hours
Lexington Avenue sidewalk, trail plans outlined Liberty Construction in the amount walk and reconstruct an existing trail 2010,Council meeting)(4-1 Holden)
5-0085 for the Elmer L.Andersen o page Monday-Friday he City plans to construct a new sidewalk along a portion of Lexington Avenue and of$55, ( )(See story on p g 2.) Adopted Resolution 2010-040 elect-
Memorial Trail Connection Project
8 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. repair a portion of an existing trail.The new eight-foot wide concrete sidewalk will August 9, 2010 ing to continue Arden Hills'participa-
run 960 feet from the railroad crossing north of County Road E to Grey Fox Road.A (5-0) tion in the Local Housing Incentives
651-792-7800 1,870 foot trail segment between Cummings Park Drive and County Road F is in poor Approved change order 2 and pay- Accepted the 2009 audited financial Account program under Metropolitan
statements of the City of Arden Hills Livable Communities Act 5-0
www.ci.arden-hills.mn.us condition and will be re-paved.Both are on the west side of Lexington Avenue.Both ment 2 to T.A. Schifsky and Sons in ( )
Sheriff and Fire Emergency projects are included in the City's Comprehensive Plan.
the amount of$246,418 for the 2010 (5-0)
911 Pavement Management Program(5-0) Appointed Thomas Mikacevich to the
Sheriff Y)( g non-emer enc At its July 26 meeting,the City Council awarded a contract to McCombs Frank Roos Accepted the resignation of James position of Public Works Maintenance
05t t MFRA t ssociaes( ) o prepare plans and specifications and provide construction 651-484-3366 A Lehnhoff as the Community Develop- Worker( - )
Fire(non-emergency) services for both projects.The City was scheduled to hire a construction contractor in ment Director(5-0) Accepted the first and second quarter
651-633-2404 mid-September.Inland Properties,which owns the adjacent Shannon Square Shoppes 20 10and Cub Foods,has tentatively agreed to pay for half of the new sidewalk construction Authorized staff to contract with de financial reports of the City of
Arden
Water and Sewer Problems Arden Hills(5-0)
(During non-business hours) cost through a special assessment process. McCombs Frank Roos Associates
651-484-3366 (MFRA)to prepare final plans and Tabled Resolution 2010-039 regard-
Mayor. Rail bridge trail crossing work begins ing the proposed special assessment
Stan Harpstead 651-604-9097 C
onstruction has begun on a passage through the CP Rail bridge on the west side
Councilmembers: of Old Highway 10 north of County Road E.The passage is needed for pedestrian
David Grant 651-538-0747 safety as there is no shoulder for walkers or bicyclists.Blackstone Contractors was hired
Brenda Holden 651-636-2987 to do the construction.The City also contracted with Bolton&Menk to provide con- Long-term use options considered for Arden Hall
Fran Holmes 651-631-1866 struction engineering services.Most of the project is funded by State Aid Funds.
Former Holiday Inn currently serves as a residence hall for Northwestern College
Dave McClung 651-332-0352 Construction commenced in mid-August and was expected to take about two months.
City Administrator: Commuters in that area should watch for lane closures during work hours;flag crews are n July 26 the owners of the former the building.That vacant piece of property after extensive public involvement?The
Patrick Klaers 651-792-7810 on site to direct traffic.The road may need to be closed for a few days. If so,notices will 0 McGuires/Holiday Inn on County is located at the corner of County Road E Guiding Plan envisioned a residential
be posted in the area prior to the closure.Check the City website for updates. Road E asked the City Council to and Lexington Avenue.Davidson Compa- component,but would a student residence
Communications Committee: review plans for the future use of the prop- nies would continue efforts to develop the fit?The concept as proposed is different
Signs to mark Elmer L. Andersen Memorial Trail erty.The Davidson Companies,owners corner although no specific development than expected but the economic conditions
Arlene Mitchell,editor;Kristine n June 14 the City Council approved signage for the City's portion of Elmer L. of theproperty,currentl are leasing the plans for the site of approximately two are also different.
Goodrich;Brenda Holden;Dorothy OAndersen Y g pp YMcClun Memorial Trail(EAMT). Currently,two existing segments of trail have former motel to Northwestern College for acres were presented.
g been named the EAMT. One is a City trail and the other is a Ramsey County trail. use as student residences. In 2008 the CityCurrently,the entire property is taxable,
Council Liaison: Dave McClung Ramsey County is providing matching signage for their portion of the trail. but if subdivided the portion owned b
Staff Liaison: Becky Brazys Council approved an Interim Use Permit Robin Davidson explained to the City P Y
DesktopPublisher: Ma Nosek (IUP)allowing the use of the property Council that in the past two years Arden the College would become tax exempt.
Mary � The City portion of the trail runs from the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and County e indicated that it would be
Road D to County Road E west of Lake Johanna Boulevard. It connects to other local as a student residence hall until May 31, Hall has functioned well for Northwestern The College
Council meetings are held at City Hall trails,such as the newly constructed trails on County Road E2,and through Ramsey 2011. Since the IUP expires at the end of College and its students while minimally interested in discussing with the City a
on the second and last Mondayof the the upcoming school year,the owner and impacting traffic and having few fire or plan to make payments to the City in lieu
County Open Space to Venus Avenue. Two sign pillars(six feet and seven feet)will be ro of e
month at 7 p.m.Meetings are televised located along the trail at Cleveland Avenue and Glenpaul Avenue,and one six-foot pillar Northwestern College will need permis- police calls.Neighboring businesses ben- property rtY taxes.
live on Cable Channel 16.Meetings of will be located at the County Road E entrance. sion from the City to continue the current efit from the presence of the students both
the Planning Commission are televised use. as customers and employees.But Arden The other major concern expressed by the
at 6:30 p.m.on the first Wednesday Ramsey County's portion of the EAMT runs through Tony Schmidt Regional Park from Hall requires significant investment to Council was the future of the eastern lot
after the first Monday of the month. Lake Johanna Boulevard to County Road E2(passing through a portion of Charles Perry The Davidson Companies and the College upgrade elevators,boilers,exterior and in- as there are no curb cuts on Lexington Av-
Playbacks of City meetings begin the Park on the way).Ramsey County is installing a six-foot pillar on the Lake Johanna are asking the City Council to consider terior finishes and to install a fire sprinkler enue or County Road E.To allow develop-
morning after the meeting and continue Boulevard entrance to the EAMT. allowing long-term use of the building as system.At the same time,opportunities ment,Ramsey County would have to add
every day until the next City meeting. a student residence hall and to allow the to redevelop the property as a commercial curb cuts on at least one of these roads,
Playbacks are 3 a.m., 11 a.m.,and 7 The City and Ramsey County are interested in developing additional trail segments in owner to subdivide the eastern portion of operation are not feasible in the current and the proximity of a traffic light makes
the future. Ramsey County has proposed to complete the link between the City and the lot for future develop p ment separate economic environment. that problematic.Discussion occurred as
a.m.,2 p.m.,and 10 p.m.on Saturday from Arden Hall.Under the proposal,
p.m.Monday through Friday,and 7 County portions of the trail,as well as extend the trail from Ramsey County Open Space to how future developers could access
to Mounds View High School.It is hoped that one day the trail will extend to Long Lake Northwestern College would purchase After reviewing the concept with the the lot. Since the July 26 meeting,the
and Sunday.For web casts,visit www. g p g p
ctvl5.org. Regional Park.However,at this time there is no identified funding for these connections. the portion of the property containing the owner and the College,the City Council Davidson Companies and Northwestern
For a map of the current and future proposed connections,visit the City website. building and parking lot.Northwestern feedback was generally positive but with College have filed a formal application to
Arden Hills Notes is the official news- College is looking at using the property a few concerns.In particular,how would be considered by the Arden Hills Planning
letter of the City of Arden Hills,an You're invited to attend a dedication ceremony for the Elmer L.Andersen Memorial as a residence hall for at least ten years. this concept further the Guiding Plan for Commission on September 8. The appli-
equal-opportunity employer. (Trail signage at 5 p.m.on October 14 at the Glenpaul/Cleveland Avenue intersection. The Davidson Companies would continue the B2 District adopted by the Council cation packet plus minutes of the Planning
to own that portion of the property east of Commission meeting can be found on the
2 3 City's website.
City and National Guard consider armory expansion
he City is considering an opportu- meeting spaces and/or with additional
nity to partner with the Minnesota amenities such as pools and athletic fields.
National Guard to use and possibly The joint facilities are called a Training
expand a new armory.The National Guard and Community Center.National Guard
plans to build an armory on a portion of officials have invited the City of Arden
the Arden Hills Army Training Site north- Hills to consider such a partnership.If the
west of the Ramsey County/Arden Hills City decides no expansion is warranted,
Public Works Facility.The armory should there may be opportunities for the City to
be completed in 2014 and will include rent space in the traditional armory when
a gymnasium,kitchen,fitness area,and it is not being fully used by the National
classrooms. The cost is estimated at$19 Guard. Eight additional ark
million and will be federally funded. g p
The Guard plans to commence the design benches to be purchased
In recent years the National Guard has process next month and expects to begin
started partnering with communities to construction in 2013.The armory is sched- n June 28 the City Council ap-
expand its armories into facilities that also uled to open in fall of 2014.The armory is proved the purchase of eight more
benefit the local public.Cities including one of several new buildings planned on 0park benches.This is part of a
Bloomington,Cambridge,and Faribault the Arden Hills Army Training Site. larger,multi-year plan to add park benches
have paid to upgrade armories and their at strategic points in our City parks and
grounds with expanded recreation and along our City trails.City staff is work-
ing with the Parks,Trails,and Recreation
Committee(PTRC)to determine where
It's fall. . . benches are most needed.
. . .time for clean-up day, leaf disposal, and more The City is moving toward using a stan-
dard style of bench chosen not only for its
comfort and affordability,but for its du-
THE ANNUAL FALL CLEAN-UP DAY IS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2. That means rability. The new benches,cedar-colored
you can bring refuse,household hazardous waste,and donations to the Ramsey With black frames,are 6 feet long.They
County Public Works site at 1425 Kirkwood Drive,Arden Hills,from 8 a.m.to 4 are built from recycled materials designed
p.m. that day. Check the flyer you receive in the mail for complete details. to stand up to our varied weather condi-
tions with minimal maintenance. The
benches will be set with concrete footings.
GOT LEAVES?You can bring them to the Arden Hills compost site located on A City Eagle Scout will be assembling and
Hudson Avenue.(Turn east off of New Brighton Road at First Street Southeast and installing the benches as part of a Scouting
follow the signs.)The site accepts trees,shrubs,leaves,grass clippings,and non- project. They will be installed by the end
woody plants. of September.
The site is open from March 29 through the end of November,weather permitting, Donate a bench
at these times. These eight benches were purchased with
Monday 11 a.m.to 7 p.m. City funds,but if you would like to see
• Wednesday 11 a.m.to 7 p.m. more benches go in more quickly,consider
• joining the City s park bench donation
• Friday 11 a.m.to 7 p.m. program. This program provides an op-
Saturday 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. portunity for residents to donate the mon-
• Sunday 11 a.m.to 5 p.m. ey for a park bench. Staff and the PTRC
work with the donor to find an appropriate
Closed Memorial Day,July 4,and Labor Day. location for the bench. Dedication plaques
may be placed on donated benches. See
the City website for details.
4
ROAD 1-694 improvements (Continued from page 1)
CONSTRUCTION sight pollution. intersection with I-694. At least two of
AHEAD feel they are taking their the people who spoke at the public hearing
lives into their hands to Pedestrian and bicycle access across said that they had bicycled up Highway 51
go to their mailboxes,or I-694 to get to this hearing.
even to mow their front lawns. A number of speakers expressed
concern about being able to safely In May of this year the City Council
Proximity to high-speed highway traffic cross 1-694 on foot or on bicycle adopted a resolution requesting that the
is also a concern for some. One resident, after this project is completed. 1-694 improvement project incorporate a
whose family has lived on Old Highway I-694 bisects Arden Hills,and linking the pedestrian-safe route across 1-694. At this
10 in Arden Hills for 100 years,observed two sides of the City is important to over- hearing Mn/DOT reported that doing so at
that,even though this project will be all livability and a sense of community. Highway 51 is not feasible,but presented
executed within the existing right-of-way, no other alternative. A Briarknoll Circle
it appears that it will move the roadway One resident quoted Minnesota law which resident noted that other communities find
even closer to his house. He observed states that,unless bicycle and pedestrian ways to get pedestrian bridges built across
that visual pollution matters,too,and traffic is explicitly prohibited,roadway highways and noted Highway 100 as an
requested that Mn/DOT plant more trees projects must not reduce pedestrian and example. He wanted to know why if this
to screen homes from having to look at the bicycle access or safety. Currently people can be done in other communities,it can-
highways. Another resident asked about can and do regularly walk and bicycle not be done in Arden Hills.
building berms on the east side of U.S. north and south on Highway 51 across its
Highway 10 to reduce both sound and
City begins
ins plans for 2011 pavement management pro ram
t is never too early to begin planning Court to 393 feet north
for next year's road improvement 11. Nursery Hill Court,from Nursery Hill
projects. Lane to cul-de-sac
12. Wyncrest Court,from Hamline Av-
At its August 30 meeting,the City Coun- enue to cul-de-sac
cil ordered the preparation of a feasibility 13. Wyncrest Lane,from Wyncrest Court
report for the 2011 Pavement Management to Wynridge Drive
Program(PMP).The PMP is a part of the 14. Wynridge Drive,from Wyncrest
City's Capital Improvement Plan and its Court to the cul-de-sac
goal is to keep the City roads in good con-
dition,providing routine maintenance to Every three years the streets in the City are
extend the useful life of the infrastructure. rated according to the condition of each
street.When compiling the list of streets Council.For the 2011 PMP,staff antici-
The streets included in the resolution to be considered for the following year's pates that the study will be presented to
authorizing the feasibility study are: PMP,staff looks at the ratings along with the City Council at the October 11 meeting
1. Amble Road,from Hamline Avenue utility improvements that need to be made, at which time the City Council will set the
to the dead end matching the lower rated streets with date for a public hearing.
2. Arden View Court,from Arden View utility work that needs to be done in each
Drive to the cul-de-sac neighborhood.By keeping the street repair Staff anticipates that the entire design and
3. Arden View Drive-North,from Ham- and utility maintenance in a concise area, approval process will be complete by early
line Avenue to Arden View Drive the bids from contractors will probably be spring so the selected contractor can begin
4. Arden View Drive-South,from Ham- lower. work in May 2011.The actual project may
line Avenue to Arden View Drive look different from the original proposal
5. Arden View Drive,from Arden View After the City Council orders the feasibil- as changes can be made as the concerns of
Court to 761 feet east of Royal Hills ity study,staff gathers more data,includ- property owners and City Council mem-
Drive ing very preliminary dollar estimates for bers are addressed.
6. Colleen Court,from Colleen Avenue the project,and then sets a neighborhood
to the cul-de-sac meeting.All potentially impacted property
7. Dellwood Street,from Nursery Hill owners will be invited to hear from the
Court to Amble Road City staff about the plans for the project.
8. Janet Court,from Lake Valentine
Road to the cul-de-sac After compiling the data and incorporating
9. Nursery Hill Lane,from Hamline the neighborhood comments,the staff will
Avenue to 713 feet east present the feasibility study to the City
10. Nursery Hill Lane,from Nursery Hill 5