HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-31-24 EDC Agenda PacketChair:
• Frank Cupery
'!Tt
1245 W. Highway 96
I��EN�HILLS
Arden Hills, MN 55112
Commissioners:
�fi`
651.792.7800
• Rob Williams
www.cityofardenhills.org
• Ted Brausen
Arden Hills
• Julie Gronquist
• Jud Murchie
Economic
• Sreya Subramanian
• Katherine Schneider
Development
• Bobby Bonine
Commission Meeting
Council Liaison:
Councilmember Emily
July 31, 2024
Rousseau
City Vision
A strong community that values our unique environment, our fiscal soundness,
and our tradition as a desirable city in which to live, work, and play.
Agenda
Regular Economic Development Commission Convenes 7:30 AM
Call to Order
1. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. June 26, 2024
3. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
A. In -Person Business Visit Strategy Updates
B. Gateway Signs Discussion
4. COMMENTS AND REPORTS
A. Report from Staff
B. Report from the City Council
C. Economic Development Commission Comments
5. ADJOURNMENT
A quorum of the City Council may be present at this meeting.
Meeting materials are available online at:
http://www.citvofardenhills.org/agendacenter
'It
EN HILLS
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
JUNE 26, 2024
7:30 A.M. — ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Present: Vice Chair Sreya Subramanian, Commissioners Julie Gronquist, Bobby Bonnie,
and Jud Murchie
Absent: Chair Frank Cupery, Commissioners Rob Williams, Ted Brausen and Youth
Commissioner Katherine Schneider, Council Liaison Emily Rousseau
Also Present: Community Development Director Jessica Jagoe and Senior Planner Elena
Fransen
1. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
A motion was made by Commissioner Murchie and seconded by Commissioner Gronquist
to approve the agenda. The agenda was approved unanimously.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. May 22, 2024
A motion was made by Commissioner Murchie and seconded by Commissioner Gronquist
to approve the May 22, 2024 minutes. The minutes were approved unanimously.
3. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
A. Meeting Schedule
Senior Planner Fransen shared staff is asking the Economic Development Commission if the
group would like to consider adding a July meeting to the calendar. The EDC could elect to add a
meeting on July 24 or July 31 and can determine if a quorum could be met on one of these dates.
The meeting schedule for August through December will remain as scheduled due to staffing
availability.
Senior Planner Fransen indicated a July meeting could be centered on continuing efforts for the
in -person business visit strategy. Other topics or possible presenters could be suggested by
Commissioners for the group and staff to consider adding to the agenda. She asked the
Commissioners to discuss their availability for the two shared dates. She imparted that two
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION — JUNE 26, 2024 2
Commissioners who were absent from the meeting indicated that they would be available for a
meeting on either date.
Commissioner Gronquist shared that both dates work for her.
Commissioner Murchie indicated that July 31st would work better for him.
Vice Chair Subramanian stated that either date would work. Commissioner Bonine agreed.
A motion was made by Vice Chair Subramanian and seconded by Commissioner Gronquist
to add a July 315t, 2024 EDC meeting date to the 2024 city calendar. The motion was
approved unanimously.
B. In -Person Business Visit Strategy
Senior Planner Fransen shared that staff requested the Economic Development Commission
revisit the In -Person Business Visits strategy discussed at the May meeting. Commissioners should
review and discuss the details established at the last meeting, suggesting edits and additions as
appropriate. She mentioned that the Subcommittee had drafted questions for in -person business
visits to distribute at the meeting. Commissioners should discuss and comment on the drafted
information.
Senior Planner Fransen presented the drafted details for in -person business visits, asking
Commissioners to review the information for missing details, additional timeline and milestone
information, and what information needs to be prepared for in -person visits.
Vice Chair Subramanian commented that the intentions are in alignment with what has been
discussed.
Commissioner Murchie added that the goals of the strategy connect with the mission of the EDC
and are both aimed at informing the EDC's work and benefitting the businesses.
Vice Chair Subramanian asked about the target audience for in -person business visits. She asked
if all businesses would include online businesses without a physical place of business as well as
small businesses and national franchises. She also asked who the individuals would be to answer
the questions. Would that be a business owner or manager or any employee.
Commissioner Murchie commented that starting with smaller businesses could be the way to go.
Commissioner Gronquist provided clarification that all businesses could be included as some
franchise owners are local and managers tend to be more local even if the business is a franchise.
She stated that the visits could be with a business owner or manager to get more specific
information about the business.
Commissioner Murchie asked how the Commission might handle a visit if a representative is
unavailable at that time or if they only have a quick minute and cannot answer the questions while
the Commissioner is present.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION — JUNE 26, 2024 3
Commissioner Bonine discussed that in those instances, the idea is that a card could be left behind,
with the possibility of using a QR code for the business representative to access the questions later.
He mentioned that the card could also include contact information for the City. The card could be
kept brief to keep the process of implementing the business visits moving forward.
Commissioner Murchie said he liked the idea of using a QR code and commented that he thought
most people were fans of using QR codes to come back to.
Vice Chair Subramanian mentioned that the link could also include a link tree, with other links
to the City's Business Resources webpage and other relevant links for businesses.
Vice Chair Subramanian asked how the businesses would be approached for in -person visits.
Would they sign up for a time and indicate interest or was there some other plan.
Senior Planner Fransen stated her understanding was that the business addresses would be
divided by area with each Commissioner taking an area of the City to plan out how they would
coordinate their visits.
Commissioner Gronquist agreed that the businesses could be broken up into regions and shared
with the Commissioners.
A discussion ensued about how to communicate back to the business community the findings and
share the details with the wider Arden Hills Community. Ideas included sharing the information
in the Arden Hills Newsletter once information is collected.
Commissioner Murchie mentioned that maybe the EDC could share updates to the community
through the newsletter, letting community members know that the EDC is working on engaging
with the business community and any initial findings or statistics.
Senior Planner Fransen offered that perhaps there could be some photographs taken of early
visits to share in the newsletter. A newsletter feature could also include the updated EDC mission
statement and a contact to reach out to for more information.
Commissioner Murchie indicated support of this idea.
Commissioner Bonine agreed and added that Commissioner Brausen had previously shared an
idea to put together a letter from the Mayor or City Council directed to business representatives.
He said that in discussion with staff this letter could be a later follow-up in order to keep the
process moving forward with the initial visits.
Community Development Director Jagoe offered that there could be an opportunity for the EDC
to attend a future City Council Work Session to share the results from the visits to demonstrate the
work the EDC has done. The results could help bolster requests for additional resources when
putting together the 2025 EDC work plan and that work session could be an opportunity to ask the
Council to sign off on a letter to businesses with members of the EDC. The EDC could drive this
conversation based on what is learned from the business representatives who were visited.
There was support among the Commissioners to pursue this course of action once the visits were
completed.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION — JUNE 26, 2024 4
Senior Planner Fransen summarized that staff could communicate with the Senior
Communications Coordinator about timing for featuring the EDC's in -person business visits in the
September or October Arden Hills Newsletter.
Commissioner Bonine asked the Commissioners to review the questions drafted for the in -person
visits and indicate if they would recommend changes. He mentioned that the subcommittee worked
on the questions together and taken in some feedback from staff to get the questions to their current
state. He shared that the intent behind the questions being asked was to increase visibility with the
businesses and to help the EDC identify allies for the EDC's work in the future.
Commissioner Murchie commented that he thought the questions were great. He asked about the
categories for the industries and if these would be detailed enough for sharing with the community.
Commissioner Gronquist commented that the subcommittee went back and forth on the
industries and had originally had a much longer list that was narrowed down to the ones shown.
A brief discussion ensued about how certain industries such as food services could be added.
Commissioner Jagoe shared that this question could be removed, and that Commissioners could
put in any value they like, leaving this type of information open ended.
There was general support among the Commissioners to remove this question and for
Commissioners to indicate an appropriate industry for the businesses they speak with.
Commissioner Murchie commented that he liked the question about owning or leasing space in
Arden Hills and asked about the intent behind this question.
Community Development Director Jagoe echoed this question, mentioning that most multi -
tenant development businesses lease the space from the owner of the development so it can be
identified who is or is not the owner of their business location.
Commissioner Gronquist mentioned that the idea was that businesses that own their space could
be more engaged and rooted within the community.
Commissioner Murchie commented that this question could be construed as intrusive by some
business representatives.
Commissioner Bonine added that he could see this being the case and that if there was a chance
of this being an issue the question could be removed. He mentioned that there had been previous
discussion about business licensing which is of interest to several commissioners but might not be
the right thing to bring up during an initial conversation where the EDC is being introduced.
Senior Planner Fransen mentioned that this question could also be removed and be something to
follow-up with the engaged "Allies" identified after the initial visits. Her understanding is that
there could be some distinctions between engagement from space leasers or owners and this could
be a future area of study for the EDC.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION — JUNE 26, 2024 5
There was general support among the Commissioners to remove this question and for
Commissioners to indicate additional information as appropriate on this topic.
Commissioner Murchie suggested adding a question about the business's primary customer.
There was general support among the Commissioners to add this question to the list.
Commissioner Bonine asked if there were other questions to add to the drafted list.
Senior Planner Fransen mentioned that something to consider asking about is if a business would
like to be added to a City email list for businesses. She asks this because the EDC had previously
identified a possible work plan strategy of putting together a list of business emails and content for
emails to this group.
Commissioner Gronquist commented that this could be addressed in other questions.
Commissioner Bonine agreed, stating that the representative would be asked if they are open to
the EDC contacting them in the future so that would be the opening to this question.
Vice Chair Subramanian asked how the Commissioners would plan on getting responses to the
questions and how they would be added to a spreadsheet after completing the visit.
Commissioner Murchie offered that each Commissioner could enter in their results using the QR
code. He offered to help with putting the questions into an online format that could be completed
using a link.
Senior Planner Fransen shared that she could speak with the Senior Communications
Coordinator about online services used and how this could be done using existing resources.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bonine and seconded by Commissioner Murchie to
approve the in -person business visit questions as drafted with the discussed revisions. The
motion was approved unanimously.
Senior Planner Fransen recapped the follow-ups, that the revisions to the questions would be
made by staff and shared with the commissioners, staff would follow-up with the Senior
Communications Coordinator regarding featuring the work of the EDC in the newsletter and
working with Commissioner Murchie on the QR code, and staff will work on putting together the
business areas that can be divided among commissioners.
4. COMMENTS AND REPORTS
A. Staff Updates
Senior Planner Fransen recapped that several members of the EDC attended the June Planning
Commission meeting to share the EDC's proposed revisions to the City Sign Code. She shared
that there was agreement from the Planning Commissioners and that they looked forward to the
next steps.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION — JUNE 26, 2024 6
Senior Planner Fransen also shared that the Commission and Committee Appreciation Picnic
had been confirmed for July 16 at 6:00 p.m. and that she hoped the Commissioners would be able
to attend.
B. Economic Development Commission Comments
None.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion to adiourn was made by Vice Chair Subramanian and seconded by Commissioner
Gronquist. The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 8:58 a.m.
,-ARZEN HILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: July 31, 2024
EDC AGENDA ITEM — 3A
TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Elena Fransen, Senior Planner
SUBJECT: In -Person Business Visits Strategy
Requested Action
The Economic Development Commission should revisit the In -Person Business Visits strategy and
updates from the June meeting. Commissioners should be familiar with the updated visit questions
and be prepared to review and discuss a drafted handout, a drafted procedure document, and
drafted timeline for the visits.
Staff will provide the updated questions and drafted handout as well as an update on how the Arden
Hills businesses could be divided among the commissioners. The in -person business visit
subcommittee will have drafts for the procedure document and drafted timeline. Commissioners
should discuss and comment on the drafted information and find consensus on next steps for the
strategy.
Background
At the May 22, 2024 meeting, the EDC reviewed and discussed the top three strategies identified
by commissioners and elected to focus on in -person business visits. A subcommittee was
established and is comprised of Commissioners Gronquist, Brausen, and Bonine. The first task of
the subcommittee was drafting questions for the in -person business visits.
At the June 26, 2024 meeting, the commission reviewed the drafted questions and approved a
motion to move forward with the questions after a few revisions were made. Staff has the revised
questions and shared them with the EDC in advance of this meeting.
Also discussed at the June meeting was working with the City's Senior Communications
Coordinator to determine what online tools could be used to facilitate the entry of the visit
questions and leverage a QR code and develop a handout that could be left behind for a business
representative to review and complete the visit questions at a later time. Staff also mentioned that
they could start looking into divvying up the businesses in Arden Hills into groupings. Staff will
share an update on the discussion with the Senior Communications Coordinator and share a
drafted handout for the commission to consider. There will also be an update on staff s proposed
Page 1 of 2
strategy to group City businesses to be distributed amongst the commissioners for planning
visits.
Following the June meeting, staff asked the subcommittee to draft a procedure document and
timeline for the in -person business visits. The goal with these documents is to establish a
standard operating procedure and expectations for when the visits could begin and when they
should be completed. These drafted documents will be provided as a handout at the July meeting.
Discussion
In -person business visits strategy follow-ups from June meeting
Communications update
- Online tool for question submittal
- Drafted handout
o Discuss drafted content and format
o Consider revisions to draft
o Next steps for handout — subcommittee to provide final sign -off?
Dividing City businesses amongst commissioners for visit
- Discuss approach and proposed number of businesses to visit
- Review map provided in presentation
- Next steps
Procedure document
- Review drafted document
- Discuss possible revisions
- Next steps
Timeline document
- Review drafted document
Discuss potential questions, possible revisions
Next steps
Next Steps
Staff will work with the Senior Communications Coordinator on the online tool and associated
QR code for the visit questions. For the handout, staff will make the recommended revisions and
work with the Senior Communications Coordinator to create a more complete mock-up. The
commission should determine who will provide final sign -off on the handout.
Staff will incorporate the EDC's feedback into the process of dividing up the City's businesses
for the in -person visits. Staff will plan to share proposed business lists to commissioners at the
next meeting.
After receiving feedback on the procedure and timeline documents, staff will work with the
subcommittee to finalize the procedure and timeline documents to be shared at the next EDC
meeting.
Attachments
Handouts to be provided at the meeting as referenced.
Page 2 of 2
EDC AGENDA ITEM — 3B
,--ARRZEN HILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: July 31, 2024
TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Jessica Jagoe, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Gateway Signs
Budgeted Amount: Actual Amount: Funding Source:
N/A N/A N/A
Requested Action
Commissioners should discuss and provide feedback to City staff on next steps for the potential
future installation of gateway signs. This information will be shared with the City Council as part
of the upcoming 2025 budget discussions.
Background
The Economic Development Authority (EDA), comprised of the five members of the City Council,
has been reviewing conceptual plans for the installation of additional City of Arden Hills gateways
signs for a number of years. There are three gateways signs that have already been installed in the
City.
Existing Gateway Sims
After those were installed, the EDA initially identified six potential locations for gateway signs
with Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue being identified as the priority location. A conceptual
design and cost analysis was prepared by WSB for this location (Attachment E). In 2022, the EDA
added to the list a seventh potential location at Lake Valentine Road at 35W. During this
discussion, the EDA requested feedback from the EDC on the proposed gateway sign locations
and possible design.
Page 1 of 2
Included with this memo are maps that identify existing, previously identified, and potentially new
gateway sign locations (Attachment B). It should be noted that with some of the previously
identified and new locations that the City may not have sufficient right-of-way for placement of a
gateway sign. The City would need to acquire additional right-of-way or obtain an easement from
the Property Owner for installation. These are merely potential locations selected at a high-level
for consideration without an analysis for feasibility.
Discussion:
Staff has briefly mentioned to the EDC that gateway signs would be a topic for future discussion
based on Council direction. Staff initially held off this discussion in order to allow EDC members
an opportunity to get familiar with their roles as well as to start developing a work plan. With the
upcoming Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) budget discussions, the City Council is seeking
feedback from the EDC on the future installation of gateway signs.
The 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan has benchmarks for the construction of gateway signs
in 2025 and 2027 (Attachment A). Based on this information, staff seeks direction from the EDC
on handling gateway signs. One of the reasons for scheduling the discussion is the gateway sign
at the corner of Highway 96 and Lexington, opposite the existing Shoreview sign. This is a large
expense, $270,000, in the CIP and will have implications for the budget if the EDC decides to
pursue this or not. Should the EDC decide the Highway 96 gateway sign is no longer a priority, or
other gateway signs, the City Council as part of their upcoming budget discussions may look to
repurpose these funds. This direction does not necessarily mean that the potential for future
installation of a gateway sign is discontinued. However, it may more accurately reflect the timing
needed by the EDC to have a thorough review and discussion on priority location(s), current
pricing, conceptual design (i.e. city branding), and completion of a feasibility study.
Budget Impact
N/A
Attachments
A. 2024 CIP
B. Gateway Sign Maps
C. October 24, 2022 EDA Minutes
D. 2018 EDA Memo
E. WSB 2018 Concept Design
Page 2 of 2
Capital Improvement Plan 2024 thrtt 2028
City of Arden Hills, Minnesota
Project # 25-EDA-001
Project Name Gateway Signs
TCAAP No
Department Economic Development
Contact Community Devl Dir
Type Improvement
Useful Life
Category Economic Devi Improvement
Priority n/a
Description I
Total Project Cost: $310,000
Install gateway signs at major entry points to the City. Potential locations for signs include: (1) Highway 96 at Round Lake Road, (2) Highway 96
at Lexington Avenue, (3) Lake Valentine Road at 35W, (4) County Road E at Lexington Avenue, (5) Lexington Avenue at County Road F, (6)
Lexington Avenue at County Road D, and (7) County Road E at Highway 51. Potential sign locations are not listed in order of priority and are
subject to change.
There are three existing gateway signs in the following locations: (1) County Road E2 at I-35W, (2) County Road D at Cleveland Avenue, and (3)
Lake Johanna Boulevard at the Roseville border.
Staff has budeeted for the comDletion of an additional eatewav sien in 2026 at a location to be determined.
Justification
kdvance the economic development goals in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Implement the Guiding Plan for the B2 District. Work to better
.dentify the entrance points to the City for businesses and visitors. Foster civic pride and community identity.
Expenditures 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Total
Construction/Maintenance 270,000 40,000 310,000
Total
270,000
40,000
310,000
Funding Sources 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Total
EDA General Fund 270,000 40,000 310,000
Total 270,000 40,000 310,000
maintenance costs for sign cleaning and care of landscaping is estimated by the Public Works Department at $500 per sign annually.
Produced Using the Plan -It Capital Planning Software
121
Gateway Signs
0 Parcels
1:35,430
City Mask Existing Gateway Signs
• Identified Gateway Sign Location N
A
New Potential Gateway Sign Location April 11, 2024
LLS W S b
Gateway Signs - North of Highway 96
rt
=D
Training Site Road
o
- � m
D
Q <
n rn
< =5
z
m
W Z
o
cm
3
gain/ns Marsden
Lake
N
Q'ty
a ro
D
<
ro
C
m
� Z
r
way 96
P � �
1:35,430
0 Parcels Existing Gateway Sign
City Mask
• Identified Gateway Sign Location N
New Potential Gateway Sign Location A
April 11, 2024
s1b
-AR�EN HILLS WS b
,-ARZEN HILLS
Approved: October 23, 2023
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING
OCTOBER 24, 2022
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Chair Grant called to order the Economic Development
Authority meeting at 7:56 p.m.
Present: EDA Chair David Grant; EDA Commissioners Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes,
Steve Scott and David Radziej
Absent: None
Also present: EDA Secretary Dave Perrault; Community Development Director Jessica Jagoe;
Finance Director Gayle Bauman; and City Clerk Julie Hanson
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: EDA Chair Grant moved and all EDA Commissioners seconded a motion to
approve the EDA meeting agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously
(5-0).
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. October 25, 2021 EDA
MOTION: EDA Commissioner Holden moved and EDA Commissioner Holmes seconded a
motion to approve the October 25, 2021 Economic Development Authority Meeting
Minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
3. NEW BUSINESS
None.
4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Gateway Signs
ARDEN HILLS EDA MEETING — October 24, 2022 2
Community Development Director Jagoe stated that staff was looking for direction on scheduling a
future EDA meeting to discuss Gateway signs. She noted this was brought to the City Council in
conceptual format in 2018 and six locations were identified, with the Highway 96/Lexington Avenue
location being the priority.
Commissioner Radziej asked if the EDA had decided on one style or design for the signs and what the
associated costs would be.
A discussion ensued regarding styles that have been debated in the past, the potential costs, and the
locations of existing Gateway signs.
Commissioner Holden stated the City received multiple proposals for a sign at Highway 96 and
Lexington Avenue but it is a problematic site because the Shoreview sign is so huge. She thought the
location on Lexington Avenue and County Road D near the Dairy Queen was an important location as
people do not realize that is Arden Hills.
Commissioner Holmes agreed but felt it would be difficult for a sign to be at that location due to
being residential properties versus commercial properties. She thought this would be awkward.
A discussion ensued regarding the southern portion of Arden Hills, particularly near Lexington Avenue
and County Road D.
EDA Chair Grant noted that the locations previously discussed were all entry points into Arden Hills.
EDA Secretary Perrault said that the intent at the meeting this evening was to gain insight if the EDA
wanted to meet more regularly in 2023 or 2024 to talk about these projects. He noted he wanted to
make sure that Community Development Director Jagoe has good direction.
Commissioner Holmes stated that Council previously indicated it wanted to wait regarding a sign at
Highway 96 until TCAAP starts moving and perhaps businesses could contribute. She said she would
like to see a schematic of a potential sign for the Lexington Avenue and County Road D location.
A discussion ensued regarding the properties located near the Lexington Avenue and County Road D
location.
Commissioner Radziej noted he would like to see the same style of signage throughout the city,
regardless if the size varies.
EDA Chair Grant recommended staff look at the current signs to determine if they have been durable
or have any issues. The EDA Commissioners concurred.
Commissioner Holmes suggested a sign near Lake Valentine Road and Mounds View High School as
many people do not know that the high school is located in Arden Hills.
ARDEN HILLS EDA MEETING — October 24, 2022
3
Commissioner Holden thought Community Development Director could take a look at locations and
bring fresh eyes and ideas to the table. She noted how expensive the signs can be.
Discussion further ensued regarding the list of potential locations that was created by the EDC. They
concurred they would await recommendation from Director Jagoe.
5. EDA MEMBER COMMENTS
None.
6. ADJOURN
MOTION: EDA Commissioner Radziei moved and EDA Commissioner Holden seconded a
motion to adiourn the Economic Development Authority meeting. The motion
carried unanimously (5-0).
EDA Chair Grant adjourned the Economic Development Authority meeting at 8:13 p.m.
Julie Hanson
City Clerk
David Grant
EDA Chair
'It
-fi` DEN HILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: January 16, 2018
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
Dave Perrault, City Administrator
FROM: Matthew Bachler, City Planner
Sue Polka, Public Works Director/City Engineer
SUBJECT: Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue Gateway Sign
Budgeted Amount: Actual Amount:
N/A
Council Should Consider
N/A
AGENDA ITEM 11
Funding Source:
N/A
Review conceptual plans for the Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue gateway sign and provide
direction to staff.
Background
The adopted 2018-2022 Capital Improvement Plan includes $80,000 for gateway sign construction
in 2018. At their work session on June 19, 2017, the City Council discussed using the funds
budgeted in 2018 for a gateway sign at Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue. In August 2017, staff
began working with WSB & Associates on a concept design plan and cost estimate for the gateway
sign. Staff from WSB will be in attendance at the work session on January 16, 2018 to present the
concept design plan.
To date, gateway signs have been installed at the following locations:
• County Road E2 at Cleveland Avenue
• County Road D at Cleveland Avenue
• County Road D at New Brighton Road/Lake Johanna Boulevard (Triangle Property)
The approximate cost of the signs for these past projects has been $10,000. The project at the
Triangle Property included additional landscaping and irrigation improvements, and staff has
estimated the total cost of this project (including the sign) at between $30,000 and $45,000. Staff
had anticipated the cost of the gateway sign at Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue to be more than
these previous signs due to the larger scale of the project.
Page 1 of 2
Discussion
Location
Staff evaluated the feasibility of locating a gateway sign in the northwest or southwest corner of
the intersection of Lexington Avenue and Highway 96. The southwest corner was selected due to
a significant grade change at the northwest corner from the road to a wetland. WSB completed a
topographical survey of the area to locate curb lines, walkways, lights, utilities, trees, and right-
of-way. The sign would be located in Ramsey County right-of-way and coordination with the
County would be required.
Concept Design
WSB prepared a concept design for the gateway sign for the City Council to consider (Attachment
B). Staff provided information on past design plans so that the sign is consistent in style with other
monument signs. The plans took into consideration the following:
• Travel speed
• Size of sign/text for readability
• Setbacks from roadway curb and walkways
• Viewing orientation
• Constructability
The sign would be oriented towards the intersection to maximize visibility and would be setback
approximately 30 feet from the public trail along Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue. The sign
would have a curved face running 40 feet in length with a height of 10 feet. A perennial planting
bed is shown in front of the sign and a mix of aspen and coniferous trees and shrubs behind the
sign. Electrical service would be provided to illuminate the sign lettering.
Cost Estimates
WSB has provided an estimate of the construction cost in Attachment C. The estimate includes the
cost of the sign itself, site preparation, landscaping, and electrical service. This subtotal cost is
estimated at $193,150. With contingencies and construction administration included, the estimated
total is $260,753.
WSB has identified two potential cost reduction items: replacing the proposed stone veneer with
simulated concrete stone, and reducing the length of the sign from 40 feet to 22 feet. The associated
cost savings with these changes are included in Attachment C.
Potential add -on items include sign wing walls (shown in the concept plan rendering), uplighting,
and irrigation. These items are not included in the current estimated total.
Attachments
A. Aerial Map
B. Concept Plan
C. Cost Estimate
Page 2 of 2
44t■ •
-04
■' � _� � � ram,'.
tf e, 00, R 4, -
wrcvlcU
Adw-
�i woo
' ' �opown
ow
/=
42"
ARC
It
It
5, .,�� _ mot+►. ;� ,y #� r
_ _ _� *•. - •�' err � � _ *t r. �� � �
'�� ■���1 •fir wilt � ■ ■' • • �` z �• ': r • �;• .'�`.
fxr! r t p
°y Ilk'
� w i it
• IMP -
w .
' F+F q k[1n4 1 r .f 1 �� �` � - �s!, stt r • .F fM�ts`' i. �3.Fk t tir. '3 � � � ..raj _ .
k �r�}_�..�?�,.1. k='��-+ - k �_�� �.� ���� �? �a., c4 `Y� �� -�J,l �¢` � �' ,�• ',e ���. - i �r{A 6,��',�_ i fF .�'raP _J, j f '`t� .� � �
VI - t ( !'►��! L.�yf+... .ir .A�'.:Y .��'6 �. i F `':r: -Y
AWN
,.1 'J _ _. - �+A :/I.i�. • � � � P• �p " r I• F �,- _:� �fj�T•:F •xjff�•)'A' tow
�Y m .� �'� .� `•ir � { �• - `'Flee •�- '4 yq�.�• Y' T. -i
- _t:, �ds _ �� �' - k.[ 11 .'° r ��,.. �. I?4. Iro ,` .1•f.r��� � �.xr if;�� r..C. ,'I�k iti c+=��.'�{-��`.�!��
rr..r(�;
City Monument Sign Concept One
Estimated Construction Cost
WSB Project #010661-000
December 14th, 2017 By: SF
Base Items
ESTIMATED
Item
Description
CITY
COST
1
Mobilization
1
$ 9,200
2
Earthwork and erosion control
1
$ 25,500
40' long by 10' high masonry monument sign
3
including central wall with veneer on front face only,
1
$ 110,000
sign lettering, lighting of lettering
4
Electrical service
1
$ 15,000
5
Sodding
1500
$ 12,000
6
Concrete edging
215
$ 6,450
7
Tree, shrub and perennial planting
1
$ 15,000
Subtotal $ 193,150
Recommended Contingency (20%) $ 38,630
Estimated Design through Construction
$ 28,973
Administration (15%)
Estimated Total $ 260,753
Potential Cost Reduction Items
Replace stone veneer with simulated stone pattern concrete wall resulting in a
RED.1
cost reduction of $16,000.
Reduce size of sign wall to 22' long by 10' high and replace stone veneer with
RED.2
simulated stone pattern concrete wall resulting in a cost reduction of $46,600.
Potential Add -On Items
ADD.1
Monument Sign Wing Walls with veneer on front face
only
1
$ 63,000
ADD.2
Uplighting
1
$ 10,000
ADD.3
Irrigation System
1
$ 15,000
Note: This estimate is based on concept planning level design work for the purpose
of budgeting. It should be anticipated that cost the estimate will need to be
refined as the design progresses with greater detail.
12/14/2017 K:1010661-000\Quantity\Preliminary1010661-000 City Monument Sign at Hwy 96 & Lexington