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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 11-23-1981 , , Minutes of Special Council Meeting Village of Arden Hills Monday, November 23, 1981 - 7:30 p.m. Village Hall Call to Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Woodburn called the aeeting to order at 7:35 p.m. Roll Call Preaent - Mayor Robert Woodburn, Councilmen Janet Hollenhorst, Diane McAllister, Maurice Johnson . Abs.at - Councilman James Wingert Also Present - Village Engineer Donald Christoffersen, Treas urer Donald Lamb, Deputy Clerk Dorothy Zehm. Approval of Minutes that the Minutes the Johnson moved, seconded by McAllister, of Regular Council Meetin, of November 9th be approved ae submitted. Motion carried unanimously. Business from the Floor 1I0ne MuDOT Preliminary Plans - Layout 110. 1. Snellin~/Hsmline/HiRhway 51 Intersection Mike Robinson, Project Manager, MnDOT, described the plan as basically two "T" intersections; only righ t turns are provided onto Highway 51 from Hamline Ave. and from Snelling Ave; no left ~ "U-turns" will be allowed except at points of cross-over which are approximately 550' apart. Lydia ~~ ~n t>U. Road E are the alternative for this maneuver; only -r.~ iJ is a left turn to cross to either Snelling or Hamline, which can be avoided by the Lydia and Co. Rd. E alternaUves. In discussion, it was noted that stop lights had previoualy been suggested to control the intersection but was not favored by the City. Robinson explained that the proposed design will be safer than signala. Another suggestion was to pro~ide acceleration lanes in addi Uon to the proposed separated cross-over pointe. Robinaon explained that State standards provide for acceleration lanes onto "freeways" , but not onto other roads; standards were developed to provide con- sisteney fo.r drivers; people are not used to acceleration lanes, except at freeways in order to get up to freeway speed; explained tla a t anllceeleration lane is meant to allow cars to remsin in that lane until they achieve highway speed - they could not there- fore, eroaa to left-turn lsne to cross Highway 51. Robinson said he did not see the neceasity for acceleration lanes at this intersection. It was noted that the estimated cost of the proposed modified eross- over ia $250,000; oost of a stop light is $80,000 plua maintenanee . thereof and replacement within about 15 years. Robinaon said minor roadwork maybe needed for stop signs, estimated at an additional $20,000. Robinson said the proposed plan is considered a "one- time project. " Robinson reported an average of 16 accidents/year at the inter- section; with the design change proposed, anticipates a reduction in the number of accidents to 8/year. lobinson explained that the plan also prOVides a right turn lane onto Glenhill Road from the north (existing left turn lane onto Glenhill Road, froll the south will remain and the croas-over of the median (frail Glenhill) for left-turn onto Highway 51 wilL be widened; noted that an average of 1 accident/year occurs at this interseetion. - ------------- Minutes of Special Council Meeting Nov. 23, 1981 , , Robinson explained that the proposed plan will improve visibility from Snelling Ave. for south-bound 51 traffic, and from Hamline Ave. for north-bound 51 trsffic, because of the illproved angle. Robinson explained that the Hamline Ave. and Snelling Ave. ex- isting approaches to 51 will be re-built and sodded. Comments from the Floor Lorraine Tomkins, 3233 N. S..lling, said she does not feel the plan proposed is an improvement: 1. Feels the incline on Hamline is too great approaching Hamline from Ingerson Road. 2. 0 new approach is Olg Hamline approach is a 40 angle; a 70 angle, causing a difficult crossing from Hamline . to Snelling. 3. Creates a difficult right turn from the north to Sne lling Ave., cars can't slow down because of the bridge. 4. South-bound Snelling onto 51 needs an acceleration lane to get up to Hwy. 51 apeed; currently use the shoulder for this purpose. 5. Mounds View school buses use this crossing; feels speed on 51 laas to be reduced by use of warning signs, bumpers, an thing to alow it down. Robinaon noted that speed study s tatis tics indicate that virtually the same speed is maintained regardless o( speed signs; only dif- ference is when the lowe r speed is enforced. John Shelendich, 1459 Glenhill Road, said he feels that if the speed were reduced, accidents would be reduced. Robinson said the result would be the opposite; cars would travel the same speed as before. She lendich said that, if you can't reduce speed by sign- age, the only alternative is signals; feels there is no other way for local traffic to have the right-of-way onto Hwy. 51. Robinson referred to two similar intersections now controlled by a plan similar to the one proposed (Hwy. 36 at Oak Park Heights, near Stillwater) and Ray's Truck Stop at Highway 12, near the St. Croix; noted that accidents have been reduced by 50%. lobinson noted that the Hamline/Snelling intersection averages about 207 cars in the morning; 252 vehicles in the afternoon - low volume at approximately 2500 cars/day. Mr. John Bradford, 3200 N. Hamline, said he is very pleased with the proposa~; feels it is very sensible; feels. that even if the speed on 51 could be lowered, this plan would still be safer than it is now. . Bradford noted several lOb lind" driveways accessing onto Hamline Avenue; asked if the curve would be modified in that are.. Robinson said that fill will be added to create a more gradual . curve near the in te rse c tion; affecting two drivewaya; curve at Bradford's drive would remain the same; Robinson noted that the shoulders will ba 8' wide and paved at the intersection. Mertin Stenberg, 1415 Glenhill load, said the proposed plan will make Hamline a aecondary street, with less traffic than at present; auggested that those concerned with the crossing of lanes can make the turn at Lydia or at County Road E. Woodburn noted that a semaphore will be installed at County E and the Highway 51 ramp by next .ullme r . Mr. (inaudible) , 3233 N. Snelling Ave., said he feels the malor causes of accidents at the intersection are left turns and cross- ing over 51, getting hit on the far lane; asked the number of acci- dents at Lydia. -2- , . Minutes of Specisl Council Meeting Nov. 23, 1981 Answe r: 7 or 8/year; signal did reduce the number of accidents by about 50% at Lydia. Resident said he feels the need for something to de crease the speed on 51; feels signsls with turn arrows would resolve the problem, In discussion, Robinson was asked if plsn can be modified to create acceleration lanes; asked if closing the exis ting crossing will cause a safety problem for joggers. Robinson .aid extensive plan modification would send it back for re-study; does not think acceleration lanes will be acceptalle because they do not meet the standards. and would not allow the lane-cross for left turns Robinson said the existing access would be sodded snd rebuilt; . feels joggers will follow the roads. Robinson said the raised con- crete islandS at the "T" intersections will have breskaway signs; noted that the City may, if it desires, instigate a change of speed by reques ting the State to conduct a speed survey; aurvey will determine reasonable speed (noraally the speed traveled by 85% of vehicles). McAllister moved, seconded by Hollenhorst, that Council adopt Resolution No. 81-82. APPROVAL OF PRELIMINARY LAYOUT NO. 1 . S.P. 6216-87. Motion carried unanimously (4-0). REPORT OF VILLAGE ENGINEER DONALD CHRISTOFFERSEN Bids for Improvement No. P-81-1. Grey Fox Road Christoffersen referred Council to his letter of 11-23-81. and to attached bid tabulation of the eight bids received; recommended award of bid to the low bidder at $203,042.50. Christoffersen explained that the bid includes: -36' wide street. curb face to curb faee -concrete curb and gutter -ca tch basins -9 ton load bituminous street and rsilroad crossing Christoffersen explained that the fessibility report estimste in- 1(Jluded railroad crossin'~Dals which are not needed, . . y he Engineer'a eatimate260.000; noted that City h.s 40 days to award the bid. " Council concurred that, if the project is approved. it will award the bid to the low bidder aa recommended. County Road E. Walkway and Median Island Plans Transparencies were shown of the modified median island plana. Christofferaen noted the changes from the initial proposal. In discussion of the pedestrian/bike walk plan, Chris toffe rsen said the north side haa no t been change.; 6' wide walk will ex- tend from Connelly to Lexington in front of Flaherty's, the service Itation and St. Psul Book to Carroll's Furniture. then will be seg- mented using driveways where necessary; both north and south 1 ". ~,JMH-A_~ . will be a minimum of 8' from curb to provide for snow storage; north walk is the City's responSibility. south walk is County bike path. , Christoffersen described the mouth walk as a 8' wide straight-line walk proposed to be 75% state funded. In discussion, it was noted that a meandering gravel walk was previously envisioned on the south side of County Rd. E. Christoffersen explained that a straight-line walk paral!eling the utility easement is proposed because of the terrain and need for 8' - 10' snow storsge area between the walk and curb. It was also suggested that a gravel walk cannot be shoveled. . In discuasion of walk maintenance, it was the general concensua that the walk maintenance would be the reaponsibility of the ad- jacent property owners, as in other communities. -3- .--- Minutea of Special Council Meeting Nov. 23, 1981 . It was noted that the narrou bridge across Hwy. 51 creates an obs tacle; bike path will end at l.;,u b ..lAa8. C!...t-'Vv\,",(,,'(('~/ (i;~~!"", # Council queried the cou rso of the pathway from Crepeau Park thru Arden Plaza to Coun ty Rd. E, which has apparently not been resolved; referred this pathway to Parks and Recreation Committee and Plan- ning Commiasion for recommendations to Council. Johnson moved, seconded by McAlliater that Council app rove the Median Island Plans and authorize the Engineer to submit them to the County. Motion carried unanimoualy (4-0) . Council suggested green macadam islands for the Coun ty' s con- sideration. . Johnaon moved, seconded by HOllenhorst. that Council app rove the bike/pedestrian walkway plans and authorize the Engineer to sub- mit the plana to the State for the walkway on the south side of County Rd. E for approval. Motion carried unanimously (4-0) Report on Sanitsry S ewe rs through Ramsey County Open Space between Coun tv Road E and E2 - RCWD Long Lake Chain of Lskes Improvement Council was referred to Christoffersen's letter of 11-12-81 and attached map indicating manholes where top of casting elevation is lower than the estimated msximum high water surface elevation. After discuaoion, Conncil concurrad that Mayor Woodburn advise RCWD 0 f the potential flooding problems, requesting that the man- holes be raised ab ove the estimated msximum water surface eleva- tions. Discussion re Financin~ Pendina Pr01ects Council waa referred to McNiesh's memo of 11-20-81 and to trans - parencies of Pending Projects. Christoffersen noted that MSA funda are meant to off-set high cos ts ; City may received MSA money and assess 100% , if it desire.s; auggested thst some aasess- ment seema reasonab Ie; suggested that Council not as sess 100% , but not assesa lowe r than the amount of a "normalll assessment; noted that $300,000 MSA funda can be accumulated before municipal- ity loses it tlneedsll.. In discussion, Council noted other potential needs of MSA funds. It was suggested that it is not necessary to use all available MSA funds on the pending projecta; should look also at potential needa as well e.g, Hamline Ave. up-grading. It was suggested that Council concentrate on what is cons ide red a "reasonable assessmentll. plac- ing less concern on available MSA funds. It was suggested that Council determine first if the project warranta the cost; if so, then the me thod of financing. It was noted that the Northwest water project has been assessed and is gradually being paid; other projects are new. ChrisqfJfferaen noted that Arden Oaks will be requeating credita - has had some assesamenta; noted that some City participation was apparently in- dicated previously to the former dsvelope~ REPORT OF VILLAGE TREASURER DONALD LAMB . Investments (by Treasurer Lamb and Councilman McAllister) 11/13/81 - $100,000 at Twin City Fede ral at 121,;%, maturing 2/15/82 11/16/81 - $102,847.91 at Twin City Federal at 121,;% , maturing 2/16/82 11/20/81 - $101,212.03 at TWin City Federal at 11.5%, maturing 2/20/82 McAllister moved to ratify the Troasurer's investments. Motion WaS seconded by Johnson and carried unanimous ly (4-0). (Councilman Hollenhorst left the mee ting) -4- - . . Minutes of Special Council Meeting Nov. 23,. 1981 OTHER BUSINESS Public Safety Committee Recommendations: Council was referred to the Minutes of the Public Safety Committee Minutes of 11-16-81. Civil Defense Siren Johnson reported that the 120 db at $9500 is recommended, Council deferred discussion until Planner Miller is in attendance. Harriet avenue Parking and Speed Johnson reported that the traffic counts and observations resulted in no excessive speed or overnight parking. . Council concurred that McNiesh so advise the Hunters Park Home Owners Association of the Committee's findings. Request for Stop or Yield Sign at Edgewater and Prior Ave. x I r 1 . . ...L .. . - - I 1 I . . McNiesh to advise reaident that Council cone\lrs that sign regu- lationa are not needed at this intersection. Parks and Recreation Committee Recommendations Counci 1 was referred to Minutes of Park and Recreation Committee Meeting of 11-10-8l. Cnmmings Park Concept Plans Deferred until Planner Miller ia in attendance. Winter Program McAllister moved, seconded by Johnson thst the Winter. Program be approved. Motion carried unanimously (3-0) . REPORT OF VILLAGE CLERK ADMINISTRATOR CHARLOTTE Me NIESH (absent) Girl Scout Christmas Tree Sales Council concurred that the pe rllli t fee be waived on the application for Sale of Christmas frees by Girl Scouts. Payroll and Claims Johnson moved, seconded by McAllister, that Council approve the Payroll and four claims as submitted. Motion carried unanimously (3-0). Reaolution No. 81-23, Establishing Permit Fees for Rendering Plant McAllister moved, seconded by Johnson, that Council adopt Resolu- tion No. 81-23. Motion carried unanimously (3-0) . Council Liaison Reporta Bethel College Reimbursement McAllister reported thst Buckley requested $150.00 reimbursement from Bethel College for restoration of damage to soccer fields; Bethel has agreed to reimburse City. . Royal HUls Traffic Report Woodburn requested that the traffic report include a recommenda- tion, either for or against a rosd con.ection from Roysl Hills to Floral Drive. Woodburn noted that Attorney's report re easements is pending. Adjournment Johnson moved, seconde4 by McAllister. that the meeting adjourn at 12 :05 a.m. Motion carried unanimously (3-0) . (2t~t&$l!ifkr;;CC:~L ,;f;~~-vPz/~~ Charlotte McNiesh Robert L. Woodburn ~lerk Administiator Mayor Notice of Meeting: The next Regular Council Meeting will be on Monday, November 30th at the Village Hall at 7:30 p.m. -5-