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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCWS 12-18-2006 Work Session ~ <t\~ HILLS Approved: 1/8/07 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS. MINNESOTA \VORK SESSION MEETING DECE!VIBER J 8. 2006; 5:00 P.M. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Beverly Aplikowski called to order the work session mceting at 5:05 p.m, Present: Mayor Bcvcrly Aplikowski, Councilmembcrs Grcgg Larson, David Grant, and Brenda Holden Absent: Councihnember Vinccnt Pellcgrin (Excused) Also prcscnt were: Community Development Director, Karen Barton; Assistant City Administrator, Schawn Johnson; Parks and Recreation Manager, Michelle Olson; Public Works Director, Greg Hoag; and Civil Engincer, Kris Giga Others present were: Mayor Elect Stan Hmvstead, Councilmember Elect David McClung, and Councilmember Elect Fran Holmes 1-694 Proiect Update- Public Works Director Greg Hoagintroduced Chris Roy and Mark Lindeberg hom the Minnesota Department of Transportation to providcd the City Council with an overview of the CUlTent status and concept plans (unapproved by MnDGT at this time) for the 1-694 project. \1r. Mark Lindebcrg noted an important part of the 1-()94 planning process is the environmental assessment. Thc Minnesota Department of Transportation recently contracted with the englneenng firm SEll to comp Icte the Environmental Assessment (EA) report. The Environmental Assessment is schcduled to be rcleascd for public revicw and comment in carly 2007. At this time, City stall has rcceived a draft copy of the Environmental Asscssment rcpon and is currently reviewing thc infonnation, The Environmental Assessment report process is an opportunity for the City Council to provide input to MnDOT in regards to the proposed 1-694 project. At this time, project funding through the State of Minnesota is pending. Councilmember Elect Fran Holmes asked if the proposed 1-694 and 35E projects arc considcred joint projects by MnDOT. ARDEN HILLS ClT'{ COUNCIL - December 1 S, 2006 Mr. Chris Roy stated that the 1-694 and 35E are considered separate projects, but considered part of unweave the weave road project that the State of Minnesota has undertaken. Councilmember Holden asked if the City has been involved in the planning process and if City staff has provided input to MnD01' regarding the envi ronmental assessment. Mr. Mark Lindebcrg said that City staff informed MnD01' that the City's objective was to reduce traffic congestion and vehicle speeds along Hamline Avenue. Councilmcmber Holdcn asked if access to Highway 10 will be impacted by MnDOT's proposed plan, Mr. Lindeberg noted that the CUlTent plans do not impact the Highway 10 extension. Counci Imember Larson said that he is concerned that the City Counci Is concerns regarding Highway 10 were not addresscd by fonner staff members. Mr. Lindeberg stated that City staff has informed MnD01' about the City's concerns regarding Hamline A vcnue and HigJ1\vay 10. Councilmcmber Elect David McClung ask ed if MnOO1' has reviewed any alternative construction plans regarding Hamline-694 and Higl1\vay J 0-694. He is concemed that the proposed plan will minimize access to the northern side of Arden Hills, Mr. Mark Lindeberg noted that MnD01' has reviewed those concems, but there are a lot of roadways that are located in a very tight corridor. The project scope has been reduced to minimize property acquisition and construction expense \-vhile reducing traffic congestion in this area. Mayor Elect Stan Harpstead asked how otten the tramc models are reviewed by MnD01'. Mr. Mark Lindeberg said that the traffic models \vere run last year and utilized the projected traffic volumes for the year 2035. Mayor Aplikowski asked if there arc any similar road designs in the metro area that are comparable to the proposed 1-694 improvements. Mr. Chris Roy said that the proposed project would be similar to the freeway access at the Mall of America in Bloomington near 494 and County Road 77. Mayor Elect Harpstead asked if there is any right-of-way acquisition for this project. Mr. Mark Lindeberg said that there will be minimal to no right-of-way acquisition in Arden Hills for this projcct. 2 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - December 18, 2006 Councilmember Larson recommended that the future City Council strongly consider the notion of changing Highway 10 so that it is not a short cut for motorists to 694 and 35W. Maybe the future City Council can work out a middle of the road proposal that will appease MnDOT and Arden Hills. Mr. Chris Roy stated that Highway 10 and the 35W Corridor are not part of this proposed project. MnDOT needs to take a more comprehensive look at the 35W con-idor in the near future especially with the increase development in the northern section of 35W. Also, Highway 10 is a federal highway and is not under the State of Minnesota's jurisdiction. I Councilmember Holden asked what would happen if the City Council does not agree with MnDOr s proposal. Mr. Chris Roy noted that the City Council has the authority to approve or deny the proposed project layout. If the City Council denies the proposed layout the project goes to an appeals board that involves the City and MnDOT to discuss the party's differences. If the two sides are not able to reach an agreement, the Transportation Commissioner will make the final decision regarding the project layout. Mayor Aplikowski stated that the City will have to bring some creative ideas to the table and work cooperatively with MnDOT on the 1-694 issue. Karth Lake Improvement District- Kath Lake Improvement District Board Member Albert Niencber provided the City Couneil with an overview of the board members goals and objcctives for 2007. Members of the Karth Lake Improvement District are researching water quality issues. Members of the Karth Lake community are taking water samples and having them reviewed by the Rice Creek Watershed District. Members of the Karth Lake Improvement District are also working on buckthorn removal and researching copper sulphate treatments for the lake. Mr. Nieneber noted that the board members are requesting the assistance of the City with passing an ordinance that prohibits the use of combustible engines on the lake and financial assistance with algae treatments. City Attorney Jcrry Filla noted that the City has the authority to assess taxes future improvements within the improvement district. Councilmember Holden said that she is concerned about the Kmih Lake Improvement District proposed project list. If the City financially assists the Karth Lake Improvement District will the City be asked to help the other lake home associations in Arden Hills with similar projects? Councilmember Larson noted that the Lake Johanna Lake Home Association is a voluntary group where the home owner's donate money when improvement projects are needed. Councilmember Elect McClung said that he would prefer that the Kmih Lake Improvement District become a voluntary lake home association. 3 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - December 18,2006 City Attorney Jen"y Filla stated that the City could create a non-affiliated tax district for Karth Lake where the residents handle their own regulations and have taxing authority. KaJ1h Lake Improvement District Board Member Susan Johnson said that Karth Lake is a land locked lake which makes it very difficult for thc rcsidents to initiate improvements without some form of assistance from the City. Members of the City Council recommended that thc Karth Lake Improvement District survey the affcctcd residents to see if they would like to become a lake home association or a different improvement district option and report back to the City Council with the residents input. Traffic Studv at Countv Road E and Old Snellin2: Parks and Recreation Manager Michcllc Olson noted that County Road E and Old Snelling intcrsection has seen incrcased traffic volume over the past few years. With this intersection being identificd in the City of Arden Hills Trail Strategies as a major connection within the proposed trail system, increased pedestrian safety may have to be addressed. The following is a list of the proposed trails that would connect to this intersection: . County Road E from Connell V to Old Highway 10: In September of 2006, staff submitted an application for a MnDOT cooperative agreement for a trail along the north side of the bridge at County Road E. Staff has not received word on the status of that application. The City Council also voted in favor of constructing a sidewalk on the north side of County Road E from Connelly to Old Snelling. . Old Snelling/Highway 10 from Highway 51 to Highway 96: The Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee has identified Old Snelling/Highway 10 for a future trail within the City Stratcgies. The Arden Hills section ofSnc1ling from Highway 51 to County Road E is proposed to be reconstructed in 2010 and that may be the most logical time to construct this trail segment. . North Side of Lake Johanna Boulevard: Ramsey County Parks and Recreation has identified in thcir Tony Schmidt Regional Park Master Plan Draft, plans to construct an off-road paved trai I along the north side of Lake Johanna Boulevard extending from County Road E to Old Snelling. The proposed trail connections would cross at the intersection of County Road E and Old Snelling. Depending on final design, trails could approach and leave the intersection from different sides of the street. In the past, City staff have also heard concerns from residents regarding traffic levels, back ups, and vehicular safety at this intersection. Parks and Recreation Manager Michelle Olson said that City staff has spoken with Dan Soler, Ramsey County Traffic Engineer, and he confinned that it has been a number of years since a traffic study was done at this intersection. 4 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - December 18, 2006 Councilmember Holden suggested that the City evaluates the safety of other cross walks in the City and that City staff should paint the cross walks that are currently not being maintained by Ramsey County. Mayor Elect Harpstead said that he is not opposed to conducting a traffic study, but he would like to have the study take into consideration Bethel University and other variables that may impact the study. Councilmember Elect Holmes asked what is included in a traffic study. Civil Engineer Kris Giga said that that a traffic study would monitor the movements of vehicles. Mayor Elect Harpstead recommended that thc City Council forward a list of intersections that may be problematic to Public Works Director Greg Hoag. Councilmember Grant asked if Ramsey County would pay for a percentage for traffic signal since it is considered part of a county roadway. Councilmcmber Elect David McClung asked if this intersection truly WalTants a traffic light. Are there any negativcs to conducting a traffic study at this time? Civil Engineer Kris Giga noted that the only negative she can foresee is if the traffic study calls for a traffic signal and the City docs not have an opportunity to budget for this expense. Councilmember Elect Holmes ask cd why this intersection was targeted by the PTRC. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson said that this location was targetcd because it is located in the City's Safe Routes to School grant proposal area. Mayor Elect Harpstead asked the other City Councilmembers what other means parameters could be uscd to evaluate the different cross walk locations. Councilmember Grant recommended that accident reports provided by the Ramscy County Sheriffs Depm1ment be used to evaluate cross walk safety. Councilmember Holden agreed that accident reports should be reviewed in prioritizing cross walk improvcments in the City. Councilmember Grant noted that thc County Road E traffic is typically going towards Bcthel University or the freeway. Councilmembcr Larson statcd that the City has always bcen reactive to resident concerns in regards to pedestrian traffic. Typically traffic is not a problem for County Road E in thc evening. S ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - December 18,2006 Councilmember Elect McClung suggested that traffic rep0l1s for di fferent intersections throughout the City be reviewed to identify potential trouble spots. Members of the City Council agreed to postpone the traffic study discussion until 2007. City staff will work on developing fonnal criteria for reviewing dangerous intersections in the City and rep0l1 back to the City Council in February 2007. Town Hall Meetinl! Discussion Assistant City Administrator Schawn Johnson reported that City staff has begun preparations for the 2007 City of Arden Hills Town Hall Meeting. The date for the Town Hall meeting is January 16,2007 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The agenda for the January 16,2007 City event: 1. Public Gathering at 6:00 PM; 2. State of the City Address-7:00 PM; 3. TCAAP Status Update-7:45 PM; 4, Event Concludes at 8:30 PM. The following is a list of City affiliated groups that will be invited to set-up informational tables at the Town Hall Meeting. These groups will be located in the basement and, if necessary, the upstairs area at City Hall. . Lake JohalUla Fire Department . Ramsey County Sheriffs Department . Ramsey County Emergency Management and Homeland Security . Rice Creek Watershed District . Mounds View School District . League of Women Voters . US AnllY . Arden Hills Library . Economic Development Commission (EDC) . Parks. Trails, and Recreation Committee (PTRC) . Planning Commission . Community Development . Public Works Department-Future Pavement Management Project In[omlation . Northwest Youth and Family Services . National Guard . Minnesota Department of Transportation . Ramsey County Traffic Engineers . Allina Ambulance Service City staff will also be inviting CRR and HKGi (TCAAP consultants) to set-up display booths in the lobby at City Hall for the TCAAP Master Development kick-off and open-house. 6 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - December 18,2006 Mcmbcrs of thc City Council were supp0l1ive of the proposcd schedule and thc list of organizations that are scheduled to be invited by City staff to attend the City's Town Hall meeting. TCAAP Update Community Developmcnt Director Karen Barton asked thc City Council for fecdback regarding the recent TCAAP consultant meeting. COllncilmember Elect David McClung said that he found the information to be very helpful. Mayor Elect Harpstead said that he found the infomlation to be very good and would like to have a follow-up discussion regarding the \vater feature and other aspects of the project. Mayor Aplikowski said that the Clm-ent vision was crcated by the City and adopted by CRR. Mayor Elect Harpstead asked if the City Council is ready to meet \vith CRR and provide the developer with their feedback regarding thc proposed project. Councilmember Grant said that he would like to sce a smaller water feature and less density. Councilmember Larson said the he would like to see TCAAP reflect the older part of Arden Hills. Mayor Elect Harpstead said that the City must define what density level the City Council is comf0l1able with for this project. Councilmember Grant said that it may be difficult not to creatc a new and old Arden Hills. Mayor Elect Harpstead said that is very important that CRR be invited to future meetings in order to assist with future TCAAP related discussions. And addcd that CRR should sit at the table, not in the audience. Councilmember Elect McClung agreed that it is imp0l1ant to have the developer at the table in order to have open dialogue and feedback. Councilmember Elect Holmes also agreed that it is important to have both parties are at the table and indicated a willingness to share her thoughts, but in-tum she would like CRR to share their thoughts and ideas as well. Mayor Elect Harpstead said that he is working on a draft work session meeting schcdule for 2007. He would like to have the City Council conccntrate on TCAAP related items the first part of 2007. 7 ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - December 18,2006 Council Comments and ReQuests- Councilmember Larson noted that Bcthel Univcrsity is considering the possibility of buying space in the City's commcrcial and industrial area. Mayor Elect Harpstead said that it would be good for thc City to work with Bethel University in assessing its future space needs. Councilmcmbcr Elect McClung noted that it would be good for the City to address how it will deal with institutionalized properties in the future. \ Councilmembcr Larson stated that some institutions should pay the City fces in lieu of propcrty taxes. Councilmember Grant asked if City staff has rcccived any complaints from residents regarding the 2:00 AM to 6:00 AM no parking ban. Mayor Aplikowski urged City staff to have dates placcd on the no parking signs. It is difficult for the Ramsey County Sheriffs Department to enforcc without dates being locatcd on the signs. Councilmember Grant asked if City staff could inspect for sump pumps while replacing water meter battcrics in the futurc. Public Works Director Greg Hoag said that when thc radio read meters wcre originally installcd, the contractor conducted sump pump inspections but the City never followed up with the home owner to makc sure the sump pumps were properly disconnected. Public Works Director Hoag and Community Development Director Barton notcd that the City could conduct sump pump inspections while conducting home inspections. c Work Session meeting at 8:00 p.m. , ~ Stan Icy_ ~1~~~~!M~ Mayor City 8