HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-26-07 Item 4B, Resolution 07-32 DNR Trail Support
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Request for Council Action
Prepared By:
Dept.:
Council Mtg. Date:
Final Action Needed By:
Michelle Olson
Public Works
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February 26, 2007
Agenda Item:
48
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Actual Amount:
Funding Source: _ ____..........____
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iRegional Trail Connection. ..
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;Adopt Resolution 07-32: Supporting the Minnesota DNR Local Trail Connection Grant Application for the Perry Park Regional Trail
!Connection.
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No.: 07-22
No.:
Recommendation:
Recommendation:
DNR local Trail Connection Grant Application and Project Map
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The grant awards are expected to be' announced by July, 2007. -If the Ciiy receives funding. .it is proposed that this project be scheduled in :
2008. .
- \\Metro-inet.us\ardenhiIls\PR&PW\Parks\Memos\Council Actions\DNR Grant Request for Action02-26-07.doc
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~HlLLS
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 07-32
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE MINNESOTA DNR LOCAL TRAIL
CONNECTION GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE PERRY PARK REGIONAL
TRAIL CONNECTION.
WHEREAS, the City Council authorized City Staff at its regular meeting on
November 13, 2006 to apply for funding through the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resource's Local Trail Connection Grant Program; and
WHEREAS, the City of Arden Hills proposes to provide a regional connection to
Tony Schmidt Regional Park via a new trail from Perry Park, through Ramsey County Open
Space; and
WHEREAS, the City of Arden Hills previously contributed $32,000 towards the
construction of the railroad underpass trail that will link to the proposed Perry Park trail; and
WHEREAS, the City of Arden Hills approved a Comprehensive Parks and
Recreation Open Space Plan in 2002 and Updated Strategies to this plan in 2006 that include
commitment to the proposed trail and future connections; and
WHEREAS, the improvement will benefit the City of Arden Hills, Mounds View
School District 621, and Ramsey County; and
WHEREAS, the City of Arden Hills is committed to maintain the proposed trail
year-round;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: The City of Arden Hills supports the grant
application through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource's Local Trail Connection
Grant Program for a Perry Park regional trail connection and is committed to completing this
project if funding is provided.
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
THIS 26TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2007.
Stanley D. Harpstead, MAYOR
ATTEST:
Michelle Wolfe, CITY ADMINISTRATOR
\\Melro.jnel.us\ardenhills\Admin\CouncH\Resolutions\2007\07-32- Supporting a Minnesot DNR local Trail Connection Grant.doc
2007 LOCAL TRAIL CONNECTION PROGRAM APPLICATION
Before completing this application read the program manual that contains
instructions on completing this form.
GENERAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
l.
2.
3.
4.
Applicant (Unit of Government required):
Contact Person:
Contact Title:
Mailing Address:
City of Arden Hills
Michelle Olson
Parks and Recreation Manager
5. Daytime Phone:
6. Fax Number:
7. E-mail Address:
8. Website (if available):
Street: 1245 W. Highway 96
City, State Zip: Arden Hills, MN 55112
651-792-7848
651-634-5137
michelle.olson@ci.arden-hills.mn.us
www.ci.arden-hills.mn.us
TRAIL ORGANIZATION PROJECT PARTNER/CLUB (If applicable):
9. Contact Person:
10. Contact Title:
11. Mailing Address
N/A
Street:
City, State Zip:
12. Daytime Phone:
13. Fax Number:
14. E-mail Address:
15. Website (if available):
LOCATION OF PROJECT:
16. County Project is located within:
17. State Legislative (House) District:
18. Legislative House Representative:
19. State Senate Representative:
20. Congressional District:
21. Congressional Representative:
Ramsey County
50B
Kate Knuth
Satveer Chaudhary
4
Betty McCollum
Page 1
GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION:
22. Project Title:
Perry Park Regional Trail Connection
23. Total Project Amount:
$ 38,500
24. Amount Requested:
$ 16,747.50
25. Local Match
$ 16,747.50
26. What is the source of the local match?
The match will come from the City of Arden Hills Park Fund, which is a special revenue
fund for Parks and Recreation Construction Projects.
27. Have those funds been secured?
[8J Yes 0 No
28. Will other non-local funds be used for this project?
DYes [8J No
If yes, give amount:
$
29. What is the source ofthe non-local funds?
30. Have those funds been secured?
DYes 0 No
31. If this project has received federal funding through the Enhancements Program, please
indicate which year your organization is programmed for construction? (please include a
copy of the award notification as attachment "F")
FFY:
32. Ifthis project is for a new trail development, please indicate estimated length:
Feet (ifless than 'is mile): 900 Linear Feet
Miles: .17 Miles
Page 2
33. Below, please indicate which uses will directly benefit from the proposed project:
[gJ WalkinglHiking
[gJ Bicycling
o Horseback Riding
o Cross-Country Skiing
o In-Line Skating
o Snowmobiling
o Other (specify):
Page 3
QUALIFYING REQUIREMENTS
All applications must address each of the following five qualifying requirements.
Failure to provide information on each of the requirements will result in the
disqualification of the application.
Please complete each section as outlined in the instructions.
34. Project Description:
The proposed project is the construction of an eight (8) foot wide bituminous recreational
trail that will begin in Perry Park and will provide a local connection to existing arteria]
trails that lead to Tony Schmidt Regiona] Park. This proposed link to the trail system will
connect Perry Park, a community park which hosts a variety of youth and adult programs
and outdoor activities throughout the year, with Tony Schmidt Regiona] Park, which also
has a wide variety of activities and amenities. There is currently an unpaved foot path in
the location of the proposed trail that does not meet the Americans with Disabi]ities Act
(ADA) standards, is not a bikeable path, and is not maintained. Additionally, the path is
not able to be utilized during the winter months. The proposed project will improve the
grade and cross slope to meet ADA standards and will create a recreational biking and
walking trail that can be used year round. This proposed trail will provide a key
connection for Arden Hills residents, visitors, and neighbors of Perry Park with Tony
Schmidt Regional Park.
35. Costs Associated with the Project:
Page 4
TOTAL PROJECT COST ESTIMATE: $38,500.00
Plalli1ed Unit Total
Item Quantity Unit Price Amount
Mobilization, 5% max 1.00 l.s. $ 1,450.00 $ 1,450.00
Clearing and grubbing 0.15 acre $ 6,000.00 $ 900.00
Bituminous path (8' wide) 900.0 l.f. $ 19.00 $17,100.00
Retaining wall 500.0 s.f. $ 20.00 $10,000.00
Restoration 1.0 l.s. $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00
Base Bid Total $33,495.00
Engineering Services $ 5,005.00
---------------
Total Project Cost $38,500.00
Trail signage costs are not included with this project. The Parks, Trails, and Recreation
Committee has proposed to the City Council to add signage for all city trails in the year
2008.
The matching funds for this project will be taken from the City of Arden Hills Park Fund.
This fund is a special revenue fund that is utilized for Park Improvements, excluding
maintenance. The primary source for this fund is Park Dedication Fees from new
developments and subdivisions.
Five Year Operations and Maintenance Cost Estimate: The City is currently completing a
comprehensive pavement management program (PMP) inventory of all existing trails. All
trails will be evaluated and put on a point system for maintenance purposes. This report
will help us to prioritize and schedule maintenance, resurfacing, and reconstruction of all
trails. Annual maintenance for this trail is estimated at approximately $1,000.
36. Project Timeline:
Design/Specifications: September, 2007
Permit Applications: October, 2007
Bid Process: January, 2008
Award of Bid: February, 2008
Construction Start Date: April, 2008
37. Project Readiness:
Page 5
Since this project will be located on City park land and Ramsey County Open Space, no
land acquistion wll be necessary. Ramsey County Parks and Recreation is supportive of
this proposed trail connection and have concurred that the selected location ofthis trail is
an excellent solution to mimimizing the impact on the land. Attachment C includes a
letter from Greg Mack, Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Director stating their
support of this project.
Preliminary plans and cost estimates for this project have been completed to date. Ifthe
project is selected, final plans and specifications, advertisement for bids, and contract
award will be completed in a timely manner for spring 2008 construction. A permit from
Rice Creek Watershed District will also be required. The City Council is committed to
completing the project ifthe City is selected for funding. Attachment B icludes a signed
resolution from the City Council dated February 26,2007.
38. Year Round Trail Usage:
The current unoffical and unpaved foot path that exists in this area has a very steep grade
and therefore, it is not passable in the winter. The proposed improvements to the trail will
allow for year round use and maintenance. The City of Arden Hills will remove snow
during the winter months. Walkers, hikers, and bikers will have the ability to utilize this
trail as well as the existing links to Tony Schmidt Park year round.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
All applicants must address each of the following six evaluation criteria that are
listed, and in the order that they are presented below. Failure to provide information
on each of the criterion will result in the disqualification of the application.
39. Site and Project Quality:
This proposed trail is a key component within the Ramsey County's Tony Schmidt Master
Plan (Attachment G). This proposed trail will link Perry Park (picnic pavilion rentals,
various youth and adult outdoor activities) and Tony Schmidt Regional Park (three
playground structures, picnic pavilions, swimming beach with lifeguards, boat access,
trails, fishing docks, special events). The Tony Schmidt Master Plan proposes to extend
the existing trail from Tony Schmidt Regional Park through Ramsey County Open Space
all the way to Mounds View High School. The proposed Perry trail is a beginning point
for a local connection to get to Tony Schmidt Regional Park. Future trail connections to
the City's Elmer L. Andersen trail (shown on Attachment H: City of Arden Hills Parks
and Trail Map) are planned, which currently connects two other city parks, Hazelnut Park
and Sampson Park. These trails will then connect to Cleveland Avenue and County Road
D, providing connections to the City of Roseville trail system. In 2006, Ramsey County
Parks and Recreation constructed a railroad underpass trail from Tony Schmidt Park to
existing arterial trails that lead to the proposed trail location. The City of Arden Hills
contributed funds for the construction of this underpass. The proposed recreational trail is
a missing link to connect Tony Schmidt Regional Park with Perry Park. The existing
arterial trails pass under working railroad tracks and navigates through a natural and
scenic area of Arden Hills. The proposed trail will be located within a beautifully
wooded, naturally vegetated, and open space area.
Page 6
40. Accessibility:
Currently, this area is utilized by walkers who have created an unofficial, unpaved path.
However, it has an extremely steep grade and is not accessible to persons with disabilities.
The proposed trail will be constructed with a grade and cross slope that is in compliance
with Federal ADA regulations. This proposed trail is the missing link to a fully
accessible/ADA compliant recreational trail connection from Perry Park to Tony Schmidt
Regional Park. The existing arterial trails leading through the railroad underpass and to
Tony Schmidt Regional Park are all accessible to people with disablitities. After a field
visit and evaluation of the site, staff determined a location to construct a trail that would
allow us to meet ADA requirements. The grade in Perry Park is extremely challenging
and therefore, the route chosen is the most feasible location.
41. Public Need for and Benefit of Project:
This proposed recreational trail is a missing link to a key regional connection within
Arden Hills and Ramsey County. The trail will provide an aesthetically pleasing
experience for all those who utilize it. Both Ramsey County Parks and Recreation and the
City of Arden Hills continue to be proactive in developing a comprehensive trail network.
Ramsey County recently completed a Regional Trail Network Vision (available on their
website at www.co.ramsey.mn.us). Their vision is to create a network of regional trails
that provide safe pedestrian and bicycle transportation routes linking communities and
neighborhoods within and adjacent to Ramsey County. The proposed trail from Perry
Park to Tony Schmidt Regional Park is one link that will add to this network vision.
The existing unofficial (unpaved) foot path has a very steep grade and does not provide a
safe passage from Perry Park to Tony Schmidt Regional Park. Currently, the grade is
difficult to climb. Walkers and hikers can easily lose their footing and slip or falL Bikers
and persons with disabilities are unable to utilize this unofficial foot path. The proposed
trail will resolve this safety issue by constructing a trail with a solid, smooth surface and
an improved grade. The proposed recreational trail will not only provide a safe regional
connection, but will also provide safe year round recreation use for walkers, hikers, and
bikers.
Ramsey County recently finished construction of the Tony Schmidt Underpass trail that
leads to the proposed trail location. The Tony Schmidt Regional Park Master Plan has
recently been completed and numerous future improvements have been identified. The
timing to construct this trail would be ideal in the near future, in order to establish this
regional connection.
The City of of Arden Hills has a Comprehensive Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan that
includes a long list of trail and park improvements and developments. The funding for
park and trail projects has become challenging due to lack of funding. The City of Arden
Hills is almost completely developed. Therefore, our Park Fund has a depleting balance
and alternative funding sources must be explored in order to complete the City's vision.
42. Community Commitment to Trail Use:
Page 7
In 2002, the City of Arden Hills completed a Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan, which is
available on the City's website at www.ci.arden-hills.mn.us.This plan recognizes that
Arden Hills is divided by many major roads, highways and railroads. These transportation
corridors provide excellent regional vehicular access and mobility, but they separate
neighborhoods and pedestrians from parks, schools, libraries, and recreation. Trail
connections are needed to tie the City together, create a comprehensive system of parks
and trails, improve safety and enhance the sense of community.
Since 2002, the City of Arden Hills' Parks, Trails, Recreation Committee has been in the
process of updating its comprehensive plan, and has prioritized identified trail linkages
within the city that are proposed within the next twenty years. In November of2006, the
Arden Hills City Council approved a Vision and Strategies for Parks, Trails, Recreation,
and Community Building (also available on our website). This vision states:
Parks and Trails in Arden Hills enhance the health and well being of citizens, improve the
value of citizens' property, and increase the desirability ofthe city as a place to live or
work. The City's parks and trails comprise a coherent network that:
*Provides land and water-based recreation, as well as convenient and safe access to
parks, trails, and recreation facilities in the region;
*Develops and maintains a system of neighborhood parks and trails;
*Encourages non-motorized transportation and commuting;
*Supports and encourages access to lakes, marshes, and wooded areas;
*Provides connections between the portions of Arden Hills south of Highway 96 and
new development to the north, as well as among other neighborhoods separated by
roads;
*Provides important resources to schools, colleges, employers, and other organizations
in the region; and
*Strengthens community among citizens.
This vision can only be achieved with the leadership of the City Council and the support
of the community. This leadership and support are critical to generating the financial
resources necessary to develop, operate and maintain Arden Hills' parks and trails. The
Comprehensive Plan and Strategies address trail segments that are needed to connect the
community to parks, schools, libraries, and recreation. The proposed trail from Perry Park
to the existing trails leading to Tony Schmidt Regional Park is listed as a top priority (trail
#2 of Strategies) within those strategies.
Ramsey County Parks and Recreation recently completed the trail from Tony Schmidt
Regional Park under the railroad tracks (underpass), connecting to an existing arterial trail
that leads to the proposed Perry Park trail to the southwest and to County Road E2 to the
north. As part of the Tony Schmidt Master Plan, the County has proposed to extend this
trail from County Road E2 into Ramsey County Open Space, past the Arden Hills Library
to Mounds View High School (see attachment G: Tony Schmidt Development Map),
once again connecting parks, schools, libraries, and recreation within our community.
Completion of these trail connections will demonstate the City's and County's
commitment to providing safe links for biking and walking opportunities in our
communities.
Page 8
43. Impact on Adjoining Landowners in the Vicinity ofthe Project:
The City park land and open space in this area provides a beautiful recreational experience
for all trail users. The proposed trail will have no negative or adverse impact on adjoining
landowners, since it will be constructed entirely on City Park land and Ramsey County
Open Space. The neighbors surrounding Perry Park will be positively impacted with the
addition of this trail. The proposed trail will improve an already existing unofficial foot
path that is hazardous and not maintained. The proposed trail will positively impact the
City and regional area by providing a safe, maintained, and accessible link to Tony
Schmidt Regional Park as well as recreational opportunities to residents and visitors. The
Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee, which is comprised of Arden Hills residents, is
strongly in favor of this traillinlc The Committee has listed this trail link within the City's
Strategies for Parks, Trails, Recreation Community Building as a top priority to be
completed as soon as possible.
44. Attention to the Potential Environmental Impact of the Project and Efforts to Avoid or
Mitigate Adverse Effects:
Page 9
To determine the location ofthis trail, we considered the following information:
1. Obstructions within the area.
2. Topography of the area.
3. Purpose ofthe trail.
4. Impacts to residents and wildlife.
As a result of this analysis, staff recommends that the pathway navigate through both City
park land and Ramsey County Open Space. Initially, staff considered an alternate location
for this trail, which was the most direct route leading up to Perry Park. However,
constructing the trail in this location would have included extensive removal of significant
trees and disruption to wildlife. The project would have also required numerous retaining
walls, stairs, switchbacks, alternate additional routes for ADA accessibility, and
significant grading and excavation. Due to these significant impacts, the currently
selected location would be preferrable.
The selected location is unfortunately not a direct route, but is in an area that will pose the
least negative impact. The grade in this area can be brought to ADA standards with few
complications. The proposed trail goes through a wooded and open space area which is
already an unofficial, unpaved, and unmaintained foot path. The purpose ofthis trail
includes:
I. Providing a safe connection from Perry Park to Tony Schmidt Regional Park;
2. Providing a recreational trail for individuals of all abilities;
3. Encouraging alternative modes of travel;
4. Building exercise into daily life; and
5. Moving forward in fulfilling the City of Arden Hills' comprehensive trail system
VISIOn.
The construction of the proposed trail will require some additional grading to match
existing slopes. However, these areas could potentially be constructed as rain gardens or
other landscaping features that enhance the beauty of the trail. As required by the grant,
restoration of disturbed areas will involve the use of native plants and other vegetation,
and will be incorporated in the design and project documents.
Page 10
ATTACHMENT CHECKLIST
Required
~ Attachment A - Required Certifications
~ Attachment B - Resolution Supporting Application
~ Attachment C - Letters of Support
~ Attachment D - Project Location Map (8 Yz X I I)
~ Attachment E - Site Level Map (8 Yz X I I)
o Attachment F - Enhancement Award Letter (optional)
Send five copies ofthe application to the following address:
Traci Vibo, Grant Coordinator
Department of Natural Resources
Trails and Waterways Division
500 Lafayette Road, Box 52
St. Paul, MN 55155-4052
Phone: (651) 259-5619
Page 11
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