HomeMy WebLinkAbout4E, Resolution 2008-15 Supporting the MN DNR Trail
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City Council
Agenda Packet Item:
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Request for Council Action
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Prepared By: Michelle Olson -'I
Dept.: Public-Works""-'--'.""
Council Mtg. Date: ... ....... ..------~-:-~~~~~~~~i?~;:~9:Q:~::::::m"'.".
Final Action Needed By: Februa~~L~.QQ.L__
USudgetedAmounF $56,0~0
Actual Amount: u ~$58;625
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1 Motion to adopt Resolution 2008-15: --Resolutil:.1I1--suppo-iilng--the: Minnesota DNR Local Trail Connection Grant Application for the Perry Parkl
i Regional Trail Connection.
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X No.: 2008-15
No.:
"" Recommendation:
......Llurney Recommendation:
X Other: DNR Local Trail Connection Grant Application and Project Map
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Staff budgeted $56,000 in 2008 for this project. The total project cost is estimated at $58,625. ."j'fihe:-City-ie-cehies..'ftJ"ndfil'jj';-ihe:-con-strucii'on.....
costs will not be utilized until 2009. $26,150 will be reimbursable.
The grant awards are expected to be announced by July, 2008. ffihe City receives fundTng:ifiS proposed thafihe specifications and plans'
be prepared in 2008, with construction scheduled for spring of 2009.
\\Metro-inet.us\ardenhills\PR&PW\Parks\Memos\Council Actions\DNR Grant Request far Actian02-25-08.doc
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CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-15
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 January
14, 2008 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 25TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2008.
Stanley D. Harpstead, Mayor
ATTEST:
Jim Willis, Interim City Administrator
\\Metro-inel.us\ardenhills\Admin\Council\Resolutions\2008\200B_O15, Supporting a Minnesota DNR Local Trail Connection Grant.doc
2008 LOCAL TRAIL CONNECTION PROGRAM APPLICATION
Before completing this application read the program manual that contains
instructions on completing this form.
GENERAL CONTACT INFORMATION:
1.
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
651-634-5128
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. Web site (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:
$ 58,625.00
24. Amonnt Requested:
$ 26,150.00
25. Local Match
$ 26,150.00 plus $6,325.00 for engineering for a total of$32,475.00
26. What is the source of the local match?
City of Arden Hills - Special Revenue Fund - Park Fund for Parks and Recreation
Construction Projects
27. Have those funds been secured?
k2J Yes 0 No
28. Will other non-local funds be used for this project?
DYes k2J No
If yes, give amount:
$
29. What is the source of the 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. If this project is for a new trail development, please indicate estimated length:
Feet (ifless than Y:, mile): 1,410 l.f.
Miles: .27
Page 2
33. Below, please indicate which uses will directly benefit from the proposed project:
[2J Walking/Hiking
[2J 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 proj ect consists of construction of a recreational trail in two segments.
1. Segment A: Construction of an eight (8) foot wide (red on map) bituminous
recreational trail that will begin in Perry Park and will lead to a road that is currently
utilized for the City's lift station. There is currently an unpaved and unofficial foot path in
the general location of the proposed (8) foot trail that does not meet the Americans with
Disabilities 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 project will
improve the grade and cross slope to meet ADA standards and will create a recreational
walking trail that can be used year round.
2. Segment B: Continue from the proposed segment A with construction of a twelve (12)
foot wide (yellow on map) bituminous recreational trail that will link to the beginning of
the Tony Schmidt Underpass Trail (green on map). This segment will be located on a
road for a lift station for the City of Arden Hills. This is a road that currently consists of
recycled bituminous. The road will need to be graded and paved to provide an ADA
compliant trail. Due to the type of vehicles that utilize this road, the width needs to be a
twelve (12) foot wide minimum. Ramsey County has proposed in 2008 to then complete
this twelve (12) foot wide bituminous path to County Road E2 (orange on map) as part of
their Tony Schmidt Regional Master Plan. Also listed in the Tony Schmidt Plan is a plan
to extend these trails from County Road E2 through Ramsey County Open Space to
Mounds View High School.
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 Regional Park, which also has a variety of activities and amenities.
This will provide a key regional connection for Arden Hills residents, visitors, and
neighbors of Perry Park.
Page 4
35. Costs Associated with the Project:
TOTAL PROJECT COST ESTIMATE: $58,625.00
Planned Unit Total
Item Quantity Unit Price Amount
Mobilization 1.00 I.s. $ 2,000.00 $ 2,000.00
Clearing and grubbing 0.15 acre $ 6,000.00 $ 900.00
Bituminous path (8' wide) 900.0 l.f. $ 19.00 $17,100.00
Bituminios path (12' wide) 510.0 I.f. $ 30.00 $ 15,300.00
Retaining wall 500.0 s.f. $ 20.00 $10,000.00
Erosion Control 1.0 I.s. $ 6,000.00 $ 6,000.00
Restoration 1.0 I.s. $ 1,000.00 $ 1,000.00
Base Bid Total $52,300.00
Engineering Services $ 6,325.00
---------------
Total Project Cost $58,625.00
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
2009.
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 recently completed a
comprehensive pavement management program (PMP) inventory of all existing trails. All
trails were 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 the proposed trails is estimated at approximately $1,500.
36. Project Timeline:
Design/Specifications: September, 2008
Permit Applications: October, 2008
Bid Process: January, 2009
Award of Bid: February, 2009
Construction Start Date: April, 2009
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37. Project Readiness:
Since this project will be located on City park land and Ramsey County Open Space, no
land acquistion will be necessary. Ramsey County Parks and Recreation is supportive of
Page 5
the proposed trail connections and have concurred that the selected location of the
proposed segment A (red on map) from Perry Park 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 ofthis project.
Preliminary plans and cost estimates for this proj ect have been completed to date. If the
project is selected, final plans and specifications, advertisement for bids, and contract
award will be completed in a timely manner for spring 2009 construction. A permit from
Rice Creek Watershed District will also be required. The City Council is committed to
completing the project if the City is selected for funding. Attachment B icludes a signed
resolution from the City Council dated February 25, 2008.
38. Year Round Trail Usage:
The current unoffical and unpaved foot path that exists in the area where segment A (red
on map) is proposed has a very steep grade and therefore, it is not ADA compliant or
passable in the winter. Segment B (yellow on map) is located along a rough road utilized
for the City's lift station access. The surface is made up gravel/recycled bituminous. This
segment is not ADA compliant. The proposed construction of an ADA compliant trail
along both segments will allow for year round use and maintenance. The City of Arden
Hills will remove snow during the winter months from the entire trail (made up of
segment A and B). 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:
The proposed trail (segment A & B) is a key component within the Ramsey County's
Tony Schmidt Master Plan (Attachment G). This 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). Ramsey County has proposed to pave in 2008 the
existing rough trail (orange on map) from the Tony Schmidt Underpass trail (green on
map) to County Road E2 in 2008. It is listed in the Tony Schmidt Master Plan for a new
recreational trail from County Road E2 through Ramsey County Open Space all the way
to Mounds View High School. There is no timetable of when this will take place. The
proposed segment A is the 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 (green on map) from Tony Schmidt Park to the rough lift station
road. The City of Arden Hills contributed funds for the construction of this underpass.
Page 6
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
navigate 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.
40. Accessibility:
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 for segment A is the most feasible location.
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. The location of segment B is along a rough road that is
not ADA compliant. This proposed trail made up of segment A and B is the missing link
to a fully accessible! ADA compliant recreational trail connection from Perry Park to Tony
Schmidt Regional Park. The existing trail (green)leading through the railroad underpass
and to Tony Schmidt Regional Park was recently paved and is accessible to people with
disablitities.
41. Public Need for and Benefit of Project:
The proposed project provides the missing link to establishing 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 will add to this network vision.
The existing unofficial (unpaved) foot path where segment A of the trail has been
proposed to be located 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 (segment A and B) 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 ofthe 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 Ramsey County Tony Schmidt Regional Park Master Plan
(Attachment G) stated that in the 2005 Regional Park Visit Estimate Report, the park had
Page 7
287,300 visitors in 2005. Fifty-one percent ofthe park's use was found to be from people
who live outside of Ramsey County, determined by a 2004 survey. A significant increase
in trail use is anticipated as the trail system will have connections to residential
neighborhoods, two schools, a city park, library and college, as well as providing trail
experiences for park visitors. Based on 2005 regional park visits for regional trails in
Ramsey County, it is anticipated that these trails will serve an additional 75,000-100,000
visitors per year.
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:
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 of 2006, 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 of the 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 ofthe City Council and the support
of the community. This leadership and support are critical to generating the [mancial
resources necessary to develop, operate and maintain Arden Hills' parks and trails. The
Page 8
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 lift station
road (proposed segment B) 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 ofthis trail connection will demonstate the City's and
County's commitment to providing safe links for biking and walking opportunities in our
communities.
43. Impact on Adjoining Landowners in the Vicinity of the 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. Segment A of the proposed trail will improve an already existing
unofficial foot path that is hazardous and not maintained. This 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 trail link. 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:
To determine the location ofthis trail, we considered the following information:
I. 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.
Page 9
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 of this trail
includes:
1. 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 ofthe 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
I:gJ Attachment A - Required Certifications
I:gJ Attachment B - Resolution Supporting Application
I:gJ Attachment C - Letters of Support
I:gJ Attachment D - Project Location Map (8 Yz X 11)
I:gJ Attachment E - Site Level Map (8 Yz X 11)
o Attachment F - Enhancement Award Letter (optional)
ATTACHMENT CHECKLIST
Required
Send five copies of the 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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