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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-13-08-WS ~ ~~HILLS Approved: February 25, 2008 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION FEBRUARY 13, 2008; 6:00 PM ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Harpstead called to order the City Council Special Worksession meeting at 6:05 p.m. Present: Mayor Stan Harpstead; Councihnembers David Grant, Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, and David McClung. Absent: None. Also present: Interim City Administrator Jim Willis; Assistant City Administrator Noah Simon; Public Works Director Gregory Hoag; Civil Engineer Kristine Giga; Jim Tolaas of Ramsey County Public Works; Chris Roy of Mn/DOT; Stacie Kvilvang of Ehlers & Associates; Mark Benson of SEH; Steve Bubul, Esq.; Ken Haider of Ramsey County Public Works; and Recording Secretary Barbara Hughes. 2. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA The agenda was approved as presented. 3. AGENDA ITEMS A. Discussion of One or More Revised Concept Plans for TH 10/CR 96 Improvements Interim City Administrator Willis presented the City Council with a memo containing a revised concept plan and explained that since the Council's last meeting, staff has met with Ms. Kvilvang and Mr. Benson to make some revisions to the previous plan that respond to the major issues raised by the Council and the public. He stated that there was a concern raised that a representative of SEH met with staff to prepare an update of the plan; the reason for this is that Mr. Benson has the background and expertise to develop two-dimensional graphics that represent ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORKSESSION - February 13, 2008 2 potential concepts for these improvements. He noted that the graphic contained in the memo is essentially the same drawing that the Council reviewed on January 28,2008, with some revisions that could be used as essentially a phasing plan component of the January 28th plan. He explained that the changes that are suggested include reducing the number of homes impacted by the improvement, eliminating the frontage road to the south, to tighten the radius on the frontage road to the north, reducing the width of the bridge over Highway 10, as well as some minor changes with the right-of-way. He stated that the revised drawing reduces the impact that requires removal of homes from the northeastern edge of Arden Manor; the impact along the south side, north of CR 96, remains unchanged. He indicated that based on his conversations with the County, the southern edge of construction should not go any farther to the south than the existing paved surfaces and as part of their turn-back project, the County will be acquiring the right-of-way from the northern side because at some future date, the bridge at the intersection of CR 96 and 35W will be widened and that bridge will be widened on the northerly side which will impact traffic as it travels westbound. Councilmember Grant asked if the bridge will be replaced or expanded. Interim City Administrator Willis replied it was his understanding that the bridge will be expanded to the north but it is unclear if that decision has been made yet. He stated that with respect to the designs, it is important to take into consideration requirements that are primarily related to safety and effective movement of traffic; as a result, the design must serve the community in order that the County can proceed with their plans for CR 96. He stated the County has informed him that they must commence their project within three months in order to maintain their proj ect funding and have the proj ect construction schedule of 20 11 maintained. In addition, the Legislature will be adopting a transportation bonding package this year and the City plans to request some funding for either the design or construction of the project. He noted that at the Federal level, Congress has indicated that any requests for transportation-related support are due around February 22, 2008; a prerequisite to the funding request being made is to have a proj ect at least approved in concept to accompany the City's request. He noted that if the City does not have these things in place, it could set that aspect of the project back and somebody will have to come forward with those funds. He requested that the City Council consider moving forward with a concept so the City can work toward obtaining a preliminary design; on a parallel track, the City will engage in ongoing discussions with the state government regarding a transportation proj ect, which all comes together ultimately as part of an overall community development package. Mayor Harpstead stated that following discussion by the Council this evening, he would like to pose several questions to the Council: (1) Is there still support for the separation ofTH 10/CR 96? (2) Does the Council still understand and support the width or alignment of CR 96 on the southern end (the "County project")? (3) Where does the Council stand as it relates to the Scherer Brothers access? (4) Should there be access that allows the movement between TH 10/CR 96? (5) What is the importance or value of access from TH 10 to the TCAAP site? ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORKSESSION - February 13, 2008 3 Councihnember Holmes asked why the road has to go to the north. Jim Tolaas, Ramsey County Public Works, stated there is a siguificant environmental concern along the south side of 96. In addition, the medians are important for safety, the shoulders are an important feature for safety, and the turn lanes provide some additional width. He stated the City will have to wrestle with whether it wants a sidewalk along the north boulevard area. He noted the new bridge has to be considerably larger, longer, and higher and the alignment of CR 96 is shifted northward to align with the I35W interchange and bridge. He stated if the County is able to curtail some of the impact on Arden Manor, it will do that, and added it is possible that some of the units along the north frontage may not be impacted. Councihnember Holden asked about the regional trail width. Mr. Tolaas stated the minimum standard is eight feet and the County is proposing 10-12 feet. Councihnember Holden asked if the trail could be moved five feet to the south to reduce some of the impact to Arden Manor. Mr. Tolaas stated when the environmental studies are completed, the County will see what the impacts are, and added it will be important to make sure the alignment on CR 96 approaching 35W is correct. Ken Haider, Ramsey County Public Works, indicated that most of this information will be available in the near future. He stated there are a number of constraints, including the lake, the bridge, and how to stage the bridge at the interchange, and these overarching concerns will guide the County as it does its preliminary engineering. Councilmember Grant stated he is in favor of trails on both sides as well as overhead or an underground connection on CR 96 given the existence of TCAAP so that people can cross over CR 96 safely. He stated he would need to see that in the plan in order to support that plan. Councihnember McClung stated he did not understand the need for a stoplight at Old Highway 10 and CR 96 ifthere is no longer a service drive coming down. Mr. Tolaas stated the County will review traffic movement to see if a signal is warranted. Discussion ensued regarding traffic volume and access points for TCAAP. Chris Roy, Mn/DOT, stated that the signal that currently exists at TH 10/CR 96 is one of the top 300 most dangerous intersections in the State. He noted there is a strong desire by people traveling on CR 96 who want to get to TH 10; with the removal of that signal, many of those people will be moved to an intersection at a desired interchange location. He indicated that while the signalized intersection at TH 10 and CR 96 is dangerous, the proposed intersection leading into TCAAP would be equally dangerous if signalized. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORKSESSION - February 13, 2008 4 Councilmember Grant stated he felt it will be crucial to include some mitigation of noise in the concept plan due to the increased volume of traffic and the likelihood of increased truck traffic. Councihnember Holden stated the cost of funding for noise abatement will likely fall on the City because the decibel level will not reach Mn/DOT's threshold. Mayor Harpstead stated that the preliminary design process can include a provision for sound mitigation; this provision can be included in the resolution adopted by the City Council. Discussion ensued regarding sound abatement. Councilmember Grant stated that the Council has previously discussed whether the City wants to maintain certain turning movements on TH 10 and CR 96. He felt the most important turning movement is northbound TH 10 to eastbound CR 96, and added this would service the residents in the Briarknoll area. Councilmember Grant stated that when Round Lake Road was done, certain land was acquired and there was an agreement between the City and the County relative to the City's use of TIP funds; that agreement needs to be revisited. Mr. Tolaas stated when the County made its improved CR 96 section and determined how much of its drainage would end up in the City, the County agreed to pay a commensurate amount of construction costs when CR 96 was constructed as well as an amount representing a payback on the signal on TH 10 based on a depreciated value. He agreed to provide that information to the City. Mayor Harpstead stated the Council previously discussed the issue of access to Scherer Brothers and an attempt to minimize the impact by still allowing Scherer Brothers to use that road. He stated one ofthe elements was the turn radius at the interchange for semi trucks. Discussion ensued regarding the frontage road at the Scherer Brothers location. Mr. Roy pointed out that a signal will not be allowed at this (alpha interchange) location due to safety and capacity concerns. Councilmember McClung stated that Councihnember Hohnes previously suggested hiring an independent outside evaluator to look at the project and assist the City Council in making its decision. He agreed with this suggestion and stated he would like the City to hire someone to assist the City Council. Discussion ensued regarding the relocation ofTH 10. Mr. Roy stated that TH 10 is not currently planned for reconstruction and stated if it were to be realigned, there would obviously be costs associated with it. He noted that as you start to relocate further to the east, you have to reconstruct that portion of TH 10 going both north and ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORKSESSION - February 13, 2008 5 south and the cost grows almost exponentially. He stated that construction of freeways in the urban area is approximately $2 million per lane mile. Councihnember Holmes asked if this option could be included as part of the Council's resolution and stated this option would have less impact/no impact on the Arden Manor homes. Mr. Roy stated that Mn/DOT can review this option and prepare some layouts for consideration by the Council, including advantages and disadvantages. Councihnember Grant stated that one of the aspects to consider when moving the road is that you are trading property; if five or ten acres in TCAAP were removed, there is a value associated with that. Questions Presented to the City Council: 1. Does the City Council still support the grade separation at CR 96 and TH 10? Councilmember McClung replied "no." Councilmember Grant stated he had serious reservations if noise abatement is not included in the plan. He added if noise mitigation can be accounted for, then he had no problem with it. Mayor Harpstead expressed his support for grade separation. Councihnember Hohnes stated she would support the grade separation, but asked that the resolution include the issue of noise mitigation being addressed and satisfactorily resolved. Councilmember Holden stated she agreed with the grade separation, subject to a right turn lane onto CR 96 from TH 10 heading north to CR 96 east. She stated she wanted to see a one leg local access. She also concurred with Councihnember Grant and Councihnember Holmes regarding the resolution of the noise abatement issue. Councihnember Grant concurred with Councihnember Holden's comment regarding the turn lane. He added if the noise abatement issue cannot be resolved, he would not support the grade separation. Councihnember McClung stated he was in support of addressing the noise abatement issue. Mayor Harpstead asked if the Council desired resolving the noise abatement issue during the preliminary design phase. Discussion ensued regarding the next phase of the plan. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORKSESSION - February 13, 2008 6 Stacie K vilvang, Ehlers & Associates, presented an overview of next steps and explained that the preliminary design phase will include preliminary designs and associated costs based on the Council's discussions. Mr. Roy stated that typically, the preliminary design phase includes a preliminary geometric layout and an environmental document; the environmental document would include noise mitigation. He stated that Mn/DOT is committed to doing a noise analysis for the area, which is impacted on TH 10, and the area left as a gap between what Mn/DOT previously studied on 694 will be added to their existing environmental assessment for the 1-694 project. He added that MniDOT is currently in the process of doing an analysis of the "gap area," also referred to the Briarknoll area. Councilmember Holmes stated if the City Council does not feel that the issue of noise abatement is properly addressed to its satisfaction during the preliminary design phase, the Council should decide to go no further. 2. Does the City Council still understand and support the width or alignment of CR 96? Councilmember Grant stated that he is in favor of a plan that mitigates impact as much as possible and prefers to see a trail on both sides. Mayor Harpstead stated he would support a plan that forgoes the north trail route and understands that the concept would include turn lanes as appropriate. Councilmember Hohnes stated she would support it with the understanding that Ramsey County will carefully look at impacts to determine if more homes can be saved. Councilmember Holden expressed her support and stated that realignment is the number one concern. Councilmember McClung stated he was not as concerned about alignment as he was about lessening the impact to the mobile home park. He stated it is crucial to minimize impact to any potential takings or additional right-of-way on CR 96. He added he supported trying to incorporate trails on one side only. 3. Where does the Citv Council stand as it relates to the Scherer Brothers concept? Mayor Harpstead stated he was in support of some form of access for Scherer Brothers. Councilmember Hohnes concurred with Mayor Harpstead and stated by law, the City is required to provide as safe as possible. Councihnember Holden stated she was in support of access for Scherer Brothers, adding that she also supported the loss of the proposed off ramp to have Scherer Brothers' access run more parallel with TH 10. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORKSESSION - February 13, 2008 7 Councihnember McClung expressed concern that it does not appear that Scherer Brothers is sharing any of the impact here. Councihnember Grant stated he did not view Scherer Brothers as being given superior access in terms of safety. He stated they are being impacted somewhat and expressed support for access for Scherer Brothers. He added he would be in favor of minimizing the amount of homes taken there by moving that access as far to the north and east as possible. Discussion ensued regarding the diamond interchange. Mayor Harpstead requested input regarding access between TH 10 and CR 96 and preserving the movements onto TH 10 and the diamond interchange. Councilmember Hohnes stated she felt strongly about removing the northwest leg (southbound TH 10 to the intersection) and finding a safe, effective manner to move that to TCAAP or, alternatively, move TH 10 northeast into TCAAP. Councilmember Holden stated it would be her desire to force all traffic into TCAAP. She added she hoped to see further access from the south of Round Lake Road at some point. Councihnember Hohnes stated when you get off the southbound leg, you have to go through TCAAP to get onto CR 96. Councilmember McClung expressed his disagreement with this configuration and asked about including a signalized intersection. Councilmember Grant stated it will be important to maintain the turning movements. Mayor Harpstead concurred. Mayor Harpstead asked the City Council: 4 Is it important to maintain the access from TH 10 to the TCAAP property (northbound on TH 10 with access to the "alpha" bridge to get to TCAAP)? Councihnember Holden stated she supported 3/4 access. Councihnember McClung stated he supported 1/4 access with no exit from TCAAP onto TH 10. He stated he would be willing to let people off of TH 10 onto TCAAP. Councilmember Grant stated he supported access to TCAAP both north and south. Mayor Harpstead stated he believed this is a value proposition for TCAAP. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORKSESSION - February 13, 2008 8 Councihnember Holmes stated she supported three legs. She indicated you could come out of TCAAP and go south on TH 10. Councilmember Holden concurred with Councilmember Hohnes. Mayor Harpstead indicated that what would be left off is a southbound access to TCAAP. Councilmember Hohnes indicated there could be a frontage road right onto that exit ramp. Mayor Harpstead noted there was a preference stated earlier to have this be a signalized intersection. Councilmember McClung stated he would be in favor of that. Councihnember Grant stated he would be in favor of that and added he felt the two legs of the east side of TH 10 could remain. He noted there would be one dangerous turning radius on southbound TH 10 into TCAAP or southbound TH 10 out of TCAAP. He added that would be a phase-in since the grade is unclear at this time. Mayor Harpstead stated he would be opposed to this because it presents a signal too close to the freeway ramps and the boundaries of these intersections are already at threshold; this would negatively impact the overall neighborhood. Councilmember Holmes stated she would like to have this idea considered. Councihnember Holden stated she supported Councilmember Grant's statement but would take out the phasing part. Mayor Harpstead asked the City Council: 5 If TH 10 were moved to the east, does the City Council intend for all four lanes to be moved? Councilmember Grant stated he would not be in favor of this. He added there needs to be a way to resolve the impact to Arden Manor, but moving TH 10 is not the correct way to do that. Mayor Harpstead stated he would be in favor of exploring the quality of the roadbed and to rebuild as much as possible to the northeast. Councilmember Hohnes stated she would like this idea to be considered meaningfully during the preliminary design phase as a means to further decrease the impact on Arden Manor. Councilmember Holden concurred with Councihnember Holmes. Councilmember McClung expressed his support for moving TH 10. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORKSESSION - February 13, 2008 9 Discussion ensued regarding next steps and the preliminary design phase. Mr. Roy stated that during the preliminary design phase, you look at all available options and develop profiles that maximize the best design while minimizing costs. He stated that Mn/DOT is currently doing the preliminary engineering design for the Ramsey County CR 96 project; since Mn/DOT owns the highway (THlO), it is responsible for reviewing the "alpha" bridge and all access to the highway. There was consensus by the City Council to: (l) Direct staffto prepare a matrix based on the City Council's answers to the questions posed by Mayor Harpstead this evening.; (2) Direct staff to prepare a resolution for City Council review at a worksession.; and, (3) Request Mn/DOT to prepare a preliminary design document that includes all of the issues raised by the City Council this evening. 4. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS None. 5. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Councihnember Grant moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a motion the meeting at 8:54 p.m. The motion carried (5-0). .1t#I~ Noah A. Simon Deputy City Clerk