HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-13-09-R ,--AVEN HILLS
Approved: May 11, 2009
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 13, 2009
7:00 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Stan Harpstead called to order
the regular City Council meeting at 7:02 p.m.
Present: Mayor Stan Harpstead; Council Members David Grant, Brenda
Holden, and Dave McClung and Fran Holmes.
Absent: None.
Also present: City Administrator Ronald Moorse; Public Works Director
Gregory Hoag; Civil Engineer Kristine Giga; Jim Tolaas, Ramsey County;
Chris Chromy, Bolton and Menk Inc.; and Recording Secretary, Tina Borg.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Grant
seconded a motion to approve the agenda as presented. The motion
carried unanimously (5-0)
2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL
A. TCAAP Update
City Administrator Ronald Moorse stated the City presented information _
regarding the special tax increment financing legislation to the House Tax
Committee at a hearing that was held on Friday April 3. The information appeared
to be well-received by the Committee. The Senate hearing should be in the next
MR-DEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 13,2009 2
couple of weeks. Funding for the I35W/County Road H interchange project may be
available through the High Priority Project solicitation in the new Federal
Transportation Reauthorization bill. Congresswoman McCollum's office has
contacted the City regarding preparing a funding request. We will discuss this with
Congresswoman McCollum's office in a meeting on April 15. Representatives of
the City and Ryan Companies are scheduled to meet with representatives of the
Army and GSA, on April 22 in Washington D.C. The meeting is being facilitated
by Congresswoman McCollum. The purpose of the meeting is to move the sale of
the property forward by working through outstanding issues such as the cost of site
clean-up.
Councilmember Holden asked if Shoreview said they would help with some of the
design costs for County Road H.
City Administrator Moorse stated that the Shoreview has not indicated that they
would contribute funds but he is trying to get in touch with the City Manager to
discuss this with him.
Councilmember Holden stated that she had talked with a couple of Shoreview's
Councilmembers and they had expressed interest.
Public
Mayor Harpstead opened the public inquin'es/informational at 7:06 p.m.
Mr. Chuck Mertensotto, 3473 Lake Johanna Blvd., Arden Hills, thanked the
Council for having the foresight to have insurance for the sewer backup damages
that were sustained by himself and his neighbors. He stated that the City should
make sure that the sewers are properly taken care of. He met with Representative
Kate Knuth and reminded her that while she is sponsoring the city's TIF legislation,
the City of Arden Hills is behind on their affordable housing and they have nothing
in writing relating to affordable housing on the TCAAP property. The
Comprehensive Plans that the City has submitted do not meet current requirements
and suggested that community members will attend the legislation session when this
item comes up for vote and object to it.
Mayor Harpstead closed the public inquiries/information at 7:08 p.m.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. January 12, 2009 Regular City Council Meeting
B. January 20, 2009 City Council Work Session Meetin
g
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 13,2009 3
-- Mayor Harpstead stated on page 5, the third paragraph, the last line should be
changed from National Guard to Army.
Mayor Harpstead stated that on page 5, the fifth paragraph, the second sentence
should be deleted because it is out of context.
C. February 9, 2009 Regular City Council Meeting
D. February 17, 2009 City Council Work Session Meeting
Councilmember McClung stated that on page 15, the third paragraph from the
bottom of the page; replace City Hall with Public Works.
E. March 9, 2009 Regular City Council Meeting
F. March 16, 2009 City Council Work Session Meeting
Mayor Harpstead stated that on page 3, the second line, Mn/DOT should be
changed to Mn/DOT.
G. March 24, 2009 City Council Work Session Meeting
H. March 24, 2009 Regular City Council Meeting
I. April 8, 2009 Closed City Council Work Session Meeting
MQ'TIQN; Mayor Harpstead moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a
motion to approve the January 12, 2009 Regular City Council Meeting,
February 9, 2009 Regular City Council Meeting, March 9, 2009
Regular City Council meeting, March 24, 2009 City Council Work
Session Meeting, March 24, 2009 Regular City Council meeting, and
the April 8, 2009 Closed City Council Work Session Meeting minutes
as presented and the January 20, 2009 City Council Work Session
Meeting, February 17, 2009 City Council Work Session Meeting,
March 16, 2009 City Council Work Session Meeting as amended.
Councilmember Holmes clarified that in the January 20, 2009 City Council Work
Session Meeting there was a paragraph out of context.
Mayor Harpstead stated that it was just the second sentence in the fifth paragraph
on page 5 that was out of context and would require more clarification than the
sentence allows.
Councilmember Holmes asked if this sentence should be modified rather than
deleted.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COL}NCIL-April 13,2009 4
Mayor Harpstead stated that he would remove the sentence.
Councilmember Holden suggested that a period be placed after "be credited back"
and the remainder of the paragraph be deleted.
Mayor Harpstead stated that he would accept this.
The motion was called to a vote. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Claims and Payroll
B. Motion to Authorize City Staff to Begin Summer Work Hours on May
M 2009 and Conclude on September 4, 2009
MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Grant
seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented and
to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein.
The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
5. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
None.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
7. NEW BUSINESS
A. Motion of Support to Complete Environmental Documentation
and Preliminary Design for the US 10/CR 96 Grade Separation
and CSAH 96 Improvements using the Signalized Intersection
Alternative as the Preferred Alternative.
Mayor Harpstead stated that Mr. Tolaas had not yet arrived but was on his way.
He suggested moving to item 8A until Mr. Tolaas arrived.
There was a consensus of the Council to move to item 8A until Mr. Tolaas arrived.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 13, 2009 5
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Motion to Approve Ordinance No. 2009-005 - An ordinance to
provide for the inspection of property to determine illegal
connections to the sanitary sewer system, to provide for certain
reimbursements to property owners of expenses related to
comuliance with connection requirements, and to provide a
surcharge for noncompliance with inspection and connection
requirements.
City Administrator Moorse stated that this was an ordinance that provided for
inspection of illegal connections into the sanitary sewer system. This ordinance had
been before the Council at the February 9, 2009 meeting and there were two areas
which needed additional information. These were the handling of a sump pit
without a sump pump and the cost of a sump pump inspection program based on the
provisions of the ordinance. The current building code requires all new homes to
have a drainage system which generally include a sump pit. There may be homes
that have a sump pit but do not need a sump pump. He suggested that since a sump
pit without a sump pump does not have an illegal connection to the sanitary sewer
system, it was not necessary to take any enforcement action. The language related
to sump pits has been deleted from the proposed ordinance. The two main costs of
the inspection program are the cost of reimbursing property owners for a portion of
the cost f bringing non-compliant connections into compliance, and the cost of the
inspections. The total cost of the 2009 inspection program is projected to be
approximately $3 1,000 and the 2009 I&I work plan budget includes $50,000 for the
sump pump inspection program.
MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Mayor Harpstead seconded a
motion to Approve Ordinance No. 2009-005 - An ordinance to provide
for the inspection of property to determine illegal connections to the
sanitary sewer system, to provide for certain reimbursements to
property owners of expenses related to compliance with connection
requirements, and to provide a surcharge for noncompliance with
inspection and connection requirements.
MOTION: Mayor Harpstead moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a
motion to change Subdivision 10, the first paragraph, the last sentence
to read "to a lifetime maximum of$300.00".
Councilmember Holden asked if this was in reference to the lifetime of the
property or the lifetime of the owner of the property.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 13, 2009 6
Mayor Harpstead clarified that it would be the lifetime of the property.
Councilmember Grant stated that the language of the paragraph did clarify that it
was the lifetime of the property.
The amendment was called to a vote. The amendment carried unanimously (5-0).
Councilmember Holmes asked why the surcharge fee was not addressed within the
ordinance.
City Administrator Moorse stated that the surcharge fee was not included because
this would allow the City greater flexibility. in changing the fee without having to
change the ordinance.
Councilmember Holmes clarified that the surcharge fee would be in the City's fee
schedule. She also stated that the fee should be included in the ordinance.
Councilmember Holden stated the City had at one time gone through the
ordinances and removed the, fee amounts so they could be addressed in the fee
schedule.
Councilmember Holmes stated that the surcharge fee would need to be in the fee
schedule. She also stated that she would like to know what other cities are
charging.
Mayor Harpstead asked if it would be helpful to add to Subdivision 1 1 the phrase
"as contained in the City's fee schedule".
Councilmember Holmes stated that this would not be necessary.
Councilmember Holden asked what the time frame was for residents to supply a
certificate to the City if they used a certified plumber to verify that their property
was in compliance with the ordinance, as referenced in Subdivision 9.
City Administrator Moorse stated that Subdivision 10, the second paragraph does
address this. It states that "such a surcharge shall also be imposed upon any
property owner, lessee, or occupant who, within sixty days of receiving a notice of
the need for an inspection, fails to make or keep a scheduled appointment for the
inspection of their property, has not allowed their property to be inspected, or fails
to provide the-certificate from a City registered State licensed plumber as required
by Subdivision 9".
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 13,2009 7
Councilmember Holden asked when the City did a notification if they would
r=-- eventually go to a certified notification if there was no response from a resident.
Councilmember Grant stated that this would get into the details of how to create a
schedule to meet with residents, which is beyond the scope of the ordinance itself.
Mayor Harpstead stated that the City will need to make sure that they have
documentation of receipt of notification in order to trigger the sixty days.
The motion as amended was called to a vote. The motion carried unanimously (5-
0).
MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Councilmember Grant
seconded a motion to approve publishing a summary of Ordinance No.
2009-005. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
7. NEW BUSINESS
A. Motion of Support to Complete Environmental Documentation
and Preliminary Design for the US 10/CR 96 Grade Separation
and CSAH 96 Improvements using the Signalized Intersection
Alternative as the Preferred Alternative.
Mr. Jim Tolaas, Ramsey County, stated that as the bounty and City move forward
with the environmental studies they need to focus on one alternative rather than
continuing to carry two alternatives forward. There has been some additional
information from the residents of Arden Manor with concerns about loss of access
and a burden the community would have with the roundabout option. They had
expressed a preference for the signalized option to the CSAH 96. One of the
comments that Mn/DOT Traffic had made about the roundabout version was that
the east terminal was overly complicated. They had recommended that this
roundabout be split into two roundabouts with one being at the Round Lake Road
entrance to the industrial park and a new entrance to the Arden Manor Park. There
has been a split in feedback with some people stating that roundabouts do provide
an innovative solution. One of the challenges with roundabouts is the fiscally
constrained environment. Mn/DOT at this point is reversing earlier indications that
they would be able to fund roundabouts. There are a number of regional decisions
that need to be made including the development of the TCAAP property which will
affect Interstate 35W. It is possible to leave the question of the interstate to
Mn/DOT and still put in two roundabouts between Interstate 35W and Highway 10
with one caveat. Sometimes when a roundabout is put to close too other signal
operations the queuing at the signal can overload a roundabout.
AR-DEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 13,2009 g
Councilmember Holmes asked to clarify where the roundabouts and signal
combinations would occur.
Mr. Tolaas stated he is referring to the situation were Mn/DOT would not fund
roundabouts on the east and west terminal of I35W. They are currently working
with Mn/DOT to determine if temporary signals can provide adequate service for
the next five to ten years while the bigger regional issues are sorted out. He
suggested that the signal lights be installed in concert with the grade separation
proj ect ay Highway 10 and County Road 96. He also stated that some sort of traffic
control on Old Highway 8 would need to be reviewed. Roundabouts do model out
as operating a little better than signalized intersections but they are more costly to
build and provide less operational modification or revision. At this time Mn/DOT
has pulled Interstate 694 from their 20 year improvement plan so the modeling that
is being done for other projects are now adjusting for this.
Mayor Harpstead reviewed the signalized intersection draft. At the work session
Council had recommended moving in the direction of signalized intersections. He
asked if there were any problems or objections presented from neighboring cities
such as New Brighton on the signalized version.
Mr. Tolaas stated that there have been no objections to the signalized version but
they have not heard from New Brighton regarding this option.
Councilmember Holden stated that New Brighton's concerns were with the
roundabouts.
Mr. Tolaas stated that one of the logistical issues is how the model will predict
how the Northwest Quadrant will react to these improvements. This approach is
very similar to Highway 96. The thing that happens on the west end is that it
interacts with the Interstate and requires multiple signal placements closer than the
original model for Highway 96. Mn/DOT's indication is that with good
synchronization a good Level of service could result out of this configuration at Least
in the short term. The real concern here is if there were major improvements or
developments that occur without addressing the larger regional connection
requirements.
Mayor Harpstead clarified that Mr. Tolaas was refemng to Interstate 694 and the
intersection with Interstate 35W.
Mr. Tolaas stated that continuing to build without addressing these connections
would be very challenging.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 13,2009 9
Councilmember Grant stated that there was a roundabout in Eagan and it was
amazing to watch the drivers yielding or not yielding at the appropriate times. The
roundabout did get plugged up. The size of the roundabout does matter and as the
size increases there is more capacity. He stated that five roundabouts in such a
short distance could be problematic and the City may be designing into something
that they would not be able to design out of. This particular design needs to be
signalized intersections.
Councilmember Holmes stated that at previous meetings it was stated that it was
not recommended that roundabouts be mixed with signalized intersections. She
asked why the City would consider mixing the two in this particular design.
Mr. Tolaas stated it is correct that this would be a concern. He offered that during
the additional work with the State Traffic Office on forecasting and trying to model
the interim solution, if they ran into a problem and could not make it work and
provide adequate service at this interchange, they could come back to the City and
ask them to review their decision. Mn/DOT's review has even changed in the last
couple of weeks as the City and County have wrestled with this issue.
Councilmember Holmes stated that she has advocated for four-way stops at the
two entrances and exits Like the ones that are on County Road E. She also stated
that a signal was not needed on Old Highway 8. A four-way stop would provide a
more measured traffic flaw into the roundabouts.
Mr. Tolaas stated that there are currently about 15,000 cars per day in the area
approaching Interstate 35 and at Old Highway 8 the westbound to southbound
Highway 96 left turn was 825 cars at peak time in 2006. A signal at this
intersection will help in keeping it from breaking down. Old Highway 8 starts to
load up and affects the interchange itself and a signal would allow traffic to move
more quickly and effectively.
Councilmember Holmes asked if this was more a problem in the morning peak
travel time versus the evening peak travel time.
Mr. Tolaas stated that it would depend on the movement that was being discussed.
Signals can balance out the traffic more by changing the timing based on the time of
day. Unless there are geometric changes at the intersection signals will only help
with timing and distribution of the traffic.
Councilmember Holmes stated that she had talked with an engineer who had
stated that the typical progression for an intersection was to move from having no
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 13, 2009 10
traffic signaling to a four-way stop intersection and then to traffic lights. She
pointed out that this option would skip the four-way stops and that it was being
justified by traffic counts.
Mr. Tolaas stated that the question that Mn/DOT raised was if the City put this in
and County Road 96 works better, what will this do to the interchange terminal
area.
Councilmember Holmes stated that a four-way stop would not make going south
difficult.
Mr. Tolaas stated that the numbers from Old Highway 8 would have to be
considered as well. He stated that he has been told that in order to provide a good
service level then they should be looking at a signalized intersection. He stated that
a signal on Old Highway 8 may not be needed until 2012 or later. He stated that as
the improvements are made they need to be mindful that the problem may be
pushed elsewhere in the system. He stated that a low cost temporary signal at this
particular intersection would be recommended. He also stated that from Round
Lake Road to the Interstate that even though it may look like a new road it would-
not be a concrete road section. They anticipate that this will be constructed at such
time as the interchange moves forward.
Mayor Harpstead clarified that halfway between the two lights in the draft the
improvements to Highway 96 would stop in anticipation of a future bridge change
going over Interstate 3 5 W.
Mr. Tolaas stated that this was correct. A future bridge construction would involve
building a new half while traffic ran on the old half and that structure would be
configured to cover the new lane configuration of Interstate 35W. There would be a
three to four foot increase in height of the existing bridge height and the grades
would have to be meshed.
Councilmember Holden asked if Mn/DOT would be required to put money into
the projects if they required roundabouts because they determine that they work
better.
Mr. Tolaas stated that is correct. It would be driven by regional benefit. Mn/DOT
may also argue that the reason that those benefits are now needed is because of the
TCAAP property has been redeveloped. As a County they do not want to cut off
access to their State Aid and Turnback dollars in the future so they may use their
State Aid dollars for the temporary connection for the west side of Round Lake and
the terminal
AR-DEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 13,2409 11
Councilmember Holden asked if there was a date on these funds.
Mr. Tolaas stated that the date was extended to twenty five years from the date that
it was turned over which was 1994. He stated that County did not want to sacrifice
their ability to improve this section correctly.
Councilmember Grant stated that there is another signal that is not shown in the
diagram which is across from North Heights Lutheran Church.
Mr. Tolaas stated that at this time there is not a new roadway going north through
TCAAP and at some point. The City may want to consider if they want to have this
signal in and operating when it goes to a dead end and the City is asking North
Heights Lutheran Church to reconfigure there entrance. This may be something
that the City would like to do at a later date.
Councilmember Grant agreed that there were some design considerations in this
location.
Councilmember Holden stated that there is a concern from the residents on
Keithson Drive and being able to get in and out of their street. The street light by
North Heights Lutheran Church would provide a break in traffic and allow access to
and from Keithson Drive.
Mr. Tolaas stated that there is a large gap in the western end of the road but the
signals on this end would be coordinated with the rest of the signals on County
Road 96.
Councilmember Holden asked about having the reduction in speed to 40 miles per
hour moved further west instead of at the bottom of the hill because those drivers
going down the hill are already by the sign when they see it.
Mr. Tolaas stated that he would look at how the area is zoned and if it can be
moved farther west.
Councilmember McClung stated that the Council had put .together a Position
Paper regarding several of the upcoming transportation projects. Two of the issues
that the Council had stated were important were, in terms of the flyover that some
access be provided from westbound Highway 10 to eastbound County Road 96, and
the other issue was the traffic noise issues and sound mitigation in the Briarknoll
neighborhood. He asked if these issues were addressed in the current plans dealing
with the flyover for the intersection.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 13,20(}9 IZ
-- Mr. Tolaas stated that these were not. When Ramsey County looked at the traffic
modeling they did not see numbers at north Highway IO or east County Road 96
that would justify the investment in an off ramp configuration there. He also stated
that the ramps on the north side that are included in this plan are considered
temporary. Mn/DOT and the Federal Highway Administration have already gone
on record saying that these are temporary ramps, if and when a local access is
constructed on Highway 10 these would have to be removed and at that time
Highway 10 and County Road 96 will have no connection other than a southbound
one-way frontage road coming from the newlocal access interchange.
Councilmember McCIung clarified that this was assuming that this was
constructed.
Mr. Tolaas stated that the ramps would meet all standards for. access to a freeway.
He stated that with respect to the noise the noise analysis that has been done as part
of the Interstate 694/Interstate 35E to Interstate 35W environmental assessment
which was expanded, the noise issue that affects the Briarknoll neighborhood is
really from Interstate 694 and the initial exit to Highway 10 and this is not driven
by what happens on Highway 10 and County Road 96. He stated that the noise
issue is not over but this project is not where it will be resolved. Ramsey County
has worked with the State and they are going to be able to coordinate an overlay of
Highway 10 as the County's project commences in 2011 and this would have a
smoother, quieter pavement surface.
Councilmember Holden asked where the overlay would be.
Mr. ToIaas stated that it would be from where is initially comes off Interstate 694
and carry down to the exit to Interstate 35W.
Councilmember Grant stated that as County Road 96 goes under Highway 10, the
amount of reconstruction on Highway 10 is very short. The reconstruction on
Highway 10 is done by Mn/DOT and the reconstruction on County Road 96 is the
County. Mn/DOT could look at this as a reconstruction of a very short stretch
consisting of nothing more than the bridge and on the other side where Highway 10
comes off of Interstate 694 there is no construction. Looking to the south by the
Briarknoll neighborhood, from the perspective of Mn/DOT nothing changes, but the
reality is that taking out that light does change the dynamics. He stated that he is
hopeful that overlay surface will be optimal and asked what they were considering
to do with the overlay.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 13, 2009 13
Mr. Tolaas stated that at this time they are looking at using a blacktop overlay as
opposed to a concrete overlay. He stated that with white topping there is an astro-
drag surface that is less objectionable than tinning.
Councilmember Holden asked about sound walls for Arden Manor.
Mr. Tolaas stated that the noise study is not complete and they have to redo it
because some of the standards and methodology have changed since the last study
was completed but the Council can count on the fact that the Arden Manor area will
qualify for sound mitigation and this would be due to the density of homes close to
the highway. It will be between the community and the Arden Manor community
to determine whether the wall and some of the shade issues is acceptable.
Councilmember Holden asked if there had been a determination on whether the
State panned to do an overlay for sure.
Mr. Tolaas stated that this could be reported back through Staff in the next month
or so.
Mayor Harpstead stated that it was implied in the Staff document that the County
was going to proceed with environmental documentation and finish the preliminary
design. He asked if this would come back to Council again.
Mr. Tolaas stated that it would came back to Council again later this year and there
would be a formal hearing process required. This was still an environmental
assessment document and there is a formal hearing and public hearing requirement.
He stated that they would look to Staff at the PMT level to bring back any updates
that may require the City's input.
Councilmember McClung asked for clarification on the timing. He asked if the
formal environmental process with the formal hearings would be completed before
it would be brought to the Council for municipal consent.
Mr. Tolaas stated that municipal consent would apply to the final design plans.
Councilmembe'r McClung clarified that the formal environmental process and
formal hearings would need to be completed before municipal consent could be
given.
Mr. Tolaas stated that this was correct and the process was delayed a couple of
months due to considering roundabouts.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 13, 2009 14
Councilmember Grant asked if the bituminous overlay was something that was
............
being considered, if it was already approved or where in the process this was with
Mn/DOT.
Mr. Tolaas stated that a few months ago it was in the program for 2012. Ramsey
County was working with Mn/DOT to coordinate that effort with the County's
improvements of grade separation. He was not sure where in the program the
overlay was at this time or if it was still in the program. He stated that he would
report this informati on back to the Council.
MOTION: Mayor Harpstead moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a
motion of Support to Complete Environmental Documentation and
Preliminary Design for the US 10/CR 96 Grade Separation and CSAH
96 Improvements using the Signalized Intersection Alternative as the
Preferred Alternative.
Councilmember McClung stated that he would not support this motion. He
credited the County and Mr. Tolaas for working with Arden Manor but there were
still issues that the City would like to see resolved. These issues include where the
flyover is going to be, Round Lake Blvd and how that will impact the manufactured
home park in Arden Manor. He stated that the sound mitigation for the Briarknoll
neighborhood and access from westbound Highway 10 to eastbound County Road
96 continue to be concerns for the Council and need to be addressed as well.
Councilmember Holmes asked if it would help the County to stay on schedule if
the motion were passed without a preferred alternative identified. She stated that
there were still too many "what ifs" at this time and would not support a
recommendation at this time.
Mr. Tolaas stated that there are subtle differences in the environmental studies and
it was important to just continue with only one alternative at this time.
Councilmember Holmes stated that she was under the impression that both
alternatives would continue to be modeled at this time.
Mr. Tolaas stated that this was incorrect and that whatever the City helped the
County to decide on would be modeled. He stated that the County would also be
talking to New Brighton in regards to any decisions made.
Councilmember Grant stated that signals were the correct way to go. He stated
that he did not hear that the overlay was definitely attached to this project and the
noise mitigation for the Briarknoll neighborhood had not been properly explored.
AR-DEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 13, 2009 15
He stated that he approved of the design but may not vote in favor because these
issues had not been.addressed.
Councilmember Holden stated that she would like to hear from Mn/DOT. She
asked about the movement coming off of Highway 10 and going east on County
Road 96 and how many cars there were during peak times.
Mr. Tolaas stated that it is currently about 12 cars during peak time.
Councilmember Holden asked what the cost of this interchange was.
Mr. Tolaas stated that the costs had not been completely figured at this time but
would estimate at least $150,000 to $200.,,000.
Councilmember Holden restated that she would like to hear from Mn/DOT before
supporting this motion. She stated that it was important to the City to protect their
neighborhoods and by taking out the intersection this was not being achieved. She
asked what the time frame was for the County on this issue.
Mr. Tolaas stated that the County's project is still set for a 2011 construction and
because of the complexity of the staging it would take two construction seasons to
complete. Mn/DOT had programmed the overlay for 2012.
Councilmember Holden stated that she would like to know this before supporting
this motion.
Councilmember Grant stated he would like to hear from Mn/DOT that they are
still supporting the overlay project to occur along with this project. He stated that
he would also like to see sound mitigation for the Briarknoll neighborhood
addressed.
The motion was called to a vote. The motion failed (1-4 — Councilmember Grant,
Councilmember McClung, Councilmember Holmes, and Councilmember Holden).
9. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
Councilmember McClung stated that April 17 was the deadline for Friends of the
Park tree sale and there was still on opportunity to purchase trees for either
personnel property f for donation to the City's parks.
MR-DEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 13, 2049 16
Councilmember McClung stated that newsletter articles are due by Friday April
-- 17. He reminded Mayor Harpstead that he had an article due for this month and
Councilmember Grant had an article due next month.
Councilmember Holden stated May 6 was the Leadership Luncheon with
Northwest Youth and Family Services. Sue Iverson is putting things together and
she asked that any Councilmember who is interested to let Ms. Iverson know and to
also forward the invitation to their committee members.
Councilmember Holden asked for an update regarding any applications the City
had for stimulus funding.
City Administrator Moorse stated that the application for the SRTS Trail had
been submitted. There should be a decision regarding this application this week
and he would let the Council know as soon as possible. At this time this is the only
application that the City has in but there will be another application presented to the
Council regarding County Road H.
Councilmember Holden stated that in regards to the affordable housing question
that was raised earlier the City did have a commitment just not a resolution at this
time. She asked to clarify that this amount was 20% for the TCAAP property.
City Administrator Moorse stated that Staff will have to get back and summarize
for Council what is in the Comprehensive Plan. He also stated that there was an
objective on the part of Met Council which was 36.5% of all new construction be in
the affordable housing range.
Councilmember Holden stated that there had been an e-mail from Community
Development Director James Lehnhoff regarding the threshold. She asked if this
had been resolved.
Mayor Harpstead stated the head of the affordable housing at Met Council
indicated to Community Development Director Lehnhoff that they would be willing
to wait for the City's amendment that was promised for the Comprehensive Plan
that was tied to the purchase of the property. Since the purchase has not been
completed the amendment has not gone in yet and the Met Council has not
reviewed this section yet.
Councilmember Hoiden stated that if the City did not TIF then it would be
difficult for the City to put affordable housing on the TCAAP property.
f ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-April 13, 2009 17
Councilmember Grant stated that there were a number of minutes that needed to
be approved at this meeting. He requested that the minutes be brought forward to
the Council in a timely manner.
Councilmember Grant stated that the trail north of the Holiday Inn and the
railroad tracks is well worn.
Councilmember Grant stated that in terms of bridge funding he had read in the
Admin Update that that there was a funding potential for the County Road E Bridge
but the funding would not be available until 2013. He stated that Staff'should look
at putting together an application for this. He stated that there was also a comment
in the Admin Update about adding on a sidewalk to the bridge but this was not clear
and there was no detailed description. He requested to hear more about this from
the City Engineer.
Councilmember Grant stated that due to the current housing market a lot more
housing in communities has suddenly become affordable housing. He requested
Community Development Director Lehnhoff look at what the City's numbers are at
this time due to this market shift. He also clarified that this does not diminish the
need for affordable housing on the TCAAP property but it may change the
numbers.
Councilmember Holmes asked if the Council was doing PowerPoint presentations
at the May 4 open House/Town Hall.
Councilmember Holden stated that she was planning on it.
Mayor Harpstead stated that he was planning on it.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Holden
seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
Mayor Harpstead adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting :20 p
00
81000a"nftair"psteadroo'o'
R-onald J. M orse
Mayor City Administrator