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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-10-09-WS �S DI�EN HILLS Approved: August 31, 2009 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING AUGUST 10, 2009 7:30 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 City Council Work Session meeting at 7:54 p.m. Present: Mayor Stan Harpstead; Council Members David Grant, Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, and Dave McClung. Absent: None. Also present: City Administrator Ron Moorse; Public Works Director Gregory Hoag; Finance Director Susan Iverson; Civil Engineer Kristine Giga; Community Development Director James Lehnhoff; and Chris Chromy, Bolton & Menk. 1. AGENDA ITEMS A. Ramsey County US I O/CR 96 Grade Separation and CSAH 96 Improvements —Project Update Chris Chromy, Bolton & Menk introduced himself to the Council and reviewed the US 1 0/County Road 96 roadway improvement design plans in detail. He indicated Ramsey County was finishing up their preliminary design work and environmental studies. They will be coming to the Council for input and approval over the next few months. He stated that he would review the Council's concerns that had been listed in the Position Paper and provide an update or additional information about each design constraint. Mr. Chromy explained that two units would need to be relocated in Arden Manor, but should not be losing any units. He reviewed the sidewalk and crosswalk ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-AUGUST 10, 2009 2 information noting there would be a pedestrian access along CR 96 Under Highway 10. Councilmember Holden questioned if there would be a pedestrian crossing over 35W. She explained there currently was no access to Long Lake Regional Park and needed a connection. Mr. Chromy ran through the design restrictions to mitigate noise impacts to residential areas south of CR 96. He explained the grade separation increased the concern of rising noise in the area. This could be reduced through noise walls, landscaping and/or paving. Mr. Chromy stated that at this time, the studies are showing no need for noise mitigation but that the City was concerned about the Briarknoll neighborhood. Staff reviewed alternative options for a noise barrier, which range in cost from $160,000-320,000. He indicated that another option would be additional berming. Discussion ensued regarding the Briaknoll neighborhood, as well as other neighborhoods that would be affected by an increase in traffic noise. Councilmember Holden questioned what the estimated decibel drop would be with the asphalt and sound wall. Mr. Chromy indicated the normal drop in noise level would have to be three or more decibels to be noticeable. He explained there was a perceived change that asphalt leads to a reduced noise level, but wasn't sure of any exact numbers. MnDOT may have more information on this topic. Councilmember Grant questioned the commitment from MnDOT to pave this stretch. Civil Engineer Giga explained that MnDOT sent a letter to the City indicating this roadway was slated for 2011. She noted there were not specific dates but that it was in their budget. Civil Engineer Giga indicated that Ramsey County was willing to work with the City if the City chooses to move forward on the berm and that they were already coordinating with MnDOT. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCII,WORK SESSION-AUGUST 10, 2009 3 Mayor Harpstead explained that one drawback from the berming would be the removal of existing trees which would create an immediate loss of sound mitigation that would need to regrow. Mr. Chromy indicated that the trees in this area were not large enough to create any sound barrier at this time, but that they could be replanted with conifers in such a way to provide future screening and perceived sound mitigation. Councilmember Holden expressed concern for helping one neighborhood affected by the noise and that this may lead to other neighborhoods voicing their concerns. Mr. Chromy stated that in order for MnDOT to consider noise mitigation the mitigation would have to be reduced by five or more decibels at the affected properties. Councilmember McClung indicated the topography in this area allowed some homes to be protected from the noise. Councilmember Holden questioned if there was any special legislation or funding sources available to the City to assist in funding the berm. Councilmember McClung remembered that the City's state representative would be willing to work at a State level for noise mitigation. Civil Engineer Giga indicated something was introduced at the State level but did not pass the initial stages. Councilmember Holmes questioned the expense for the berm. Mr. Chromy stated the estimated expense was between $25,000-50,000 if done in conjunction with the County's project. He stated there would be considerable cost savings because the material was already paid for and near the site. Mayor Harpstead suggested the fill be used from CR96, if available, to reduce the expense to the City. He felt the estimated $25,000-30,000 was a rational amount of money to spend for the potential noise reduction benefits. Councilmember Holden agreed stating the berm would greatly benefit this neighborhood given the cost savings. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-AUGUST 10, 2009 4 Further discussion ensued regarding the location of the berm with regard to the noise reduction. Mayor Harpstead recommended the City move forward on the berm and task the City Engineer to review the best site for the berm. City Administrator Moorse indicated some of the existing trees could be transplanted if found to be cost effective. Councilmember McClung suggested this information be presented to the neighborhood, as he would not be supportive if they were not in favor of the berm. Mr. Chromy stated an onsite meeting with the residents to discuss the future berm would benefit them greatly, in order to make them aware of the changes. Councilmember Grant questioned how wide the berm would be. Mr. Chromy explained it would extend from the ditch bottom at Highway 10 up to the street to maximize the available slope. Mayor Harpstead requested that staff find an opportunity to present this information on the berm to the Briarknoll neighborhood. The Council agreed. It was the consensus of the City Council to also have Bolton & Menk review the noise study along 694 to see if they were also in need of noise mitigation. Mr. Chromy continued reviewing the design constraints and the need for an exit ramp from northbound Highway 10 onto eastbound CR96. He indicated this would provide better local access to CR96 if this makes financial sense. Included in the packet was a conceptual design to address this issue. The traffic volumes were reviewed with the findings being very low, with less than 15 cars per hour at peak rush hour times. Mr. Chromy explained that the exit from 694 to Lexington would have sufficient capacity to handle the westbound traffic entering Arden Hills. He indicated the estimated expense for the ramp was $300,000 with additional right-of-way impact expenses. Councilmember Holmes indicated the right-of-way near North Heights Church was a wetland and asked if a roadway could run through this area. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-AUGUST 10, 2009 5 Mr. Chromy stated he would expect this to impact the price of the land and that a roadway could run through the wetland, but mitigation would need to occur Mayor Harpstead questioned if the ramp length could be shortened. Mr. Chromy stated the design followed Mn/DOT design standards and allowed for proper deceleration on the ramp to approach CR96 to make a right hand turn at the correct speed. Councilmember Holden asked if MnDOT would approve this ramp if the City was willing to cover the expense. Mr. Chromy stated MnDOT would consider approving the ramp if it met the correct design standards and was done in conjunction with the removal of Hamline. Mayor Harpstead indicated if the Hamline ramp were closed the traffic is predicted to move to Lexington. Councilmember Holmes asked if the State was going to fund the closing of the Hamline exit. Mr. Chromy stated discussions late last week at Mn/DOT brought about a scaled back version of the 694 project, due to some much needed bridge replacements, and have yet to determine the fate of Hamline. Councilmember McClung questioned which bridges were in need of replacement. Staff indicated they would report back with this information when made known. Councilmember Grant indicated the economic downturn has reduced the traffic on the roadways and that when this begins to turn the traffic levels will only be exacerbated. He questioned if there was economies of scale to doing this project with the Ramsey County project. Mr. Chromy stated his numbers were not run supposing there would be a higher return for being completed with the County project. Councilmember McClung explained Ramsey County has decided all these local accesses are needed and yet they are willing to remove Hamline. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-AUGUST 10, 2009 6 Councilmember Holden indicated she didn't feel the taxpayers would support an additional million dollars for a ramp. Mayor Harpstead agreed that he would not support a million plus dollars for a ramp with such a projected low volume of traffic, recognizing there were other options for traffic. Councilmember Grant and Councilmember Holden agreed. Councilmember Holden stated she would like additional information on the proposed Mn/DOT project and how the crossovers would affect the traffic flow. Councilmember McClung explained that he was in favor of the same local access, four legs that are currently enjoyed. Councilmember Holmes agreed with Councilmember McClung stating she would like to see four-way access as it is now, however would not support the City funding the ramp expense. It was the consensus of Mn/DOT and Council to review this item again once further information was available from Ramsey County. At this time the Council would not support funding the expense of an exit ramp, but that there was concern of losing local access to the community. Mr. Chromy reviewed an additional design constraint with regard to pedestrian crossing over or under CR 96, east of North Heights Church. He explained there were several options for the pedestrian crossing, keeping in mind it should be wide enough for pedestrians and bikes. Mr. Chromy stated the projected expense of an overhead walkway would be $800,000. He explained a trail connection would be needed for this walkway, which could increase the overall project expense and complicate access, which led to this concept being dropped. Councilmember Holden questioned why a pedestrian crossing was needed over CR96. Mr. Chromy stated this would allow pedestrians and bike traffic to cross from one side of CR96 to the other to reach the future development at TCAAP. Mayor Harpstead indicated the ramp from CR96 to northbound TH 10 was not conducive to pedestrian crossing. Councilmember Grant agreed. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-AUGUST 10, 2009 7 Mr. Chromy reviewed four different locations for grade separations and crossings for CR96. The first option would be north of the current North Heights Church intersection, which would connect to the sidewalk and trail along TH 10 proceeding under TH 10 to the other side of CR96. Councilmember Holden questioned the safety records for underpasses, if they created concerns after dark. Mr. Chromy indicated the tunnel could be lit after dark and that certain users may not use them with caution. He explained there were other options available but that it would need to be negotiated with North Heights Church when they reconfigure. Discussion ensued regarding the intersection near North Heights Church. Councilmember Grant suggested the pedestrian trail be submitted within the TCAAP IFB. Councilmember Holmes felt the pedestrian crossing should be family friendly, kid friendly, and senior friendly at TH 10 and CR96. Mr. Chromy stated that if the Council desired a grade separated pedestrian crossing above CR96 for pedestrians, he would suggest it be east of Keithson. Councilmember Holden indicated this area would create a crossing that had no destination. Councilmember McClung stated there was no destination yet, but that at some point in the near future the TCAAP site would be developed. He indicated the pedestrian crossing could be done in the future. The Council agreed with this suggestion. Councilmember Grant again reiterated the danger of a pedestrian crossing near the exit ramp. Civil Engineer Giga stated there would be an open house on August 18, 2009 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. A mailing was sent out last week to selected residents near Hamline and 694, including Arden Manor. Additional newsletters were available at City Hall. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-AUGUST 10, 2009 8 Civil Engineer Giga explained that on August 31, 2009 Ramsey County would present their noise study plans for this project with a public hearing. Residents could speak on the noise wall and if it was wanted or not. Councilmember McClung questioned who was hosting the public hearing, Ramsey County, MnDOT or the City of Arden Hills. Civil Engineer Giga indicated Ramsey County would be holding a public meeting in conjunction with the Arden Hills Council meeting to take public comments. She noted they have done this in the past, giving presentations at a Council meeting while gaining feedback from the public. Discussion ensued regarding the need for public comment at this meeting with regard to the noise wall. Mayor Harpstead indicated the public comment would be beneficial to the City and provide direction to Ramsey County. Councilmember Grant suggested a time limit be set for public comment as this could take several hours of the meeting. Councilmember Holmes indicated the Council could request testimony only from Briarknoll and Arden Manor. Mayor Harpstead noted the Council meeting could be moved to Tuesday to allow for ample time for public comment on Monday. Councilmember Holmes agreed with this suggestion. Councilmember Holden suggested the Council meet prior to 7:00 and adjourn before holding the public hearing. The Council was in agreement with this suggestion and directed staff to speak with Ramsey County regarding this issue. 2. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS There was nothing at this time. Mayor Harpstead adjourned the City Council Work Session meeting at 9:51 p.m. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-AUGUST 10, 2009 9 Sf an arpste �"�°~Donald J. Mo rse Mayor City Administrator