HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-19-09 PTRC Chair:
John Peck 1245 W. Highway 96
Committee Members: ,-AEN HILLS Arden Hills, MN 55112
Lanny Baumann 651.792.7800
Cindy Garretson www.ci.arden-hills.mn.us
Jody Hilgers Parks, Trails, and
Larry Jones
Don Messerly Recreation Committee
Nancy O'Malley May 19, 2009
Harold Petersen
Steve Scott ....
Rich Straumannp.m.
6:30
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Council Liaison: � � N' ��� .......
� � ° � ���Fran Holmes � ��...��� x ,. ,...
City Vision
A strong community that values our unique environment, our fiscal soundness,
and our tradition as a desirable city in which to live, work, and play.
Agenda
Regular Committee Meeting Convenes 6:30 PM
**All members should bring their P & R Facility Inventory Manual for reference**
Call to Order
1. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
2. MINUTES
A. March 17, 2009 Regular Meeting
3. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
A. Project Updates
1. Elmer L. Andersen Memorial Trail Connections—ARRA Funding Update
a. Safe Routes to School
b. DNR Perry Park Trail
2. CP Rail
3. County Road E Bridge
B. TCAAP Discussion
C. Trail Signage Discussion
D. Parks and Trail Priorities
E. New Brighton Trail Committee Joint Meeting Discussion
4. REPORTS
A. City Council Report
B. Public Works/Parks and Recreation Report
5. NEXT MEETING
A. June 23, 20091 6:30 p.m. —Park Location TBD
6. ADJOURNMENT
A quorum of the City Council may be present at this meeting.
Agen da Item 2A :
Minutes for Approval: April 21, 2009
.I DRAFT
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
TUESDAY,APRIL 21, 2009 6:30 PM
ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chair Peck called the April 21, 2009, meeting of the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee to
order at 6:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Committee Chair John Peck, Committee Members Lanny Baumann,
Cindy Garretson, Jodi Hilgers, Don Messerly, Nancy O'Malley, Harold Peterson, Steve Scott
and Rich Straumann.
OTHERS PRESENT: Council Liaison Fran Holmes and Park and Recreation Manager
Michelle Olson.
MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: Committee Member Larry Jones.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Committee Chair Peck motioned to approve the agenda as presented. The motion
carried unanimously.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES—MARCH 17,2009
Council Liaison Holmes requested a change to the bottom of Page 3, for her comment to read:
"Council Liaison Holmes stated after speaking with Ramsey County they are considering the
need for and the use of off road bike paths."
MOTION: Chair Peck motioned to approve the March 17, 2009 minutes as amended above,
seconded by Committee Member Hilgers. The motion carried unanimously.
4. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUISINESS
A. Valentine Park Discussion
Ms. Olson stated this item was discussed at the last meeting but that Mr. Messerly had expressed
some concerns to the Committee with regard to the drainage study completed by WSB. After a
discussion, the Committee consensus was for Mr. Messerly to meet with the engineers and staff
to discuss the concerns. She indicated staff did meet with Mr. Messerly and the engineers to
discuss the Committee's concerns.
PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
April 21, 2009
Page 2 of 8
Ms. Olson noted the primary reason for flooding within the park was due to the elevations of
Lake Valentine. Mr. Messerly indicated the culvert from the lake causes much of the concern.
Ms. Olson explained the proposed option raising the elevation of the park would address this
issue, along with cleaning and maintenance of the culverts. She noted the engineers have drafted
a letter to Rice Creek Watershed requesting the culverts be cleaned.
Ms. Olson indicated that the Committee and the surrounding residents have stated that they
would like to maintain Valentine Park as a park but that at this time, it was in poor repair. She
stated the option of raising the elevation with added ponding would address the flood concerns.
Ms. Olson added however, that this was the most expensive option.
Ms. Garretson questioned if the neighboring properties would have water issues if the park were
elevated. She indicated she would like to see the park revamped to improve the use for the
residents surrounding the park. Ms. Olson stated the engineers stand by their study and that they
have indicated that no additional water would run off to neighboring properties.
A member questioned if there was funding set aside for Valentine Park. He suggested that this
park be phased out over a number of years to allow the drainage and elevation to be addressed
properly.
Council Liaison Holmes stated Valentine Park was on the CIP plan. Ms. Olson added that if the
work was completed in conjunction with the PMP, slated for 2016-17, there would be additional
cost savings or that it could be done in stages. She indicated the play structure was due for
replacement in 2010.
Chair Peck questioned what the savings would be if the park was done along with the PMP. Ms.
Olson stated she would have to review this with the City Engineer and report back on the
numbers.
Chair Peck asked what recommendation the Council was looking for at this time. Council
Liaison Holmes stated the configuration and solution to the drainage problems were priorities
along with the expense. She noted the park at this time was of little use and needed some action
taken to revive Valentine Park.
Council Liaison Holmes questioned if the Committee had a consensus on the direction of the
park. Ms. Olson stated the residents that attended the public meeting were not in favor of
creating a passive park. Mr. Messerly suggested the Committee meet at Valentine Park to
further discuss the options and future of this park. He suggested that no improvements be made
to the park until the drainage issues were addressed.
PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
April 21, 2009
Page 3 of 8
Discussion ensued regarding the elevation of Lake Valentine and the future of the park.
Ms. Hilgers asked how much of a factor the cleaning of the outlets would have on the elevation
of the lake. Ms. Olson will need to research that further but in discussions with the engineers, it
was stated that this would not lower the elevation significantly.
A discussion ensued on whether adding an outlet would be a possibility.
The Committee suggested this issue be further discussed and planned after Rice Creek
Watershed received the City's letter and can address the drainage issues.
MOTION: Committee Member Messerly motioned that after again reviewing the drainage
analysis report for Valentine Park that the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee
recommends that the City Council NOT pursue either park improvement option
for Valentine Park until the flooding issue from Lake Valentine is addressed,
seconded by Committee Member Petersen. The motion carried unanimously.
B. C.P. Rail Bridge and Trail Discussion
Ms. Olson explained the PTRC recommended to Council they pursue the trail on the west side
and that Council was in agreement. She noted further discussions have brought up the possibility
of a bike lane on both sides of the road versus an off road trail on one side.
Ms. Olson indicated that the Council also questioned if the County would be willing p to restri e
the road to utilize the shoulder on the west to reduce the need for a boardwalk. Ms. Olson stated
that she did meet with Ken Haider from Ramsey County Public Works to discuss options. The
County stated that they are willing to consider restriping and also seem open to the possibility of
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widening the shoulder for a bike lane. Ms. Olson stated this roadway is not scheduled for
maintenance any time soon and a shoulder widening project or restriping project minus a road
project may not be cost effective for the City to complete.
Ms. Olson asked if the PTRC was in favor of a bike lane or off road trail. She indicated the
railroad was waiting on the design plans from Bolton&Menk.
Chair Peck questioned when the design work was expected from Bolton & Menk. Ms. Olson
stated this work has started and was anticipated to be completed in August. She noted the
surveys have already been completed.
Chair Peck indicated he was anxious to see if an underpass could be created on the west side
removing the pillars to allow for greater passage while maintaining the bridges integrity. Ms.
Olson explained that Bolten and Menk have a preliminary design that will be expanded and will
utilize the survey and grading plans. She stated the design will be similar to the underpass in
New Brighton.
PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
April 21, 2009
Page 4of8
Ms. Olson asked for comments from the PTRC on the bike lane versus an off-road path. She
stated both have pros and cons for this area while mixing with traffic and pedestrians.
Ms. Olson indicated the County was open to the idea of paving the additional shoulder to provide
a bike lane and could do this within their regular maintenance plan. However, there is no
scheduled maintenance identified for this road. Chair Peck felt this was a great solution and
would save the City a great deal of money.
Chair Peck questioned if additional plans would come before the PTRC on this roadway. Ms.
Olson stated that if the widening of the shoulders took place with a County maintenance project,
it could be ten or more years before that takes place. However, it is possible that the County
would be able to cost share for this project.
Chair Peck indicated the underpass of the bridge caused much concern for bikers and was
extremely dangerous at this time. Ms. Hilgers stated she would be in favor of a bike lane with
extended shoulders. The Committee was in agreement to recommend extending the shoulders
for a bike lane on both sides of the roadway. Chair Peck felt this was a wise and safe alternative
to the off road bike path.
MOTION: Committee Member Hilgers motioned to recommend that Council, in order to
increase safety, consider the possibility of constructing pedestrian improvements
on both the east and west sides of the CP Rail bridge on Old Snelling and research
the possibility with Ramsey County of paving/widening the roadway shoulders to
provide a bike lane on both the east and west side in the most cost effective
manner, seconded by Committee Member Garretson. The motion carried
unanimously.
C. Park Capital Improvement Program(CIP) Discussion
Ms. Olson indicated the Council held a work session to review the CIP. She reviewed how the
PTRC items were shifted around explaining that the City trail signage received $15,000 for 2009
and $10,000 for 2010.
Ms. Olson noted that the Lexington Avenue Trail was being worked on by the Community
Development Director and herself. At this time it was in the budget with hopes of finding 50%
of the expenses covered by the neighboring businesses. Chair Peck suggested this be presented
as an opportunity to increase their sales.
Discussion ensued regarding a trail on County Road F and if a partnership could be worked out
between the businesses and the City. Ms. Olson indicated that this segment became a lower
priority due to the uncertainty of the Hamline/694 interchange future.
Ms. Olson reported that West Round Lake Trail is in poor condition at this time with weeds and
tree roots. She indicated there is a .46 mile gap in the trail due to the inability to negotiate an
PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
April 21, 2009
Page 5 of 8
easement with Scholl Co. Deluxe Corporation bought out Scholl's and therefore, Ms. Olson
stated she would be contacting them to pursue an easement and once she has more information,
will report back to the Committee.
Mr. Messerly questioned if a trail was being designed from Old Highway 10 through the pasture.
Ms. Olson stated the City did have a portion of land near the townhomes on Park Shore Drive
stating the only concern was Vaughn owns the property and would require an easement.
Ms. Olson reported that the City of New Brighton has a parks subcommittee and asked if the
PTRC would like to have a joint meeting in the next few months to talk about the connections to
Long Lake and the Elmer L. Andersen extensions. The Committee was in favor of this meeting.
D. Project Updates
1. Safe Routes to School
Ms. Olson explained the City had $180,000 overage on this project, which led to some creative
solutions being designed for the culvert. She indicated the Council suggested applying for an
ARRA grant,which was stimulus money to be used for transportation improvements. Ms. Olson
stated there was a time table for these funds and lump it together with the Perry Park Trail.
Ms. Olson indicated that this project had to be combined into one project within the application.
She applied for the grant with the assistance from the City Engineer and Community
Development Director. Ms. Olson explained that there was $7.5 million available for funding
and that the City's project was named Elmer L. Anderson Trail Connections to show that it was
part of a larger trail network.
Ms. Olson stated that on Aprilpp projects 3 0th the to 'ects would be announced which would then move
forward for further approval with a final decision beingmade b Met Council on May 20th. She
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explained the City requested approximately $288,000 for the combined project and that she felt
very strongly about this initiative.
Ms. Olson indicated that if they do not received funding through ARRA, the Safe Routes to
School Project would be brought back to the Council for further discussion on options.
2. DNR Perry Park Trail
Ms. Olson discussed this item along with the Safe Routes to School.
3. County Road E Bridge
Ms. Olson explained that the Council had hoped to apply for the ARRA grant (economic
stimulus) for the County Road E Bridge. However,MnDOT has several varying concepts for the
bridge, which meant it could not proceed at this time and has become a very complicated issue.
PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
April 21, 2009
Page 6 of 8
Ms. Olson stated this was a MnDOT bridge and not Ramsey County's. She indicated this item
will continue to be worked on and that information will be brought back to the Committee in the
future.
Chair Peck questioned the age of the bridge. Council Liaison Holmes stated the bridge was 60
years old.
Council Liaison Holmes stated the County Road E Bridge was as high priority for the Council as
this was "",m dangerous for pedestrians.
E. Trail Shmne Discussion
Ms. Olson stated she had additional work to do on the trail signage and that she would like to
provide the Committee with trail sign photos from existing trails. She described several different
sign styles that could be used for the trails, one being a map or merely the mileage.
Ms. Olson explained that she received feedback from Ramsey County regarding the Elmer L.
Anderson trail stating there should be a similar marker naming the trail and keeping this
consistent between the City and County. -
Ms. Olson questioned if the Committee was in favor of a kiosk style map, covered with p lexi-
glass. The Committee was in favor of this style of trail sign.
Ms. Olson suggested the Committee members review the trail map of the City and place dots
where trail signs should go on the map, which will then be discussed in detail at the next
meeting. She noted that the Elmer L. Andersen Memorial Trail would have an additional marker
beyond the trail map signs.
Ms. Olson encouraged the members to consider what type of marker should be used on this trail
as well. She suggested the members bring in color photos of varying �si types at the next
meeting to assist in providing options for the trail signs.
Chair Peck questioned what the trail sign budget would cover for this year. Ms. Olson indicated
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the number was based on the previous park signs with costs from Vacker Inc, who had done our
current park signs. She explained the proposed sign may be even simpler than ones created in
the past. Ms. Olson stated the Council would like to see the Elmer L. Andersen trail signs
completed first.
5. REPORTS
A. Report from the City Council
PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
April 21, 2009
Page 7 of 8
Council Liaison Holmes gave an update on the Council actions from the past few months. She
thanked the Committee for their cleanup efforts at Tony Schmidt Park and hoped that it would
become an annual event.
Council Liaison Holmes indicated the Council was interested in the committee coming forward
with additional information on Celebrating Arden Hills. She noted a Town Hall Meeting was
scheduled for May 4, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. On May 21 St the Shoreland Management
Ordinance was being reviewed by the Council as it was not in line with the State.
Council Liaison Holmes explained that the City would be sending representation to Washington
DC on Wednesday, April 22nd to speak with the Army to keep things moving forward on the
TCAAP project. She indicated the old City Hall property was being discussed but maybe put on
a hold until the market was responsive.
Council Liaison Holmes stated the Council held a brief discussion about the assessment policy.
Further discussion ensued regarding the policy and how property owners were assessed at this
time,being based on the number of lots and also 50%of the street expense.
Council Liaison Holmes reported that the City would be completing sump pump inspections as
part of the I & I initiative. There seems to be too much rain water making its way into the
sanitary sewer lines. Improperly hooked up sump pumps can be a large part of this problem.
She indicated all homes would be inspected by the City or the homeowner would need to hire a
plumber to complete the certification. The City would pay up to 50% of the expense to fix the
sump pump or $300. Ms. Olson reported that Jim Perron, retired PW Superintendent would be
assisting the City with the sump pump inspections.
Council Liaison Holmes indicated that Ramsey County would be completing the grade
separation at TH 10 and Highway 96 in 2011-12.
B. Parks and Recreation/Public Works Update
Ms. Olson indicated she would be working on a bench report but that it will be delayed until
after the trail signs were decided.
Ms. Olson thanked the Committee members for their assistance at the cleanupday in Ton
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Schmidt Park noting there were 24 volunteers total. She stated Ramsey County wanted to extend
their thanks as well.
Ms. Olson indicated she would be attending a design institute training today reviewing trail
design and their planning. She stated this would also include information on the operations,
expense and maintenance of trails. Chair Peck requested that a report be brought back to the
Committee on this seminar.
PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
April 21, 2009
Page 8 of 8
Ms. Olson stated she has advertised the Celebrate Arden Hills subcommittee and has Chair Peck,
Ms. Hilgers, Paulette from Anchor Bank and two residents interested in volunteering. She
indicated she would like to have eight to ten members total and would continue to seek
volunteers.
Ms. Olson explained that she was wrapping up her interviews with candidates for the three
seasonal maintenance positions. She indicated that the summer programs were up n and running
with adult softball starting tonight.
C. Parks Trails and Recreation Committee Comments and Requests
There was nothing else at this time.
6. NEXT MEETING—Tuesday,May 19,2009
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 6:3 0 .m. Ms. Olson suggested
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meeting at Cummings Park for the May meeting.
7. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Committee Member Straumann motioned to adjourn and Committee Member
Baumann seconded. The meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m.
Agen da Item 3 C:
Trail Signage Discussion
Agenda Item 3D.
Parks and Trail Priorities
Arden Hills Proposed Trails
(Segment names, distance)
Segment Trail Location Length Length
Feet Miles
A Cleveland Ave. (County Road"D"to Stowe Ave.) 21623.31 0.5
A.2 Cleveland Ave. (Thom Ct.to existing path off Cty E2) 11671.90 0.32
B County Road D(Cleveland to New Brighton Road) 21644.36 0.5
C New Brighton Road(County Rd.D to Stowe Ave.) 21956,80 0.56
C.1 New Brighton Road(Stowe Ave.to County Road E2) 51332.80 1.01
D county Road E2(New Brighton Rd.to old Hwy.10) 31308.70 0.63
D.1 County Road E2(Cleveland Ave.to New Brighton Rd.) 670.91 0.13
B R.C.Open Space(from Cty Rd.E2 to Venus) 636.4 0.13
E.1 R.C.Open Space(from segment E path to MVHS) 21974.00 0.56
` t.
WE
'.
F.1 Perry Park Pavilion to Underpass Trail Head 1139 -25 0.27
G County Road E(Indian PI.to Lk.Joh.Blvd.to Tony Schmidt U.Trail to end of park-no 2787.15 0.53
G.1 Lake Johanna Blvd.(From Segment G to Old 10-Snelling) 11742.40 0.33
H County Road E(Old 10-Snelling to Connelly Ave.) 21184.84 0.41
I Snelling Ave.(Highway 51 to County Road E) 41382.40 0.83
1.1 Old Highway 10-Snelling(Cty Road E2 through CP Rail) 11056.00 0.20
1.2 Old Highway 10-Snelling(from CP Rail to County Rd.E2) 21270.00 0.43
1.3 Old Highway 10-Snelling(from Cty.Road E2 to Hwy.96) 87870.00 1.68
J Lake Valentine Road(Mounds View H.S.to Old 10-Snelling) 21258.40 0.43
K Parkshore Dr.(from Old Hwy 10-Snelling to beginning of Rd.Lake Trail) 21395.21 0.45
K1 Gateway Blvd.(from proposed segment K to Round Lk.Road) 21164.80 0.41
K2 Round Lake Trail(Complete the loop that has a gap behind Deluxe Corp.) 21421-31 0.46
K3 Round Lake Road W.(from Gateway Blvd.to existing trail off of 96) 21633.74 0.5
L County Road 96(Complete trail west from existing path to 35W) 31941.46 0.75
M North Snelling Ave.(From County Road 96 to Briarknoll) 21826.82 0.54
N County Road F(From Existing Sidewalk from Lexington to Hamline) 21 004.55 0.38
N.1 Hamline(From County Road F to Floral Drive 604.50 0.11
0 Lexington Ave.(From County Road F to County Road E) 51280.00 1.00
0.1 Lexington Ave.(From County Road E to Shoreline Lane) 51211.70 0.99
0.2 Lexington Ave.(From Tanglewood to County Road I-West Side) 71889.60 1.50
P Crepeau Preserve (From Cannon to Crepeau Nature Preserve) 838.19 0.16
P.1 Pine Tree Drive(From Cty Road E to existing grass trail into Crepeau) 1,266.21 0.24
Q Highway 51 (From Old Hwy.10/Snelling to just past Glenhill Rd) 17372.80 0.26
R County Road E-(From Lexington Trail to existing Concrete Sidewalk) 528.00 0.1
Total Future Trails 92,758.49 17.6
IM,1a;6`� f€5 County Project scheduled for 2009
City Project currently in 2009 budget