HomeMy WebLinkAbout1D, Discussion on Support & Endorsing Proposed Legislation EN HILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: January 19, 2010 Item LD
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Sue Iverson,Acting City Administrator
SUBJECT: Discussion on Supporting and Endorsing Proposed Legislation
Backiround
The City Council from time to time is asked to support and endorse various ro osed
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legislation. It has been a practice of past councils to "not" pass resolutions in support of
or endorse proposed legislation. It has been requested that staff bring these requests to a
City Council Worksession for discussion.
Discussion
Council needs to have a discussion on how to treat these requests from a policy stand
p y
point as a whole. We also have two requests that are "time sensitive." If the City Council
wishes to support or endorse either of these items, staff needs Council direction to place
them on a Regular City Council agenda.
Council Action
l. Overall discussion on how the City Council would like to treat requests of support
or endorsement on proposed legislation.
2. Consideration of Resolution Supporting and Endorsing Legislation that Provides
Additional Financing of Parks, Trails and Recreation Facilities for Local Units of
Government by Special Assessments.
3. Consideration Mn/DOT Resolution of Support for Complete Streets Policy.
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Attachments:
A Memo from Michelle Olson
B. Memo from James Lehnhoff
City Council Meeting
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Attachment A
Memo from Michelle Olson
E HI LLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: January 19, 2010
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council
Sue Iverson, Acting City Administrator
FROM: Michelle Olson,Parks and Recreation Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution Supporting and endorsing legislation that provides
additional financing of parks, trails and recreational facilities for local units of
government by special assessments
Council Direction Requested
Provide direction to staff for placing the "Resolution Supporting and endorsing legislation that
provides additional financing of parks, trails and recreational facilities for local units of
government by special assessment" on a regular City Council agenda for action.
Background
In the fall of 2009, Mr. Mel Aanerud, Chair of the Ham Lake Park and Tree Commission
contacted City staff and asked for an opportunity to attend a Parks, Trails and Recreation
Committee meeting to discuss legislation that is currently being worked on regarding Park
Funding. This park funding legislation has been introduced and is being carried by Senator
Foley and. Congressman Newton and will get a hearing sometime early in 2010. Mr. Aanerud is
spreading the word on this piece of legislation to gain support from neighboring communities to
assist in creating park plans, while setting aside funding to assist in these expenses. He asked the
PTRC for their support and recommendation for Council support. The legislation that is being
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proposed gives Cities, Counties and Regional Park groups an additional method of funding park
development through coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 448. Currently, there
are three ways:
• Park Land Dedication — This funding source works well for growing -
communities. However, the City of Arden Hills is almost fully developed and
therefore, the Park Fund balance has been depleted. In addition, these funds can
not be utilized for maintenance.
\\Metro-inet.us\ardenhills\PR&PW\Parks\Memos\Council Memos\011910 Park_Funding_Special_Assessments.doc
City Council
Resolution No. 2010-004: Supporting park funding legislation
2
• Levy Increase - The levy would only produce approximately $25,000 for every
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1/o increase. This is not a significant amount of funding.
• Bonding — When there is a major development being looked at and/or when the
community wants the voters to vote on an expenditure.
The proposed legislation allows a City like Arden Hills to develop a plan for whatever length of
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time they choose. Each year would have a certain dollar amount to be expended. The City Y can
pass the plan by public hearing and ordinance or like a bond, go to a vote of the residents. Once
passed, the City would ask the County to add an assessment on to each homeowner for their
share of the cost of the plan. The City Council would need to determine if all would
properties
be assessed the same amount. Each year, those assessment monies must be used on the plan. If
there is money left over at the end of a year, the assessment for the next year would be reduced
by that amount. Each resident would be able to see on their property tax forms how much of
their taxes are going for park development. Unlike a bond there would be no interest or
bonding agent costs. Mr. Aanerud was present at January 11, 2010 Regular City Council
meeting and did a brief presentation and answered questions. The City Council chose to table
q Y this item and requested that this be brought by staff back to a worksession.
Recommendation
Mr. Aanerud presented information on the proposed funding legislation to the PTRC at their
November 17, 2009 meeting. After questions and discussion, the Committee made a motion to
recommend the Council endorse the Park Funding Special Legislation. The motion carried
unanimously. Mr. Aanerud has been going to the surroundingsuburbs for support of this
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legislation. This has been endorsed by the Anoka County Parks, City of Ham Lake and
numerous City Councils.
Attachments
A— Proposed Legislation
B— Resolution No. 2010-004
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Attachment A :
Proposed Legislation
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Attachment Be
Resolution No. 2010-004
EN HILLs
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO.2010-004
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AND ENDORSING LEGISLATION THAT
PROVIDES ADDITIONAL FINANCING OF PARKS, TRAILS AND
RECREATION FACILITIES FOR LOCAL UNITS OF GOVERNMENT BY
SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
WHEREAS, the City's Special Revenue Park Fund has been depleted due to a
lack of park dedication fees; and
WHEREAS, Park Dedication fees cannot be utilized for ongoing operation or
maintenance; and
WHEREAS, the City of Arden Hills approved a 2030 Comprehensive Plan,
which includes numerous proposed park and trail improvements; and
WHEREAS, Park funding options for Cities and Counties are limited; and
WHEREAS, the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee made a motion to
recommend City Council endorsement at their November 17, 2009 meeting; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Arden Hills City Council
hereby supports and endorses legislation that provides additional financing of parks, trails
and recreational facilities for local units of government by special assessments.
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
Dated: By: _
Stanley D. Harpsted
Its: Mayor
ATTESTED B Y:
Sue Iverson
Acting City Administrator
Attachment B
Memo from James Lehnhoff
-,-A HILL EN S
MEMORANDUM
DATE: January 19, 2010
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
Sue Iverson,Acting City Administrator
FROM: James Lehnhoff, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Mn/DOT Resolution of Support for Complete Streets Policy
Council Direction Rea nested
Provide direction to staff for placing the "Resolution of Support for Complete Streets"on a
regular City Council agenda for action.
Backiround
In 2008, the Minnesota Legislature directed the Commissioner of Transportation to study the
costs,benefits, and feasibility of implementing a Complete Streets policy(Laws 2008, Chapter
350, Article 1, Section 94). The Complete Streets Report was completed by the Minnesota
Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) in December 2009 and is available online at
.tt ://www.dlt*.state.m .u.s/ .ai.i_i.i_i g,'co:r letes,reet:s/'I.e i.s.ati.on..'li.t: ... The Executive Summary
from the report is included in Attachment A.
Chapter 2 of the Complete Streets Report includes a definition of Complete Streets along with
examples of goals and principles (page 2-3):
Chapter 2, Description and Goals
Definition: Complete Streets are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users.
Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and bus riders of all ages and abilities are able to safely move
along and across a complete street. (Taken from the National Complete Streets Coalition web
site).
Complete Streets policies encourage agencies to ensure that road projects are designed to meet
local needs, be sensitive to context and emphasize that all modes of transportation and all users
are considered in the planning and project development processes. Complete Streets policies
are intended to provide a transportation network that promotes physical activity, accessibility,
City of Arden Hills
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Page 1 of 2
environmental quality, safety and mobility. This is best accomplished in planning. Examples of
Complete Streets goals and principles(not listed in any particular order of importance)include:
• Reduce crash rates and severity of crashes.
• Improve mobility and accessibility of all individuals including those with disabilities in
accordance with the legal requirements of the ADA.
• Encourage mode shift to non-motorized transportation and transit.
• Reduce air and water pollution and reduce noise impacts.
• Increase transportation network connectivity.
• Maximize the efficient use of existing facilities.
• Strive for tax supported investments to provide maximum benefits to the community and
all user groups.
• Safely integrate intermodal connections across the transportation network.
• Promote safe and convenient access and travel for all users(pedestrians, bicyclists,
transit riders)and people of all abilities as well as freight and motor vehicle drivers.
As noted in the Executive Summary, Complete Streets does not mean that every road should
accommodate every type of transportation user. However, Complete Streets recognizes that
transportation is for more than just vehicles and that transportation systems and projects need to
accommodate a variety of users in varying situations.
Now that the Complete Streets Report is finished, one of the first recommendations is for
Mn/DOT to prepare a Complete Streets Policy for implementation into their planning and project
development processes. The Minnesota Complete Streets Coalition and the Regional Council of
Mayors are encouraging cities to pass resolutions supporting the development of a Complete
Streets Policy for Mn/DOT. Until an actual policy is drafted and adopted, it is difficult to predict
the results of the policy. However, the policy could result in more flexible planning and design
for highway projects and for the use of state aid road funds. With the number of roads that
traverse Arden Hills and the projects that impact Arden Hills,the policy could benefit the
community over the long-term.
The Minnesota Complete Streets Coalition, htt ;//NN�vw.111_ncon letestreets.org/,has prepared a
background informational sheet, which is included in Attachment B. A draft resolution of
support is also attached for review(Attachment Q.
Attachment
A. Complete Streets Report Executive Summary—a report Commissioned for the Minnesota
Legislature
B. Background Related to Complete Streets (provided by the Minnesota Complete Streets
Coalition)
C. Draft Resolution of Support for Complete Streets
City of Arden Hills
llAhdocsllahWHdatalPlanninglCommunity Development l Transportation lComplete Streets1011910-CCMemo-MNDOT Complete Streets.doc
Page 2 of 2
Attachment
Complete Streets Report:
Executive Summary —
A report Commissioned for the Minnesota Legislature and
completed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation
January 19, 2010, City Council Work Session
Chapter 1 :
Executive Summary
Legislative Request
This report is in response to the legislative directive to the Commissioner of
Transportation to study the costs, benefits and feasibility of implementing a Complete
Streets policy. (See Appendix A: Laws 2008 Chapter 80 Article 1 Section 0 ). In
doing so, this report summarizes key elements of the study, including:
• Compilation and review of a list of Complete Streets resources.
• Review of the state's current design practices regarding Complete Streets.
• Assessment of Complete Streets impacts to maintenance and operations.
• Review of other local, regional and state Complete Streets policies and best
practices and lessons learned from other jurisdictions.
• Review of the costs, benefits and feasibility of Complete Streets.
• Recommendations relating to the implementation of a Complete Streets policy.
StudyApproach
The feasibility of implementing a Complete Streets Policy in Minnesota was one of the
many studies the 2008 Legislature assigned for completion for the Commissioner of
Transportation. The Commissioner assigned the Mn/DOT Division of State Aid for
Local Transportation (State Aid) to manage this task. State Aid formed a Project
Management Team that worked with an Advisory Committee and Technical Advisory
Panel. These groups consisted of elected officials and other representatives from
federal, state, county, city and township government as well as individuals with
expertise in roads, transit, bicycling, the Americans with Disabilities Act, planning and
community development, diverse populations, active living and health advocacy.
Balancing Safety, Mobility, Efficiency and Cost
Complete Streets does not mean "all modes on all roads"; rather, the goal of Complete
Streets should be to 1) develop a balanced transportation system that integrates all
modes via planning inclusive of each mode of transportation (i.e., transit, freight,
automobile, bicycle and pedestrian) and 2) inclusion of all transportation users of all
types, ages and abilities.
"State of the State" in Minnesota
Throughout the study, there were several technical presentations made by _
practitioners/experts on current practices and how they relate to the Complete Streets
concepts; the presentations covered Mn/DOT and State Aid design standards, practices
and policies, operations and maintenance, funding, and the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) compliance. In this report, the term "ADA"generally refers to accessibility
requirements, including the ADA, Section 504 of the Rehab Act and other pertinent
regulations.
Complete Streets Legislative Report Chapter 1
December 2009 Page I
The existing design policies and manuals require updating and reconciliation to
eliminate inconsistencies and integrate all modes of travel regardless of jurisdiction.
The main areas of potential conflict were identified between current design practices
and Complete Streets: lane width, design speed and annual daily traffic threshold, level _
of service and roadway classification.
Lessons Learned from Interviews
The American Planning Association/National Complete Streets Coalition provided
interview data (which they conducted) for five agencies. Follow-up surveys were
conducted to gather more detailed information on cost/benefit and implementation of
Complete Streets policies. This information was synthesized to determine the following
lessons learned:
• Implementation of Complete Streets is easier if all levels of government are involved
and the policy is developed by stakeholders.
• Complete Streets is inherent to Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS).
• Complete Streets requires a flexible design process.
• No benefit/cost data is available for Complete Streets policy.
Benefit, Feasibility, Cost and Funding
No specific benefit/cost data is available. However, a list of potential benefits and costs
associated with Complete Streets was developed.
Adopting a Complete Streets policy would complement Mn/DOT's existing Context
Sensitive Design policv and would further reinforce its principles. Complete Streets are
considered feasible on state, regional and local levels.
Implementation
Development and implementation of a Complete Streets process should follow a
phased sequential approach: establish need (which has been done by this study);
develop policy; reconcile differences in planning and design policies, guidelines and
manuals; implement; and review/measure/refine.
Recommendations
Being one of the first states to adopt a policy requiring Context Sensitive Design and
Solutions, Minnesota is already positioned to support a "Complete Streets" approach to
transportation investment. In addition, Mn/DOT staff have been actively working on
integrating ADA, CSS and bicycle/pedestrian principles within its agency. Three local
agencies (Hennepin County and the cities of St. Paul and Rochester) in Minnesota have
already adopted their own resolutions for Complete Streets, indicating that Complete
Streets are achievable at a local level.
Mn/DOT needs to be prepared to assist local agencies in developing their local
Complete Streets approach to assist with their specific project development needs.
The study's Advisory Committee identified several key recommendations:
Chapter 1 Complete Streets Legislative Report
Page 2 December 2009
• Mn/DOT is committed to partner with a broad coalition including local governments
to build on existing CSS practices and develop and implement a Mn/DOT Complete
Streets policy using the following phased sequential approach:
Develop a Mn/DOT Complete Streets policy.
- Reconcile differences in planning and design policies, guidelines and
manuals.
- Implement.
- Review/measure/refine.
• Mn/DOT should review and revise conflicting information in Minnesota's state and
local design documents.
• Mn/DOT should further explore the feasibility of integrating its existing planning and
design manuals related to Complete Streets into one manual.
• Mn/DOT should integrate Complete Streets into Mn/DOT's new Scogina Process
model (see Appendix B).
• Mn/DOT should identify ways to assist local governments in developing and
understanding funding sources and the constraints related to these sources.
• All agencies should develop an integrated transportation plan that addresses
connectivity for all modes for all users of all ages and abilities.
• Mn/DOT should serve as a resource to assist local agencies in developing their own
Complete Streets policies with the support of Mn/DOT's expertise in CSS, ADA,
bicycle/pedestrian planning, design and funding strategies.
• Mn/DOT State Aid should review the State Aid variance process and make it more
accessible and transparent.
If a policy is developed it is very important that all stakeholders be engaged to
address the key issues listed above and within this report.
Complete Streets Legislative Report Chapter 1
December 2009 Page 3
Attachment
Background Related to Comp lete Streets
(provided by the Minnesota Complete Streets Coalition)
January 19, 2010, City Council Work Session
Background Related to Complete Streets
• Complete Streets is a flexible transportation planning and design process that
considers the safety and accessibility needs of all users. Complete Streets is not _
a prescriptive roadway design. Individual "complete" street designs vary based
on context, including topography, road function, the speed of traffic, pedestrian
and bicycle demand, local land use, and other factors.
• State Senator Tony Lourey (Kerrick) and State Representative Mike Obermueller
(Eagan) will introduce Complete Streets legislation during the 2010 legislative
session.
• The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) is working to create a
partnership of state agencies, local governments, and other stakeholders to
develop and implement a Mn/DOT policy on Complete Streets.
• In December 2009, Mn/DOT released a legislatively mandated Comp,lete Streets
Rem, which includes a recommendation for Mn/DOT to work in partnership
with representatives of relevant stakeholders to develop a Complete Streets
policy. The report also articulates the important connection between Complete
Streets and Context-Sensitive Solutions, which together support building roads
that better fit local needs and contexts and help save money.
• Mn/DOT Commissioner Thomas Sorel has spoken publicly about the benefits of
Complete Streets and his commitment to taking a leadership role on
implementation of a Complete Streets policy. _
• Between 1999 and 2008, 417 pedestrians and 84 bicyclists were killed and more
than 10,000 pedestrians and more than 9,000 bicyclists were injured on
Minnesota's roads.
• Complete Streets is a national movement with policies adopted by 12 states and
more than 100 cities and counties, including Rochester, Hennepin County, St.
Paul, and Albert Lea.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Minnesota Department of
Health, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, American Heart Association,
HealthPartners, and other public health officials in Minnesota and across the
country have called for Complete Streets as an important public health tool in
fighting the obesity epidemic by supporting exercise as a part of daily life.
• The Complete Streets concept is also supported by AARP, Urban Land Institute
of Minnesota, Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, Minnesota -
Environmental Partnership, and many other transportation, planning, and public
health professionals. The Minnesota Complete Streets Coalition has more than
45 member organizations that support the concept of Complete Streets and a
state Complete Streets policy.
Benefits of Complete Streets
• Complete Streets improves safety by reducing crashes and injuries and their
costs.
• Complete Streets removes barriers to transportation facilities and services for
seniors, children, and people with disabilities, allowing them to lead more active
and independent lives.
• A state Complete Streets policy will give local governments more flexibility to
build roads that meet the needs in their community.
• Complete Streets promotes public health by supporting exercise as a part of
daily life.
• Complete Streets helps avoid costly future retrofits by making sure that we build
roads right the first time.
• Complete Streets supports affordable transportation options for families.
• Complete Streets reduces congestion by providing safe travel choices that
encourage non-motorized transportation options, increasing the overall capacity
of the transportation network.
• Complete Streets supports more pedestrian, bicycle, and transit travel, which
helps protect clean air and clean water and reduces our dependence on costly
energy sources.
• Complete Streets promotes economic growth and community stability by
providing accessible and efficient connections between home, school, work,
recreation, and retail destinations by improving the pedestrian and vehicular
environments throughout communities.
• Complete Streets supports vibrant and walkable neighborhoods that improve
quality of life and help build community.
For more information:
www.rnncorn letestreets.or
Ethan Fawley, Fresh Energy and the Minnesota Complete Streets Coalition
ethan.fawle fresh-ener .or
651-294-7141
Attachment C
Draft Resolution of Support for
Complete Streets
January 19, 2010,City Council Work Session
„,--ARZEN ]HILL
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO.2010-X
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE CREATION OF A STATEWIDE
COMPLETE STREETS POLICY
WHEREAS, the "Complete Streets” concept promotes streets that are safe and
convenient for all users, including pedestrians,bicyclists, transit riders, and motor vehicle
drivers of all ages and abilities; and
WHEREAS, the October 2009 public draft of the Minnesota Department of
Transportation Complete Streets Report includes the recommendation: "Mn/DOT should
build on existing Context Sensitive Solution practices and develop and implement a
statewide Complete Streets policy..."; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Arden Hills 2030 Comprehensive Plan recognizes the
importance of providing safe and effective transportation options for all types of users;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Arden Hills
encourages the Minnesota legislature, with input and guidance from the Minnesota
Department of Transportation, to authorize the development of a statewide Complete
Streets program, which would provide for the development of a balanced transportation
system, through appropriate planning, that integrates multiple transportation modes,
where appropriate, for transportation users of all types, ages and abilities.
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
Dated: By:
Stanley D. Harpsted
Its: Mayor
ATTESTED BY:
Sue Iverson
Acting City Administrator