HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-25-10-R ,,--ARZEN HILLS
Approved: February 22, 2010
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 25, 2010
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 7:00 p.m.
Present: Mayor Stan Harpstead, Council Members David Grant, Brenda Holden,
Fran Holmes, and David McClung -
Absent: None.
Also present: Acting City Administrator/Finance Director Susan Iverson; Civil Engineer,
Kristine Giga; Community Development Director James Lehnhoff; Public Works Director
Greg Hoag; City Planner Meagan Beekman; Mr. Trooien, VP of Arden Plaza, LLC; and
Recording Secretary, Tina Borg
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Holden requested item 4C be pulled from the Consent Calendar for discussion. -
Councilmember Grant requested item 4D be pulled from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
Mayor Harpstead stated Meg Robertson would be unable to attend and the Arden Hills Library
Update would be rescheduled.
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a
motion to approve the meetinLy aLyenda as amended. The motion carried
unanimously (5-0).
2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL
B. TCAAP Reuse and Public Sale Update
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—January 25, 2010 2
2B. TCAAP Reuse and Public Sale Update (continued)
Community Development Director James Lehnhoff stated the GSA met with the Army on
Tuesday, January 12, 2010, to discuss the terms of the Invitation for Bid (IFB). Although no final -
decisions were made at the meeting, the Army expressed concern about the proposed license/lease
concept and its ability to ensure the timely and complete environmental remediation of the
TCAAP property. No alternatives to the license/lease concept were selected during the meeting.
According to the GSA, the Army had a positive response to the Ramsey County Trailhead
proposal. This concept is still in the discussion process; however, the GSA indicated they would-
discuss the idea with Ramsey County to identify a possible mechanism for transferring the
requested property from the Army to Ramsey County. On January 19, the Ramsey County Board
of Commissioners reviewed the proposed trail corridor. The Board unanimously approved several
additions to the Rice Creek Regional Trail, authorized Ramsey County staff to prepare an
amendment to the Rice Creek Regional Trail Master Plan, authorized staff to seek transfer of
these properties from the GSA to Ramsey County either directly or through a Federal agency
sponsor, and authorized staff to seek Congressional action, if necessary, to facilitate the
environmental remediation and transfer of these properties to Ramsey County for regional trail
purposes.
Councilmember Holden stated she had information regarding the annexation of Arden Hills and
the TCAAP property to Shoreview. She had an opportunity to meet with several Shoreview City
Council Members. One Councilmember stated that they were only interested in TCAAP and they
would not be interested in all of Arden Hills. They also stated they border TCAAP on two sides.
Another Councilmember stated they were confused and did not know what was going on and they
did not want their information coming from newspapers. She stated concerns that the Shoreview
City Council did not have updated information from Arden Hills on what was going on regarding
the TCAAP property. She asked if there were Mayor Updates at the monthly Mayor Meetings.
Mayor Harpstead clarified that the Mayor Meetings were every other month and updates were
provided at these meetings.
Councilmember Holden stated the City of Shoreview does not border TCAAP anywhere so she
does not understand the confusion with Shoreview. It was understood that AHATS is keeping the
AHAT property and building a headquarters and barracks there. She asked if this was still the
case.
Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated this was still part of the National Guard's
plan.
Councilmember Holden stated TCAAP does not have access to Shoreview and Shoreview does
not border TCAAP anywhere. She expressed concerns that the City Attorney and the State
Representative have been approached regarding the annexation issue and the Arden Hills City
Council just found out about this ten days ago. She had asked Acting City Administrator Iverson
to request the minutes from the meetings Shoreview had discussing TCAAP since this was not on
any of the agenda/minutes posted on their website. Shoreview has not responded to this request
yet. She suggested that Community Development Director Lehnhoff go to Shoreview and provide
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—January 25, 2010 3
2B. TCAAP Reuse and Public Sale U
pdate (continued)
them with an update and that the City also send a formal message to Shoreview about how the
majority of the Arden Hills City Council feels on the annexation of TCAAP. This is a dead issue -
and she expressed displeasure with Shoreview going to the extreme measures that they are to get
annexation of the TCAAP property from Arden Hills.
Mayor Harpstead stated that the Council will need to discuss this in greater detail. He also
stated the Shoreview City Council has requested meeting with the Arden Hills City Council to
discuss this issue as well.
C. City Administrator Recruitment Update
Acting City Administrator Sue Iverson stated the application deadline has been extended to
February 15, 2010. The consultant reported as of today there were over 30 responses for the
position. March 1 is the tentative date that the consultant would like to meet with the City
Council to present the top ten candidates from which the Council will choose the finalists. March
26 and 27 have been scheduled for interviews.
Councilmember Holmes stated that there is not a Council meeting scheduled for March 1. She
asked if there would be a special meeting called or if the consultant would look at meeting on the
next Regular City Council meeting scheduled for March 8.
Acting City Administrator Iverson stated she would look into this and get back to the Council.
Councilmember McClung clarified that the earliest that Councilmembers would be needed on
March 26 is 4:00 p.m.
Public
Mayor Harpstead opened the Public Inquiries/Informational at 7:11 p.m.
Greg and Patty Schneider, 1774 Gramsie Road, Arden Hills, stated they were present for the
request to appeal Staff s decision regarding a fence that was built. They provided the Council
with samples of the wood that was used in the construction of the fence. They clarified that
according to City Code, the facing of the fence is suppose to face outward or towards them and
this is not the case. They provided the Council with an estimate from Hanson Brothers Fence to
have the problems fixed and remedy the situation.
Mayor Harpstead closed the Public Inquiries/Informational at 7:13 p.m.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. December 14, 2009 Regular City Council Meeting
Councilmember Holden requested the following change: page, 30, the eighth paragraph, should
say"Arden Hills".
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—January 25, 2010 4
3. Approval of Minutes (continued)
Mayor Harpstead requested the following change: page 7, the sixth paragraph, the Resolution
number should be changed to 2009-037.
Mayor Harpstead requested the following change: page 30, the sixth paragraph the word "sited"
should be changed to "cited".
B. December 21, 2009 Special City Council Meeting
C. January 11, 2010 Regular City Council Meeting
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a
motion to approve the December 14, 2009 Retaular City Council Meeting
minutes as amended, the December 21, 2009 Special City Council Meeting
minutes, and the January 11, 2010 ReLyular City Council Meeting minutes as
presented. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Claims and Payroll
B. Approve the 2010 Tree Removal Services
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E. Change Date for May 31, 2010 City Council Meeting to May 24, 2010 because of
the Memorial Day Holiday
F. Adopt Resolution 2010-006; a Resolution Determining the Timing of Salary
Payment for the Mayor and City Council
G. Adopt the 2010—2014 Capital Improvement Plan(CIP) as presented -
MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a
motion to approve the Consent Calendar and to authorize execution of all
necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried unanimously (5-
0 .
5. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
A. Approve the 2010 Animal Control Services Agreement
Acting City Administrator Iverson stated the City has been contracting with Animal Control
Services (ACS) for animal control services for a number of years. The 2010 budgeted amount for
this service is $6,000. The changes from the 2009 agreement are: patrol cost increased to $37 per
hour; 3 hours per week between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., October to March and 3 hours per week
between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., April to September and a call-out increase to $74, 6:00 p.m. to
10:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday, except holidays.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—January 25, 2010 5
SA. Approve the 2010 Animal Control Services Agreement (continued)
Councilmember Holden stated she has not seen animal control patrolling in the City. She asked
if they did provide this service. _
Community Development Director Lehnhoff explained that in reviewing the 2009 invoices it
was determined that they did pick up a handful of animals during patrols.
Councilmember Holmes stated concerns about paying for patrolling services when there are not
a lot of animals picked up and the residents do not even know that this available. She stated the
City should just have the call-out service.
Mayor Harpstead asked what the financial impact is for this item.
Acting City Administrator Iverson stated the City has budgeted $6,000. The City has been
budgeting this amount for the last three to four years. Every year, except 2009, the actual cost is
below this amount.
Councilmember Holmes asked to clarify if the City would have someone available on weekends
or holidays if there was a need.
Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department
will respond if there is an emergency and animal control will follow up if there needs to be any
additional actions taken.
Acting City Administrator Iverson stated Ramsey County does know that this is the animal
control service for Arden Hills so when there is a problem they contact the animal control officer.
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember McClung seconded a
motion to approve the 2010 Animal Control Services Agreement. The motion
carried unanimously(5-0).
B. Public Works Maintenance Position
Councilmember Grant clarified for future requests the Council would like to have a copy of the
application for people that are being approved for hire by the City Council.
Public Works Director Greg Hoag stated the pre-employment physical has been successfully
completed.
MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion
to approve the Appointment of Max Arvidson to the position of Public Works
Maintenance Employee at a starting wage, step one, of $17.44 per hour,
contingent upon successful results of a background check and pre-
employment physical. The motion carried unanimously (5-0).
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—January 25, 2010 6
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Approve Resolution 2010-005 for the Vacation of the Underground Electric
Easement and Pedestrian and Bicycle Way Easement on,the Arden Plaza
Property Subject to the Two Conditions in the January 25, 2010, Planning
Case Report to the City Council
City Planner Meagan Beekman stated on July 13, 2009, the City Council approved Planning
Case 09-011 for a Master Planned Unit Development (PUD), Preliminary and Final Plat, and
Final PUD for Phase I of the Arden Plaza Redevelopment proposal. In the process of filing the
Final Plat Ramsey County informed the developer that there was an issue with one of the existing
easements located on the property. The easement, as recorded with Ramsey County, describes an
area that runs east-west along the northern portion of the Arden Plaza property. The easement is
described as an Underground Electric Easement and Pedestrian and Bicycle Way Easement.
Minnesota Statute only allows drainage and utility easements to be recorded with a final plat.
Easements for road or pedestrian ways are required to be dedicated as right of way. The solution
being suggested to remedy the situation is to vacate the existing easement, record the final plat,
which includes a drainage and utility easement that has been altered to cover the electric
transformer box and associated electric lines, and then record a new trail easement by separate
document that covers just the trail itself.
Mayor Harpstead opened the public hearing at 7:29 p.m.
Mayor Harpstead closed the public hearing at 7:30 p.m.
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Grant seconded a motion
to approve Resolution 2010-005 for the Vacation of the Underground Electric
Easement and Pedestrian and Bicycle Way Easement on the Arden Plaza
Property Subject to the Two Conditions in the January 25, 2010, Planning
Case Report to the City Council.
Councilmember McClung asked Mr. Trooien to update the Council on the plans for the Arden
Plaza property.
Mr. Denny Trooien, Vice President of Arden Plaza, LLC, stated the economy is the reason the
project is moving slower than expected. They are also waiting for the final approval from
Walgreens.
Councilmember Holmes pointed out the Resolution states the "Arden Hills City Council has
determined that it is in the public's interest to vacate the Easement." She stated this has not been
determined by the Council at this time. She asked why the City would vacate this utility easement
and why there was an easement at this location.
City Planner Beekman stated there are underground utilities located here. The City will
maintain the electrical easement. The utility easement will be incorporated into the Final PUD
that will be filed by the applicant. State Statute has been changed since this easement was
established and a utility easement can no longer be with a pedestrian/bicycle easement.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—January 25, 2010 7
6.A. Approve Resolution 201 Q-005 for the Vacation of the Underground Electric Easement and
Pedestrian and Bicycle Way Easement on the Arden Plaza Property Subject to the Two
Conditions in the January 25, 2010, Planning Case Report to the City Council (continued)
Councilmember Holmes clarified that the request was to vacate the easement so that it could be
implemented separately, in the proper fashion.
Councilmember Grant clarified upon approval of the request the Council is determining that it is
in the public's interest to vacate the Easement.
Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated it was required by the State Statute that
when a City vacates an easement it does need to be determined that vacating the easement would
be in the interest of the public.
The Motion was called to a vote.
The motion carried unanimously(5-0).
7. NEW BUSINESS
A. Planning Case 09-024 for an Appeal to Overturn Staffs Decision that a Fence
Located at 1777 Glenview Avenue Meets the Requirements of the Zoning
Code
Councilmember Holmes recused herself from item 7A. She has known Greg and Patty
Schneider for fifteen years and would not want to give the appearance that she is not impartial.
City Planner Beekman stated Greg and Patty Schneider live at 1774 Gramsie Road and their
property abuts Mr. and Mrs. Maloney's property to the rear. Mr. and Mrs. Maloney were issued a
fence permit to construct a fence along their rear property'line on June 9, 2009. Mr. and Mrs.
Schneider are asking the Council to review the construction of this fence because they believe it is
in violation of the Zoning Code. Staff has determined that the fence does meet the requirements
of the Zoning Code and the Schneider's are appealing Staff s decision. Mr. and Mrs. Schneider
contend that the fence violates the City's height requirements, encroaches over the property line,
caused damage to their property and is not oriented with the finished side facing outward. Staff
has inspected the fence on a number of occasions, both during construction and upon completion,
and determined that the fence does meet the requirements of the Zoning Code. The Council
packet contains information and photos submitted by Mr. and Mrs. Schneider, Mr. and Mrs.
Maloney, and Staff. The Planning Commission did vote to deny this request. If the City Council
does find that the fence is in violation of the Zoning Code the fence would need to be corrected
and brought into compliance with any regulations that are being violated.
Councilmember Holden pointed out that looking at the pictures there appears to be more screws
visible on the Maloney's side of the fence.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—January 25, 2010 8
7.A. Planning Case 09-024 for an Appeal to Overturn Staffs Decision that a Fence Located at
1777 Glenview Avenue Meets the Requirements of the Zoning Code (continued)
City Planner Beekman stated the way the fence was constructed was that the boards were nailed -
towards the Schneider's property but then this was covered by the final board which was nailed
toward the Maloney's side.
Mayor Harpstead clarified Mr. and Mrs. Schneider have appealed the decision of Staff which
then went to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission denied the appeal and it was
appealed to the City Council to determine if Staff implemented the Code correctly and if the fence
meets the City Code.
City Planner Beekman clarified the Planning Case is automatically appealed to the City Council
from the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission made their recommendation and the
City Council needs to provide the final decision.
Councilmember Holden asked if this was a new fence or if this replaced an existing fence.
City Planner Beekman stated this was a new fence.
MOTION: Councilmember McClung moved and Mayor Harpstead seconded a motion to
deny Planning Case 09-024 for an Appeal to Overturn Staff s Decision that a
Fence Located at 1777 Glenview Avenue Meets the Requirements of the
Zoning Code.
Councilmember McClung stated there was no evidence that Staff did not enforce the Code
correctly and he would support the motion to deny the request.
Councilmember Holden stated she would support the motion as well. Staff has been to the site
several times and remediated problems. Staff has made a good faith effort in this Planning Case.
Councilmember Grant stated he would vote in favor of the motion to deny the Planning Case.
There is no evidence of any mistakes made by Staff or the Planning Commission.
Mayor Harpstead stated he would also support the motion to deny the Planning Case because it
is clear that Staff implemented the Code as it was intended.
The motion was called to a vote.
The motion carried unanimously (4-0)
Councilmember Holmes rejoined the meeting.
B. Clarification on the 2010 Pavement Management Program Action
Civil Engineer Kristine Giga stated that on January 11, 2010, the City Council ordered the
improvements and preparations of plans and specifications for the 2010 Pavement Management
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—January 25, 2010 9
7.B. Clarification on the 2010 Pavement Management Program Action (continued)
Program, with a 24-foot street width for Valentine Avenue. This design does not meet Municipal
State Aid (MSA) design requirements; therefore this project will not be eligible for MSA funds. -
At the January 19 work session there was a question about final design for both a 24-foot and 26-
foot design. Based on the direction of Council, Staff had proceeded with the 24-foot wide option
and looking into reassigning another road to replace Valentine Avenue as a State Aid road. The
City does have options to reassign the mileage from Valentine Avenue to other streets. Staff must
provide a list of street segments, historical maintenance information and existing conditions to
Mn/DOT State Aid for their review in order for them to confirm these street segments as potential
MSA candidates. Staff is working on coordinating this with Mn/DOT. If the City would like
final design completed for both 24-foot and 26-foot street widths along Valentine Avenue, this
will result in additional design costs; the scope of the project included final design for one
alternative only. WSB & Associates has provided a cost of $9,400 to complete an alternative
design with a 26-foot street width. If any modifications are made to the street width, Staff is
recommending the residents on Valentine Avenue be notified of these changes. Projects using
State Aid funding must be submitted to State Aid for their review and the review turnaround
typically ranges from two to four weeks but could take as long as six weeks. The 26-foot wide
design is what would need to be reviewed by State Aid. If MSA funds are not used on this
project, it is anticipated that the bidding schedule could be advanced to early March.
Councilmember Holden noted for the record the Council received a petition from Valentine
Crest Road against a major reconstruction and curb and gutter project on this road.
Councilmember Grant stated he had requested this item be on the agenda because the Council
may have inadvertently put the City into a position where they made a mistake based upon not
having enough information about MSA. Staff had originally advocated a 26-foot wide road
design to the Council. When the Council decided to go with a 24-foot road width they had asked
about MSA and it was determined that the road would no longer qualify for MSA. What the
Council did not know at that time were the details behind MSA, what other roads the City had that
would qualify, and how much money the City would potentially loose. The Council had
information that the residents wanted slower traffic. A narrower road would slow traffic
somewhat but curbs would slow the traffic more. Another issue raised was the number of trees on
the north side of Valentine Avenue that may need to be removed for a wider road. The Council
needs to look into the MSA aspect deeper in order to determine that a narrower road is in fact the
best for the City. Arden Hills needs 6.17 miles of roads designated as MSA in order to receive the
full allotment of funds. Arden Hills is unique in that there are not many through streets that
would qualify for MSA. He expressed concerns about making Valentine Avenue 24-foot wide
and loosing MSA when the difference in making the road 26-foot wide is not that great, about
$180 per unit on an $8,000 assessment. He also asked if the road could be moved over in order to
save the trees on the north side of the road and make it 26-foot wide.
Civil Engineer Giga stated Staff could look into this. The right-of-way along Valentine Avenue
ranges from 66-70 feet and currently the street is centered on that right-of-way.
Councilmember Grant asked if the road were moved two feet to the south if this would
substantially change the cost structure.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—January 25, 2010 10
7.B. Clarification on the 2010 Pavement Management Program Action (continued)
Civil Engineer Giga stated she did not believe this would change it significantly but Staff would
need to look at what impacts there would be on the south side of the road. -
Couneilmember Grant stated that based on the amount of money the City receives for MSA
funds, a quarter of a mile of road over thirty five years will provide the City with about $250,000.
He asked the Council to consider this when making their decision about making Valentine
Avenue 24-foot wide. At this time the City does not have approval from Mn/DOT about
reassigning another road to replace Valentine Avenue. He also asked the Council to consider the
possibility that once developed TCAAP may not have the necessary amount of roadways eligible
to designate as MSA and the City would have to look at other roads outside of TCAAP to meet
this new requirement.
Mayor Harpstead stated when the motion was made to have Valentine Avenue 24-foot wide it
was understood that it would be removed from MSA. It was also understood that there would be
alterative roads that the City could look at reassigning. If there is not an alternate road available
then it would not be a wise move for the City to have Valentine Avenue 24-foot wide. The other
primary reason in making this decision was the residents who had asked for this accommodation
not only for the lower assessment but also for the impact a wider road would have on their
neighborhood.
Couneilmember Holmes asked if MSA funds expire and if these funds could be used for other
projects within the City.
Civil Engineer Giga stated that MSA funds do not expire and can be used for other projects in
the City but in order to draw the full annual allotment of funds then the City needs to have 6.17
miles of MSA qualified streets designated. If Valentine Avenue is not reconstructed to the 26-
foot width then it will no longer meet the requirements for State Aid and another road will need to
be approved in order to make up the difference.
Couneilmember Grant asked what the width of Oak Avenue is.
Civil Engineer Giga stated City records indicate that it is 24-foot wide but this has not been
verified in the field yet.
Couneilmember Holden clarified that she would not support moving forward with design on
both projects. It could be possible to move the road to the south a couple of feet in order to make
the road 26-foot wide and still maintain the trees on the north side of the road. She stated that the
Council should also discuss the addition of a stop sign along this road to help maintain a slower
traffic speed.
Mayor Harpstead asked if it was possible to have more than 6.17 miles assigned as MSA
roadways or if the State required that a City have the exact amount of roadway designated as MSA
in order to receive funding.
Civil Engineer Giga stated she would need to research this and get back to the Council.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—January 25, 2010 11
7.B. Clarification on the 2010 Pavement Management Program Action (continued)
Councilmember McClung asked what streets were currently being considered as potential
replacements for Valentine Avenue. -
Councilmember Holden asked if the replacement road would need to be 26-foot wide now and
how does the Council balance it if residents on the next MSA designated road do not want their
street reconstructed to 26-foot wide.
Councilmember McClung stated there were several streets in the northern portion of the City
that are currently 26-foot wide that may qualify as MSA roadways. He asked if these roads have
been looked at or considered.
Civil Engineer Giga stated some of the streets that they are looking at are longer than the .23
miles so they may need to look at adjusting other streets as well to ensure all the mileage fits. She
clarified that she will talk to State Aid to find out if the City needs to meet the 6.17 miles exactly
and let the Council know. The roads that are being researched and considered include: Prior
Avenue Colleen Drive, McClung Drive, Royal Hills Drive, Arden View Drive, Stowe, Chatham,
and segments of McCracken.
Councilmember Grant asked if the road that is used to replace Valentine would need to be
changed to no parking on the street.
Civil Engineer Giga explained parking restrictions would only need to be added to a road once
that road was improved to MSA standards.
Mayor Harpstead asked if there was a requirement that a MSA road could not be removed from
the system if it had been improved while it was designated an MSA road without having to pay
back some of the funds collected.
Civil Engineer Giga stated this was correct.
Mayor Harpstead stated it would make sense to put roads into the MSA system that have already
been improved or ones that will meet the requirements for a long period of time.
Councilmember McClung asked if Briarknoll Drive, Norma Avenue, Flora Drive, or Royal Lane
would qualify.
Mayor Harpstead asked if Thom Drive would qualify.
Civil Engineer Giga stated she would need to look into these suggested roads.
Councilmember Grant stated Thom Drive was a very narrow street and does not meet the 26-
foot wide requirement. He also stated that if this road were improved it would need to be widened
in order to meet the 26-foot width and remain in the MSA system.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—January 25, 2010 12
7.B. Clarification on the 2010 Pavement Management Program Action (continued)
Councilmember Holden pointed out that widening the street on Prior would not work because
the homes in this neighborhood are close to the street currently and these homes have one car -
garages. They would need to have the on street parking. She stated she would not agree with
designating Prior as a MSA road.
Mayor Harpstead stated Council would need to have a recommendation on the roads that would
be eligible to replace Valentine Avenue for MSA. He clarified that he did not want to hold up the
schedule for the current PMP project while Staff prepared a list of eligible roads.
Councilmember Grant asked Civil Engineer Giga if Mn/DOT determines which roads qualify
for MSA and if, according to the schedule, this process takes about six weeks.
Mayor Harpstead stated the six weeks on the schedule was the time frame designated to get the
approval for funds if Valentine Avenue were to be constructed at a 26-foot width.
Civil Engineer Giga clarified that the six week-process is for the plan review to ensure that they
meet the State Aid requirements.
Councilmember Grant stated if it would take six weeks for Mn/DOT to approve a replacement
road for Valentine Avenue.
Civil Engineer Giga stated it would not take six weeks for Mn/DOT to look at new road
designations and determine if they would be eligible.
Mayor Harpstead asked what the process would be for applying for a different segment of
roadway to replace Valentine Avenue.
Civil Engineer Giga stated Staff would identify segments for consideration. Staff would need to
provide historical maintenance information and existing conditions to Mn/DOT State Aid for their
review in order for them to confirm these street segments as potential MSA candidates. Then a
resolution would need to be adopted by the Council that would revoke the designation of
Valentine Avenue and/or other streets and designate the new segment(s) identified. This would
then need to be sent to State Aid and they would officially designate those roadways.
Councilmember Holden asked what the City's standards are for street widths.
Civil Engineer Giga stated the typical street width is 28 feet.
Councilmember Holden stated the Council has not been meeting this standard with the PMP
projects that are being approved. She suggested the Council look at the standards and revise
them.
Councilmember Grant asked Staff to provide the Council with the City's standards for
roadways.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—January 25, 2010 13
7.B. Clarification on the 2010 Pavement Management Program Action (continued)
Civil Engineer Giga clarified that Staff is also seeking direction from Council on moving
forward. If Council chooses to stay with the 24-foot width for Valentine Avenue then Staff will -
continue to look into the State Aid system to determine a replacement road. If Council chooses to
move ahead with the 26-foot design, Staff would need to know if this is in addition to the 24-foot
design or in place of it.
Mayor Harpstead asked if the approval cycle of the project would be altered if Council approved
the 26-foot width in place of the 24-foot width for Valentine Avenue.
Civil Engineer Giga stated according to the City Attorney, the City would not have to reopen the
public hearing if the road width were changed to 26-feet. In the interest of keeping the residents
informed, Staff would recommend an update be sent to them. The schedule that was presented
does allow four weeks for State Aid to review the plans and this would be required if the roadway
were approved at a width of 26-feet. If Council decided to stay with the approved 24-foot width
for Valentine Avenue then there would be no review process and it may be possible to get bids out
in early March.
Councilmember Holden asked if Staff was confident that the City had other roads that would
qualify for MSA.
Civil Engineer Giga stated Staff was confident that the City had alternatives to replacing
Valentine Avenue in the MSA system.
Mayor Harpstead stated Staff had already received action and direction from Council but if
Council chose to change this, now would be the time to make that change.
Councilmember McClung stated Staff should start the process of identifying City streets that
may qualify for MSA so that this is available to the Council in the future.
Councilmember Grant stated he believed the Council would be making a mistake by keeping
Valentine Avenue at a width of 24-feet and removing it from the MSA system.
Councilmember Holmes asked if Councilmember Grant was concerned about the possible loss
of MSA funds or if he thought Valentine Avenue should be 26-feet wide.
Councilmember Grant stated he was concerned about both things. The width of the road is not
going to have as much of a traffic calming effect as the residents are expecting and the City does
not have a lot of roads that would be eligible for MSA and removing one of these could hurt the
City in the long term.
Councilmember Holmes stated this road is only lightly travelled on outside of school hours and
she is not concerned about the 24-foot width.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—January 25, 2010 14
7.B. Clarification on the 2010 Pavement Management Program Action (continued)
Mayor Harpstead stated there is not a strong indication from Council to change the road width
on Valentine Avenue to 26-feet wide. He also directed Staff to provide a list of the potentially _
eligible roads to replace Valentine Avenue as a MSA road.
Councilmember Grant requested Staff provide the Council with the City's established standards for street widths.
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
9. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
Councilmember Holden stated she was out on Sunday on Valentine Avenue and Valentine Crest
Road and saw the Sheriff patrolling the area. She also stated the area that had several robberies
has reported seeing the Sheriff every day in the neighborhood.
Mayor Harpstead stated he has also seen the Sheriff patrolling through Arden Hills.
Councilmember McClung stated the City does have several vacancies on their boards and
committees. If residents are interested they can find additional information and applications on
the City's website. He also stated help was needed on the Communications and Newsletter
Committees.
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 at 8:30 p.m.
Susan K. Iverson Stan Harpste d .
Acting City Administrator Mayor