HomeMy WebLinkAboutweekly notes December 30th 2016 i
Memo
TO: City Council Members
FROM: Eric Johnson,City o
WEEKLY NOTES— D ember 3 2016
LISTING OF UPCOMIN ME GS—thr)2/28/17
Zoning and Development Items:
1. A letter was mailed to those businesses along the STH 36 corridor giving them a reminder about the temp. signage restriction
being in force. I suspect there will be some stragglers but over the next month compliance would be reasonable anticipated and
so that there are no surprises for any firm.See enclosed.
2. The property at 5896 Oren Ave.was requested to not park cars on the lawn areas.See Enclosed.Julie Hultman is attempting to
work with this property owner and a few other around the City.
Other items
• The Council did discuss edits to its trail and sidewalk policies—as it relates to snow clearance. I have enclosed a draft of some
policy changes that could be considered by the Council in January.The document shows the possible inserted/deleted language.
• The Tool-cat 5600 will be ordered.
• If you have any items you would like to discuss at the Council's goal setting event on 1/11/17, please just email me your list of
topics so I can compile them or provide any background information.
Mayor McComber provided:
Meeting Agenda(Jan 2017)and Minutes(Nov 2016)from the Lower St.Croix Management Commission-Partnership Team
Please call me at any time if you have questions... 651-253-7837
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CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL & COMMISSIONS
MEETINGS & WORKSHOPS
DECEMBER 2016/JANUARY 2017/FEBRUARY 2017
Monday, December 19 6:00 p.m. Parks Commission Worksession
(Conference Room)
7:00 p.m. Parks Commission Meeting
(Council Chambers)
Tuesday, January 10 6:00 p.m. City Council Meeting
(Council Chambers)
Wednesday, January 11 5:00 p.m. Council Goal Setting
(Conference Room)
Thursday, January 12 7:00 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting
(Council Chambers)
Monday, January 23 7:00 p.m. Parks Commission Meeting
(Council Chambers)
Tuesday, January 24 5:00 P.M. City Council Workession
(Conference Room)
6:00 p.m. City Council Meeting
(Council Chambers)
After Council City Council Worksession
Meeting (Conference Room)
Thursday,February 9 7:00 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting
(Council Chambers)
Wednesday, February 15 6:00 p.m. City Council Meeting
(Council Chambers)
Monday, February 27 7:00 p.m. Parks Commission Meeting
(Council Chambers)
Tuesday,February 28 6:00 p.m. City Council Meeting
(Council Chambers)
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`` CITY OF
OAK PARK HEIGHTS
14168 Oak Park Boulevard No. • P.O.Box 2007• Oak Park Heights,MN 55082-2007• Phone:651/439-4439 • Fax:651/439-0574
December 29, 2016
NOTICE OF HIGHWAY 36 HIGHWAY CORRIDOR
SPECIAL EVENT/TEMPORARY SIGN REGULATIONS
TEMPORARY ENFORCEMENT SUSPENSION
ENDING DECEMBER 31,2016
To: All Businesses in All Zoning Districts
Recognizing the potential impact of the roadway improvements upon businesses in the Hwy.36
corridor,the Oak Park Heights City Council had established temporary suspension of enforcement of
special event/temporary sign regulations. All suspension periods will end December 31,2016.
Effective January 1, 2017 ALL special event/temporary signs and devices shall require a special event
permit and shall comply with regulations as outlined in City Ordinance 401.15.G.7.
You are receiving this communication because you have or have had special event/temporary signs or
devices in place during the periods of temporary suspension. Unless you have a current special event
permit for your display, please remove all signs, banners,and other displays such as tire socks, bollard
wraps, etc. no later than January 16, 2017. Site check will be made after January 16, 2017 to verify
compliance.
Special Event Ordinance 401.15.G.7 and a permit application have been enclosed for your review and
use. Please note that special event permits are required by City Ordinance and are made available to
you free of charge.
If you have questions related to special event/temporary sign regulations, please contact Julie Hultman
at 651.439.4439 or jhultman@cityofoakparkeheights.com.
Enclosures
3 of 11 Tree City U.S.A.
City of Oak Park Heights
14168 Oak Park Blvd. N•Box 2007.Oak Park Heights,MN 55082•Phone(651)439-4439•Fax(651)439-0574
December 27,2016
Hand-Delivered
Jason Kadela
5896 Oren Ave. N.
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
RE: Vehicle Parking on Yana Area
Dear Jason,
I am writing with regard to the motor vehicle parking that is occurring upon the yard area to the south side of your
home at 5896 Oren Ave. N. Please be advised that such parking is not permitted by City Ordinance.
City Ordinance 401.15 F.4.h.13, requires all vehicles to be parked upon a hard surface(see below).
401.15.F0.13—Surfacing. All areas intended to be utilized forparking space and driveways shall
be hard surfaced with materials suitable to control dust and drainage. Plans for surfacing and
drainage of driveways and stalls for five(5)or more vehicles shall be submitted to the City Engineer
for review and the final drainage plan shall be subject to written approval.
Hard surface is considered to be that of asphalt,concrete,cobblestone,paving block or crushed rock that meets
minimum Class 5 materials and which has a base depth of 4 inches minimum. If you would please relocate this
vehicle to your driveway or submit a complete plan for an expansion of your current off-street parking areas.
With this letter,you are directed to immediately refrain from parking on the yard area. All motor vehicles, boats,
trailers and similar shall be parked upon the driveway or within your garage. If you find that you need to expand your
drive area or add a parking pad to it, I would be happy to discuss the situation and work with you to find a suitable
solution to the matter.
Thank you for your prompt attention. Kindly contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
r
rBng
n
cial
c: Eric Johnson,City Administrator
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0
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
SNOW REMOVAL POLICY
I. Snow Removal Policy:
The Public Works Director shall decide when to begin snow and ice control
operations for the City of Oak Park Heights.
Snow removal, at the present time, is contracted between an outside contractor
and the City of Oak Park Heights. It shall be the duty and obligation of the Public
Works Director to supervise the performance and efficiency of the contracted
service. The Public Works Director shall be allowed discretion in making
decisions as far as calling out snowplow services; however, the following
guidelines shall be used in exercising discretion:
A. Amount of snowfall: It is generally believed that a snowfall should be at
least two inches (2") deep on bituminous roads and three inches (3") deep
on gravel roads before snowplows will be dispatched. Notwithstanding
this guideline, the following factors shall also be considered:
1. Drifting and blowing snow that causes problems for travel;
2. Icy conditions,which seriously affect travel and traffic control; and
3. Time of snowfall in relationship to the use of major roads and
streets within the City.
B. Duration of snowfall: Except in cases of projected heavy and continuous
snow, the City will not usually dispatch snowplows until such time as the
snowfall has stopped for that occasion.
C. If the snowfall stops during regular working hours, the plows may be
dispatched at that time. If the snowfall stops during the night or early
morning hours, the plows will be dispatched between 3:00 a.m. and 5:00
a.m. Weekend plowing will be handled in a similar manner.
D. Snow plows will not be sent out in situations that may be hazardous due to
limited visibility or extreme cold or dangerously high winds.
Notwithstanding any of the above, the Chief of Police or designated deputized officer
shall have the authority and power to call out the contract provider for snowplow
services. He may do so at any time he feels a particular section of the City or the City in
whole is in need of snowplowing and/or salt/sanding services to alleviate or remove a
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clear and present danger or hazard to the public.
II. Road Clearing Procedure:
Generally the clearing of roads will consist of three phases (1) making the road
passable, (2) widening and sanding, and (3) clean up. Depending upon the
situation,more than one phase may be accomplished at one time.
A. Making the road passable: This will involve removing the ice and snow
from the center of the roadway in an attempt to clear one lane of traffic in
each direction. Generally a snowplow and a wing will be used for this
procedure.
B. Widening and sanding: Widening shall be done to the edge of the
shoulders of the road. Sanding shall be done as needed with the sand/salt
mixture as is most appropriate given the weather and road conditions.
Care should be taken in applying the sand/salt mixture to provide for the
maximum safety of the public and minimal impact upon the environment
as envisioned by Minnesota Statues Section 160.215.
C. Clean up: Snow, ice and slush shall be removed from the roadway after
K sun and sand/salt mixture has been allowed to work. This may include
removing accumulations of snow and ice from piles if the piles create a
hazardous condition. Any snow so removed shall be removed to a snow
storage area approved by the Public Works Director. The snow storage
area shall be located so as to minimize environmental problems. Snow
removal operations will not begin until all other snowplowing operations
have been completed.
D. Bridges: When a snowplow travels over a bridge, the driver shall slow
down so that snow does not go over the bridge embankment, if possible.
III. Road and Street and Trail/Sidewalk Priorities:
The City classifies roads and streets, based upon the function of the road, traffic
volume, and importance to the welfare of the community. The roads are
described on the snowplow priority map, which shall be on filed with the City
Clerk as prepared by the Public Works Director. Those classifications are
follows:
A. 'First priority road: These are high volume roads, which connect major
sections of the City. They also provide primary access for emergency,
fire,police and medical services.
B. Second priority road: These roads are providing access to schools
and commercial businesses. These roads also lead to
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higher density suburban-residential areas.
C. Third Priority road: These are low volume roads, generally leading to —
lower density suburban developments.
D. Trails and Sidewalks: Trails and Sidewalks may also be maintained for
general winter snow clearing but shall be of the last priority after other
City infrastructure and areas are reasonably cleared. These Trail and
Sidewalk areas shall not receive sand or salt treatments.
1. Trail-way clearance shall be the responsibility of the City. Trails are
defined as: public walkways within the City right of way that are
constructed of bituminous materials, are 6' or greater in width and/or
provide a direct connection between a City street and a City Park or
another City street. An underlying development agreement or action may
contradict this maintenance responsibilitL but would be reviewed on a
case by case basis.
2. Sidewalk clearance is the responsibility of the abutting property owner as
outlined in City Ordinance 1109.04. Sidewalks are defined as: public
walkways within either the City, County or private easement areas and
that are constructed of concrete materials and are less than 6' in width.
The City Council may select to clear certain designated sidewalks as
operations and capability allows but shall do so via adopted resolution. An
underlying development agreement or action maypersede this
maintenance responsibility, but would be reviewed on a case by case
basis.
IV. Interaction With Private Citizens:
A. City vehicles and/or vehicles used by the private contractor on city
business, shall not be used to plow private property. The only exception
to this is in the event of a bonafide emergency situation, authorized by the
Chief of Police.
B. The City will not attempt to remove stuck vehicles from ditches, snow
banks or other impediments.
C. City residents shall not plow or blow snow into the roadway and shall
remove parked vehicles from the roads to assist in the orderly clean.--up of
snow and ice accumulations. City residents may be reminded by the
Public Works Director that Minnesota Statute 160.2715(01 1680f7-
Subd N4sie ' < ( makes it a misdemeanor to obstruct any highway or
deposit snow or ice thereon.
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V. Plowing Restrictions
School children waiting for buses and snowplows are not compatible. The
following are times that children are waiting for school buses each school day and
plow operators shall use extra caution:
7:00 a.m.until 9:15 a.m. Elementary,Middle,High, and St Croix private schools
11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Kindergarten drop-off and pick-up
2:30 p.m. until 4:15 p.m.Afternoon drop-off
After school activities buses for older students could be throughout the City until
6:30 p.m. Ice rinks are open until 9:00 p.m. People have been observed jogging
and walking along streets during the evening hours. Extra care should be taken if
plowing is required during the evening. On street parking is permitted between
6:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m.
VI. Operations Between Storms
Following a storm the City crew will perform touch-up and maintenance of all
routes. Touch up may consist of plowing areas in which parked vehicles blocked
the streets, areas missed by contractors. The Oak Park Heights Public Works
Department is also responsible for snow removal on City trails, well houses,
towers, lift stations, paths leading to maintain City infrastructure, and the City
Hall Campus parking lots.
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LOWER ST. CROIX MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
PARTNERSHIP TEAM
7:00 PM Tuesday,January 31,2017
City Hall
14168 Oak Park Blvd.N.
Oak Park Heights,MN 55082
Agenda for MEETING#62
(Quorum(7+6+5)/3 X 0.6=4)
7:00 1 Roll Call—Introductions—Sign in.
7:10 2.Approval of Minutes of November 29, 2016.
7:15 3. Update from Natalie and Jen
a. Compilation of previous decisions
b. "Safe Harbor"earthtone and summer vegetation colors
c. Recommended variance/conditional use process
7:30 4. Slow No Wake Signs
7:50 5. Election of Officers
8:00 6. General Riverway Announcements.-Adjourn
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Since the PT has no staff or budget, agendas and minutes will be furnished only by e-mail
Future Land Use Review Committee meetings: MN DNR Warner Road, 3:00 PM second
Tuesday of each 5-Tuesday month, 5/9/17, 8/8/17, 10/10/17, 1/9/18, 5/8/18, 7/10/18, 10/9/18
Future Partnership Meetings: Oak Park Heights City Hall, 7:00 PM 5h Tuesday. 5/30/17,
8/29/17, 10/31/17, 1/30/18, 5/29/18, 7/31/18, 10/30/18
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PARTNERSHIP TEAM
LOWER ST. CROIX MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING#61
November 29, 2016
Oak Park Heights City Hall, Oak Park Heights,Minnesota
1. Roll call—Introductions—Sign-in
The meeting was called to order by Buck Malick at 7:00 p.m. Present: Buck Malick, St.
Croix County and St. Croix Scenic Coalition; David Beaudet, Sierra Club; Jan Cuccia,
Town of Troy; Jen Sorensen,MN DNR; Bill Palmquist, City of Afton; and Mike Wenholz,
Wisconsin DNR; Also Present: Tom Clarke, Citizen;Kristin Tuenge, St. Croix River
Association; Patty Mueller, St. Croix Master Watershed Stewards; Kristi Vadheim, Citizen
of Marine on St. Croix; Larry Kennedy, Citizen, May Township; and John Goodfellow, St.
Croix Master Watershed Association.
2. Approval of Minutes of May 31,2016
Palmquist, seconded by Beaudet,moved to approve the Minutes.Motion carried.
3. "Safe Harbor"Earth Tone and Summer Vegetation Colors
Chair Malick described what the Partnership Team's role was and how the group was
formed. He reported that when a homeowner wanted to remodel their exterior, state laws
and regulations directed that the colors must be earth tone and summer vegetation colors.
He suggested the Partnership Team look at some Panton colors and pick colors they felt
would be approved for homeowners. The group looked at color sheets that the technical
committee and some Partnership Team members had reviewed and crossed out certain
colors. Malick stated they could then put those colors together in a list or in a slideshow.
Sorensen suggested providing justification for limiting the colors. Malick stated he planned
to have a draft for the next Partnership Team meeting.
4. Slow No Wake Signs in Federal Zone
Kristin Tuenge of the St. Croix River Association read an e-mail from Pam Smith, a
homeowner near the Log House Landing in Scandia. E-mail attached hereto and
incorporated into the record. Tuenge stated that she felt there was a lack of awareness of
the speed limit on the river. John Goodfellow provided a PowerPoint presentation. He
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suggested clarification of intent of current restrictions and definitions;public education
through signage,volunteers at launches, and mailers; and lastly enforcement.
5. General Riverway Announcements/Adjourn
Mike Wenholz announced he was leaving the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources,
and his position had not yet been filled.
Beaudet, seconded by Malick,moved to adjourn the meeting.Motion carried.
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