Loading...
The URL can be used to link to this page
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Home
My WebLink
About
Park Grants
• •ational Recreation Trail Fulling Act APPLICATION All applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., August 2, 1996. L5 © Q�� Please deliver 8 copies of the application to: liii Department of Natural Resources Recreation Services sectionIIIB519 Trails and Waterways Unit 500 Lafayette Road St.Paul, Minnesota 55155-4052 General Information: Date: August 1 , 1996 Applicant: City of Oak Park Heights Trail Organization Project Partner (if there is one) Northwest Associated Consultants, Inc. Project: NSP Easement Overland Trail Mailing Address: 5775 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 555 City: St. Louis Park State: MN Zip Code: 55416 Contact Person: Scott Richards Title: City Planner Daytime Phone: ( 612 ) 595-9636 Project Information: Total Project Amount Local Match Source of Matching Funds Cost Requested $ 40,000 $ 20,000 $ 20,000 CIittyoPark Capital Are other non-local funds If yes, give Source of Non-local Funds proposed for this project? amount Yes Yes No X Checklist: Est. date of completion June 1997 x Project Description x Project Location Map(s) x (Reproducible) Proposals must specifically and x Response to each Requirement directly address each requirement and Response to Each Evaluation evaluation criterion to qualify and Criterion receive points. Check all project uses that apply: • Pages in each proposal should be x Walking/Hiking numbered with this page as number 1. x Bicycling • Proposals are limited to eight pages Horseback riding excluding maps, drawings, and/or x Cross country skiing photos. Snowmobiling • All pages must be 8 h by 11 inches ATV riding and not be dependant on color or be Off highway motorcycling otherwise unreproducible because 4x4 trucking _ your proposal is likely to be x Other (specify) Mountain bike trail photocopied. page - 1 • i N NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS INC COMMUNITY PLANNING - DESIGN - MARKET RESEARCH 1 August 1996 Mr. Dan Collins Trail Recreation Section Trails and Waterways Unit 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155 RE: Oak Park Heights - National Recreation Trail Fund Program Preapplication FILE NO: 798.04 - 96.09 Dear Mr. Collins: Please find attached the City of Oak Park Heights application for funding under the National Recreation Trail Funding Act. As indicated in our preapplication material, we are requesting funds to develop a transportation and recreation trail linage on City property within the NSP utility easement that bisects the community. Without the assistance of this grant program, it is likely that the trail enhancements proposed would not be possible. I believe we have fulfilled all the requirements specified for the application process. If there is any additional information, maps or documentation required, please do not hesitate to call me or Dan Sjordal of our office. Sincerely, NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC. ( "Orlibi‘ - Scott Richards Senior Planner pc: Mike Robertson Mayor and City Council Members 2 5775 WAYZATA BOULEVARD , SUITE 555 ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA 5541 6 PHONE 612-595-9636 FAX 6 1 2-595-9837 110 • 1. Project Description The proposed trail is located within the City of Oak Park Heights. Oak Park Heights is located in Washington County on the eastern edge of the Twin Cities Metro Area and the State of Minnesota. The proposed project is an enhancement of an existing unimproved trail that utilizes a Northern States Power(NSP) utility easement that runs through the City. An improved trail would establish an east-west connection through the City from the St. Croix Mall to Oakgreen Avenue North. This would be the first segment of a multi-use trail that will eventually lead to the Stillwater High School and to Highway 5. A connection to Highway 5 would allow the off-road NSP easement trail to be connected to the Washington County Trail System. Highway 36 runs along the northern border of the City. This major transportation link creates a strong physical and psychological barrier. This barrier will be intensified when the Minnesota Department of Transportation upgrades Highway 36 and develops the new St. Croix River Bridge crossing between 1997 and 1999. Because of the importance of the vehicular connection to Highway 36, Oak Park Heights has developed around the north-south collector streets that lead to the major arterial connection. The projected traffic increases will further segment the City. A paved east-west trail would allow for a multi-use non-motorized transportation link through the City that will provide a cohesive link within the community. The City has also become the "urban core" for central Washington County in that it encompasses within or adjacent to its boundaries the County Government Center and Jail, a regional mall, Stillwater Area High School, and two state prisons. This concentration of urban uses results in average daily vehicle counts not conducive to safe pedestrian and bicycle travel. Pedestrian and bicycle recreation and transportation demands require safer off-road options. As previously noted, the community already utilizes the NSP easement as a trail. As seen in the photographs of the site, years of use have created a well worn pathway that leads from Swager Park to City Hall. The property along the trail has been purchased by the City and significant strides have been made to prepare for the improvements that are requested. The City is currently in the process of installing a new off-road bicycle trail in the City owned property north of the NSP easement. This trail will be designed for beginner mountain bike users by "Off Road Rider" a consulting firm that specializes in the design of mountain bike trails. They have given special attention to wetland and erosion issues in their design. The new trail will provide a higher quality mountain biking experience than what is currently available. There are also plans to create nature walking subtrails within the densely wooded areas of City owned property south of the trail between the City Hall and Oldfield Avenue North. In addition, the City has installed access points from the neighborhoods and curb cuts at the crossing of Oldfield Avenue North. 3 • • The City is requesting funds from the National Reservation Trail Funding Act to upgrade the existing trail from an unpaved foot and bicycle path to a ten foot wide, 2,200 foot long bituminous trail. This non-motorized trail will provide significant recreation and transportation access for Oak Park Heights residents of all age groups and abilities -- providing linkages between business, homes, parks and schools in the community. The project would create an off-road corridor for pedestrian and bicyclists that would complement and connect the on-road facilities "designed for skilled bicyclists" that will be provided as part of MnDOT's Highway 36 upgrades. Additionally, a paved bituminous trail would provide access to some of the highest quality/diverse natural areas within the City limits. 2. Project Goals In June 1995, the City of Oak Park Heights prepared a Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail System Plan. A Trail Committee made up of City Council members, City residents, members of the adjacent community of Baytown Township and Washington County Public Works staff met to prepare goals for a future trails system plan. The main goal for the system was to "link all parts of Oak Park Heights internally as well as to neighboring communities by a safe and convenient multi-use trail system which incorporates many different users and trail locations/types." The Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail System Plan identified the NSP easement as a high priority including the goal to "utilize the NSP easement as an east-west link through the City. Explore using the mall parking lot as a link and evaluate the potential impacts to the parking lot..." In addition, the following goals have been established. "Connect the NSP easement trail with the frontage road intersection at Oakgreen Avenue", and "link Baytown Township with the proposed annexation area park and connect the park and high school to all surrounding area communities". In addition to meeting the goals in the Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail System Plan, the proposed trail will meet many of the project goals which include: • Provide safe public access to Swager Park, Annexation Area Park and to the Stillwater High School. • Provide access for all user groups regardless of abilities. • Provide improved access to newly developed mountain bike trails. • Utilize the NSP easement area as an asset that provides community cohesion. • Utilize City owned property and its natural beauty for the benefit of area residents. 4 • • 3. Project Costs The estimated total project cost of a 10-foot wide trail leading from the mall parking lot to Oakgreen Avenue North is $40,000. This estimate, as determined by Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates, the City Engineer, includes costs for grading, trail widening, compacted base, and a 2" depth bituminous pavement that runs along the project's length. Also included within the request are the costs for trail amenities which include bike signage ($1,000), parking improvements ($5,000), seating ($2,500), bike racks ($1,000), and planting areas ($3,500). ITEM COST/UNIT TOTAL Clearing/Grubbing/Grading Lump Sum $5,000 Compacted Class V with 2" bituminous $10/Linear Foot $22,000 trail course Trail amenities Lump Sum $13,000 TOTAL COSTS $40,000 4. Evidence of Support The community of Oak Park Heights is very supportive and excited about the possibility of paving the existing NSP Easement Trail. The Park Commission recommended the NSP Easement Trail at their July 15, 1996 meeting. Also, please see the attached July 23, 1996 Council minutes in support of the project. Northern States Power is also supportive of the project as seen in the attached letter dated July 31, 1996. The terms and conditions listed in the letter will be followed when the project is installed. 5. Matching Funds The source of the matching funds will be from the City Park Capital Improvement Fund. Several community groups have expressed the desire to participate with volunteer efforts in connection with the trail improvements. An example of the kind of public/private partnership that is expected to occur with the implementation of the trail project is the Mountain bike trail that is being constructed on the project site at this time. The "Summer Stretch Program", an ecumenical junior high youth group from 13 area churches and juvenile work crews sentenced to serve in community service are working with "Off-Road Rider" in the construction of the trails. Although much of the work in the paving of the NSP mTacanbe h , napotw installedEaseent by rvolunteersil not in done an effortwitto providevolunteer gar the of pride ladscand ownershiping fhe withinareaill thbe e community. 5 6. Identification of the Sponsoring Unit of Government The City of Oak Park Heights will be the unit of government legally responsible for the project. 7. Acknowledgment of Matching Fund Source The attached letter from Mike Robertson, the Oak Park Heights City Administrator acknowledges that the funding source and the "hard-match" will be used for in-house labor services or to meet existing payroll. 8. Evaluation of Applicant Capability The attached letter from the City Administrator shows evidence of the City's capability to carry out the project. Evaluation Criteria The following is a summary of how the project will meet the evaluation criteria that has been established by the National Recreation Trail Funding Act. The City of Oak Park Heights feels that the NSP Easement request meets the goals and requirements of the criteria for non-motorized trailways that are funded by the program. A. Public Need for and Benefit of Project As previously noted in the project description and as shown on the issues and opportunities map, the NSP easement cuts through the City, generally dividing the commercial portion of the City with the residential. The transmission line and its towers create an ominous presence. The City realizes that the land within the easement can be utilized as a positive opportunity rather than only seen as a negative element in the City. The creation of a trail corridor that establishes an east to west connection through the City would provide the City residents with recreation, transportation and safety benefits that do not currently exist. There are no current figures on the amount of use of the current trail, but the City expects that the trail's use will blossom, possibly rivaling the amount of use seen on the Willard Munger Trail that is in the area. Currently, the trail use is limited to enthusiastic off-road bicyclists and pedestrians. When the trail is paved it will be available to all age groups and will meet the transportation as well as recreational needs of the community. When the Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail System Plan was adopted, there was no formal system of established trails within Oak Park Heights. The plan states that the City considers the establishment of overland and off-street trails its ultimate priority. This is primarily due to the consideration of safety for the residents and visitors of the 6 • community. Trails need to be established in order to get pedestrians off the streets and onto off-street trails. The City has worked diligently in obtaining the property within the easement and as previously stated, the public is excited about the possibility of paving this trail and the future connection to the high school. B. Context of the Project in a Wider Plan As previously stated, the City of Oak Park Heights has prepared a Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail System Plan that identifies the NSP easement trail as its highest priority after pavement marking of local on-street trails. In addition to the off-road, multi- use trail connection that will be made to Swager Park with this proposal, the future NSP Easement Overland Trail will connect the City's new residential and commercial district, new annexation area park, and Stillwater Area High School. From there it will connect to the Washington County trail system. The Washington County trail system only covers township areas. The Cities are responsible to provide the connections to each other and to the County's system. The goals of the Washington County Linear Park System are as follows: Goal 1: Establish a coordinated system of local, county and regional linear open space that will meet present and future recreational and transportation needs in the County. Goal 2: Develop a linear open space system that complements the County land use and transportation plans and promotes proper management of natural and cultural resources. Goal 3: Coordinate a program to implement and maintain the desired Linear Parks and Open Space Plan. The enhancement of the NSP Easement Overland Trail is in complete compliance with the Minnesota Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan goals. Although there are no known historical and archaeological resources that exist on the site, the plans to enhance the existing wildflower area and nature trails on the site clearly shows the City's belief of the preservation of its natural history. C. Site and Project Quality The NSP easement and the City owned property is made up of some of the highest quality/diverse natural areas within the City limits including wetlands, pine and hardwood forest and wildlife prairie. The highest quality wildflower prairie is already existing on this site. The corridor is made up of view sheds and open and closed landscapes that have made the property a kind of retreat area within the City. 7 • The addition of an asphalt trail would allow the pathway to be used by seniors, strollers, wheelchairs, roller skate/inline skaters, and bicyclists with various levels of skill. A clearly defined and signed multi-use trail that is connected to parking areas will allow for all types of non-motorized users to utilize this trail and natural area. In the winter months, the City will participate with local cross-country enthusiasts in the creation of a loop trail that traverses the property. The City feels that the public support of the trail improvements that will be gained in this first segment of the NSP easement trail will propel the following connections to occur. D. Attention to the Potential Environmental Impact of the Project and Efforts to Mitigate Adverse Effects The width of the City owned property and the NSP easement allows for the trail to meander around wetlands and through woodlands and prairies without disturbing the natural amenities. The existing trail does not negatively impact any ecological sensitive areas. The paving of the existing trail will aid in the problem of surface erosion and dust that has been a minor problem with the unpaved surface. The 10 foot wide trail will add impervious surface to the area, but care will be given towards limiting the effects of the 10 foot wide path of impervious surface to the area by following the natural terrain and minimizing the amount of grading that will be required. E. Impact on Adjoining Landowners in the Vicinity of the Project. The existing trail is located over 100 feet from any residential lots, except where it swings to the south of the tennis courts in Swager Park and connects to one of the neighborhood access locations. The paved trail will add to the use of the existing trail which will produce higher levels of noise, but again, because of the width of the City property, this will not create an adverse effect on the homeowners that abut the property. The trail will be established for the homeowners who live in Oak Park Heights and will utilize the trail. 8 Attachments CIT\F OAK PARK HEIGHTS r , •,a 14168 N. 57th Street•Box 2007 •Oak Park Heights,MN 55082 •Phone: (612) 439-4439 •FAX 439-0574 July 12, 1996 Mr. Dan Collins Trail Recreation Section Trails and Waterways Unit 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155 Re: Oak Park Heights -National Recreation Trail Fund Program " File No: 798.04- 96.09 Dear Mr. Collins: I am writing this letter for insertion into the City of Oak Park Heights application for funding under the National Recreation Trail Fund Program. The purpose of this correspondence is to acknowledge that neither the grant funds nor the land match to be provided by the City will be used for in-house labor services and/or to meet existing payroll. Only contract services, materials and supplied used to construct the trails are expected for reimbursement from the grant funds. Additionally, the City acknowledges that it has adequate full time public works staff to adequately maintain the trail proposed. A 5 year operations and maintenance cost estimate is attached. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call. On behalf of the City Council, I Would like to thank the Department of Natural Resources for making these grant funds available to local units of government. We hope that our grant application is successful in this process. Sincerely your, CITY OF OAK PARK 1-1EIGHTS V7 Mike Robertson City Administrator Niamommimmo Tree City U.S.A. • 12 July 1996 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL FUND PROGRAM TRAIL OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE FIVE YEAR PLAN Mowing (Trail Surface Other Repairs Total Shoulders, Maintenance (Vandalism, Approaches) (Crack Filling, Painting Sweeping) YEAR 1 $1,200 $100 $100 $1,400 YEAR 2 $1,200 $100 $100 $1,400 YEAR 3 $1,300 $300 $300 $1,900 YEAR 4 $1,300 $200 $300 $1,800 YEAR 5 $1,400 $400 $200 $2,000 SOURCE OF FUNDS: Salaries and Materials from City General Fund Page 5 - Mine 07/23/96 • DRAFT Approval of Trail Grant Request Councilmember Robert, seconded • � c aa ' , . • - . .ve e application for the Trail Development Grant from the Minnesota DNR. Carried 4-0 . Proposed Eire Substation - Mayor O'Neal stated that a meeting is scheduled to discuss this issue with the Mayor of Bayport and City Administrator of Bayport. Councilmember Swenson questioned Attorney Vierling on the latest date the City could apply for a bond referendum. Attorney Vierling sated the Council would need to make a decision by the second City Council meeting in August. Council requested Attorney Vierling provide an estimate of the costs of balloting at the next City Council meeting scheduled Tuesday, August 13 , 1996 . Public Hearings: Request for Kennel License - Debra Zahlex Runk - 5525 O'Brien Avenue - Mayor O'Neal opened the Public Hearing at 8 : 00 p.m. Ms . Zahier Runk was present to answer questions . Ms . Zahler Runk stated that the kennel license includes three dogs, all who have been spayed or neutered and have had their rabies vaccination. Councilmember Swenson, seconded by Schaaf, moved to close the Public Hearing at 8 : 05 p.m. Councilmember Swenson, seconded by Schaaf, moved to approve the Kennel License Application. Carried 4-0 . New Business: Water Meter Deposit Refund - City Administrator Robertson reported that he has received several requests from residents who have sold their homes and are moving out of Oak Park Heights for refunds of their water meter deposits. Robertson questioned the Council ' s recollection of returning a water meter for a refund. Council requested that Robertson and Building Inspector Roger Benson investigate the issue. Industrial Palk - Councilmember Schaaf reported that the use of the land between Oakgreen and Walmart was discussed at the last Oak Park Heights Business Group meeting. Councilmember Schaaf stated that business owners felt strongly that the area should be used for commercial purposes, and should not be zoned a residential area. Correspondence: MNDOT L tier - Highway 5 Stormwatgr Pond - City Administrator Robertson reported that a plan is being designed for re-designing the intersection of Highway 36 and Highway 5, with construction taking place in the 1997 construction season. MNDOT requires that the drainage easement and stormwater pond be in place before construction begins . City Engineer Joe Anderlik reported that the pond is proposed to be located on the east side of 58th Street, north of the high school . City Engineer Anderlik stated that the new property owner will be involved in the design of the location. Mr. McGovern. a representative from Mr. Drackey was 1110 , • Northern States Power Company 414 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis,Minnesota 55401-1993 Telephone (612)330-5500 July 31, 1996 Northwest Associated Consultants, Inc. Attn: Dan J. Sjordahl 5775 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 555 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 ENCROACHMENT -Trail Development-File No. 798.04-96.09 - Lines 0977 & 0980 Section 04, Township 029, Range 20 Washington County, MN Dear Mr. Sjordahl, Our transmission engineers have reviewed the final development plans for the existing Trail that were submitted on July 16, 1996. The continued use of the easement property is acceptable to NSP, subject to the following terms and conditions. 1. Fill around or above steel structure foundations is not permitted. The grade around the structures must provide for surface water runoff- no surface water ponding around structures will be permitted. Any cost related to the adjustment of NSP's facilities will be at the requesters expense. 2. The ground elevation within the easement shall not be increased above grade, without review by NSP transmission engineering. Stockpiling of soil and /or material within the easement will not be permitted. 3. A working clearance of 25 feet between the electrical conductors and any cranes or digging equipment used in or near the easement, must be maintained at all times. 4. Detailed plans for landscaping (including light standards) must be submitted to NSP for review and approval. Generally shorter varieties of trees and shrubs may be considered, if planting is permitted. 5. Please provide design and dimensions of the picnic shelters for review. To acknowledge receipt of and agreement with the terms of this consent, please sign the enclosed copy of this letter and return to my attention. Sin rely air 'la Olson APPROVED Real Estate Rep./Highway Liaison 330-5983 •ti.• i��/ .0 cc: Roger Johnson .. ,.. s _ • ,,,s, i cr O Z zi i `..tc ! C ctl dd %\\` J ...” T-1 , ,, ,i 1 — y%j'_C5., 9j-dyrtlfiNZidi ' L. 111 it{f Li., z` 1 1 °1,1 1E lf11 Till!, -i ra - "-_-L ii1 -11 mill NEig,rrAOri, 1-6�iL. •1101,6:_it-L II Li 11 r..'L PI' L11-::: . "S‘ II ' 1 0,1, a* a CZv p 11 1 O , I 1 - Q I . r` 1 1 Ii40,01i. i >-4 ).---4 i �� 1 UI *: O %a !d Iii I ' I •• vi ' I • i . it1 1 IC 0 1 1 ,�, 1 4- ,,_IN11=Oj�.. -!yam :7 a'A -- ��--a � r�+y.rFe. : . e - • '€' 0 Z ._.. ... x , I/ v 71 i o k a) 3Y v _ 0 lL NI ■ai■iiR�ice\ �.� /i I\ Z 1) N ■ 8 .10.011____ r• • `� ■ Q .---/ • C.- m 1 N 'and p006S0; unun�uuuuniiunuuun + �� ■ J : o :/ • cu ■ I ...* ,,,CJ ,71 -t ;4' N l* minumimmil++++ mrr i, ' N 'and U0aJo�ep' '4 p, � I C� ■ iii c . ::::i /---"N 0 m s .i..iii!!,,s, , • *i::: ).__4L... o = ■• 0 C vxa C CU \ 0 0 r.n.5 (rl'--1• T�1 CL 3 j,I .;:i ••'cS to {] }-{ ::: N= •: •:::4 U O Ir :• ..'-ifi‘.21' r'� L • KDI �� I 1 CZS 1 LEN r,----a 1-1 — ill II _J 1 -.,.._- I 73 -110,1 ai r El ° i bt I Q -zi I1 .- ; , A 11 > i / i T._., i- 0 •U 14r ! % .1, 4--- I I 1 E[ 01E1 C��1 � �1 I ".0 i: . 1 it 5 ____________ ....miva_m_ffsatio , ,21,1, 1 Dm UuGIT 7 - a� NI (1) lj d II t u U SLI n D1 ► ® Mia 'lt- Z p.'v on'' - ,41Le iti- l: ;. - L, • rl�1L ,1t t Q 4 [� t� f n # e ,-...!-;: f71 Li .. _ ipi,). . --. .0 'j �., cr . E---4 ‘I• , -,1-51 A' ',' Sii.jt. .? a-ri Dig:,„_.., - ( if r 41 ri %, , ,1 ,:, . ski .. • ',:. /1,1./..;? ';::,, .,.i . 0 ---` 41. 41 1. .k t.. \ f. 1,..1 t :'. )-I t c--1i ;—.,___•,- ,1.._ sm... el 11 ,., .__________ ': ' . -.(,,, ,..11 (i ,_.6_:_Uij . : 46 C= : ‘ . a .,- __ , 1 2 .....,.. , , _)\\,‘ 4 i .._ (1, _WI-- t 1,m---fi LP lil .-- .'c'-i". . t. i:-. • .1- L'i • • . . • ., ii+oti All ,, ,, /...... j t ,/ .T l LAY`{,QF ` 1 fff ;��;; � � _ -- � � �� fel ivt iAl�i r" Ct �` {txutr�c- , - ttt ."' �; s ; ' "� , , r>' Looking East from , �( *141 -Itit-.••4',- •,'''; ,,,-...,,,,e,_42 G- �f�. C�Idfield Avenue r ,Inc-- ....,,,,.\• , . .ii..-„:,z G�} . yah, } 'S 4 . A+ a mr v ` 4th 4:7, 1.` reA .orf 1�GV 7 ".,p4VA,Ilf-A'-r‘ 14--- ./ y:'''',15.::;.:-. Iq C f 4,141'^: j,, 0 . /l•'f ��.;=c Yom` 7� ""r,,�s . . 1 `.07° East Trail Entry . "it,,.:.,....,,,,i,,,,,,,,,p.,,,,.,,,,,t.:7;ak,..—„,. ., , 0,,,,,,,,:,,r4„,,,,i,....,,,iy,:vi...,,,,,,, „..,,...,:,,,,,.,, , _ ..„,,,,,,:,..,, ' , :- ; - .ky= - r5j' d' {l hit. (2-rix m4.11 lif p�u ,ul Ic} $1 : . V NSP Easement Overland Trail `' ;,, ,` - c,-4 • • ,� :t. �r ._1a 1-' r �x ,,....;;.,,,,,,..,,,,,,,t,74...:,„.= 4 h..� fi^ f✓ t •� 1 ,.� _ l� pa t-2*'�• �i yF-,_1' - '.—w�«*=' ,�•r, a ".r .Jg,r�.;,, c,, '4%. r",-..'-,---,.. 44 1 2 '''''''''''''i ayyy. ,7 t "� t, .�:?. - ,, ',IC'' x'' '' x t o g4 6 t h JIS i>•�'*'S �'�'•.'34 air'` •� - Y`� . .1.-4'g i y: Y let."'. 7f 4 l _ ^�'" ¢�y, m ., � �d :+< �fyr.4 'u6'+v �`�-..a';,,*'4'.511/t,'- .-�,r� i''►'Yr,... iwi.'7."-'1--::.,...s,,,,..:1,,,--i.,7,.1, s I 1 n'h f ,.;- t •.f "r • '.' ` � off iii, - ,,,ae -w'" a. . , "s'r _. �3# Y .r.,i,r• h 4�*,y',4 `' � ';'.-7';'' ''." y�` ', ?9';- 4y,: 1 qty L • ?,. Y .. ' a ani xA"JP�Y' f"'9•},',,, ,t." '- t< - 3. -k',N, ' { �a y� ry c - �'. syr „y •.:;:',...,3''::,t4aF � K ,, .3y 1::',•<{:;,'"'''-,..r'', s _ u�. '' 3 4 NSP Easement Overland Trail �K , 1 . Swagger Park Existingtrail section ,{ to be paved �` �� x � � ti, 2. Existing trail between Swagger Park '„ F, ''''',q6.', ,,, and City HallA. , t.# , 3, Wildflowers where the new mountain , 4t Y*:' bike trail meets the existing trail mob , 4. Newly designed mountain bike +4 "1` :" ' t } trail ,,,,e;',",'''if"- Q 5. Waiting for a paved trail.... '''.,:''',,i'`-',''. F � � 5 411 Page 4 - Minutes 07/23/96 Valley Branch Watershed District - Administrator Robertson reported that the City Engineer' s office has sent Valley Branch the information it requested. Strategic Planning Committee - The Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) will meet at 7 : 00 p.m. , Wednesday, July 31, 1996 at Oak Park Heights City Hall . SPC Appointee - Council reviewed a letter from Michael Dahlquist requesting that the City Council consider appointing him as a citizen representative to the Strategic Planning Committee . Councilmember Robert recommended Dahlquist based on his work as Parks Commission Chair. Councilmember Robert, seconded by Swenson, moved to appoint Michael Dahlquist to the Strategic Planning Commission. Carried 4-0 . Oak Park Heights Business Group - Councilmember Schaaf stated that the next Oak Park Heights Business Group meeting will be held Wednesday, August 7, 1996 at 7 :30 a.m. at Applebee ' s Restaurant . Topics for discussion include the Junker landfill lawsuit and business garbage collection rates . Consent Agenda: 1 . Approve Council Meeting Minutes, July 9, 1996 . 2 . Increase Park Attendant Dave Otto' s pay rate to $7 . 50 an hour. 3 . Approval of Brackey Addition Street Utility Improvement Plan. Councilmember Schaaf, seconded by Swenson, moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Carried 4-0 . Unfinished Business George Vogt Resolution - Council reviewed an information packet which included an updated resolution submitted by George Vogt regarding the bridge, copies of every resolution on the bridge, and a copy of the letter sent to Chuck Siggerud last August, 1995 notifying him of the Council ' s decision. Councilmember Robert stated that she wanted to be on record stating that the Council did not approve the northern alignment of the southern corridor for the New St . Croix River bridge . After much discussion, Councilmember Swenson, seconded by Mayor O'Neal, moved to table the issue. Carried 4-0 . Approval of Trail Grant Request - Councilmember Robert, seconded by Schaaf, moved to approve the application for the Trail Development Grant from the Minnesota DNR. Carried 4-0 . •JIINA Northwest Associated ConsultantsInc . CCOMMUNITY PLANNING • DESIGN • MA Virmrir ' i L`7 LI 1J '-- ►� J , .alt. 2 2 INN MEMORANDUM TO: Oak Park Heights Mayor and City Council FROM: Scott Richards DATE: 19 July 1996 RE: Oak Park Heights - NSP Trail Grant FILE NO: 798.04 - 96.09 Please find attached a draft of the application for funding improvements to the NSP Easement Overland Trail. The Park Commission reviewed the application at their 15 July meeting and recommended the project to the City Council for approval. The DNR does not require a public hearing for approval of the grant application. A recommendation of the Park Commission and resolution of the City Council is required to indicate the community support for the project. The DNR will provide a one-half match for construction of the project. In its resolution for support, the City Council should also indicate that it will likely authorize the funding for one-half of the project costs if the grant is approved. ZuglYist The City Council should consider the application at their 23 1996 meeting. The City should resolve the following: • Approval of the project plans and grant application for the NSP Easement Overland Trail. • Pledge support for funding one-half of the project costs (projected at $20,000) if the trail grant is approved. 5775 Wayzata Blvd. • Suite 555 • St. Louis Park, MN 55416 • (612) 595-9636•Fax. 595-9837 • National Recreation Trail Fundin 9Act APPLICATION All applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., August 2, 1996. Please deliver 8 copies of the application to: Department of Natural Resources Recreation Services Section Trails and Waterways Unit 500 Lafayette Road St.Paul, Minnesota 55155-4052 General Information: Date: August 1, 1996 Applicant: City of Oak Park Heights Trail Organization Project Partner (if there is one) Northwest Associated Consultants, Inc. Project: NSP Easement Overland Trail Mailing Address: 5775 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 555 City: St. Louis Park State: MN Zip Code: 55416 Contact Person: Scott Richards Title: City Planner Daytime Phone: ( 612 ) 595-9636 Project Information: Total Project Amount Local Match Source of Matching Funds Cost Requested $ 40,000 $ 20,000 $ 20,000 City Park Capital Improvement Fund Are other non-local funds If yes, give Source of Non-local Funds proposed for this project? amount Yes No X Checklist: Est. date of completion June 1997 x Project Description x Project Location Map(s) x (Reproducible) ► Proposals must specifically and x Response to each Requirement directly address each requirement and Response to Each Evaluation evaluation criterion to qualify and Criterion receive points. Check all project uses that apply: Pages in each proposal should be x Walking/Hiking numbered with this page as number 1. x Bicycling Proposals are limited to eight pages Horseback riding excluding maps, drawings, and/or x Cross country skiing photos. Snowmobiling ► All pages must be 8 /s by 11 inches ATV riding and not be dependant on color or be Off highway motorcycling otherwise unreproducible because 4x4 trucking your proposal is likely to be x Other (specify) Mountain bike trail photocopied. page - 1 • . DRAFT - DRAFT - DRAFT Date: Mr. Dan Collins Trail Recreation Section Trails and Waterways Unit 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155 RE: Oak Park Heights - National Recreation Trail Fund Program Preapplication FILE NO: 798.04 - 96.09 Dear Mr. Collins: Please find attached the City of Oak Park Heights application for funding under the National Recreation Trail Funding Act. As indicated in our preapplication material, we are requesting funds to develop a transportation and recreation trail linage on City property within the NSP utility easement that bisects the community. Without the assistance of this grant program, it is likely that the trail enhancements proposed would not be possible. I believe we have fulfilled all the requirements specified for the application process. If there is any additional information, maps or documentation required, please do not hesitate to call me or Dan Sjordal of our office. Sincerely, NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC. Scott Richards Senior Planner pc: Mike Robertson Mayor and City Council Members 2 • • 1. Project Description The proposed trail is located within the City of Oak Park Heights. Oak Park Heights is located in Washington County on the eastern edge of the Twin Cities Metro Area and the State of Minnesota. The proposed project is an enhancement of an existing unimproved trail that utilizes a Northern States Power (NSP) utility easement that runs through the City. An improved trail would establish an east-west connection through the City from the St. Croix Mall to Oakgreen Avenue North. This would be the first segment of a multi-use trail that will eventually lead to the Stillwater High School and to Highway 5. A connection to Highway 5 would allow the off-road NSP easement trail to be connected to the Washington County Trail System. Highway 36 runs along the northern border of the City. This major transportation link creates a strong physical and psychological barrier. This barrier will be intensified when the Minnesota Department of Transportation upgrades Highway 36 and develops the new St. Croix River Bridge crossing between 1997 and 1999. Because of the importance of the vehicular connection to Highway 36, Oak Park Heights has developed around the north-south collector streets that lead to the major arterial connection. The projected traffic increases will further segment the City. A paved east-west trail would allow for a multi-use non-motorized transportation link through the City that will provide a cohesive link within the community. The City has also become the "urban core" for central Washington County in that it encompasses within or adjacent to its boundaries the County Government Center and Jail, a regional mall, Stillwater Area High School, and two state prisons. This concentration of urban uses results in average daily vehicle counts not conducive to safe pedestrian and bicycle travel. Pedestrian and bicycle recreation and transportation demands require safer off-road options. As previously noted, the community already utilizes the NSP easement as a trail. As seen in the photographs of the site, years of use have created a well worn pathway that leads from Swager Park to City Hall. The property along the trail has been purchased by the City and significant strides have been made to prepare for the improvements that are requested. The City is currently in the process of installing a new off-road bicycle trail in the City owned property north of the NSP easement. This trail will be designed for beginner mountain bike users by"Off Road Rider" a consulting firm that specializes in the design of mountain bike trails. They have given special attention to wetland and erosion issues in their design. The new trail will provide a higher quality mountain biking experience than what is currently available. There are also plans to create nature walking subtrails within the densely wooded areas of City owned property south of the trail between the City Hall and Oldfield Avenue North. In addition, the City has installed access points from the neighborhoods and curb cuts at the crossing of Oldfield Avenue North. 3 • • The City is requesting funds from the National Reservation Trail Funding Act to upgrade the existing trail from an unpaved foot and bicycle path to a ten foot wide, 2,200 foot long bituminous trail. This non-motorized trail will provide significant recreation and transportation access for Oak Park Heights residents of all age groups and abilities -- providing linkages between business, homes, parks and schools in the community. The project would create an off-road corridor for pedestrian and bicyclists that would complement and connect the on-road facilities "designed for skilled bicyclists" that will be provided as part of MnDOT's Highway 36 upgrades. Additionally, a paved bituminous trail would provide access to some of the highest quality/diverse natural areas within the City limits. 2. Project Goals In June 1995, the City of Oak Park Heights prepared a Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail System Plan. A Trail Committee made up of City Council members, City residents, members of the adjacent community of Baytown Township and Washington County Public Works staff met to prepare goals for a future trails system plan. The main goal for the system was to "link all parts of Oak Park Heights internally as well as to neighboring communities by a safe and convenient multi-use trail system which incorporates many different users and trail locations/types." The Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail System Plan identified the NSP easement as a high priority including the goal to "utilize the NSP easement as an east-west link through the City. Explore using the mall parking lot as a link and evaluate the potential impacts to the parking lot..." In addition, the following goals have been established. "Connect the NSP easement trail with the frontage road intersection at Oakgreen Avenue", and "link Baytown Township with the proposed annexation area park and connect the park and high school to all surrounding area communities". In addition to meeting the goals in the Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail System Plan, the proposed trail will meet many of the project goals which include: • Provide safe public access to Swager Park, Annexation Area Park and to the Stillwater High School. • Provide access for all user groups regardless of abilities. • Provide improved access to newly developed mountain bike trails. • Utilize the NSP easement area as an asset that provides community cohesion. • Utilize City owned property and its natural beauty for the benefit of area residents. 4 • • 3. Project Costs The estimated total project cost of a 10-foot wide trail leading from the mall parking lot to Oakgreen Avenue North is $40,000. This estimate, as determined by Bonestroo, Rosene, Anderlik and Associates, the City Engineer, includes costs for grading, trail widening, compacted base, and a 2" depth bituminous pavement that runs along the project's length. Also included within the request are the costs for trail amenities which include bike signage ($1 ,000), parking improvements ($5,000), seating ($2,500), bike racks ($1,000), and planting areas ($3,500). ITEM COST/UNIT TOTAL Clearing/Grubbing/Grading Lump Sum $5,000 Compacted Class V with 2" bituminous 10#/Linear Foot $22,000 trail course Lump Sum $13,000 Trail amenities TOTAL COSTS $40,000 4. Evidence of Support The community of Oak Park Heights is very supportive and excited about the possibility of paving the existing NSP Easement Trail. The Park Commission recommended the NSP Easement Trail at their July 15, 1996 meeting. Also, please see the attached July 23, 1996 Council minutes in support of the project. Northern States Power is also supportive of the project as seen in the attached letter dated 5. Matching Funds The source of the matching funds will be from the City Park Capital Improvement Fund. Several community groups have expressed the desire to participate with volunteer efforts in connection with the trail improvements. An example of the kind of public/private partnership that is expected to occur with the implementation of the trail project is the Mountain bike trail that is being constructed on the project site at this time. The "Summer Stretch Program", an ecumenical junior high youth group from 13 area churches and juvenile work crews sentenced to serve in community service are working with "Off-Road Rider" in the construction of the trails. Although much of the work in the paving of the NSP Easement Trail cannot be done with volunteer groups, the landscaping of the area will be installed by volunteers in an effort to provide a sense of pride and ownership within the community. 5 • • 6. Identification of the Sponsoring Unit of Government The City of Oak Park Heights will be the unit of government legally responsible for the project. 7. Acknowledgment of Matching Fund Source The attached letter from Mike Robertson, the Oak Park Heights City Administrator acknowledges that the funding source and the "hard-match" will be used for in-house labor services or to meet existing payroll. 8. Evaluation of Applicant Capability The attached letter from the City Administrator shows evidence of the City's capability to carry out the project. Evaluation Criteria The following is a summary of how the project will meet the evaluation criteria that has been established by the National Recreation Trail Funding Act. The City of Oak Park Heights feels that the NSP Easement request meets the goals and requirements of the criteria for non-motorized trailways that are funded by the program. A. Public Need for and Benefit of Project As previously noted in the project description and as shown on the issues and opportunities map, the NSP easement cuts through the City, generally dividing the commercial portion of the City with the residential. The transmission line and its towers create an ominous presence. The City realizes that the land within the easement can be utilized as a positive opportunity rather than only seen as a negative element in the City. The creation of a trail corridor that establishes an east to west connection through the City would provide the City residents with recreation, transportation and safety benefits that do not currently exist. There are no current figures on the amount of use of the current trail, but the City expects that the trail's use will blossom, possibly rivaling the amount of use seen on the Willard Munger Trail that is in the area. Currently, the trail use is limited to enthusiastic off-road bicyclists and pedestrians. When the trail is paved it will be available to all age groups and will meet the transportation as well as recreational needs of the community. When the Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail System Plan was adopted, there was no formal system of established trails within Oak Park Heights. The plan states that the City considers the establishment of overland and off-street trails its ultimate priority. This is primarily due to the consideration of safety for the residents and visitors of the 6 • . community. Trails need to be established in order to get pedestrians off the streets and onto off-street trails. The City has worked diligently in obtaining the property within the easement and as previously stated, the public is excited about the possibility of paving this trail and the future connection to the high school. B. Context of the Project in a Wider Plan As previously stated, the City of Oak Park Heights has prepared a Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail System Plan that identifies the NSP easement trail as its highest priority after pavement marking of local on-street trails. In addition to the off-road, multi- use trail connection that will be made to Swager Park with this proposal, the future NSP Easement Overland Trail will connect the City's new residential and commercial district, new annexation area park, and Stillwater Area High School. From there it will connect to the Washington County trail system. The Washington County trail system only covers township areas. The Cities are responsible to provide the connections to each other and to the County's system. The goals of the Washington County Linear Park System are as follows: Goal 1: Establish a coordinated system of local, county and regional linear open space that will meet present and future recreational and transportation needs in the County. Goal 2: Develop a linear open space system that complements the County land use and transportation plans and promotes proper management of natural and cultural resources. Goal 3: Coordinate a program to implement and maintain the desired Linear Parks and Open Space Plan. The enhancement of the NSP Easement Overland Trail is in complete compliance with the Minnesota Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan goals. Although there are no known historical and archaeological resources that exist on the site, the plans to enhance the existing wildflower area and nature trails on the site clearly shows the City's belief of the preservation of its natural history. C. Site and Project Quality The NSP easement and the City owned property is made up of some of the highest quality/diverse natural areas within the City limits including wetlands, pine and hardwood forest and wildlife prairie. The highest quality wildflower prairie is already existing on this site. The corridor is made up of view sheds and open and closed landscapes that have made the property a kind of retreat area within the City. 7 • • The addition of an asphalt trail would allow the pathway to be used by seniors, strollers, wheelchairs, roller skate/inline skaters, and bicyclists with various levels of skill. A clearly defined and signed multi-use trail that is connected to parking areas will allow for all types of non-motorized users to utilize this trail and natural area. In the winter months, the City will participate with local cross-country enthusiasts in the creation of a loop trail that traverses the property. The City feels that the public support of the trail improvements that will be gained in this first segment of the NSP easement trail will propel the following connections to occur. D. Attention to the Potential Environmental Impact of the Project and Efforts to Mitigate Adverse Effects The width of the City owned property and the NSP easement allows for the trail to meander around wetlands and through woodlands and prairies without disturbing the natural amenities. The existing trail does not negatively impact any ecological sensitive areas. The paving of the existing trail will aid in the problem of surface erosion and dust that has been a minor problem with the unpaved surface. The 10 foot wide trail will add impervious surface to the area, but care will be given towards limiting the effects of the 10 foot wide path of impervious surface to the area by following the natural terrain and minimizing the amount of grading that will be required. E. Impact on Adjoining Landowners in the Vicinity of the Project. The existing trail is located over 100 feet from any residential lots, except where it swings to the south of the tennis courts in Swager Park and connects to one of the neighborhood access locations. The paved trail will add to the use of the existing trail which will produce higher levels of noise, but again, because of the width of the City property, this will not create an adverse effect on the homeowners that abut the property. The trail will be established for the homeowners who live in Oak Park Heights and will utilize the trail. 8 • • DRAFT - DRAFT - DRAFT 12 July 1996 Mr. Dan Collins Trail Recreation Section Trails and Waterways Unit 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155 RE: Oak Park Heights - National Recreation Trail Fund Program FILE NO: 798.04 - 96.09 Dear Mr. Collins: I am writing this letter for insertion into the City of Oak Park Heights application for funding under the National Recreation Trail Fund Program. The purpose of this correspondence is to acknowledge that neither the grant funds nor the land match to be provided by the City will be used for in-house labor services and/or to meet existing payroll. Only contract services, materials and supplies used to construct the trails are expected for reimbursement from the grant funds. Additionally, the City acknowledges that it has adequate full time public works staff to adequately maintain the trail proposed. A 5 year operations and maintenance cost estimate is attached. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call. On behalf of the City Council, I would like to thank the DNR for making these grant funds available to local units of government. We hope that our grant application is successful in this process. Sincerely yours, CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS Mike Robertson City Administrator 12 July 1996 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL FUND PROGRAM TRAIL OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE FIVE YEAR PLAN Mowing (Trail Surface Other Repairs Total Shoulders, Maintenance (Vandalism, Approaches) (Crack Filling, Painting Sweeping) YEAR 1 $1,200 $100 $100 $1,400 YEAR 2 YEAR 3 YEAR 4 $1,200 $100 $100 $300 $300 $1,400 $1,300 $300 $1,900 $1,300 $200 $1,800 YEAR 5 $1,400 $400 $200 $2,000 SOURCE OF FUNDS: Salaries and Materials from City General Fund 0 • z O z i rr ' = O ice. .r u � .:.:Cr, ! J II 1'� �_�^ ' ''i `, _.!.,rte' \ / 'CU f 5/.I• EMil�`�'fagiEl :;6� 15 ill. O d• Ir,i" ...t.., ,�, L i. •iE!.01...qui,.& , ,��{r1�jjppza,�:. I , j J_ am •t J-L.TRIP- (.tj°�Lldrirt. •' � ( ' ' %ilii II,_ oiii I , , !' `: _ . --.. _ I , ,. �I b , II ,,. .14 r• i -o ,ou, .;, p_. .-,dt, ,:: 0 I u C u ---, (a-�il ,!. ' y -r•+ ; 1' :i:}71 Ali Li;iu ''��tif.I -!ry , :\ --91 � d I` ''�, n • 1, i,_.. l: ' ,o I I p er ,,', . E. : a ' i , �' -!i-i. G no- g l ! I ., T" ,O�BOpO''044 i,4; y o .. no I i i : 3 1 K1 r% •' �-Y%1 , iiii . . 1 i r oO iii ,^e IP► e I . ...T[J ,.I. 000 • O O IIIr ' • , _ 61 I rrKK I �0d j w II Ir of L Q a. A I j � , I H ./ —• I — .—r--,._....j. C ''..--1 .- . ih ,, , , N., I I I 1 I ed•ii. ›--4 1 iii,/i E----i _., i , .... Imo! UO 0 . III I , , . . il„,, 1 .., iiiik. ii il I I° --,r, ., .... . .‘:::,,, ....... .„ , . !r , my, a�R — . I I dsq . I ' 4w : , • - 0 til-= 1 f . . _ ; Z .( t -5 H . LI•,m, vti,,0 ,� Cil .� t . -- 1-----Th1. _ g! 0 i'\ 4� 0 , iiii I 1 .- .1 i li• p , , , 1 1 1 O' IILIMCI Dail - d I 1 r I 1 1 CII I , a4 . 0 an DI [� 7 raj . .'s . 4'—' it 1 _________,,,..„-,,ai . :: l', 4_n _, \ 2:_____---Dj r 4 W a. i_:1_1. -..______4 i . . 7 Li o In r . El 'tp- . t I) C. .,....,..`---,---,-,....,...-7r.,•-..",.,:,;- -11-- .1 k Fp c : L - , [ D ` Ha\ .tA .- - �� 4; 11 0 1 ., 1, co‘,.11 k \ u : ...1-... it,..: ,/ 17 _7 -st .14_ \ , _..J.. i, Ni • r - ,„- . IT,11 \ .( :/ ..ir,,, \kc I — F. I __________ \ .-- i – . [) E' • .. q ,..e*"."1/4-..-1 j,.?'" -. 2 a i s& i 1 4, is* .0 . ,..r.:.. ,. ..„,„ 4,...e • LI iii t c--i- 1f \1 b • • n h i,(- p 1 GI Gu v-'"1 1" .,.moot t\ G --,-Ile--1 ' -Cgir ,W)--;';c 11 am , reg �i of Ku._ ?' -.',' ,-; - -- 1-11.>14111NP'.4. '7 1. r)irk- r-"'"'i) ' ` Gam` �i �` - a' � = • lo} z - 1.- -z----: 2 7- , -- ; , ! - -. Z1 t.i.I L:-.-.. 1,Avr-n4 oe t,,,,,,t-pvvv, •• ��!s"05w' � ,-'-=- • lei --.:�n�-.'�1�d•.-t--.....,,,S "'IVA �'"r, •-• , - 3>11 //z -/%- - % - -1. ----,* • . 11.00,1,.... 016.„1 ---,..ay „..• -4 P:i. "I _Aii 111,,„.. .-.16.:, . A\l'eS,,,V.,,fr. -"i,o0,101..fre tt /Al ..-.-.7-a4. - -7,- iztar-- .--0-407.--ci? -,- ,,oe_ -_,.. ,- _ iii,iir i4. ►,*rso•`1 „ / An S�� ,.'��, ,, ..„, .., „,,,,,......„,.,..,..................1. ,,,,t, - „„,./..: ,...„ ....,..... 's A,- ,� �� . ... ..,. -__,- .1 �I:� 4. -7 i,w :r_. ..: - NiJ .._ 4 ��=iii ����� ... ... 7:47 .11/V:E0 11' ;.-•-• -... .ti,„ .4.-' ..--10-0-11101. • .„ v-45.7.e.f•7, . ...*-„,,-)....--- . :. ,.....rA, . 44?" /..0.-A -,:-..---: ."' , _ ...441106 -.. ••- . . - ,dellr:7 /..,"' lo.:1.1 ------,- --- . iiiill' 111 II p0,... . „iv. r let vAti v11-- if IA Of /1114 illir`- ,� �' V- Imo} ., • i' if •. ,_ 440 „ 4„ "v1Tz.„,,,4_ ►1x:11 . . t,.. __ - \ Trail. East Entry ..:„.,,,,,,,,:::,t,:-.t,,:c. CITY.F • F 0. OAK PARK HEIGHTS '' 14168 N. 57th Street•Box 2007 •Oak Park Heights,MN 55082 •Phone: (612) 439-4439 •FAX 439-0574 July 12, 1996 Mr. Dan Collins Trail Recreation Section Trails and Waterways Unit 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155 Re: Oak Park Heights -National Recreation Trail Fund Program File No: 798.04 - 96.09 Dear Mr. Collins: I am writing this letter for insertion into the City of Oak Park Heights application for funding under the National Recreation Trail Fund Program. The purpose of this correspondence is to acknowledge that neither the grant funds nor the land match to be provided by the City will be used for in-house labor services and/or to meet existing payroll. Only contract services, materials and supplied used to construct the trails are expected for reimbursement from the grant funds. Additionally, the City acknowledges that it has adequate full time public works staff to adequately maintain the trail proposed. A 5 year operations and maintenance cost estimate is attached. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call. On behalf of the City Council, I would like to thank the Department of Natural Resources for making these grant funds available to local units of government. We hope that our grant application is successful in this process. Sincerely your, CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS ./ Mike Robertson City Administrator Tree City U.S.A. • • J NNorthwest Associated Consultants , Inc . C COMMUNITY PLANNING • DESIGN • MARKET RESEARCH F- ` 16 July 1996 ��',. .. `� 1 , ._ J JUL 171996 Ms. Tina Olson Northern States Power Company - 414 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 - 1993 RE: NSP Easement Trail Development Grant FILE NO: 798.04 - 96.09 Dear Ms. Olson: The City of Oak Park Heights is pursuing a trail development grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) through the National Recreational Trail Fund. The City is requesting funds to improve a recreational trail on City property within an NSP utility easement that bisects the community. The site is centrally located within the City of Oak Park Heights - Section 4, Township 29, Range 20, Washington County (see the attached maps). An improved trail would establish an east-west connection through the City from the St. Croix Mall to Oakgreen Avenue North. This would be the first segment of a multi-use trail that will eventually lead to the Stillwater High School and to Highway 5. A connection to Highway 5 would allow the off-road NSP easement trail to be connected to the Washington County Trail System. The City already utilizes this NSP easement as a trail, as there is a well worn pathway that leads from Swager Park to City Hall. The City wishes to improve this trail with bituminous surfacing. The improvements will not require any significant alteration of existing grades. The parking area, tennis courts, picnic shelter, and basketball courts shown on the plans are existing conditions. The City of Oak Park Heights is formally requesting NSP to comment on this project, and hopefully pledge support. Please indicate in your response that the proposal is to upgrade an existing trail within the easement area. Please respond in writing to Mike Robertson, City Administrator (Oak Park Heights) by July 26, 1996 at: P.O. Box 2007, Oak Park Heights, Mn. 55082-2007. 5775 Wayzata Blvd. • Suite 555 • St. Louis Park, MN 55416 • (612) 595-9636•Fax. 595-9837 • If you have any questions feel free to, contact Scott Richards or myself at 595-9636. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation. Sincerely, NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS INC. I J. jord..I Senior Desi. er pc: Mike Robertson 2 7"--- • x ilen ci-c•0 (//1.-.;-' z • • .,y r� .-_ -- CZ • immml �''•*/: r ,J5 Y1 0,1. ) li ---(-1 , T. .%.;-• mWu��6Ill g. — - iii .„,_: •,—..,. �(,°p��!1!Q���'�����fmpflfl111 �: ' �LJ ►� • 'IIIb!VIII: y ', I . III fi F� itL\31 i ILL II �rj!' •• 1) 1 ' o ••31JO � ' • T1, ‘; II0,1i; � I. \I • 441 ril TiN1.!iiii ] ! ulitfi . _51c,1_1 ',, h. r 'II 711 ' CP . M I I ; C3 U 1 d; • .i..:- gilt. • • I . Ct. . ,..1.%..0 ,. A tea•j t�, • I I i I, 1 1 1.0a ''' '' . C./) I,I 1 O , I. . }..L{ 0a j 4i �0 o d I a 1 f : a ! ,i, � I I I j -Id j - c.: t 41 Q • ,.1 t, i i I. I 1 t 1 �/ lam{ • ' I IN I • 0 )---4 • II.� 1 ' odd , I i 1 II Nt^`,.i *. 'doI III I i • . .., �•. • , ,\ , e' • 00. - - --0 __I-v 60 T f . -- 44 / N1/4 COR SEC. 4 .._. I 433:---e,) 144 - -----. ' - I Pace'330 C r STATE (6) n1. •,,-. a___ —77-- t.. RADU , to. 4,6.. ; 4100 ' I . :1 crki )00 r 1 1il ...i• -).;411 (/2. .., , i.7., L---1--c__17„.:-., ' 3100 1 Al ,2) 1 1(.7: .'5("),...: I ..-. i ' .'' N op z145 1 ;,,,, 2 ' '11", izi A D ?Cr 4 0 50(3,; 60004-4 330 • ,z. i • ' ' :-•- 1 (5) • 4..le 3152 .,,,ch ' , 4 '0:41v ,..,..5ZI . 2 )0 61Z 7 . 161 ..i 31 • /60 ' 2'..4 9'9 ...Z" A 59',5' 4.- { .1 A ...In-— ------PEP 99 — '-- C- //x... ii. so ez• e,--.. • ./„. .... eL 'i:ti 4" 5 0. .1 , /0 •• :1:41 .:•' '''.• '''''''''54'06".;-,. t It, 1 _______ 377.7e 20--,_- eo ,. BA Z12 Deed.,9g 58? 2. 5-5.46-E 41/.33 ''. iC 63.1.7 -'''' / 60A 28':"--.• ' • ' t IIIIIIIIIIII/ -1250 3 6 `- . ....5.v. ;• ..z. /0 : ST ...,-,..... „,... . . C'fr(lbr 41 L.L. R. 1 • 2---LUZI&.,. / / .. .. , 7 8 0 0 4-235 0 . i.. W (9) > ,,, sea'ee•54',4 4" )-,1:. Z ;•:,..!ce ,t. •F't k 2 0• i' 0 -,.. 3//..r, ht) • i? I-- 7., ret'st'54",v b' 6C 1 < (S rs - • , , etlalo • LL J455$ •• :„.• 78004-2400 ••.? ;7 0 tkk".kf . 11111111111111"'4 259.,re Z.5 go 00,) C, ,, — GSU •0 . ‘, i"-----------1---- --" --------. 48;.5'2 3 ' z,-; :, a.,•1/4; G U I , 4 78004-( 5 ., - /2 li, 11 12 g3 7::,viaT(..ET-------17;695::-I:5: 4 / i i 3 2200 6 ) , '.1.' r ,- ... N*,:;• . 5: 1. 10 TOWE ----...... 1 '':.i :-3 /2 /11 1 10 • 1 9 , 76 0 04 - .... • 5.,,,4 r • y . as 2152 (64) -.' 1' P t t -, '-- '1 -,' •;.,,1 .1-1.—__LL.—_—•.— S T 1 • fi'l AN. 1 . 6 1 3. i ,.1- .r-,- := -- - 1- I , '4„ 2 :..”. ;.4 1 - - • ..,,l; lo i c . , ,- , 2.' - -.'• 1 ',•,,"' 9 .:..,1 8 • • , s'''1 _,,7-. sr, ..11 ..... ; ..,. i -'.. 5r •.f -',1. 1 .4' ' 'i ''''''- 5. „4 1 -, 10 '''-'• 9 , 8 ,‘I 7 et, ? • r c,, w „. •..S_ '4,-, 11 5 i AG R .'-'. UPPER 78(Y)4-2150 ' '....;,`-. 2 •-: 1.7' .,,,., li A 'rROSb 1.1-1 (63) ' . , Cr -..-"`--...: 5 6T H ..-... tio El , ,, -et? es- 6.1---1-7-7- 0. ' 7,0, _0 41 •P ,... 7 ' 6 , 3 .:. - I 1 • „.., • , 0.. . -. 4 ',:, 3 2 ir <0 EP .4 ill 8;2' . . N 5 .... 0 . . " 54 ". :::: .4 -":t 1 IEnclosure Q N Northwest As qAssociated Consultants , Inc . C C O M M U N I T Y P L A N N I N G D E S I G N MARKET R E S E A R C H a 28 February 1996 MAR I 1996 Ms. Audrey Mularie Local Grants Program Department of Natural Resources Office of Planning, Box 10 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155-4010 RE: Oak Park Heights - Outdoor Recreation Grant Program Application FILE NO: 798.04 - 96.06 Dear Ms. Mularie: Please find attached the City of Oak Park Heights' application request form for the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program. We are requesting the grant to assist the City in completing priority projects for three of its parks. Each of these parks play an important recreational function for the citizens of this growing Washington County community. These projects will likely not be possible unless assistance can be obtained through the matching funds of the grant program. The City of Oak Park Heights does not currently have an in-progress Outdoor Recreation Grant project from the Department of Natural Resources. We look forward to working with you in further defining our projects and in completing an application. Thank you for your ongoing assistance during this process. CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS 31,"0 ABA Scott D. Richards Senior Planner pc: Mike Robertson Janet Robert 5775 Wayzata Blvd. • Suite 555 • St. Louis Park, MN 55416 • (612) 595-9636•Fax. 595-9837 • APPLICATION REQUEST FO• Local Grants Program Applicant City of Oak Park Heights County Washington Contact Person Scott D. Richards Title City Planning Consultant Address 5775 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 555, St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Phone Number (during normal working hours) (612) 595-9636 Project Name Brekke, Cover, and Valley View Park Improvements Program (check the appropriate program(s) and provide an estimated total cost per project): Outdoor Recreation Grant Program X_ Natural and Scenic Area Grant Proeram Total Estimated Cost: $ 116,900.00 Total Estimated Cost: $ Congressional District (1-8): 6 Legislative District (1A-67B): 56A Project Description(s): See attached project descriptions. S • CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS LOCAL GRANTS PROGRAM PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS The Oak Park Heights Parks Commission has recommended the following projects for Brekke, Cover and Valley View Parks be included in the application for Outdoor Recreation Grant Funding: Brekke Park: Pathway/Play Area Enhancements. An asphalt pathway connecting the parking lot to an existing play structure is necessary to increase accessibility and provide an appropriate surface for strollers, tricycles and those with mobility impairments. The pathway would encircle the playground providing the City's first safe tricycle play area. The area would be further improved by providing tables and benches (some of which would be fully accessible), shade trees, and a perennial garden. The primary goal of these improvements is to provide access and activities that appeal to all age groups and abilities. Project Cost $15,500.00 Outdoor Maze. Area is available at the park near the pathway and play area to provide a natural evergreen maze with a center shelter and benches. The purpose of this facility is to provide a fun activity that can be enjoyed by people of all age groups and abilities. The trail surface and shelter area would be fully accessible. Project Cost $5,400.00 Outdoor Skating Facility. The existing skating/hockey rink would be provided with a permanent concrete surface to extend the season for outdoor ice and provide a facility for summer skating activities. During both the summer and winter, the skating facility would be given dedicated hours for open skating versus hockey, thus allowing a wide range of age and ability levels to enjoy the facility. The primary goal of the facility is to expand the utilization of this site and provide a summer activity for youth of all age groups that may or may not participate in other existing summer recreation activities. Project Cost $44,000.00 Total Cost, Brekke Park $ 64,900.00 • • Cover Park: Bank Restoration/Garden. An unusable sloped area of the park would be transformed into a perennial garden and mixed shrub wildlife area. The improvements would include a stone retaining wall and perennial garden installed and maintained with donated plants and labor by a neighborhood garden committee. The remaining slope would be professionally planted with mixed shrubs designed to attract birds and other small wildlife. The primary goal is to enhance the Cover Park neighborhood which is the oldest part of the City with the highest concentration of low income homes. The project will provide a focal point for pride and community building. Project Cost $12,000.00 Total Cost, Cover Park $ 12,000.00 Valley View Park: Prairie Restoration. A ten acre portion of Valley View Park has been set aside for prairie restoration. The project would include site preparation and planting of wild flowers and native grasses. The primary goal is to restore an area of the park to the type of prairie that existed before settlement. The area would attract wildlife and be used as a learning center for persons of all ages. Project Cost $13,000.00 Trail for Prairie and Wetland Accessibility. A trail system has been proposed through the area proposed for prairie restoration. The one-third mile of the trail would have an asphalt base to allow full accessibility and another one mile would be a wood chip base. The trails would be provided benches and the parking area serving this area would be expanded to include an accessible stall. The trail wouid extend to a wetland area with a boardwalk and observation deck. Proper signage for the trails and identifying the park boundaries would also be included. The primary goal of the trail system is to provide accessibility to the natural areas of the park and to the wetlands for education and passive recreation use. Much of the area would be opened up to people of all ages and abilities that before was difficult for them to reach. Project Cost $27,000.00 Total Cost, Valley View Park $40,000.00 TOTAL OVERALL COST $116,900.00 APR-10-1996 09:54 • NAC 612 595 9837 P.02/02 • ` Enclosure 7A ' Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 04, 10u, 500 Lafayette Road 0P77:7SL Paul. Minnesota 55155-4010 April 5, 1996 0 �o J "s° Mr. Scott Richards t� City Planning Consultant 5775 Wayzata Blvd - Suite 555 St. Louis Park , MN 55416 RE: Outdoor Recreation Grant Program Application Dear Mr. Richards : The Minnesota State Legislature did not authorize bonding dollars for the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program this session. Therefore, we have decided to extend the application deadline for the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program to March 31, 1997. This deadline will correspond with the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources' (LCMR) intention to fund the Local Initiatives Grants Program which includes funding for the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program. The funding would be available July 1, 1997. Application request forms and program information will be mailed out this fail for all of the programs available through the Local initiatives Grants Program. The deadline for the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program will be March 31, 1997. You will not need to submit a new application request form. The application forms you are currently working with will not change. The application review and evaluation period will begin March 31, 1997 with grant awards announced in early summer . We expect that approved projects could begin during the summer of 1997. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Applications may be submitted before the March 31 deadline for review and comments from program staff. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the staff person assigned to your area or me at 612/296-1567. Sincerely, Wayne Sames, Supervisor Local Grants Program DNR infortnation!612•Z96-6157. I-80(1-7h6-6000 • TTY:612-296-5484. 1-84)-677-3;29 An Equal Opp.r unit'Empto) A 1'rintcc!on 1tcc?�led r ` I . uer Conrrn!ng Who''!u�`.Do,%r,rt) `43 M1};nuauin nt d(IC Po,t-C,,n,un:c:Wa,lc TOTAL P.02 I 11i � • Enclosurets7 Northwest Associated Con sultan ,COMMUNITY PLANNING • DESIGN • MARKET RESEARCH MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Scott Richards DATE: 18 April 1996 RE: Oak Park Heights - Outdoor Recreation Grant FILE NO: 798.04 - 96.06 As you may be aware, the Minnesota Legislature did not authorize bonding dollars for the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program this year. As a result, our planned improvements for Brekke Park funded in part by the grant program will need to be put on hold until 1997. In preparation for compliance with the application requirements, we had scheduled a City Council public hearing for 22 April to discuss the proposed improvements. We felt it was important to hold this hearing to show the public and the City Council the conceptual plans for the park and to receive feedback at this early stage. As imput is received, we will work with the Park Commission to produce an acceptable final plan for City Council approval. Please find attached a conceptual diagram of the park plan. We are also working on a generalized budget to be discussed on Monday night. pc: Mike Robertson Park Commission Members 5775 Wayzata Blvd. • Suite 555 • St. Louis Park, MN 55416 • (612) 595-9636•Fax. 595-9837 -i.•••••iii•i•. •.•im•iimi .•• mI••ii •ii. i•..mii• imm• ...m. / .' e .. I -_ 0 ; ` '• ' '•r, •,%, C -•se. • ° Q c7 cy8 ---..7 ',i. ....,.,.. '',,•.. - li,,, :: 5 .2 iwitiwillbs• 40'. .% Q , z, ,„,„.y.. , -0 1-1,-• "lir , , ,, ' '.<, ., u icr, L-4:eit 4t• „•• - 5 : . - ,,,,,,,, , - ,,,,,,, ,,- 0 : ._ *.) tv, - -r, . x ¢ `J . v 0 oi+•,�•: 1 � O. ,,,,,,,,,,:t.,,,,, t R`.'. a i or iw, . , .-- ..... (su i: D ,,, ..,,,\_______ , , ,,,< Tu , . C lei` \ e �� -ti ,. , • ,,, 2 , ill f „,,, . ....., t„== ._ , `'R , c. V \ 41S) c • I -'22 ill .�� • •• • . ca • g 1 •-- t co :-‘114----°k11;"-l' - _1,7! Omar Avenue North _ :00 Y 0-0 It cn - ! -p ' m =�' a �•. C O ff.. r 0 . c, •• • rEJl — I . d•J N. N Y � (/�Q fit_ � N "..../ \\ ili . 7-1) iiii , il c--r- •a. co 0 N _. -•--•..--- co 4J • (...u.„0.„ ; // l to •� % : E • ..•• • • . , ..16. : \ .:.__.., . _________ • : _,.....„ _ • ,..g. , .. k.,„ , ,Lei-04 , 1 iiiimi . cvo ti ' ' a , ■: c Eli + w ,' r". , et ''��,� ra• id►.•. j ----:___. It. - - I . ------: 7 1 4 .>''../: _ .. -\;101111igailgrilifl.'' 4' ; c'" ' litli.4 ■ f . --; „+A cc a f u. \ . E R p C cs, J C N 2 , 1.:: l -0 } +\------.. + C To '' '.: ` :. C N w v a .. cs `(? \) _le • \(' , ¢ m O • c0 ,, ,,c). •.,, 0.0 . 22 vii-' o x tt • o T(1) • IV., ,—, - .L W ..., .. .- ,_, Z ct, ., , w ,,,_ ... • cl..< 1-- O L1J L.1.1 U o Z W Ce 0 +id CO U • Page 2 - Minute 01 /96 Parks Commission Vacancy - Robert reported that the Parks Commission has recommended Liz Weaver for the vacancy on the Parks Commission. Councilmember Robert, seconded by Schaaf, moved to approve the appointment of Liz Weaver to the Parks Commission. Carried 5-0 . Cover Park Individual Park Meeting - Councilmember Robert reported that the first in a series of meetings regarding neighborhood parks was held Tuesday, January 16, 1996 . Robert reported a successful meeting with good input from residents . Outdoor Recreation Grants - Robert reported that the Parks Commission would like to apply for the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program to update Brekke and Valley View Parks . The initial application for this grant needs to be completed by March 1, 1996 . Robert requested that Council direct Administrator Robertson and City Planner Richards to complete the initial application. Councilmember Robert, seconded by Schaaf, moved to direct Robertson and Richards to complete the initial application grant for the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program. Carried 5-0 . Consent Agenda • Review Minutes - January 8 , 1996 • Request for Preparation of Plans and Specifications - Autumn Ridge 3rd Addition • Request for Payment - Autumn Ridge 2nd Addition - $24 , 178 . 45 • Request for Payment - 58th Street Improvements - $37, 055 . 53 • Establish 1996 Board of Review Dates, Monday, April 8 , 1996 at 5 : 00 p .m. for the initial meeting and Monday, April 22 , 1996 at 6 : 00 p .m. for the continuation meeting. Councilmember Kern, seconded by Swenson, moved to approve all items on the Consent Agenda. Carried 5-0 . Unfinished Business: Brown' s Creek Watershed - Mayor O'Neal reported that last weeks Brown' s Creek Watershed Meeting was rescheduled for Wednesday, January 24th, 1996 at 7 : 00 p.m. Mayor O'Neal reminded Council that there is still a need for a representative to take her place on the Board. The Brown' s Creek Board meets every third Wednesday of the month. County Wide Equipment Sharing Study - Robertson reported that all major cities except Oakdale have indicated their desire to participate in the study. He said a revised budget based on the number of participants will be prepared and submitted to all participating governments . Meeting with Baytown Township - Councilmember Swenson, seconded by Schaaf, moved to approve a workshop with Baytown Township Monday, February 5, 1996 at Stillwater Area High School . Carried 5-0 .