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Home My WebLink Aboutweekly notes July 1 2022 1 of 44 st CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS – WEEKLY NOTES for: July 1, 2022 TO: City Council Members& Staff FROM: Eric Johnson, City Administrator Zoning & Development Items: 1.The July Planning Commission has been cancelled. The City has receiveda SITE PLAN review application for the proposed parking lot in the former frontageroad areas - near Carbone’s. This does not require a public hearing and Staff will plan to seek Council discussion and possible approvals on 7/26. 2.The Valley Branch Watershed District is initiatingsome updates to its rules. Enclosed is asummary. The VBWD overlaps OPH and includes the High School and Oak Park Ponds Shopping Center.It wouldappear that many of the proposed changes are catching up with the MN Stormwater Manual however;we will share with STANTEC to ask for a cursory review to see if there are any significantchanges that wouldimpact a City road project – such as th 58street. Other Items: The Norell Project is moving forward…enclosed is the weekly update. Milland Overlay Project is moving forward… enclosed is the weekly update. Council Member Runk did attend the OPN HOUSE for the County’s Middle St Croix ValleyREGIONALTRAIL MASTER PLAN– enclosed are the handouts. The City Council did approve a letter of support for the TWO RIVERSLand Trust Application – See enclosed.(recall, thiswas presented by David White at the 6/28 CityCouncil Meeting) The City Council inquired about some City signage in the newNorell Ave. Roundabout.Enclosed is that staff memo hopefully outlining some costs and generalities asrequested. Information on the pending and Voluntary FOOD WASTE/SCPSpickup program planned to be “piloted” this coming year by Washington County. Ehler’s (a bond specialistfor theCITY)periodically examines bond refinancing opportunities– see theirenclosed report– as to be expected with risinginterestrates there would NOT be a savings to refinance at this time. Mayor McComber Provided NLC Updates for 6/26, 6/28 and 6/29 Information – Workshop on the Water event Information on the 8/18 Chamber Mixer – (note the City also does have its annual Employee RecognitionEvent that same evening as well 5 PM) 1 of 44 2 of 44 Request for Comments Valley Branch Watershed District’s Rules and Regulations Update and Revision Contact Person: John Hanson, 952-832-2622, jhanson@barr.com As required by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the Valley Branch Watershed District (VBWD) Board of Managers has started updating the rules and regulations of the VBWD to address its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. At the same time, the VBWD Board has drafted updates to other rules and regulations. This memorandum discusses the Managers’ proposed process for updating the rules. It also covers significant changes in the draft updated rules compared to the current VBWD rules. Requested Action Please review the attached draft VBWD rules and regulations and provide comments to John Hanson by August 16, 2012. Please e-mail your comments to jhanson@barr.com or mail them to: John Hanson Barr Engineering Co. 4300 MarketPointe Drive, Suite 200 Minneapolis, MN 55435 State and regional resource protection agencies, local governments, and potentially regulated parties are encouraged to review the draft rules to help VBWD ensure that they fully protect water resources without creating excessive administrative costs or placing an undue burden on those subject to them. Comments on specific proposed standards in the draft rules and how they may apply in practice are most helpful. Similarly, criticisms are most valuable when accompanied by a suggested alternative regulatory approach. Process The VBWD Managers are seeking comments from a broad group of stakeholders. These stakeholders are shown on the attached distribution list. Based on the comments from the stakeholders, the draft rules will likely require revisions. If revisions are needed, the next draft of the rules will be sent in a packet to the stakeholders for more input. Ultimately, the VBWD rules and regulations will be adopted through the required process described in state law. Don Pereira John Brach Rick Gelbmann 2 of 44 P.O. Box 838 | Lake Elmo, MN 55042-0538 | www.vbwd.org 3 of 44 VBWD Stakeholders June 29, 2022 Page 2 2022 Rule Update Attached are the current rules with proposed updates shown in redline-strikeout. The draft rules and regulations cover the same topics as the current VBWD rules and regulations. However, significant revisions are proposed for some sections of the rules. Minor changes, like text formatting, have been updated to the current VBWD branding standards. The following list gives a general summary of the significant changes proposed in the draft rules. Rule 1: A dministrative Procedures Electronic submittals are now required. A soil management plan is required. If one is not submitted, a slightly larger runoff volume must be captured and retained onsite for large, new developments. Rule 2: Stormwater Management For new sites that create 1 acre or more of impervious surface and disturb 10 acres or more of land, the required volume control standard is 1.3 inches times the new impervious surface area. If a soil management plan is provided so that at least 50% of the remaining pervious area that will be disturbed by the project will be restored, the volume control standard remains at 1.1 inches times the new impervious surface area. The additional 0.2 inch of required volume control is based on an analysis of compacted soils summarized in Barr Engineering Co.’s report to the MPCA, Assessment of MIDS Performance Goal Alternatives: Runoff Volumes, Runoff Rates, and Pollutant Removal Efficiencies, June 30, 2011. Sites with restrictions, as defined in the MPCA’s Construction Stormwater Permit, are specifically listed. For sites with restrictions, the rules now clearly indicate that the applicant must first attempt to provide volume control through a technique other than infiltration. Then, offsite stormwater runoff volume control that protects the same receiving water must be attempted. After those options, the same flexible treatment options as in the current rules are allowed but must be approved by the VBWD. In addition, the rule has been updated to explicitly state that stormwater runoff volumes cannot increase the 100-year flood level of downstream waters using the same standard as filling at the water (0.5 foot for streams and 0.1 foot for basins). Horizontal setbacks for infiltration facilities have been updated to match those listed in the “Minnesota Stormwater Manual.” The number of soil borings at infiltration facilities is listed and matches those listed in the “Minnesota Stormwater Manual.” Additional soil borings, deeper borings, and a geotechnical report may be required in certain areas, such as karst. This rule addition is the same as in the 12-13-2021 City of Woodbury Stormwater Design Guideline. At sites with karst that require stormwater management by the Construction Stormwater Permit, stormwater ponds must be lined. This rule update is required by the MPCA. 3 of 44 4 of 44 VBWD Stakeholders June 29, 2022 Page 3 Infiltration rates for soils have been updated to match those listed in the “Minnesota Stormwater Manual.” The design infiltration rate for underground facilities will be half those rates listed in the rules. This reduction is consistent with the 12-13-2021 City of Woodbury Stormwater Design Guideline. Documentation requirements for irrigation systems used to conform to VBWD stormwater runoff volume-control rules are listed. The Design Sequence Flowchart has been cleaned up and includes the proposed rule regarding soil management and updated details regarding sites with karst. The VBWD might still allow infiltration on sites with karst for projects smaller than those requiring stormwater management by the MPCA. The rule specifies that all stormwater management systems must have a maintenance access at least 8 feet wide. Stormwater management systems must be located outside of minimum vegetative buffers. Rule 3: Erosion and Sedimentation Control The MPCA’s Construction Stormwater Permit requirements are now copied into the VBWD rules rather than referenced. Rule 4: Wetland Management and Vegetative Buffers References have been updated. The option for using the Board of Water and Soil Resources’ anticipated wetland functional assessment method is included. Submittal requirements are clarified, including electronic submittals rather than paper. Deviations from the hydrologic guidelines are allowed if the hydrologic change benefits the wetland. Rule 5: Floodplain Management The minimum building elevation at some landlocked basins will be 2 feet above the natural overflow or 2 feet above the 100-year flood level, whichever is higher. An example of when a minimum floor elevation could be lower than 2 feet above the adjacent low area’s 100-year flood level is given. The VBWD has allowed this for some buildings adjacent to low points in parking lots, etc. 4 of 44 5 of 44 City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Phone (651) 439-4439 Fax (651) 439-0574 Norell Avenue North Improvements Weekly Project Update #10 For the Week Ending 7/01/2022 What work was completed on the project this week? Curb backfilling, trail construction, and gravel grading were completed along Norell Avenue The first two layers of pavement have been placed for Norell th Avenue from 58 to the Walmart entrance, and is now open for traffic. What work is expected for next week? Crews will be installing additional curb and gutter and median concrete. Grading work will take place to prepare for trail paving Topsoil placement will take place as the grading work is completed. Will there be any changes to the traffic detour or access to businesses next week? th Access to Norell Avenue from 58 St has been restored for patrons of Walmart and Michael’s. Norell is still closed from Highway 36, with a reopening target of end of July. Where can I get more project information? For general project inquiries, questions and comments: Project Hotline:612-895-5029 – Leave a message with your name and phone number Or email to - norellconstructionproject@stantec.com 5 of 44 6 of 44 Usbggjd!Efupvsfe up!Pblhsffo Bwfovf EFBE EFBE FOE FOE SPBE SPBE DMPTFE DMPTFE TJEFXBML DMPTFE TJEFXBML DMPTFE HSFFO!SPVUFT; PQFO!UP!USBWFM Opsfmm!Bwfovf!Spbe!Dmptvsf!Efupvs!Nbq!)Qibtf!3* Bdujwf!1801203133!uispvhi!1804103133!.!bqqspyjnbuf Sfe!Spbet!bsf!dmptfe!up!bmm!usbggjd Hsffo!Spbet!bsf!bddfqubcmf!spvuft!up!bddftt!cvtjofttft 6 of 44 7 of 44 City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Phone (651) 439-4439 Fax (651) 439-0574 2022Mill & Overlay andPedestrian Improvements Project Weekly Project Update #4 For the Week Ending 7/1/2022 What work was completed on the project this week? Continue Seeding and hydro mulchingbehind new curb. Structures at city Hall and the north half of Oldfield will be lowered for milling. What work is expected for next week? th Milling will be taking place at City Hall, Oak Park Roadand 57Ave from Oak Park Roadto Oldfield Ave N. th Structures will be adjusted at the city hall and 57Ave. Structures will be lowered on remainingroadsand covered with gravel. Will there beany changes to accessibility and traffic next week? th The city hall will be getting milled on Tuesday, July 5. Access to the city hall may be delayed. th Residents should avoid taking Oak Park Roadon July 5, if possible. Residents can park on Obrien Ave. to access city hall when the front lot is being milled. Structures that have been raised will be marked with a flasher or cone. Avoid driving over these structures. Where can I get more project information? Our main form of communication regarding this project will be updates posted to the City of Oak Park Heights Webpageweekly:https://www.cityofoakparkheights.com- down tab. For general project inquiries,questions,andcomments: Morgan Sewell-612-469-3239 orMorgan.Sewell@Stantec.com 7 of 44 8 of 44 2 8 of 44 9 of 44 9 of 44 10 of 44 10 of 44 11 of 44 11 of 44 12 of 44 12 of 44 13 of 44 City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Phone (651) 439-4439 Fax (651) 439-0574 th June 28, 2022 TO Members of the Single Family RFP Application Review Committee, The City Council for the City of Oak Park Heights is providing this letter of support for and commitment to the Two Rivers Community Land Trust’s PATH (Preserving Affordable Tracks to Homeownership) Project application for funding. For over 20 years, Two Rivers CLT has played a key role in increasing and preserving affordable housing in Washington County. Not only does Two Rivers CLT provide an initial buyer with an affordable sales price but guarantees that level of affordability for a minimum of 99 years. Our Council does understand and appreciates that the PATH Project makes a deeper impact by focusing on areas in the County with the highest opportunities (great schools, high paying jobs, transit, and walkable neighborhoods) and the greatest demand. These factors drive up house values and price out modest income households. The homeownership market is increasingly expensive throughout Washington County. The median listing price in May 2022 of $525,900, approximately 20% higher than the Twin Cities area listing prices. Two Rivers CLT has also helped local employees live where they work by providing workforce housing affordable to employees earning 80 percent or less than the Area Median Income (AMI). They are acquiring and renovating homes with a sales price at or below $250,000, which are essentially non- existent in the market. Two Rivers CLT is also creating homeownership opportunities for households of color by marketing and providing on-going support to first generation buyers. On June 7, 2022, the Washington County Board of Commissioners approved $180,000 of CDBG and HOME funding to the PATH Project as part of the 2022 Annual Action Plan, which has been submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for final approval. The CDA has also committed to being the grantee and fiscal agent for the Project’s Metropolitan Council LHIA award. We are happy to see regional and federal dollars being used to address the issue of housing affordability in Washington County communities such as our own. We support Two River CLT’s request for state funding from Minnesota Housing to make these three PATH Project homes a reality. Please let us know if you have any questions. Sincerely, Mary McComber, Mayor City of Oak Park Heights 13 of 44 14 of 44 City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Phone (651) 439-4439 Fax (651) 439-0574 6/30/22 MEMO TO: Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Eric Johnson, City Administrator RE: Norell Ave. Roundabout Signage The Council inquired about the costs associated with the installation of a MONUMENT sign intheroundabout at Norell Ave. As signage,costs can vary widely. Perhapsit is best just to review the following: We know: 1.The diameter of the roundabout is approximately50+ feet – so likely large enough to accommodatemany options.See scaled drawing. 2.There is NOT power planned at this time to be stubbed into the roundabout at this time; I have reached out to STANTEC to secure a cost for extendingpowerand /or to install conduit for a later pull.At this time I presume it can be connected to a current meter avoiding any new monthly charges for that. 3.The current plan calls for the area to begrassturf – as that is easy maintenance and wouldbe adaptable to many options – versus concrete. 4.The 2018/19 cost for the stonealong STH 36 was $6,481.06 from Rivard Stone.Some of these costs are subjective based on the size of thestone. 5.Bell’s Trucking did move and “set” the stone for the City is such weight is into the TONSwas $5,000. 6.The City public works crew did fabricatea large base with an on-site onsideringthis additionalbase material and staff time, etc. ALL IN totalcosts were in approaching concrete pour once.C $14,000+/-. 7.As this site is a bit more inthe openand closer to traffic, it may require some additional landscaping for aesthetic “framing” such sign – or any sign.This should be low maintenance - such as in the small round-abouts at City Hall. 8.Maybe there are other sign options?In 2018, the City did hire Impression Signs to provide some options – these are enclosed.Costs of these varygreatlywith materials and installation scope. 14 of 44 15 of 44 15 of 44 16 of 44 16 of 44 17 of 44 Ramsey and Washington Counties Food Scraps Pickup Program Update June 2022 tƩƚŭƩğƒ tźƌƚƷ ğƓķ tŷğƭźƓŭ Proposed dates and communities have been determined for the food scraps pickup program pilot and roll out phases. Proposed schedule is subject to change. The food scraps pickup program model has not been implemented at this scale before. The counties will be evaluating the implementation of this new program on an ongoing basis and adjusting as it is rolled out, which may impact communities participating and the timing of program phases. PILOT Starting October 2022 Includes one garbage hauler route in each of the following communities (about 500 households per community, 2,000 households total): Ramsey County Washington County Maplewood Cottage Grove West Side Neighborhood (District Council 3), Saint Paul Newport The purpose of the pilot is to test the program with a limited number of households. Selection parameters for pilot communities include garbage hauler routes and the need to test the program in communities orhoods and housing types. The counties are in communication with haulers serving these routes. Residents in these areas can participate in the pilot and then continue participating in the program without interruption. PHASE 1 Tentatively starting spring 2023 Ramsey County Washington County Greater East Side Neighborhood (District Council 2), Saint Paul Cottage Grove (remainder) Maplewood (remainder) Grey Cloud Island Township North Saint Paul Lake Saint Croix Beach Southeast Neighborhoods (District Council 1), Saint Paul^ Lakeland Vadnais HeightsLakeland Shores West Side Neighborhood (District Council 3), Saint Paul (remainder) Newport (remainder) Saint Paul Park Stillwater ^Southeast Neighborhoods (District Council 1): Battle Creek, Highwood, SunRay Neighborhoods 17 of 44 18 of 44 PHASE 2 Tentatively starting late summer 2023 Ramsey County Washington County Falcon Heights Birchwood Gem Lake Landfall Little Canada Mahtomedi New Brighton Oakdale Roseville Pine Springs Saint Anthony Village* West Lakeland Township Saint Paul (remainder)White Bear Lake Shoreview Willernie White Bear Lake Woodbury * This city is in both Ramsey and Hennepin counites. The counties are still determining whether the program will be offered to all residents of the city or just residents residing in Ramsey County. PHASE 3 Tentatively starting late fall 2023 Ramsey County Washington County Arden Hills Afton Lauderdale Bayport Mounds View Baytown Township North Oaks Dellwood White Bear Township Denmark Township Forest Lake Grant Hugo Lake Elmo Marine on Saint Croix May Township Oak Park Heights Scandia Stillwater Township Community selection for phases 1-3 was based on operational factors, including waste volumes and the role of transfer stations in delivering waste to the Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy Center (R&E Center) in Newport. /ƚƒƒǒƓźĭğƷźƚƓ Beginning September 2022, residents will be able to visit the program website, FoodScrapsPickup.com, for program updates and to learn when the program will be available to them. In advance of launching the program in each community, the following will occur: Communication kit provided to municipalities and haulers. Communication kit to include newsletter/social media content, flyers, and sample bags. Expect to receive your communication kit about two months prior to program launch in your community. Postcard mailed to all households in the community when the program is available to them. 18 of 44 19 of 44 Press release sent to local media outlets. Targeted ads. Instructional/promotional video available online. Information available at food scraps drop-off sites. Participation instructions available online and with deliveries of food scrap bags. In addition to the program website,FoodScrapsPickup.com, a customer service line (651-661-9393)is now available to help answer questions about the program. Please wait until July 6 to share this information with your communities. Ramsey and Washington counties will be sharing the announcement about program phasing dates on their social media channels on July 6. You are welcome to share their posts with your communities. 19 of 44 20 of 44 20 of 44 21 of 44 21 of 44 22 of 44 22 of 44 23 of 44 23 of 44 24 of 44 24 of 44 25 of 44 25 of 44 26 of 44 26 of 44 27 of 44 27 of 44 28 of 44 28 of 44 29 of 44 29 of 44 30 of 44 30 of 44 31 of 44 31 of 44 32 of 44 32 of 44 33 of 44 33 of 44 34 of 44 34 of 44 35 of 44 35 of 44 36 of 44 36 of 44 37 of 44 37 of 44 38 of 44 From:Tom Dietrich Subject:July 20 - Workshop on the Water Date:Wednesday, June 29, 2022 11:32:22 AM Attachments:image001.png image002.png Good morning Water Consortium Partners, Registration is now open for the St. Croix River Workshop on the Water, Wednesday, July 20, 5-8pm aboard the Grand Duchess out of Hudson: tinyurl.com/stcroixwow2022 38 of 44 39 of 44 This workshop is a fun education and networking event for local decision-makers, including: City council and township board members County commissioners SWCD and Watershed board members Members of citizen advisory committees, planning commissions, and environmental commissions. Best, Tom Dietrich | Planner II Pronouns: he, him, his 39 of 44 40 of 44 Washington County Public Health & Environment 14949 62nd Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-6716 A great place to live, work and play…today and tomorrow 40 of 44 41 of 44 41 of 44 42 of 44 42 of 44 43 of 44 43 of 44 44 of 44 44 of 44