HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-07-19 Planner Memorandum to OPH Mayor & Council Re NSP Trail Grant .,
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F --- � Northwest Associated Consultants, Inc.
A C
C O M M U N I T Y P L A N N I N G • D E S I G N • M A R K E T R E S E A R C H
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.
The City Council should consider the application at their 23 August 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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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