HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-08-01 National Recration Trail Funding Acation - Completed Application National Recreation Trail Funding Act
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 lnformation: 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)
(Reproducible) Proposals must specifically and
x Response to each Requirement
x Response to Each Evaluation directly address each requirement and
Criterion evaluation criterion to qualify and
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
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.
'0 4111 1 10 411111k,
Scott Richards
Senior Planner
pc: Mike Robertson
Mayor and City Council Members
2
5775 WAYZATA BOULEVARD, SUITE 555 ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA 55416
PHONE 612-595-9636 FAX 6 1 2- 595 -9837
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
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
Attachments
CITY OF
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.
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 - Minutes 07/23/96 DRAFT
M Droval of Traj1 Grant Reauest Councilmember Robert, seconded
• c as , •• - - .ve e application for the Trail
Development Grant from the Minnesota DNR. Carried 4 -0.
Proposed Fire 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:
Re.ues for K -nnel License - Debr Zahl - Runk - 5525 O'Brien
avenue - Mayor O'Neal opened the Public Hearing at 8:00 p.m. Ms.
Zahler 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.
s P - 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 Letter - Highway 5 Stormwater 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. Drackcy was
1%.5P 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.
Sry
na Olson APPROVED
Real Estate Rep. /Highway Liaison
330 -5983 .�•Z! %i u
cc: Roger Johnson
•
•
t
1 Ilk: • art` y f + S'& .y,.. iyy 1°.
,.x ' � " , t ,‘ c,
^$ F F
2
1
'� . d - ,.,.., -,,„ ,_, ,, ,.',.. „.,.4,,
p t 4 , it. - - - "*), let' - , * V,. -: - ; , ...°, 4.k . ,
,y r - ..6 i s s.F ' , .1„,„.1 y 6
� 2 f' V s r '$ �� i §� rf ' '., f tai t 4 : y� 'CS,•e.' /, 4 r `? k' -N . ' 4 t>
r ,r i � s, -;„,-- — 1,, it, :t..i!,,,:i :14::, -,t, .,.,. : .. . `. "'I:. '
R �
e x43" -s' ` a . Y � _ ;. ,.,, ,.; 's : •y ■
A
9w �� r
3 4
,,
NSP Easement Overland Trail ;" ' -'�
1 . Swagger Park - Existing trail sect
to be paved
2. Existing trail between Swagger Park g
a
and City Hall �� 14:1�
3. Wildflowers where the new mountain m ,, , a, `y
bike trail meets the existing trail \`. , . ' �,,
4. Newly designed mountain bike
trail
5. Waiting for a paved trail....
5
,
Ell ' --- , i 1 z
1 k , ,
, r . _
9 ,,
-- , ,_
, ,,
, .__..,---,
, , 4
A L
.-:--
{11. -
• ..--
MI
L..
1'
ti ----, ..7 2
U '2/0 VKtic7 ,
r ---, in --- [ 1:1 MI 1 I 7.3
=
: eil
.
, n_ r
CI 0 rz
r--Th l L_
A *
ti 1
1 1
1 , ,
• y 7AV to. ,, , - i n t 1---
.1■
Linin C:71.1, , _.t. Fl
1 1 A
CL)
0
, , 4\ i■ • ' -- (1)
__ t ill -- 1 D M r
E
pl CZ
CL
:.,.7:=1. -............ i t .t
--- 1.-.
_1 (1)
In rt in tar : 1
\ I1 ti
1=1 no 1 f En fia• 71 1 , J
Z
M In cd 1:1 I111 .1111.1411"11 , .4 Ell
rj1.211 I 1
.0 -
WEit',22.
0 la A t " l' t E
\
.---,-.
--- ' - c - :- - ------,....Cv4 -- -
itf. /\::, --. ./ i i, , fl -
p‘' ‘:„ i ?' 4 ,: t E---4
e r2 . 1110 -
q , — ''' '".• 'f' .$
• -,?:',./ .,,1
\ . .., ... „.. . •,. ./ c
El t i ;J-1
4.1 t c tr--2? L._ _.
. 1 [01 i ,. : / 1 ,,
.„ ... .. , -.-,
...
-----c-4/J ./.
________ - r • . /
, --- p-,
.. , .
— •
2 >-4
,If■ ' 47,. .A.
,'... ....V- . 7 4
,-
,
-...-
h litm 0 ti° e
/
.. . /
/
/ ,,
/
.....)-,
zaA '747.A
koltre i .v ,_ ,
/
: 1:1"' , , , . l•-,..— , , :7 - :-'4:ki"lc-
I, , - , ., ,.. . ....A„,,,•"*.' , ",,,-„V v - ' • - ._
c.1',-;„,.." -,,, ;;i1. , :' ,, ":17.,"1.?,,' •"';',..t 414-1Y"'":7"----•
- '''"i
s04.41. it '
_
,
IA ,,4,:' ',..t: „ _.:,,,,,,' ,., -
,,,,e. -74 0 ..:. --;:,, .
... c:1 ,:. - -'” ; 1 ', '' ."/":0 '',.
O Lo l o Cl k h i e n 19C1
ro, .,4. 7 , ' . : ' ''' ' i - 4,.• '',./..,:..,.•;,
49
.--.-..,...........„ -t. -47.4—ii, - -
4 --...--,•,.,...„,„,- , .•7.',•„-•::. .‘,4: ..,,...i, -,.:,• ••,,, 0. ,e-i...ter:700.v....j.„,,,,,e-----
4
East from
.... •• ... ,: , , . . J4.0
44 I t
,, , , , .,.• , . '-4, ,..
v., ,„- , , , c - * - - - 1,7, '
ill ,,,'(' .,,...1i',p,:i ..-:- I 0 /
*
.
, fA
kr
.41, _L \
„/ .„... m
(--_. l'''
\
4 I'M .*".)
,
/'
...„-k._
., ,-,.. tviv.iie•A- 1
•
/.-
.
,
.
,-: — re.,,i..-i4eNTI.--.
- - -- - ,-;,..,7•,,,r.,,,At.,P,..-i-,:;.• .--, ...•---- ---,..›A-.=
.------
• ___----
....-.,,- -,-, -
*-'''=;;w j'..
1 .16( wa
''.;--".'-',(:' 1°. .;;;.,'.'IYA ' ''''.";•'..',;-'''.;.%-'<:i''-'._..,_,,__,S':'-'<,?"';';''''';';:°':''4':''''' .. -1st 1.1104t; . -...„.,...„,... " itIr
, •,...?.'sf,,';'.'51.1'.':;;.;i.*"-%^%'•;;,0,:... ..:-..>-'.217,.---'' -.,ftW.---;..-41*,V.P.,4,4! :` '.':- .
l,' : ---7f---41 ,41, 7';:::;.--'..,•.--
,*„,,s,,r_--'4.,7:44:4, ' • .,-."1--'-'7,..'''.-.,,a'•;:',";-..= ""4„,,..."'...-..
....... - -.',,...-:igar,--'114:-. .- .*,..*„„,-;
... - -'/.,.v:::::;- -,..--r.t7'.-. .-..-.----CL,":---I.,--.-_,
2 : :
' ' 4407i4., ' ,K r , 71.A.;,:I■ ■. 14, 4'0;Z. -.:. ' ' . E.:' rt'''. '.,,,,.,,, '''' .
0.1.:0,LLtili.k ■ ' ■,... . =id „,..ifr. .''' ...10,144:111v '..tferil‘ : ,I, ',-' rs, - '''',--.•
/ rkt 4 - 7■ ..t. • : ' ,
,,,•' : ./ ' - 1 ilt• --
'-',...."
East Trail Entry
; -,
"`I )
k ti -.. ....- :—
..---
_.-
"
..,
.///,')..- "...r •
c...
NSP Easement Overland
k
,
Trail 44.44aft