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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-16-2013 Council HandoutsCity of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N • Box 2007.Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 • Phone (651) 439 -4439 • Fax (651) 439 -0574 April 16` 2013 MEMO TO: Mayor and City Council Memrr4 FROM: Eric Johnson, City Administra RE: Powerline Burial — Historical Review with MNDOT At the April 9� 2013 City Council Meeting the Council did again discuss the concepts of the issue of the burial of the power lines related to the impacted areas of the STH 36 project. Council will recall this issue has been placed into its immediate need tQ act as Xcel Energy does need direction from M NDOT as tQ how to proceed, be it burial or over heading. The point of contention of course is not that could or should certain powelines be buried, rather who is responsible for the costs. Naturally all parties at this time, being Xcel Energy, MNDOT and the City have indicated that it is not their responsibility to pay for this action, which of course leads to the contentious issue. Despite these positions, it has been represented to the City in the past that MNDOT would engage and direct that all local ordinances in place would be complied with as part of this project and that MNDOT provided historical assurances that these costs would not be the responsibility of the City. Accordingly, the City Council has directed staff to review some of the historical exchanges between MNDOT and the City as it relates to this issue. Of course there have been dozens of conversations about this subject and to dilute these down into a succinct document that all will inherently agree upon Is likely not possible. As such I will present documents, timelines and recollection of statements by certain officials in a bullet point format that will lead the City to better understand the commitments made by MNDOT to bury such power lines, at least as the City may view the situation. 1. From the 11/22/11 meeting between the City and MNDOT officials, this matter was discussed as noted in the Meeting summary #1: MNDOT was to "clarify Xcel responsibility for expenses for burying utilities ". This likely was as a result of the City statement (as best I can recall) to MNDOT at the meeting that the City has such requirements to which Ms. Marilyn Remer of MNDOT clarified that MNDOT would require compliance with City Ordinances. 1 of 30 4 -16-13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitments 2. On December 14` ", 2011 the City and MNDOT staff met at MNDOT Offices to discuss some of the discussions that came out of the joint meeting on 11/22/11. The City did follow -up with a communication dated 12/29/11 to Adam Josephson indicating that the City does have a required power line burial ordinance. This was requested by MNDOT Staff and thus supplied. 3. On June 8"' 2012 the City again provided a letter to MNDOT, Jon Chiglo, informing MNDOT of the City's requirement of power line burial. A copy of the revised City Ordinance was supplied with this communication. 4. As the City continued down the path of negotiations with the Municipal consent deadlines approaching in August 2012, a number of email drafts and exchanges occurred between City Staff and MNDOT staff, (and I would assume in coordination with the Commissioner's office). For example, on or about August 22 2012, Mr. Chiglo provided to the City a summary listing of options/ considerations that could be contemplated into a letter from the Commissioner committing to certain elements. In this draft, dated August 22 2012, "item a ", clearly defines that the constructed impacted power lines would be buried compliant with City Ordinance. There was no additional mention that the City would bear these costs, especially in light of prior statements discussed above that MNDOT would require compliance with City Ordinances. And, those Xcel facilities are similarly in MNDOT ROW by permit much like the City's. 5. On August 23' 2012 there was an additional exchange of emails between Jon Chiglo and myself with copies to Mark Vierling as well as Councilmembers Abrahamson and Swenson. Item e, still maintains that similar language as discussed. 6. Both the City Council and MNDOT likely understand however that as these agreements begin to pushed upward to higher levels, such as the Commissioner or Governor's office, massaging of language would continue and which did occur in this instance so that a final resolution could be agreed upon. In this instance Item #5 of the Commissioner's letter dated August 23' 2012 states, "...As Provided in MN Statutes Sec. 161.45 the relocation of construction impacted utilities will need to comply with any applicable City Ordinance unless waived by the City..." It is not accidental that the language utilized in the Commissioner's letter is practically identical to the language utilized in earlier draft exchanges between the City and MNDOT Staff persons. Although it is a bit more generic, it was meant that this was for power line burial. These final negotiations occurred on the day of the Council meeting that passed a resolution accepting the Governor and Commissioner's letters of commitment. Negotiations proceeded up to the hour before the council meeting with exchanges between the Governor staff, City Staff, MNDOT City attorney and some council members. 2 of 30 4 -16 -13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitments It is the opinion of the City Attorney that MNDOT must proceed to implement the provisions of item # 5 within the scope of the Commissioner's letter unless released from that responsibility by the city. At the last meeting held between the City, Mndot and Xcel, Mndot made representations as to those electrical transmission poles that were construction impacted and those that were not. Unquestionably the Mndot position relative to item #5 of the letter will in their position be limited only to those poles /lines that are construction impacted. Considering these points the City was apt to conclude and expect that the impacted power lines would be buried by MNDOT. What the revenue sources MNDOT contemplated at the time of these discussions and commitments was unknown to the City. The recent statements that MNDOT cannot fund the burial of these lines with Federal or other "Bridge" specified dollars is not a condition the City has any control over. Lastly, as the City Attorney's letter dated Feb 20` 2013 as indicated to Xcel Energy, this is a State project for which the City cannot direct MNDOT to order Xcel Energy to bury such lines. MNDOT rather has made commitments to the City to complete this task. END. 3 of 30 4 -16 -13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitments Meeting #1— Brief Summary Oak Park Heights — MnDOT discussions Tuesday - November 22, 2011 Attendees lead participants Dave Beaudet Les Abrahamson Mary McComber Mark Swenson Mike Runk Ted Lillie Gary Kriesel Beth Bartz Scott McBride Adam Josephson Attendees (staff and other) Eric Johnson, City Administrator Mark Vierling, City Attorney Chris Long, City Engineer Maryanne Kelly - Sonnek, MnDOT Marilyn Remer, MnDOT Todd Clarkowski, MnDOT Wayne Sandberg, County Engineer Mike Wilhelmi, St. Croix Bridge Coalition Note1: This meeting was part of a city council work session and not a formal council meeting. As such no formal actions were or can be taken by the council. Opinions were shared in an open public forum during this meeting but no binding actions were taken. Note2: This brief meeting summary provides a general overview of the discussions that occurred at this meeting and are not meant to be detailed meeting minutes of the discussions. 1. Welcome and Introductions Mayor Beaudet opened the meeting as a City Council work session and welcomed all participants. Participants introduced themselves. Scott McBride introduced Beth Bartz, who will serve as the facilitator for the process. 2. Purp ose/Goals Beth reviewed the purpose and goals as listed on the project agenda. She reminded group that the purpose of this process in not to negotiate in language or specific dollar amounts a formal agreement, but rather develop the framework from which a formal agreement can be negotiated. 1 4 of 30 4 -16 -13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitments 3. Overview of Meeting Process Beth explained that the first meeting will focus on reviewing information; the second on identifying and evaluating options, and the third on determining the framework and identifying steps to implementing an agreement. Beth asked group to consider Steven Covey quote "Seek first to understand." 4. Ground Rules Beth reviewed the ground rules for the discussion process as listed on the agenda. 5. Summary of concerns and interests: Oak Park Heights Les Abrahamson distributed and reviewed the handout "Approximate Listing of issues — St Croix River Crossing" concerning costs, maintenance, equity and design issues; Issues below the first seven bullets with the exception of "equity" were agreed to be outside of the meeting purpose and will be discussed at a later time; additional topics for later discussion also identified were staging area issues and construction impacts, particularly vibration. • City needs better project cost information to make good decisions • City Council needs to be responsible to citizens by justifying benefits in order to agree to initial cost and on -going maintenance responsibilities. • Regional project— City feels they are disproportionately burdened by project costs and believe local costs should be shared more equitably • 1995 MOU needs to be reviewed, what has changed since then? 6. Summary of concerns and interests: MnDOT Scott McBride made the following points on behalf of MnDOT: • MnDOT can't solve these issues for the City nor can the City solve them on its own; we need to work together to resolve. • Do not want to leave city in a bad spot, it is timely that these issues be resolved • Local cost participation in MnDOT projects is shaped by state statutes (legal restrictions on what MnDOT can or cannot do) and MnDOT policies (put in place to ensure equity across the state in a wide variety of projects). We will be as flexible as we can with our policies to reduce city costs; state statute restrictions will preclude some options. • The City, as the utility owner, per state statute is responsible for determining how to adjust affected utilities in state R/W and the costs, available HPP funds will help reduce those costs. Possible framework Option: Review of cost participation policies in place when 1995 municipal consent was granted may provide an avenue for flexibility. I? 5 of 30 4 -16 -13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitments 7. Background on statutes, policies, HPP funding, etc. — Adam Josephson Adam reviewed current project information regarding layout, mitigation plan, schedule and funding. Available High Priority Program (HPP) funds were reviewed: • MN191$3.6M obligated for right of way acquisition and utility relocation —these funds are available to City for "eligible costs" with a 20% local match. "Betterment" costs are not eligible. (Defined later.). A state /city agreement needs to be executed before costs can be incurred and reimbursed. • MN217 $8.11M obligated for design, construction and right of way costs. MnDOT has been spending these funds for right of way acquisition and mitigation efforts. Required 20% match has been provided by MnDOT. • MN126 $360,000 obligated for "preliminary design and study of long -term roadway approach alternatives" requires a $90,000 local match. Note: Eligibility for these funds is determined by FHWA. Possible Framework Option: Explore possibility of MN191 funds being converted to funds which would not require a local match. Adam reviewed definitions of "Utilities by Permit," "First Move," and "Betterment" under state statutes. Betterments are not HPP eligible per FHWA. Utilities by Permit and impacted by the project may be eligible for HPP funding. First Move costs are a state responsibility. 8. Estimated cost impacts to the City of Oak Park Heights Report — dated 11/10/11 Oak Park Heights presented a summary of "St. Croix River Crossing Project: Estimated Cost Impacts to the City of Oak Park Heights, November 10, 2011." This cost estimate included direct up -front costs, delayed long -term costs - 20 year horizon, and direct incurred costs to date. The Study looked at four scenarios with estimates ranging from $7 - $18 million. 9. Identified cost and maintenance issues — Adam Josephson Adam reviewed a list of anticipated Oak Park Heights utility and up -front costs which MnDOT has estimated at $3.3M, available HPP funds reduce estimated city costs to under $1,000,000. MnDOT did not estimate long -term maintenance costs. Possible Framework Option: Agreed that determination of which utility work is a "betterment" (not eligible for HPP) versus a utility relocation eligible for HPP is worth a closer look given current City standards for utility construction. 3 6 of 30 4 -16 -13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitments Agreed that MnDOT will meet with Oak Park Heights staff to conduct a more detailed review of the utility plan and determinations of "first move" "utility by permit" and "betterment." Council needs to discuss and direct staff accordingly to work with MnDOT in this effort. 10. Summary of Meeting,1 Meeting participants shared new information they had learned or insights obtained during the first meeting. 11. Next Steps • MnDOT agreed to look further into policy to determine if there is any discussion of cost participation in context of regional benefit. • MnDOT will send another copy of the utility layout to the City. • Better define city utility costs, current numbers based on discussions from 2006 and recent city review of project costs. City and State will work together to develop "30% utility design" to better define impacts, betterments and costs for city utilities. • City will determine extent of utility work needed to address utility conflicts, including if utilities will remain in state R/W by permit or moved off state R/W to new easement areas. • Meeting #2 will look at options to resolve costs. Any option ideas prior to meeting should be directed to Eric and Adam; City Council members please do not comment on each other's submissions prior to meeting due to concerns about open meeting law (refer any questions about this to Eric Johnson). Meeting #2 — December 28, 2011 — 7:00 — 9 :00 PM - Boutwells Landing — discussion of possible funding options. Mayor Beaudet closed the work session. Attached City handout — Approximate Listing of Issues — St Croix River Crossing (11/22/11) Flip Chart Notes from Nov 22 " meeting Also distributed at Meeting #1 • 3 -Ring binder with meeting materials and agenda 4 7 of 30 4 -16-13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitments • Mn Statute 161.46 —see tab #25 in 3 -ring binder • MnDOT Cost exception letter dated October 6, 2006 —see tab #7 in 3 -ring binder • Estimated Cost Impacts to the City— report dated November 10, 2011— correction noted on page 15 of 36 — see tab #10 in 3 -ring binder 8 of 30 4 -16 -13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitments Oak Park Heights — MnDOT Discussion of St. Croix River C ro ss ing L oca l City C Iss Notes from 11/22/11 meeting, B. Bartz Flip chart notes Clarify: Xcel responsibility for expenses for burying of utilities Options - HPP eligibility for "betterments "? - Convert HPP funds from 80/20 match to 100 %? - What constitutes "betterment "? - Re: frontage road turn -back — can replaced pipe just be meeting city policy rather than be termed a betterment? - Suggested detailed review of utility layout — revisit "betterment areas" — gray area - Could Osgood to Oakgreen pipes be lined? Would this place it in a different category? Design questions: - Does proposed trail connect to any regional facilities (believe there is a regional trail on the TH 5 corridor) Could the trail along south frontage road become a sidewalk instead? If this is required as part of a Mn /DOT facility why would City be responsible for maintenance and later replacement? 0 9 of 30 4 -16 -13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitments City of oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N • Box 2007.Oak Park Heights, MN 55062 • Phone (651) 439 -4439 • Fax (651) 439 -0574 December 29 "', 2011 Adam Josephson, P.E. Mn/00T East Area Manager Waters Edge Bldg 1500 West County Road B -2 Roseville, MN 55113 RE. Follow -up from Dec 14' 2011 Meeting — Utility Impacts Dear Adam, Thank you again for having someone prepare a meeting summary for the meeting held jointly between the City and various MNDOT staff to discuss a "30% design plan". As a result of such meeting,, the City has the following responses. 1. The meeting summary as provided should be used only for MNDOT internal purposes. This document provided, despite possible edits, seems to remain an advocacy tool for MNDOT policy and comments as opposed to being solely a more neutral summary of general discussions. So as to avoid any misinterpretation by MNDOT or the City in the future about what was discussed, not discussed, etc; as we move forward, these meeting summaries should be induced to the following: location, whom was present, short statement as to the purpose of the meeting, and agreed upon action items and next meeting date. 2. As a City Action item from the Dec 10, 2011 meeting: I have enclosed for your infonnation a current copy of the City's Ordinance relating to the burial of power limes. This relates to elements of the discussion that may require the burial of the Xeel Energy (and related utilities on such poles) distribution lines. Please carefully note that the City has explored additional clarifications to this ordinance and upon any such amendments I will forward to your attention a new copy. 3. As a City Action item from the Dee 14' 2011 meeting: The City has directed its Consulting Engineers at STANTEC to review the MNDOT provided S.U.E. utility plans so as to better provide an analysis of what MNDOT is accounting for is actually what is in the ground, per se. Naturally, the City (nor MNOOT) cannot guarantee that all items will be universally accounted for, but we would think that any omission would be minimal. 110 of Se 4-4s_1 3 _— .__...._._.._........._._. Memo to OPH City Council _ Power Lin Burial comm nth 4. Asa City Action item from the Dec 14' 2011 meeting: I have enclosed for your information two CD sets of the televising reports (vide and logs) of the sanitary sewer lying in the south and north frontage roads. 5. As a City Action item from the Dec 14' 2011 meeting: I have directed Chris Long from STANTEC to provide some information about sanitary sewer off -sets. The City generally does not have a specific detail plan, but should follow proper design standards and that would be conducive. to easy and manageable repairs and maintenance, i.e. pipes under ponds are not sound practice and pose future T & 1 risks. 6. As a new item for th is process, the domnen t provided to MN-DOT in the form of the communication provided by Bonestroo (now STANTEC) dated Sept 9' , 2011 as a follow -up to the MNDOT meeting on Aug 20, asks three additional questions and should be reviewed addressed in -turn by MNDQT as we proceed through this exercise. For your use, l have again enclosed a copy of that letter. There may need to be an expression by this group's effixt about the concept of installing a new roadways surface on top of 40 -year old utilities. So despite concluded upon impact% how is this matter addressed`? Perhaps it is out of the scope of this conversation, but it is of seminal importance to the City. Please let me know if you have any questions and we took forward to our next meeting tentatively scheduled for Jan 12 0 ', 2012 if such meeting is amenable to the Council. cer Eric J son, City dministmtor Cc: Chris Long, P.E., STANTEC Mark Vierling, City Attorney Mayor and City Council Members 11 of 30 4 -16 -1 -W " "' ° "' "' Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Bur ial rnmmifmpn}e : City of 04* Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N • Box 2007. Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 • Phone (651) 439 -4439 • Fax (651) 439 -0574 June 8, 2012 Mr. John Chiglo MNDOT Water's Edge Building 1500 West County Road B -2 Roseville, MN 55113 RE: Power line Burial Dear Mr. Chigio; For the sake of your timing, the City wanted to remind MNDOT of the requirement that the power distribution Imes now lying in the south and north frontage roads would be required to be placed underground with this proposed project. This was noted in the letter to Mr. Josephson on Dec 29 "', 2011. The City has since amended its related ordinances, enclosed, making the requirements more clear for such undergr ding and removal of the overhead infrastructure. With this advanced reminder MNDOT c#6 b teryoordinate Its timing with Xcel Energy. This ill certain] affd some visual quality to the corridor and perhaps could be noted in the VC.M. K eg1�/ --..._ 9fty Administrator Cc: Weekly Notes Adam Josephson, MNDOT 12 of 30 4 -16 -13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitments 1008 AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE PLACEMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, ELECTRONIC, PHONE LINES, CABLE SERVICES AND RELATED UTILIT) ES UNDERGROUND. THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF OAK. DARK HEIGHTS DOES HEREBY ORDAIN: 1008.010. pu =se. The purpose of this section is to promote the health. safety and general welfare of the public and is intended to foster (i) safe travel over the right -of way, (ii) non - travel related safety around homes and buildings where overhead feeds are connected and (iii) orderly development in the city. Location and relocation, installation and reinstallation of Facilities in the right -of -way trust be made in accordance with this section. 1008.020. Definitions. The terms used in this section have the meanings given there. Commis sion. "Commission" means the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Facili "Facility" means tangible asset in the public right -of -way required to provide utility service. The term does not include Facilities to the extent the location and relocation of such Facilities are preempted by Minnesota Statutes, Section 161.45, governing utility facility placement in state trunk highways. Facility does not mean electric transmission lines, as distinguished ft - om electric distribution lines. Public right- ofway "Public right -of -way" has the meaning given it in Minnesota Statutes, section 237.162, subdivision 3. Right oi-way user. "Right -of -way user" means (1) a telecommunications right -of -way user as defined by Minnesota Statutes, Section 237.162, subdivision 4; or (2) a person owning or controlling a facility, in the right -of -way, that is used or intended to be used for providing utility service, and who has a right under law, franchise or ordinance to use the public right -of -way. Utility_ se !pe, "Utility service" means and includes: (1) service provided by a public utility as defined in Minnesota Statutes, Section 21613.02, subdivisions 4 and 6; (2) services of a telecommunications right-of-way user, including the transporting of voice or data information; (3) services provided by a cable communications system as defined in Minnesota Statutes, Section 238.02, subdivision 3; (4) natural gas or electric energy or telecommunications services provided by a local government unit; (5) services provided by a cooperative electric association organized under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 308A; and (6) water, sewer, steam, cooling or heating services. 13 of 30 4 -16 -13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line B urial commitments 1008.030 Undergroundina of Facilities. Facilities placed in the public right -of -way must be located, relocated and maintained underground pursuant to the terms and conditions of this section and in accordance with applicable construction standards. This section is intended to be enforced consistently with state and federal law regulating right- of-way users, specifically including but not limited to Minnesota Statutes, Sections 161.45, 237.162, 237.163, 300.03, 222.37, 238.084 and 216B.36 and the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Title 47, USC Section 253. 1008.040. Undergrounding of New Facilities. A new Facility or a permanent extension of Facilities must be installed and maintained underground when supplied to: (a) a new installation of buildings, signs, streetlights or other structures; (b) a new subdivision of land; or (c) a new development or industrial park containing new commercial or industrial buildings. All owners, developers, persons submitting plats to the city for approval as well as any utility company serving said developments are responsible for complying with the terms and provisions of this ordinance and prior to final approval of any plat, subdivision or development plan shalt submit to the city a written statement from the appropriate utility company (ies) showing that all necessary arrangements with said companies for underground service and installation have been made. To the extent practical all underground work shall be completed prior to street surfacing. 1008.050. Ilndererounding of Permanent Replacemen - Relocated or Reconstructed facilities. A permanent replacement, relocation or reconstruction of a Facility of more than 300 feet must be located, and maintained underground, with due regard for seasonal working conditions. For purposes of this section, reconstruction means any substantial repair of or any improvement to existing Facilities. Undergrounding is required whether a replacement, relocation or reconstruction is initiated by the right -of -way user owning or operating the Facilities, ar by the city in connection with (1) the present or future use by the city or other local government unit of the right -of -way for a public project, (2) the public health or safety, or (3) the safety and convenience of travel over the right -of -way. 1008.060. Retirement of Overhead Facilities, The city council may determine whether it is in the public interest that all Facilities within the city, or within certain districts designated by the city, be permanently placed and maintained underground by a date certain or target date, independently of undergrounding required pursuant to sections 1008.040 and 1008.0.50 of this Code. The decision to underground must be preceded by a public hearing, after published notice and written notice to the utilities affected. (Two weeks published: 30 days written.) At the hearing the council must consider item (1)- (4) in section 1008.080 of this Code 14 of 30 4 -16 -13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitm and make findings. Undergrounding may not take place until city council has, after hearing and notice, adopted a plan containing items (1) - (6) of section 1008.090 of this Code. 1008.070. Public Hearings. A hearing shall be open to the public and may be continued from time to time. At each hearing any person interested must be given an opportunity to be heard. The subject of the public hearings shall be the issue of whether Facilities in the right -of -way in the city, or located within a certain district, shall all be located underground by a date certain. Hearings are not necessary for the undergrounding required under sections 1008.040 and 1008.050 of the City Code. 1008.080. Public Hearin Issues. The issues to be addressed at the public hearings include but are not limited to: (1) The costs and benefits to the public of requiring the undergrounding of all Facilities in the right -of -way. (2) The feasibility and cost of undergrounding all Facilities by a date certain as determined by the city and the affected utilities. (3) The tariff requirements, procedure and rate design for recovery or intended recovery of incremental costs for undergrounding by the utilities from ratepayers within the city. (4) Alternative financing options available if the city deems it in the public interest to require undergrounding by a date certain and deems it appropriate to participate in the cost otherwise borne by the ratepayers. Upon completion of the hearing or hearings, the city council must make written findings on whether it is in the public interest to establish a plan under which all Facilities will be underground, either citywide or within districts designated by the city. 1008.090. Under mounding Plan. if the council finds that it is in the public interest to underground all or substantially all Facilities in the public right of way, the council must establish a plan for such undergrounding- The plan for undergrounding must include at least the following elements: (1) Timetable for the undergrounding. (2) Designation of districts for the undergrounding unless, undergrounding plan is citywide (3) Exceptions to the undergrounding requirement and procedure for establishing such exceptions. 15 of 30 4 -16 -13 Memo to OPH City Council Pnwpr i ina Rwial commitmpntc ^_ (4) Procedures for the undergrounding process, including but not limited to coordination with city projects and provisions to ensure compliance with nondiscrimination requirements under the law. (5) A financing plan for funding of the incremental costs if the city determines that it will finance some of the undergrounding costs, and a determination and vedficatton of the claimed additional costs to underground incurred by the utility. (6) Penalties or other remedies for failure to comply with the undergrounding. 16 of 30 4 -16 -13 Memo to OPH City Council .­- -Power Line Burial com w __ Eric Johnson From: Eric Johnson Sent Wednesday, August 22, 2012 4:22 PM To: 'Chiglo, Jon (DOT)' Subject: RE: list of items Attachments: possible list of improvments and issues - redline.docx Jon, I have taken your document—accepted all the changes, and provide a few edits.... Minor through they are. Let me know about those highlighted ones as soon as possible Thanks for your help eric From: Chiglo, Jon (DOT) ( mailto:jon.chigloOstate.mn.us ] Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2012 3:57 PM TO; Eric Johnson Subject: 17 of 30 4 -16-13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitments a. Final design for Lookout Trail at TH 95 to provide for a right in- right out configuration b. Trail location along Lookout Trrail will either extend all the way from TH 95 to the Scenic Lookout and Beach Road as part of a proposed MnDOT reconstruction of Lookout TtraRew and turn back to the city of Oak Park Heights c. The Omaha Ave right in right out intersection with TH 36 shall be reconstructed as part of the Design build project d. North and South Frontage Roads within the City's jurisdiction remain under MNDOT ownership e. All construction impacted Xcel power lines within the TH 36 Corridor be undergrounded compliant with City ordinance f. Work on Oakgreen Avenue shall be extended to the south from the proposed southern termini of work depicted on the construction plans to approximately the northern termini of Oakgreen Ave atod 58 street. A right turn lane will be constructed at Oakgreen Ave and 58 street to facilitate right turns from Oak Green Ave onto 58 Street. T4i&All -work upon Oakgreen Avenue will consist of an urban roadway sections and stay within the existing right of way. g. All existing stormwaters now entering the TH 36 corridor from the City of Oak Park Heights shall be captured and treated within MNDOT systems for volume and rate control and the City shall have no ongoing maintenance or reconstruction responsibilities therefore. h. All MNDOT trails within the TH 36 corridor shall be owned by MNDOT with the City having minor maintenance thereon. Trails constructed under this project within the City shall be regulated in use under the City's park ordinance and may be seasonally closed as directed by the City Ceouncil. Any trail reconstruction shall remain a MNDOT responsibility. i. All signalizations within the TH 36 and TH 95 corridors to which MNDOT policy would otherwise call for a municipal contribution shall be funded by MNDOT using MNDOT funding sources, not reducing other allocations to the 18 of 30 4 -1 6-13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitments City or in a manner resulting in no out of pocket contribution from the City. The City will participate in future minor maintenance consistent with re- lamping and painting and power supply. j. The layout for Oakgreen Avenue will be adjusted to provide a pull back of the Frontage Road from the Pine Grove Gardens development. MnDOT provided the city with a concept that will increase the distance between the townhomes and the south frontage road by approximately 30 ft. This provides a total distance between the townhomes and frontage road of - approximately 50 feet. I. That MNDOT implement and complete reasonable maintenance to the Scenic Overlook as committed to under the mitigation commitments. m. That MNDOT install appropriate and distinct TH 36 pedestrian crossing elements at Osgood Ave and at Oakgreen/Greely so that surface markings are constructed of materials that are distinct from typical road section, such as pavers, concrete or other durable materials. n. Project limits for the TH 36 and bridge project will be established on the west end at TH 36 /Norell- Washington. This is to ensure construction begins at the eastern termini of previous projects along the frontage roads and TH36. o. All new streets or street /drive extensions created by the project will be established as private drives unless the City of Oak Park Heights agrees to accept them as public streets. p. The Holiday Gas Station shall retain its access point on Osgood Avenue. M r. A reasonable access for the Home for Me Townhomes ( Oakgreen and South Frontage Road) shall be maintained 19 of 30 4 -16-13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitments Eric ,Johnson From: Eric Johnson Sent: Thursday, August 23, 201210:09 AM To: Chiglo, Jon (DOT) Oon.chiglo @state.mn.us) Cc: 'LesAbrahamson @comcast.net'; 'Swenson, Mark'; 'Mark Vierling' Subject: possible list of improvments and issues - Possible Final - Updated 8 -23 -12 Attachments: possible list of improvments and issues - Possible Final - Updated 8- 23- 12.docx Jon, Here is the current draft, which seem to work on all accounts, with the two noted exceptions at the bottom in yellow. The City really needs these two items. If you have some alternative language to the ponding matter, We stand ready to listen for suggestions. We understand your points about non - impacted storm sewer elements, but then perhaps there can be some offered language that ameliorates that problem. We do appreciate your continued finessing. eric z 20 of 30 4 -16 -13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitments a. Final design for Lookout Trail at TH 95 to provide for a right in- right out configuration b. Lookout Trail: The pedestrian and bike Trail will run adjacent to the curb on Lookout trail and be continuous between Beech Road and TH 95. This work will be incorporated in a proposal by MnDOT to reconstruct Lookout Trail and ultimately be a roadway turn back to the city of Oak Park Heights. c. The Omaha Ave right in right out intersection with TH 36 shall be reconstructed as part of the St. Croix Crossing Design build project d. North and South Frontage Roads within the City's jurisdiction remain under MNDOT ownership e. All construction impacted Xcel power lines within the TH 36 Corridor be undergrounded compliant with City ordinance. f. Work on Oakgreen Avenue shall be extended to the south from the proposed southern termini of work depicted on the construction plans to approximately the northern termini of Oakgreen Ave at 58 street. A right turn lane will be constructed at Oakgreen Ave and 58th street to facilitate right turns from Oak Green Ave onto 58th Street. All work upon Oakgreen Avenue will consist of an urban roadway sections and stay within the existing right of way. g. All MNDOT trails within the TH 36 corridor shall be owned by MNDOT with the City having minor maintenance thereon. Any trail reconstruction shall remain a MNDOT responsibility. h. The layout for Oakgreen Avenue will be adjusted to provide a pull back of the Frontage Road from the Pine Grove Gardens development. MnDOT provided the city with a concept that will increase the distance between the townhomes and the south frontage road by approximately 30 ft. This provides a total distance between the townhomes and frontage road of approximately 50 feet. i. MNDOT will implement and complete reasonable maintenance to the Scenic Overlook as committed to under the mitigation commitments. j. MNDOT will install appropriate and distinct and durable materials TH 36 pedestrian crossing elements at Osgood Ave and at Oakgreen /Greely. k. Western Project limits for the St. Croix Crossing Project will be established to ensure reconstruction of all frontage roads and TH 36 mainline not constructed since the 1990's and ensure the project begins where the previous phase of construction ended. I. The Holiday Gas Station shall retain its access point on Osgood Avenue. M. A reasonable access for the Home for Me Townhomes ( Oakgreen and South Frontage Road) shall be maintained o. All new streets or street /drive extensions created by the project will be established as private drives unless the City of Oak Park Heights agrees to accept them as public streets. "The storm water design will meet the volume, rate and water quality requirements for the project as a whole. MnDOT will be responsible for pond maintenance and any future reconstruction." 21 of 30 4 -16 -13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitments RESOLUTION NO. 12-08-32 CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS APPROVING THE SUBMITTED CONSTRUCTION PLANS FOR THE ST. CROIX RIVER CROSSING AND ITS APPROACHES, FINDING SAME TO BE SUBSTANTIALLY CONSISTENT WITH THE PLANS AS GRANTED MUNICIPAL CONSENT FORTHE 1995 LAYOUT WHEREAS, in 1995 the City Council for the City of Oak Park Heights (hereafter referred to as the "City ") approved a particular layout for the construction of the various roadway and layout approaches for the St. Croix Crossing Project, and; WHEREAS, in 1995 the City and the Minnesota Department of Transportation signed a Memorandum of Understanding that documents actions related to a specific layout, the execution of the project, including costs, timelines and statutory provisions, and; WHEREAS, the Department has continually worked towards the resurrection of the Project ultimately leading to a July 2nd, 2012 submission of construction plans to the City as required by Minnesota Statutes 161.177( 1995), and; WHEREAS, the City has reviewed the MNDOT submitted construction plans from July 2, 2012 relative to the 1995 layout plan approved by the City on August 10, 1995, and has had the input of their City Engineer, and; WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the changes existing between Layout Plans as approved by the City in 1995 and the construction plans are insignificant or otherwise beneficial to the city at large, and; 22 of 30 4 -16-13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitments WHEREAS, the City has received and acknowledges the commitment from the Minnesota Department of Transportation as set forth within correspondence signed by the Commissioner of Transportation Thomas Sorel dated August 23, 2012, and this City approves of same, and; WHEREAS, the City of Oak Park Heights and the Minnesota Department of Transportation have benefitted from the input and participation and the resolution of various issues by the intervention of the Honorable Mark Dayton, Governor of the State of Minnesota, and acknowledges and is grateful for his input and commitments as outlined in his correspondence to the City dated August 23, 2012, and the City approves of same, and; WHEREAS, the City of Oak Park Heights has previously been benefitted by the assistance of the Honorable Kathy Lohmer, member of the House of Representatives of the State of Minnesota in securing additional funds for the City in this project to address financial needs as presented, and is gratefttl for her input; and, WHEREAS, the City has been benefitted also on the federal level by the participation of the Honorable Michele Bachmann member of the United State Congress and her staff in addressing Federal handing issues relative to this project, and is grateful for her input and continuing assistance; WHEREAS, the City has been benefitted also on the federal level by the participation of the Honorable Amy Klobuchar member of the United States Senate and her staff in addressing Federal funding issues relative to this project, and is grateful for her input and continuing assistance; WHEREAS, the City has been benefitted by the diligent work of its City staff, together with MNDOT staff, and Project Director Jon Chiglo in working to find solutions to the various issues that have been presented relative to this project and the various renditions and changes that have occurred. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council for the City of Oak Park Heights as follows: 1. That the City Council approves the construction plans submitted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation to the City on July 2, 2012 as being in accordance with the 1995 Layout Plans as approved by the City on August 14, 1995 in Resolution 95- 08 -39. 2 23 of 30 4 -16-13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitments 2. The City of Oak Park Heights approves of all work associated with the St. Croix Crossing Project as the City finds the plans as submitted benefit and are in the best interest of the citizens and residents of the City of Oak Park Heights. 3. That the City of Oak Park Heights waves or releases any claim of statutory non - compliance by the Minnesota Department of Transportation with the submission of the construction plans on July 2, 2012. 4. That the City Council authorizes its staff to begin work with the staff of the Minnesota Department of Transportation to negotiate and formalize Cooperative Construction and Utility Agreements consistent with the commitments and financial projections agreed to between State and City staff. 5. The City of Oak Park Heights is committed to working with MnDOT as an active partner through the development and implementation of the St. Crnix f rnecina Prniprt is 23"` III 24 of 30 4 -16 -13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitments '•• O rIbF �Arj '•�\. STATE OF MINNESOTA Office of Governor Mark Dayton a 130 State Capitol 0 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Saint Paul, MN 55155 Mayor David Beaudet Councilmember Les Abrahamson Councilmember Mary McComber Councilmember Mike Runk Councilmember Mark Swenson Oak bark Heights City Hall 14168 Oak Park Boulevard North Oak Park Heights, Minnesota 55082 August 23, 2012 Dear Mayor Beaudet and City Councihnembers: Over the last six months, my Administration has worked closely with the City of Oak Park Heights to advance the critically important and tine- sensitive construction of the St. Croix River Crossing between Wisconsin and Minnesota. A crucial next step in this process is the passage by the City on August 23, 2012, of a resolution expressing unconditional municipal consent to, and approval of, all work associated with the St. Croix River Crossing project. Working together, the City of Oak Park Heights and the Minnesota Depat•tinent of Transportation have successfully resolved many issues associated with this project. These agreements are outlined by MnDOT Commissioner Tom Sorel in the attached letter. In addition, the City has asked for help covering the cost of utility betterments associated with the project amounting to $2,871,997.90. In the 2012 session, the Legislature appropriated $1 million in state General Obligation bonds from resources provided in the Local Road buprovement Fund (Minnesota Laws 2012, chapter 293, section 16, subdivision 3). The City of Oak Sark Heights has agreed to take responsibility for $351,828 of these costs, leaving a gal) of $1,520,170. With this letter, I personally pledge to requesting approval from U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Laffood for the federal government to commit $1,520,170 for these project costs. If Secretary LaHood informs me that the U.S. Department of Transportation is unable to provide these funds, I will request and do my utmost to secure an additional State General Obligation bond appropriation equal to $1,520,170 during the 2013 legislative session. The Minnesota Department of Transportation will work with the City to ensure that cash flow and local payment timing provides sufficient time for the 2013 Legislative to take action, if necessary. I understand that, with these commitments, no issues remain that would prohibit the City of Oak Park Heights from passing, on August 23, 2012, a resolution expressing its unconditional municipal consent to, and approval of, all work associated with the St. Croix Crossing Project. In addition, the resolution will state that the city finds the construction plans provided to it by the Department of Transportation on July 2, 2012, to be fully in accordance with the layout plan it approved in City of Oak Park Heights Resolution No. 95 -08 -39 on August 14,1995. Voice: (651) 2013400 or (800) 657 -3717 Fax: (651) 797 -1850 MN Relay (800) 627 -3529 Website: httn: / / overnor,:; a a mn u,5 An Equal Opportunity Employer Printed on recycled paper containing 15% post consumer material and state government printed 25030 4 -16 -13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitments Mayor David Beaudet and City Councihnembers August 23, 2012 Page 2 This agreement allows us to move forward with building a bridge that will support the economic development of communities on both sides of the river. I thank you for your diligent work on this project and your continued service to the people of Oak Park Heights. I ly, Mark Dayton Governor Attachment: Letter from Commissioner Sorel cc: Senator Amy Klobuchar Congresswoman Michele Bachnnann Chairman Mike Beard Chairman Joe Ginise Senator Ted Lillie Representative Kathy Lohmer 26 of 30 4 -16 -13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitments * HNESO. ' Minnesota Department of Transportation afT -r'o 395 John Ireland Boulevard Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155 -1899 August 23, 2012 Mayor David Beaudet Councilmember Les Abrahamson Councilmember Mary McComber Councilmember Mike Runk Councilmember Mark Swenson PO Box 2007 Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Dear Mayor Beaudet and City Councilmembers: "Phis letter reflects and further documents the agreements reached between the City of Oak Park Heights and the Minnesota Department of Transportation related to the St. Croix Crossing Project between Wisconsin and Minnesota. 1. Final design for Lookout Trail at TH 95 will provide for a right- in/right -out configuration. 2. Lookout Trail: The pedestrian and bike accommodations will run up Lookout Trail and be continuous between Beech Road and TH 95. This work will be incorporated into a turn-back proposal by MnDOT to the city of Oak Park Heights. The turn back agreement will include funding for the city to design and reconstruct Lookout Trail. The turn- around in the current plan will be eliminated from the St. Croix Crossing project. If a turn back agreement cannot be reached this work will not be done. 3. The Omaha Avenue right - in/right -out at grade intersection with eastbound TH 36 shall be reconstructed as part of the St. Croix Crossing Design -Build project. 4. North and south frontage roads within the city of Oak Park Heights jurisdiction remain under MnDOT ownership. 5. As provided in Minnesota Statutes Section 161.45 the relocation of construction impacted utilities will need to comply with any applicable city ordinance, unless waived by the city. MnDOT is committed to working with the City to relocate utilities to a point as close to the right of way line as possible to minimize potential impact to these facilities in the future. 6. Work on Oakgreen Avenue shall be extended to the south from the proposed southern termini of work depicted on the construction plans to approximately the northern termini of Oakgreen Avenue at 58` Street. A southbound right -turn lane will be constructed at Oakgreen Avenue and 58' Street to facilitate right turns from Oakgreen Avenue onto 58 °i Street. All work upon Oakgreen Avenue will consist of an urban roadway section, with concrete curb and gutter and construction stay within the existing right of way. 27 of 30 An equal opportunity employer 4 -16-13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitments 7. All MnDOT trails constructed as a part of the St. Croix Crossing project and within the City of Oak Park Heights shall be owned by MnDOT, with the city having minor maintenance responsibilities thereon. Any trail reconstruction shall remain a MnDOT responsibility. Closure of the trails by the City of Oak Park Heights will be in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and City Ordinances and Park policies. 8. The layout for Oakgreen Avenue will be adjusted to provide a pull back of the frontage road from the Pine Grove Gardens development. MnDOT will increase the distance between the townhomes and the south frontage road by approximately 30 feet. This provides a total distance between the townhomes and frontage road of approximately 50 feet. 9. MnDOT will implement and complete reasonable maintenance to the Scenic Overlook as committed to under the Section 106 mitigation requirements. 10. MnDOT will install appropriate TH 36 at grade pedestrian crossing elements at Osgood Avenue and Oakgreen Avenue/Greeley per MnDOT standards. 11. Western project limits for flee St. Croix Crossing project will be established to ensure reconstruction of TH 36 mainline not constructed since the 1990s and ensure the project begins where the previous phase of construction ended. 12. The Holiday gas station shall retain its access point on Osgood Avenue. 13. A reasonable access for the Home for Me Townhomes ( Oakgreen and South Frontage Road) shall be maintained. 14. The storm water design will meet the volume, rate and waxer quality requirements for the project. MnDOT will coordinate the St. Croix Crossing storm water design with the Browns Creek Watershed District and the Middle St. Croix Water Management Organization. MnDOT will be responsible for pond maintenance and any future reconstruction. 15. The total cost to the city of Oak Park Heights is $2,871,997.00. This is computed by adding city defined betterments, city share of construction impacted utilities, Grey Area utilities and city responsibility of traffic signal costs. After applying the $1,000,000 from the Local Road Improvement Fund and the City responsibility for Utility Bettennents MnDOT commits that the total City of Oak Park Heights financial obligation as a result of the St. Croix Crossing Project will not exceed $1,520,169.00. This total obligation does not include the cost of the "Moelter Site" utility relocation which if elected by the City will increase the total obligation to the City. This figure does assume the relocation of City utilities between Oakgreen and Osgood as part of the project 16. MnDOT and the City will review a list of new driveways or streets and determine which will be classified as a public facility or private facility. 28 of 30 4 -16 -13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitments As you are aware, in March of 2012 I appointed Jon Chiglo as the St. Croix Crossing Project Director. With this appointment, Mr. Chiglo has full authority to negotiate on behalf of the Minnesota Department of Transportation regarding all elements of this project. The Minnesota Department of Transportation looks forward to enhancing our partnership with Oak Park Heights by working together to successfully complete and open the new St. Croix Bridge. Sincerely, Thomas K. Sorel Commissioner Minnesota Department of Transportation 29 of 30 4 -16 -13 Memo to OPH City Council Power Line Burial commitments G TOR wr'iter`s Direct Dial: (651) 3514118 \4'ritcr's r: mail: I nviedinl!lwit uglamr euxorn l " l'.l)1'itary 20, 2013 Colette Jurek 1\ilitnager - C'onln)ttnity & Local Governlllen R Xcel Energy 3000 Maxwell Avenue Ne.wporf., MN 55055 RC: S1. Croix River Ib•Nge 1'1 jecl L7ec iric Relocation Di.4< llssion Silllln all)p Our Idle No.: 01501 -1745 3 1 1.)Ci31 1\/1s..ltE1 - C (C: Stillwater Office; 1809 tVi7r0rvCdwn Avort:e SWIveiler, h41nne 55082 lob!) 43%2878 ax (0'i t l 43t: :'9l:i Hudson Office: ;3G Set Wd Sheet Lli;r;y.<i!i, 4`tii'iGgilcf(s 5491(" 386 -3133 Fax M 6) 386 -6456 ....:..t;<:kl;taglalllrruxs. coral Your col of February 8, 2013 has been direaed to this off icc ias City Aitonie)-: Inv the Chy of Oak Part; I leighm, Relaliyc to (fie St. Croix liver l.iridge Project, that is a Minncsta Departlilent 0FYral)Sportation project, directed by their on ices. The. City of Oak Park Rights has no ahHhy to director control your utility or whit your conMmny IS dhvctl:d to do by Mnl)(Yr relative to its aectricai transmission line's. As 1 have already irldicated to your counsel Me City of Oak Park R is not responsi to Xcel with regard to the hAnDO"r Avetive, as it affects the electric relocation as a result. of'thi s project, and vvill not be liable:, nor "Al the City tolerate its citizens (axed or charges( by Xcel, relative to this project. Whatever directives MND0)1 directs Xcel to complete on this project are lion) MnDO"1', not from the City of Oak Park I leights. l.f ?:eel takes issue with thlti natter, I trust you will hav4 your corporate coullsel comer \ "vitll nle directly aga on Ow rll2 ner, but alt this pAnt, we coi)5idt'.l the issu closed. --- Yours very Mark .1: Vierlin.g M NI /ild cc.: Eric Johnson. City of Oak Park Heights I 9of33 c'E:ltrlti'.. 1. ;i \11;P.RS. tiitll;(;�, \Coil l l i -3 .lt.Ll \c.. ]'t Ll' rali dy Lay: llwicr": • i wne s :x:!tl (:o1!1rFxscial I - ale '' inliral Ir.lu!; l inlrt;ryt!si Lk i „ 4- 16 -'(§ Memo to 6PH City Council 30 of 30 h ome . G;MHW , 1 aa,n,tr Ro"'I E. IAP • I ,: W Un "W - h•icltlf„E,oc; • :'itt:r�ltai:a:1 Lrty • P6Wr l t_'14b t Mal commitments 2� z r; Stillwater Office; 1809 tVi7r0rvCdwn Avort:e SWIveiler, h41nne 55082 lob!) 43%2878 ax (0'i t l 43t: :'9l:i Hudson Office: ;3G Set Wd Sheet Lli;r;y.<i!i, 4`tii'iGgilcf(s 5491(" 386 -3133 Fax M 6) 386 -6456 ....:..t;<:kl;taglalllrruxs. coral Your col of February 8, 2013 has been direaed to this off icc ias City Aitonie)-: Inv the Chy of Oak Part; I leighm, Relaliyc to (fie St. Croix liver l.iridge Project, that is a Minncsta Departlilent 0FYral)Sportation project, directed by their on ices. The. City of Oak Park Rights has no ahHhy to director control your utility or whit your conMmny IS dhvctl:d to do by Mnl)(Yr relative to its aectricai transmission line's. As 1 have already irldicated to your counsel Me City of Oak Park R is not responsi to Xcel with regard to the hAnDO"r Avetive, as it affects the electric relocation as a result. of'thi s project, and vvill not be liable:, nor "Al the City tolerate its citizens (axed or charges( by Xcel, relative to this project. Whatever directives MND0)1 directs Xcel to complete on this project are lion) MnDO"1', not from the City of Oak Park I leights. l.f ?:eel takes issue with thlti natter, I trust you will hav4 your corporate coullsel comer \ "vitll nle directly aga on Ow rll2 ner, but alt this pAnt, we coi)5idt'.l the issu closed. --- Yours very Mark .1: Vierlin.g M NI /ild cc.: Eric Johnson. City of Oak Park Heights I 9of33 c'E:ltrlti'.. 1. ;i \11;P.RS. tiitll;(;�, \Coil l l i -3 .lt.Ll \c.. ]'t Ll' rali dy Lay: llwicr": • i wne s :x:!tl (:o1!1rFxscial I - ale '' inliral Ir.lu!; l inlrt;ryt!si Lk i „ 4- 16 -'(§ Memo to 6PH City Council 30 of 30 h ome . G;MHW , 1 aa,n,tr Ro"'I E. IAP • I ,: W Un "W - h•icltlf„E,oc; • :'itt:r�ltai:a:1 Lrty • P6Wr l t_'14b t Mal commitments