City Council Worksession

South St. Paul WORKSESSION AGENDA SSP City Hall 125 3rd Avenue North Training room Monday, July 12, 2021 7:00 pm AGENDA: 1. Bryant Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Feasibility Study 2. Veterans Memorial Drive Follow-Up – No Attachment 3. Concord Exchange Landscaping Plan 4. Charitable Gambling Request at Bugg’s Bar 5. Library Agreement with Dakota County 6. Council Comments & Questions A COUNCIL WORKSESSION REPORT DATE: JULY 12, 2021 1 DEPARTMENT: ENGINEERING Prepared by: Sue Polka, City Engineer ADMINISTRATOR: JRH AGENDA ITEM: Bryant Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Feasibility Study DESIRED MEETING OUTCOMES: Provide input on the Bryant Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Feasibility Study and the recommended alternative. OVERVIEW: In January of 2020, the City entered into a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with Dakota County for a Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) grant to conduct a feasibility study for a pedestrian bridge on Bryant Avenue for access to Kaposia Landing. SRF Consulting was selected to complete the study and has provided the attached presentation outlining the proposed alternatives. As a part of the grant, the City is required to undertake a public outreach effort. To date, the study has been presented to the Parks & Recreation Commission in addition to a public comment survey and video that was posted on Facebook and the City website. Casey Black from SRF Consulting will be at the work session to present both the feasibility study and outcomes from the public outreach effort. SOURCE OF FUNDS: 2019 SHIP Grant Bryant Ave. Pedestrian Bridge Study City Council Work Session – July 12, 2021 Presentation Overview • Study Purpose • Kaposia Landing Access • Proposed Geometry • Proposed Bridge Alternatives • Bridge Alternatives & Comparison • Approach Alternatives & Comparison • Study Recommendations • Easements & Construction Staging • Next Steps Bryant Ave. Pedestrian Bridge Study Casey Black, PE – Consultant Project Manager Kaposia Landing Access • North End • Simon’s Ravine Trailhead & River to River Greenway • Robert Piram Regional Trail • South End • Mississippi River Greenway • Bryant Ave. Bridge No. 19544 • Vehicle Access • Emergency Access • No Pedestrian Accommodations Kaposia Landing Access • Concord Street N (CSAH 156) & Bryant Ave. • Metro Transit Bus Route 71 • Improvements – Hwy 494 to Annapolis St. • Bryant Ave. Bridge • Built in 2003 • Vehicle access • Emergency Access • No Pedestrian Accommodations Proposed Geometry • Locations Considered • On Bryant Ave. Bridge • Next to Bridge • Away from Bridge • Proposed Geometry • Bridge Widening • Adjacent Bridge • Separate Bridge Proposed Geometry - Widening Proposed Geometry - Adjacent Proposed Geometry - Separated Proposed Geometry Proposed Geometry Proposed Bridge Alternatives Proposed Bridge Alternatives Proposed Bridge Alternatives • Bridge Alternative 1 – Substructure Widening • Prefabricated steel trusses • Widened abutments & piers • Minimal gap between bridge decks • Bridge Alternative 2 – Deck Widening • 2-added Prestressed Beams • Widened deck, abutments & piers • No gap between bridge decks • Bridge Alternative 3 – Separated Trail Bridge • Prestressed Concrete Beam w/ Thru Girder Deck • New abutments & piers • Approx. 10-ft separation between bridges Bridge Alternatives Comparison • Construction Costs (Draft) • $5.1M Bridge Alternative 1 • $7.1M Bridge Alternative 2 • $4.6M Bridge Alternative 3 • Bridge Alternative 1 (Recommended Project) Approach Alternatives & Comparison • Approach Alternative 1 • Keep guardrail at Metzen Parkway • Approach Alternative 2 • Remove guardrail at Metzen Parkway Alt. 2 (Recommended) Study Recommendations • Bridge Alternative 1 • Adjacent Bridge with Substructure Widening • Approach Alternative 2 • Guardrail Removal Study Recommendations Study Recommendations Easements & Construction Staging Easements & Construction Staging Next Steps • Finalize Report • Planning • Funding Opportunities & Local Partners • Future Design & Construction Phases • UPRR Engineering Review Agreement • 6 - 9 Mo. Preliminary Design • 12- 24 Mo. Final Design • 6 – 12 Mo. Construction Questions & Thank You Casey Black, PE – SRF Project Manager A COUNCIL WORKSESSION REPORT DATE: JULY 12, 2021 3 DEPARTMENT: ENGINEERING Prepared by: Sue Polka, City Engineer ADMINISTRATOR: JRH AGENDA ITEM: Concord Avenue Streetscape DESIRED MEETING OUTCOMES: Provide input on the Concord Avenue Streetscape plans. OVERVIEW: The Development Agreement for The Yards includes funding for streetscape improvements on the east side of Concord Exchange between Grand Avenue and Hardman Avenue, as well as median improvements on Grand Avenue adjacent to The Yards development. Kimley Horn has prepared the attached schematic of the streetscape improvements and are working on finalizing construction plans. The streetscape elements closely match those that are included in the Concord Street project. Staff and the project engineer from Kimley Horn have met with the business owners for input on the streetscape layout and elements and the attached schematic has incorporated their comments and ideas. In addition, we are in discussions with the developer to include the grant-funded electric vehicle charging stations in the diagonal parking spaces adjacent to The Yards development. SOURCE OF FUNDS: Developer-funded through Development Agreement  UP EXCHANGE STREET PLANTING BED POTENTIAL SPECIES: TREES: 1. HONEYLOCUST 2. KENTUCKY COFFEE TREE 3. OAK 4. JAPANESE TREE LILAC 5. CRABAPPLE UP SHRUBS AND PERENNIALS: 1. SPIREA 2. CHOKEBERRY 3. JUNIPER GRAND AVE 4. BLACK EYED SUSAN ORNAMENTAL TREE 5. SEDUM 6. CATMINT 7. PRAIRIE DROPSEED THE YARDS UPDATED CORNER DESIGN TO BE DEVELOPMENT SIMILAR TO NORTHEAST CORNER PER COORDINATION WITH THE YARDS DEVELOPMENT 4' WIDE CONCRETE BAND B B AT-GRADE PLANTING BED 5'x5' STANDARD GRAY TRASH & BACKLESS BICYCLE FURNITURE ZONE - DARK WARM GRAY OVERSTORY TREE 2'x2' STANDARD GRAY CONCRETE PEDESTRIAN LIGHTS CONCRETE WITH RECYCLING BENCH PARKING (3) INTEGRALLY COLORED CONCRETE CONCORD EXCHANGE IN 6'x10' PLANTING WITH TOOLED JOINTS AND LIGHT WITH 2 BANNERS TROWEL AND LIGHT RECEPTACLE WITH HEAVY BROOM TEXTURE BED +/- 40' O.C. BROOM TEXTURE (+/-100' O.C.) BROOM TEXTURE CONCORD ST PLANTER SOD BEHIND PLANTINGS AT-GRADE PLANTING BED 8' WIDE CONCRETE SIDEWALK AND 3.5' - 4.5' WIDE MAINTENANCE EDGE DARK GRAY/BLACK INTEGRALLY COLORED CONCRETE WITH HEAVY BROOM TEXTURE MAX. 5' HEIGHT SANDBLASTED CONCRETE SIGN 5000 CNT /IP 1.5' WIDE MAINTENANCE EDGE - DARK WARM GRAY INTEGRALLY COLORED CONCRETE WITH CONCORD ST HEAVY BROOM TEXTURE FINAL DESIGN CONCORD EXCHANGE STREETSCAPE 6.28.2021 GRAND AVE TO POST OFFICE ACCESS DRIVE Theme: Modern Industrial Blended With Southview Blvd The images below illustrate the final selection streetscape elements that blend existing Southview Blvd streetscape design treatments with a modern industrial theme. Streetscape Element Description Streetscape Element Selection Street Lighting • Street lighting to have minimal ornamentation • All lighting to be black in color • All lighting to be LED • Pedestrian Light: Sternberg ‘Millenia’ • Banners are located on pedestrian light poles. Precedent shown from Anoka; banners to incorporate SSP themes and maroon color Pedestrian Light Banners Black Street Furniture • All furniture has minimal ornamentation, Millenia Omega Rialta Solana Villa simple, and a functional aesthetic • All furniture to be near graphite in color • Bench: Landscape Forms ‘Neocombo’ • Trash/Recycling Receptacle: Landscape Forms ‘Poe’ • Bicycle Rack: Landscape Forms “Bola” 4 | Visit www.sternberglighting.com for more product details and LED updates Basis of design selections shown. Bench Trash/Recycling Bicycle Rack Graphite Intersection Planter Ornamental Tree • Sandblasted gray concrete • Wood bench mounted to concrete Perennial Plants • 48” tall planters on each end planted with ornamental trees and perennial plants Wooden Bench • 36” tall planter behind bench planted with perennial plants Sandblasted Concrete Planter CONCORD CORRIDOR EXCHANGE HIERARCHY APPROACH CONCORD STREET (TH 156) IMPROVEMENTS 0 500 1,000 NORTH FINAL MATERIAL SELECTIONS STUDY AREA C.P. 2016-11, S.P. 168-010-004, S.P. 1912-59 HORIZONTAL 06/28/2021 11/20/2019 SCALE IN FEET Theme: Modern Industrial Blended With Southview Blvd The images below illustrate the final selection streetscape elements that blend existing Southview Blvd streetscape design treatments with a modern industrial theme. Streetscape Element Description Streetscape Element Selection Special Boulevard and Median WHEN CHOOSING YOUR COLOR. . . Pavements When choosing a color from our chart, keep in mind that the color samples shown on paper are • Standard gray concrete to indicate ‘pedestrian an approximation of the final concrete color of broom finished, non-cured concrete with a 0.45 safe’ zones. A different finish or jointing will Standard Gray water to cementitious ratio and made Dark with aWarm Gray medium gray cement (see color chip). Concrete has Dark Gray/Black indicate special areas (Ex. Grand Ave and a natural variation in appearance similar to marble, granite and wood. The in-place concrete will Plain concrete made Concord Exchange intersection corners) with medium gray be affected by the concrete mixture including materials selected, finishing techniques, curing & cement. sealing methods as well as other factors such as weather conditions. • Integrally colored and heavily textured concrete indicate non-pedestrian or pedestrian aware areas (maintenance edges and special median pavements) Pedestrian Walkways Maintenance Edge and Median Pavement Median Infill and Accent Pavement Approximate texture shown in large image, color in small image Approximate texture shown in large image, color in small image Approximate texture shown in large image, color in small image Landscape • The landscape palette reflects context of each tree’s location. • Street tree species are proposed to provide green canopy to aid in traffic calming. Tree form will respond to adjacent development to maintain visibility to storefronts. • Median trees to be small multi-stem and intersection trees in planters are small ornamental trees • Understory plantings are low, easily WHEN CHOOSING WHEN YOUR CHOOSING COLOR. . YOUR. COLOR. . . maintained, provide color and multi-seasonal When choosing a Whencolor from choosingoura chart, color from keep in ourmind chart, that keep theincolor mind that samplesthe color shown on samplpa interest, and are arranged in mass plantings an approximationan of the approximation final concrete of thecolor final of concrete broom color finished, of broom non-cured finished, concrete non-cure with versus in smaller detailed beds. Upright Oak Kentucky Coffeetree Honeylocust water to cementitious water toratio and cementitious made ratio with and Single/Multi-Stem Ornamental (Intersection Corners and Median) medium made gray with acement medium (see gray color cement chip).(see Concr co • 5 different tree species are incorporated into a natural variation a inatural appearance variation in similar to appearance marble,similar granite to and marble, wood.granite The and in-place wood. conc Th Plain concrete made Plain concrete made the layout, arranged in mixed species patterns Trees with medium with gray medium gray be affected by be the affected concreteby the mixtureconcrete including mixture materials including selected, materials finishing selected, techniques, finishinc cement. cement. sealing methods as sealing well as methods otherasfactors well asuch otherasfactors weather such as conditions. weather conditions. to maximize interest and help minimize the potential for grouping loss from disease or insects. Multiple varieties of species will include: -Coffeetree -Lilac -Oak -Crabapple -Honeylocust Gro-Low Sumac Blue Rug Juniper Spirea Karl Foerster Grass Prairie Dropseed Grass Black Eyed Susan Catmint Understory Plantings (Median, Intersections, along Concord Exchange) CONCORD CORRIDOR EXCHANGE HIERARCHY APPROACH CONCORD STREET (TH 156) IMPROVEMENTS 0 500 1,000 NORTH FINAL MATERIAL SELECTIONS STUDY AREA C.P. 2016-11, S.P. 168-010-004, S.P. 1912-59 HORIZONTAL 06/28/2021 11/20/2019 SCALE IN FEET Median Monument Sign Elevation of east median looking south CONCORD CORRIDOR EXCHANGE HIERARCHY APPROACH CONCORD STREET (TH 156) IMPROVEMENTS 0 500 1,000 NORTH FINAL MATERIAL SELECTIONS STUDY AREA C.P. 2016-11, S.P. 168-010-004, S.P. 1912-59 HORIZONTAL 06/28/2021 11/20/2019 SCALE IN FEET A COUNCIL WORKSESSION REPORT DATE: JULY 12, 2021 4 DEPARTMENT: CITY CLERK Prepared by: Christy Wilcox ADMINISTRATOR: JRH AGENDA ITEM: Charitable Gambling Premise Permit Request – Bugg’s Bar DESIRED MEETING OUTCOMES: Discuss application by South Robert Street Business Association for a Charitable Gambling Premise Permit Application at Bugg’s Bar. BACKGROUND: Lawful gambling is the “operation, conduct, or sale of bingo, raffles, paddlewheels, tip boards, and pull-tabs”. Section 11 of the City Code regulates lawful gambling with the City of South St. Paul to prevent its commercialization, to insure the integrity of operations and to provide for the use of net profits only for lawful purposes. The City has received notice from the VFW Post #295 that they will be terminating their gambling permit at Bugg’s Bar effective July 29, 2021 (see attached). The City also received a new Gambling Premise Permit from the South Robert Street Business Association to conduct gambling at Bugg’s Bar. OVERVIEW: City Code defines Local Organization as follows: a. The organization has at least 15 active members at the time of its initial license application; and b. The physical site for the organization's headquarters or the registered office of the organization is located within the city and has been located within the city for at least two years immediately preceding the application for a license; or c. The organization owns real estate within the city, and the lawful gambling is conducted on the property owned by the organization within the city; or d. The physical site where the organization regularly holds its meetings and conducts its activities, other than lawful gambling and fundraising, is within the city and has been located within the city for at least two years immediately preceding application for a license. City Code sets forth a priority in approval process if more than one organization is applying for a premise permit. However, it does not spell out the procedure if there is NOT a local organization applying for a permit. Staff contacted Sara Erickson, owner of Bugg’s Bar to discuss the issue that the South Robert Street Business Association does not qualify under the definition of City Code “local organization”. Ms. Erickson indicated that her options for gambling organizations in the City are limited and some would not work for her establishment. The South St. Paul Hockey Association did not want to do meat raffles which help her business and has been requested by her customers and local youth organizations for fundraising. The Lions Club wanted her employees to weigh and count the pull tabs (do the bookwork). That does not work in her business plan and she does not have enough staff to accommodate the request. With the VFW moving out at the end of July, Ms. Erickson needs to get an organization in as soon as possible and requesting approval of the premise permit. Currently the South Robert Street Business Association conducts charitable gambling at the following locations: • New Bohemia, St. Paul • Nickel Joint Sports Bar, St. Paul • The Fireside Social House, Hastings • Hastings Tavern, Hastings • 5-8 Grill & Tap, West St. Paul • Vogel’s Lounge, St. Paul • Gallagher’s Bar, West St. Paul City Code does require that during the calendar year, each licensed organization within the City having a premise permit shall expend 55 percent lawful purpose expenditures on lawful purposes conducting within the city’s trade area. The city’s trade area includes South St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights, Newport, St. Paul and West St. Paul. The South Robert Street Association has agreed to donate 75% back to South St. Paul. Staff is recommending approval of the premise permit at the next City Council meeting. Staff will bring forth an ordinance amending the City Code dealing with the definition of a local organization. SOURCE OF FUNDS: n/a A COUNCIL WORKSESSION REPORT DATE: JULY 12, 2021 5 DEPARTMENT: LIBRARY & ADMINISTRATION Prepared by: Kathy Halgren & Joel Hanson ADMINISTRATOR: JRH AGENDA ITEM: Library Agreement Parameters with Dakota County DESIRED MEETING OUTCOMES: PROVIDE GUIDANCE ON THE NEGOTIATION PARAMETERS WITH DAKOTA COUNTY FOR A NEW LIBRARY IN SOUTH ST. PAUL OVERVIEW: The Dakota County Board of Commissioners has authorized a request for proposals for design services as a prelude to the construction of a new Dakota County Library in South St. Paul at our 7th & Marie site. It is anticipated that they will decide on the design consultant at their General Government and Policy Committee meeting to be held on Tuesday, August 10th. The Board also directed the County Staff to work with us to discuss other details relative to the South St. Paul Library becoming part of the Dakota County Library System. Some of the details are likely to include the following: ❖ Transfer Document – This will be resolved between the County Attorney’s Office and our City Attorney. This agreement will also need to include the Library Board in terms of their approval regarding the transfer of operations. ❖ Personnel – A transition plan for our library staff will need to be developed that addresses issues such as timing, pay and benefit levels as well as any union issues from the County’s standpoint. From the City’s perspective, our guiding philosophy should be to ensure our employees are kept whole in the transfer. ❖ Land use issues – It appears the County may expect us to replat and rezone the multiparcel lots into one unit that can be conveyed to the County. Michael Healy has informed me that a plat is not required, and Dakota County can combine these lots into one tax parcel if petitioned by the property owner. From a rezoning standpoint, the property should be rezoned to C-1 Retail Business from Michael’s perspective. City Staff can work through these issues with the County. ❖ 7th Avenue changes – It is still unclear if 7th Avenue will need to be made into a one-way street to accommodate parking and traffic flow. Should a one-way street prove necessary, we will need to coordinate this with School District to ensure their needs are met given that type of traffic change. If any modifications to the street are needed (possibly by the High School in their median and drop-off area), the County will likely expect us to bear those costs as their  budget does not include funding for that type of work. Staff has contacted Dr. Webb to identify any concerns they may have if a one-way street proves necessary. ❖ City in-kind contributions to Construction – In past conversations with County Staff, they have mentioned that other communities have waived or paid for all development fees including the following: ✓ Platting - $10,000 to $15,000 if needed (out of pocket would include surveying, plat documents, and recording) Would be $0 if lot combination only ✓ Rezoning - $850 (internal costs) ✓ PUD - to address parking and other possible issues - $2,500 (internal), ✓ Site Plan Review - $300 (internal) ✓ Park Dedication – not applicable for lot combinations – only subdivisions ✓ Met Council SAC - $10,000 (credits available to offset) ✓ Erosion Control Escrow - $3,000 to offset fees to WSB for inspection ✓ Building Permit – assuming value of $8.4 million – fees would be about $15,000 with $4,200 of that amount going for the State Surcharge ✓ Electrical Permit - ??? (Payable to contracted electrical inspector) ✓ Water Meter fees – dependent on meter size which would likely be impacted by fire suppression – say $4,000 based on a 4” meter. ❖ City in-kind contributions to Operation – Another expectation of the County will be the donation of various services to be provided to the new library such as snow removal (parking lots & sidewalks), landscaping, irrigation, mowing, fertilizer/herbicide, etc. Apparently, other communities provide these services at other County library sites. This is similar to the services we provide to the Lawshe Historical Society building. ❖ Asset transfer – We will also need to document that the existing library collection will be absorbed into the County system and will be maintained using similar standards and practices as the other branch libraries. Other equipment such as computers will also need to be considered under this category. ❖ Ongoing Operations – It is apparent that the County will want us to confirm our continued responsibility for operation and maintenance of the current SSP library until the new library is completed and operational (likely until the later part of 2023). 2021 levy is $820,098. ❖ Approach to Additional Financing Needs Should Any be Required – Dakota County is seeking 50% of the costs of a new library through 2022 State Bond funding. This is one of their legislative priorities. The request is based on a $9.4 million project that incorporates Net Zero provisions into the new building. The City Council has already passed a resolution of support regarding this initiative. Dakota County’s 2022 Capital Budget will include funding for this project on the 50/50 basis outlined above. However, should they not be successful in obtaining State dollars for the project, we may be asked to provide some funding. SOURCE OF FUNDS: TBD