CR 2003-042 Minnesota Department of Natural Resorces
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CITY OF
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February 27, 2003
HOPKINS
Council RepOli 2003-042
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING APPLICATION TO THE MINNESOTA
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES LOCAL TRAIL CONNECTIONS
GRANT PROGRAM
P.-oposed Action
Staffrecommends approval of the following motion: Move to approve Resolution 2003-023
Supp0l1ing Application to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Local Trail
Connections Grant Program.
Overview
Public Works Director Steve Stadler has asked me to explore the possibility of submitting a grant
application to the Minnesota State DNR Local Trail Connections Grant Program. The grant
application is based on the future constmction of two cUlTently identified trail segments in
Hopkins (see attached map). The trail cOlmections are identified in the Hopkins Trails and
Sidewalk Master Plan and the Capital Improvement Plan. They are scheduled for constmction in
2004 and 2005, to be paid for with general fund revenues.
Grants are available for the constmction of certain types of trails from the State DNR Local Trail
Connections Grant Program. The goal of this program is promote residential cOIUlections to state
and regionally significant trails and other facilities, and to link existing trail segments. If
awarded, a 50% cash match is required ofrecipient cities. A resolution of support (attached)
from the City Council would be necessary, as would access to the 50% cash match.
Mr. Stadler and I have discussed the proposed trail projects and have developed a preliminary
cost estimate of $95,000 for the construction of the two segments - approximately $80,000 for
the Lake Street/Cedar Lake Trail segment and $15,000 for the 2nd Street North/Shady Oak Nature
Area. Tbis figure includes propel1y acquisition (for the Lake Street/Cedar Lake Trail segment),
enginccling costs and constmction costs. Therefore, if a Trail Connections grant were to be
received, the City would be responsible for half of the amount received - approximately $45,000
for the combined project if it were to be fully funded under the grant program. It is possible that
the City could receive only partial grant funding (e.g., funding for one of the t\\'O trails).
Likewise, if the Council so chooses, the City could later decide to constmct only one of the t\VO
projects, in which case Hopkins could decline part of the grant funding.
With preliminary approval from the City CounciL the grant application was submitted by City
staff on February 28, 2003. Grants will be awarded in June.
Sup-porting Information
. Resolution 2003-016.
. Trails grant application
. Project maps
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SteVen J. Stalu r
Assistant to the City Manager
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CITY OF HOPKINS
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION 2003-023
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING APPLICATION TO THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT
OF NATURAL RESOURCES LOCAL TRAIL CONNECTIONS GRANT PROGRAM
WHEREAS the City Council of the City of Hopkins has the power and authority to
adopt from time to time programs for the promotion of public health, safety and welfare,
such as programs related to parks, recreation and transportation facilities; and
WHEREAS numerous desirable trail connections have been identified in the City
of Hopkins Trail and Sidewalk Master Plan and the Hopkins Capital Improvement Plan
for future construction; and
WHEREAS the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Local Trail
Connections Grant Program is intended to promote trail connections between
residential neighborhoods and important local and regional trail facilities; and
WHEREAS the City of Hopkins acknowledges that a fifty percent cash match will
be required if such a grant is received; and
WHEREAS the City has the institutional, managerial and financial capability to
ensure adequate project administration and the subsequent operation and maintenance
of the proposed facilities; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Hopkins supports the
application submitted to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Local Trail
Connections Grant Program on February 28,2003;
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Hopkins, Minnesota, this 4th day of March,
2003.
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor
ATTEST:
Terry Obermaier, City Clerk
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City of Hopkins
2003 Local Trail Connections
Grant Program Application
1. Project Description
The proposed projects would create two much needed trail connections between existing
trails in Hopkins. The first new trail connection would run along Lake Street NE
beginning at Oaks Park/Tyler A venue to the east and would continue westward from Van
Buren A venue North to the Cedar Lake Trail. The Cedar Lake trail is an impOliant
regional trail which extends to Downtown Mimleapolis. This connection would greatly
improve access to the Cedar Lake Trail from the local trail system and would provide an
additional route between the Cedar Lake Trail and the Southwest Regional LR T Trail
which extends to the Midtown Greenway. In addition, the new segment would COlmect
Oaks Park and an existing local trail to Cedar Lake Trail (See attached City of Hopkins
Parks and Trails Map). Constmction of this segment would require land acquisition. The
cost of this project is estimated to be approximately $81,500 (see Budget Details).
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The second new trail segment would run adjacent to the Shady Oak Nature Area on the
west end of Hopkins and would connect the 2nd Street North neighborhood with an
existing on-street bike route (Shady Oak Road). Cun-ently the 2nd Street NOlih on-street
route ends at 20th Avenue NOlih. Extending the 2nd Street NOlih route to Shady Oak
Road will greatly improve access to a large number of important local and regional trail
segments (Highway 61, Southwest Regional LRT Trail NOlih Conidor). The cost of this
proj ect is estimated to be approximately $16,250.
Both of these trail segments are identified in the City of Hopkins Trail and Sidewalk
Master Plan (2002) and the City of Hopkins Capital Improvement Plan.
Upon completion, these trail connections will become immediately accessible by the
general public for recreational and transpol1ation purposes.
2. Goals of the Project
The primary goal of these two trail projects is to enhance the connectivity oflocal and
regionally significant trails and to provide greater neighborhood/residential access to the
overall trail system. It is hoped that a more well-connected trail system will lead to
increased recreational use while providing a greater modal choice with regard to
transp0l1ation and commuting options.
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3. Project Costs
Cost Estimate: Trail Connection 1
Item Quantity Unit U nit Cost Total Cost
Asphalt paving 300 Tons $40 $12,000
Class V 400 Cubic yards $30 $12,000
Clearing, grubbing, grading Lump sum Lump sum 10,000 $10,000
Final restoration 1,000 Square yards $4 $4,000
Split rail fence 500 Linear feet $6 $3,000
Silt Fence 500 Linear feet $4 $2,000
Install drainage culvert 3 Each $500 $1,500
Land acquisition 10,000 Square feet - $30,000
Design/Engineering $7,000
TOT AL COST $81,500.00
Cost Estimate: Trail Connection 2
Item Quantity Unit Unit Cost Total Cost
Asphalt paving 100 Tons $40 $4,000
Cl ass V 125 Cubic yards $30 $3,750
Cleming, grubbing, grading LS LS $3,000 $3,000
Final restoration 500 Square yards $4 $2,000
Silt Fence 500 Linear feet $4 $2,000
Design/Engineering $1,500
TOT AL COST $16,250.00
4. Local Support (council resolution)
The Hopkins City Council is scheduled to vote on a resolution suppOliing this trail
project and for the Local Trail Connections grant application on MaTch 4, 2003. If/when
passed, a copy of the signed resolution will be immediately forwarded to the grant
program administrator. Both of these trail segments are identified in the City of
Hopkins Trail and Sidewalk Master Plan (2002) and the City of Hopkins Capital
Improvement Plan.
5. Availability of 50% Hard Cash ~Match
The required 50% cash match will be paid by the City of Hopkins. State and/or
Metropolitan Council funds will NOT be used to meet the match requirement. A p01iio11
ofthe cost for the two proposed trail segments (approximately 50~~ of the estimated total
project cost) has been identified in the City of Hopkins Capital Improvement Plan.
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6. Responsible Unit of Government
The City of Hopkins will be responsible for the construction and maintenance of the
proposed trail segments and will fulfill the requirements of the Local Trail Connection
Grant Program, if received.
7. In-House Labor/Existing Payroll Not to be Funded
In-house labor and existing payroll costs will NOT be funded with Trail Connection
funds or with the 50% cash match supplied by the City of Hopkins,
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8. Responses to Evaluation Criteria
a_ Site and proiect quality.
1. Proposed Trail COlmection ]. This project is ideal with regard to the
goal oflinking regionally significant trails and recreation facilities and
making those amenities accessible to residential neighborhoods, Both
recreational users and transpOliation/commuting minded users will
benefit iI-om the improved, seamless access to Oaks Park and the
adjacent local trail, the Cedar Lake Trail, and the Southwest Regional
LRT Trail (and ultimately the Midtown Greenway). For residents in
the adjacent neighborhoods, the proposed trail is an ideal connection to
these important and widely-used regional trails
The natural and partially-wooded character of the proposed route
makes for an aesthetically pleasing trail segment. Using color aerial
photographs and GIS mapping, the attached Site Plan clearly identifies
the plmmed location and alignment of the proposed trail. Safety,
accessibility and health concerns will be critical elements in the design
and construction of this trail segment. Safe roadway crossing and
other saiety issues are covered extensively in the City of Hopkins Trail
and Sidewalk Master Plan (2002).
II. Proposed Trail Connection 2
COlmecting the 2nd Street NOlih neighborhood with Shady Oak Road
(and ultimately the existing on-street bike routes just n01ih of Highway
7) will provide greater transportation access for bicyclists and
pedestrians. No land acquisition is necessary for this project as the
City of Hopkins currently owns the required right-of-way. In addition,
while very useful, the trail segment would only span a rather Sh01i.
For these reasons, costs are much less than those estimated for
Proposed Trail Connection t above.
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The natural open space of the Shady Oak Nature Area provides an
ideal, visually interesting place for trail users to pass by. Residents of
the 2nd Street N0l1h neighborhood would benefit iI'om much improved
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access to the Shady Oak Nature area, a unique recreational facility.
One challenge will be addressing relatively steep grade between 2nd
Street NOlth and the pond area to the west.
Using color aerial photographs and GIS mapping, the attached Site
Plan clearly identities the planned location and alignment of the
proposed trail. Safety, accessibility and health concerns will be critical
elements in the design and constmction of this trail segment. Safe
roadway crossing and other safety issues are covered extensively in the
City of Hopkins Trail and Sidewalk Master Plan (2002).
b. Public need tor and benefit of the proiect.
1. Proposed Trail COlmection 1. This trail segment is identified in the
City of Hopkins Trail and Sidewalk Master Plan (2002) and the City of
Hopkins Capital Improvement Plan. Without grant support, it is
highly unlikely that these important projects would be able to go
fOlward in the foreseeable future given the unceltainty of the City
budget and impending State aid cuts/extended levy limits. A large
number of people will benetit from this project including
neighborhood residents and other local trail users, recreational users of
the Cedar Lake Trail and the Southwest Regional LRT Trail,
transpOltation users/commuters.
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If funded through the Trails Grant Program, this project will create a
key link in the regional trail system by providing a better network
between the local system and two major regional trails.
While the number of potential users has not been estimated by the City
of Hopkins, it is reasonable to expect that a relatively large number of
people will use the trail given the improved connection that would be
created between Cedar Lake Trail, Oaks Park and the Southwest
Regional LRT Trail/Midtown Greenway. In addition, the improved
local access would be very attractive to potential users in the
immediate residential neighborhood. The trail is also very close and
very visible to significant multifamily housing developments.
11. Proposed Trail Connection 2. This trail segment is identified in the
City of Hopkins Trail and Sidewalk Master Plan (2002) and the City of
Hopkins Capital Improvement Plan. Without grant SUPPOlt, it is
highly unlikely that these impOltant projects would be able to go
fOlward in the foreseeable future given the uncertainty of the City
budget and impending State aid cuts/extended levy limits.
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Shady Oak Nature Area is a unique, natural open space which provides
an ideal, visually interesting environment for trail users. Residents of
the 2nd Street NOlth neighborhood would benefit from much improved
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access to the Shady Oak Nature area, a unique recreational facility.
One challenge will be addressing relatively steep grade between 2nd
Street NOlth and the pond area to the west.
As previously noted, connecting the 2nd Street NOlth neighborhood
with Shady Oak Road (and ultimately the existing on-street bike routes
just n01th of Highway 7) will provide greater transportation access for
bicyclists and pedestrians. While the number of potential users has not
been estimated by the City of Hopkins, it is reasonable to expect that a
relatively large number of people will use the trail given the improved
cOlmection that would be created between the 2nd Street North
neighborhood and Shady Oak Road (and ultimately existing on-street
bike routes just n01th of Highway 7).
c. Applicant capability.
i. The City of Hopkins has a strong record in constructing and
maintaining sidewalks, trails and other related
recreational/transpoltation facilities.
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11. Evidence of similar successful projects.
. Oaks Park paved trails.
. Trail segments along 11 Ih A venue South between 61h and ih Streets
South.
. Cooperation on regional trails including the Cedar Lake Trail.
111. Five year O&M Cost Estimate/Source of Funds
O&M costs are estimated as follows:
Labor:
20 hours/year
X $23/hour
= $460/ycar
O&M costs will be paid for out of the Park/Forestry Operations budget
which is part of the City's general fund.
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d. Community commitment to trail use.
As evidenced by the presence of numerous local trails and trail connections,
and, moreover, in the City's comm1tment to developing its Trail and Sidewalk
Master Plan 2002 (see enclosed City of Hopkins Trail and Sidewalk Master
Plan and City of Hopkins Parks and Trails Map), City leaders and residents
are fundamentally committed to developing and using a sound network of
trails and bikeways for both recreational and transpOltation pU11Joses. Please
refer to the enclosed Trail and Sidewalk Plan for more details concerning the
City's commitment to trail development and use.
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e. Impact on adioining landowners.
1. Proposed Trail Connection]
Trail connection one will require land acquisition and significant
consultation with adjacent landowners. The majority trail route lUns
through a rather open area that is ideal as a trail location and very
compatible with the adjacent land uses. The trail segment will be a
wonderful amenity for neighborhood residents, many of whom will
use the trail for recreation, exercise and/or transportation pUl1Joses. It
will also provide a safe walking and biking path. The trail will better
connect adjacent neighborhoods such as the Van Buren Avenue NOlih
and Madison Avenue North neighborhoods and will give residents
much improved access to the Cedar Lake Trail which runs all the way
to downtown Minneapolis.
The trail would come very close to one house at the west end of the
segment (at the and of Madi son A venue North). Special care will need
to be taken to ensure that we can develop a plan that mitigates the
etfects of the close proximity to this house. City staff will work
closely with the affected landowner to develop an acceptable plan
which could include landscaping, fencing or a similar foml of
screemng.
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11. Proposed Trail COlll1ectioll 2.
In constructing this trail connection, few negative impacts, if any, are
anticipated with respect to adjacent propcliies. No land acquisition is
necessary as the City cunentIy owns the necessary right-of-way.
Given that the trail will lUn on City-owned right-of-way, along an
existing nature area, the trail segment is seen as a perfectly compatible
land use for the area. It will also provide a safe walking and biking
path, making it a great amenity for the neighborhood and adjacent
landowners.
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f Proiect readiness.
Both of the proposed trail segment projects are still in the planning stages.
Land acquisition would need to begin for Proposed Trail COlll1ection 1 as soon
as a grant is received, if awarded. Design detail with regard to alignment for
both trail connections is as shown on the respective site plans. Thus, no
pcrmits have been obtained. However, typical sections ofthese types of
facilities can be found in the City of Hopkins Trail and Sidewalk Master Plan.
The following sources will be referred to during design:
. Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities (AASHTO, 1999)
. Selecting Roadway Design Treatments to Accommodate Bicycles (Fed
Highway Administration, ] 994
. MN Bicycle TranspOltation Planning and Guidelines (MN/DOT, 1996)
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. State Aid for Local Transportation Summary of Minimum Design
Standards and Guidelines for Off-road Bikeways (MN/DOT, 2000)
· Manual on Unifonn Traffic Control Devices (MN/DOT, 2000)
g. Year-round trail use.
Access to the proposed trail segments would be available year-round.
h. Potential enviromnental impact of the project and efforts to avoid/mitigate
adverse effects.
1. Proposed Tral1 Connection I.
Ground disturbing impacts. Care will be taken as to not allow
sediment runoff. Silt fences will be utilized to mitigate this potential
problem.
11. Proposed Trail Connection 2.
This trail location is characterized by a steep grade. Ground disturbing
impacts. Care will be taken as to not allow sediment runoff. Silt
fences will be utilized to mitigate this potential problem.
9. Other Required Materials:
. Project Location Map - See attached
. Site Map - See attached
. Signed Celiifications - See attached
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