St. Paul Park City Council Greenlights $8.3 Million Street and Utility Reconstruction Project
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
10/21/2024
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Recording Published:
10/21/2024
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Duration:
44 Minutes
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State:
Minnesota
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County:
Washington County
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Towns:
St. Paul Park
- Meeting Overview:
The St. Paul Park City Council has given the green light to an $8.3 million street and utility reconstruction project scheduled for 2025. This major initiative, focused on Third Street and surrounding areas, will be funded through a grant from the state of Minnesota and state aid. Engineering representatives emphasized the necessity of the project, which aims to address deteriorating street conditions and failing utilities.
The meeting saw the council’s unanimous approval of the motion to adopt a feasibility study and a funding agreement related to the project. The engineering team presented an overview, highlighting that the existing utilities in several sections are undersized and require upsizing to meet modern standards. The project will cover surface improvements, water main replacements, and the installation of curbs and gutters to enhance traffic flow and address community concerns about speeding. Additionally, a 10-foot wide asphalt trail will be added to support non-motorized transportation.
The timeline for the project was detailed, with plans to commence construction in May 2025 and achieve substantial completion by October the same year. The final asphalt work is slated for June 2026. Throughout the discussion, the council expressed a strong commitment to proceed without imposing financial burdens on residents, relying instead on grant funds and state aid.
Concerns were raised about tree clearing prior to construction, with plans to address hazardous or diseased trees during the winter. The project also aims to maintain heavy traffic on state aid roads, avoiding diversion to residential streets. This approach will manage traffic flow effectively, keeping specific routes open for heavier vehicles while minimizing disruption to local residents. The project will likely be phased, with work done in segments of two to three blocks at a time.
The council also addressed other infrastructure concerns, such as the degradation of intersections due to heavy truck traffic, particularly on Pullman and Third Streets. Suggestions were made to install reinforced concrete at problematic intersections, though no firm decisions were made during the meeting.
In addition to the major reconstruction project, the council voted on several other resolutions and updates. Resolution 1726, concerning the local road improvement program grant agreement, was passed unanimously. The council also adopted resolution 1724, expressing gratitude for donations to the city, which also passed without opposition.
Updates from various committees and activities were presented. A council member noted that the Public Works Commission is scheduled to meet on December 3rd. Discussions in the Planning Commission focused on future marijuana sales and regulations, particularly concerning distances from parks, in line with existing alcohol regulations.
The Parks and Recreation Commission shared updates on upcoming community events, including a trunk-or-treat event on October 25th, featuring over 20 participants. There was also mention of planned Bunko events and ongoing preparations for Heritage Days, although no significant new plans were reported.
Keith Franke
City Council Officials:
Tim Conrad, Jeff Swenson, Char Whitbred-Hemmingson, Bruce Zenner, City Administrator (not specified)
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
10/21/2024
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Recording Published:
10/21/2024
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Duration:
44 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Minnesota
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County:
Washington County
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Towns:
St. Paul Park
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