HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Workshop Agenda Packet 6-06-18CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
City Council Workshop
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
AGENDA
June 6, 2018 at 6:30 P.M.
A. CALL TO ORDER:
B. ROLL CALL: LINDSTROM ___ LEEHY____ BROWN THUNDER ___
MIAZGA ___ GUSTAFSON___
STAFF PRESENT: THONGVANH____ LOR____
C. PRESENTATIONS:
D. POLICY ITEMS:
1. City Code Enforcement - Nuisances
2. 2040 Comprehensive Plan
3. Fire and Inspection Services for City of Lauderdale
4. Community Survey
E. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS
F. ADJOURNMENT:
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair __________________________
The City That Soars!
Item City Code Enforcement - Nuisances
Description
The enforcement of City Code is a long process driven with the result of abatement.
We have had a number of properties in the last three years of my time as City
Administrator that have really affected resident’s quality of life in the community.
City Code:
https://library.municode.com/mn/falcon_heights/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIGEOR_CH22EN_ARTIIIPUNU_S22-47PUPLDENU
I would propose a similar program to “Neighbor Enhancement Program”
https://www.cityofroseville.com/1923/Neighborhood-Enhancement used by the
City of Roseville.
The Neighborhood Enhancement Program raises awareness of the importance of
keeping homes and business properties in good repair in an effort to maintain our
quality neighborhoods and to protect property values throughout our community.
Purpose:
· Opportunity to inform property owners about specific City regulations and
encourages routine maintenance before a problem becomes more severe and
costly to fix.
· Staff works with property owners to remedy any violations.
· Potential quicker abatement process and time.
Another item to discuss is the method of notification to property owners. Our code
states that the notice can be served personally or by certified mail.
Budget
Impact
The will reduce staff time and mailing cost.
Attachment(s) · Example Door Hanger – City of Roseville
Meeting Date June 6, 2018
Agenda Item Policy D1
Attachment Example Door Hanger
Submitted By Sack Thongvanh, City Administrator
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Action(s)
Requested
Staff would recommend amending code and authorize the Neighborhood
Enhancement Program in the City of Falcon Heights. The door hangers will be
implemented administratively regardless of amendment to the code.
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair __________________________
The City That Soars!
Item 2040 Comprehensive Plan
Description
May 2018
On May 29th the Planning Commission recommended to City Council that the draft
2040 Comprehensive Plan be distributed to the adjacent communities for a 6 month
review. While adjacent communities review our draft and submit comments the City
of Falcon Heights will continue the iterative process of additional engagement with
the community and revise the plan to reflect outcomes.
April 2018
During the April 23rd meeting of the Planning Commission the Commission
requested staff and the city consultant to develop a plan for a mixed use corridor
along Larpenteur Avenue from Arona Street to Cleveland Avenue.
2040 Comp Plan in a Nutshell
Every city in the metropolitan areas is required by the State of Minnesota to submit a
new comprehensive plan to the Metropolitan Council every ten years. The most
recent plan, which looks ahead to 2040, will be due at the end of 2018.
The Metropolitan Council has jurisdiction over region-wide systems, such as
transportation, storm water, and sewers. Their goal is to make sure municipalities'
plans adhere to the metro-wide plan for these vital system and that these systems
can meet the needs of a growing region to 2040.
The City of Falcon Heights began the planning process in 2017 with a partnership
with WBS and Associates to be the planning consultant on the plan. Multiple
meetings were held to gather information about what residents like about Falcon
Heights and what kind of changes they envision over the next 20 years.
The strongest points that came out in the community meetings were that the people
of Falcon Heights like
Sustainability actions
The location of the city
The large amount of open space
The traditional neighborhoods
Meeting Date June 6, 2018
Agenda Item Policy D2
Attachment 2040 Comp Plan
Submitted By Sack Thongvanh, City Administrator
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Falcon Heights is a fully developed city. The institutionally owned open spaces are
not considered vacant for development. Therefore, the city looked at the Larpenteur
Avenue Corridor, the location of most of the existing commercial and multi-family
property in the city. The city identified parcels that owners could propose for
redevelopment in the next 20 years.
Some commercial properties could be used more intensely
Many apartment buildings are over 50 years old.
These are the places where change is most likely to happen and where additional
housing units could be built, close to public transit. The city would work with those
property owners to ensure that redevelopment meets the projected growth needs
and the other goals and visions outlined in the full report.
In the meantime, existing uses can stay where they are indefinitely. The plan
provides additional options for when owners are ready to redevelop.
Budget Impact N/A
Attachment(s) ·Zoning Maps
· 2040 Comp Plan Draft: https://www.falconheights.org/vertical/sites/%7BA88B3088-FA03-4D5D-9D04-
CCC9EF496399%7D/uploads/2040_FALCON_HEIGHTS_COMPREHENSIVE_PLAN_Draft_05152018.pdf ·Draft Transportation Plan
·Draft Sanitary Sewer, Water, and Surface Water Plan
Action(s)
Requested
During the May 29th Planning Commission Public Hearing to recommend the 2040
Comprehensive Plan to the City Council, residents that attended to meeting had
concern the proposed land use map that changed properties on Larpenteur Ave
from Arona Street to Cleveland Ave from their current use to mix-use. Keep in
mind at the June 13th City Council Meeting, the Council will not be adopting the
plan, but authorize that the proposed plan be distributed for a sic (6) month review
of adjacent communities. During this time, the City will work on collecting
additional feedback from the community.
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Land Use
11
General Land Use in Falcon Heights
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Changes to Future Land Use
13
2030
2040
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Changes to Future Land Use
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2030 2040
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Chapter X – Transportation (DRAFT) Page X-1
Adopted XXXXXXX XX, 2018
Chapter X: Transportation
Introduction
The transportation system in Falcon Heights generally operates well today. The city’s
multimodal transportation system includes facilities for vehicles, freight, walking, bicycling and
transit. Facilities are operated by a number of agencies, including the City of Falcon Heights,
Ramsey County, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).
This transportation chapter has been prepared in compliance with State of Minnesota Statutes
and applicable Metropolitan Council guidelines. As part of this Plan, the city has reviewed
existing and future conditions for each mode and identified safety, operations, and network
improvements that will be important to address over the 2040 planning horizon. The city has
also developed goals and strategies to preserve and improve the transportation system.
This transportation plan includes the following information:
1. Summary of Regional Strategies
2. Existing Roadway System
3. 2040 Traffic Forecasts and Roadway Network Planning
4. Existing and Planned Non-Motorized Transportation Network
5. Freight Network
6. Transit
7. Aviation
8. Goals and Multimodal Strategies
9. Proposed Short and Long-Range Roadway Projects
10. Public Comments
11. Conclusion and Next Steps
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Transportation Glossary
CIP: Capital Improvement Plan – five-year plan for capital investments in the transportation
system and in other capital assets owned by the city (equipment, buildings, etc.).
CR: County Road – county-owned roadway that does not receive State funding.
Critical Crash Rate: Statistical indicator of a safety problem at a location. If crash rates at a
location are above the critical crash rate, it indicates that the location has a crash rate that is
statistically significant compared to similar roadways.
CSAH: County State Aid Highway – county-owned roadway that receives State Aid funding.
MnDOT: Minnesota Department of Transportation.
RBTN: Regional Bicycle Transportation Network – existing and planned regional bicycle
network established by the Metropolitan Council.
TH: Trunk Highway – State highway owned and operated by MnDOT.
TPP: Transportation Policy Plan – Regional transportation plan for the Twin Cities
metropolitan region, developed by the Metropolitan Council.
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1. Summary of Regional Strategies
This Plan has been prepared to be consistent with the regional transportation strategies outlined
in the Metropolitan Council 2040 Transportation Policy Plan (TPP). Similar to this Plan, the TPP
evaluates the existing transportation system, identifies transportation challenges to the region,
and sets regional goals, objectives, and priorities to meet the transportation needs of current
residents while accommodating the region’s anticipated growth. The TPP also guides local
agencies in coordinating land use and transportation and establishes regional performance
measures and targets.
The TPP is guided by the following goals:
• Transportation system stewardship: Sustainable investments in the transportation
system are protected by strategically preserving, maintaining, and operating system
assets.
• Safety and Security: The regional transportation system is safe and secure for all users.
• Access to Destinations: People and businesses prosper by using a reliable, affordable, and
efficient multimodal transportation system that connects them to destinations throughout
the region and beyond.
• Competitive Economy: The regional transportation system supports the economic
competitiveness, vitality, and prosperity of the region and State.
• Healthy Environment: The regional transportation system advances equity and
contributes to communities’ livability and sustainability while protecting the natural,
cultural, and developed environments.
• Leveraging Transportation Investment to Guide Land Use: The region leverages
transportation investments to guide land use and development patterns that advance the
regional vision of stewardship, prosperity, livability, equity, and sustainability.
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Chapter X – Transportation (DRAFT) Page X-4
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Funding is a key constraint that is acknowledged in the TPP. Current transportation revenue
will not meet the region’s transportation needs through 2040. As a result, the TPP includes two
long-term investment scenarios: a fiscally-constrained scenario that identifies projects
anticipated to be funded based on current revenue projections, and an increased revenue
scenario that identifies project priorities should additional transportation funding become
available.
Under the current revenue scenario, the TPP is focused on operations and maintenance of the
existing transportation system. Investments in highway mobility and access are limited to those
projects that address multiple TPP goals and objectives. The increased revenue scenario would
allow additional investments in operations and maintenance, as well as regional mobility,
access, safety, and bicycle/pedestrian improvements. However, congestion cannot be greatly
reduced under the increased revenue scenario. Under both scenarios, proposed investments are
focused on areas of the metro with the greatest existing and future challenges and anticipated
growth.
The Metropolitan Council classifies Falcon Heights under the Urban Community Designation.
Based on Thrive MSP 2040, Urban areas are expected to plan for forecasted population and
household growth at average densities of at least ten units per acre for new development and
redevelopment. These communities are also expected to target opportunities for more intensive
development near regional transit investments.
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Chapter X – Transportation (DRAFT) Page X-5
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2. Existing Roadway System
The sections below provide information about the existing roadway system in Falcon Heights,
including existing number of lanes, existing roadway jurisdiction, existing functional
classification, existing traffic, existing safety, and access management. This chapter also includes
summary recommendations from recent plans and corridor studies.
2.1. Functional Classification
The functional classification system groups roadways into classes based on roadway function
and purpose. Functional classification is based on both transportation and land use
characteristics, including roadway speeds, access to adjacent land, connection to important land
uses, and the length of trips taken on the roadway.
Four classes of roadways are included in the seven-county metropolitan area functional
classification system: principal arterials, minor arterials, collector streets, and local streets.
Figure 1 shows the existing functional classification of each road in the City of Falcon Heights
and Figure 2 shows the existing roadway jurisdiction. The following sections describe each
functional class in greater detail and indicate which roadways fall into each classification.
The functional classification system organizes a
roadway and street network that distributes traffic from
local neighborhood streets to collector roadways, then
to minor arterials and ultimately the principal arterial
system. Roads are placed into categories based on the
degree to which they provide access to adjacent land
and mobility for through traffic. Functional classification
gives an indication of the relative hierarchy of roadways
in the transportation network.
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Existing Functional Classification
A Minor Augmentor
A Minor Reliever
Other Arterial
Major Collector
Figure 1: Existing Functional Classification
Falcon Heights Comprehensive PlanCity of Falcon Heights, Ramsey County
City Boundary
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Roadway Jurisdiction
County State Aid Highway
County Road
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Figure 2: ExistingRoadway Jurisdiction
Falcon Heights Comprehensive PlanCity of Falcon Heights, Ramsey County
City Boundary
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2.1.1. Principal Arterials
Principal arterials are roadways that provide the greatest level of mobility and access control.
Within the metropolitan area, the great majority of principal arterials are under MnDOT
jurisdiction. Principal arterials are typically Interstate highways or other State or US freeways or
expressways. These facilities are intended to serve trips greater than eight miles and express
transit trips. Spacing of principal arterials varies within developing areas of the metropolitan
area. Typically, these facilities are spaced between two and six miles apart. These facilities
connect regional business and commercial concentrations, transportation terminals, and large
institutions within the metropolitan area. Principal arterials also connect to other cities, regions,
and states outside of the metropolitan area.
Principal arterials are intended to maintain average speeds of 40 mph during peak traffic
periods. To maintain mobility and speeds on principal arterials, land access and transportation
system connections are limited. There is little to no direct land access from principal arterials.
Intersections are limited to interstate freeways, other principal arterials, and “A” Minor
arterials. Access points are typically grade-separated or controlled with a signal and are spaced
one to two miles apart.
Falcon Heights does not contain any principal arterials and the 2040 Transportation Policy Plan
does not propose any new principal arterials within the city.
2.1.2. Minor Arterials
Minor arterials maintain a focus on mobility, but provide more land access than principal
arterials. Within Falcon Heights, the minor arterials are under the jurisdiction of MnDOT or
Ramsey County. Minor arterials are intended to serve trips of four to eight miles in length.
Within developing areas of the metro, these facilities are spaced between one and two miles
apart. Minor arterials connect cities and towns within the region and link to regional business
and commercial concentrations. Access points along minor arterials are generally at-grade and
typically controlled with signals or stop signs.
During peak traffic, minor arterials in developing areas are intended to maintain 30 mph
average speeds. As a result, transportation system connections are limited to interstate
freeways, other principal arterials, other minor arterials, collectors, and some local streets. Land
access is limited to concentrations of commercial and industrial land uses. The Metropolitan
Council has established a system of “A” Minor and “B” Minor arterials. “A” Minor arterials are
eligible for federal funding administered by the Metropolitan Council.
The Metropolitan Council has further split “A” Minor arterials into four types, described below:
• Relievers: Arterials located parallel to congested principal arterials. The purpose of “A”
Minor Relievers is to provide additional capacity in congested corridors.
• Augmenters: Arterials that supplement the principal arterials system within urban
centers and urban communities.
• Expanders: Arterials that supplement principal arterials in less-densely developed areas
of the metro area.
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• Connectors: Arterials that provide connections between rural towns and connect rural
areas with the principal arterial system.
There are two “A” Minor Augmenters and one “A” Minor Reliever within the city. The “A”
Minor Augmenters are TH 51 (Snelling Avenue) and CSAH 30 (Larpenteur Avenue), and the
“A” Minor Reliever is CSAH 46 (Cleveland Avenue).
“B” Minor arterials have a similar focus on mobility above land access. These roadways connect
major traffic generators in the region. “B” Minor arterials are not eligible for federal funding.
There are three “B” Minor arterials within the city: CSAH 48 (Fairview Avenue), CSAH 50
(Hamline Avenue), and CSAH 75 (Como Avenue).
No additional minor arterials are proposed within the city.
2.1.3. Major and Minor Collectors
Major and minor collector roadways provide linkages to larger developments and community
amenities. They generally do not link communities to one another. Collector roadways
generally favor access to the system over mobility, but try to balance the two competing needs.
Collector roadways are generally lower speed than the principal or minor arterial routes.
Collector roadways are often owned and operated by cities, although counties operate some of
these facilities. Within Falcon Heights, collector roadways are owned and operated by the city.
Collectors are intended to serve trips of one to four miles in length. Collectors link minor
arterials, other collectors, and local streets.
Major collectors typically serve higher density residential areas and concentrations of
commercial and industrial land uses. These facilities tend to serve longer trips than minor
collectors. Major collectors within the city include Roselawn Avenue and Hamline Avenue
(south of Larpenteur Avenue).
There are no minor collectors within the city, and the 2040 Transportation Policy Plan does not
propose any additional collector roadways within the city.
2.1.4. Local Roadways
The primary function of local roadways is land access. Local roadways connect individual land
parcels with other local roadways and collectors. Trips on local roadways are typically under
two miles. Speeds on local roadways are typically low. Longer trips are facilitated by local
roadway connections to the collector and arterial systems. Local roadways are under the
jurisdiction of the City of Falcon Heights. Local roadways are all roadways that are not arterials
or collectors.
2.1.5. Planned Functional Classification
No functional classification changes are currently recommended in the city.
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2.2. Existing Roadway Capacity and Safety
Roadway capacity and roadway safety are two key indicators of how well the roadway system
is meeting the city’s transportation needs. The sections below provide information to better
understand capacity and safety issues within Falcon Heights.
2.2.1. Existing Roadway Capacity
A roadway’s capacity indicates how many vehicles may use a roadway before it experiences
congestion. Capacity is largely dependent upon the number of lanes. Table 1 below lists
planning-level thresholds that indicate a roadway’s capacity (measured in annual average daily
traffic, AADT). Additional variation (more or less capacity) on an individual segment is
influenced by a number of factors including: amount of access, type of access, peak hour
percent of traffic, directional split of traffic, truck percent, opportunities to pass, and amount of
turning traffic, the availability of dedicated turn lanes, parking availability, intersection spacing,
signal timing and a variety of other factors.
Table 1: Planning-level Urban Roadway Capacities
Facility Type
Daily Two-way Volume
Lower
Threshold
Higher
Threshold
Arterials
Two-lane Undivided 10,000 12,000
Two-lane Divided or Three-lane Undivided 15,000 17,000
Four-lane Undivided 18,000 22,000
Four-lane Divided or Five-lane Undivided 28,000 32,000
Four-lane Expressway 32,000 40,000
Freeways
Four-lane Freeway 60,000 80,000
Six-lane Freeway 90,000 120,000
Eight-lane Freeway or Higher Calculated on a
segment-by-segment basis
2.2.2. Existing Capacity Problems on Arterial Roads
At the planning level, capacity problems are identified by comparing the existing number of
lanes with current traffic volumes. Table 2 and Figure 3 illustrate the existing (and future)
number of lanes on arterial roadways within the city. Figure 4 illustrates existing traffic
volumes on A-Minor Arterials and other significant roadways within the city.
All arterial roadways within the city have four or fewer lanes. Many of the arterials in Falcon
Heights currently exhibit traffic volumes below or within the range of the planning-level
capacity thresholds shown in Table 1; however, existing volumes of 36,000 (AADT) on Snelling
Avenue (TH 51) exceed the lower threshold for a four-lane expressway and existing volumes of
10,400 (AADT) on Cleveland Avenue (CSAH 46) exceed the lower threshold for two-lane
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undivided facilities. This indicates that these roadways may be experiencing some levels of
congestion during peak travel periods.
Table 2: Existing and planned number of lanes on arterial roads
Functional
Classification
Roadway Name Location Number of
Lanes
“A” Minor
Augmenter
TH 51
(Snelling
Avenue)
Como Avenue to Roselawn Avenue 4 (divided)
CSAH 30
(Larpenteur
Avenue)
Fulham Street to Hamline Avenue 4 (divided)
“A” Minor
Reliever
CSAH 46
(Cleveland
Avenue)
Scudder Street to Roselawn Avenue 2
“B” Minor
Arterial
CSAH 8 (Fairview
Avenue) Larpenteur Avenue to Roselawn Avenue 2
CSAH 50
(Hamline
Avenue)
Larpenteur Avenue to Roselawn Avenue 3
CSAH 75 (Como
Avenue)
Falcon Heights-St. Paul border to Snelling
Avenue 4
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Roadway Lanes
5 Lanes
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2 Lanes
Figure 3: Existing and Planned Roadway Lanes
Falcon Heights Comprehensive PlanCity of Falcon Heights, Ramsey County
City Boundary
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Figure 4 - Existing Traffic
Falcon Heights Comprehensive PlanCity of Falcon Heights, Ramsey County
* 2012 - 2016 Counts From MnDOT Web Site
XXX- Existing AADT*
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2.2.3. Existing Safety and Operational Issues
There are several locations within Falcon Heights where safety and operational issues have
been identified for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. In particular, speeds experienced along
Larpenteur Avenue have been raised as a concern for all roadway users, along with the
visibility and safety of bicyclists along the roadway. Pedestrian crossings along Larpenteur
Avenue and Snelling Avenue (where crossings are not grade separated) have also been raised
based on the speeds and crossing distances experienced at those roadways. Despite the large
areas of agricultural and open space land uses in Falcon Heights, there is a relatively high
volume of pedestrians based on the presence of the University of Minnesota Campus, the State
Fair, and the A Line Rapid Bus Line. The State Fair poses unique operational challenges due to
the large volumes of traffic for a relatively short period of the year.
A note on transportation plan strategies:
Throughout this Plan, locations associated with numbered mode-specific strategies are
identified on corresponding maps. These strategies are listed and described in further detail
in Table 8.
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2.3. Access Management
The purpose of access management is to provide adequate access to adjacent land development
while maintaining acceptable and safe traffic flow on higher level roadways. Access
management consists of carefully controlling the spacing and design of public street
intersections and private access points to the public roadway system. Because they are designed
for higher speed, longer distance trips, arterials generally have restricted access, while local
streets can accommodate much greater access. Collector roadways fall in between arterials and
local roadways regarding the amount of access that is permitted.
The agency with jurisdiction over a roadway sets access management guidelines. Access to
TH 51 (Snelling Avenue) must meet MnDOT access management guidelines. See Table 3 for
MnDOT Access Management Guidelines pertaining to TH 51.
Table 3: MnDOT Access Management Guidelines
(Table 3.2, Summary of Recommended Street Spacing for Non-IRCs, from MnDOT Access
Management Manual)
Category Area or
Facility Type
Typical
Functional
Class
Public Street Spacing
Signal Spacing Primary
Full-Movement
Intersection
Secondary
Intersection
4 Principal Arterials in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area
and Primary Regional Trade Centers (Non-IRCs)
4AF Non-Interstate Freeway
Principal Arterials
Interchange Access Only (see Section 3.2.7 for interim spacing) Interim
4A Rural 1 mile 1/2 mile See Section 3.2.5
4B Urban/Urbanizing 1/2 mile 1/4 mile 1/2 mile
4C Urban Core 300-660 feet dependent upon block length 1/4 mile
5 Minor Arterials
5A Rural
Minor Arterials
1/2 mile 1/4 mile See Section 3.2.5
5B Urban/Urbanizing 1/4 mile 1/8 mile 1/4 mile
5C Urban Core 300-660 feet, dependent upon block length 1/4 mile
6 Collectors
6A Rural
Collectors
1/2 mile 1/4 mile See Section 3.2.5
6B Urban/Urbanizing 1/8 mile Not Applicable 1/4 mile
6C Urban Core 300-660 feet, dependent upon block length 1/8 mile
7 Specific Area Access Management Plans
7 All All By adopted plan
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Ramsey County has developed a draft set of access management policies. Rather than a set of
specific standards, Ramsey County’s draft policies “are intended to apply accepted access
management principles in a context-sensitive manner to maximize the possible benefits as
development occurs or as existing properties are modified.” The draft policies are as follows:
• A parcel has the legal right to one access from a public street. If access can be obtained
from an adjacent street, access from a County Road or County State Aid Highway
should be directed to the minor street.
• Opportunities to combine or eliminate accesses shall be considered when new accesses
are proposed.
• Where feasible, the access spacing standards of the MnDOT Access Management
Manual shall be met.
• Where possible, new driveways shall be aligned with existing driveways or streets.
• Any proposed new access or modification of an existing access to a Ramsey County
Road or County State Aid Highway requires a County access permit, with approval
subject to review by the County Engineer.
• Any change in land use of a property with access to any County Road or County State
Aid Highway, requires review of the access, in accordance with Minnesota Rules
8810.5200. Existing access is not automatically perpetuated.
• Unless no other option for access to a property exists, access will not be allowed within
the functional area of a street intersection, or within the functional area of another
existing access. As defined by MnDOT, the functional areas of intersections are defined
as follows:
o On roadways with posted speed limits less than 45 MPH, 435 feet.
o On roadways with posted speed limits of 45 MPH or greater, 650 feet.
The interpretation of the functional area of an intersection shall be made by the County
Engineer and adjustments to these distances shall be made, as appropriate to the
particular situation. Diagrams of intersection functional areas are shown below:
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• If no access to a parcel can be obtained, except from a County Road or County State Aid
Highway, Ramsey County acknowledges that a parcel has the right to one access,
subject to approval by the County Engineer. More than one access may be approved, but
should not be assumed.
• The need for turn lanes, bypass lanes, medians or median improvements, signage, or
any other accommodations necessary for safe operation of an access shall be determined
by the County Engineer and incorporated into access permit provisions. All
construction costs shall be paid for by the permit applicant. Ramsey County will not
contribute to the costs of necessary improvements.
• The need for a Traffic Impact Study for any proposed access shall be determined by the
County Engineer. The County Engineer may require installation of any mitigation
measures recommended by a Traffic Impact Study.
• The County Engineer may require dedication of access control over the remainder of a
parcel as a condition of granting access in a particular location.
It should be noted that there are existing access points within the city that are inconsistent with
Ramsey County’s draft access management policies. In many cases these access points were
established prior to agency access spacing guidelines/policies. In other cases, the agency has
granted an exception to the existing guidelines. As roadways are reconstructed and as
development or redevelopment occurs, each of these agencies generally works to modify
and/or relocate access points that do not meet current access spacing guidelines, recognizing
that this may not be feasible in all instances. In addition to the MnDOT and Ramsey County
access management guidelines, the City of Falcon Heights also has access management
guidelines. These guidelines are summarized below in Table 4.
Table 4: Existing and planned number of lanes on arterial roads
Functional Classification Minimum Access Spacing
Urban Core Minor Arterial 1 block
Urban Minor Arterial 1/4 mile (1/8 mile for a conditional secondary intersection)
Urban Core Collector 1 block
Urban Collector 1/8 mile
Local 1 block
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2.4. Recommendations from Other Plans and Studies
A number of recent planning efforts have been completed that identify potential improvements
to the Falcon Heights transportation system. This section describes these studies and
summarizes their recommendations.
2.4.1 University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus Master Plan
In 2009, the University of Minnesota completed a master plan for the Twin Cities Campus,
including the portion of the campus that lies within Falcon Heights. This plan included
recommendations for additional areas of development and identified several locations where
new buildings could be constructed as part of the campus within Falcon Heights. However,
most of the current agricultural fields and open spaces will remain in those uses in the long
term. The plan identifies three transportation-related recommendations for this area of the
campus:
• Transportation conflicts along Cleveland Avenue, between transit, pedestrians, bikes
and parked cars, will be managed at key crossing locations between Larpenteur Avenue
and Folwell Avenue.
• A future north-south bicycle route will be considered on several candidate locations,
including Cleveland, Raymond and Gortner Avenue.
• Pedestrian, transit and bicycle facilities along Larpenteur Avenue will be improved
through coordinated streetscape projects undertaken with adjacent municipalities in
Falcon Heights and Lauderdale.
2.4.2 Snelling Avenue Multi-Modal Transportation Plan
MnDOT, in partnership with Ramsey County and the City of St. Paul, completed the Snelling
Avenue Multi-Modal Transportation Plan in 2013. The northern portion of the project study
corridor between Como Avenue and Midway Parkway/Dan Patch Avenue lies on the Falcon
Heights-St. Paul border. For this segment, the plan recommends the addition of bike lanes along
the Snelling Avenue ramps at Como Avenue and along Snelling Avenue north of the ramps;
reduced speed limits to 40 mph or less along Snelling Avenue; streetscape enhancements such
as pedestrian-scaled lighting, street trees, benches, and trash/recycling receptacles; and
improved pedestrian and bicycle accommodations at the ramp terminal intersections.
Recommended intersection improvements include:
• High-visibility crosswalks and ADA-compliant curb ramps
• Extended medians with pedestrian crossing refuges
• Intersection signals and pedestrian countdown heads with accessible pedestrian signals
• Bike boxes and green pavement markings
• Bicycle parking near major bus stops
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2.4.3 Grand Round Design and Implementation Plan
The City of St. Paul developed the Grand Round Design and Implementation Plan in 2016. This
plan sets forth a vision to complete the St. Paul Grand Round, which would develop an
approximately 27-mile loop of continuous pedestrian and bicycle facilities connecting the
Mississippi River, downtown St. Paul, Phalen Regional Park, and Como Regional Park. The
Grand Round would include a segment of Como Avenue that comprises the municipal border
between Falcon Heights and St. Paul.
For the segment of Como Avenue between the Intercampus Transitway and Snelling Avenue,
the Plan proposes reconstructing the roadway to 48-feet-wide (the roadway currently varies
from 50- to 58-feet-wide), adding a two-way off-road bike trail, and adding a sidewalk on the
northern side of Como Avenue. During non-State Fair periods, the roadway would be striped
for two travel lanes, a center turn lane, and wide shoulders. During the State Fair, the roadway
would be restriped to accommodate four travel lanes. As part of the Grand Round corridor, the
bike trail would also include landscaped boulevard areas and could provide areas for public art,
improved lighting, and wayfinding/placemaking features.
3. Future Roadway System
This section addresses future roadway improvement needs and roadway design guidelines.
3.1. Roadway Capacity – Traffic Forecasting
To determine future roadway capacity needs, year 2040 traffic forecasts were prepared using
the Metropolitan Council travel demand model. The 2040 projections were compared against
the assumed 2040 roadway network to see where roadway segment capacity deficiencies may
result. The 2040 roadway network assumed for this analysis is the same as the current roadway
network, as the city and county Capital Improvement Plans (CIPs) do not include any projects
that add significant capacity to the roadway network.
While the travel demand model is a valuable tool for identifying future traffic based on the
proposed land use impacts, it is not meant for use in detailed traffic operations studies. For a
more accurate representation of the transportation impacts from specific developments, detailed
traffic studies should be conducted to determine the operational impacts on adjacent roadways
and intersections.
A central concept of travel demand forecasting is the use of Transportation Analysis Zones
(TAZs). Each forecast study area, in this case, the City of Falcon Heights, is divided into a series
of TAZs. Each TAZ has population, employment, and household data that is used by the model
to assign trips to the various network roadways. Figure 5 displays Metropolitan Council TAZs
within Falcon Heights.
The results of the Falcon Heights modeling process are summarized in Figure 6, which displays
Metropolitan Council 2040 projected average daily traffic volumes compared to the existing
traffic volumes.
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Figure 5: Traffic Analysis Zones
Falcon Heights Comprehensive PlanCity of Falcon Heights, Ramsey County
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Figure 6: Existing and 2040 Forecasted Traffic
Falcon Heights Comprehensive PlanCity of Falcon Heights, Ramsey County
* 2012 - 2016 Counts From MnDOT Web Site
** 2040 Forecasted Traffic From Metropolitan Council Trip Based Travel Demand Model No Improvement Assumed
XXX- Existing AADT*
XXX- 2040 Forecasted AADT**
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Table 5 provides a summary of existing and forecasted demographic growth by TAZ for Falcon Heights through the year 2040. As a
fully developed community, the Falcon Heights population is forecasted to remain around 5,300 through the year 2040, with
households increasing slightly to 2,200 and employment increasing by approximately 1,100. For more information about the
demographic allocation and associated land use forecast, please refer to the Falcon Heights Land Use Plan.
Table 5: Falcon Heights 2040 Land Use Plan TAZ Growth Allocation
TAZ POP2010 HH2010 EMP2010 POP2020 HH2020 EMP2020 POP2030 HH2030 EMP2030 POP2040 HH2040 EMP2040
1892 1,199 464 144 1,114 469 220 1,090 467 241 1,079 470 265
1893 337 156 305 354 160 324 351 158 312 351 157 301
1894 657 289 118 630 297 424 623 294 516 626 295 585
1895 1 1 0 0 0 16 0 0 15 0 0 16
1899 372 182 2 397 193 3 403 193 5 402 186 8
1900 1,554 510 4,627 1,666 535 4,686 1,718 547 4,844 1,739 555 5,017
1920 1,201 529 101 1,137 547 125 1,116 541 166 1,104 537 209
2040 Land Use
Plan Totals 5,321 2,131 5,297 5,300 2,200 5,800 5,300 2,200 6,100 5,300 2,200 6,400
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3.2. 2040 Future Roadway Capacity Improvement Needs
To identify the need for potential future capacity improvements, Metropolitan Council 2040
forecasts were compared to planning-level roadway capacities for A-Minor Arterial Roadways.
Planning-level roadway capacities used for this analysis are illustrated in Table 6 below
(measured in AADT).
Table 6: Planning-Level Roadway Capacity
Facility Type
Lower
Threshold
Higher
Threshold
(daily two-way volume)
Arterials
Two-lane Undivided 10,000 12,000
Two-lane Divided or Three-lane Undivided 15,000 17,000
Four-lane Undivided 18,000 22,000
Four-lane Divided or Five-lane Undivided 28,000 32,000
Four-lane Expressway 32,000 40,000
Freeways
Four-lane Freeway 60,000 80,000
Six-lane Freeway 90,000 120,000
Eight-lane Freeway or Higher Calculated on a
segment-by-segment basis
Based on these planning-level roadway capacities, portions of Snelling Avenue (TH 51) and
Cleveland Avenue (CSAH 46) are expected to exceed capacity in 2040. Snelling Avenue is a
four-lane expressway with a planning-level capacity of 32,000–40,000 and a forecasted 2040
volume of 40,250. However, A Line service increases the capacity of the corridor by providing
frequent transit service along Snelling Avenue. The forecasted 2040 volume for Cleveland
Avenue north of Larpenteur Avenue would surpass the higher planning-level capacity
threshold for a two-lane undivided roadway of 12,000 (this segment of Cleveland Avenue is
forecasted to have a 2040 volume of 12,430). Accordingly, motorists will likely experience some
congestion along these roadways during the 2040 planning horizon.
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4. Existing and Planned Non-Motorized Transportation
Network
This section addresses network needs for walking and bicycling within Falcon Heights. This
section also addresses the needs of people using wheelchairs and assistive mobility devices such
as mobility scooters, as they are considered pedestrians.
Enhancing the non-motorized elements of the Falcon Heights transportation system is a key
goal in terms of improving transportation sustainability in the city and in the region. This
approach gives residents an alternative to driving, supports transportation options for people
who do not have consistent access to a personal vehicle, and encourages healthy activities and
lifestyles.
This section includes information on the existing non-motorized transportation network within
Falcon Heights, connections to land use planning, the planned local non-motorized
transportation network, and the planned regional non-motorized transportation network. This
section also includes recommendations for intersection improvements and design best practices.
4.1. Existing Non-Motorized Transportation Network
The non-motorized transportation network in Falcon Heights is comprised of sidewalks, multi-
use trails, and several on-street bicycle lanes. As shown in Figure 7, multi-use trails are present
along Roselawn Avenue between Fulham Street and Snelling Avenue, Fairview Avenue
between Larpenteur Avenue and Roselawn Avenue, and Como Avenue between Liggett Street
and Snelling Avenue. On-street bicycle lanes are present along segments of Larpenteur Avenue,
Gortner Avenue, Folwell Avenue, and Commonwealth Avenue. Bicycles are also allowed to use
the University of Minnesota Transitway, which connects Commonwealth Avenue to the
University’s Minneapolis campus. There is existing sidewalk along one or both sides of many
major roadways in the city. Longer corridors with continuous sidewalk facilities within the city
include Como Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, Hoyt Avenue, Larpenteur Avenue, Cleveland
Avenue, Gortner Avenue, and Hamline Avenue. Additionally, there are paved paths that
connect many of the buildings within the University of Minnesota campus and the Minnesota
State Fairgrounds. These facilities add to the non-motorized transportation network within
Falcon Heights. There is also a “Nice Ride” bikeshare station located at the University of
Minnesota St. Paul Campus Student Center (however, there are plans for this bikeshare system
to transition to a dockless system in future years). Additionally, the city has partnered with the
University of Minnesota to fund the installation of “Fix-It Stations” to encourage bicycling in
the city.
As four-lane, higher-volume roadways that cross Falcon Heights, Snelling Avenue and
Larpenteur Avenue can create barriers to non-motorized users under existing conditions. Long
crossing distances and high vehicle speeds can create uncomfortable conditions for some
non-motorized users. Additionally, due to the location of these roadways in relation to the rest
of the community, users cannot always avoid crossing these busier streets. For example, even if
bicyclists prefer to use parallel streets with lower volumes to move around the community,
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many will still need to cross Snelling Avenue and/or Larpenteur Avenue at some point during
their trip.
4.2. Connections to Land Use Planning
Falcon Heights hosts a unique set of development patterns for an Urban community due to the
presence of the University of Minnesota campus and the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. These
institutions include a mix of developed and open space land uses including large areas of
agricultural fields associated with University of Minnesota research activities. However, the
areas of residential and commercial land uses within Falcon Heights are at a density and design
largely consistent with its designation as an Urban community. Existing residential
development is higher in density compared with suburban areas, but reflects the transition
toward development patterns influenced by the rise of the automobile, with some commercial
land uses separated from largely single-family residential land uses. In these areas, people
walking and bicycling must cover greater distances to reach commercial areas from their
homes. However, the development patterns in some areas of the city are well-suited to bicycling
and walking, due to a regular street grid, relatively short blocks, and convenient connections to
destinations including the University of Minnesota campus, the State Fairgrounds, and parks or
other recreational facilities. There are also commercial businesses within Falcon Heights that lie
within walking or biking distance of many city residents, including those located at the
Larpenteur Avenue/Snelling Avenue intersection.
The city’s land use planning and coordination with developers can help improve opportunities
for walking and bicycling for transportation. The city can encourage mixed-use redevelopment
that situates residents within a short walk of commercial destinations. The city can also work
with developers to construct sidewalks and trails within developments. Additionally, the city
can require pedestrian and bicycle connections in areas where the roadway network does not
connect, such as connector trails that provide shortcuts for people walking and bicycling.
4.3. Planned Local Non-Motorized Transportation Network
The planned network focuses on filling gaps that exist in the sidewalk and trail network, adding
sidewalk and trail facilities in areas where the network is not as extensive, adding on-road
bicycle facilities, and improving safety conditions and the comfort or convenience of non-
motorized facilities through intersection design, streetscape improvements, and other design
considerations. When the network is complete, it will provide safe, convenient linkages between
residential areas and commercial, institutional, and recreational areas within the city. The
network will improve options for people to walk and bicycle for transportation within the city,
and facilitate regional connections (described in greater detail in the following section). Existing
and proposed local facilities are shown in Figure 7.
Corridors identified for improved bicycle and/or pedestrian facilities include Cleveland
Avenue, Como Avenue, Larpenteur Avenue, Roselawn Avenue, Snelling Avenue, Hamline
Avenue, and Garden Avenue.
Locations identified for potential improved bicycle/pedestrian crossings include the
intersections of Snelling Avenue at Roselawn Avenue, Garden Avenue, Larpenteur Avenue,
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Hoyt Avenue, and Dan Patch Avenue and the intersections of Larpenteur Avenue at Cleveland
Avenue, Gortner Avenue, Fairview Avenue, Fry Street/Underwood Street, Arona Street, and
Hamline Avenue. Crossings of Cleveland Avenue have also been identified for further
evaluation due to higher volumes of pedestrian traffic associated with the University of
Minnesota campus.
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!(Crossing Improvement Locations
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Park, Recreational, or Preserve
City Boundary
Falcon Heights Comprehensive PlanCity of Falcon Heights, Ramsey County
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4.4. Planned Regional Non-Motorized Transportation Network
The Metropolitan Council 2040 TPP encourages the use of bicycles as a mode of transportation
and establishes a Regional Bicycle Transportation Network (RBTN) to establish an integrated
network of on-street bikeways and off-road trails that complement each other to improve
conditions for bicycle transportation at the regional level. The RBTN identifies Tier 1 and Tier 2
alignments where existing regional or other trails exist or where a specific alignment has been
identified. The RBTN also identifies Tier 1 and Tier 2 corridors where specific alignments have
not yet been defined.
Within Falcon Heights, the RBTN identifies two Tier 1 RBTN alignments and one Tier 1 RBTN
corridor. One of the Tier 1 alignments is located along Como Avenue at the city’s southern
border from Stevens Street to Snelling Avenue, connecting to the State Fairgrounds, which is
identified as an RBTN regional destination. There are bicycle lanes along Como Avenue to the
west of Canfield Street and to the east of Snelling Avenue; however, there is a gap for dedicated
bicycle facilities along Como Avenue within the City of Falcon Heights—the planned segment
of the St. Paul Grand Rounds will fill this gap. The other Tier 1 alignment runs north-south
through the city along the University of Minnesota Transitway (which is limited to buses and
bicycles) and bike lanes along Commonwealth Avenue, Gortner Avenue, Larpenteur Avenue,
and Fairview Avenue, which also includes an adjacent multiuse trail. This alignment includes
the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus, which is identified as an RBTN regional
destination. The Tier 1 corridor within the city also runs north-south and is centered on
Hamline Avenue, which currently has a striped shoulder.
The city proposes the following alignments for the RBTN corridor identified within the city:
• Along Hamline Avenue from Hoyt Avenue to Roselawn Avenue
The existing and proposed regional network is shown in Figure 8.
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#*School
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City Boundary
Figure 8: Regional Bicycle Transportation Network (RBTN)
Falcon Heights Comprehensive PlanCity of Falcon Heights, Ramsey County
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4.6. Non-Motorized Transportation Design Considerations
Design dimensions for sidewalks are recommended to be five-feet or wider, with a minimum of
a four-foot-wide boulevard between the sidewalk and the curb. Increased separation improves
pedestrian comfort and provides space for street signs and snow storage.
Design considerations for bicycle facilities are somewhat more complicated due to the hierarchy
of facility types. In order of their ability to provide a comfortable bicycling environment from
largest improvement to smallest, facilities include: off-street facilities, protected bikeways,
buffered bicycle lanes, conventional bicycle lanes, bicycle boulevards, and wide paved
shoulders. Figure 9 shows examples of these facility types.
Multi-use trails are recommended to be a minimum of eight-feet wide. Regional trails are
recommended to be a minimum of ten-feet wide due to higher use and the design requirements
to comply with federal funding. Trails must have a two-foot wide clear zone on either side to
reduce hazards for bicyclists and provide a recovery zone if a bicyclist leaves the edge of the
trail. The clear zone can be paved or turf surface. No signs, furnishings, trees, or other
obstructions can be in the clear zone.
Paved shoulders should be a minimum of four-feet wide if intended for bicycle and pedestrian
use. Four-foot wide shoulders are adequate on streets with traffic volumes below 1,000 vehicles
per day. Six- to eight-foot shoulders are recommended when traffic volumes exceed 1,000
vehicles per day. A wider shoulder improves pedestrian and bicyclist safety and comfort when
vehicle traffic speeds and volumes are higher.
As non-motorized facilities are planned and designed, the city should consult additional
planning and design resources, including:
• Minnesota’s Best Practices for Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety, MnDOT
• Bikeway Facility Design Manual, MnDOT
• Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, MnDOT
• Urban Bikeway Design Guide, Second Edition, National Association of City
Transportation Officials (NACTO)
• Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, American Association of State Highway
and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
• Guide for the Planning, Design, and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities, AASHTO
• Complete Streets Implementation Resource Guide for Minnesota Local Agencies,
MnDOT
• Public Rights of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG), US Access Board
A Complete Streets approach to planning and implementing non-motorized facilities, as
described in the MnDOT Complete Streets Implementation Resource Guide, can provide a
helpful framework for creating a community-supported, safe, comfortable, and convenient
transportation network that serves all modes. A Complete Streets policy or process is intended
to provide design guidance and implementation clarity, allowing the community and project
designers to advance individual projects in a collaborative and cost-efficient manner.
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Accessibility is a very important consideration for non-motorized design. All new pedestrian
and bicycle facilities must meet the ADA accessibility guidelines established in PROWAG. The
guidelines in PROWAG address the design needs of people with physical and/or visual
impairments. Accessibility will become increasingly important over the next 20 years due to
demographic changes. Baby boomers are aging and the population over age 65 is increasing.
People over 65 are more likely to have physical and/or visual impairments that affect their
ability to get around.
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Figure 9:
Example Bicycle Facilities
Falcon Heights Transportation Plan
Falcon Heights, MN
Off-street Facility
Source: www.pedbikeimages.org / Laura Sandt
Conventional Bicycle Lane
Source: www.pedbikeimages.org / Jennifer Compos
Buffered Bicycle Lane
Source: www.pedbikeimages.org / Lyubov Zuyeva
Protected Bikeway
Source: NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide
Bicycle Boulevard
Source: NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide
Wide Paved Shoulder
Source: www.pedbikeimages.org / Laura Sandt
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5. Freight
Freight transportation in Falcon Heights is primarily served by TH 51 (Snelling Avenue) and
other major roadways. Figure 10 shows the city’s freight system and heavy commercial average
annual daily traffic (HCAADT).
There are no large freight traffic generators within the city. Most truck traffic is passing through
Falcon Heights on trips to, from, and through the Twin Cities. The BNSF Midway Intermodal
Facility is a rail/truck intermodal terminal that lies just south of the city in St. Paul. Freight
traffic generators within Falcon Heights are limited to facilities associated with the University of
Minnesota, the State Fairgrounds, and commercial businesses along Larpenteur Avenue.
Figure 10 shows HCAADT within Falcon Heights. TH 51 carries the greatest number of heavy
commercial vehicles (approximately 1,200 vehicles per day). Larpenteur Avenue (CSAH 30) and
Cleveland Avenue (CSAH 46) also carry a substantial amount of heavy commercial traffic
within the city.
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Figure 10: Freight System and Heavy Commercial Average Annual Daily Traffic (HCAADT)
Falcon Heights Comprehensive PlanCity of Falcon Heights, Ramsey County
XXX - MNDOT 2012 Heavy Commercial Average Average Daily Traffic (HCAADT)*
XXX - Estimated 2018 Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT)
* Buses and Multi-Axle Trucks; FHWA Class Groups 4-13.
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6. Transit
Falcon Heights is located within the Transit Capital Levy District as shown in the Metropolitan
Council 2040 TPP. The TPP further classifies the metropolitan area into transit markets based on
demographic and urban design factors. Falcon Heights is located within Market Area II. Market
Area II generally supports fixed-route transit, but at lower frequencies or shorter service spans
than provided in Market Area I. General public dial-a-ride services are available where fixed-
route service is not viable.
Many of the transit routes that serve Falcon Heights provide connections to downtown St. Paul.
Fixed route bus service in Falcon Heights is described below and shown on Figure 11.
• A Line: Rapid bus service between the 46th Street Blue Line LRT station in Minneapolis
and Rosedale Transit Center.
• Route 3: Daytime and evening service between downtown Minneapolis and Downtown
St. Paul via Como Avenue
• Route 61: Daytime and evening service between downtown Minneapolis and
Downtown St. Paul via Larpenteur Avenue
• Route 83: Daytime and evening service between HarMar Shopping Mall in Roseville
and West 7th Street in St. Paul
• Route 84: Daytime and evening service between Rosedale Center in Roseville and West
7th Street in St. Paul
• Route 87: Daytime and evening service between Rosedale Center in Roseville and the
Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul
• Route 272: Limited stop commuter service (two trips per weekday) between Maplewood
and the University of Minnesota West Bank Campus
The bus routes that serve this area have a mix of frequencies and types of service that they
provide. Some routes operate every 30 minutes or every hour during the day while others
operate only during peak commuting times (see Table 7). As a rapid bus route, the A Line
operates every 10 minutes during most of the day with fewer stops to allow faster trips. Within
Falcon Heights, A Line stations are located along Snelling Avenue at Como Avenue, Hoyt
Avenue/Nebraska Avenue, and Larpenteur Avenue. It should also be noted that during the
State Fair, Metro Transit operates express buses from up to 20 park-and-ride locations
throughout the metropolitan area and operates a free shuttle service from up to 34 parking lots
surrounding the State Fair.
In addition to the routes operated by Metro Transit, the University of Minnesota operates
several additional transit services including the Campus Connector, the St. Paul Campus
Circulator, and paratransit. The Campus Connector (Route 121) connects the St. Paul, East Bank,
and West Bank campuses and operates at headways of 5-20 minutes between 7:00 am and 2:00
am on weekdays. The St. Paul Campus Circulator (Route 124) provides service to many
destinations around the St. Paul campus and provides weekday service with 15-minute
headways between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm. These routes are shown in Figure 12.
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Table 7: Bus Route Frequencies in Falcon Heights
Route
Number
Approximate Frequency (Headway), minutes
Rush
Hours Midday Evening Saturday
Sunday/
Holiday
A Line 10 10 10–30 10–30 10–30
3 5–15 10–15 15–30 15–30 30–60
61 15–30 30 60 60 NA
83 30 30 30–60 30–60 30–60
84 30 30 30 30 30
87 20 30 30–60 30–60 30–60
121 10–15 10–15 10–15 10–15 10–15
124 15 15 NA NA NA
272 Two Trips NA NA NA NA
In addition to the fixed-route transit options, the city is also served by Anoka County Transit
Link, a dial-a-ride service for the general public (Ramsey County is served by Anoka County
Transit Link). Transit Link provides connections to destinations within Ramsey County and
connects to regular route transit for trips within the metro area, including outside of Ramsey
County. Falcon Heights residents also have opportunities to participate in the Metro Vanpool
program. This program provides financial assistance for vanpools to serve areas with limited
regular-route transit service.
Metro Transit’s 2015 Service Improvement Plan indicates several proposed changes/additions
to existing bus service in Falcon Heights. Routes 3 and 61 are identified for longer service hours
and increased frequency as a high or medium priority. The Plan also identifies increased
frequency for Route 83 as a medium priority and longer service hours for Route 84 as a low
priority. Additionally, Metro Transit has prepared a study exploring a potential extension of the
A Line to the City of Arden Hills. While this extension would not provide additional transit
coverage within Falcon Heights, residents would be able to access additional destinations in
portions of Roseville and Arden Hills.
There are no formal park-and-ride lots located within Falcon Heights and it is not anticipated
that future demand will require a formal park-and-ride facility within the city.
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n£A Line Rapid Bus Stations
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Figure 11: Transit Facilities
Falcon Heights Comprehensive PlanCity of Falcon Heights, Ramsey County
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Figure 12: University of Minnesota Transit FacilitiesFalcon Heights Comprehensive PlanCity of Falcon Heights, Ramsey County 52 of 103
Chapter 5 – Transportation (DRAFT) Page X-39
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7. Aviation
There are currently no existing or planned aviation facilities within Falcon Heights. However,
like all cities, the city is responsible for airspace protection in order to reduce hazards to air
travel within the region. The closest public use airport to Falcon Heights is the St. Paul
Downtown Airport (Holman Field), approximately six miles southeast of Falcon Heights.
Based on the distance to the nearest airports, there are no radio beacons or other air navigation
aids located in off-airport locations in Falcon Heights. The city is not within the area of
influence of any airports, and is therefore not subject to associated land use restrictions.
Any person or organization who intends to sponsor the construction or alteration of a structure
affecting navigable airspace as defined in Federal Regulation Title 14; Part 77 needs to inform
the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) of the project. This notification is accomplished through the
completion and submittal to FAA of Form 7460-1, Notice of Proposed Construction or
Alteration. In Falcon Heights, this requirement applies to any construction or alteration
exceeding 200 feet above ground level. The city’s zoning code allows a maximum structure
height of 110 feet; therefore, it is unlikely that any structures in the city will require FAA
notification.
There are currently no heliports in Falcon Heights or any known plans to construct one. The
University of Minnesota Hospitals and Clinics Heliport is located on the University’s East Bank
Campus in Minneapolis, approximately two miles southwest of Falcon Heights. There are no
surface waters within the city that are identified by MnDOT as an authorized landing site for
seaplanes.
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8. Goals and Multimodal Strategies
This Plan, and the city’s actions over the next 20 years, will be guided by the following
transportation goals and strategies.
8.1. Goals and Policies
The list below displays the goals and policies of the Falcon Heights Transportation Plan. These
goals and policies represent the city’s overall vision for transportation over the next 20 years.
The strategies listed in the following section provide guidance that the city can use to reach the
transportation goals and policies.
Highways and Roadways
Highway and Roadway Goals
• Goal 1: To promote safety for roadway users on all streets.
• Goal 2: To avoid unnecessary street congestion and the resulting negative effects on air
quality.
• Goal 3: To develop and maintain efficient hierarchy of streets to move larger volumes of
traffic safely on relatively few through streets and discourage high volumes of traffic on
residential streets.
• Goal 4: To maintain the transportation infrastructure of the city.
Highway and Roadway Policies
• Coordinate all city street planning and design with county, regional, and state agencies.
• Require adequately spaced driveways along arterial streets when access cannot be
limited to cross streets.
• Maintain roadbeds and curb and gutter on city streets.
• Prevent parking on residential lots (other than driveways) especially during State Fair
activities.
• Enhance the appearance and image of major roadway entry points to the city.
• Identify and preserve right-of-way for future transportation uses.
Non-Motorized Transportation
Non-Motorized Transportation Goals
• Goal 5: To develop a safe and convenient bicycle and pedestrian network throughout the
city focusing on connections to trails, parks, open spaces, schools, and other high use
areas.
• Goal 6: To develop and provide local connections to the regional bicycle transportation
network.
• Goal 7: Continue coordination between the University of Minnesota and the city
regarding the non-motorized transportation network.
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Non-Motorized Transportation Policy
• Build trails as an integral part of the upgrading of collector and arterial streets.
Transit
Public Transit Goals
• Goal 8: To improve the quality of transit service and increase the emphasis on public
transit by making it a safe and reliable option for residents and visitors.
• Goal 9: To encourage planning and design that increases and complements transit use.
Public Transit Policies
• Continue to work with the Metropolitan Council to determine future transit services
consistent with the city’s transit market area and its associated service standards and
strategies.
• Reduce overall travel demand by cooperating with the University of Minnesota in
developing a Travel Demand Management (TDM) strategy and encouraging programs
that provide alternatives to single occupant automobiles.
• Evaluate the need for and the location of transit services in conjunction with
surrounding communities.
• Coordinate public transit with all transit planning and delivery agencies to improve
transit services (e.g. Metro Transit, University of Minnesota, State Fair).
• Continue to coordinate with Metro Transit regarding the operation of the A Line bus
rapid transit.
8.2. Multimodal Strategies
The multimodal strategies listed in this section are specific, actionable steps that the city can
take in support of the goals of this Plan. These strategies are based upon existing and future
transportation needs as described in detail in the previous sections of this Plan.
Each strategy is tied to one or multiple goals. Table 8 on the following pages describes each
strategy, notes which goal(s) is/are related to each strategy, and identifies the lead agency for
the strategy. Figure 13 following the tables illustrates the strategies geographically with
reference numbers tied back to the table information.
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Table 8: Transportation Implementation Strategies
Location Type of
Improvement Strategy Map
Reference
Lead
Agency(ies) Goal(s)
CSAH 46 (Cleveland Ave.)
between Como Ave. and
Larpenteur Ave.
Reconstruction Coordinate with Ramsey County on
reconstruction of Cleveland Avenue
Figure 13,
#1 Ramsey County 4
CSAH 48 (Fairview Ave.)
between Larpenteur Ave.
and Roselawn Ave.
Mill and Overlay Coordinate with Ramsey County on mill
and overlay of Fairview Avenue
Figure 13,
#2 Ramsey County 4
Various locations Street
Maintenance
Maintain streets consistent with the city’s
10-year Capital Improvement Plan NA Falcon Heights 4
TH 51 (Snelling Ave.) at
Hoyt Ave. and Dan Patch
Ave.
Signal System
Replacement
Coordinate with MnDOT on signal system
replacement at intersections along
Snelling Avenue
Figure 13,
#3 MnDOT 4
CSAH 30 (Larpenteur Ave.) Speed Study
Coordinate with Ramsey County
regarding a potential study to evaluate
speed limits along Larpenteur Avenue
Figure 13,
#4
Ramsey
County/Falcon
Heights
1
CSAH 30 (Larpenteur Ave.)
and TH 51 (Snelling Ave.)
Safety/
Operations
Explore opportunities for improving
operations and managing access
to/from Larpenteur Avenue and Snelling
Avenue, including the Snelling Avenue
Service Road
Figure 13,
#5
MnDOT/Ramsey
County/Falcon
Heights 1, 2, 3
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Location Type of
Improvement Strategy Map
Reference
Lead
Agency(ies) Goal(s)
Garden Avenue and
CSAH 50 (Hamline Ave.)
Safety/
Operations
Explore opportunities to improve
operations and safety related to student
pick-up and drop-off at Falcon Heights
Elementary School
Figure 13,
#6 Falcon Heights 1, 2
Various locations Operations
Explore opportunities to stagger the
scheduled operations of refuse haulers in
the city
NA Falcon Heights 4
TH 51 (Snelling Ave.)
Bicycle/
Pedestrian
Improvements
Implement recommendations from the
Snelling Avenue Multi-Modal
Transportation Plan
Figure 13,
#7 MnDOT 5
CSAH 75 (Como Ave.)
Bicycle/
Pedestrian
Improvements
Implement recommendations from the
Grand Round Design and
Implementation Plan, including
construction of off-street multiuse trail on
Como Avenue
Figure 13,
#8
St. Paul, Ramsey
County, Falcon
Heights
5, 6
CSAH 50 (Hamline Ave.)
Bicycle/
Pedestrian
Improvements
Designate Hamline Avenue as RBTN
alignment
Figure 13,
#9
Falcon Heights,
Ramsey County 6
Various locations
Bicycle/
Pedestrian
Improvements
Evaluate potential bicycle/pedestrian
improvements along identified corridors
and at identified crossing locations
Figure 13
Falcon Heights,
Ramsey County,
MnDOT
5, 7
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Location Type of
Improvement Strategy Map
Reference
Lead
Agency(ies) Goal(s)
Citywide
Bicycle/
Pedestrian
Improvements
Develop complete streets policy or
sidewalk master plan to guide future
non-motorized improvements
NA Falcon Heights 5
Citywide Streetscape
Improvements
Continue partnerships to fund
streetscape improvements such as fix-it
stations, wayfinding signage, and bicycle
parking
NA Falcon Heights 5, 7
Various locations Streetscape
Improvements
Explore opportunities to activate alleys in
residential neighborhoods where they
are present
NA Falcon Heights 3, 4, 5
Citywide Transit
Improvement
Support policies and programs that
encourage use of transit services and
discourage parking in residential
neighborhoods for events at the State
Fairgrounds or University of Minnesota
campus
NA
Falcon Heights,
Metro Transit,
University of
Minnesota
8
Citywide Transit
Improvement
Support urban design and land use
policies that encourage transit use,
particularly along the A Line corridor and
University of Minnesota Campus
Connector/Campus Circulator routes
NA
Falcon Heights,
University of
Minnesota
9
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Chapter X – Transportation (DRAFT) Page X-46
Adopted XXXXXXXX XX, 2018
9. Proposed Short and Long-Range Roadway Projects
The sections below identify proposed short and long-range roadway projects identified in the
city and county capital improvement plans and based on potential future changes in land use
described in previous sections of this Plan.
9.1.1. Proposed Projects from Capital Improvement Plans
The city and county capital improvement plans identify several planned projects within Falcon
Heights. The 2018-2022 Ramsey County Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) includes
reconstruction of CSAH 46 (Cleveland Avenue) between Como Avenue and Larpenteur
Avenue, scheduled for construction in 2020-2021. The TIP also includes a mill and overlay
project on CSAH 48 (Fairview Avenue) between Larpenteur Avenue and Roselawn Avenue,
scheduled to take place sometime between 2020 and 2022. The city’s 2018-2027 Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP) identifies resurfacing projects to take place on various city streets,
including Tatum Street, Arona Street, Asbury Street, Simpson Street, Ruggles Street, Crawford
Avenue, Pascal Street, Holton Street, Albert Street, and Sheldon Street.
In addition to the projects identified at the city and county levels, MnDOT’s 2018-2021
Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) identifies two signal system
replacement projects along TH 51 (Snelling Avenue) within the city. Signal system replacement
is planned at the intersections of Snelling Avenue with Dan Patch Avenue and Hoyt Avenue.
9.1.2. Proposed Projects based on Special Use Areas
As described above, as large landowners within the City of Falcon Heights, the University of
Minnesota St. Paul campus and the State Fairgrounds create unusual transportation issues. The
City of Falcon Heights will continue to coordinate closely with both entities to ensure that the
city’s transportation system can accommodate additional development and/or special events
that are planned for these areas of the city. Consideration of roadway modifications,
intersection traffic control improvements, and non-motorized facilities will continue as
individual proposals for development or special events move forward.
10. Public Comments
The city has gathered public input through a community visioning session focused on the
comprehensive plan update. At this event, members of the public identified issues and
opportunities related to transportation, with a strong focus on improving the connectivity and
safety of non-motorized transportation options within the city. Many comments were received
relating to making the city more walkable and bikeable by investing in sidewalk and trail
network, adding infrastructure such as bike lanes, and addressing crossings at intersections.
Several participants identified vehicle speed as an issue, particularly along Snelling Avenue and
Larpenteur Avenue. Other comments received related to enforcement of traffic laws, signal
timing and operations at intersections, and discouraging heavy vehicle volumes in residential
areas.
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Chapter X – Transportation (DRAFT) Page X-47
Adopted XXXXXXXX XX, 2018
11. Conclusion and Next Steps
The purpose of this Transportation Plan is to set a multimodal transportation vision for the City
of Falcon Heights through the year 2040. Goals and specific strategies have been identified
collaboratively by the city, Ramsey County, and members of the public within the framework of
Metropolitan Council requirements. The vision and associated strategies outlined in this Plan
were established by considering existing and forecasted conditions, Falcon Heights priorities,
regional travel patterns and a variety of other factors.
As the owners of the transportation network in Falcon Heights (i.e. City of Falcon Heights,
Ramsey County, and MnDOT) advance their respective Capital Improvement Programs (CIPs),
this Plan is intended to serve as an important resource and reference in establishing priorities
and advancing transportation projects for implementation. Advancing these projects from a
planning to implementation phase will require collaborative discussions among facility owners,
adjacent communities, the Metropolitan Council, residents and others to conduct traffic studies,
finalize designs, preserve rights-of-way, obtain environmental clearances and leverage
necessary financial resources. Figure 14 on the following page outlines the entire planning and
project development process required for transportation projects from concept plans to
construction implementation.
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Chapter X – Transportation (DRAFT) Page X-48
Adopted XXXXXXXX XX, 2018
Figure 14
Transportation Planning Process
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Falcon Heights 2040 Appendix C: Sanitary Sewer System
Appendix C │ Page 1
Appendix C: SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM
The City of Falcon Heights owns and maintains a sanitary sewer system which also
serves the University campus. The City discharges all sanitary flows to the
Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) interceptor system. The
State Fair operates and maintains its own sanitary sewer system separate from the
City’s system.
The City’s sanitary sewer system facilities include:
• One small sanitary sewer lift station
• Forcemain associated with the lift station
• A network of gravity sewer piping and manholes
1. EXISTING SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM
The City’s sanitary sewer collection system has been in operation in excess of 60
years and consists of approximately 68,800 LF of gravity sewer. A lift station serves
a small area near Larpenteur Avenue and Coffman Street. The existing sanitary
sewer system facilities are illustrated on Figure C1, on the preceding page. This
figure shows the City’s existing collection and trunk sewer system. The extents of
the existing sewer service area is not expected to increase through 2040.
The system is constructed of various pipe materials including vitrified clay pipe
(VCP) and polyvinylchloride pipe (PVC). The collection system ranges in pipe size
8” to 18” in diameter.
Sewer flows generated in the City are collected and conveyed to number of
discharge points into the St. Paul sanitary sewer system. A MCES metering station
is located by the intersection of Hamline Avenue North and Hoyt Avenue West and
measures sanitary sewer flow entering the MCES interceptor system. All other
discharge points are estimated by MCES for billing purposes and are based on
water consumption rates.
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Falcon Heights 2040 Appendix C: Sanitary Sewer System
Appendix C │ Page 2
2. EXISTING SANITARY SEWER CONDITION
The evaluations provided in this report are based on field inspections, construction
as-built drawings, and discussions with city staff. The condition of the sewer
collection system was evaluated using previous closed circuit televised (CCTV)
inspection records. The lift station was evaluated for pumping performance. A
pump down test was performed at the site to estimate the pumping capacities.
This data was then compared to the rated capacities. Based on this information,
the lift station has the capacity to continue serving its area where it is located.
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Appendix C │ Page 3
3. SEWER FLOW QUANTIFICATION
Projected flows for the sanitary sewer system were estimated using historical
sanitary sewer flows and population projections provided by MCES. The amount
of sanitary sewer measured by MCES in 2017 was recorded as 197.46 MG. The
population of the City in 2016 was estimated by MCES to be 5,418.
Table C1 summarizes the project sanitary sewer flows for the City for up to the
year 2040.
TABLE C1- SANITARY SEWER FLOW PROJECTIONS
Year 2020 2030 2040
Sewered Population 5,300 5,300 5,300
Sewered Households 2,131 2,200 2,200
Sewered Employment 5,298 5,800 6,100
Average Daily Flow (MGD) .54 .56 .58
Adjusted Average Daily Flow - Metered (MGD) 0.15 0.15 0.16
Allowable Peak Hourly Flow - Metered (MGD) 0.67 0.67 0.67
Falcon Heights City Code, Section 50-35(b) Discharge of surface waters prohibited.
It shall be unlawful to discharge or cause to be discharged into the sewer system,
either directly or indirectly, any roof, stormwater, surface water or groundwater
of any type or kind, or water discharged from any air conditioning unit or system.
http://www.municode.com/resources/gateway.asp?pid=14127&sid=23
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Falcon Heights 2040 Appendix C: Sanitary Sewer System
Appendix C │ Page 4
4. EXISTING AND POTENTIAL SANITARY SEWER RELATED ISSUES
Sanitary Sewer Collection System
Previous CCTV inspection documents were reviewed to determine the condition
of the sanitary sewer at the time of the inspections. It is possible that additional
deficiencies exist in the system today would need to be addressed in the short-
term. The City is currently televising the entire sanitary sewer collection system.
This section should be updated following completion and review of data from the
CCTV effort.
Deficiencies and defects identified include mid-segment sags in excess of 4-inches,
offset pipe joints, and significant joint separation. These types of defects can
severely impact the capacity and structural integrity of the collection system and
should be addressed. The locations of these defects are shown in Figure C2, on
the following page.
While some of these types of defects can be resolved cost effectively using
trenchless technology, the sever sags and offset joints should be corrected using
conventional open trench methods and should be, if possible, coordinated with
the City’s street reconstruction program.
Inflow and Infiltration Reduction
The City of Falcon Heights, like the majority of the communities in the
metropolitan area, has spent considerable time and energy managing inflow and
infiltration (I/I) within their sanitary sewer collection system.
Section 50-35 of the Falcon Heights city code presently prohibits discharge of any
surface waters, directly or indirectly, into the sewer system by any means. This
includes water from sump pumps, rain leaders and passive drain tile.
The Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) has implemented a
surcharge program which is designed to encourage metro communities to reduce
I/I entering their portion of the sanitary collection system. While the City has not
exceeded the pre-determined maximum peak level established by MCES, the City
will continue its effort to minimize I/I through its I/I reduction program.
The I/I reduction program is used to isolate and prioritize sewer rehabilitation in
the sanitary sewer collection system, both on the public and private side of the
system. The City does this by cleaning and closed circuit television inspection on
an annual basis and conducting a sewer rehabilitation program, including
conducting follow-up inspections in neighborhoods with significant I/I potential
and CIPP Lining.
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Appendix C │ Page 5
5. SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM: GOALS AND POLICIES
This section provides recommended goals and policies for the City’s Sanitary Sewer
System.
Maintain Operational Efficiency
Maintain Operational Efficiency Policies
• Initiate reconstruction or rehabilitation program for sanitary sewer to repair
or replace segments of system in distressed condition or determined to be
over capacity.
• Initiate and continue a closed circuit television (CCTV) inspection program to
provide updated condition observations of the collection system at a minimum
of every three years.
• Complete annual inspections and cleaning of lift station.
Inflow and Infiltration
Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Plan Policies
The City will continue its I/I reduction program to isolate and prioritize sewer
rehabilitation in their sanitary sewer collection system.
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Falcon Heights 2040 Appendix C: Sanitary Sewer System
Appendix C │ Page 6
6. SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE AND
IMPROVEMENTS
This section discusses recommended improvements to address existing sanitary
sewer system deficiencies.
Correction of Deficiencies
CCTV Inspection
The City has implemented a CCTV inspection program for the sanitary sewer
collection system. This program allows the City to monitor the system and respond
to problems in a proactive manner. The entire sanitary sewer system is televised
every 3 years.
Pipe Settlement
Review of CCTV video footage has revealed a number of pipe settlements in excess
of 4-inches. The dip that is created by these settlements cause low velocities and
sedimentation of solids which results in on-going sewer maintenance problems.
These pipe segments are difficult to repair without removing and replacing the
settled sections of pipe. The timing of these improvements will be incorporated
into the City’s Pavement Management Program.
Root Intrusion
The review of CCTV video footage also revealed a significant amount root intrusion
in the sanitary sewer system. Roots can cause flow restrictions and require
continuous sewer monitoring and maintenance. The City will continue its on-going
sewer rehabilitation program to address this problem.
Capital Improvement Plan
This section summarizes the recommended sanitary sewer system improvements
and presents a capital improvements plan that prioritizes the improvements and
provides a schedule for the timing of implementation. Budget cost estimates are
also summarized. Budget cost estimates are based on 2018 dollars and adjusted
annually at 3%.
Reconstruct Sanitary Sewer
If any Pipe settlements in excess of 4-inches are discovered by review and analyses
of the CCTV footage the pipe will be repaired by removing and replacing the settled
sections of pipe.
Rehabilitate Sanitary Sewer
If a significant amount root intrusion are discovered by review and analyses of the
CCTV footage the pipe will be rehabilitated through using trenchless methods.
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Falcon Heights 2040 Appendix C: Sanitary Sewer System
Appendix C │ Page 7
TABLE C2. COST ESTIMATES FOR SANITARY SEWER IMPROVEMENTS – SHORT, MEDIUM AND LONG
RANGE
Short-range Sanitary Sewer Improvements (0-5 years)
Project Estimated Cost
CCTV Sanitary Sewer Inspection $60,000
Reconstruct Sanitary Sewer $275,000
Rehabilitate Sanitary Sewer $310,000
Medium-range Sanitary Sewer Improvements (5-10 years)
Project Estimated Cost
CCTV Sanitary Sewer Inspection $134,000
Rehabilitation of Sanitary Sewer $385,000
Long-range Sanitary Sewer System Improvements (10-20+ years)
Project Estimated Cost
CCTV Sanitary Sewer Inspection $152,000
Rehabilitation of Sanitary Sewer $720,000
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Falcon Heights 2040 Appendix D: Surface Water Management Plan
Appendix C │ Page 1
1. SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
This primary purpose of this plan is twofold. First, the Plan serves to further
define the goals and policies that the City will follow as it continues to implement
a comprehensive surface water management program. These goals and policies
have been developed to support and facilitate the City to shape the character
and enhance the quality of life as described in the Comprehensive Plan.
Secondly, the Plan serves to meet state and local regulatory requirements.
There are two primary programs that establish the regulatory need to update the
City's Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan. First, Minnesota
Statutes, Sections 103B.201 to 103B.255 and Minnesota Rule, Chapter 8410
comprise the State’s Metropolitan Surface Water Management Program
(MSWMP). These Statutes and Rules require the preparation of watershed plans
by watershed management organizations (WMOs) and the preparation of local
(City) water management plans.
The purposes of the water management programs required by Minnesota
Statutes §103B.205 to 103B.255 are to:
• Protect, preserve and use natural surface and groundwater storage and
retention systems;
• Minimize public capital expenditures needed to correct flooding and water
quality problems;
• Identify and plan for means to effectively protect and improve surface and
groundwater quality;
• Establish more uniform local policies and official controls for surface and
groundwater management;
• Prevent erosion of soil into surface water systems;
• Promote groundwater recharge;
• Protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat and water recreational
facilities; and
• Secure the other benefits associated with the proper management of surface
and groundwater.
A third regulatory program, very much related to the goals, policies and
standards of this Plan, is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) Phase II Storm Water Permit Program for Municipal Separate Storm
Sewer Systems (MS4) that is administered in the State by the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The goals, policies and standards of this plan
were developed to be consistent with the requirements of the City’s NPDES MS4
permit and associated Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) as well as
the respective WMO plans. The implementation program included in this plan
and the SWPPP are intended to be a coordinated effort to realize combined
efficiencies.
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Appendix C │ Page 2
Plan Development
This Plan builds on the previous Plan adopted by the City in 2008. The previous
Plan established goals and policies, contained an assessment of issues and called
for implementation actions to address those issues. This CSWMP was developed
through a process of soliciting input from City Commissions, Council and the
public on water resources issues, specific problem areas and potential new topic
areas and/or actions that the plan should address. Input was obtained through a
series of meetings and providing plan information on the City’s stormwater web
page. A summary of those efforts follows:
• Environment Commission – 2 meetings
• Public Open House Meeting
• City Council Review and Adoption of the Plan
Sustainability
Falcon Heights is committed to the preservation and enhancement of its
environment, and to the principle that each generation of residents must meet
the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future residents to
meet their own needs. This approach to sustainability is a thread that is woven
throughout the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Upon adoption of this
Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan (CSWMP) by Council, the
CSWMP will become an integral component of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. As
in the Comprehensive Plan, this CSWMP will serve as a guide towards improving
sustainability across all aspects of the City’s surface water management program
and activities.
Stormwater Management System
The City’s storm sewer network and overall conveyance and treatment system is
in place. Future changes to the system will primarily involve retrofitting to address
flooding problems, to incorporate water quality treatment, or incorporate
improvements at the time of redevelopment. This public storm sewer system
consists of:
• 8 miles of pipe,
• 425 catch basins, manholes, and outlets,
• 4 ponds,
• 12 special features (underground infiltration, porous pavement, raingardens,
etc.)
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Appendix C │ Page 3
Water Resources
There are no lakes located within the City of Falcon Heights. Most of the surface water
runoff is conveyed into the surrounding cities through existing underground storm
sewer pipes.
Watershed Districts
The City of Falcon Heights falls under the jurisdiction of two watershed management
agencies. They are the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD), and the Capitol Region
Watershed District (CRWD). These Watershed Districts have jurisdictional authority
within the City, and therefore each must review and approve the City’s Plan to ensure
consistency with the respective Watershed District Plan.
Goals and Policies
The following table summarizes the goals related to surface water management in the
City of Falcon Heights. These goals are a reflection of the City Council’s desire to reach
and sustain a high quality of life for the City’s residents.
Goal Goal Statement
Goal 1 – Flood Protection and Runoff
Management
Provide flood protection to the maximum extent
practicable for all residents and structures and to
protect the integrity of our drainage and detention
systems through stormwater management
Goal 2 – Surface Water Protection Maintain or improve the water quality and ecological
integrity of the City’s lakes, ponds, and wetlands.
Goal 3 – Groundwater Protection Protect the quality and quantity of groundwater
through collaboration with local and state agencies
managing groundwater resources.
Goal 4 – Public Education and
Outreach
Promote stewardship and increase awareness of land
and water resources through public education and
outreach.
Goal 5 – Pollution Prevention and
Maintenance
Protect the quality of the City’s water resources
through pollution prevention, good housekeeping
practices, and routine maintenance.
Goal 6 – Coordination and
Collaboration
To simplify and streamline processes and draw upon
the expertise and resources of other local, state, and
federal agencies in water resources management
efforts.
Goal 7 – Sustainability Achieve the water quality and water resources needs
of the City based on the foundation of efficient use of
community resources. In this approach both capital
costs and long-term operational costs will be
considered as well as the overall costs of a given
project towards protection and/or improvement of
the City water resources.
Issues Assessment
Over the years since the first plan was developed, the City has made significant
improvements that reduce the extent of local flooding, provide water quality treatment
benefits and improve educational opportunities for its residents. A few of these example
projects are highlighted in the Plan.
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Appendix C │ Page 4
New water quality issues and concerns are emerging each year, requiring varying
levels of effort by the City to address. And, the ongoing maintenance and
operation of the storm water system has grown much more complex over
the years due to new regulations and a better understanding of what is
necessary to keep the stormwater management systems functioning properly.
Specific issues addressed in this plan include localized flooding issues, water
quality impairments; operation and maintenance; and education, outreach and
collaboration.
Implementation Program and Funding
The Implementation Program intended to provide guidance in carrying out the
Plan goals and objectives. The Implementation Program and funding section
summarizes capital improvement projects, studies and ongoing maintenance,
inspection, monitoring and other management activities. This Plan is intended to
serve the City for at least the next ten years and many of the program activities
will continue at least out to the year 2030.
Except for the activities that are taken from the City NPDES SWPPP, the
Implementation Program is not a hard and fast commitment to complete each and
every activity in the time frame suggested. Rather, it is a suggested course of action
that will help to accomplish the major goals of this plan.
The CSWMP is adopted by reference for the purpose of this Comprehensive Plan.
The CSWMP was approved by the Falcon Heights City Council on October 22, 2008.
OFFICIAL CONTROLS
City staff coordinates with watershed management organizations and other
outside agencies in water resource management and conservation efforts. The
City defers to the current RCWD and CRWD stormwater management permitting
program for projects within the City that are over 1 acre in disturbance. The City
requires applicants to provide documentation that they have obtained the
necessary permits from the watershed prior to issuing building permits.
Below are two official controls that the City uses to manage the City’s water
resources:
•Stormwater Utility: The City adopted the Storm Sewer Utility (see City Code
50-65) in 1993 to pay for the maintenance, operation, and improvement of
the City’s stormwater management system.
•Stormwater Management: City Code Chapter 107 was adopted in 2001 to
promote preserve and enhance the natural resources within the City and
protect them from adverse effects. This code section regulates stormwater
runoff, erosion and sediment control and fertilizer application.
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Appendix C │ Page 5
Amendment Process
1.1 Amendment Process
The Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan is intended to extend
approximately through the year 2027. In conjunction with this Plan, the NPDES
SWPPP activities will be reviewed and evaluated annually in a public meeting and
the permit program itself will be updated as required by the MPCA NPDES permit
program. For this plan to remain dynamic, an avenue must be available to
implement new information, ideas, methods, standards, management practices,
and any other changes which may affect the intent and/or results of this Plan.
Amendment proposals can be requested at any time by any person or persons
either residing or having business within the City.
1.1.1 Request for Amendments
Any individual can complete a written request for a Plan amendment and submit
the request to City staff. The request shall outline the specific items or sections of
the Plan requested to be amended, describe the basis and need for the
amendment and explain the desired result of the amendment towards improving
the management of surface water within the City. Following the initial request,
staff may request that additional materials be submitted in order for staff to make
a fully-informed decision on the request.
The City may also initiate an amendment to respond to amendment to a local
watershed organization plan or following the completion and approval of a TMDL
implementation plan.
1.1.2 Staff Review
Following a request for Plan amendments, staff will make a decision as to the
completeness and validity of the request. If additional information is needed by
staff to determine the validity of the request, staff will generally respond to the
requestor within 30-60 days of receiving the request.
Following receipt of sufficient information such that validity of the request can be
evaluated, there are three options which are described below:
a. Reject the amendment. Staff will reject the amendment if the request reduces,
or has the potential to reduce, the Plan’s ability to achieve the goals and
policies of the Plan, or will result in the Plan no longer being consistent with
one or more of the watershed district’s plans.
b. Accept the amendment as a minor issue, with minor issues collectively added
to the plan at a later date. These changes will generally be clarifications of plan
provisions or to incorporate new information available after the adoption of
the 2018 Plan. Minor changes will generally be evaluated on the potential of
the request to help staff better implement and achieve the goals and policies
the Plan. Minor issues will not result in formal amendments but will be tracked
and incorporated formally into the Plan at the time any major changes are
approved.
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Appendix C │ Page 6
c. Accept the amendment as a major issue, with major issues requiring an
immediate amendment. In acting on an amendment request, staff should
recommend to the City Council whether or not a public hearing is warranted.
In general, any requests for changes to the goals and policies or the
development standards established in the Plan will be considered major
amendments.
Staff will make every attempt to respond to the request within 30-60 days of
receiving sufficient information from the requestor. The timeframe will allow staff
to evaluate the request internally and gather input from the WD/WMOs and other
technical resources, as needed. The response will describe the staff
recommendation and which of the three categories the request falls into. The
response will also outline the schedule for actions, if actions are needed to
complete the requested amendment.
1.1.3 Watershed District Approval
All proposed major amendments must be reviewed and approved by the
appropriate Watershed Districts prior to final adoption of the amendments. Major
amendments would include changes to the goals and policies of the Plan. Staff will
review the proposed amendments with the WDs to determine if the change is a
major amendment and if determined to be major amendment, then will assess the
ability of the requested amendment to maintain consistency with WD plans.
1.1.4 City Council Consideration
Major amendments and the need for a public hearing will be determined by staff
and if identified as a major amendment, the request will be considered at a regular
or special City Council meeting. Staff recommendations will be considered before
decisions on appropriate action(s) are made. The requestor will be given an
opportunity to present the basis for, and intended outcomes of, the request at the
public hearing and will be notified of the dates of all official actions relating to the
request.
1.1.5 Public Hearing and City Council Action
The initiation of a public hearing will allow for public input or input based on public
interest in the requested amendment. City Council, with staff recommendations,
will determine when the public hearing should occur in the process. Consistent
with other formal City Council actions and based on the public hearing, City Council
would adopt the amendment(s), deny the amendment(s) or take other action.
1.1.6 City Council Adoption
Final action on any major amendments, following approval by the Watershed
Districts, is Council adoption. Prior to the adoption, an additional public hearing
may be held to review the Plan changes and notify the appropriate stakeholders.
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair __________________________
The City That Soars!
Item Fire Services and Inspections for the City of Lauderdale
Description
The City has provided the City of Lauderdale Fire Services for over 14 years. The
current agreement included a readiness to serve calculation that needs to be review
to make sure that it meets the needs of our community.
The City of Lauderdale have requested that we look at more of a stable cost and get
away from the monthly billing because it is time consuming to staff.
Budget Impact The purpose is to stabilize the Fire Department Budget because of current and
future needs.
Attachment(s) · Fire Contract Agreement
· Fire Service Calculations
· Annual Fire and Inspection Services Letter
Action(s)
Requested
Staff is looking for further direction. This was discussed in 2016 and staff was
directed to review the current contract for the City of Lauderdale.
Meeting Date June 6, 2018
Agenda Item Policy D3
Attachment N/A
Submitted By Sack Thongvanh, City Administrator
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City of Lauderdal Fire Services**
Estimates Readiness to Serve Actual Fire Calls Actual Total*Capital Share 757***
Proposed 2018 43,944 18,194 N/A N/A 2,250
2017 43,585 17,835 14,105 31,940 2,250
2016 41,910 16,160 12,432 28,592 2,250
2015 33,153 15,053 10,069 25,122 2,250
2014 33,003 14,903 19,612 34,515 2,250
2013 31,740 15,890 12,357 28,247
2012 32,984 16,484 25,880 42,363
2011 34,185 16,869 15,097 31,966
2010 34,326 17,010 11,406 28,415
2009 35,130 17,813 16,899 34,712
2008 35,597 18,281 12,700 30,980
*Does not include Capital Share - revenue is applied to Debt Service
**This also inludes Fire Inspection Services
*** Last Payment for Lauderdale will be 2023
FIRE CALLS
Falcon Heights Lauderdale Total % of Calls for Lauderdale
2017 68 48 116 41%
2016 81 36 117 31%
2015 0 #DIV/0!
2014 77 38 115 33%
FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET (FUND 124)
2018 170,257
2017 153,970 63,712
2016 150,510 46,311
2015 153,080
2014 120,570 39,841
COST BASED ON PERCENTAGE OF CALLS TO BUDGET
2017 63,712
2016 46,311
2015 #DIV/0!
2014 39,841
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August 30, 2017 Heather Butkowski City Administrator City of Lauderdale 1891 Walnut Street Lauderdale, MN 55113 Dear Heather:
On behalf of the Mayor Councilmembers and firefighters of Falcon Heights, I want to express our enthusiasm for continuing our long-term relationship in sharing fire services. As you know, this
has been a cost-effective way of providing services to both of our communities, and we look forward to serving Lauderdale in 2018.
Per the Agreement for Fire Services between the City of Falcon Heights and the City of Lauderdale signed in 2013, the below serves as the costs for the City of Lauderdale in 2018 as defined in the said agreement. 1. Readiness to serve:
The readiness to serve factor covers partial cost for guaranteeing fire service. This is billed in January 2018. Estimated 2017 Market Value $187,127,700
X Multiplier .00009723
Total $18,194.43
2. Fire Inspection Services: The City of Falcon Heights will continue to provide Fire Inspection services to Lauderdale in 2018 at the following estimated rate (no change):
Estimated budget is $25.00 per hour X 140 hours=$3,500.00
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3. Response to fire calls and false alarms:
0-45 Minutes 46-120 Minutes 121-360 Minutes Over 360 Minutes
(Extreme)
Fire Call
(per truck)
$457.68 $457.68 $893.83 $1,420.03
Identified False Alarm (per call)
$228.85 $457.68 Not Applicable Not Applicable
4. Capital Payment for 2016 Replacement of Truck 757
$2,250 annually based upon the updated 2013 Fire Agreement.
5.Estimated total costs:
Capital Share (Last Payment 2023) $2,250
Readiness to Serve $18,194 Fire Inspections $3,500
Fire Protection $20,000 (estimate) Total Estimate: $43,944
We are very pleased to be continuing our service to Lauderdale in this capacity. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at (651) 792-7611 or sack.thongvanh@falconheights.org.
Sincerely,
Sack Thongvanh City Administrator
cc: Roland Olson
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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Families, Fields and Fair __________________________
The City That Soars!
Item Community Survey
Description
The intent of the survey is to get a baseline for ongoing analysis to help the City
understand the current and future needs of the community.
Budget Impact N/A
Attachment(s) · Draft Community Survey
Action(s)
Requested
Staff is looking for further direction.
Meeting Date June 6, 2018
Agenda Item Policy D4
Attachment N/A
Submitted By Sack Thongvanh, City Administrator
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1
Falcon Heights City Survey
Introduction
The city of Falcon Heights wants your opinions and insights about city services. Please take 15-20
minutes to complete this survey regarding services. Please keep in mind that these questions do not
cover all available topics in order to ensure that as many people take the survey as possible. All
information received from the survey is confidential and will be treated with the utmost
professionalism. To begin the survey please click on the link below (change for mail introduction) FOR
MAIL: Please return your completed survey in the next two weeks (insert date) by using the postage-
paid envelope provided. If you have questions, please contact Sack Thongvanh at (651)792-7611 or
sack.thongvanh@falconheights.org.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
_________________________
_________________________
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2
First, some general questions.
1) Approximately how many years have you lived in Falcon Heights?
0-1
1
2
3
4
5
6-10
11-15
16-20
21-25
26+
Don’t Know/Refused
2) As things stand now, how long in the future do you expect to live in Falcon Heights?
Less than 2 years
2-5 years
6-10 years
Over 10 years
Don’t Know/Refused
3) How would you rate the quality of life in Falcon Heights?
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
4) What do you like most, if anything, about living in Falcon Heights?
Close to Family
Close to Work
Schools
Parks/Trails/Open Spaces
Shopping
Quiet and peaceful
Convenient overall location
Neighborhood/Housing
Safe
Friendly people
Nothing
Other: [Provide a text box so they can type in the response]
Commented [ST1]: If Fair or Poor skip to can you provide more information regarding why you answered fair or poor?
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Don’t Know/Refused
5) Did you move to Falcon Heights from a different county or state in the past year?
Yes
No
Refused
6) Does your neighborhood have a block club or block club liaison?
Yes
No
Don’t Know
7) Did you attend a neighborhood block party/event in the past year?
Yes
No
8) Did you attend/participate in any of these city sponsored events in the past two years? (Check al
that apply)
Ice Cream Social
Spring Together
Community resilience events
Human Rights Day
Fire Department Open House
City Council Meeting
City Commission Meeting (Environment, Planning, Community Engagement, Parks)
Parks and Recreation Program
Community Conversation
9) Do you know the name and phone number of the following neighbors?
Next door neighbor Yes No
Neighbor across street/hall Yes No
Neighbor on other side of alley/block Yes No
10) How would you most prefer to receive information about Falcon Heights government activities?
E-mail
Local newspapers
Twice a year mailed newsletters
City website
Cable television
Word of mouth
Pioneer Press
City Facebook page
Commented [ST2]: [Sack, when programming the survey I would make it so that no one question was required to
move on to the next question. We will get more data this way and fewer break-off’s.]
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Twitter
Nextdoor
Other: [ ]
Now we would like to ask a few questions regarding public safety.
11) Please tell me which one of the following you consider to be the greatest concern in Falcon
Heights? If you feel that none of these problems are serious in Falcon Heights you can choose
“None”
Violent crime
Drugs and/or alcohol
Youth crime and/or vandalism
Automobile break-ins
Shoplifting or check fraud
Burglary or theft
Speeding
Identity theft
All equally
None
Don’t Know/Refused
12) How would you rate the amount of patrolling the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department does in
your neighborhood? Would you say they do
Too much
About the right amount
Not enough
Don’t Know/Refused
13) For each of the following, please indicate whether you would rate the quality of the service as
Excellent, Good, Fair or Poor?
Police protection
Fire protection
Emergency medical services
Sewer and water
Drainage and flood control
Building inspections
Animal control
Code enforcement
[For anything ranked poor or fair a follow-up open-end question of can you explain why you
gave ______________ a rating of fair or poor?]
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Now some questions regarding characteristics of a community.
14) For each of the following, please indicate if you think Falcon Heights currently has too many, too
few or about the right amount.
Too many Too few About the right amount
a. Affordable rental units
b. Market rate rental units
c. Condominiums
d. Townhomes
e. Affordable owner-occupied housing
f. Higher cost housing
g. Assisted living for seniors
h. Parks and open spaces
i. Trails and bikeways
j. Service and retail establishments
k. Entertainment and dining opportunities
15) The city has faced financial challenges in the last 1-2 years and faces potential challenges in the
future. In general, would you prefer that the city meet these budget challenges by (Check all
that apply or only one?)
Reducing or eliminating services
Raising taxes
Seek outside funding opportunities/partnerships
A combination of the above
1&2
1&3
2&3
Something else: [Please explain]
16) Would you be interested in volunteering for any aspect of community engagement or
community events?
Yes [Are you comfortable sharing your contact information? If so, please provide here or
contact _________________ at ______________@falconheights.org for more information on
opportunities]
No
Don’t Know/Refused
17) What is your style of engagement that fits your personality? (Check all that apply)
Auditory or listening
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Visual
Group
Experiential
A combination of the above
Other: Please explain
Now some environment-related questions.
18) Do you support or oppose a curbside collection program for compostable waste for an
additional fee?
Strongly support
Somewhat support
Neither support nor oppose
Somewhat oppose
Strongly oppose
Need more details before forming an opinion
Don’t Know/Refused
19) Do you support or oppose re-visiting single trash hauling for the city?
Strongly support
Somewhat support
Neither support nor oppose
Somewhat oppose
Strongly oppose
Need more details before forming an opinion
Don’t Know/Refused
20) How would you rate the general condition and appearance of Falcon Heights?
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
[If Fair or Poor can you explain why you gave _______________ a rating of fair or poor?]
21) What makes you proud to live in Falcon Heights?
22) What do you consider to be Falcon Height’s top three environmental strengths?
23) What do you consider to be Falcon Height’s top three environmental weaknesses or
opportunities?
The next few questions are in regard to property taxes, city engagement, the quality of city services and
satisfaction with city staff and leadership.
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24) When you consider the property taxes you pay and the quality of city services you receive,
would you rate the general value of city services as
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
[If Fair or Poor can you explain why you gave _____________ a rating of fair or poor?]
25) Do you feel accepted in the city of Falcon Heights?
Yes
No
Don’t Know/Refused
26) Please rate your sense of feeling connected in the City of Falcon Heights?
Very connected
Somewhat connected
Neither connected nor disconnected
Somewhat disconnected
Very disconnected
27) What are some ways in which you think the city could improve inclusivity? [ ]
28) From what you know, do you approve or disapprove of the job the Mayor and City Council are
doing?
Strongly Approve
Somewhat Approve
Approve
Neither Approve nor Disapprove
Strongly Disapprove
Somewhat Disapprove
Disapprove
Don’t Know/Refused
29) From what you have heard or seen, how would you rate the job performance of the Falcon
Heights city staff?
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Commented [ST3]: If disapprove rating, Why do you feel that way?
Commented [ST4]: If Fair or poor why do you feel that
way?
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The last few questions are for demographic purposes only and to help better understand the
needs of Falcon Heights residents.
30) Please tell me how many people in each of the following age groups live in your household.
None One Two Three or more
a.) Adults 65 or over
b.) Adults between 50-64
c.) Adults between 18-49
d.) School-age children and preschoolers
31) Do you own or rent your present residence?
Own
Rent
Refused
32) Which of the following describes your age range?
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
33) Which of the following categories represents your ethnicity?
White
Black or African American
Hispanic or Latino
Asian or Pacific Islander
Native American
Mixed-Bi-Racial
Something Else [Please Describe]
Don’t Know
Refused
34) What is your gender identification?
Female
Male
Transgender
Other, please describe:
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Refused
35) What is your age?
18 -24 years old
23-34 years old
35- 44 years old
45-54 years old
55-64 years old
65-74 years old
75 years or older
36) What is the highest degree or level of school you have completed? If currently enrolled, highest
degree received.
No school completed
Nursey School to 8th grade
Some high School, no diploma
High School Graduate, diploma or the equivalent (ex. GED)
Some college credit, but no degree.
Trade/technical vocational Training
Associate degree
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree
Professional degree
Doctorate degree
37) What was your total household income before taxes during the past 12 months?
Less than $25,000
$25,001 to $34,999
$35,000 to $49,999
$50,000 to 74,999
$75,000 to $99,999
$100,000 to $149,999
$150,000 or more
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey.
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