03-09-2022 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MARCH 9, 2022 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION FOR FUNDING FOR A NEW TWIN LAKE BOULEVARD SIDEWALK The Public Works Director reported that City staff has been in communication with Ramsey County Community Development staff regarding the availability of Community Development Block Grant funding for a sidewalk along Twin Lake Boulevard. He noted this is the same program that the city received funding from for the sidewalk installation along Allen Avenue in 2020. He explained that Twin Lake Boulevard is scheduled in the Capital Improvement Plan for roadway improvements in 2023 by both Little Canada and Vadnais Heights. He stated there is also a new multi -family housing development scheduled to begin construction this summer, and as part of the development agreement for that project, the developer will likely be installing sidewalk or trail along the road in front of the development. He noted that the City has heard from numerous residents in the area that are in favor of a pedestrian amenity along Twin Lake Boulevard for safety purposes, and the increased number of potential walkers and bikers from the multi -family housing development increases the need for some type of amenity. The Public Works Director stated that staff has prepared a conceptual layout and cost estimate for a pedestrian amenity along the roadway. He reported the total conceptual cost is $1 million with the cost being split almost evenly between Little Canada and Vadnais Heights. He stated the City will be submitting the application for $500,000 in CDBG funds; however, it is likely that an award amount would be less than the amount requested. He noted that City staff will continue to look for other grants to help fund this project. Additionally, Vadnais Heights city staff supports Little Canada's efforts in pursuing funds. Torkelson introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOL UTION NO. 2022-3-38 — APPROVE THE RESOL UTION IN SUPPORT OF TWIN LAKE BOULEVARD SIDEWALK IMMPROVEMENTS COMMUNITYDEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Keis. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. RE-ESTABLISHING LITTLE CANADA VOTING PRECINCTS AND POLLING PLACES The City Clerk explained that following the 2020 Census, each state is required to go through a re- districting process to establish boundaries for 8 seats in the US House of Representatives, and the State House and Senate. She reported that the state legislature is given the first opportunity to establish potential boundaries, but the legislature did not meet their obligation and district boundaries were established by a court ordered panel. She stated State statute 204B.14 Election Precincts, then gives authority to municipalities to consider re-establishing existing precincts, or update them. She stated that Little Canada will see changes at the state level, but the new Senate and Legislative districts still keep the entire city within their boundaries, so there is no reason that Little Canada has to make any precinct boundary changes. She explained that cities can make their own determinations on how many precincts there are and where the polling places are based on their ability to manage that number. She stated that staff does not recommend making any changes to the three current precincts, boundaries or the polling places. 9