01-11-2017 Workshop Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP JANUARY 11, 2017 Street and Highway 36. He noted there is also a major CenturyLink fiber optic line running through the project area. He explained that they have looked at several design options, and roundabouts work best because they eliminate turn lanes and keep traffic moving through. Mr. Benson showed the various designs with different numbers of legs at the intersections and where the intersections are located. He noted that some roundabout locations impact the businesses more than others, but all of the locations worked equally well. He stated that studies show that if nothing is done, by 2040 the traffic will move much slower through this corridor than it does now, and that using signal lights will not improve the future traffic flow. He reported that they have been meeting with a working group of City Staff members from Little Canada, Shoreview and Vadnais Heights, and are now meeting with each of the three City Councils. The City Administrator stated the working group wants to build the right road so that it actually functions, and some properties will be impacted no matter what is built. He noted that Little Canada business owner Frank Frattalone, who has a lot of large truck traffic using the Rice Street and Country Drive intersection, looked at the roundabout design and said it would work for his vehicles. Fischer stated his concern is that the constant flow of Rice Street traffic, particularly during rush hour, will make it hard for cars coming from the cross streets to get into the roundabout unless someone lets you in. McGraw questioned the value of what is left of the affected properties after the construction. Ms. Engum stated that they just never know what will happen, or how much it will cost, when dealing with businesses and land taking. The City Administrator stated the working group feels that the best roadway design needs to be built and the businesses will need to adapt. Ms. Engum stated that they should get a decision on their federal funding request in January 2017, and the County is holding an open house in February for the public, and project staff are meeting with adjacent property owners in the spring and summer of 2017. She explained that if all goes well, construction could begin as soon as in the spring of 2019. There is Council consensus to support the Rice Street/I-694 bridge reconstruction project, and using roundabouts. There being no further business, the workshop was adj urnedd at 7:25 p.m. 'l/ 1,4 o K is, Mayor Attest: Qf1son, City Admims ra"�