01-09-2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 9, 2002 the highway rather than have the project impact the Edgerton Street and County Road D property owners. The Director reported that MN DOT has hired a technical consulting firm that is studying the various options and will be making a recommendation. Once that happens, MN DOT will involve property owners in the process. However, this would be an appropriate time for the City to communicate its position. Fahey stated that he did not support raising Edgerton Street, and felt that project costs should not be a primary concern pointing out the significant impact on Little Canada property owners. Fahey felt other options should be explored to minimize the impact on Little Canada. Scalze asked if LaBore Road would be raised. The Director reported that MN DOT has not gotten to that point yet, pointing out that the Edgerton Bridge is the first one that will be reconstructed. Fahey pointed out that Little Canada was heavily impacted when 35E was constructed through Che heart of the City. Fahey felt that Che Council needed to protect the City from further damage. "fhe City Administrator pointed out that there are aheady some difficult grades on the southeast corner of Edgerton Street and County Road D as well as a property that has generated ongoing code enforcement problems. The Administrator pointed out that the if the street grade changes and MN DOT has to purchase this property, it would resolve some problems for the City. The Administrator also pointed out previous discussion that in order to facilitate a powerline Crail connection across Edgerton Street, it may be necessary to put in a tunnel under the street. The Administrator indicated drat it may be possible to require this tunnel as part of the bridge project. Scalze pointed out that there is also a house on the southwest corner of EdgerCOn and County Road D that would be affected by the project. Fahey stated that he did not know the City should take advantage of the Edgerton Street bridge reconstruction to resolve code enforcement problems. Scalze pointed out that the people along the freeway may be receptive to the possibility of being bought out given their close proximity to the freeway. Fahey pointed out that if these properties ate bought out, the City would lose tax revenue and he left with a high grade in that area, while the State saves project costs. Fahey felt that the State needed to explore other alternatives and that cost should noC be the driving force in making their decision. Mr. Fahey introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: