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mIN uT~s <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />APRIL 24, 2002 <br />Scalze suggested that ponding be provided along the freeway. <br />Discussion focused on the pari< and ride facility that is proposed as part of the <br />redevelopment of the County site. It was noted that there is some opposition in the <br />City of Shoreview to this facility. Fifield noted that Metro Transit would like a park <br />and ride facility in this area and have budgeted as well as grant dollars set aside for <br />the project. Fifield indicated that the County is proposing to sell its property and <br />recycle the dollars generated from Che sale into affordable housing. Fifield indicated <br />that they are hoping to find a project equilibrium between the various parties <br />involved. <br />Tolaas indicated that reconstruction of the interchange is scheduled for 2004 and the <br />Unweave the Weave project is scheduled for 2005. Tolaas pointed out the traffic <br />problems that will result during the construction of the Unweave the Weave project. <br />'therefore, it is critical To get the 694/Rice Street interchange functioning at a good <br />level prior to Unweave the Weave. Tolaas stated that the County will need to begin <br />acquiring properties for the 694/Rice Street project in January of 2003. Therefore, he <br />needs to Know if the City is willing to shift Countt'y Drive. <br />Scalze asked about the designation of the rail lines as commuter rail. Tolaas stated <br />that that issue is off in the distance at this point, and also pointed out that while a <br />commuter rail system is a nice element, it will not significantly alter traffic <br />congestion. <br />Scalze asked about the number of lanes planned for G94. Tolaas noted that 694 will <br />have a total of 6 lanes in the Rice Street area. He further noted that 694 will remain <br />in its existing corridor and will not expand its con~idor as it will in the Unweave the <br />Weave project. <br />Again, the issue of run-off was discussed and Tolaas indicated that the County will <br />prepare an Enviromnental Assessment Sheet on this project and will have to identify <br />run-off and ensure that it is treated. <br />Fahey suggested that run-ofFgenerated in the Cities of Shoreview and Vadnais <br />Heights be captured and treated in those cities and not funneled into Little Canada_ <br />Fahey pointed out that there will be no significant redevelopment benefit to Little <br />Canada as a result of this project that justifies Little Canada becoming a major <br />holding pond for these two cities. <br />Fifield reported that the quadrants around the 694/Rice Street intersection are all <br />interrelated. <br />Fahey pointed out that if the City is expected to acquire the right-of-way for the <br />relocation of Country Drive, Little Canada ends up with one or two redevelopment <br />sites. Fahey suggested the City will end up with little or no gain for its efforts, and <br />