02-09-00 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 9, 2000 Pedersen felt that the design elements developed by Michael Schroeder could be used even if the street surface itself is narrower. The City Administrator pointed out that the need to get the project out for bid. He suggested that the project could be ordered, and that he would contact Michael Schroeder and request some concept sketches for the intersection which the Council could review at their February 23"~ meeting. Fahey again mentioned eliminating the medians. Scalze pointed out the medians along County Road E in Vadnais Heights and the attractive parkway area that they create. Morelan was concerned that the City would be short-sighted if it proceeded with the narrower improvement at this time, only to have to widen the road in a couple of years. LaValle pointed out that if a major redevelopment occurs in this area, the additional $200,000 to widen the road will not be a major obstacle to the redevelopment project. Again, Fahey indicated that he was not convinced that the road had to be widened when the area redevelops. Fahey noted that Little Canada Road is being designed to 9-ton standards, and the road will be able to handle a lot of traffic. The City Administrator indicated that lie could not advocate the wider road given that it would result in the City having to acquire The Venetian Inn property. The Administrator felt that from a financial standpoint, the City was better off to go with the alternate improvement at this time and address the need for a wider road at the time the area redevelops. He noted that the road improvement alternate being discussed does not preclude the ability to enhance the project in the future. Fahey suggested that the median near Rice Street be eliminated at this time, but that the other two further east on Little Canada Road remain. The City Engineer described the medians in detail pointing out that two of the medians will have areas that can be landscaped. Fahey pointed out that eliminating the median by The Venetian Inn will provide more flexibility for ingress and egress. Pedersen felt the median should remain in order to control traffic at the intersection. LaValle felt there was no problem with traffic flow out of The Venetian property, therefore, the median was not necessary. Scalze stated that she did not want to create a dangerous situation, and if the City Engineer feels the road would be safer with the median, than that is what she would support. 10