08-24-11 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 24, 2011 construction, rated existing traffic at an "F ", which is the lowest rating possible. McGraw asked hypothetically what will happen if the Metro Transit's forecasts would too low and traffic is too heavy for the area. How would the problem be rectified? Plumb reported that the traffic study anticipates a 30% increase in traffic in this area through 2033. He indicated that if traffic is heavier than forecasted, chances are there would be breakdowns in other parts of the transportation system. If that happens, there will be major problems in the entire area. Plumb reported that the regional traffic forecasting data they use in their modeling is very detailed and based on projected growth. Plumb noted that St. Paul and Minneapolis are fully developed, therefore, additional traffic from these cities is projected to be minimal with increases coming from suburban areas. Plumb reported that this forecasting data is constantly being updated. Blesener pointed out that the stop lights in this the area and asked if programming could take into consideration the increased traffic at peak rush hour times. Plumb reported that he works with signal timing and indicated that the newer traffic lights have the capability to adjust based on traffic volumes. Joe Rauscher, Joe's Sporting Goods, reported that they hear concerns from their customers about access at County Road B and Rice Street. Blesener described the traffic flow through the reconstructed intersection and pointed out the resulting improvement in moving the ramps to the north side of the bridge. McGraw asked the vehicle stacking capacity on Rice Street to the ramp. Plumb estimated stacking capacity of 50 vehicles versus the 5 or 6 that previously could be accommodated. The City Administrator reported that the 2005 -2006 park and ride proposal was for a 400 stall lot. Based on the concerns expressed by St. Jude Medical at that time, the project did not proceed. The Administrator pointed out that St. Jude Medical was key in getting the Rice Street /Highway 36 bridge project funded. He noted the vast improvements resulting from this project. The Administrator also reported that Ramsey County has indicated their support for the current park and ride proposal. He indicated that St. Jude expressed their support of the park and ride project, but indicated that they would not have supported it if it were not for the new bridge. Sandy Hessner, Roseville resident, expressed concern about the loss of trees from both the bridge project and the park and ride project. She was concerned about the resulting impact on property values. Hessner was also concerned about overflow from the park and ride parking on the 7