11-21-11 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 21, 2011 asked if the medians had to be as long as proposed. Auge reported that the lengths proposed are designed to handle traffic volumes 20 years out — to 2033. Dave Tulgren asked if the medians had to be added. Auge replied that the medians are being added as a safety measure. The medians are not required, but are typical for a County project. Tulgren asked if there have been many accidents at the intersections. Auge did not have that information. He indicated that it would be difficult to add the medians latter. Discussion focused on the area of the project near Brady's and Hoggsbreath. Auge reported that initially the plan was for Brady's and Hoggsbreath to share a driveway. However, the property owners have indicated their desire for separate driveways, and Auge reported that that change would be made. It was pointed out that the Brady's property is two separate parcels, and Jim Tulgren indicated his intention to retain the property as two separate parcels. With regard to the Hoggsbreath property, Auge noted that there are three driveway accesses to that site, one on Rice Street and two on Demont Avenue. Auge indicated that the plan would be to move the Demont Avenue drive closest to Rice Street further hack consolidating the two Demont driveways into one. Tom Duray, Hoggsbreath, stated that he did not want to lose any of his driveways, including the drives for his Papa Murphy's site. Duray suggested that the drives be moved back to meet the 60 foot distance requirement from an intersection. Auge indicated that the County can look at the drives and give Duray some layouts to review. Auge reported that the project will have to meet Watershed District rules relative to ponding and water treatment. Those details have not yet been figured out. Auge pointed out that the County cannot direct water into the existing wetland in Little Canada. He also reported that there will be a retaining wall constructed along the west side of this wetland. Auge pointed out that the Gas N Go property at Rice Street and County Road C has three driveways, one on Rice Street and two on County Road C. One of the County Road C driveways is very close to the intersection. Auge also reported that the gas tanks are very close to Rice Street (about 5 feet from the right -of- way) and will likely need to be relocated. The site is very tight, and relocating the tanks, changing driveway access points, etc. will be very difficult to do so that the site can continue to function. Auge reported that the County has hired someone who specializes in gas station site layout, and suggested that this be done in the ease of Gas N Go as well. Keis asked if the County will be paying for the relocation of the gas tanks. Auge reported that the City would be expected to pay this cost as it falls in the category of right-of-way acquisition. The City Administrator reported that in the County's projects where Federal money is involved, Federal money is used 3