11-13-1996 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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515 Little Canada Road, Little Canada, MN 55117 -1600 (612) 484 -2177 / FAX: (612) 484 -4538 NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING MINUTES BLUWOOD AVENUE STREET IMPROVEMENT OCTOBER 29, 1996 - 7:45 P.M. MAYOR Michael 1. Fahey COUNCIL Beverly Scalze Jim taValle Steve Moreton Bob Pedersen ADMINISTRATOR Joel R. Hanson Attendance: Paul Heuer, Bonestroo & Associates; Harlan Olson, Bonestroo & Associates; Scott Tangen, Public Works Director, and Joel Hanson, City Administrator. The City Administrator welcomed those in attendance. He explained that the City periodically reviews streets for reconstruction and recommends those needing work to the Council for consideration. For those streets where reconstruction is warranted, a neighborhood meeting is held to review the proposed project and receive the input of affected residents. He stated Bluwood Avenue has deteriorated to the point where attention is warranted. Staff acknowledged this street doesn't necessarily have to be reconstructed immediately, but that day is rapidly approaching. The cul -de -sac issue also contributes to the need for this project. Paul Heuer then explained the proposed project. He said the roadway would be proposed to be 28 feet wide in width with a 40 -foot paved diameter cul -de -sac at the west end. Two fire hydrants would be installed (one at Lakeshore Avenue, one mid - block) to improve fire protection to the area. The City Engineer also noted that it may be advantageous to the property owners to have the extra right -of -way vacated to abutting properties. Residents questioned why a cul- de-sac is being proposed. This person stated a school bus cannot turn around in a 40 -foot radius cul -de -sac. In fact, drivers prefer not to have curb and gutter because it makes it tough for them to back up. The City Administrator noted that a cul -de -sac is not being proposed to accommodate school buses, but rather to accommodate the turn arounds of the majority of vehicles using this street. The roadway currently does not have an acceptable turn - around situation, and the City feels a responsibility to improve it when the road is reconstructed. Those present indicated that a new street is not needed. That curb and gutter only improves property values by about $500. The street improvements will result in higher traffic speeds as evidenced by the fact that Lakeshore Avenue is now a race track. The question was raised if sod would be included in the restoration process. The City Administrator stated that sod is planned for the project, but we would gladly consider other options given the difficulties in having sod established after the 30 -day period the contractor is responsible for. Page 50