08-13-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 13, 2014 property, a use agreement will need to be entered into with CP to maintain the signals, and approval of the final design for the roadway improvements is necessary. McKenzie then reviewed a chart outlining the risk index by crossing in the City, noting that based on the average risk assessment, center medians are not needed at any of the crossings. He pointed out, however, that the national risk index for the Woodlyn crossing is slightly higher than the study's index level. Should the national risk index change, that could impact the need for medians at that crossing. McKenzie also noted that the option of closing the Woodlyn crossing is being explored. In meeting with property owners in this area, the consensus of the property owners was to not close off Woodlyn Avenue. The City Administrator reported that meetings have been held with all the property owners in this area, except for the McGough property. While some of the property owners initially thought closing the road might make sense, the consensus was to keep the existing crossing. The Administrator felt this issue merited more study and analysis, and indicated that that can be done as the Quiet Zone process moves forward. The Administrator also noted that MN DOT felt that closing Woodlyn Avenue made sense, but noted that the way the bonding legislation is written, there is little flexibility in the way the bonding dollars can be spent. The Administrator indicated that he asked MN DOT if Woodlyn is closed, if the dollars that would have been used for crossing improvements at that location could be used for road improvement instead. It appears that would not be an option based on the legislation. The Administrator indicated that the City may need to seek some additional legislation to provide more flexibility in the use of these dollars. Montour asked if the County would participate in the cost of crossing improvements on their roads. The Administrator indicated that based on the County's policies, he did not believe there would be County participation. McKenzie noted that the budget estimate for improvements at each crossing is $250,000. However, actual costs could range from $200,000 to $275,000 per crossing. A double gated system at Woodlyn could cost up to $400,000. Montour noted that Shoreview has already declared Quiet Zones at their Lexington and Victoria crossings. McKenzie replied that that is correct, but noted that signals were already in place at Lexington and only some median and signage work was required. Victoria was already under reconstruction. Shoreview has two additional crossings that will require major improvements in order to declare Quiet Zones. 4