01-28-2015 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JANUARY 28, 2015 doses the Woodlyn Avenue crossing. He noted, however, that the business owners in the area are not supportive of the closure of the crossing. The Administrator stated that the goal is to get the project completed this fall. McKenzie reported that the railroad is holding a spot for this project with the goal of completing it this fall. The City Administrator reported that the City of Maplewood has inquired about the quiet zone process, specifically related to the improvement on the County Road B crossing. He noted that the cost of upgrading that particular crossing is estimated at $246,000, and suggested that Maplewood may be willing to contribute towards this cost. The Administrator indicated that he would approach Maplewood and make this request if directed to do so by the Council. It was the consensus of the Council that Maplewood should be asked to contribute toward the cost of the County Road B crossing improvement given the benefit that their citizens would receive from the quiet zone. The Administrator noted that the City of Roseville had some discussions with the former Mayor relative to the quiet zone process, and that City may be willing to participate in the cost as well. The Council directed the City Administrator to request cost participation from Roseville also. With regard to the Woodlyn Avenue crossing, the Administrator reported that the City Engineer, Dave McKenzie, and he met with property owners in the Woodlyn area to discuss the possible closing of the railroad crossing. Property owners were informed that if Woodlyn were closed, a new street improvement would be put in bringing access in from South Owasso Blvd. The Administrator noted that the majority of property owners did not support the closing if the crossing and did support the four quadrant gate improvement. There was a great deal of discussion about the potential redevelopment of the Woodlyn/South Owasso area. The City Administrator indicated that although he felt the ideal situation was to close Woodlyn and put in a new access road and utilities at this time. However, he was not sure it was worth the risk without a redevelopment project in hand. The Administrator also pointed out that McGough has not been an active player in planning for redevelopment of the area, which includes their property. McGraw asked what the City would have to provide McGough in terms of assistance. The City Administrator replied that the City would not be required to provide any assistance. McGough would be responsible for redevelopment of their site including the needed infrastructure. The City may deem it worthwhile to participate depending on the nature of the project. He again emphasized that we would not be "required" to participate. The Administrator also noted that McGough will have to work out some access issues to their site. 3