05-23-2016 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION May 2, 2016 DRAFT 2 some the city of Blaine, and that they were notified that the council would be discussing 46 the matter this evening. She introduced Anoka County Engineer Doug Fisher. 47 48 Mr. Fisher told the council that the intersection has been problematic and the county has 49 been seeking improvements for some time and is committed to moving ahead with a 50 project now. They have looked at different options, sought funding from other levels, and 51 worked out joint powers agreements with the impacted cities. Through engineering 52 analysis they have come forward with the proposed project. Major considerations 53 through the process of planning this project have been to improve safety, improve 54 capacity and present a good design (roundabouts are quite new to the county). Like all 55 projects, they’ve had to balance impact on property and environment as well. He 56 reviewed the location of the project noting movement of the intersection to the south and 57 west. They have heard from people of the need to improve Sunset Road (to North Road) 58 as well and so they’ve added a mill and overlay county funded project to this scope. He 59 explained where turn lanes will be added. When both cities (Lino Lakes and Blaine) 60 approve the joint powers agreement, they will go out for bid. An aggressive schedule is 61 planned because they want no closures during the school year to avoid disruption of 62 school bus routes. 63 64 Mayor Reinert remarked that the intersection obviously needs improvement because of 65 safety concerns. He’s been hearing from neighbors about the size of the roadway and 66 noise concerns. He understands that the design may actually reduce some truck noise 67 since a roundabout will allow trucks to proceed without air braking. 68 69 Council Member Kusterman asked about the status of land acquisition. Mr. Fisher 70 explained that acquisition of easement is required from four properties (maps were 71 shown). The council reviewed the project plan from an overhead view. Ultimately when 72 Sunset is reconstructed, there will be some additional changes. Regarding those 73 properties, a resolution has been reached with one of the four. 74 75 Council Member Rafferty asked about a substantial completion date and the project 76 engineer responded that the date they are using is August 28, based on a May 13 bid 77 opening; it is an aggressive schedule. Mr. Fisher added that the aggressive schedule 78 generally means that there could be a longer closure to allow more work hours. Council 79 Member Rafferty asked about the bid process and how quality will be considered. Mr. 80 Fisher replied that the work will be done under contract and failure to perform as required 81 has consequences; inspections will occur and a high standard is called for. 82 83 Council Member Maher asked if the property where the driveway is relocated will receive 84 that work paid through the project and Mr. Fisher said that is the plan and the county will 85 offer the work done or pay for the property owner’s choice of work. 86 87 Comments were offered by impacted residents and county staff responded: 88 89