08-22-2016 Council Meeting Minutes

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COUNCIL MINUTES August 22, 2016 APPROVED 128 Mayor Reinert asked, when would a right in/right out take effect? Ms. Larsen indicated that would be a 129 county driven decision and they are now in the analysis phase of reviewing traffic in the area. Mayor 130 Reinert noted that the council is attempting to look at a macro view so getting that longer term 131 information is important. He is interested in a Totem Trail access as a possible option; he is concerned 132 that the right in/right out element is problematic for this project. Ms. Larsen noted that staff will be 133 requiring the developer to straighten out a "bulb" on the street that will increase safety and allow for 134 future possible extension. She noted the presence of a WSB traffic engineer and his findings relating to 135 different access scenarios, with the understanding that Anoka County findings will be a part of what 136 happens. 137 Mayor Reinert called for the council to discuss the Totem Trail option. Anoka County Engineer Doug 138 Fisher told the council that staff outlined the situation well. When the county reviewed the preliminary 139 plat, it was done with consideration of their corridor study gearing up. They have heard about internal 140 traffic concerns and that isn't unusual. He feels that as traffic continues to increase on Birch Street, it is 141 inevitable that Hokah Drive will become a right in/right out. The corridor study also provides insight on 142 improvements in the area and those are moving along. One area in particular is near the elementary 143 school where they think improvement is needed. There is an opportunity that Enid Trail could line up 144 with Birch and while that is not a definitive plan at this time, the county did ask that the cul-de-sac allow 145 for the option in the future. The county often does connections as part of a county project with county 146 costs — removing access from the county road and making adjustments on local roads. In order to keep 147 Birch as a two-lane, there must be access considerations and that can squeeze the most out of keeping the 148 street as a two-lane. Timing of improvements could possibly fall within their five year plans. We all 149 need Birch Street to operative efficiently and safely. 150 The mayor asked if the connection with Totem is a realistic option. Mr. Fisher said yes, considering 151 plans for the street and to increase the width of the street; the county owns one parcel but there are two 152 houses where access would be removed. Mayor Reinert asked if the city would have to approve a 153 change for Hokah and Mr. Fisher said the county can move without local approval if safety is a concern. 154 He confirmed that Hokah isn't a concern right now even with the addition of 35 homes. Mayor Reinert 155 asked if the connection is desirable to the county and Mr. Fisher said that the county is sensitive to issues 156 outside of the county roads and includes public input in decisions; he is being realistic in saying that 157 there needs to be something offered along with a change like right in/right out at Hokah. 158 A council member discussed with Mr. Fisher the county's future plans for the vicinity. Mr. Fisher 159 mentioned preliminary ideas about improvements around the elementary school; the changes around 160 Enid Trail and Totem would be shorter term. Council Member Kusterman asked where cost benefit 161 weighs in the county decisions, or is it only safety consideration. Mr. Fisher said every project has a cost 162 consideration that the county reviews; modifying access when it gains the most positive impact has a 163 high value to the county. 164 Council Member Kusterman asked about the city's 1,000 trip threshold and how that was developed? A 165 WSB engineer explained that the figure is a general standard used nationally based on the average 166 number of trips per residential units; there is consideration of road length and impact of adjoining streets, 167 etc. 168 Council Member Maher suggested that the city has a policy that developers should handle the costs 169 needed for transportation improvements related to their development. It bothers her that in this case, the 170 city/county are looking at the improvements. Ms. Larsen explained that the development itself doesn't