04/08/1996 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 11, 1996 figures came out of the Apollo Drive project and realizing that there is a concern about the current Lilac Street, Lake Drive intersection and the close proximity of the freeway ramps. Mr. Ahrens further noted that proposed commercial/industrial development also was considered. Mayor Landers said that he had a hard time comprehending the need for more than a 600 foot extension of Apollo Drive. Mr. Ahrens said that the City has not identified an exact number of feet that Apollo Drive would be extended. He said that the development on the east side of Lake Drive would have an impact on how Apollo Drive is extended. Council Member Neal asked if the residents along Lake Drive are aware that Apollo Drive may be extended north and that their houses may be in the path of the extension. Mr. Ahrens said that it is his understanding that they are all aware of these future plans. Council Member Neal noted that the VFW owns property on the north side of Lilac Street that would be impacted by the extension of Apollo Drive. He explained that the VFW is in the processing of selling this parcel and asked what impact will the extension of Apollo Drive have on this parcel and the sale of the land. Mr. Ahrens said that he was not sure if the VFW was aware of the possible extension of Apollo Drive. However, if Apollo Drive is extended, more of the parcel could be open for development. Mr. Wessel said that the Community Development Department has kept the VFW update about the possible extension of Apollo Drive. He noted that he had talked to the VFW realtor this morning. Mr. Wessel explained that the time frame for extending Apollo Drive has not been determined. He said that this is still just a concept which was developed prior to his being employed by the City. Council Member Bergeson said he felt that the only advantage for this City to accept the turnback from the State is to get funding for the extension of Apollo Drive. He said he felt that the City Council does not have enough information at this time to know how feasible the Apollo Drive extension would be. He asked that Mr. Wessel and Mr. Ahrens prepare a sketch of how the Apollo Drive extension might look and the approximately footage. Council Member Bergeson said that although the MOU has been presented as a non-binding resolution, it is his opinion that the City may be in a better position to negotiate before the City signs the MOU than after the City signs the MOU. He asked that action on the MOU be delayed until a little sketch is prepared by staff and how the City could prepare a project extending Apollo Drive. Mayor Landers noted that Apollo Drive is an Anoka County road and asked if Anoka County would contribute towards the construction of the Apollo Drive extension. Mr. Ahrens said that he expected that Anoka County would pay a substantial amount of the cost just as they have with the original Apollo Drive and the Otter Lake Road realignment. Mayor Landers said that he would like additional information on a cost sharing plan so that the City Council would have an idea of the exact cost to the City. Mr. Ahrens said that the cost sharing plan would be easy to determine. Mr. Ahrens said that he could have this information for the first meeting in April. PAGE 6