04-06-2020 Council Work Session Minutes

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APPROVED 45 2. Birch Street Reconstruction - Community Development Director Grochala 46 noted that this discussion is a continuation of previous council reviews, staff hopes to 47 move forward with some council action. He reviewed the key issues from the March 2, 48 2020 work session: 49 - Project layout — if the two roundabout option goes forward, there was concern about 50 what happens to the section of roadway between West Shadow Lake Drive and the S 51 curve. Mr. Grochala noted that section would be planned for a mill and overlay but also 52 some early overlay as part of the project; 53 - The council has continued to work on design modifications in regard to the intersection 54 at West Shadow Lake Drive to minimize impact on the property in the NE quadrant; 55 - Crosswalks and pedestrian safety was a concern and Mr. Grochala noted that Andy 56 Plowman of WSB & Associates prepared a memorandum outlining some principle 57 positives about the proposed roundabouts and how they address safety concerns; there is 58 also commitment from the County to look at a flashing beacon; 59 60 Mr. Grochala noted that staff is seeking authorization to bring forward for council 61 approval a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) laying out construction timing, to keep a 2020- 62 2021 build schedule in place. He noted the previously held open house for the 63 community; several property owners in the Kingfisher area had access questions and in 64 response the County came up with a three roundabout proposal but that was met with 65 some concern. The County is now proposing the two roundabout proposal with the mill 66 and overlay improvement; a third roundabout could be considered in the future. 67 68 Mr. Grochala noted that Jason Orcutt of Anoka County and Andy Plowman of WSB & 69 Associates were on line for questions. He highlighted some key points from Mr. 70 Plowman's memo on pedestrian safety. 71 72 Mayor Rafferty asked how wide is the planned safety zone and it was explained that it 73 would be about eight to twelve feet. 74 75 Director Grochala noted that there was concern about whether cars approaching the 76 intersection would be watching for pedestrians. He explained how the crosswalks are 77 situated to provide for safety. A pedestrian flasher was also suggested and staff has 78 requested that it be included in the project; the County has agreed to evaluate that request. 79 80 Jason Orcutt spoke to the County's commitment to reaching a decision on how much that 81 flasher is warranted because that will impact the funding; they are committed to safety. 82 There has been some discussion about whether or not a beacon would be allowed or if a 83 flashing sign is possible. He noted Mr. Grochala's staff report and suggested that it 84 provides a good photo of the distance you see of cars approaching the roundabout. Mayor 85 Rafferty expressed some concern about the scale; the roundabout portrayed was 86 determined to be somewhat different (smaller) than what is proposed. There was 87 discussion about where a similar roundabout sign already in place could be viewed (staff 88 noted City of St. Michael, County Highway 18 and 22). Mr. Orcutt promised a full 89 analysis and inclusion of information in the JPA.