02-24-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION DRAFT 2 area is set up well for future development. Mr. Orcutt spoke about the conversations had 45 to this point with property owners in that vicinity and how he would expect to plan with 46 them in the future. 47 48 The council reviewed the simulations of improvements (available on the Anoka County 49 website). 50 51 County staff explained that cost formulas will come back to the council at the time they 52 request consent. When asked if the project would be cheaper if done all at once, Mr. 53 Orcutt explained that there will be some additional cost to waiting but it’s important to do 54 what’s right for the community. 55 56 The council discussed how the third roundabout was received at the open house. County 57 staff remarked that it was well received and they suspect it will be sought. They are 58 looking to the council to decide what is acceptable now. 59 60 Council Member Lyden asked if the roundabouts are graded high in the middle for a 61 reason. Mr. Orcutt explained the curve slows traffic and he expects these will be done in 62 concrete to prevent sliding. 63 64 Council Lyden asked if there will still be parking on Birch Street for events and Mr. 65 Orcutt explained that they are working hard with the school to prevent any parking on 66 Birch for the school. 67 68 Council Member Lyden asked about how the roundabouts will provide safety for 69 pedestrians. Staff reviewed safety considerations as well as how the roundabouts will 70 work for very large vehicles. Mayor Rafferty added that the Public Safety Department 71 has reviewed the proposal in consideration of their vehicles as well. 72 73 Council Member Lyden asked why not a semaphore at the second roundabout. Mr. 74 Orcutt explained how the two roundabouts complement each other and that left turns 75 would be more difficult with a traffic signal; further, traffic signals are much more 76 expensive 77 78 Council Member Lyden asked why not have one project rather than stretching the 79 inconvenience of having a project underway. Mayor Rafferty suggested that it’s about 80 getting the right mix of where people are comfortable and important needs are met.. 81 82 Council Member Ruhland expressed support for a roundabout serving the school; he has 83 personal experience with the traffic problems there. He also asked about the design of 84 the median of the roundabout and staff explained that it is fully built to handle heavy 85 vehicles. He also asked about the time frame for a project; there are varying suggestions 86 of timing on the website. Mr. Orcutt said the time frame depends on when the project 87 moves forward and what is included; the goal is to build it in one construction year. 88 89