04-27-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES DRAFT 5 - The JPA lays out a description of the improvements and agreement on the overall layout, identifies 162 intersection modifications, includes language that allows the City to acquire land for a future Well No. 163 7, deals with consideration of a pedestrian flasher and landscaping in the future, and cost sharing on the 164 project which is down by about $60,000; 165 - the City’s cost would be born by Municipal State Aid (MSA) funds designated to the City and the 166 City’s utility funds. 167 Mr. Grochala noted that Anoka County Engineer Jason Orcutt was on line to answer questions. 168 Mr. Orcutt noted in particular the right of way process and that, through good design and working with 169 staff, they have minimized the number of parcels involved (some of which are City owned). Also they have 170 worked with the area school to make this project move as smoothly as possible for them. 171 Councilmember Stoesz noted that there is an embankment by the base of the southside trail tunnel where 172 there is a bump; will that be smoothed at all? Mr. Orcutt explained that they will be looking at the trail 173 situation and attempting to improve it and make it better for use. 174 Council Member Stoesz asked if there will be improvement of the Chomonix sign on Birch Street that is 175 badly faded. Mr. Grochala suggested that the sign actually serves to warn people that there is no access to 176 Chomonix. 177 Councilmember Cavegn asked for a timeline and if the pandemic situation will impact that. Mr. Orcutt 178 suggested that construction is planned to begin in 2021. They do not at this point expect an impact related 179 to the pandemic. 180 Councilmember Lyden noted that this is a huge project for the City. He appreciates the efforts of the 181 residents working with Ano ka County to bring a project design to fruition. He is still concerned about cars 182 approaching the roundabouts being able to clearly see pedestrians in the crosswalk. Mr. Orcutt explained 183 how the space is planned in that area; it is also an important consideration that the street will be aligned so 184 as to slow traffic as it approachs roundabouts. 185 Mayor Rafferty remarked that the idea of this project has evolved over the past twenty years. He knows 186 that there have been many positive changes in this project and he has seen Anoka County work very hard to 187 solve issues for the community. Public safety has been and remains the most important element. 188 Mr. Orcutt thanked the council for allowing staff to work through a good process. It’s been an open 189 discussion and has resulted in a good project. 190 Councilmember Ruhland concurred and thanked county staff for working hard on communication, 191 especially during this difficult social distancing period. 192 Mayor Rafferty remarked that everything that everyone wants can’t be included. But the project that is 193 coming forward is thoughtful of the school, the residents and safety. 194 Councilmember Stoesz asked what will come to the council for approval in the future. Director Grochala 195 remarked that there isn’t anything clear at this point; perhaps a parking decision and landscaping if that is 196 added. 197