07/27/2009 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • • STAFF ORIGINATOR: CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM 6B Michael Grochala July 27, 2009 TOPIC: Public Hearing, I- 35E/CSAH 14 Improvement Project ACTION REQUIRED: Simple Majority to Open and Close Public Hearing BACKGROUND The City Council accepted the Feasibility Study, prepared by SRF Consulting Group, Inc., for the I- 35E/CSAH 14 (Main Street) Interchange Improvements on July 6, 2009. In accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429 and the City Charter, the City must hold a hearing on improvements prior to ordering the project. The purpose of the public hearing is to solicit public comment on the proposed improvement from interested persons whether or not they are in the proposed assessment area. In accordance with City Charter provisions 60 days must elapse from the date of the public hearing before the City Council can take any further action. The interchange has experienced significant congestion problems for the past several years, specifically at the freeway ramps during a.m. and p.m. peak hours. The proposed project includes the reconstruction of the interchange between 21st Avenue and Otter Lake Road by bridge replacement and widening, roadway replacement and widening, reconstruction of existing freeway ramps and construction of new ramps, installation of traffic control signals, improvement to local road connections and construction of pedestrian/bicycle facilities. The estimated cost of the improvement is approximately $23 million including land acquisition, engineering, and construction. Approximately $5.5 million is proposed to be assessed to benefiting property owners. The City has held two meetings with affected property owners over the last month to discuss the project. Staff is currently working with Springsted Inc., the City's financial consultant, and Anoka County to evaluate additional funding sources for the project. The results of this exercise may lower the total amount to be assessed against benefiting properties. Any reduction in the proposed assessment amounts will be calculated and incorporated into the final assessment role and presented at a second public hearing referred to as the the "Assessment Hearing" following published and mailed notice.