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• • COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 9, 2002 Councilmember Reinert stated he would have loved to have been able to utilize the $3,000,000 in turn -back money to reconstruct Highway 49, however, he felt the proposed design was wrong for Lino Lakes. He noted Highway 49 runs through a residential neighborhood. He indicated that the plan at this time was to construct a four -lane divided highway and, if the Minnesota Department of Transportation allows the speed limit to be reduced to 45 miles per hour on the southern portion, then the project could consist of a four -lane, non -divided highway. He noted there were no guarantees that the speed limit will be reduced and he was not confident there will be a 45 miles per hour speed limit south of Birch Street. Therefore, he anticipated that the project would involve a four -lane divided highway. Councilmember Reinert stated if Anoka County had worked with Lino Lakes and had provided a long-term plan on how they wanted Highway 49 and Lake Drive developed in the future, the City would likely have developed the areas along those highways differently, with larger setbacks for the homes constructed along the road so there would not be semi -truck traffic traveling right by the residents' bedroom windows. Councilmember Reinert felt it was a shame that Anoka County has not worked with the City over the past two years to develop a palatable plan that all parties could accept. He felt that this proposed road design was wrong and he looked forward to a better design being proposed. He did not feel that opposing the proposed plan would burn any bridges since this roadway will eventually have to be reconstructed at Anoka County's cost, with approval by the City of Lino Lakes. Councilmember Carlson noted during the Council work session a request had been made for City staff to attempt to determine whether County funds were still available for this project and where the County stood on the plans proposed by the City in its letter sent to the County in July. She was concerned that all these discussions were taking place on the Lino Lakes side but there has been no response from Anoka County. Therefore, she asked that this item be tabled for two weeks to allow additional time for a response to be received. Mayor Bergeson questioned whether any new information has been received since the Council work session. Community Development Director Grochala stated that there has not. Community Development Director Grochala indicated the City received a letter in April 2002 from Anoka County, which included a compromised plan. This letter indicated if the City did not support the compromise, then the County would move forward with their original proposal. He stated the City responded to the County in July indicating that they would accept the compromised proposal and Anoka County officials have asked that this acceptance be submitted in a formal resolution. Community Development Director Grochala expressed concern for comments made this evening by Councilmembers that the July 2002 letter should be enough and that there should be a follow-up response from the County. He felt Anoka County has been upfront about this project and that their future projections for Highway 49 indicate the need for a four lane roadway. He noted Anoka County has many other projects to consider and, projects without community support will be low on their list of priorities. Councilmember O'Donnell requested an amendment to the motion to continue consideration of • Resolution No. 02-95 to the Monday, September 23, 2002 regular City Council meeting. 7