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LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 19, 1987 page 5 for funds for a pumping project. B. MSA Street Project Update City Engineer Bohrer explained that MnDOT was reluctant to hear the variance because 43rd St. was not officially on the state aid system. The Council earlier had decided to apply for the switch in designation: remove MSA designation from 50th Street and apply it to 43rd Street. City Engineer Bohrer received a letter from Elmer Morris, District State Aid Engineer, stating that he cannot recommend for approval the revocation of MSA 104 from 50th Street to 43rd Street N. because the roadway does not meet criteria for inclusion in the municipal state -aid system. Bohrer felt strongly that 43rd Street does meet all the criteria listed in the state rules. Bohrer listed three alternatives. 1. Bohrer can contact the State Aid Engineer in the Central office. 2. Could withdraw the variance request at this time and see if this would change things. 3. Stick with the route we have. M/S/P Graves/Moe - to direct City Engineer Bohrer to appeal to the central office the issue of switching state aid designation from 50th Street N. to 43rd Street N.; and failing all appropriate measures in this regard, to withdraw the variance requested on the changing of the speed designation of the corner and pursuing the changing of the roadways with the elimination of the variance. (Motion carried 5-0). City Engineer Bohrer explained the reason we are proceeding in this manner is because the central office said they would keep our designated time .slot in the variance schedule if we could get all our paperwork done on the designation. Mayor Christ expressed Ed Stevens' concern that if the Council should pave 47th Street, the City would move the route or create barriers to prevent the removal of some very large oak trees. Christ felt that removal of the trees would be the very last alternative pursued. M/S/P Graves/Johnson - to direct the City Engineer to find methods either by erection of barriers or rerouting the roadway slightly (bends) in order to avoid having to remove the large oak trees in front Ed Stevens' property. (Motion carried 5-0). City Engineer Bohrer stated that when the City feels they want to move ahead with a project either on 47th by itself or do it in conjunction with some other segment, the City has to order a feasibility study and hold a feasibility hearing. During the feasibility study, Bohrer could compare the two alternatives. The straight road and what impact that would have as far as right-of-way, trees, cost and everything involved and the alternative to avoid the trees with guard rails, curbs or whatever is involved and advise them at the time if these can be done within the guidelines or if another variance would be needed.