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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes November 24, 2009 Page 3 Mr. Hubmer reported on the proposed street layout with Silver Lane narrowed from 38 feet to 32 feet, and further narrowed to 26 feet across from Fordham Drive, and with additional parking locations on the south side of Silver Lane. Councilmember Thuesen asked if there will be a cost savings realized by the reduction in the street width. Mr. Hubmer replied that there will be a significant savings as a result of eliminating six feet of pavement width over the length of the roadway. 9 Councilmember Stille asked if the parking alternative proposed by staff satisfies the concerns of 10 the residents. Mr. Hubmer stated one resident has indicated that it satisfies the concerns. There is 11 another group of residents he will be making contact with. 12 13 Mayor Faust commented on the effect the reduced road width will have on traffic calming. 14 15 Motion by Councilmember Stille, seconded by Councilmember Gray, to continue with the 2010 16 Street & Utility Improvement Project final design without the cul-de-sac option, with the 17 sidewalk to be located on the south side of Silver Lane throughout the project, and with parking 18 options as presented by staff. 19 20 Motion carried unanimously. 21 22 Mr. Hubmer informed Council that Resolution 09-088 authorizes the request for a variance to 23 State Aid Operation Rules. He explained the Operation Rules state that horizontal curves must 24 meet a minimum design speed of 30 mph. The curve at Silver Lane and 16°i Avenue SW does 25 not currently meet the 30 mph curve requirement, and given the existing road right-of-way on the 26 project, meeting the curve requirement is not feasible. Staff is proposing to construct the curve 27 for a design speed of 20 mph. This is the same variance process that was necessary to construct 28 Foss Road in 2009. He stated the new curve will meet federal standards and will have advanced 29 warning signs installed, advising drivers of the suggested speed. This variance is necessary to 30 receive State Aid approval and funding for the 2010 Street Reconstruction Project. 31 32 Councilmember Stille inquired about risks to the City associated with the statement in the 33 proposed resolution that "...the City of St. Anthony agrees to indemnify, save, and hold harmless 34 the State of Minnesota..." Mr. Hubmer explained that this resolution is a requirement in the 35 variance process, as the State's standards are not being followed. While the City will be varying 36 from the State's standards, national standards will be followed. 37 38 Councilmember Roth questioned whether there is the potential for a lawsuit against the City as a 39 result of the indemnification included in the proposed resolution. Mr. Hubmer explained that 40 there is always a risk involved in the design of roadways, and that risk is mitigated by the design 41 elements placed into a project. Legally acceptable standards will be followed with Silver Lane, 42 and there is also a responsibility for drivers to operate their vehicles in accordance with the 43 roadway as designed and signed. 44 5