2025.08.18 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Meeting Minutes for August 18, 2025 Page 5 of 8 Update on TH61 Visioning Study and Approval of MOU Madeline Dahlheimer from Washington County presented to Council the updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) following the completion of the TH61 Corridor Study. The City of Hugo, Washington County, and MnDOT had an existing MOU from 2008 for planning and development along Highway 61. She explained the intent for jurisdictional transfer of TH61 from the State to Washington County. A visioning study was completed in 2024 that supported economic growth and development and transportation priorities. The vision had an alignment along the highway owned by the Washington County Regional Rail Authority where the Hardwood Creek Trail is located and part of the Rush Line Trail Corridor. A Locally Preferred Alternative Report (LPA) was done in 2017 that identified a connector bus service from White Bear Lake to Forest Lake as a preferred alternative to rail. The existing MOU that was developed before the LPA planned for a four-lane corridor and right-of-way needs of 200-250 feet including roadway and rail property. There was a Cooperative Agreement between Washington County and the City of Hugo for an updated study in 2022. Madeline provided information on the planning process that included examining existing conditions and 20-year planning. In addition, it was determined to look past 20 years to consider full buildout of the highway. Stakeholder engagement included many partner agencies, individuals and businesses, and the Rush Line Transit Vision warranted additional engagement to determine how needs overlap, and support was built to move forward with a unified transportation corridor. She reviewed the outcomes of the vision study that included safety and the protection of natural resources and the Hardwood Creek Trail for future recreational uses. Madeline compared the changes in outcome from the 2008 layout saying there were minimal changes in access management, reduced right-of-way dedication needs, preservation of the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail Corridor, and it supported the connecting bus route. Madeline explained that the updated MOU memorialized the outcomes of the study, demonstrated commitment between agencies, and included the updated corridor layout. The primary next step was for all participating agencies to enter into an updated MOU. Staff had recommended the City Council approve the MOU for signatures. Commissioner Miron expressed appreciation for Madeline’s leadership and commented on the reduced amount of right-of-way. He talked about how the MOU will help advance the County’s economic development goals and allow the City to plan along this corridor. Bear added that staff was already using it with pending applications. He said the changes in the right-of-way were critical for the properties on the east side of 61 who are benefiting from it. Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding for the TH61 Corridor Access Management and Right-of-Way Dedication. All Ayes. Motion carried.