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CASE SUNWOOD DRIVE STATUS REPORT By: Steven Jankowski, City Engineer Background: On October 12, 1993, the City of Ramsey authorized a feasibility study for the extension of Sunwood Drive from its current eastern terminus in Wood Pond Hills to its proposed intersection with County Road #116. On March 24, 1994, the consultant submitted a report which identified the proposed alignment. This alignment also indicated unavoidable impacts to two wetlands located within the path of this roadway. This report proposed crossing each of these wetlands by filling them and providing large diameter culverts to conduct flow and provide travelways for wildlife. Discussions between the City and the DNR continued through the fall of 1994 regarding the acceptability of the City's proposal to cross these wetlands in this manner. Ultimately, the City was advised that DNR would not approve this wetland crossing proposal. On October 11, 1994, the City Council voted to propose an alternative crossing treatment for the two wetlands involved which consist of filling in a causeway halfway across each of the wetlands and spanning the final 100 feet with a low-profile bridge. The additional cost of this alternative over and above the original proposal is estimated to be approximately $300,000 for both of the two bridges which would ultimately be required. With overhead, this would be an increase of $390,000. It is proposed that only the eastern bridge across Wetland #114P would be constructed during the first phase of the Sunwood Drive construction. On Friday, May 19, 1995, we received a letter from the DNR stating that it is prepared to issue a permit for the partial filling of the wetland contingent on an acceptable mitigation plan. The mitigation plan proposed which called for the enlargement of Wetland 117W (near County Road #116 west of Altron) was not acceptable. The DNR prefers working directly on measures to increase the water levels in Wetland 114 P itself and has offered surveying and other technical assistance to meet this goal. I believe this could represent a unique opportunity to work with school officials for the enhancement of Ramsey Elementary School's Environmental Learning Center. Under this scenario, this segment of roadway would have a total project cost of $1,027,000 and would ultimately handle a traffic volume of 5,720 trips per day. At the present time, the area which would be serviced by Sunwood Drive continues to show pressure for development. Specifically, Good Value Homes has indicated a desire to proceed with the platting of 78 lots in Chestnut Ridge 2nd Addition. Also, the City has received complaints about the volume of traffic being generated down Krypton Street from the existing sewer and watered subdivisions south of the proposed Sunwood Drive. Sunwood Drive would, presumably, divert some of the traffic from these residential streets providing access onto County Road #116. At this time, it would appear other options are as follows: · Accept the wetland crossing authorization from the DNR and construct Sunwood Drive between Wood Pond Hills and Sunfish Lake Boulevard. · Construct Sunwood Drive from Sunfish Lake Boulevard up to Wetland 114P with the anticipation that a lower cost wetland crossing might be possible in the future. · Retain the status quo and cease any activity with regard to this project.