Minutes - Council Work Session - 11/13/2007

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way to get to those businesses. He stated that also in the packet was a copy of a letter from County Commissioner Berg that was received on September 16, 2007j 5 days after a development agreement for the Sunfish Express was granted. He stated that in the letter, it indicates a right in/right out access for the intersection was planned. Mayor Gamec asked how many lanes would be included in this plan. Public Works Director Olson stated that the plan proposes 2 southbound to eastbound left turn lanes for southbound traffic, 1 through lane and 1 right turn lane. He stated that the design will look very similar to the Ramsey Boulevard design. He reviewed the design plan. Mayor Gamec confirmed that there will be full access to McKinley Street and stated that many people thought this access was going to be shut off. Public Works Director Olson stated that the original proposal was to limit the access at McKinley Streetj but the plans have been revised. Mayor Gamec asked if there would be a stoplight at Bunker Lake Boulevard. Public Works Director Olson stated that he did not believe a traffic light was warranted at the intersection of Bunker Lake Boulevard and Sunfish Lake Boulevard. Councilmember Look stated that he would like to reiterate that he feels this plan is way ahead of schedule. He stated that part of the previous need for this was the Ramsey Town Center project, which is not going as scheduled, and the other part is for the future Highway 47 expansion plans. He stated that he thinks the Highway 47 expansion plans are 20 years out. He stated that he would like to know what accident data is due to trains being present. He thinks a more appropriate time for this project will be when the Town Center is completed and the Highway 47 expansion project is completed. He stated that he feels this is putting the cart in front of the horse and opposes this plan. Mayor Gamec asked County Commissioner Berg why the County won't consider a turn lane into the Sunfish Commons area. County Commissioner Berg stated that allowing a turn lane there would not make the intersection safer and there would be a lot of rear end accidents. He stated that there are a lot of intersections in the County that need attention because of safety issues. He stated that there are currently about 33 intersections that meet the accident warrants for an improved design, but there is only enough funding for about 3 of them a year. He stated that if the City does not move forward with this intersection, the money will be taken by somebody else. He has already received calls from other communities asking for the money if the City doesn't approve the plan. He stated that the County's primary concern is the safety of citizens and feels the improvement to the intersection is warranted even though the Ramsey Town Center project is not proceeding as scheduled. City Council Work Session / November 13, 2007 Page 5 of7