Minutes - Council - 07/06/1994 - Joint with Planning & Economic Development Commissions

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COUNCIL/COMMISSION BUSINESS Case #1: Review Options for Land Use and Transportation Amendments to Comprehensive Plan Steven Schwanke, RLK Associates, outlined the history of this project since the City Council authorized contracting with the consultants in December 1993. He advised that RLK Associates have been dealing with the land use issues, and Bill Smith of Biko Associates has been working on the transportation issues. He briefly explained that the report in the agenda, dated July 1, 1994, lists pertinent information and corresponding figures for each alternative reviewed and also specifies the goals and objectives of the City regarding a bridge across the Mississippi River. This report is attached to the minutes as part of the record. Mr. Schwanke advised that this report provides the City with a good basis in which to move forward with the Comprehensive Plan Amendment, and also a more detailed study of the different areas in the city to continue work which the City may want to engage in in the future. Jeff Smyser and John Dietrich, RLK Associates, gave a presentation outlining the options considered by the Planning Commission for updating the land use and transportation elements of the Comprehensive Plan. Discussion ensued regarding the proposed bridge alignments. Commissioner Hendriksen noted that part of the Planning Commission's rationale for choosing the western bridge alignment was due to the fact that it was Dayton's preferred alignment. He explained that the City of Dayton has three alternative alignments, and the western bridge would align with all three. Commissioner Hendriksen also stated that the City loses commercial development potential if the bridge crosses in a park area, as it would with the present alignment (referred to as the eastern bridge option in the presentation and report by RLK Associates). Commissioner Ullen expressed uncertainty of whether the City would want the traffic funnelled east-west as opposed to north through the city. Chairperson Bawden explained the Planning Commission's rationale for funnelling the bridge traffic up County Road gl 16 to facilitate the industrial and commercial areas instead of feeding a north-south road into the city. Commissioner Deemer advised that the City of Dayton would prefer to create a new road for alignment as opposed to using an existing one not designed for such use. Chairperson Bawden specified that the Planning Commission's preferred bridge alignment (Figure #7) allows for planning regardless of whether the bridge is built. He explained that the road structure would be in, with only minor changes needed, if the bridge goes in. Mr. Dietrich explained the road skeleton, and he noted the goals and criteria compiled for the bridge option. Mr. Smyser pointed out that the Metropolitan Council and MnDOT will soon be requiring all highway interchanges to be metered and consideration should be given as to how this might affect traffic. Mr. Dietrich also presented an additional option (Figure 7A in the agenda) wherein City Staff and the consultants modified the Planning Commission's recommended bridge option. Developer Wayne Johnson inquired whether this was just theory or if it was something the City is PC/CC/EDC/July 5, 1994 Page 2 of 5