Minutes - Council - 07/26/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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proposed roadway comes closest to the wetland. Mr. Jankowski stated that a fair amount of concern was expressed about the uniqueness and beauty of the wetland, coupled with the fact that parkland has been dedicated along the perimeter of Wetland gl 11P at other locations. Because of this concern, a trail master plan was developed incorporating a trail system to create a passive recreational focus for the area. This trail could be constructed as funds (not MSA) become available. Mr. Jankowski explained there are land parcels which would be directly involved by property acquisition for the construction of this roadway. A parcel located on the southwest corner of Armstrong Boulevard N.W. and 153rd Avenue N.W., may involve the vacation of a small portion of right-of-way. Skewing of the road will provide this property owner with an additional distance from the roadway over what currently exists. Another parcel involves the residents northwest of the Armstrong Boulevard N.W. intersection The proposed alignment would place a roadway closer to the existing residence than was previously anticipated prior to skewing the intersection with 153rd Avenue N.W. He reported, however, the roadway will meet all current zoning setbacks. Land acquisition will be required from a total of five property owners as two parcels are currently under the same ownership. He stated that the previous cost estimate for this project was just under $500,000. The revised estimate for the roadway and the associated trail is estimated to be $726,000. The increase is due to the retaining wall to avoid incursion into the wetland ($73,500) the trailway ($8,000), the turtle barrier ($24,750) and storm sewer ($120,000). The balance of the cost increase is because the length of the project was increased due to the necessity of skewing the intersection at Armstrong Boulevard N.W. Mr. Jankowski stated he is asking City Council to approve Alternative C and asking that they direct Staff to begin negotiations with RLK, Inc. for the preparation of final plans and specifications and elements of the work necessary to obtain permits for construction. He indicated the wetland would be impacted during consn'uction, however, it would be a temporary impact. Upon inquiry by Councilmember Peterson, Mr. Jankowski replied that this road will be financed entirely with MSA funds, no properties will be assessed. A resident inquired where the City would get the extra $250,000 for the cost increase to which Mr. Jankowski replied that MSA will fund the extra if the project qualifies. He reported that the City gets an allotted amount each year designated on the collector system. The resident inquired if this money could be used for maintenance to which Mr. Jankowski informed him it could be. He stated that the City has been allocating about $120,000 of MSA funds a year for all maintenance. Vic Hagenah, 15231 Jackal Street N.W., Ramsey, stated to City Staff "you must be pretty proud, you have been working on this and we don't even want it". He suggested the City should look at getting rid of its engineer. He stated that the engineer has said that every City has to have a collector street. Mr. Hagenah reported that the Cities of Andover and Anoka do not have one. He suggested the City has more than it can take care of now and commented on the junk behind the Brooks on Armstrong. He asked Councilmember Zimmerman, as his Councilmember, what he has done. He commented that the properties overlooking the marsh would have their view ruined by this road. He stated that Council wants the City to grow; the population is already up to 14,000; more growth is a "bunch of crap". He stated he is opposed to this project. Deb Volkman, 15315 Armstrong Boulevard N.W., Ramsey, inquired if this project has been approved. She suggested it sounds as if everything's been done already. She stated "I am here again. I do not want this road. It affects my home." She stated she could not believe she is here again about this same thing. She stated the City is taking from her, and even though she would be getting paid, the amount will not be what it is worth. She stated City Council/July 26, 1994 Page 6 of 27