Minutes - Council - 11/13/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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way it is because she does not want to hurt the area businesses. She stated that she also does not want to see anyone hurt or killed, but is not convinced that this project couldn't be done another way. Councilmember Look stated that he agrees with Councilmember Olson and although a former City Council has agreed to a Joint Powers Agreement with the County, he feels that decision was based on the Ramsey Town Center, which has not materialized. He stated that he would also like to see an outside more creative approach. Mayor Gamec asked when the drop-dead date is before the City Council needs to make a final decision. Public Works Director Olson stated that the plans need to be submitted to MnDOT by the end of November2007, so a decision will need to be made before the end of the month. Councilmember Elvig stated that he did not think the City could come up with other alternatives within 2 weeks. Councilmember Strommen stated that she agreed and noted that, ideally, the City could have someone from outside the situation take a look and let the City know if these plans are warranted. The owner of Plants and Things stated that the businesses in the area need the City Council to make a decision sooner rather than later so they can begin planning for the impact this may have. He stated that he feels something needs to be done to the road because it is unsafe as it is and if this project doesn't go through he feels the City will still need to do something because he doesn't think the road can handle another season. He reiterated that the businesses need a yes or no answer. Councilmember Strommen stated that she is feeling a bit between a rock and hard place. She stated that since the City entered into the Joint Powers Agreement with the County some lessons have been learned with hard channelization. She stated that she wished there was time for outside review of the situation. She stated that she feels something needs to be done and if not now, the funding will be lost. She stated that she does not feel the money will be there in the future, especially in the wake of the 35W bridge collapse, because everyone is scrambling for money. She stated that the other issue she is considering is that she has heard consistently from citizens that the City has to be more proactive in our infrastructure before development happens. She stated that she understands that development for Ramsey Town Center has slowed, but feels the residents will appreciate the City Council planning ahead. Motion by Mayor Gamec, seconded by COullcilmember Elvig, to approve the plan as proposed and provide municipal consent for Improvement Project 08-20, Sunfish Lake Boulevard Project to include a raised median from Trunk Highway 10 to the limits of the construction with full access to be provided at McKinley Street NW. City Council / November 13,2007 Page 14 of 19