Agenda - Council Work Session - 09/14/2010

Home

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Topic Report: Consider Extension of Variolite Street from Alpine Drive to Bunker Lake Boulevard By: Tim Himmer, City Engineer Background: Over the past year staff has been approached on separate occasions by two property owners that currently reside along this future north -south local road corridor for information about the status of this project. This topic was discussed with the Public Works Committee, Finance Committee, and the City Council; all of which determined that the City should not be actively purchasing property for this project until a funding source, alignment, and schedule was developed. Staff was directed to initiate a process to begin preparation of a right of way plan for State Aid submittal and consideration, which would result in a funding source for future acquisitions along this corridor. Many alignment options were considered by the PW Committee over a couple of months, but they were ultimately narrowed down to two (see attached). The consensus of all groups was that we should meet with the residents as soon as possible to provide information to them on the need for the project, listen to their thoughts and ideas, and gather their feedback on presented options. An open house was held on August 12, 2010; over 100 citizens were in attendance, 53 people signed the attendance sheet, 17 comment cards have been returned to date, and 5 e -mails responses were received (see attached summary of the comments received). Staff will present this information to the Council and look for direction on how to proceed. Some options to consider include: 1. Choose an alignment and prepare a ROW plan for State Aid submittal and review. 2. Prepare an environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) to assist in determining the preferred alignment. Completing this work would entail a formal process that would take approximately 12 - 18 months, including a RFP for consulting services to assist in the preparation of this document (wetland delineations, endangered species and historical research, etc.). Another alternative to the EAW environmental review would be to complete a Project Memo (PM), which is substantially similar to the EAW but can be accomplished in less detail and time (approximately 6 —12 months). Staff will contact our State Aid representative to discuss the best approach to secure approval and funding. Both of these documents would be good for 3 years. 3. Do nothing at this time. An additional item to consider in your decision is what to do about the residents that have already expressed an interest in selling their properties to the City at this time? We are not