Agenda - Planning Commission - 06/04/1996

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Art Rauclio, 1404 South Broadway, Saul< Rapids, developer in Ramsey, complimented the City for the study on Highway ~-47 but questioned where it would go from here. We had a good meeting at the workshop but he felt that unless we really get to it, nothing will happen on Highway g-47 for another 20 years. That highway has been a thom in the side of a lot of people for some time. People coming through from County Road #5 could have a jam up on traffic.. It's more dangerous all the time. He stated he has a personal issue also. He has property on the east side of the mad that's half of the business in that area and he cannot gain access to it. He would like the City to do a study of having an abatement on the property (postponement) for some relief until the study is complete and he can get a safe access. He stressed the importance of this study not getting "shelved". Mr. Eyler reported that at the workshop last Week, the County and MnDOT talked about local initiative projects. He stated a plan would have to be submitted early in the year. Later in the year there would be a project meeting held. If there is funding available, something could be done as early as July 1997. He explained the cost-share. Motion by Councilmember Beahen and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to close the public hearing. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Hardin, C0uncilmembers Beahen, Beyer, Peterson and Zimmerman. Voting NO: None. The public hearing adjourned at 7:53 p.m. Council Business Mayor Hardin called the regular portion of the City Council meeting back to order at 7:53 p.m. Mayor Hardin stated the City realizes the situation on Highway g-47 is less than adequate and citizen's input is needed. Council does not want this project put on the back burner either - we need to go forward with this. Mr. Jankowski stated that he received several written comments that will go into the permanent record also. We will allow time for the consultant to respond to the comments expressed tonight. He thought he would have a response back from the consultant w~thin a couple weeks and the study could then be brought back to Council for adoption. This study would be ut~li~.ed 'to look at development issues and at planning the budget. A resident inquired how the light came about for 142nd. Mr. Jankowski responded that there was a fair amount of discussion. We desired lights at one-half mile intervals along the route which would place signals at County Road #5, 149th and 153rd, because they are all about one-half mile apart but, because of 142nd's importance and the geography of Ramsey, it was added as an additional signal. The resident inquired if it was because of several accidents happening them to which Mr. Jankowsld stated there were a fair number of accidents there but he Rid not know ff it was particularly more hazardous than the rest. From 1990 to 1994 there were 15 accidents at 142nd and them were 14 in that time period at the intersection with County Road #5. The resident expressed urgency for that light as she felt it was as much needed at 142nd as it is at I49th.