Agenda - Council - 05/23/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I I I I I I I CASE # 4 STATUS R~EPORT ON TRUNK HIGHWAY #47 CORRIDOR STUDY By: Steve Jankowski, City Engineer Background: You will recall that at the April 27, 1995 Road and Bridge Committee meeting, I presented a draft copy of the scope vf services which I had prepared to define the scope of study. I have subsequently sent a (:opy of this scope of study to Mn/DOT, Anoka County Highway Department and Metropolitan (iouncil for comment. I feel it is important to solicit input from these organizations before proceeding with the process of interviewing and selecting a consultant to perform the study. To date, I have been~ contacted by Mr. Cyrus Knutson of Mn/DOT who has advised me that the department is rethin~,,ing its organizational goals in terms of its new policy focus of "preserve, manage, and expand." the existing system, and has essentially placed a moratorium on corridor studies until 1996. ! emphasized to Mr. Knutson that this study was of great importance to the City of Ramsey and ~hat it was imperative,that some action be initiated immediately. He agreed to reconsider and discugs internally Mn/DOT s participation level. He indicated that he would attempt · ~ to advise by meeting time. I have not received any comments from Anoka County Highway Department or Metrol:~olitan Council. I am enclosing a revised draft of the current scope of services. I would like to direct attention to the section entitled "Plan Development Process and Agency Involvement". It will be necessary to have Mn/DOT, Anot~a County Highway Department, and Metropolitan Council work directly with the consultant during the study process. The level of involvement with the Council, Planning Commission, Economic Development Commission, and local citizens is an issue which offers a greater variability. At one extreme, this study could be viewed as a largely technical exercise with minimal need for iniolvement of these parties. This seemed to be the direction of the Road and Bridge Committee ai the April 27, 1995 meeting. Although I concur with the desirability of this approach, transportation issues seldom are strictly technical. In order to achieve some balance between technical an~t policy aspects, I believe it is necessary to have some interim study reports. I also believe this plaK should be considered a part of the Comprehensive Plan and should receive a public hearing prior tO final adoption. Committee Action',: Based upon discussion. Reviewed by: City Engineer RB:05/23/95 /ccr Copies also distributed to: City Administrator