Minutes - Council Work Session - 12/13/2011

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Councilmember Wise stated he does not think $200 makes a difference on a $100,000 to $200,000 house. He felt the Council needed to look at other ways to reduce fees or simplify processes. 2) Update on the Armstrong Boulevard Interchange City Engineer Himmer reviewed the staff report. Public Works Director Olson stated this is the right -in proposal of Solomon Group and Mid America; however, it conflicts with the agreement to create pedestrian movement. He noted the grade differential is 18 feet higher and the grades could be 5% to 8% depending on the length of the transition, which would be steep grades. He asked whether the City would be responsible to plow this and indicated it would result in considerable safety concerns. Councilmember Elvig asked who is the determining agency. Public Works Director Olson stated his impression the County will have comment because it is under their jurisdiction. Mn/DOT may also comment because it may impact their signals at the interchange. He indicated staff met with Anoka County and they requested additional information. Staff asked Mid America to provide additional information on the design but has not yet heard back from them. Councilmember Elvig stated he did not think this was the City's jurisdiction because Anoka County and Mn/DOT will weigh in heavily. Public Works Director Olson stated staff is trying to assure the comment is being presented as a result of the interchange, not necessarily the interim improvements. He noted the reconstruction could be different if done for the interim improvements where the grade difference is only 5 feet and then introducing walls to make it higher. City Administrator Ulrich advised the engineers have expressed safety concerns contrary to building this intersection because the principal reason to construct is to improve safety at the railroad and highway crossing. If this causes traffic conflicts and does not add to commercial value, staff believes it is going in the wrong direction. Councilmember Wise stated he had not noticed this situation until this drawing. He felt there would be an adverse economic impact to any properties to the north because it creates another wall. He noted it also shrinks developable property Mayor Ramsey noted the building would be double sided with no opportunity for parking if constructed this way. He indicated he can conceive a lot of problems with the grade and elevation. Public Works Director Olson stated staff wanted the Council's initial reaction and input on who should be responsible for costs of construction if it is feasible from an engineering standpoint. City Council Work Session / December 13, 2011 Page 6 of 7