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Boulevard. It was also explained that current Anoka County policy requires the City to own and maintain the <br />signal proposed at this intersection in perpetuity, based upon warrants. <br />2. Armstrong Boulevard is shown to diverge to the east slightly, out of the existing right-of-way into the COR <br />property on the interchange design, but remains in its current alignment on the Sunwood project. The <br />interchange project was designed to avoid total takings of the properties along the west side of Armstrong, <br />and therefore the roadway is proposed to move slightly east onto vacant HRA land in an effort to keep <br />acquisition costs down. The Sunwood project proposes holding the existing Armstrong alignment, which is <br />consistent with HRA direction to investigate purchasing properties on the west side of Armstrong in an <br />attempt to solve right-of-way acquisition issues for both projects. If we are able to successfully acquire these <br />parcels Armstrong would be able to remain in its current alignment, thereby resulting in improved roadway <br />geometrics and reduced interchange costs. <br />3. Staff was approached by Mid America, the property owner of Northstar Marketplace, requesting a right -in <br />condition be included in the interchange project for better access to their site. Council expressed some <br />concerns related to the proposed sketch but decided to delay an official response until Mid America could <br />provide additional detailed information as to the feasibility of such an access. It was discussed that Mid <br />America should perform the necessary investigations and analysis to determine whether this access could be <br />accommodated, not only by the City but also the other jurisdictions involved (Anoka County and MnDOT), <br />before a decision could be made on who would be responsible to pay for and maintain such an improvement. <br />4. One final item of discussion on both projects was related to turf establishment. Council direction was to <br />install the City's required topsoil and sod within all City right-of-way, but seed could be substituted in place <br />of sod in the County right-of-way. It was proposed (and accepted) this way because portions of the <br />Armstrong work will only be temporary until the interchange is constructed. The boulevard landscaping in <br />these temporary areas can be included with development review, to ensure site landscaping accounts for these <br />areas when develop occurs, and what isn't resolved through development can be incorporated into the <br />interchange design. <br />As opposed to re -designing the interchange project (and all associated approvals and documents that go with it) at <br />this late date, it was decided to continue with the plans as designed and referenced in all public meetings to date. If <br />the Sunwood realignment project moves forward revisions to the interchange design can be accommodated prior to <br />final design. The idea being that the Sunwood realignment would reduce the total project costs associated with the <br />interchange, as the City would be preconstructing improvements that were originally attributed to the interchange <br />while not adversely affect the overall design. <br />Recommendation: <br />Staff is looking for direction on how to best fund the Sunwood Drive realignment project. A few options have been <br />provided for your consideration; a couple of which include deviations from the current policy on distribution of <br />land sale proceeds. <br />Funding Source: <br />A few funding scenarios to finance the project are attached for consideration, and staff is looking for direction on <br />which option is preferred by the City Council. Once a final financing package is determined the feasibility studies <br />can be finalized, consistent with that direction, and preparation of construction documents can commence. <br />A discussion to consider deviating from the existing policy on distribution of land sale proceeds is contemplated in <br />this funding analysis. There are also a couple of grant opportunities, that staff is currently preparing applications for, <br />which are included in the analysis. If we are successful in securing those grant dollars they could be included in the <br />funding package in place of other options being considered. <br />Council Action: <br />Based upon discussion. <br />Attachments <br />Sunwood Drive Preliminary Layout <br />Armstrong Blvd Preliminary Layout <br />