Minutes - Council - 12/10/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Street (estimated at $6,800 if constructed with this project); to make a watermain connection to loop the system (estimated at $40,000); and to repair the drainage pipe under CSAH 5 (estimated at .$35,000). The total estimated construction cost is $1.692 million; there are federal funds of $936,000; and total estimated cost to the City is $226,014. If approved, 95% of the City's cost would be paid to Anoka County with the remainder due at the end of the project. City Engineer Westby noted the costs being presented are estimated and would be paid from Municipal State Aid (MSA) funds, the water loop from the Water Utility Fund, and the trial from the Park and Recreation Fund. He presented the comments of the Public Works Committee relating to this project and majority recommendation to approve the draft Joint Powers Agreement (JPA). Councilmember Riley stated when it was presented to the. Public Works Committee, Anoka County indicated residents thought this is a good idea but he spoke with six residents and none support the project and especially the medians. In addition, the medians would impact an existing business. Councilmember Johns stated she also received some telephone calls and does not support the medians. She stated she did receive one comment that the bypass offered a safer alternative. Councilmember Johns stated there is a perception that the four -way stop solved the problem and reduced accidents. City Administrator Ulrich stated there were 26 accidents from 2000 to 2006 prior to installation of the four -way stop. There have been 17 accidents from 2006 until now. Councilmember Backous agreed that medians can impact businesses, as occurred at Highway 47 and County Road 116. He noted three resident's driveways were realigned and the business owns an adjacent property that could access Alpine Drive so he assumed their concerns had been addressed. Councilmember Backous stated he supports the project as it builds for the future and not current conditions that would be quickly outdated. Councilmember Kuzma stated at the Public Works Committee meeting, Anoka County had indicated they talked with property owners and they supported the project but now he hears that is not the case so he would support additional discussions with residents to find a compromise. He indicated until that occurs, he will pull his support of the project. Curt Kobilarcsik, Engineering Program Manager with the Anoka County Highway Department, stated he understands the concerns with the median and as stated at the Public Works Committee meeting, there has been discussion with a couple of the property owners including the business on the southeast corner. He stated this is an unsafe intersection and the project proposes the safest solution for what is available to work with. Mayor Strommen asked if Anoka County has considered lowering the 55 mph limit on CSAH 5. Mr. Kobilarcsik stated speed limits are set by the State and the City could request a speed study of Mn/DOT through that area. He noted the project has been designed for the existing speed limits and if the speed is lowered, he does not see it lowering significantly and would still support medians to increase safety. Mr. Kobilarcsik explained if this JPA is declined, the project City Council / December 10, 2013 Page 9 of 14