Minutes - Council - 01/14/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Engineer Westby explained that funding for this project was from the Highway Safety Improvement Project Account. Curt Kobilarcsik, Engineering Program Manager with the Anoka County Highway Department, estimated the cost of medians to be $20,000. He stated Anoka County staff strongly supports medians as being critical since the speed is 50 -55 mph, there are several access points, and the medians delineate traffic patterns. He stated if the City Council does not support medians, he would have to bring that back to Anoka County for additional consideration. The Council discussed its concern relating to the impact of medians on the City's businesses and ease of access. Mr. Kobilarcsik described the County's process to send several mailings early in the project process to notify adjacent residents of the project, hold open houses, and right -of -way discussion. He stated the County has talked with all adjacent property owners and will work with the property owner south of Alpine Drive and on the west side of County Road 5 to relocate their driveway. He described their discussions with residents and indicated most support the project, understand the point of the median, but are concerned about access to their property. Mayor Strommen invited residents to provide comment. Mark Martensen, 5803 Alpine Drive NW, stated his main concerns relate to the trail, privacy for his property, and drainage. He stated he has been assured that the project can work around his water supply, the City may install a spur, and he has no issue with medians. Pat Hampton, 15551 Potassium Street NW, stated he accesses County Road 5 from the north but in slippery conditions, it is dangerous and sometimes impossible to drive up the steep grade. His concern is the steep grade, especially during Minnesota winter weather. Mr. Hampton stated he has no objection to the project as long as that issue can be resolved. Jim Hirschman, 5859 Alpine Drive NW, stated his concerns with runoff. In addition, he is concerned with people walking in the ditch who will now be on a trail in his yard and he will have to deal with snow plowed from the trail. Mr. Hirschman stated he is concerned about backing out of his driveway and over the trail, raising a safety concern for those walking on the trail. He agreed with the option of placing a waterline spur so it is available in the future. With regard to the median, it guarantees his property will not be a viable business property should it be rezoned in the future. Dee Weichelt, 15407 Nowthen Boulevard NW, stated the hill is slippery going up or down and five to six trees also block views. She asked if a blinking warning light could be considered with a speed limit sign instead of installing a signal light. Ms. Weichelt stated there are accidents on all streets and she thinks drivers try to beat the light when it turns red so that will always be a problem with signal lights that would not be an issue with a stop sign. She stated now all four sides come to a stop and she feels that is safe. City Council / January 14, 2014 Page 6of12