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

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June Hampton, 15551 Potassium Street, stated this looks good on paper but her concern relates to safety and the steep slope. She relayed an incident that occurred three years ago when she tried to drive up the hill but it was too icy and the car only got one -half of the way up so she had to call her son who came to help. Because of this, she no longer uses the hill when it is icy because it is too dangerous. Ms. Hampton asked the Council to drive the slope during icy conditions, see how narrow it is, and do something to change it because this is not a good solution. Milt Weichelt, 15407 Nowthen Boulevard, recommended excavating old County Road 5 into the exit of County Road 5 to lower the grade and make it easier to avoid an accident at the intersection. Mr. Weichelt suggested addressing the trees on Alpine Drive that block the view from the intersection. Frank Dehn, 5843 Alpine Drive NW, stated his objection is to the walking path because his driveway is very steep and he is concerned about pedestrian's safety. Mark Martensen, 5803 Alpine Drive NW, suggested that instead of a walking path, installing a pedestrian flashing yellow light so drivers pay more attention. Milt Weichelt, 15407 Nowthen Boulevard, stated there is currently 20 -30 cars using the old County Road 5 exit but when the two developments go in on the north end, there will be 90 -100 cars using the road daily so addressing the steep slope is even more important. City Engineer Westby addressed issues raised during public testimony. He stated it is estimated to cost over $100,000 to lower the steep slope and provide additional landing at the bottom, which would be a City cost. It would require driveway relocation for property on the north side of the intersection and the purchase of additional right -of -way. City Engineer Westby stated the trees obstructing views would be removed as part of this project. Mr. Kobilarcsik stated the intersection drainage meets MSA design standards and will convey water to the treatment pond. The Council acknowledged that three residents have testified that they do not support a trail across their property and driveway. The Council agreed that the steep hill needs to be addressed as part of this project so it does not push a serious problem two blocks away. Mr. Kobilarcsik indicated they had hoped to start construction the summer of 2014 while school was not in session; however, the project will now start construction in mid - August of 2014. With regard to mitigating the steep slope, he explained there is existing access today and the County included a by -pass lane to improve safety of the intersection. He stated the issue of the steep slopes was not raised at the open house meetings and Anoka County does not have participation in lowering slopes. It would be a City cost if it moved forward. The Council pointed out that post project, residents will have one fewer points of access. The Council discussed the project and indicated that while it supported the project, there was some concern relating to the access off Old County Road 5, steep slopes, and median placement. It City Council / January 14, 2014 Page 7 of 12