Minutes - Council - 07/22/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember LeTourneau stated he appreciates staffs diligence in determining all of the angles and since Mn/DOT is awaiting the City's decision, he supports staffs recommendation. Motion by Councilmember LeTourneau, seconded by Councilmember Riley, to Adopt Resolution #14 -07 -147 Requesting Removal of the Southerly Alignment of Riverdale Drive Extension East of Tungsten Street from the Trunk Highway 10 Access Planning Study, contingent upon discussions and coordination with the City of Anoka. Further discussion: Councilmember Backous stated he is not comfortable with either alternative until more information is gained from Lano Equipment and Mn/DOT. Mayor Strommen noted the resolution is contingent upon additional discussions with the City of Anoka. She stated the discussions can continue and it is known that Mn/DOT's goals are to improve safety by eliminating points of access to Highway 10. Councilmember Backous stated he does not want to make a decision that results in favoring one business for future development while also negatively impacting one long -time Ramsey business. Mayor Strommen stated for her, the consideration is how to meet Highway 10 safety goals, the most effective land use, land use goals, and needs of the City of Ramsey, not a particular business. Councilmember Johns stated her support for the motion, noting the uncertainty of not making a decision also impacts the businesses. She felt the motion on the floor would provide certainty to those businesses so they . can move forward with their long -term plans. Mayor Strommen invited Planning Commissioners to make comment. Planning Commissioner Gary VanScoy stated his concern with the backage road alignment was routing traffic through a residential area in addition to routing that traffic into the businesses. He stated he sees advantages and disadvantages with both alternatives and indicated the Council's discussion points mirror that of the Planning Commission. He agreed that a decision is needed so this matter can move forward and stated his preference is the frontage road. Planning Commission Chair Gary Levine stated this decision has been under consideration for a long time and it is important to now make a decision and move forward. He noted once that occurs, the City can determine who needs help and how that can be addressed. Mayor Strommen thanked the Planning Commission for its deliberation, recommendation, and to those in attendance tonight. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers LeTourneau, Riley, Johns, and Kuzma. Voting No: Councilmember Backous. Absent: Councilmember Tossey. 7.02: Consider Adoption of Resolution #14 -07 -144 Accepting Bids and Awarding a Contract for Improvement Project 12 -22; Riverdale Drive Reconstruction and Extension — Armstrong Boulevard to Traprock Street City Engineer Westby presented the improvement project and described locations where easements were needed to accommodate the project and stormwater retention. He reviewed the public information meetings that were held over the last year and noted a petition signed by 47 Alpaca Estates was received in opposition to this project, though special assessments were not being proposed. City Engineer Westby reviewed the bids received and presented staff's recommendation to adopt a resolution accepting the bids and awarding the contract for Improvement Project 12 -22, Riverdale Drive Reconstruction and Extension, to Kuechle City Council / July 22, 2014 Page 5 of 8