Minutes - Council - 05/26/1987 - Laserfiche WebLink

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County Commissioner Haas-Steffen stated that neither the city nor the county has the authority to realign Hwy. #47. Six years ago Ramsey approached the County regarding the possibility of making Dysprosium a county road and trading Cry. Rd. ~57 for a new alignment through that area because they recognized the growth and the need for sufficient amount of right-of-ways to accomodate sidewalks, bike lanes, etc. When Cry. Rd. #5 and Dysprosium were being discussed, nobody figured on the Thurston Avenue bridge. When that bridge was constructed, it was determined that there was a need for a last-chance look at the situation between Anoka, Ramsey, Anoka County and the State. If Dysprosium is connected to Cry. Rd. #5, motorists will take the point of least resistance and the existing easements will not leave enough room for sidewalks and bike lanes. To make it a county road requires more right-of-way. The County is asking Ramsey to look at it because of county and state policy which says that if alignment changes, the city must acquire the easement; the county is asking Ramsey to find out how much it will cost. Mark Finsted - 14120 Dysprosium - Stated that only about 20% of the traffic on Hwy. ~47 turns off onto Hwy. #10; the city is considering spending a lot of money to relieve a minimal amount of congestion. Judy Kyker - Inquired if the city is now considering bringing Dysprosium up to county standards. Councilmember Cox stated that the cost of acquisition is going to be researched even though the plan may not progress beyond that point. City Engineer Raatikka stated that in the late 1970's, plans were made for connecting Cry. Rd. #5 and Dysprosium; Dysprosium was proposed to be a municipal state aid street. In the early 1980's, the county, state and city met and the city asked the county to participate in upgrading Dysprosium to higher standards and the county rejected the request and instructed Ramsey to keep it as municipal state aid. Upgrading to county state aid is now being discussed. County Commissioner Haas-Steffen stated that the county's response was that they didn't have the money to upgrade Dysprosium to county standards at that time. The Thurston Avenue bridge changed a lot of planning. It is possible that the additional easement that would be required can be obtained from just one side of Dysprosium. Judy Kyker - Inquired if any of the councilmembers are in favor of rerouting #47 onto Dysprosium. Councilmember Cox stated that a decision should be made after the study is completed; he is not in favor of rerouting onto Dysprosium. Duane Lundeen - 14131 Junkite - Suggested leaving the intersection of Cty. Rd. #5 and Hwy. #47 as is and angling Cry. Rd. #116 to the Thurston Avenue bridge. Art Raudio - Stated that the problem is not Dysprosium but rather the need for the Rum River Bridge crossing. Some of the tax increment revenue being generated in that area should be put towards that bridge. City Council/May 26, 1987 Page 10 of 21