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driveway that close to the school will create an additional obstacle, impacting student <br />pedestrians. She favored closing the access, limiting access points and conflicts with students. <br />Councilmember Kuzma asked about emergency vehicle access and potential impact for City <br />plows access should the access be closed. <br />Fire Chief Kapler stated there is no problem with access from the Fire Station. <br />Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated there is no problem with access for City snow <br />plows /equipment. <br />Councilmember Kuzma stated the neighborhood supported houses over a data center and <br />indicated they were comfortable if additional traffic was created. He stated that is a result of <br />what the neighborhood wanted so the Council needs to determine the best method to address <br />safety. He supported closing the access. <br />Mayor Strommen stated most often she supports keeping access points open but in this case, <br />Highway 5 is a safety challenge and as Councilmember Shryock pointed out, the school is in <br />close proximity and has multiple access points. In addition, Highway 5 traffic stacks at the <br />points of access, unlike stacking for Highway 47. She stated she is uncomfortable with an <br />uncontrolled intersection and creating additional traffic at an access so close to the school unless <br />the City has a conversation with the County in how to address safety. <br />Acting Mayor LeTourneau stated there have been many conversations about the importance of <br />addressing the needs of Highways 47 and 5. <br />Councilmember Riley asked if Anoka County is totally opposed to an entrance but would allow a <br />right - in/right -out at City cost. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill stated Anoka County strongly opposes a full access <br />but if it were opened, it would need proper safety investments and the County may consider a <br />right - in/right -out at the City's costs. <br />Planning Commission Chair Levine noted that a right - in/right -out option does not help the <br />situation much and when the Planning Commission was talking about it, it was with full access. <br />Councilmember Riley stated the City wants to work with Anoka County, but the City has already <br />pushed back on the option of having medians. He noted the Planning Commission's <br />recommendation may not be possible if it is not supported by Anoka County. <br />Asst. City Administrator /Economic Development Manager Brama stated he talked with Anoka <br />County who opposes any access whether full or right - in/right -out; however, if opened would <br />select right - in/right -out. He stated Anoka County indicated a willingness to work with the City <br />and the biggest issue with Anoka County is safety. <br />City Council Work Session / February 24, 2015 <br />Page 6 of 10 <br />