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Mayor Strommen asked if a meeting could be held with the Anoka County Commissioners and <br />Anoka County Highway staff prior to the Council making a final decision. She felt it would be <br />worth the time investment to have a conversation on a solution that accomplishes the City's <br />goals rather than only considering this highway corridor in a piecemeal manner <br />Community Development Director Gladhill stated the City Engineer has started those <br />discussions with the Anoka County Assistant Engineer and staff can come up with a `game plan' <br />going forward. <br />City Engineer Westby agreed that Highway 5 is an ongoing concern. He stated it is low on <br />Anoka County's priority list; however, if the City requested a corridor study the County <br />indicated they would consider it. <br />Mayor Strommen suggested this also be addressed with Anoka County Commissioners Look and <br />Schulte to assure the corridor is addressed holistically rather than intersection -by- intersection. <br />Acting Mayor LeTourneau pointed out that the closing of the access is the only option in the sale <br />analysis that shows a gain for the community in the sale of the property. He supported holding a <br />broader discussion on having a corridor plan, noting however, that may not make the City want <br />to move forward with the access. <br />Councilmember Riley asked if the Planning Commission reviewed the analysis on cost <br />implications. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill stated they did but it was an early version without <br />realtor commissions and contingency costs. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated on Friday, staff will be meeting with Anoka County <br />Commissioners Look and Schulte and can raise the need to better plan for this corridor to assure <br />safety is addressed. <br />Councilmember Riley agreed the Council needs to consider the smartest ideas for the right <br />outcome and one of those relates to the dollars. He stated there is a stark difference in how the <br />City comes out depending on the option taken. If the Council supports closure, he thinks staff <br />should look at Helium Street NW, which is inadequate at this time to accommodate additional <br />traffic. <br />Mayor Strommen stated the financial piece is important but cautioned the Council that the City <br />will get one shot at this access and in the future, if it is found to be important for the corridor, it <br />will be much more difficult to get it back after the development is configured. Rather than solely <br />being driven by dollars, she felt the Council needed to be sure its planning is solid and the best <br />plan for the corridor. <br />Acting Mayor LeTourneau asked how many homes are being proposed. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill answered 45 homes. <br />City Council Work Session / February 24, 2015 <br />Page 7 of 10 <br />