Minutes - Public Works Committee - 04/15/2003

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City Engineer Jankowski stated that annually the City receives over $600,000 from the state toward the construction and maintenance of its Municipal State Aid System (MSAS). This system was established in the late 1950's as a method to provide a portion of the state gas tax revenues to counties and municipalities. Its purpose is to provide support for the arterial and collector roadways within the municipality. State law allows up to 20% of its base mileage to be designated as state aid routes. Monies that the City receives from the funding source can be used only to construct roadways on MSAS designated routes. The purpose of this case was to solicit from the Committee a recommendation to modify the City's MSAS system such that major streets within the Town Center would become eligible to be constructed with MSAS monies. In late February, City staff proposed modifications to MnDOT to the City's MSAS which would be consistent with the preliminary design of the Town Center. MnDOT must agree to the reasonableness to any proposed changes to the MSAS. It is anticipated that MnDOT's concurrence with these changes will be received shortly. However, it will be necessary for the City Council to pass a formal resolution requesting system modification prior to May 1, 2003 in order for any of the system to be eligible for funding during the 2003 construction season. It might be noted that some of the changes extend beyond the Town Center project. The reason for these additions stems from the desire of the City to designate as closely as possible the maximum allowable amount of mileage onto the system. This is due to the fact that the City's annual funding increases as the cost of bringing the City's designated system up to MSAS standards increase. He noted that the City is allows to designate 32 miles of roads as MSA roads, which will allow the City to add an additional 3.5 miles. Councilmember Elvig expressed some concern over upgrading Uranimite Street through and existing neighborhood. City Engineer Jankowski explained that when the road is upgraded it could be constructed to 30 mph standards. Councilmember Zimmerman suggested that the City add minor cul-de-sacs or move existing driveways along Uranimite in order to reduce the complaints. City Engineer Jankowski explained that there are approximately 25 homes adjacent to Uranimite and possible one or two of homes would have to be purchased in order for the road to be upgraded. Councilmember Cook stated that he liked the idea o fupgrading Uranimite Street because the City has very limited north/south routes in the City and it would provide the existing neighborhood an access into the Town Center without having to access Ramsey Boulevard or Armstrong Boulevard. Councilmember Cook inquired if the majority of the properties that are adjacent to Uranimite Street are side yards. City Engineer Jankowski replied yes. Public Works Committee/April 15, 2003 Page 2 of 12