Agenda - Council - 01/11/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Further discussion: Councilmember Cook suggested Feldspar be added to the motion as an intersection that is being considered. He noted that intersection has the most traffic accidents listed and has the most traffic. It would be to the City's benefit to work with MnDOT to improve the Highway 10 corridor, and they may be able to come up with a logical change for Feldspar that will work better for everyone. Motion on the floor amended by Mayor Pro Tern Zimmerman, seconded by Councihnembcr Cook, to ratify the reconm~endation of the Public Works Committee in Case No. 2 and direct staff to send a letter of support for the closure of the following medians on Highway 10 and stating that the Feldspar median is being considered, and to continue to work with MnDOT and property owners between Ramsey Boulevard and Sunfish Lake Boulevard and that the Couucilmembers go out and review these particular intersections, especially Llama Street and Tungsten Street: ~ · Tungsten Street · Llama Street · Midway between Traprock Street and Armstrong Boulevard · The crossing west of Beatty Street Further discussion: Assistant Public Works Director Olson indicated something will happen at the Feldspar median, although it may not be a closure. Councilmember Cook stated there could be a compromise worked out with :the City, MnDOT, and the residents, and it is important to work with MnDOT. Mayor Pro Tem Zimmerman noted MnDOT is looking at an overlay of Highway 10 in this area in 2005. Assistant Public Works Director Olson explained now that land acquisition has becOme an issue with the phasing of the Ramsey Boulevard improvements, this overlay will be let sometime in November of 2005 and will not occur until 2006. Mayor Pro Tern Zimmerman noted these median closures are just an interim measure, and there is not funding for the conversion of Highway 10 to a freeway in the 20-year plan. Assistant Public Works Director Olson stated the freeway improvements are not included in the transportation plan at this time. It is impOrtant that MnDOT see that the City is working towards the same goals and they can hopefully get it in the transportation plan soon. Councilmember Cook stated it is also important that these closures are part of the overlay process and part of that process is to improve the flow of traffic by putting the left turn lanes on the ramping. This improves the flow on Highway 10 and reduces traffic problems. Councilmember Elvig stated he Would echo CoUncilmember Cook's comments. It is important f'or the City to keep its eyes open and stay in front of these types of issues. The City needs to look at things like frontage roads arOund HighWay 10 and needs to stay very focused on that. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor pro Tem Zimmerman, Councilmembers Cook, Elvig, Kurak, and Pearson. Voting No: None. Absent: Mayor Gamec and Councilmember Strommen. City Council/December 14, 2004 Page 17 of 33