Minutes - Public Works Committee - 02/19/2002

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Principal City Engineer Olson noted that he was fairly confident that the City could do some reconstruction of Dysprosium Street and stay within MSA guidelines. Councilmember Zimmerman requested that staff bring back a recommendation regarding Dysprosium Street, which would include the costs involved with redesigning the road. City Engineer Jankowski reviewed the proposed 2003 street maintenance projects. Councilmember Zimmerman inquired if it was possible for staff to present a reduced street maintenance program for 2003. City Engineer Jankowski replied that if the Council is comfortable with a commitment of $250,000 a year, then he could put together a plan. Mayor Gamec requested that when the street maintenance plans are presented to Council that the MSA funded projects are identified separately. Consensus of the Public Works Committee was to direct staff to develop a street maintenance program that would spread out the needed projects over the next 6 years. Councilmember Zimmerman inquired if the City was still on track with using TIF funds for the extension of Sunwood Drive from Sunfish Lake Boulevard to C.R. #116. Principal City Engineer Olson replied that state aid funding will cover a majority of the project and T1F funds will pay for Azurite Street and the sewer and water extension. Case #2: Consider Developer's Request for Elimination of Emergency Access Gate for River Pines 4th Addition Principal City Engineer Olson stated that on June 27, 1997, the City Council passed a resolution granting preliminary plat approval for Apple Ridge. There was a significant amount of discussion relating to the amount of traffic that could be generated from the development to avoid using Trunk Highway 47. A condition of the development was that an emergency vehicle access gate be installed at the intersection of 158th Avenue NW and Potassium Street NW. On August 16, 2001, Orrin Thompson Homes wrote a letter to the City with concerns relating to this emergency access gate and requested that it be eliminated to avoid separating the neighborhood. The purpose of the case is to consider the request as it will require that all 17 of the households that are built west of that intersection to exit via the existing neighborhood and deny them access to Trunk Highway 47. Ray Baird, Vice President Orrin Thompson Land Division, stated that times change and roads get developed over the years. On'in Thompson Homes felt that there were numerous reasons for not requiring the emergency gate be installed. One of those reasons is for safety, and other reasons being complications with snow plowing, street sweeping, and most of all it divides the community be creating a barrier. Public Works Committee/February 19, 2002 Page 4 of 11