Minutes - Public Works Committee - 02/19/2002

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Kapler noted that if the through street is eliminated they would be in violation of the City's cul- de-sac ordinance. Councilmember Zimmerman replied that they have allowed exceptions in the past. Councilmember Anderson inquired if there was a possibility for another way in or out of the Orrin Thompson Home development in the future. Principal City Engineer Olson explained that the problem with the site to the south is that the developer is having a difficult time with acquiring the property between the two properties to make a connection. Councilmember Zimmerman stated that that is one problem with the City is that they only deal with land on a subdivision by subdivision basis instead of an overall plan. Mayor Gamec disagreed. Councilmember Hendriksen stated that the entire argument becomes mute once the land to the south develops. Currently the Ordn Thompson Home development does not have a second access, so a second access could wait another year or so. Motion failed. Voting Yes: Councilmembers Hendriksen, and Zimmerman. Voting No: Mayor Gamec, and Councilmembers Anderson and Kurak. Motion by Mayor Gamec, seconded by Councilmember Kurak, to recommend that the City Council eliminate the emergency gate from River Pines 4th Addition. Further discussion: Councilmember Zimmerman noted that the emergency gate was one of the conditions for approval of the plat. Motion carded. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec and Councilmembers Kurak, and Anderson. Voting No: Councilmembers Hendriksen and Zimmerman. Case #3: Update on Sunfish Business Park Principal City Engineer Olson stated that Sunfish Business Park had proposed an access onto County Road 116 at Azurite Street NW and Sunwood Drive NW. Staff proposed a right turn lane into Azurite Street NW from County Road 116 as part of the plan that was submitted for the permit to work within the right of way. The cost of this work was $30,000 and has been included in with the T~ budget for this district. On October 4, 2001, the City received a letter from the County requesting that the Azurite Street NW connection to County Road 116 be eliminated due to the proximity of Sunwood Drive NW. Anoka County has had a difficult time in keeping up with the costs associated with development and improvements that need to be made to their existing road system. They now have a policy that requires left and right turning lanes to be installed with any new development or new street connection. The cost per intersection runs about $120,000. The City would be required, under the new County policy, to upgrade the intersection of Azurite Street NW with full turning movements at a cost of $120,000. In July of 2000 we submitted plans that were approved by the County Engineer for the connection to County Road 116 and Sunfish Lake Boulevard. This plan included right turn lanes to be added to southbound Sunfish Lake Boulevard and north and westbound County Road 116. The cost for this work on the County system would run about $60,000 or about $30,000 per right turn lane. Since the City still has to receive a permit for the construction of this street, the County requested upgrading the intersections with full turning movements. On February 13, 2002, staff met with the County to discuss reallocation of the requested improvements. Staff felt that Sunwood Drive Public Works Committee/February 19, 2002 Page 7 of 11