Minutes - Council - 02/08/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Riley asked if there would be a through median all the way down Bunker, similar to other segments of Bunker. City Engineer Westby replied that the red line shown on the sketch in the case is a proposed narrow raised concrete median. Staff identified those areas on the sketch and explained the path traffic would need to take to access certain sites. He confirmed that the actions would impact numerous businesses. Councilmember Specht commented that he would not want to impact businesses in that manner. He recognized that it is in the hands of the County but wanted to ensure that the comment is passed on from the City. He referenced the proposed lights for Sunwood and Bunker and asked if those would be needed to manage actual traffic or anticipated traffic from Highway 10. City Engineer Westby replied that the County claims that intersection currently meets the warrants. Councilmember Specht commented that he did not see that as a benefiting improvement, as it would simply be another stop for vehicles traveling the roadway. He asked for clarification on the ability to turn on Limonite. City Engineer Westby replied that would become a right-in/right-out as a temporary condition with the intent for it to become a permanent improvement when Bunker Lake Boulevard is constructed to its full design in 10 to 20 years. Councilmember Specht commented that there is sufficient space for a vehicle to wait to turn left onto Limonite without disrupting traffic and therefore did not feel that is a needed improvement. Councilmember Musgrove asked if the JPA is active with regular meetings or whether meetings are held only when a project comes forward. City Engineer Westby replied that the JPA was adopted in 2005 between the County and City and it guides Public Works improvements throughout The COR. He commented that it is active, still used and still enforced. He stated that the JPA could be amended. Councilmember Musgrove stated that she would like to see additional study of the JPA as she is unsure of the input the City would have based on the JPA. She stated that she is concerned with the impacts to trucks and semis attempting to access the businesses. City Engineer Westby replied that Anoka County is aware of the business park and that there is a large volume of trucks, therefore it will be designed to accommodate heavy truck traffic. Councilmember Riley stated that he would assume everyone supports the turn lanes and improvements but would like to see stronger language related to the restrictions and business rd impacts. He stated that there are many businesses off 143, many residents off Limonite, and Connexus, which is one of the biggest businesses in Ramsey that would be impacted. He stated that the description of temporary for an improvement is not typically 10 to 20 years. City Council / February 8, 2021 Page 9 of 12