Agenda - Council - 09/27/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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they lmve never indicated they would provide financial support for a signal. MnDOT would not install a signal until the traffic reaches the required levels. Mayor (iamec inquired if an easement was required on Trott Brook. Assistant Public Works Director Olson replied a conservation and trail easement was required. Councihnember Elvig stated he is pleased with the 1.9 units per acre proposed in the development. Assistant Public Works Director Olson reviewed the following concerns by staff from an operational perspective: ^4edia~: The City has allowed medians to be constructed in public streets, but that has generally been in a long block area. The initial plans indicate that directly off of CR 5 there would be a median lbr a period of a couple hundred feet. There have been instances with medians in the publ ic roadway where there has not been constant maintenance activity. l?oundrthout: Staff has concerns on the design criteria that have been used, which is only a guide at this time. In the guide it is specified that the use of roundabouts is expected to increase in Minnesota. There is a lot to learn about the use and design of roundabouts. Comments are included in the Staff Review Letter regarding the roundabout because staff wants to work the details out in relation to things such as operational and snowplow issues. (;irc~d~r median: Staff has significant concerns with the proposed circular median included in the middle of the cul-de-sac. If someone were to park in the cul-de-sac in a party situation it would make access nearly impossible. Assistant Public Works Director Olson indicated staff has discussed these three issues with the developer. The developer suggested that the roundabout has some validity. The developer wants t() make this a beautiful experience when entering the development, and to also slow traffic. The developer seemed willing to remove the median in the middle of the cul-de-sac. Mayor (iamec noted if the roundabout does not work out it would likely be easy to remove. It would be attractive coming into the development with plantings, and he would suggest the maintenance be a responsibility of the homeowners association. He indicated he can envision thc possible difficulties with the cul-de-sac median. Councihncn]ber Strommen commented Villages of Sunfish Lake has medians in small common areas that have been landscaped nicely. She understands the concerns with the roundabout; however, if the issues could be worked out the traffic calming would be an immense value. Assistant Public Works Director Olson indicated if the developer is willing to take on the maintenance responsibilities, at least the entrance median and the roundabout would be workable. Councihnember Olson stated she has had experience using roundabouts in other parts of the country where they get heavy snowfall, and the flow of traffic around a roundabout is handled City Council / September 13, 2005 Page 14 of 33