Agenda - Planning Commission - 07/28/2022

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Councilmember Woestehoff asked staff to provide input on the improvements for 161 St. He noted that the Public Works Committee recently discussed the potential project and trail. City Engineer Westby commented that typically a road would be reconstructed to the same conditions unless another need comes forward. He stated that staff has concern with p.m. pick-up from parents and therefore they could potentially provide queuing on the street, but they would want to ensure that is not used for parking during the other hours. He stated that generally they would reconstruct the road without parking on either side and then an off -road trail for pedestrians. He stated that it would be hard to plan for a queuing lane when they are not aware of where vehicles would be coming from for parent pick-up. Councilmember Woestehoff stated that his hope was to show residents that the City is looking at 161st as part of this project and there will be changes made. He noted that the trail/sidewalk is a big project and recognized the tree loss concerns. He stated that they are attempting to reduce the tree loss to the extent possible. Commissioner Anderson asked why there could not be a right -in or right -out for buses off Variolite. City Engineer Westby stated that the sight distances are not good on Variolite because of the crest and curve, therefore staff has concern with the sight distances and related safety concerns for a head on collision of vehicles attempting to pass buses turning right into that access. Commissioner Anderson asked if those concerns would equally apply to that access being an exit only. City Engineer Westby confirmed that his concerns would remain as a vehicle could attempt to pass a bus entering the road from the site and could have a head on collision with vehicles coming from the other direction. He also had concern with a bus being able to come up to speed going up the hill towards 161st Commissioner Hunt asked if the sight distance are based off current speeds or school zone speed limits. City Engineer Westby replied that they could look to enact a school zone speed limit on the road, noting that is an MSA road and therefore MnDOT would need to be involved as there are additional requirements MnDOT would have to enact a school zone. He noted that his comments were based on the existing speed of the road. He stated that he understands the concern with drainage and the visibility of high water levels in the ditches after rain events but explained that those ditches are meant to fill up and hold water until it can be released downstream. He explained that just because a ditch is filled does not mean it is not functioning as it should be. He stated that the drainage design submitted by the applicant is reviewed diligently by staff as well as the LRRWMO engineering staff to ensure proper design. He stated that the City ensures that all developers are held to the standards for the two-, ten- and 100-year events noting that post development has to Planning Commission/ June 23, 2022 Page 13 of 19