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