Minutes - Council - 02/13/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Gamec explained when that development was put through it was contingent on the cul- de-sac getting access to 157th Lane when it became available. It has come available much sooner than they thought. Councilmember Elvig noted there is no one living on 157th A venue; it has not been built out. He agrees with the concerns about 157th Lane, which is why a traffic study was requested. He would think most people would be exiting from this neighborhood, rather than going through there. With the traffic study the City would be able to address the neighborhood with information. Mayor Gamec pointed out another major concern was Potassium Street, which has been widened with some property acquired by the City. That street is approximately 14 mile, so there is 14 mile up into two arms ofa cul-de-sac. The goal was to relieve some of that with another access to the property. Currently if something were to happen on Potassium Street the residents would be stranded in that area. This is a timing issue. He questioned if it would be better for the City to purchase the property and make a decision later, with the ability to sell the property if it is not used. The problem would be with not purchasing the property and wanting to put the street through in the future. Councilmember Olson suggested an offer could be made contingent on the results of the traffic study. This way the property owner could continue to market the property, but the City would have first right of refusal. Councilmember Elvig concurred. Councilmember Strommen indicated if they were to proceed with this suggestion, notification should be sent to the residents in the area explaining the process the City is going through and the research they will continue to undertake. Councilmember Look stated he spoke with residents that live on old Highway 5, and one of their concerns was on Quicksilver with the development going into the west and the potential traffic off of 157th Lane. He questioned if there are any projections on repair work to be done to old Highway 5 or changes to that area, as it is apparent the condition of that road is not suitable for the existing traffic, let alone additional traffic. Mayor Gamec explained this was looked at with the possibility of having an access only onto Highway 5, but eliminating the one onto Alpine Drive. There are also moves to change Highway 5 with a development that was proposed on the southwest corner of Highway 5 and Alpine Drive. He believes the intent was that old Highway 5 at 153rd was to become a cul-de-sac with the access coming out at a right angle onto Highway 5. This was to be reviewed before any repairs are done to old Highway 5. Councilmember Look commented there will be repair bills for the streets as these projects come on line. City Council / February 13, 2007 Page 23 of 25