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Councilmember Haas Steffen pointed out that even if we buy the houses, we do not have to get into the business of moving them. Councilmember Haas Steffen talked about, for example, a government agency taking a house and using it for a women's shelter, etc. She told of the need for this type of housing - to make it so a single mother, for example, could stay in the area. She felt that would be a better use for a home than using it for a practice burn. Director of Public Works Kapler stated that when the Fire Department talked about a house burn for training, they were not talking about 14 homes - they were talking about one home. Councilmember Haas Steffen suggested contacting Pat McFarland, Director of the Community Action Program for Anoka County, to see what he can work out. He has contacts who work on this type of thing. She added that she is not looking for the City to make any money on this project. Mr. Jankowski continued with the update. A Project Path Report has been prepared and submitted and accepted by MnDOT. This report serves as a scoping document of the impact the project will have on the area. and the environment. We have received comments on the project from the Anoka County Highway Department and Paul and Kimberly Foss of the Willow Ridge subdivision. He presented the documents and stated they have been sent to SRF, Inc. Mr. Jankowski stated that the City has received a letter from MnDOT, dated June 2, 1998, advising the City that it is now authorized to proceed with the environmental assessment and that property can now be acquired under hardship or protective buys. We are still looking at mid-August for the public hearing. Discussion ensued relating to the Laws property and figuring out some type of walkway on T.H. #47 and C.R. #5 - to make it safe for seniors. Mr. Jankowski noted the letter from Anoka County, commenting on the Project Path Report, which states their concerns. TheY prefer that the intersection at 142nd Avenue not be signalized. Signalized intersections to the south at C.S.A.H. #116 and to the north at C.S.A.H. #5, together with the property access via Xkimo Street on the east, would better preserve the through-travel function of T.H. #47. In his letter, Mr. Olson also wrote that, based on the layout included in the document, there doesn't appear to be enough space for a rural ditch section between improved T.H. #47 and the recreational trail on the east side, particularly between stations 2+400 and 2+950. Mr. Olson also asked to evaluate the proposed grades and western termini of the T.H. #47/C.S.A.H. #5 intersection. Councilmember Haas Steffen felt that #47 will be much safer with lights at 142nd to which Councilmember Zimmerman agreed. Road and Bridge Committee/June 16, 1998 Page 2 of 8