Minutes - Council - 10/13/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Larry Gronewold, 14265 Waco Street, asked who makes the final decision on this project. He asked if it belongs with MnDOT or the Ramsey City Council. Mayor Gamec stated the Council basically supports the light at 142nd Avenue. He advised that he and Councilmember Haas Steffen attended a meeting and MnDOT said if the City did not agree with their plan, they would use the funds elsewhere. Mayor Gamec stated the City is putting $2.2 million into the project along with funding from the County and State and everyone on the Council wants the light at 142nd Avenue. Mayor Gamec thanked the residents for this petition of support which can be relayed to MnDOT. Mr. Gronewold stated the proposed project benefits MnDOT but it does not really address the true traffic problems in the City of Ramsey. He stated that this decision, particularly in the 142nd Avenue area that has 19 businesses, does not appear to be a community-based decision regarding the traffic pattern. He stated he appreciates the Council's support for this signal and asked what residents can do to put more pressure on MnDOT. Mayor Gamec stated this petition is signed by many residents which shows an excellent effort on their part. He stated that he is not afraid to ask for help and Councilmember Haas Steffen was quite forceful at the meeting they attended to impress on MnDOT the Council's desire for this signal. Mayor Gamec commented on the high use of the River's Bend Park which generates a lot of traffic and restated that the entire Council is in support of this signal light. He stated he will meet again with the businesses in that area. Councilmember Haas Steffen explained that this project changed in the middle of the "stream" and originally was only to go to Highway 5 at the "T" intersection. But, a year and a half to two years ago, the City applied for Federal dollars to extend the scope of the project. She reminded residents that this is an election year and people who represent Ramsey at the State Legislature should be contacted. She commented on the mixed message that results from attaching a preservation highway label on Highway 47 while considering traffic signals at one-half mile intervals. Councilmember Haas Steffen noted the impact to businesses when their points of access are changed. She again encouraged residents to call their legislators and urge them to put pressure on MnDOT to include a signal at 142nd Avenue. Mayor Gamec entered into the record the letter from Landmark Bank requesting the signal light. City Engineer Jankowski advised that the public input period remains open until October 29, 1998, and suggested this and the petition be forwarded to MnDOT as part of the public input. He clarified that it is not true that 142nd Avenue is no longer being considered for signalization but MnDOT is questioning if warrants would still be met if a signal is installed at Highway 5. Also, the Road and Bridge Committee will discuss the City's position with the person who coordinated the study on Tuesday, October 20, 1998, at 5:00 p.m. Mayor Gamec polled the Council regarding their stand on the signal at 142nd Avenue. Each Councilmember indicated their support. City Council/October 13, 1998 Page 5 of 22