Agenda - Council - 05/08/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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the afternoon peak period. It notes that improving the level of service at this intersection will require sign.alization, which needs MnDOT approval. He inquired if this study could be • presented to MnDOT to determine if they would be willing to look at signalization at this time. Assistant Public Works Director Olson replied staff has tried to use warrants that were projected in the past. MnDOT has never informed the City they cannot signalize this intersection; however they have never indicated they would provide financial support for a signal. MnDOT would not install a signal until the traffic reaches the required levels. Mayor Gamec inquired if an easement was required on Trott Brook. Assistant Public Works Director Olson replied a conservation and trail easement was required. Councilmember Elvig stated he is pleased with the 1.9 units per acre proposed in the development. Assistant Public Works Director Olson reviewed the following concerns by staff from an operational perspective: Median: The City has allowed medians to be constructed in public streets, but that has generally been in a long block area. The initial plans indicate that directly off of CR 5 there would be a median for a period of a couple hundred feet. There have been instances with medians in the public roadway where there has not been constant maintenance activity. Roundabout: Staff has concerns on the design criteria that have been used, which is only a guide at this time. In the guide it is specified that the use of roundabouts is expected to increase in • Minnesota. There is a lot to learn about the use and design of roundabouts. Comments are included in the Staff Review Letter regarding the roundabout because staff wants to work the details out in relation to things such as operational and snowplow issues. Circular n7edian: Staff has significant concerns with the proposed circular median included in the middle of the cul -de -sac. If someone were to park in the cul -de -sac in a parry situation it would make access nearly impossible. Assistant Public Works Director Olson indicated staff has discussed these three issues with the developer. The developer suggested that the roundabout has some validity. The developer wants to make this a beautiful experience when entering the development, and to also slow traffic.. The developer seemed willing to remove the median in the middle of the cul -de -sac. Mayor Gamec noted if the roundabout does not work out it would likely be easy to remove. It would be attractive coming into the development with plantings, and he would suggest the maintenance be a responsibility of the homeowners association. He indicated he can envision the possible difficulties with the cul -de -sac median. Councilmember Strommen commented Villages of Sunfish Lake has medians in small common areas that have been landscaped nicely. She understands the concerns with the roundabout; however, if the issues could be worked out the traffic calming would be an immense value. • City Council / September 13, 2005 Page 14 of 33 =