Minutes - Public Works Committee - 09/18/2007

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Elvig, Councilmembers Dehen and Olson. Voting No: None. COMMITTEE BUSINESS Case #1: Discuss 167th Avenue Alignment and Schedule City Engineer Jankowski explained that since 2004 the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) has included as a future improvement to the street system the extension of l6ih Avenue between Nowthen and Armstrong Boulevards as a collector street. He stated that the City anticipates this project will occur in three phases and be scheduled for construction from east to west in successive years beginning in 2007. The work has not been initiated this year as proposed in the schedule, however, there has been inquiries from the general public relative to this project and its schedule. The purpose of this case is to identify the process and schedule for proceeding with this project. He reviewed the rationale for establishing the collector street system. Their purpose is not intended to facilitate regional trips, but rather provide connections that feed from residential streets. The City plan aims to have such collector streets spaced at approximate one mile distances. The existing east/west corridors available in this area of the City at present time include CR 63, which is located one mile to the north, and Alpine Drive, which is one to one and a half miles to the south. As the City develops to the population projected in our comprehensive plan the need for these collector roads become more evident. If they are not provided it is likely that the traffic will elect to utilize existing residential streets, which are not constructed with amenities such as sidewalks, wide shoulders and gentler curves to increase the safety of these streets. Public Works Director Olson stated that he has had many conversations with residents over the last several weeks about this possible project. He stated that this is included in the CIP because it is in our comprehensive plan. He stated that there are many things that will need to happen for a project this size to move forward, such as alignment issues and what the environmental impacts would be. He stated that this project has come to the forefront because of the Brookfield development and the need for another east/west connection. He stated that discussion about the eastern portion of this road has been started because the developer has acquired three of the five properties. He stated that the City has not reached the public input stage, especially for the western piece because that is still many years away. He stated that even if this is included in the CIP, it does not necessarily mean that the project will happen, but just part of the budgeting process. He stated that the City is not planning on moving this project forward without public input. Chair Elvig stated this project has been on the books of the City for quite some time, in concept. He stated that some initial work was begun because the property has become available. He stated that the process the City will go through will include how to fund it, the reason for it, public input, whether it is located in the right place and what things it will impact. He stated that the City has not begun any of this work yet. He stated that he is delighted that there are so many people present tonight to give their opinion on this project. He asked that, in light of time constraints, people not be redundant in their comments. Public Works Committee / September 18, 2007 Page 4 of 23