09-04-2007 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing & Redevelopment Authority Minutes Page 2 September 4, 2007 were on the proposal. Mr. Clark stated that Mn/DOT indicated they were willing to proceed with the Highway 10 study as an extension of the Highway 169 contract. Chair Wilson stated that he hoped that the Task Force would remain intact for the time it takes to complete the study. He asked if staff has received any responses back from the Task Force. Ms. Mehelich stated no. Chair Wilson asked if the terms of any of the Boards and Commission members on the Task Force would be expiring or be up for reappointment prior to trying to reconvene the Task Force. Ms. Mehelich stated that staff will check on the status of the terms. Commissioner Motin stated that he prefers that whoever is on the Task Force now would remain. He explained that the members have been involved in an extensive learning process and the Council would want them to continue, unless they cannot or do not wish to continue. Chair Wilson stated that the geometric study for Highway 10 would have been a good tool for the Task Force to base their decisions on, if it had been available. Commissioner Motin explained that the Council has placed the Task Force on "hiatus", and that it has nothing to do with having any dissatisfaction with their work. He stated that the Council received comments from the public and some Task Force members who were frustrated with the process, since Highway 10 was such an important element. Commissioner Lieser asked if the Task Force would be provided options for Highway 10, as was done for Highway 169, or if the City Council would choose one first. Commissioner Motin stated that the Ciry Council will eventually make a decision on the best plan, but that the public will be involved in the selection process. • Mr. Clark stated that after the Council decision in October, staff will follow the same process as the Highway 169 study. Mn/DOT, SRF, staff, and the Ciry Engineer will go through the public process and come back to the City Council. He stated it will be up to the Council whether or not they want to do a joint meeting. Commissioner Lieser asked if the process could take longer than six months. Mr. Clark stated that it could, but Mn/DOT seemed comfortable with the six month time frame, since the Highway 10 study area is more compressed. Commissioner Kuester asked for clarification on the study process. Mr. Clark explained that that a plan view evaluation from the vertical dimension will be completed, followed by a quick environmental analysis, and then an alignment will be selected to be taken through the review process. When the final design is approved and put in place, and it could be 5 years to 50 years before it is constructed. Commissioner Kuester asked how cost issues play into the design. Mr. Clark explained that cost will not drive the process; the most reasonable design will drive the process. He noted that there will be intangible factors the Ciry will have to deal with, as well as tangible factors such as how the roadway will determine where frontage roads will go. Issues such as visibility and direct access for the downtown will be impacted by these factors. Commissioner Kuester stated that the design will have a major impact on the downtown and the City needs to determine what the goals are and how much it will improve the situation, as well as the costs. Mr. Clark stated that struggle may be that the City has very different goals than Mn/DOT. He noted that visibility for the downtown will not be Mn/DOT's concern and it may be very difficult to come to an agreement. Commissioner Kuester stated that when the study is completed, it should include a goals section. Mr. Clark concurred. Commissioner Toth questioned whether or not there were other issues the Task Force