02-08-2005 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . Planning Commission Meeting Notes Februaty 8, 2005 Page 3 jurisdictional boundary between MnDOT's central office and District 3's office. Mr. Maurer provided a description of how the jurisdictional differences existed. Mr. Maurer stated that regarding the Line Avenue cul-de-sac, the Council will discuss this project at the February 14th workshop meeting. The Commission discussed the merits of closing the median in Twin Lakes Road, which would prohibit left turns northbound from Line Avenue to Twin Lakes Road, and left turns southbound onto Twin Lakes Road from the Marshes of Trott Brook development. Commissioner Lemke asked about the Highway 10 IRC and the raising of Highway 10 in downtown; whether or not the railroad tracks would be raised as well so that Main Street and Jackson could traverse beneath the tracks, as opposed to having to travel over the tracks. Mr. Maurer stated that the IRC consultant indicated that studying the lowering of Highway 10 in the downtown area was beyond their scope and this would be one of the alternatives to be evaluated under the new planning funds being requested by the City. Mr. Maurer then reviewed the 14 items that he identified either through ongoing conversations or inclusion in the Comprehensive Transportation Plan adopted by the City in 2004 as to be completed within the short term period. He expanded on Item 3 - the widening of Zane Avenue through Elk River Crossing and provided an update regarding acquisition of right-of-way versus a sidewalk easement. Mr. Maurer indicated that a 10-foot sidewalk easement to be located over the 10-foot parking setback would provide the City an opportunity to widen the road if needed by moving the public sidewalk onto the Wal-Mart property in the sidewalk easement. He stated that he believes, and the Police Chief concurs, that a three-lane configuration will function very well, as opposed to creating a four-lane condition on Zane Avenue. The Commission discussed closing the median at Main Street and Zane Avenue, which would prohibit northbound left turns onto Main Street and would prohibit crossing of the intersection. This would require traffic to exit the development at the south end of Zane (179th Avenue), and utilize Twin Lakes Road to get to Main Street, CSAH 12, or Highway 10. Commissioner Anderson noted that most of the traffic currently occurs at the north end of Zane Street and that once Tractor Supply and Maxsun Furniture are built, the 179m Avenue intersection with Twin Lakes Road will be more fully utilized. Mr. Maurer provided additional explanation regarding development of a traffic calming policy. He reviewed the Bloomington process and that their policy required implementation on a city-wide basis and that inclusion of the public in the process is important. He noted that two policies could be drafted; one to resolve traffic issues in existing developments, and one to be implemented as part of new development construction. Commissioner Stevens noted that well-defined corridors need to be identified and constructed in order to effectively implement traffic calming. Commissioner Offerman stated that traffic and impacts to children always seem to be issues during public hearings. He felt that sometimes the claims of traffic impacts are exaggerated. He stated he lives on Auburn Street and now that 196m Avenue has been extended to Evans Street, there are no longer traffic issues on Auburn. Mr. Maurer stated that the City is not able to take on all 14 projects and that staff is requesting a recommendation from the Commission to the City Council as to what the City's priorities should be.