06-13-2005 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Page 3 June 13, 2005 ----------------------------- Mayor Klinzing stated that we can have the title to be the Energy City of the world but it has more significance and more far reaching impact than that. She feels that we really won’t know until it does become a commission. Councilmember Dietz inquired how the independent business people would serve, how many members, and the makeup of this group. Mr. Rohlf stated that the makeup would be of 15 people with term limits, the naming of specific companies in the ordinance; bylaws would be put together; etc. Councilmember Dietz inquired as to when would this commission come to the Council for Council approval. Mayor Klinzing stated that this commission would advise the Council in regards to energy related businesses coming to the City; identity and image perspectives; maintain relationships of businesses, Energy City, and the Council; Energy City has a reputation for Wind Energy and wind generators and receives inquires; and also economic development benefits. Direction to staff was to come back to Council with the ordinance for approval with the understanding of relooking at this group and ordinance within three to five years after approval. 5.3.Transportation - Follow up to March 14 Council Worksession on Priorities and Follow up to April 11 CIP Discussion on Streets City Engineer Terry Maurer reviewed his staff report consisting of the following transportation issues: School Street extension westerly to Upland Avenue (County Road 44); County Road 44 status; Elk Hills Drive extension easterly to CSAH 13; and 193 Avenue rd extension easterly to CSAH 13. He stated that Council has approved the City’s Comprehensive Transportation Plan. He stated that these four items on his list are the ones that Council has prioritized and directed staff to work on first. Planning Commission members present were: Leo Offerman and Peter Lemke. Mr. Maurer stated that in regards to the School Street Extension Westerly to Upland Avenue (County Road 44) that this would be the most long-term of the four issues because this extension would require a crossing of the Burlington Northern Railroad tracks. A bridge crossing of the railroad tracks will likely be needed with an estimated construction cost of $80 per square foot making this component of the connection in the $5 million range. Staff recommends that to pursue this corridor, staff be directed to work with Elk River Concrete Company to discuss viable future routes for a roadway through their property. He stated that in regards to County Road 44 it is his understanding that the County will be looking at this at the June 14 Board meeting and if they make it a viable road surface that the City should not take the road back at this time. He stated that a pedestrian facility would need to be done independently and within the County’s roadway and by permit. Members of the Council were in favor of this.