07-09-2007 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Councill'vfinutes July 9, 2007 Page 3 . That issue has basically caused Mn/DOT to look at which side of the road to impact; they chose the south side due to the access and difficulty of replacing the clinic. Councilmember Morin commented that the recommendation from last time contained a lot less impact and he felt there was more impact with this design then the last design, and wondered why this design was chosen. Mr. Montebello replied that this alternative may appear to have more impact, but that operationally, the BC2 option works better. Mr. Montebello explained that Mn/DOT felt the BC2 alternative gives more reserve capacity while a single point appears to work only marginally. Their biggest concern is the short distance between Line Avenue and Highway 169, and there would be a queue of cars. They also looked at the long term forecast of the growth of the city, the growth of the school district, and potential employment opportunities in this area. Mr. Montebello discussed the primary impacts of this plan, which are the bowed ramps, which would require some ponding due to a low point. He discussed the acquisition of the Super America area, necessary to keep a right in, right out. Tires Plus and Abra Auto Body sites would be affected. Mayor Klinzing asked why it would be better to have a ramp when it affects property owners. Mr. Montebello clarified the movements from Wal-mart back to Highway 169. . Mr. Robinson felt this plan would be operationally better but it's too soon to tell what impact it will have on the businesses. From Mn/DOT's standpoint, either alternative works. The difference comes in with access to the adjacent quadrants. The BC2 provides better access into the adjacent quadrants then the single point. Mr. Maurer requested to have some non-binding direction from the Council to do a deeper analysis on which option would work better. Mr. Maurer would discuss these plans with Councilmember Farber. Mr. Robinson indicated that the green and blue shaded areas may be totally taken but could be redeveloped in the future if the areas aren't affected by ramps. Mr. Montebello discussed how the right-in and right-out turns effect the ramp movements. Mr. Robinson said that with either alternative, if you can't get out at Main and Zane, you'd have to drive down further to the Twin Lakes Road area. The area by Maxsun Furniture would also be impacted. This area would someday need to be widened. Councilmember Morin commented about the single point and wondered if you could shift the intersection further east to get a full intersection further north. Mr. Montebello said it is a possibility to consider. Mr. Montebello stated the main objective is to decide on one option and move ahead with the final design. He noted it would cost more money to analyze two alternatives then one. . Mayor Klinzing thanked everyone for their participation and information.