2A, MnDot I694TH 51 Improvement Project Municipal Consent Discu

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION— SEPTEMBER 20,2010 6 Mayor Harpstead pointed out that a recent admin update referred to the Sheriff's concern about losing access to 1694 and asked if that concern has been shared. Public Works Director Terry Maurer responded that issue was not raised by the county at the meeting. _ Councilmember Holden asked about pedestrian movement. Public Works Director Terry Maurer explained that Chris Chromy suggested a task force be created to look at the pedestrian traffic issue. If the Council chooses to deny Mn/DOT's proposal with conditions, the task force could be one of those conditions. Mayor Harpstead referred to the pedestrian movement comment in Mn/DOT's letter which states they're allowing additional width for that. Councilmember Holmes asked if the State had ever explained why they can't keep the Hamline exit open. Mayor Harpstead responded that the State proposal would require two loops for Hwy 10 and 1694 and that would impact the current Hamline ramps. He then commented that in Mn/DOT's 2030 Plan they talked about closing County Road H and taking some access away at Hwy 96 and Hwy 10. That would result in the loss of access to neighborhoods north of Hwy 96. Public Works Director Terry Maurer stated that if the City simply denies the municipal consent they would be on record as denying a project that is being proposed to address safety concerns. Councilmember Holden stated the Council had previously passed two resolutions regarding this issue. Councilmember McClung stated that he sees three basic issues: access for residents north of 1694; noise abatement throughout the corridor; and pedestrian movement. Councilmember Holden stated the resolutions included those issues. Councilmember Grant stated he doesn't think costs should come back to the City. But the City will have to have some investment in the pedestrian movement areas. He isn't comfortable with the City having to widen roads to accommodate changes in traffic resulting from the Mn/DOT project. Public Works Director Terry Maurer stated Mn/DOT will follow current policy for the noise wall. They follow a very specific calculation to determine how much of the cost they will absorb. He then requested each Councilmember submit a list of conditions they would like to see included in a denial with conditions. Mayor Harpstead commented that it is not in the City's best interest to simply deny municipal consent. He asked Terry to formulate six questions for the Council to review and he asked each