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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 10, 20149 <br /> <br />Assistant City Engineer Anderson <br />stated that this item was tabled at the December 9, 2013, <br />Council meeting. He reported that Marcus Thomas from Bolton & Menk, Inc. was present to <br />make a brief presentation of the County Road E Feasibility Report and to answer Council <br />questions. He commented that following the presentation of the County Road E Feasibility Report <br />and questions/answers, the Council has three options for further action: <br /> <br /> <br />1.Direct staff to make changes to the Feasibility Report and present it for action on a future <br />Council agenda <br /> <br />2.Adopt Resolution 2014-013 Receiving the Feasibility Report (with minor changes directed <br />by the Council) and Authorizing the Preparation of Plans and Specifications in the matter <br />of the County Road E (B-2 District) Improvements <br /> <br /> <br />3.Adopt Resolution 2014-013 Receiving the Feasibility Report (with no changes) and <br />Authorizing the Preparation of Plans and Specifications in the matter of the County Road <br />E (B-2 District) Improvements. <br /> <br />Marcus Thomas <br />, Bolton & Menk, presented the final feasibility report to Council for the County <br />Road E improvements. It was noted that stakeholder meetings have been held regarding the <br />implementation plan. The proposed improvements along County Road E have been reviewed <br />with the Council. He reported that the five lane roadway would be maintained but the lane widths <br />would be narrowed to increase the shoulder width. This would create a safety buffer for <br />pedestrians while also creating space for bicycles. The project proposes to add another left turn <br />lane at County Road E and Lexington which would add capacity to this turning movement. <br /> <br />Mr. Thomas <br />reviewed thesignal improvements planned for the corridor along with the pedestrian <br />lighting systems. The improvements planned for Connelly Street were discussed and would be <br />completed as part of the County Road E improvements. The estimated expense for the <br />improvements is $1,786,642. He reports that Mn/DOT would be responsible for $14,402, the <br />County would cover $915,674 of the expenses and the City would need to fund $856,566 of the <br />project. He assessment policy for this thoroughfare and suggested that <br />$428,283 of the project costs be assessed. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes <br /> stated that the lighting expense of $575,000 was too high. She <br />suggested the City pursue additional lighting options through Xcel Energy. She recommended the <br />report not be approved until this expense was decreased significantly. <br /> <br />Assistant City Engineer Anderson <br /> commented that the lighting could be adjusted according to <br /> an aesthetic appeal. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes <br /> was in favor of safe and efficient lighting, but she does not see the need <br />for an elaborate model light along this corridor. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant <br /> requested further information on the lighting. <br /> <br />Mr. Thomas <br /> reported that the public provided comment on the lighting along the corridor. He <br />stated that he was offering flexibility with a lighting system that would be owned and operated by <br />the City. The lights were proposed to be placed every 100 feet along the corridor at a height of 15 <br />