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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — MAY 17, 2021 6 numbers of people he counted crossing at the light during different time periods and felt most students cross at the light. Councilmember Scott agreed the old crosswalk markings should be removed. Councilmember Holden suggested they make removal of the old crosswalk a part of the approval. Mr. Paquette said he could have it removed right away. Mayor Grant asked how they could stop students parking on the west side from crossing where they want. Mr. Schwartz replied that it takes time and training but the kids will do what they tell them. Unfortunately, it's more adults that cross there than students. He can get more firm with them. Mr. Paquette added that at the last meeting they had with the State they thought it would be another nine to 12 months before they would review it, and couldn't guarantee there would be a sale. The school district would like to get the rest of the project done within their own property, along with reroofing and residing the former bus garage and the parking lot cleaned up. Councilmember Holden asked for an explanation of how much safer completing the project this way would be versus with the State property. Bolton and Menk Traffic Engineer Bongard said the average queue westbound into the site during site observations was one or two vehicles and the maximum was five. From what they see it is functioning well and the patrol officer on site is optimistic about how traffic is moving. Relocating the access further to the west on the State site was the preferred option, but with the current locations with the driveways offset makes for a little uncomfortableness for people trying to turn left from the west to east because of the overlap. Eastbound into the site will be cleaner with dedicated right and left turn lanes. After revisiting options after receiving the news on the State site they feel the current proposal is the best option. Councilmember Holden wondered if it was worth making this change now or wait until they acquire the State property and do it right for the long term. Mayor Grant said if they could educate the kids to use the appropriate crossing, then why would they not wait to buy the property from the State. Mr. Paquette responded that there is no guarantee that they get the property, so they would be back at square one. They would like to get the turn lane changes done, so if the City accepts the plan they are putting forth they could stop pursuing the State land. Mayor Grant asked if they would be losing parking stalls in the general area. Bolton & Menk Traffic Engineer Bongard said he didn't have an exact answer but he will quantify the parking counts when they come back with a full plan.