Laserfiche WebLink
ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – JANUARY 3, 2023 4 <br /> <br />Mayor Grant stated it was his understanding there was a gas station at this intersection. He <br />questioned if there were underground tanks below the Lindey’s parking lot. <br /> <br />Mr. Johnson reported an environmental site assessment had been done and noted there were no <br />concerns raised regarding underground tanks. <br /> <br />Councilmember Rousseau asked how long this project would take to complete. <br /> <br />Mr. Johnson anticipated the project would take 20 weeks to complete. <br /> <br />Councilmember Rousseau questioned what grade this intersection was operating at currently. <br /> <br />Mr. Johnson indicated the intersection was a B average but was forecasted to be a D or F in the <br />next five years. He stated peak times were the greatest concern. <br /> <br />Councilmember Rousseau inquired what the price difference was between the traffic signal and <br />the roundabout. <br /> <br />Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated based on the ICE report the cost <br />estimate for a traffic signal would be $300,000 to $400,000 and the roundabout would be $1.2 to <br />$1.5 million. He suggested these costs be increased by 30% due to the increase in costs over the <br />past two years. He noted these costs do not include right of way. He explained the Lindey’s <br />access issue and parking lot would still have to be addressed if a traffic signal were installed <br />instead of a roundabout. <br /> <br />Councilmember Monson questioned what the maintenance costs would be for the traffic signal. <br /> <br />Mr. Johnson reported traffic signals require annual maintenance, lighting, and computer <br />technology whereas roundabouts only require LED lighting around the intersection. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden asked what the life expectancy was for a roundabout. <br /> <br />Mr. Johnson stated roundabouts had a life expectancy of 20+ years. <br /> <br />Further discussion ensued regarding the capacity of signalized intersections versus roundabouts. <br /> <br />Councilmember Monson inquired why the City was required to fix Lindey’s parking lot as part <br />of this project. <br /> <br />City Attorney Jamnik stated a County acquisition was involved due to the condemnation of an <br />access point into Lindey’s within the right of way. He reported if an access point was closed, the <br />property owner will claim damages. He explained the City could hold firm, but if the matter were <br />reviewed by a condemnation commissioner the City would be paying attorney fees and costs. For <br />this reason, the County was recommending the City and County share the costs to renovate the <br />parking lot as proposed. <br /> <br />Councilmember Fabel explained he understood the County has negotiated a new parking lot for <br />Lindey’s in order for them to accommodate their delivery truck. He commented on how uncertain