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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 28 1999 <br />, <br /> <br />8 <br /> <br />Councilmember Malone stated he would prefer to look into the practicality of an intersection at <br />grade. Without anything in writing, he would be reluctant to allow construction which would <br />seriously impact ilie City, with only a vague promise that the situation will be fixed sometime in <br />the future. <br /> <br />Councilmember Aplikowski stated that this process was frustrated her too and she had been <br />happier with the original plan approved by the City Council. With regard to ilie displacement of <br />homes, she suggested that perhaps these homeowners may be impacted in the future by more <br />noise and may be relieved that they were relocated. She indicated that she was inclined to do <br />nothing wiili this intersection until the TCAAP area develops. <br /> <br />Mayor Probst asked Mr. Tolaas what he thought would happen if the City chose to go back to the <br />original plan with an at-grade intersection. Mr. Tolaas stated that, considering ilie length of time <br />this project has been discussed, and the strong interest the State has in a grade separation at the <br />intersection, he was not sure how the Minnesota Department of Transportation would respond. <br />However, it is within the rights of the City to make this request. He noted that it would be a <br />short-term solution, which would require major alterations once the TCAAP site is available. <br />Additionally, there may be a funding issue, as the Minnesota Department of Transportation <br />would not support this scenario. <br /> <br />Mayor Probst asked if the tumback money would still be available. Mr. Tolaas stated iliat ilie <br />tumback money is available, however it would be looked at with stronger scrutiny than with <br />previous work. Turnback funds are generally used to restore roadways and the State would be a <br />harsher critic of an at-grade intersection and the widening ofthe bridge at I-35W. The Minnesota <br />Department of Transportation is convinced that the City would be left with a level of service, <br />which would be unacceptable to everyone. The State is anticipating a significant increase in <br />trafIic in the area and ifilie City of Arden Hills wants to utilize State funds, it should work wiili <br />the State. <br /> <br />Mayor Probst stated iliat he was not inclined to provide direction this evening, as he would prefer <br />more time to think about the situation. He indicated that the greater harm to the residents of the <br />Arden Manor Mobile Home Park is not coming to closure with what will happen to their homes. <br />At this time there are six more residents who would lose their homes than wiili the original <br />proposal. These rcsidents also deserve more time to think about this prospect. He suggcsted that <br />the residents contact Ramsey County if they want additional information. <br /> <br />Councilmember Aplikowski asked, if a person traveling north on US Highway 10 had business <br />on Highway 96 to the east, how would they access iliis area with the new proposal. Mr. Tolaas <br />stated tllat the person would not usc Highway 10. Access to Highway 96 could be made either <br />from Lexington Avenue or I-35W. This does indicate the need for better access at I-35W and <br />Highway 96. <br /> <br />Councilmember Larson confirmed that all the ramps at I-35W would be metered. Mr. Tolaas <br />stated that this was correct. Councilmember Larson stated that, if a person traveling west on <br />Highway 96 wanted to access northbound US Highway 10, they would be forced to utilize I-35W <br />and wait at a metered ramp. Mr. Tolaas stated that this was correct. <br />