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<br /> ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JULY 19, 1999 3 <br /> . the type of development; and the need for high-capacity access to Hwy. I O. Mr. Brown <br /> emphasized that the importance, from MnDOT's perspective, is basically safety and a plan that <br /> provides an opportunity to eliminate any of those major safety issues. Mr. Brown stated that, <br /> MnDOT was favorable of the minimal projected cost increments to make these safety revisions <br /> at this time. Mr. Brown stated that a grade separation focuses more traffic to the 1-3 5W <br /> intersection; and assists with pedestrian and bicycle traffic safety issues; and future TCAAP <br /> development. Councilmember Malone reminded COW1cilmembers, COW1ty and MnDOT <br /> representatives that grade separation was suggested by the City Council at the early stage, as <br /> early as 1994. <br /> Mayor Probst expressed his concern that Ramsey COW1ty is apparently forcing the City to make <br /> a decision, and then requiring the City to handle the right-of-way acquisition costs, in spite ofthe <br /> City having already advance-funded the costs for the West Round Lake Road intersection project <br /> in its entirety. <br /> COW1cilmember Malone stated that MnDOT seemed to lack a consensus among its <br /> representatives on the merits of any specific safety issue, with the City observing them <br /> fluetuating from one point to another. Mr. Malone emphasized that he felt the City should <br /> expeet no less than a written agreement with MnDOT and Ramsey County regarding their <br /> transportation plans or intentions as TCAAP develops. Mr. Malone expressed his perception of a <br /> lack of eredibility with MNDOT, given the City's experience with the agency on this project. <br /> . At this point, Cowlcilmembers and staff reviewed several options for a more regional <br /> transportation plan with various alternatives and the projected development timetable of the area. <br /> Eaeh Councilmember expressed their ideas and concerns, with the general consensus being that <br /> the design should meet the City's specific needs and consider the ultimate costs in access and <br /> money to the City, while recognizing and incorporating those of the entire transportation area. <br /> Mr. Brown stated that regarding overall funding, MnDOT would stand behind core <br /> improvements with additional paybacks dependent on justification, at which point splits would <br /> be assigned. Other than that, he could provide no fW1ding guarantees. <br /> Mayor Probst reviewed the apparent two options available to the City, a short-term or a long- <br /> term solution, or tabling the entire project for up to five years. <br /> Mr. Fritsinger stated that, even if the Army should deeide against the excessing of the TCAAP <br /> property, its probable Federal reuse would also have an impact on future traffic. <br /> Councilmember Aplikowski expressed her concerns regarding the displacement of residents and <br /> them not remaining in the community. <br /> Mr. Ringwald suggested that an overall regional transportation plan be developed that involved <br /> . the State of Minnesota and it's various agencies, including MnDOT, Metropolitan COW1cil, and <br />