CCP 07-12-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 28, I 999 lJ~'Q) /' _ "" ~J ~{,; J:.. <6...,.:,' /.-.:.-"',<, accept this option. They would want to put into writing that, if some of their fears for safety due .,~ J''''....... to weaving patterns arise, they would eliminate all local accesses from or onto US Highway 10. . Councilmember Larson asked what local accesses Mr. Tolaas was referring to. Mr. Tolaas stated that he was referring to the opening to Scherer Lumber and the Big IOSupper Club, Councilmember Larson noted that these accesses would be closed off with the new proposal. Mr. Tolaas stated that the only access, which would remain, was the access for Scherer Lumber. He noted, however, that the loss of access would be made up by the construction of a frontage road, Councilmember Malone expressed his belief that the City of Arden Hills is being held to a higher standard by the Minnesota Department of Transportation than other cities. There is pressure being put on the City for long-term vision, which is not being put on other cities, and it appears as though other communities are allowed to follow different rules. With regard to the spacing of interchanges, Councilmember Malone stated that the high level of traffic, which would be dumped onto Highway 694, with the proposed upgrades, would be too close to Lexington A venue, It seems to him that if it is convenient for the Minnesota Department of Transportation to not pay attention to the rules, it is acceptable. However, Arden Hills is expected to have long-term vision. He expressed his belief that the State should create a super- interchange at I-35W and Highway 694 and leave US Highway 10 as a local access. Councilmember Malone stated that he understands the need for vision. He would be less e reluctant if there was a good plan, if the City of Arden Hills was treated the same as other communities and if the Minnesota Department of Transportation were willing to provide a long- term commitment for future construction. He noted that if this issue is not resolved, the Highway 96 improvements may not be accomplished since the turnback funds may not be applied. Councilmember Malone stated that the Arden Hills taxpayers pay a great deal of State Tax and get very little back in return. Mr. Johnson noted that if the new proposal were approved, it would make it difficult for fire trucks to access the Arden Manor Mobile Home Park. With regard to the maintenance of the frontage road, Mr. Fritsinger asked Mr. Tolaas how the ownership and future maintenance responsibilities of the different configurations would take place. Mr. Tolaas stated that the frontage road would be a municipal access road. With regard to Councilmember Malone's concerns, Mr. Tolaas stated that he had not intended to suggest that the turn-back funds would not be available for the Highway 96 reconstruction, He indicated that there are certain types of features which the State feels are not meeting the standards. Councilmember Malone stated that when he sees money being spent on projects which are poorly designed, such as WisPark in Shoreview, he feels as though the City of Arden e Hills is being held to a different standard.