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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-01-26 WS - .. ... . ~..- .... .... 'Oo- .... -.. .. ......... .. . .. . . .... 0'...._._.... '_0" CITY OF CENTERVILLE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING JANUAR Y 26, 2005 5:30 p.m. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City of Centerville held a scheduled work session meeting on January 26, 2005, at City Hall, 1880 Main Street. PRESENT: Mayor Mary Capra Council Member Paar d Council Member Lakso ABSENT: STAFF: Ms. Bender OTHERS: Mr. Doug Fischer & Mr. Lyndon Robjent (Anoka County Rep.) Mr. Jim Dvorak (SRF Consulting Group, Inc.) I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Capra opened the January 26, 2005, City Council work session meeting at 5:40 p.rn. II. CSAH14/MAIN STREET WIDENING PROJECT Mr. Doug Fischer, County Engineer, Anoka County stated that Council had a concern regarding the number of meetings that were desired by the County regarding this project and how it was the intent of the County to work cooperatively with Council. Mr. Fischer also stated that scheduling of upcoming meetings could be arranged on dates other than Council meetings providing a longer discussion period and their willingness to work with Council. Mr. Fischer explained that they would be meeting with individual home owners and business owners in the near future. However, acquisition of any property would not commence until the presented Memorandum of Understanding between the City and the County was signed. City of Centerville January 26, 2005 Council Work Session Meeting Minutes Mr. Jim Dvorak, SRF Consulting Group, Inc., stated that 99% of the plans for the project are complete; however, slight modifications may occur subsequent to meetings with individual property owners and business owners. Mr. Dvorak stated that the Federal Environmental documents are 60 - 70% complete and it is anticipated that they will be completed by March 1,2005. Mr. Fischer stated that a large amount of discussions have been held regarding 21 sl Avenue and that no definite decisions would be made other than the presented % turn intersection until decisions have been made regarding the 35E interchange. Council Member Lee questioned Mr. Fischer as to the requirements needed to secure a full intersection at 21 sl A venue. Mr. Fischer stated that it is still unclear as to whether it could ever have a full intersection and it was dependent upon the 35E intersection, traffic patterns and predominant traffic movements. Mayor Capra questioned whether 21 sl Avenue could be utilized for 35E ramp entrances or exits. Mr. Fischer stated that ramp entrances and exits are not allowed to flow directly onto City streets. Council Member Lee stated that the 21s1 Avenue intersection is extremely important to the City and potentially the City could lose some businesses. Mr. Fischer stated that the County desired for the City not to lose any businesses and stated that there was a need for other roadways to support same. Mayor Capra questioned whether the County desired for the City to install these or who. Mr. Fischer stated that at some point the property would develop and that these developments would then be required like any other development to provide roads to support their developments. Mr. Fischer stated that the City of Lino Lakes is satisfied with the proposed intersection at 21 sl Avenue. Mayor Capra commented that the City of Lino Lakes would likely develop/construct 21s1 Avenue through their community. Mayor Capra questioned the length of construction for 20th Avenue that the County would be proposing. Mr. Fischer responded by stating only to the Willow Glenn project and developers or the Highway Department would be responsible for the remainder. Mr. Lee L' Allier, 1973 Main Street, commented that the proposals from Anoka County promote poor traffic patterns, road congestion and is bad for local businesses. Mr. Fischer stated that it will be a dramatic change for residents and business owners and that the County is currently meeting with individual businesses owners near the 21 sl Avenue intersection. Mayor Capra stated that she felt the County was trading one (1) hazard for two (2) hazards with the proposed 20th Avenue and Main Street intersection and Otter Lake Road and Main Street intersection. Mr. Fischer stated that "U" turns do not pose unsafe conditions and especially with dedicated left turn arrows as proposed. Mr. Fischer stated that Goetz Landscaping and Northern Forest Products are looking into alternatives for semi-truck traffic/deliveries and they would be the largest impacted businesses along Main Street, other than Comer Express. Mr. Fischer explained that the delivery trucks would encounter difficulty arriving at the businesses but not leaving the businesses. Mr. Fischer stated that many other communities have encountered projects Page 2 of 4 City of Centerville January 26, 2005 Council Work Session Meeting Minutes similar to this one and it has not devastated the business community. Council Member Paar stated that Centerville is no longer a small town. Council Member Capra questioned whether the County would purchase the homes on the north side of Main Street near the 20tll A venue intersection. Mr. Fischer stated that acquisition of these homes would increase the project by approximately 1 million dollars. Mr. Fischer stated that the City could explore alternative options through the Metropolitan Councilor similar organizations but same would be a separate project for the City. Discussion was had regarding the speed limits proposed with the widening project. Mr. Fischer explained that if a speed study is completed and the results represent a higher speed the County would be required to follow the allowable speeds for the roadway. Council may consider not requesting one at this time but could request a study subsequent to the roadway completion. Mr. Robjent also suggested a speed study following the project. Council Member Lee stated that he felt that a study would increase the speed limit for the roadway. Mr. Fischer stated that 85% of the traffic on a normal roadway speed, and this may increase the speeds if a study is completed. Mayor Capra whether sidewalks would be placed on the north side of CSAH 14 beyond 20th Avenue. Mr. Fischer stated that when property develops, sidewalks will follow. Discussion ensued regarding the Memorandum of Understanding and its timeline. Mr. Fischer stated that once the document is signed the County can commence acquisition of property, shows a commitment between the City and the County regarding the design of the project and more accurate cost estimates will be derived. Mayor Capra stated that the County would need to take into consideration any upgrades that would be forthcoming from the City. Mayor Capra questioned the purchases of property and homes. Mr. Jim Dvorak stated that homes would be total buyouts and would only be in the downtown area of Centerville. Mayor Capra stated that discussions were being held with Comer Express and Mr. Fischer concurred. Mayor Capra stated that she understood that 21 st A venue was a work in process and she desired to know right-of-way and home acquisitions prior to signing the Memorandum of Understanding. Discussion ensued regarding a grant for, its deadline of July and the willingness of the County to work cooperatively on same. Mr. Fischer stated that the City would need to expend the monies and then be reimbursed at a later date because the funds would not be available until 2009. Council Member Lee questioned the Memorandum of Understanding and the timeline for buyouts. Mr. Fischer stated that the Memorandum of Understanding needed to be completed along with the Environmental Study and felt that same would be completed by the end of March. Mr. Fischer stated that the information provided at this evening's meeting would be provided on their web site. Page 3 of 4 City of Centerville January 26, 2005 Council Work Session Meeting Minutes Council agreed to participate in another meeting with Anoka County representative and SRF regarding the proposed widening project on February 17, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers with invitations for Senator Michele Bachmann, Representative Ray Vandeveer and Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah being forwarded to them. Mr. Fischer stated that Commissioner Sivarajah desired to participate in this evenings meeting; however, she had a scheduling conflict. Mayor Capra thanked Mr. Fischer, Mr. Robjent and Mr. Dvorak for their attendance and presentation. Mr. Dvorak presented Council with several handouts. Council Member Lee questioned how long the construction process would take. Mr. Fischer stated that it would take approximately 8-10 months near George Watch Lake due to the condition of the lake and soils being mucky. Mr. Fischer stated that the project would be staged through town to assist residents and traffic flow. Mr. Fischer also stated that other projects are happening at the same time and coordination with other road closures and construction activity would need to be taken into consideration for commuters. The Mayor closed the January 26, 2005 work session at 6:35 p.m. Transcribed by: Teresa Bender, City Clerk Page 4 of 4