2014-07-22_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chair Stenlund recessed the meeting at approximately 7:52 p.m. and reconvened at approximately 7:57 p.m. Chair Stenlund thanked Mr. Johnson for his presentation; and asked him to provide a follow-up in the future. 6. Twin Lakes Improvements Feasibility Study Mr. Culver provided a copy of his presentation entitled "Twin Lakes Area Transportation Improvements," attached hereto and made a part hereof, including three key improvement areas: • I-35W Northbound at Cleveland Avenue Interchange (and funding received to-date) • Twin Lakes Parkway Extension (and funding received to-date) Discussion included grant applications anticipated to assist with a potential apartment building project being developed; interest being received by staff from various retail, hotel and grocery store interests; potential development or redevelopment that could trigger improvements; and ongoing and future analysis of how development expansions may impact Langton lake Park and the watershed area, based on stormwater features as part of any future project. Member Cihacek expressed his personal concern with wildlife and water quality in that park area, with Mr. Culver responding that it was the intent to stay out of the heavily-wooded area of the park. Mr. Schwartz noted that the existing storm water ponds had been constructed as part of the Arthur Street development. Member Felice noted that, in the past, concerns had been expressed with northbound traffic on Fairview Avenue and the need for additional traffic controls to address that. Mr. Culver recognized that this was an ongoing struggle, even though Fairview Avenue was a Ramsey County roadway, and considered a minor arterial in the overall transportation system. Mr. Culver noted that, if vehicles were discouraged from using Fairview Avenue, they would simply use some other roadway that may be even less desirable for residents. Mr. Culver admitted that further improvements for Fairview Avenue and County Road D were needed to address that heavy congestion, and suggested consideration of a roundabout versus another traffic signal may be an option worth considering to better address the concerns of all parties. While several roundabouts may be helpful as suggested by Member Felice, Mr. Culver noted that there were always right-of-way and other cost implications that needed balancing out. • Traffic Signal at County Road C-2 and Cleveland Avenue In general, Mr. Culver reviewed the federal funds received to-date and previous tax increment financing (TIF) funding used for construction of Twin Lakes Page 8 of 15