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Regular City Council Meeting <br /> Monday,January 9, 2023 <br /> Page 5 <br /> Councilmember Groff echoed the comments from Councilmember Etten. He <br /> thought the Fairview project was going to affect the surrounding area a lot, so he <br /> wanted to make sure staff is aware and to be conscientious about letting people <br /> know in advance. <br /> Mr. Freihammer explained MnDOT plans to have Fairview remain open during the <br /> project. It might be down to one lane underneath the bridge. The project involves <br /> the ramps more than anything else and will be the biggest impact. <br /> Councilmember Schroeder thanked Mr. Freihammer for this and indicated she has <br /> received a lot of helpful feedback about the Public Works Department. She also <br /> wanted to point out that she was incredibly pleased to see, in the equity impact <br /> summary, that staff included parts for individuals with disability because that was <br /> really important, particularly in Public Works and something to be kept in mind <br /> when doing these different projects. <br /> Mayor Roe indicated on the Fairview ramp project, he knew that safety advocates <br /> talked about eliminating the bypass, right turn,porkchop, right turn lane because it <br /> is somewhat dangerous for pedestrians. He wondered if that has been a factor in <br /> the discussions about the design of those ramps or is it because these are freeway <br /> ramps that make it a different preacher in terms of that aspect. <br /> Mr. Freihammer explained the intersection will be signed and signaled differently. <br /> It is really an enhanced signal with flashing for no right turn on red. It is not going <br /> to be a traditional porkchop but rather have enhanced pedestrian features. Discus- <br /> sion has occurred with MnDOT, and they internally have that same conflict. <br /> Mayor Roe asked if the City already did the segment on Lexington south of 36 on <br /> the east side as a part of the work the City has done over the last few years. <br /> Mr. Freihammer explained south of 36 there is not a pathway. That is next year, <br /> and the City has partial funding for next year. <br /> Mayor Roe indicated the Council talked a little bit last year about the Tamarack <br /> Park Trail connection from the cul-de-sac at Western and the issues with residents <br /> there that use it for their backyard access. He wondered if that conversation was <br /> still ongoing. <br /> Mr. Freihammer explained that conversation will probably come back to the City <br /> Council later in the year and most likely if the City decided to put it in the plan, it <br /> would be a 2024 project. <br /> Mayor Roe asked about the closure at South Owasso Boulevard for the retaining <br /> wall and if it will be a complete closure, expressing concern to notify the residents <br /> along any detour of the potential traffic impacts during the detour. <br />