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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 02-15-2000 SpecialAdopted Minutes Special Council Meeting February 15, 2000 A Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at 5:43 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City Center, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on February 15, 2000. COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Black, Brown, Bildsoe, Johnson, Slavik, and Harstad (arrived at 6:23 p.m). ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Ahrens, City Engineer Faulkner, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Parks and Recreation Director Blank, Public Works Director Moore, and City Clerk Paulson. Review of County Road 101 Plans Public Works Director Moore stated the purpose of this Special Meeting is to receive a presentation by Hennepin County on the County Road 101 project. He explained this project consists of reconstructing the roadway from Highway 55 to and including the County Road 24 intersection. It would be four -lane roadway with two signalized intersections, trailways and walkways on either side of the roadway, medians, and turn lanes. He stated the Council approved the preliminary layout in October 1999, and the Council established 12 conditions as part of the approval. He stated the County and City staffs have been addressing those conditions. The presentation this evening would provide an update on the project. Jim Grube, Transportation Director for Hennepin County, stated he has been in contact with representatives of the different neighborhoods, and he stressed it is not the intent of the County to convert this roadway similar to a Highway 169 roadway. Further, he stated the Council is a partner with the County and determines the designs of County roadways located within the City. The County's goal is to work in conjunction with the City on a long-term transportation issue for County Road 101. He explained the long-term plan for County Road 101 from Chanhassen to Rogers and also the County's discussion with Carver County for a four -lane roadway on their portion. Councilmember Johnson asked if the County anticipates rerouting the roadway through Peony Lane. Mr. Grube responded no, and that would only occur if there were a partnership between the cities of Plymouth, Maple Grove, and the County to do so. Adopted City Council Minutes Special Meeting of February 15, 2000 Page 2 of 8 Craig Twinem, County Project Manager, stated the preliminary layout consists of a four -lane roadway with center medians for left turn -lanes. He stated the width of the roadway is 74' that is identical to County Road 9 from Highway 55 to I-494. The County has addressed the Council's 12 conditions contained in the Resolution approving the preliminary plans. He stated they are continuing to address the berming issues with three homeowner associations. There are also a few issues that need to be resolved on the north end of the project. However, the County is very optimistic that they can resolve these issues. He stated the County would like to begin the right-of-way acquisitions as soon as possible so construction could begin in July. He stated the County has been working with MN/DOT on the speed of the roadway. He informed the Council due to the change in character of the roadway, the County is requesting MN/DOT to post the speed at 45 mph rather than 50 mph. Sue Mason, consultant with SEH, discussed the summary of Council issues that were included in the Resolution. She stated regarding condition No. 1 (The length of turn lanes continue to be reviewed and ifpossible, shortened during the final design process if not necessary for projected traffic volumes. This includes the necessity of the right turn lanes for both eastbound and westbound County the County restudied the traff cat County Road 24 and Highway 101), at the County Road 24 intersection, the westbound to northbound right turn lane was eliminated based on a reevaluation of the future traffic patterns and turning movements in this area. In addition, the plans have been revised so that the trails are now directly behind the curb in the right turn lane areas, which pulls the limits of construction in approximately five feet, thus minimizing impacts to adjacent properties. She stated they have also been meeting with the Fischer's Pond, Heather Run, and Queensland Lane neighborhoods to discuss the issue of berms which was contained in condition No. 2 Install berms where possible to mitigate impacts on adjacent properties if the adjacent property owners will grant the necessary construction access at no additional cost to the project). She stated alternative berm options have been presented to representatives of the neighborhoods, and construction limits would be staked in the near future to assist the residents in their decision. The County is committed to providing earthen berms where right-of-way allows or where private property is made available, as long as construction of the berm is acceptable to the adjacent property owners and other adverse impacts are not created. She stressed that if berms were to be considered, the County and City would require right of entry to those areas. Lastly, she stated they have adjusted the trail in order to minimize impacts to adjacent properties. She addressed Condition No. 3 (The project is to have a landscaping plan, including possible screening fences, prepare by the City after roadway construction is substantially completed. The County and City shall share equally in the implementation of the landscaping plan with a Adopted City Council Minutes Special Meeting of February 15, 2000 Page 3 of 8 maximum budget of 2 percent of construction costs. Adjacent property owners shall be involved in the plan preparation. Replacement trees shall be as large as possible). She stated the goal of the landscape amenities would be to enhance the experience of the roadway and trail users, to provide shade for those walking, jogging, rollerblading or biking on the trail, and to provide some visual screening for the adjacent residences. The City has developed a concept plan for the landscaping, and the plan would be redefined as the roadway construction nears completion. The City would administer the landscaping construction contract. She stated the total landscaping budget is $175,000, and the County would increase its share of the landscaping budget from $50,000 (or 1% of the construction estimate of $5 million) to a maximum of $125,000. Public Works Director Moore discussed condition No. 4 (The County shall continue to work with City staff in order that there is future connection for the frontage road shown as part of the City's Transportation Plan which extends westerly between Medina Road and Highway 55). He stated there is a need for a frontage road on Highway 55, and in order to accommodate access, the location of the median opening on County Road 101 has been shifted to the north to better accommodate the future frontage road on the west side of County Road 101, and to provide a more desirable location for the access to the commercial property on the east side of County Road 101 while minimizing impacts to the Glory of Christ Lutheran Church property. He discussed the access for the church property on County Road 101. Councilmember Bildsoe asked about the temporary accesses until the final frontage road is designed. Public Works Director Moore stated there would be different temporary accesses for Len Busch Roses and the commercial uses on the east side of County Road 101 and Highway 55 intersection, while the Glory of Christ Lutheran Church could probably retain their current access. Councilmember Bildsoe asked when the frontage roads would be constructed on Highway 55. Public Works Director Moore responded the frontage roads would be constructed with future redevelopment of the properties (also includes businesses on the west side of County Road 101). Mayor Tierney asked if the commercial property's access off Highway 55 is a right -in and a right -out. Public Works Director Moore stated it is both a right -in and a right -out access. However, the property owner may have to do some modifications to that access. The access is permitted, and it would only change on the basis of redevelopment of the property. Councilmember Johnson asked if it would be possible to maintain the right -in right -out access on Highway 55 for the commercial business which would alleviate the stacking of vehicles on Adopted City Council Minutes Special Meeting of February 15, 2000 Page 4 of 8 County Road 101. Public Works Director Moore stated the right lane off of County Road 101 at Highway 55 conflicts with that. Councilmember Slavik expressed concern regarding U-turns that would need to be made at the intersection of Highway 55 and County Road 101 if an individual wished to travel south on County Road 101 especially as it relates to the commercial business at the intersection of County Road 101 and Highway 55. Public Works Director Moore stated the commercial driveway on County Road 101 is too close to the intersection. Councilmember Slavik asked if it would be possible to purchase the commercial property located on the east side of the County Road 101 and Highway 55 intersection, as the road configuration would definitely have a negative impact on his business. Public Works Director Moore stated this property does not need to be purchased. Further, property owners have a right to access the roadway; however, they do not have the full right of access for traffic in both directions. Consultant Mason discussed condition No. 5 (Retaining Walls and/or tree walls shall be used where feasible to retain specimen trees). She stated as shown on the plan sheets, retaining walls have been added throughout the project to minimize property impacts and tree loss. Discussions are continuing with residents of the Fischer's Pond neighborhood to determine the feasibility of a retaining wall/berm to minimize tree loss in this area of the project. She highlighted condition No. 6 (Adequate water quality treatment for the added impervious surface shall be provided). She illustrated for the Council the proposed ponding areas. She stated because the roadway is being converted from a two-lane rural highway to a four -lane urban roadway, the amount of impervious highway surface in the corridor would double. The quality of direct runoff would not significantly change; however, the quantity of runoff would increase because of the increase in impervious surface. The increase in the volume of runoff and pollutants would be addressed and managed by use of new detention facilities and the expansion of existing ones. She stated the surface water runoff conveyed into the roadway would be accommodated by a storm sewer system and then discharged into storm water ponds prior to discharge into receiving bodies. Lastly, there would be native plantings around the proposed ponds. Chris Hiniker, consultant with SEH, discussed condition No. 7 (Environmental impacts and proposed mitigation that are addressed in the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW), including noise, shall be considered with the final design). He also discussed the purpose and process behind the EAW for Highway 101. He briefly summarized the EAW issues that addressed the wetlands, storm water runoff, and noise. He stated regarding the noise, a comparison of the "build" and "no build" scenarios predicts that construction of the project would result in noise level increases of less than 3 decibels at each modeled location which is Adopted City Council Minutes Special Meeting of February 15, 2000 Page 5 of 8 considered barely perceptible. He stated the County is not proposing to include noise mitigation practices such as walls as part of the project. However, the County would provide earthen berms where right-of-way allows or where private property is made available, as long as the construction of the berm is acceptable to the adjacent property owners and other adverse impacts are not created. Consultant Mason highlighted condition No. 8 (During final design, if several specimen trees could be avoided by a slight alignment shift, this should be considered). She stated where the right-of-way begins to narrow to County Road 24, they have minimized the impacts as well as balancing the impacts to both sides of the properties. Consultant Mason stated regarding condition No. 9 (The County shall continue to work with City staff in order that additional access from County Road 101 might be providedfor the commercial property at the southeast corner of the Highway 55 intersection), the County, City, and adjacent property owners would continue to work together to provide additional access to this property. Consultant Mason highlighted condition No. 10 (Advance flashing beacons to provide warning of the pedestrian crosswalk at Medina Road shall be considered). She stated a traffic signal with pedestrian phases would be installed at the intersection of County Road 101 and Medina Road. In addition, Greenwood Elementary has removed their access on County Road 101. Consultant Mason stated regarding condition No. 11 (There shall be a study session with the City Council to review the final plans before right-of-way acquisition is started and before approval offinal design), this meeting is being conducted this evening. Consultant Mason highlighted condition No. 12 (Consideration shall be given to reducing the width of the center median in areas where substantial trees or existing vegetation could be avoided). She stated consideration has been given to reducing the center median width, but compromising the design in this matter would have little to no effect on avoiding substantial trees or vegetation. The median width as proposed would provide an opportunity for planting materials, other than trees, if desired. She showed some proposed views of the roadway, and discussed the proposed medians. She stated the medians allow for the opportunity to separate traffic and provide more safety on the roadway. Mayor Tierney questioned the proposed curbcuts on Highway 101 at the County Road 24 intersection, and if there was a better solution for access to these properties. Public Works Director Moore stated the location of these curbcuts provides the only opportunity for access to these properties. Adopted City Council Minutes Special Meeting of February 15, 2000 Page 6 of 8 Mayor Tierney expressed her concern for those residents who desire to travel south on County Road 101. Because of the median on County Road 101, they would need to make a U-turn at the signal. Public Works Director Moore stated that is correct. Councilmember Harstad stated he has a concern as to the proposed cost of this project which is approximately $5.2 million to $6 million for only 1.5 miles of roadway. He asked how much would be assessed to the property owners. Public Works Director Moore stated the Council would need to consider whether there would be any assessments to the property owners. He stated generally those properties that have direct access to the roadway would be assessed according to the City's assessment policy. Jack Wenner, 18425 Highway 55, stated he originally opened the convenience store and liquor store at the east side of the Highway 55 and County Road 101 intersection. He stated with the proposed design of County Road 101, no one traveling from the east or west would have access to these businesses. In addition, if one were traveling north on County Road 101, access would also be difficult. He strongly opposes the proposed median on County Road 101 at that intersection. He stated by prohibiting access to those businesses, they might be forced to close. He also disagrees with staff in that there is not a right -in and right -out access on Highway 55 to the commercial businesses due to the curbcut. Currently, because of the angle of that road vehicles are barely able to make that turn. Elaine Johnson, Orchards of Plymouth Homeowners, 17930 39`h Place North, stated she agrees with Mr. Wenner's comments, and she encouraged the Council to eliminate the median at County Road 101 and Highway 55. She questioned the need for the walkways, and she would encourage the Council to eliminate one if possible. She expressed her concern when the project was to commence and the duration of the project. Mike Melnychuk, 17915 34`h Avenue North, stated he requested an extension to the EAW comment period, and it was granted. He stated he has discovered the EAW fails to consider a number of critical issues for land control. Specifically, the EAW doesn't take into consideration that the proposed project is not compatible with the Land Use Guide Plan. In addition, safety and traffic improvement needs are not established in the EAW. He stated regarding traffic plans and the projections of growth and traffic, this size of a project is not necessary. Lastly, he stated that evidently no wetland replacement plan is necessary; however, it appears that the project fits within the exemption because of the traffic lanes. Linda Vicary, 3225 Highway 101 North, requested there be flashing pedestrian lights at Medina Road near Greenwood Elementary even though it is not being recommended to do so. She doesn't believe the medians would decrease the number of accidents. In conclusion, her Adopted City Council Minutes Special Meeting of February 15, 2000 Page 7 of 8 driveway access is on County Road 101, and she doesn't believe an assessment would be justified for her property. Len Busch, 4045 Highway 101, voiced his concern for semi -trailers being able to access his business. He stated there are approximately 30 semi -trailers that access his business every day, and they would need to make a U-turn to do so. In addition, he agrees that the median at the County Road 101 and Highway 5 intersection is unnecessary. Public Works Director Moore addressed the need for a walkway/trail for other users, in addition to bicyclists, to access the convenience store and businesses. He stated it is the general policy of the City that on the higher volume roadways, there is a walkway on both sides of the roadway. He indicated that the walkways on both side sides of the roadway would address pedestrians and bicyclists. He stressed the importance of the medians for safety concerns. He stated the traffic projections for this roadway are completely in accordance with the City's Land Use Guide Plan. County Project Engineer Twinem informed the Council that the comment period for the EAW closes on February 18. He stated they are confident that the EAW addresses the comprehensive transportation plans for both the City and the County. He reiterated that staff would be conducting at least one open house on this project, and they intend to continue meeting with the various neighborhood associations to discuss the berming issues. If the residents desire the construction of the berms, the County is committed to constructing the berms. He stated the citizens would be notified of the public open house(s). Lastly, he encouraged individuals to contact him directly on the EAW process. Councilmember Johnson asked Public Works Director Moore about the assessments for those eight properties that have been identified which the City may purchase. Public Works Director Moore stated if the City purchases those properties, the City would pay for those assessments. Melissa Holman, 17820 30th Place, expressed her concern on the noise of this roadway, and she stated she differs with the noise assessment on the EAW. She stated there would not be the projected traffic volumes if the project doesn't continue. She stated she also opposes the medians. She agreed with Councilmember Harstad that this is a very expensive project for 1.5 miles of roadway. She voiced her displeasure in constructing a roadway that encourages U-turns because of the proposed medians. Lastly, she stated she feels the concerns of the Fischer's Pond neighborhood have not been totally addressed. Adopted City Council Minutes Special Meeting of February 15, 2000 Page 8 of 8 Charles McDonald, 17700 301h Place North, stated he agrees that this is too large of a project, and proposed medians are unnecessary. Beth Brill, 3410 Queensland Lane North, stated she didn't receive notice of this meeting until February 9, and she requested that in the future residents receive at least a two-week notice. John Rosendahl, 3335 Queensland Lane North, stated he agrees this project is very expensive. He stated the County is proposing a four -lane road due to the demand on this road from the traffic generated by the high school. He stated this would be a four -lane roadway to nowhere, and the funding has not been allocated to extend this type of roadway further. Due to time constraints, Mayor Tierney adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m. as the Council was scheduled to conduct their Regular Meeting at 8:00 p.m. This discussion of County Road 101 was continued on the Regular Council Meeting agenda. 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