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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 10-05-1999 SpecialAdopted Minutes Special Council Meeting October 5, 1999 A Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at 5:35 p.m. in the Public Safety Training Room, 3400 Plymouth Blvd., on October 5, 1999. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the preliminary improvement plans for County Road 101 from Highway SS south to County Road 24). COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Brown (arrived at 5:40 p.m.), Black, Harstad (arrived at 6:00 p.m.), Johnson, Bildsoe, and Slavik. ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant Manager Ahrens, Public Works Director Moore, City Engineer Faulkner, and City Clerk Paulson. In addition, Consultants Mason and Schreiner from SEH Architects, and Hennepin County Engineers Tolaczyk, Twinem, and Nowlan were present. Presentation of Preliminary Plans for County Road 101 Improvement Public Works Director Moore discussed with the Council the preliminary plans for the improvement of County Road 101 (from Highway 55 south to County Road 24). He reported this project is scheduled for construction late spring/early summer 2000. The County contracted with SEH to prepare the design of the project. He stated the County has sent newsletters to all affected residents regarding the status of this project. The County has tried to incorporate into the plans, whenever possible, public comment that has been received. At the Council's Regular Meeting on October 19, 1999 the preliminary plan will be presented to the Council. The approval of the final design would be at a later date. After approval, the Environmental Assessment Worksheet would be prepared by the County for public comment and review. Following Environmental Assessment Worksheet approval, the process would begin on the right- of-way acquisitions. The County is striving for a bid letting in May 2000 with the construction to begin in June 2000 after school is dismissed for the year. County Engineer Twinem stated he is the design project manager for this project, and they are requesting preliminary approval of the first phase at the October 19, 1999 Council meeting. He reported it is projected that County Road 101 south of County Road 24 to County Road 6 would be reconstructed in 2003. Councilmember Brown arrived (5:40 p.m.). Consultant Schreiner stated there have been a number of meetings conducted already regarding this project, and they have received comments from residents which they have tried to incorporate whenever feasible. He then illustrated and discussed with the Council the proposed Adopted City Council Minutes Special Meeting of October 5, 1999 Page 2 of 5 layout of the project. He discussed the proposed signalized intersections, trails, medians, and the placement of turn lanes, etc. Public Works Director Moore explained MN/DOT operates the traffic signals and that is why it is proposed to incorporate two left turn lanes at Highway 55 in order to assist in moving the traffic off of County Road 101. Councilmember Harstad arrived (6:00 p.m.). Public Works Director Moore discussed the frontage road near Peony Lane and the need for it to be continuous. He also discussed the right-of-way and stated the right-of-way which the City has for the most part is adequate. He stated the landscaping is included in the City and County's budget, and there would be a landscape architect to prepare the landscaping design after the road is constructed. Consultant Schreiner stated there really is a need for a four -lane road if the traffic volumes exceed the projected 20,000 cars per day. He stated the roadway would be much safer especially with the turn lanes and median. County Engineer Twinem stated the proposed medians are similar to those on Peony Lane. This would be an urban roadway with curb and gutter. He informed the Council that MN/DOT establishes the speed of the road not the City or County, and currently the speed of the road is 50 mph. However, the roadway is being designed for 45 mph. County Engineer Nowlan stressed that this is only a preliminary layout, and once it's approved, then the design details can be prepared. Councilmember Bildsoe asked what the process is for any changes to the design after the Council approves the design and the Environmental Assessment Worksheet. County Engineer Twinem responded the Council would have the opportunity to suggest changes throughout the development of the plan. Councilmember Harstad asked if it is correct that the County has included in their Capital Improvements Plan the reconstruction of County Road 101 from County Road 24 to County Road 6. County Engineer Twinem stated this portion was included in the recent version of the Capital Improvements Plan, and the Capital Improvements Plan is scheduled to be approved by the County board mid December. Councilmember Bildsoe asked what type of trails are proposed for the southern part. County Engineer Twinem responded they would be similar to Rockford Road and they would be adjacent to the curb. Adopted City Council Minutes Special Meeting of October 5, 1999 Page 3 of 5 Councilmember Bildsoe stated regarding the layout of the intersections at County Road 24 and Medina Road, would be it be possible to design them similar to the County Road 6 intersection. Public Works Director Moore stated intersections are designed for a 20 -year period, and that intersection was designed over 20 years ago. If the County Road 6 intersection would need to be upgraded, the appearance would change. County Engineer Twinem stated there would also be a safety issue with that intersection. Councilmember Johnson questioned the necessity of trails located south of County Road 24 if they aren't continuous in relation to other trails. Public Works Director Moore stated the City's trails exist from 25`h Avenue to County Road 6. He stated it will be a big challenge to connect the trails because of the right-of-way constraints. Councilmember Slavik stated residents have voiced their concerns to her in that they don't feel their issues and/or concerns are being addressed. She asked regarding the right-of-ways, would a lot of trees have to be removed. Public Works Director Moore responded no. He stated the areas that have to be reviewed are the wetlands. Councilmember Slavik asked why it is proposed to construct trails on both sides of the roadway. Public Works Director Moore responded it is due to safety issues as the only crossings are County Road 24, Medina Road, and Highway 55. Councilmember Black asked what is being proposed to reduce the noise for those areas that do not have a berm. Councilmember Johnson also asked about the opportunity to enhance or increase the berm as it is very hard to reside adjacent to county roads due to the noise and congestion. County Engineer Twinem stated if there is an opportunity to provide a berm, and the property owners agree to granting the County an easement, it could be constructed. He added that trees may have to be removed for the berms. He noted that it is not effective to construct noise walls. Councilmember Black asked what is being proposed for storm water management and ponding. Consultant Mason responded they are reviewing the possibility of constructing ponds, one of which will be near the water tower at County Road 24. Councilmember Black encouraged the consultants and engineers to look at County Road 24 in Scott County especially as it related to the type of landscaping along this roadway. Councilmember Brown asked if the proposed trail connects to the Greenway system. Public Works Director Moore responded access is provided to the Greenway system along Peony Lane. Mayor Tierney questioned the necessity for so many traffic lanes at County Road 24 as this area is so rural in nature and she doesn't foresee a lot of additional housing construction. County Engineer Twinem responded according to their traffic projections, they are proposing to construct an intersection that would handle the maximum capacity. Public Works Director Adopted City Council Minutes Special Meeting of October 5, 1999 Page 4 of 5 Moore added the Metropolitan Council's plans indicate substantial growth in Corcoran and the Maple Grove areas. People will use County Road 101 to travel to these areas. Councilmember Bildsoe questioned the proposed width of median and if it is designed for plantings or to accommodate left turn lanes. He would prefer instead of creating a "garden" like setting to add additional landscaping on the sides of the road. County Engineer Tolaczyk stated the purpose of this road is to make it more efficient and safer. He stated it is very difficult to incorporate everything the County and City desires and minimize the impact on property owners. He stated that if the City requests that the left turn lanes are removed, it would make it unsafe. Public Works Director Moore reminded the Council that since there is State Aid funding contributing to this project, the County must meet the State Aid standards in order to receive the funding. Mayor Tierney asked if there were any residents who wanted to make comments at this time. Owner of Dave's Conoco requested there be a left turn lane to his store. As the project is proposed, there is only a right turn access to his business. Mayor Tierney requested this area be reviewed so this property isn't landlocked especially since the property has no access off Highway 55. A resident stated the rear of his property fronts County Road 101. He questioned from what is being proposed for County Road 101 south of County Road 24, is it necessary for this type of project for the first phase. D. Linda Vicary, 3225 County Road 101 North, stated she and her neighbors are concerned about sight and sound mitigation, and they would like to request a plan that addresses these concerns. A resident commented the magnitude of this project is based on skeptiscm. He doesn't foresee the growth that is being projected in this area, and he would prefer a fence along the roadway rather than a berm. Mayor Tierney stressed that these plans are only preliminary at this point. She encouraged residents to attend the October 19, 1999 Council meeting where there would be an opportunity for public comment on the preliminary plans. If residents are unable to attend the meeting, she requested they submit written material to the Council. Three other residents voiced their concerns to the Council regarding the drainage of water, how construction could begin on this project in June 2000, and how the scope of the project increases. Adopted City Council Minutes Special Meeting of October 5, 1999 Page 5 of 5 Mayor Tierney concluded the meeting by saying that the following concerns were either addressed this evening or should be addressed: 1. The concern of the widths of Highways 55 and 101 as it relates to accessing the adjacent commercial areas. 2. The population projections for this area. This should be analyzed very carefully as there is no reason to encourage additional traffic in this area if it isn't necessary. 3. This project would be consistent with what is occurring north and south of County Road 24. 4. The type of plantings along the roadway and medians. 5. Providing safe crossings for pedestrians. The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m. rJ Um U4 Fail a R. Paulsor, City ClerkIt "and! illr