07-24-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 24. 2012 Councilmember Samuelson asked where the busses were parked at this time. City Planner Gundlach stated a new vendor received the Mounds View School District contract. In the past, First Student had the contract and was located on Valentine Road. She indicated the new provider, American Student Transportation, was located in Osseo, Minnesota. Mayor Jacobsen inquired if an addition 130 jobs would be brought to New Brighton through this contract. City Planner Gundlach commented that the existing Mounds View School District bus drivers would maintain their current positions through this contract where possible. Councilmember Burg questioned why the request was being made in a rushed manner. City Planner Gundlach noted this was a concern for staff. The applicant was put in a tough position as the contract was not awarded until June 12�. The request was brought to the City as soon as possible, but additional information was needed regarding traffic in this area. The contract requires American Student Transportation to be operational by August lg. For this reason, the traffic study was not completed. She noted the City had 60 days to take action on this item based on State Statute. Councilmember Bauman commented she attended the Planning Commission meeting. She reported the applicant was asked to complete a traffic study, which was not done based on time constraints. However, the applicant did speak with a consultant and Ramsey County. Ramsey County suggested the study not be completed until after the busses were in place. She noted the Planning Commission also had concerns with how the railroad would affect the bus traffic. It was noted that the bus traffic would only head north out of the site in the morning hours. She then reviewed the traffic pattern proposed for the evening hours suggested by the applicant to assist with easing congestion She anticipated 425 to 475 trips from the site daily. Councilmember Bauman explained she visited the site and witnessed the truck and trailer traffic generated by Estes and had concem with the location ofparked semis. She suggested this be addressed by staff. She then encouraged the council to consider that the bus traffic would only be generated 167 days out ofthe year. It was her opinion that the traffic study would be irrelevant given the surrounding road construction and the 'extra congestion in the City. She recommended the Council consider ifthe use fit the property and suited the site. She opposed overregulation by the City and wanted to see the site prosperous. She questioned ifatraffic study was required by Estes Trucking. City Planner Gundlach explained a truck terminal has been on that property since 1964 and was not required. Councihmember Bauman recommended the proposed use not be limited given the surrounding uses. She was in favor of approving the bus terminal, which would bring the schools busses into the district Mayor Jacobsen asked for comments from the public. Matt Regan, American Student Transportation, thanked the Council for considering his request this evening. He agreed traffic was heavy along Old Highway 8, however, given the timeframe ofbus use and the location of bus stops, he did not anticipate a concern Mr. Regan commented that one ofthe traffic complaints was in no way tied to his request as the complaint was made in January of 2011. He understood that Armstrong and Estes Trucking were concerned with the extra bus traffic. For that reason, he spoke directly with the managers at these properties. Mr. Regan apologized for not having a traffic study completed in a timely manner. He suggested the expense for the study be used to fund striping or stop signs in this area He encouraged the Council to consider this request and allow American Student Transportation to provide bussing to Mounds View School District students from the City ofNew Brighton Scott Regan, American Student Transportation, commented that all traffic must stop at the railroad crossing and not just the school busses. Councilmember Jacobsen asked when the applicant needed an answer on the application. Mr. Regan stated he would like to know ifthe site was feasible by August 1t. He further discussed parking at the First Student parking lot and noted this would not be allowed. He stated school bussing was an essential service. tCouncilmember Burg questioned the length of the lease on the property at 4011" Street SW. Mr. Regan explanted he was negotiating a four year lease on the property to match the length of the contract Councilmember Burg indicated the traffic in this area did warrant a light Mr. Regan stated he would pay to complete the traffic study but did not want to be bound by the findings. City Attorney LeFevere stated the profitability of this business and the cost savings for the school district should not be brought into this decision He encouraged the Council to decide ifthe use meets the criteria for the special use permit and if so, the itern should be granted Page 7 of I I