PC Packet 08-21-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Not Approved Commissioner Shardlow questioned where Mr. Regan's bus facility was at this time. Mr. Regan commented his main bus terminal was located in Maple Grove. He explained that 100%of the busses at the proposed terminal in New Brighton would service New Brighton students. He would like to locate in this area to reduce traffic congestion and longer bus commutes for his drivers from Maple Grove to New Brighton. Chairperson Howard asked how many trips would be made to and from the site on a daily basis. Mr. Regan estimated that 87 trips would be made in the morning and 87 trips in the evening. He indicated the busses would exit the terminal between 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. depending on the routes. Commissioner Meyers asked if the applicant was proposing to lease or purchase the property. Mr. Regan noted he would be leasing the property with an option to buy. Commissioner Shardlow did not understand how a traffic study would benefit the applicant at this time given the surrounding road construction in the community. Kevin Bisek,American Student Transportation, commented the County did not feel a traffic study at this time would correctly reflect the traffic numbers that would be consistent with September traffic. Mr.Bisek noted he spoke with the neighboring truck terminal regarding traffic concerns. He reported that 90%of the bus traffic would be moving away from rush hour traffic and routes could be directed away from Old Highway 8 to avoid the afternoon rush. Commissioner Danger questioned if the site would have gas tanks on site and if the applicants had additional site locations in mind. Mr. Regan stated he would be installing above ground gas tanks. He commented he has located a site in Roseville and another in Blaine that would suffice,but would have added gas expenses and travel times verses operating out of New Brighton. Commissioner McPherson inquired if American Student Transportation would be maintaining the same drivers. Mr. Bisek indicated he was hoping to keep all 100 Mounds View drivers on staff along with the 20 aids. If the location were to move out of the City,there was concern about losing some of this staff. Chairperson Howard asked why a traffic study was not completed and questioned if operations could begin in another location and move to New Brighton after staff was able to properly review and approve the application. Mr.Bisek stated he was not against a traffic study,but it would take two and a half weeks to complete. Mr.Regan reported this was a timely matter due to school beginning September 4th. He stated it would be a burden on the freeways if the busses had to come from Maple Grove or Blaine for several months before receiving City approval. Chairperson Howard requested the opinion of staff on the traffic study and if it should be completed after the busses were in place. Public Works Director Wyffels commented that Mike Spack, a traffic consultant was recommended for the traffic study. Mr. Spack has not visited the site and noted it would take several weeks to complete the study. This would not meet the deadline for this evening's meeting. Public Works Director Wyffels stated the morning counts in and out of the proposed site were not the issue. The City was more concerned with the northbound traffic on Old Highway 8 in the evenings. He then reviewed the traffic numbers along Old Highway 8 from 2005. He discussed the potential of a traffic signal at Old Highway 8 and County Road E to the north stating the City would need to fund one-fourth of the project expense. However,Ramsey County does not have this project funded at this time. Temporary stop signs may be an option at the intersection of 1st Street SW. Public Works Director Wyffels read an email received from Erin Laberee,with the County stating it would be difficult to provide comment on how to control traffic at this intersection without a traffic study. He believed that the long term solution for this intersection was to have a four-way signal at the intersection of County Road E and Old Highway 8 SW. Chairperson Howard asked if the proposed right-in,right-out at the site would work given the proposed traffic volume. Public Works Director Wyffels stated the right-in,right-out movement would work. His concern was with the left turns out and the left turns in from Old Highway 8. He estimated that the total number of cars and busses in and out of the site would be closer to 600 trips. Mr.Bisek stated this would be lower than that number as his operation would be lower than the current transportation provider. John Ward,Mounds View Public Schools,provided information on the history of the schools bus contract stating the district had a 25 year history with 1st Student Transportation. However, after negotiations, a fair rate was not reached and a new contractor was necessary to meet the district's budget. This transition was now being worked through and it would greatly benefit the school district to have the bus terminal in close proximity. Carole Nielson,Mounds View Public Schools, introduced herself to the Commission and stated by changing contractors the district was saving a considerable amount of money. She understood the transition would be surmountable but the district needed to be assured that students would be picked up on September 4th 3