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I I I Council Meeting Minutes June 8, 1999 Page 3 Council Business City Engineer Les Proper said Ramsey County has completed a preliminary plan for the reconstruction of the north end of Silver Lk. Rd. from 1-694 to 15th St. NW. The reconstruction is proposed in two phases: Phase I (1-694 to 15th St. NW) to occur in 2000; and Phase II (15th St. to Co. Rd. H) to occur in 2001. He believes the preliminary layout is consistent with Council direction provided at a recent worksession. Dan Soler, Ramsey County, explained the plan contains signalization, left turn lanes, and roadway improvements. These safety modifications qualify for the use of Federal hazard elimination safety funds. Improvements include: signalization at 14th St., Rice Creek Rd., and Mississippi St. intersections; sidewalk on east side; roadway shifts; 14th St. median opening to access businesses; decorative medians; left turn lanes; street lighting; and landscaping. Benke asked how to best structure the road realignments north of 14th St. to eliminate ROW acquisition to the greatest extent possible. Soler verified that analysis will be performed to balance ROW needs. Larson agrees that the left turn lanes will reduce accident potential, and intersection signalization addresses safety needs. Soler said there are many options to determine the most effective method for public notification and involvement during the planning process. Benke asked if the County has contacted businesses and residents affected by the reconstruction. Soler said the layout is used as a preliminary planning tool for review by Council and staff to provide guidance to the County. At this time, no contact with businesses or residents has been made. Benke suggested a combination of informational mailing and meeting to allow public comment and problem solving opportunities. Samuelson suggested that a separate meeting should be held with affected businesses to determine ways to reduce disruption to businesses. Gunderman asked if a south bound left turn lane could be constructed to access Minar Ford. Soler said the large volumes of traffic from Palmer Dr. to 1-694 would make a mid-block access difficult. The County suggests an access be directed off Palmer Dr. and Innsbruck Dr. Soler said the next steps include preparation of documentation for the Federal funding aspects of the project, and scheduling of public informational meetings. The design phase should go quickly, but the ROW acquisition could be time consuming. Larson requested that the affected property owners on 14th 51. be notified as soon as possible regarding possible ROW acquisition. Benke supports the proposed modifications to the 14th St. intersection to provide a safer roadway. Eckert agreed that the preliminary plan would provide needed safety improvements. City Manager Matthew Fulton explained that the Long Lake sedimentation issue emerged through the City's neighborhood meetings held this year. A group of residents residing in the area indicated concerns about sedimentation occurring in the channel and the adjacent lagoon connecting to the channel way. These impacted property owners have formed an organization called Long Lake Preservation, Inc. (NBLLP). Council Business Silver Lk. Rd. North End Street Reconstruction Report 99-133 Rice Creek Channel and Lagoon Sedimentation Report 99-134