5.2. SR 10-12-1998'ity of
iver
MEMORANDUM
Item #5.2.
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Mayor & City Council
Pat Klaers, City Adn~rator
October 12, 1998
Review Auburn Street Proposal
Attached for your review is a letter from the city engineer regarding the
Auburn Street traffic issues that were discussed this summer. The solution
to the speeding problem was the installation of speed bumps and stop signs.
Surprisingly the speed bumps were opposed by residents when the police
department was under the impression that this was one of the preferred
solutions to the speeding problem. Due to neighborhood opposition to the
speed bumps, these traffic control devices have not been installed. During a
neighborhood meeting with property owners, another alternative, as outlined
in the attached city engineer's letter was discussed. This other alternative
was essentially to cul-de-sac Auburn Street from the north and from the
south rather than making it a through street.
I understand the developer does not want to pay for this proposal, and I don't
think that the city should be the funding source for this cul-de-sac solution.
The only remaining option to fund the solution is assessments to the
benefited property owners and I am not sure how well received this
additional expense will be by the neighbors.
I concur with Terry that a neighborhood meeting is necessary and, when
presented with the options and the cost ramifications, we may find that the
preferred option from the neighborhood is to do nothing. This may be the
preferred option even ff the city were to pay for the cul-de-sacing of the road.
This item is on the agenda as an update. Staff needs to receive direction
from the Council on how to proceed and to find out ff the Council has any
feelings regarding the $12,000 expense for cul-de-sacs.
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425
Howard R. Green Oompany
QQNSULTING ENGINEERS
August 31, 1998
File: 230000M-0325
CONSULTING E~GIN~S
Consulting £ngineers
Pat Klaers
City Administrator
City of Elk River
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
RE: AUBURN STREET TRAFFIC ISSUES
Dear Mr. Klaers:
As you are aware, the City Council authorized the installation of two speed bumps on Auburn
Street several weeks ago. Because of the neighborhood opposition, the police department has
held off on having the street department install these. Instead, the police department did a
community questionnaire of the affected residents. The overwhelming response was in
opposition to speed bumps.
I have recently had an opportunity to meet with Dorn Cote, and two of his neighbors from the
south end of Auburn Street, near 193rd Avenue. They were interested in exploring other
opportunities to alleviate the amount and speed of traffic on Auburn Street. During our
brainstorming "discussion" regarding this issue, we came upon the idea of installing cul-de-sacs
in the street from the north and the south, eliminating cut-through traffic.
I have had an opportunity to discuss this concept with Phil Hals, Street Superintendent, Bruce
West, Fire Chief, Tom Zerwas, Police Chief, and Rick Foster, Developer. All of these
individuals were supportive of this approach to the traffic issues. Mr. Foster indicated that he
was not in favor of paying for the improvements personally, but had no problem with having the
improvements combined with one of his future phases in the spring of 1999, to get a more
competitive bid. We have estimated the cost of constructing two cul~de-sacs with some
landscaping between them at approximately $12,000.00.
If the City Council wants to pursue this option, I believe the next step should be a neighborhood
meeting with all the affected property owners. This is something that I could coordinate during
the fall months, if the City Council so directs.
Please let me know how to proceed with this issue.
Sincerely,
Howard R. Green Company
Terry J.~laurer, P.E.
TJM/st
O:\PROJ~$0000m\000-3102.aug.doc
1326 Energy Park Drive · St. Paul, MN 55108 ° 612/644-4389 fax 612/644-9446 toll free 888/368-4389