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Agenda 04-06-1995 • CITY OF ELK RIVER REGULAR MEETING OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE AGENDA Thursday, April 6, 1995 7:00 p.m. City Hall - Council Chambers ITEM NUMBER 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER • 2. CONSIDER 4/6/95 AGENDA 3. REVIEW TRANSPORTATION PLAN 4. GOALS AND POLICIES FOR TRANSPORTATION COMPONENT 5. TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR UPCOMING MEETINGS 6. OTHER BUSINESS 7. FUTURE MEETING 8. ADJOURNMENT S e o00 110 MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER STEERING COMMITTEE HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL APRIL 6, 1995 Members Present: Chair Minton, Committee Members Dick Hinkle, Dave Anderson, Mark Lucas, Mary Eberley, Hank Duitsman, Pat Dwyer, Arne Engstrom, Keith Holme, Lloyd Barthel and Marly Glines Members Absent: Committee Members Merry Sipe, Chris Kreger, Bill Birrenkott, and Mary McDevitt Staff Present: Steve Ach, City Planner; Terry Maurer, City Engineer; Debbie Kleckner, Recording Secretary 1. Call Meeting To Order The April 6, 1995 meeting of the Elk River Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee was called to order at 7 p.m. by Chair Minton. 2. Consider Steering Committee Agenda ARNE ENGSTROM MOVED TO APPROVE THE APRIL 6, 1996 STEERING COMMITTEE • AGENDA. DAVE ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 11-0. 3. Review Transportation Plan Presentation by Terry Maurer. Terry reviewed the issues before the Steering Committee as outlined in the informational packet distributed to the audience. A copy is attached to the official minutes. He also reviewed goals and policies of the 1988 Growth Management Plan and related transportation issues. Terry Maurer explained how future transportation problems were identified in the 1988 Plan, solutions to predictions, and a plan for implementation. Chair Minton explained the procedure which would be used during the public hearing. He also explained the role of the Steering Committee in reviewing the Comprehensive Plan. Chair Minton opened the public hearing. Mark Martin, 11063 205th Avenue NW, stated that this is not just a road issue; it is an issue of quality of life. He stated he did not understand how an east/west route will help the traffic problems downtown. Mr. Martin encouraged the residents to attend future Steering Committee meetings. Hattie Leary, 21172 York Street, questioned how an east/west route would improve the traffic problems in the downtown area. IP %S. ,� spy -# • • • 1 Steering Committee Minutes Page 2 April 6, 1996 • David Sorenson, 18090 205th Avenue NW, stated he is aware of plans for a bridge across the river in Dayton. He stated he feels the east/west road would serve the citizens in Andover to reach Highway 169. Mr. Sorenson added that he felt the roadway was proposed to serve the gravel companies. Scott Brobeck, 13822 211th Avenue, questioned if the City would buy right-of-way for a two lane road or a four lane road. He also questioned why Mn/DOT was not involved in this road planning process, since the major traffic problem is on Highway 10 and Highway 169. Mr. Brobeck further questioned what the impact would be if some of the recommendations in the 1993 transportation study for School Street, Proctor, Highway 169 and 10 were implemented. Diana Mills, 13863 196th Avenue NW,the Peterson Addition, expressed her concern for the preservation of wildlife. She questioned how far the committee is planning into the future. Greg Remarcik, 20295 Twin Lakes Road, stated that most of the traffic past his home is generated by the Honeywell Testing Grounds site. He stated that he felt County Road 21 would be a better alternative for an east/west route. He questioned why the road was not done 10 years ago before homes were built, which prevent the road going straight across. Tom Thompson, 12899 217th Avenue NW, suggested that time be spent slowing down the saturation of development, rather than speeding it up by putting in a major roadway. • DeDee Raveling, 19748 Lander Street, expressed her concern for a busy roadway going behind her home. She also addressed the affect on wildlife, property values and her daycare operation. Larold Thompson, 10040 201st Avenue NW, expressed his concern that County Road 13 will become the Elk River bypass. Todd Mixer, 199784 Pascal Street, questioned why Zebulon and existing roadways could not be used. Sallie Krohn, 14009 201st Ave NW, questioned whether consideration was given to the possibility that the senior high may be moved and its impact on traffic on School Street. Greg Posterick, 11382 205th Avenue NW, suggested that an overpass be constructed at Highway 169 and 10. Greg Herreid, 113862 196th Avenue NW, questioned what would happen if the road was not built. He suggested that right of way be acquired now to build it farther north. Dean Dalzell, 19954 Troy Street NW, asked if there was information available regarding the alternative roadways, other than Figure 3. He also asked if there was any information available to the public regarding County discussion on an • east/west roadway. Steering Committee Minutes Page 3 April 6, 1996 • Bob Bowersox, 13431 Meadowvale Road, stated he was not in favor of the road and did not want to see the traffic in front of his home tripled. He expressed his concern for speeding problems in the City. Clair Olson, 10476 2025th Avenue NW, stated he would like to see a survey of citizens regarding their opinion of how large they would like to see the City grow. Mike Niziolek, 12275 Rush Circle, stated that he owns land on 209th and Zebulon and is interested in preserving some of the natural features of the community. He stated that he felt citizens have the opportunity to mold the community into what they want it to be. He felt there could be a blend of country and urban,with parks, trails and preservation of some of the larger farms. He suggested changing the wording of goal #3 from "establishing an east/west corridor" to "determine if it is necessary to create a corridor through the center part of the City". Robin Tuttle, 13390 Ranch Road, explained that residents want to be involved in this decision making process. She requested that they be informed of when and where these meetings will be held and that it be published in the local newspaper. She stated that people do not read notices that are included with their utility bill. She also requested that if a larger meeting place is needed, that it be provided. Dave Patenaude, 19275 Lander Street, member of the St. Louis Park Gun Club, stated that he felt the Club is an asset to the community. They provide a hiking area for 4-H members, gun training, shooting range for Sherburne County Sheriff's • Department as well as the Elk River Police Department. He stated that if the Club decides to relocate, they will trade property with the State, acre for acre. Cliff Ibis, 13790 196th Avenue NW, stated that he does not feel the east/west corridor will relieve any of the congestion on School Street. He expressed his concern that the road construction will increase his taxes. Sue Stoesser, 12772 210th Circle, expressed her objection to the proposed road. She felt the signalized intersections on Highway 1 169 hindered the movement of traffic. She suggested that cloverleafs be added instead. Ms. Stoesser expressed her concern for the condition of County Road 33 between Proctor and Highway 169. She stated that she did not feel that traffic would reach the levels indicated in the study. She was in favor of more industrial development, rather than encouraging more residential which raises taxes because more schools will be needed. Brad Hayes, 13551 Meadowvale Road, stated he was not in favor of the proposed roadway, citing the fact that three daycares are located on the roadway, and also the condition of 209th Avenue. Tom Mortensen, 10576 205th Avenue NW, stated that the proposed roadway appears to go through his house and barn. He expressed his concern for potential problems of speeding cars, and for the number of driveway accesses on this road. • Ron Deutchman, 20523 Smith Street, questioned if it would be possible to see traffic projections for the proposed roadways on the map being presented. He Steering Committee Minutes Page 4 April 6, 1996 III also inquired where the projected traffic is coming from. He stated he was not in favor of a roadway to service the people coming into Elk River and then leaving. Mr. Deutchman also expressed his concern for the potential for accidents on the S-curve on County Road 33, with increased traffic and speeds. He stated he did not understand what the incentive would be for Elk River residents to use the proposed roadway. Jenny Downing, 13281 Meadowvale Road, expressed her concern that the roadway would come right to the doorstep of her 100 year old home where she presently does daycare. She also expressed her concern that roadway would cut through the park and affect the wildlife. Tim Bailey, 20405 Vance Street, questioned how many households would be affected by the proposed roadway. He also questioned how the driveway accesses would be affected. Mr. Bailey suggested that the east/west traffic have a longer green light to reduce congestion in the downtown. He felt the roadway would benefit non-Elk River residents. He questioned why the City does not try to get more commercial and industrial development in the City to help the tax base. Ann Smith, 13650 Meadowvale Road, stated that she has seen survey crews near her home last fall and felt they were there because of the proposed roadway. She did not feel there was a traffic problem in Elk River. Allen Norsh, 14051 Victoria Lane, expressed his concern that his taxes would III increase with the proposed roadway. Also he was concerned that the roadway would go past his home. Cheryl Miller, 20018 Lander Street, cited concerns regarding the broken County Ditch #28. She questioned whether there were plans to fix the ditch, since one of the proposed roads would run on the hill behind their house and the road drainage would flood their home. Jeff Green, 113310 Ranch Road, expressed his concern that he was not told about the proposed roadway when he obtained a building permit for his new home under construction. He stated he was informed some of the members of the Steering Committee are from Maple Grove, Big Lake, Zimmerman and did not feel they should be making decisions that affect the citizens of Elk River. He stated that he did not feel the residents want Elk River to be another Maple Grove. Lee Markel!, representing the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as a land protection specialist for the Scientific and Natural Areas Program, stated that the St. Louis Park Sportsman's Club owns 305 acres of very unique sand dune complex, native prairie, and oak savannah. Also there is a population of the State-endangered Uncas Skipper. He stated that the City should do whatever is possible to protect this rare feature. Jeff Hofhenke, 15860 228th Avenue, Big Lake Township, proposed routing traffic off Highway 101 to County Road 39, and that another bridge be constructed across III the Mississippi, lining up with Waco Street. He further suggested that County Road 12 cut off to the south and extend to Highway 169. Steering Committee Minutes Page 5 April 6, 1996 IIITerry Maurer responded to questions at this time, with the following comments: -The east/west corridor is being proposed because of inevitable growth, not only in Elk River, but the entire east/west corridor from the metro area to St. Cloud. He explained that Highway 169 through Elk River from 10 currently has approximately 25,000 cars a day traveling on it, and Mn/DOT projects that when 101 opens up, 15 to 20 years from now that will rise to 55,000-60,000 cars per day. The proposed roadway is estimated to have between 10,000-15,000 cars on it. He compared this to current traffic counts on School Street between Highways 169 and 10 which fluctuate between 10,000- 15,000. He stated that if this amount of traffic could be provided an alternate route, it would reduce the impact on the downtown area. Terry added that the traffic overall will continue to increase because of growth, but that the proposed roadway would provide relief. -Terry explained the External-Internal concept used in traffic counting. The study projects 11, 700 cars traveling the segment between Highway 169, Proctor and County Road 1. 3,100 of them are External-External, 5,700 are External-Internal (trips beginning in the City and leaving, or, coming from somewhere else into Elk River), 2,900 are Internal-Internal (originate in the City to travel to another point in the City). Chair Minton then estimated that approximately 70-75%of the traffic trips would be people moving around in the City and those coming into it or leaving it, and not just passing through it. -Terry stated he would recommend that the City buy right of way for a major • corridor, with a minimum of 80 feet and a maximum of 100 feet. This would allow room for a detached pathway for non-motorized traffic movement, and also to relocate power poles. -Terry explained that the charge he was given by the Council was to develop a comprehensive transportation plan which lays out a system that considers the motoring public, whether or not they live in Elk River, pay taxes or buy gas here, but the fact that they drive in Elk River. He stated the system will be coordinated with Mn/DOT and Sherburne County. He explained that Mn/DOT may determine a need to add a third lane to Highway 169 through the heart of the City, possibly from Highway 101 to 193rd. -Terry explained that the reason the proposed roadway was not a straight route was due to the extensive amount of wetlands in Elk River and also, the gun club property, Woodland Trails and the golf course considerations. -Terry explained that they have been working with Mn/DOT and the Corps of Engineers, and have determined that it would be more likely to locate a bridge over the river at Zebulon, rather than Waco. A 1,300 foot bridge would be necessary at Waco, due to the amount of floodplain area and would likely be to cost prohibitive to construct. He noted that the river bank is higher at Zebulon with less floodplain to cross, thereby lowering the costs of construction. -Terry stated that the traffic study was done in March of 1993 and did not take into account a reduction in traffic with the possible relocation of the senior high 0 school. Steering Committee Minutes Page 6 April 6, 1996 • -Terry explained that cloverleaf intersection designs require a minimum of 40 acres and that there is no place on either Highway 169 or Highway 10 with this amount of space. He added that diamonds and half-diamond designs require a minimum of 20-30 acres. When discussing these options with Mn/DOT it was determined that a large portion of the businesses at this location would be lost. -Terry Maurer responded to the question of what would happen if the road were not built by explaining that the current road system will not handle the amount of traffic that can be expected in the future. He indicated that based on the current zoning, it would be possible for the population to reach a level of 40,000 people. He stated that the question that needs to be addressed by the Steering Committee is whether or not a corridor should be identified, and whether or not it would be better to buy the right of way now, even if it is never needed. -Terry stated that he has not been directed to prepare traffic projections on the 3 alternative routes at this time. -The bridge proposal would give people coming from the west or wanting to go west another alternative in getting through the City. -The existing driveways on County Roads 33 and 32 would remain, but that a shared access may be considered for new homes in the future, if the road proposal were to proceed. He did not foresee that the City would ever buy homes to eliminate driveway accesses. He explained that unsafe conditions such as the curve on County Road 33 would be improved as part of the upgrading III process. He added that no decisions have been made as to the exact location of the roadway and it is unknown where right of way will be needed and how much. Also, he noted that there would be a number of hearings held before any type of assessment for the roadway would be approved. He stated that if right of way is acquired, it will be filed at the County with a legal description. -Terry explained that the improvement would give traffic currently coming down 22 to County Road 12 wanting to access north Highway 169 and west Highway 10 an alternative to 169 and Main Street. He noted that County Road 1 has been placed as first priority to upgrade by Sherburne County, and County Road 12 is number 2. Terry stated that staff is in agreement with the proposal to have County Road 12 connect with Highway 169 south of the Main Street intersection. -No survey work for the proposed roadway has been done and that he was unsure who would have been surveying near Ann Smith's home. -Terry responded that the City is working with the County regarding taking over the County ditch system, and that repair of the County Ditch #28 has been included in the capital improvement list. -Terry stated that a direct route from Anoka County 22 to 35E already exists. -Terry noted that it would be possible to widen School Street between Jackson and Proctor to four lanes, a signal could be installed at Proctor, but the only thing that could be done to increase the capacity on Highway 10 would be to • eliminate some of the access points and reduce the number of intersections. Steering Committee Minutes Page 7 April 6, 1996 • -Terry Maurer stated that a Mn/DOT signal engineer usually comes out once a year to check the equipment, and that the City has no control over the length of green lights. -Terry stated that the proposed road corridors go through mining operations which would be well on the way to being completed, thereby invalidating the suggestion that the roadway is being constructed for the benefit of the gravel companies. David Sorensen, resident on 205th, questioned the information that gravel mining would be completed in 20 to 25 years. He also stated he felt the proposed roadway would benefit the gravel mining operations. Diana Mills, 13963 196th Avenue NW, stated she did not want the roadway behind her property. Dave Lesnar, 20010 Ogden Street NW, provided a map proposing that Anoka County Road 22 will become a trunk highway in the future. He questioned if the Elk River roadway connecting up to it would also become a trunk highway. He also questioned if this is what the residents wanted. Hattie Leary, 21172 York Street, stated that she would hate to see Elk River become a place where "city rolls over country". Chair Minton closed the public hearing (9:55 p.m.). Mary Eberley suggested that some discussion be given to how growth can be slowed. Steve Ach explained that when the urban service boundary is established, growth management practices may be implemented such as restricted minimum lot sizes, to control growth. He noted that there are residents in the northern area currently in the 10 acre minimum lot size zoning who want it reduced to 2-1/2 acres. He explained with the current zoning, the population saturation could be 40,000. Dave Anderson expressed his concern regarding the high traffic counts projected for the proposed roadway. He stated that he has spoken with Mn/DOT officials, the Sherburne County Highway Engineer, the District A.P.O. He explained that the Mn/DOT supports the practice that external-external traffic use their system and not minor arterials within a city or rural area. Dave indicated that the District A.P.O. appeared to be shocked by the proposed traffic projections for Highway 169 and Highway 10. He sated that he cannot support the need for the corridor for the reason that it does not serve the citizens of Elk River. ARNE ENGSTROM MOVED THAT THE NEED FOR AN EAST/WEST CORRIDOR AND ITS ALIGNMENT BE STUDIED BY A JOINT COMMITTEE CONSISTING OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER, SHERBURNE COUNTY, BIG LAKE TOWNSHIP, ANOKA COUNTY, WRIGHT COUNTY AND THE CITY OF OTSEGO; AND THAT THE DISTRICT APO AND MN/DOT BE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE AS NEEDED. ALSO,THAT TWO (2) CITIZEN REPRESENTATIVES AND A PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEMBER BE INCLUDED ON THE COMMITTEE. DICK HINKLE SECONDED THE MOTION. • Steering Committee Minutes Page 8 April 6, 1996 • Discussion followed regarding the motion. Mary Eberley suggested that more than two citizens could serve on the committee. Dave Anderson suggested the citizens meet and select individuals to serve on the committee. Hank Duitsman stated that agreed that a committee to study the need for a major corridor was a good idea, but that the basis of this proposal was to move traffic within the City, especially emergency vehicles. He expressed his concern that if right of way is not identified now, it may not be possible to acquire it in the future. He stated the intent was not for a regional corridor but rather a local system. He stated that the corridor is not needed now, but that if the growth comes it may be needed. Chair Minton expressed his concern that further study by another committee will effectively delay the process by another two years. Pat Dwyer expressed his concern that the City will continue to grow and the traffic will increase, whether we want it or not. He stated he has spoken with land owners who want the 10 acre minimum lot size reduced so that they can develop their property. This will add to the growth and the traffic will increase as well. He felt that if the City does not address these road issues now,we are condemning the City to traffic problems in the future. He stated that the lot size issues are going to be just as unpopular as these road issues but that some hard decisions will need to be made. Dick Hinkle stated that he stated he felt that it is appropriate that the decision be • made by a joint committee as stated in the motion. He did not feel the City would be able to afford to cost of the proposed corridor. Lloyd Barthel stated that he does not feel the traffic problem is a only city problem and that he was unsure of whether or not the roadway was needed and where it should go. He felt it was necessary to take a second look at this issue. Marly Glines felt that if the State is not pursuing a corridor it may not be needed at this time. He stated that he would be unable to make a recommendation on the corridor and that further study is needed. THE MOTION CARRIED 11-0. 5. Tentative Schedule for Upcoming Meetings Approved as presented. 7. Future Meeting The next meeting of the Elk River Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee will be Thursday, April 20, 1995 at 7:00 PM. 8. Adjournment HANK DUITSMAN MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. MARY EBERLEY SECONDED S THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 11-0. The meeting of the Steering Committee adjourned at 10:45 p.m. Steering Committee Minutes Page 9 April 6, 1996 • Resp7ectfully submitted, . \/4142/ Debbie Kleckner Recording Secretary • •