5.3. SR 06-13-2005
Item 5.3.
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
June 3, 2005
The Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of Elk River
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River MN 55330
RE: VARIOUS TRANSPORTATION ISSUES
Dear Council Members:
Part of Monday evening's City Council workshop is dedicated to various transportation
issues. This memo will provide a brief background on each of the items. For several of the
more complex item, I have attached additional backup material. It will be difficult at
Monday evening's meeting to cover all of these topics in detail, but I will be prepared to
discuss any of these items that the Council may have questions about or comments. The
items I have on my list are as follows:
1. School Street Extension Westerly to Upland Avenue (County Road 44)
This was one of the top four transportation priorities that the Planning Commission
recommended to the City Council. This may ~e the most long-term of the four issues.
The reason is that the westerly extension of School Street to Upland Avenue will require
a crossing of the Burlington Northern Railroad tracks. It is unlikely that the City would
be allowed another at grade crossing. Also, an at grade crossing would not help traffic
flow better in the long run. Therefore, a bridge crossing of the railroad tracks will likely
be needed to ultimately construct this corridor. Using an assumed bridge length of 1,200
feet and the MnDOT annual estimated cost of$80 per square foot for bridge structures,
together with a roadway typical section similar to School Street east of Proctor Avenue,
the bridge component of this connection will likely be in the $5 million range. In
addition to the bridge, there will be a need to acquire right of way from the Elk River
Concrete property. Staff would recommend to the City Council that to pursue this
transportation corridor, staff be directed to work with Elk River Concrete Co. to begin
discussions on a viable future route for a roadway through their property that will
minimize disruption to their plant operation. We would suggest that this be an ongoing
discussion item with no immediate deadlines for accomplishment. To help visualize the
alignment of this corridor, attached is an aerial photograph of the area.
Phone: 763.635.1000
Fax: 763.635.1090
www.cLelk-river.mn.us
Transportation Issues
June 3, 2005
Page 2
2. County Road 44 Status
There are two possible scenarios for the upgrading of County Road 44 (Upland
Avenue/Meadowvale Road) from 1H 10 to CSAH 1. The first scenario would be a
negotiated turnback of the roadway from Shhburne County to the City of Elk River
with the City taking the lead in reconstructing the entire length of the roadway. The
reconstruction would be funded through a negotiated agreement between the County
and the City. This would be similar to the turnback agreement that is nearing
completion for Cleveland Avenue (County Road 40). Sherburne County has done a fair
amount of preliminary work, anticipating the reconstruction of County Road 44. They
have identified the need for additional right-~f-way in areas where the roadway curves
and/ or where turn lanes and bypass lanes are anticipated at major intersections. Any
right-of-way acquisition would be the responsibility of the City. The County's estimated
reconstruction cost for County Road 44 prepared over a year ago was $1,600,000, not
including right-of-way costs.
The second scenario which could be utilized on County Road 44 would be for the
County to rebuild the roadway surface in its current alignment and current width. The
County would mill up the old surface, add granular base to the subgrade, and reinstall
two lifts of blacktop to create a new driving surface. This scenario would not add any
turn lanes, would not change the road from its rural nature, and would not add
pedestrian facilities. What this scenario would do is provide a new surface for a badly
deteriorated roadway. The new surface could easily be expected to last 10-15 years.
There would be no City cost participation in this option. The City may not have much,
if any, say as to whether this scenario is pursued. The roadway is in the County's
jurisdiction and Rhonda Lewis, Sherburne County Engineer, is quite concerned about
the current condition of the driving surface. Therefore, it is her intent to recommend to
the County Board at the June 8th workshop related to transportation, that this option be
pursued in the 2005 County overlay program. I will be tracking this discussion and will
be able to update the City Council at your June 13th transportation workshop as to the
County Board discussion.
Again, an aerial photo of the County Road 44 area has been attached for an easy
reminder of the roadway corridor.
3. Elk Hills Drive Extension Easterly to CSAH 13
Due to the numerous issues involved with Elk Hills Drive corridor, attached is a bullet
point summary of the existing and proposed information relative to rights-of-way width
and street section. Also included in this summary is an estimated ballpark cost for
additional right-of-way acquisition and construction cost, together with a number of
other issues to consider. The attachment includes a brief outline of a potential schedule
that this project could follow. Finally, attached to help with the discussion is an aerial
photo of the area.
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4. 193rd Avenue Extension Easterly to CSAH 13
This also is a complex project with many issues; therefore, a summary sheet has been
attached, again providing existing data together with proposed data. The attached sheet
also includes approximate ballpark costs for right-of-way acquisition and construction
costs, together with an approximate schedule of how this project could be pursued. An
aerial photo of the corridor area is also attached.
Attached is a copy of the letter sent by Barbara and David Burandt to all Council
Members. I have also been contacted by and met with Mr. and Mrs. Hovald who live at
19221 Tyler Street. Both families are concerned about the extension of 193rd Avenue
and the effect it will have on their property. It is important to note that no firm
alignment has been established at this time. If staff is given direction to proceed on
development of this proposed corridor, a significant amount of time will be spent on
trying to establish an alignment that minimizes impacts while providing a viable
transportation corridor for the long term. The Burandt's letter suggests that 197th
Avenue be chosen as an alternative to 193rd Avenue. In fact, ultimately both corridors
will be needed to move traffic to and from rn 169. It is not a choice of one over the
other but more of a question of when each corridor should be developed.
5. County Road 40 (Cleveland Avenue) Turnback Agreement Status
The County has prepared a draft turnback agreement that was discussed at the last joint
City/County Transportation Committee mee~ing. Since that meeting, the City
Administrator and I have reviewed the draft ~greement, added comments, and returned
it to the County Engineer and County Attorney. It is our understanding that the Board
discussed it briefly at a regular meeting and moved it to the June 8th transportation
workshop for further discussion. It is my intent to be present at the County Board's
workshop. Hopefully, this issue will be concluded at that time and the agreement will be
ready to move forward to final execution. When this agreement is finally executed by
the City and the County, we will be presenting resolutions to the City Council for your
consideration relative to initiating land acquisition and final design for the reconstruction
of County Road 40 anticipated to begin in 2006.
The City Council has previously approved the Right of Way Map prepared by the
Sherburne County Surveyor for County Road 40. The County Surveyor has now
prepared a Right of Way Plat for County Road 40. It is my understanding that the only
difference between a "Map" and a "Plat" is the plat identifies the owner of each parcel.
It is also my understanding that approving this plat does not obligate the City to acquire
each parcel. Therefore, I would recommend that the City Council approve the Right of
Way Plat for County Road 40 and authorize the appropriate City officials to sign it.
6. County Road 33 and 77 Turnback Agreement
Attached is a draft turnback agreement for County Road 33 between rn 169 and
County Road 77, and County Road 77 from County Road 33 north to 1H 169. These
two segments of road will no longer serve a County road purpose, once the realignment
of County Road 33 and the lowering and realignment of County Road 77 (proctor
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Avenue) is completed in the gravel mining area. This draft turnback agreement indicates
that the County will reclaim each of the roads and reconstruct them with 6 inches of
aggregate base and 7 ~ inches of bituminou$ surfacing. The paving will be 28 feet wide,
which is two 12-foot lanes with 2-foot bitun1inous shoulders. On the outside of that will
be a one-foot gravel shoulder. The agreement also states that for the two years after the
agreement is signed, Sherburne County will be responsible for maintenance of the
roadways. Maintenance of the newly-paved surface will essentially amount to
snowplowing. I believe that this is a reasonable approach to dealing with these two
segments of roadway. I have discussed this issue with Street Superintendent Phil Hals
and he is aware of this issue and is generally in concurrence with it moving forward. I
am looking for City Council direction whether or not you concur with this approach. If
the Council concurs with this, I will work with the County Engineer to get minor
changes made to the draft agreement and present it at a future City Council meeting for
final approval and execution.
7. Master Agreement with Sherburne County to Turn Back All County Roads
I have had a follow-up meeting with Rhonda Lewis regarding transportation issues. At
that meeting we discussed the concept of a master agreement between the City and the
County for the turnback of all County roads within the City of Elk River. Rhonda
expressed some immediate concern about the turnback of higher volume County roads
classified as major collector and minor arterial such as CSAH 12 and 13. Rhonda agreed
to have a discussion with Kathy Heaney, County Attorney, relative to the legality of such
a master agreement and any liability issues about turning back roadways classified on the
higher end of traffic volumes. In addition, Rhonda indicated she would have a similar
discussion with Brian Bensen, County Administrator, regarding the County's position in
funding such an agreement. Rhonda and I plan to have additional information available
to discuss at the next quarterly County/City Transportation meeting.
8. TH 169 Corridor Study
As the City Council is aware, MnDOT has agreed to do a corridor study dealing with
geometric layouts and environmental documentation for the 1H 169 corridor from Elk
River to Princeton. An initial kick-off meeting was held on May 9, 2005. Attached are
the minutes from this meeting. MnDOT has budgeted $1.25 million for this study in
fiscal year 2006. MnDOT will be working to hire a consultant but will likely not have
anyone on board until late summer after the start of the next fiscal year. I will keep the
City Council apprised of the progress of this study.
9. Highland Road Corridor
There are a couple of different options that could be pursued with the Highland Road
corridor. The existing Highland Road right-of-way is 80 feet wide and the current
roadway is approximately 40 feet wide. The roadway could either be left as is and a
pedestrian facility be constructed in the existing right-of-way, or the other option would
be to reconstruct the roadway; probably narrowing it to 32 feet, and creating an urban
section with concrete curb and gutter to give the perception to the motoring public that
the roadway is narrower, hopefully helping to reduce speeds. At the same time, a
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pedestrian facility could be built on either or both sides with the narrowed roadway. The
abutting property owners would perceive th~t they are losing less of their front lawns.
The issue that would be opened up with a reconstruction project would be whether or
not to bring City utilities (sanitary sewer and water) into the area. Watermain is currently
looped along the Highland Road corridor, bl}t the abutting properties were not required
to connect to it. The watermain was looped by the Elk River Municipal Utilities for
continuity of their high pressure systems in the east and west parts of the City. The
Highland Road neighborhood is within the Gity's Urban Service Area, but is a relatively
large-lot development that has never express~d an overwhelming desire for City utilities.
Attached is an aerial photo of the Highland Road corridor.
10. School Street/High School Driveway Signalization
This is an issue that has been discussed manx times over the past several years in an
attempt to minimize or eliminate exposure of the community service officers and school
officials to traffic. The City could install a signalized intersection at the high school
parking lot driveway onto School Street. We have explored with MnDOT all other
possibilities and the only legal possibility is afull-ftedged operating signal which would
obviously be green most times for the School Street leg. The signal would operate off
loop detectors and timers. This would allow! a vehicle coming from Lions Park Center
or the high school parking lot at off hours to trigger the signal to turn green for that leg,
but the signal could also be timed so that at the end of the school day, it would allow a
longer green time to empty the parking lot. With a signalized intersection, there would
likely not be a need for a community service officer to place themselves in the middle of
School Street exposed to vehicle traffic. It is! staff's opinion that this installation could
and should be funded at least half by the School District. The City's portion of the cost
could be funded with Municipal State Aid dollars, since School Street is an MSA route.
The estimated cost of a signal system at this location would be $125,000 to $150,000.
11. Westbound 193rd Avenue at TH 169
I have discussed with Tom Davidson, the MnDOT Traffic Signal Technician who works
on the Elk River signals, what it would take to make two through westbound lanes at
193rd Avenue and 1H 169. This would allow!more traffic to get through the intersection
in peak times on a green cycle. Mr. Davidson has indicated that the loop detectors in
place would be able to handle the changing of the lane configuration in most cases. So,
simply the changing the signs on the mast arms and repainting the lanes to indicate the
combined through/right-turn movement of ~he most northerly westbound lane would
accomplish this. The two negatives that could potentially happen would be right turning
traffic from westbound 19yd Avenue to northbound 1H 169 that could make their right
turn on a red light may not be able to get to ~he intersection if they are waiting behind a
vehicle intending to go straight through the intersection. The loop detector issue could
arise if a single car wanting to go straight through 1H 169 westbound is waiting in the
most northerly lane, it may not trip the signal and would have to wait for the timer,
because the current loop detector may regist~r that car as a right turning vehicle. My
suggestion would be that we change the sign$ on the mast arm and the striping on the
street and let the intersection operate while observing to see if there are any significant
issues with its operation before taking the more expensive step of changing the loop
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Transportation Issues
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.
detectors under the pavement and the wiring within the signal control panel. An aerial
photo of the intersection is attached.
12. Waco Street
Waco Street between TH 10 and Mississippi Road has been partially reconstructed with
the Western Area Phase 4 Improvements. The southern half of Waco Street leading to
Mississippi Road has not been reconstructed. Staff has had preliminary contact from an
engineering consultant representing the owners of the Pinewood Golf Course exploring
the option of developing the golf course into residential lots. In our discussion with this
individual, we indicated that development of Pinewood Golf Course into residential lots
would require payment of $1,500 per residential unit for the reconstruction of Waco
Street. This is ~imilar to the amount charged to the West Oaks Addition. If there were
any development to occur on the east side of Waco Street on the property recently
purchased by Sherburne County, a similar requirement to contribute towards the
reconstruction of the south half of Waco Street would be raised. Staff believes that
reconstruction of this portion of Waco Street should be driven by development in the
area.
13. Dodge Avenue
.
The northern portion of Dodge Avenue between 5th Street on the south and Elk Hills
Drive was reconstructed in 1995. The southern portion of the roadway originally built in
1981 has never been reconstructed. For a number of years, staff anticipated a petition
coming from the major owner of the properties along the south portion of the road.
However, to date no petition has been forthcoming.
There are basically two options for the south half of Dodge Avenue. It could either be
totally reconstructed similar to the north half which was slightly widened to allow for
two lanes southbound, with one of the lanes accommodating left turning vehicles and
the other through traffic, and one lane northbound. Or it could be recycled; that is, have
the bituminous milled off, additional gravel base added and a new bituminous surface
placed. It has been suggested that it simply could be overlaid but this is not a viable
option because of the deteriorated condition of the existing bituminous surface. After
24 years of heavy commercial traffic, the amount of cracking and patching in the existing
surface would simply reflect through an overlay and the overlaid surface would look
similar to the existing surface in a few years. The reconstruction of the south half of
Dodge Avenue similar to the northern section would cost approximately $275,000. The
recycling of the surface would be approximately half that amount. Both of these would
be assessable improvements, however, the City would need to participate approximately
half or more of the cost because there is very limited assessable frontage on the west side
of the roadway. The condition of Dodge Avenue has deteriorated to the point that if no
petition is forthcoming from the abutting property owners, the City Council will be
forced to initiate some type of project here in the near future.
.
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14. Southbound Jackson Avenue at School Street
Attached is an aerial photo of the intersection of J ackson Avenue and School Street.
The issue we were asked to look at is what can be done differently with the lane drop for
southbound J ackson Avenue just south of School Street. Currently, there are two
southbound lanes north of School Street. One is a through/right turn lane and the other
is a through/left turn lane. Approximately 300 feet south of School Street these two
lanes merge into one. The issue here is often times individuals are in the through/left
turn lane anticipating continuing southbound on J ackson Avenue, only to find cars
speeding by them on the right side to merge into the single lane ahead of them. As the
City Council may remember, staff has indicated that we would like to see Jackson
Avenue south of School Street considered for three-lane restriping after it is sealcoated.
In fact, the recently approved Jackson Villas, the townhome development on the west
side of J ackson Avenue, was required to pay a fee to help facilitate the restriping of
J ackson Avenue. It is unlikely that this will happen in 2005 because as the Jackson Villas
development begins, there is a significant amount of unsuitable material that will be
removed from that site and a similar amount that will be imported to the site. All of this
heavy truck movement would destroy a new seal coat and striping configuration. So, it is
our opinion that the sealcoating of J ackson Avenue south of School Street will not be
recommended until 2006. For that reason, there have been no mailings to the property
owners on the east side of J ackson Avenue to solicit input and comments relative to a
three-lane striping. However, staff will still accomplish an informational mailing and
solicitation of comments before any restriping proposal is brought back to the City
Council.
With this being said, if Jackson Avenue were restriped to three lanes, the three-lane
configuration could be run all the way to School Street and actually a little bit to the
north of School Street. This would eliminate the two southbound lanes merging into
one south of School Street. This scenario would mean at southbound J ackson Avenue
at School Street would be a left turn lane and a through/right-turn lane. To make this
change, however, would require some modification to the current traffic signal at this
intersection. This may also be the time to add left turn arrows for southbound Jackson
and/ or westbound School Street. If the City Council would like staff to pursue this
further and potentially anticipate this change in 2006, we would request direction to
analyze the turning movements and traffic flow at the intersection of School Street and
Jackson Avenue. From that traffic counts, we could bring back a firm recommendation
and cost estimate to make the striping changes and modifications to the existing traffic
signal, at the same time keeping in mind the input from the residents south of School
Street on the east side of Jackson Avenue relative to a three-lane striping configuration
which would eliminate on-street parking.
15. Pedestrian Count Down Timers
There has been some discussion about installing pedestrian count down timers at the TH
10 intersections with Main Street and J ackson Avenue, anticipating parking on the north
side of TH 10 with pedestrians accessing downtown by crossing TH 10. I have recently
been informed by the MnDOT District 3 Assistant Transportation Engineer Tom
Dumont that the installation of count down timers will not be possible at this time at
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these intersections. The reason is that the technology of the count down timers has not
progressed to the point that it is adaptable to railroad preemption of the signal system.
In other words, as a train passes through, it preempts the signals and changes the cycle
to preclude cars from stacking up near a closed railroad crossing. If we had count down
timers installed, a pedestrian crossing the highway would expect to have a number of
seconds left to continue to complete their crossing, but if a train preempted the signal,
the technology has no way at this time to warn the pedestrian. MnDOT's Assistant
Traffic Engineer was confident that the manufacturers of the count down timer
technology would be addressing this issue sometime in the future. I have asked him to
keep me appraised as to when this technology change would become appropriate for
installation at these intersections.
16. Other Issues
If the City Council has any questions regarding the status of the 2005 Street
Reconstruction Project or the King Avenue Parking Lot, I will be able to answer those
as well.
If there are any other transportation issues you would like me to be prepared to discuss at
Monday evening's meeting, please call.
Sincerely,
r-- rJIII~
T :!;:;t'urer, PE
City Engineer
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School Street Westerly Extension
I .
County Road 44 Corridor
I
ELK HILLS DRIVE CORRIDOR
(TH 169 TO CSAH 13)
I
A. EXISTING DATA
Elk Hills Addition (Elk Hills Drive)
. Existing Right-of-Way
· Existing Street
60'
32' wide suburban
2003 Traffic Count
Added to MSA System after 2003 counts (likely under
1000 ADl)
MSA Designation
1H 169 to CSAH 13
1H 169 IRC Study
Predicts highway overpass at 1H 169 and Elk Hills Drive
(No highway access)
.B. FUTURE DATA
Length of Roadway Extension
. Elk Hills Addition
. Elk Hills Addition to CSAH 13
1800'
1800' (depending on fmal alignment)
Right-of-Way Need (Assume 80' wide)
. Elk Hills Addition
· Elk Hills Addition to CSAH 13
0.85 acres
3.30 acres
Property Owners Affected
· Elk Hills Addition
· Elk Hills Addition to CSAH 13
15 abutting (30-35 lots total)
2or3
Possible Future Road Section
· 44 to 52 feet wide; urban design with ctletached sidewalk or trail
Estimated Cost of Construction
· Right-of-Way $332,000
(Estimated $80,000/ acre for purchase and overhead)
. Street Construction $1,440,000
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C. POSSIBLE FUNDING SOURCES
. Municipal State Aid Funding (City's annual allotment approximately $700,000)
. Federal Funding r.y ery competitive and does I!1ot. cover right-of-way acquisition)
. Developers
. City
. J\ssessment
D. OTHER ISSUES
. Elk. Hills J\ddition is within Urban Service }\rea but does not have City services. If Elk. Hills
Drive is reconstructed, consideration should be given to extending urban services into the
Elk. Hills J\ddition and over to CSAH 13. This would likely involve reconstructing all streets
within the Elk. Hills J\ddition.
. Significant wetlands issue (see aerial photo) as new alignment nears CSAH 13
E. POSSIBLE SCHEDULE
Gather more information
Hold public informational meeting
Determine layout/ alignment/ right-of-way
J\pply for Federal funding
Hold public hearing/adopt alignment
Right-of-way acquisition
Design project
Construction
Project complete
Summer 2005
Fall 2005
Winter 2005-2006
December 2005
Spring 2006
Summer 2006 - Fall 2007
Fall 2007 -Spring 2008
Summer 2008
Summer 2009
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Elk Hills Drive Corridor
I
193RD AVENUE CORRIDOR
(TH 169 TO <;:SAH 13)
A. EXISTING DATA
Hillside Estates 1st and 3rd (193rd Avenue)
· Existing Right-of-Way
· Existing Street
70'
44' wide urban
Woods at Hillside 2nd & 3rd (193rd Avenue)
· Existing Right-of-Way
· Existing Street
84'
44' wide (2-22' lanes w/median)
2003 Traffic Count
9500 Average Daily Traffic (near TH 169)
MSA Designation
rn 169 to Tyler Street
(Tyler Street toCSAH 13 could be added)
rn 169 IRC Study
Predicts one-half of split diamond interchange at 1H 169 and
193rd Avenue
B. FUTUREDATA
Length of Roadway Extension
· Woods at Hillside 3rd to Tyler Street
· Tyler Street to CSAH 13
1500' (depending on final alignment)
1800' (depending on fmal alignment)
Right-of-Way Need (Assume 80' wide)
· Woods at Hillside 3rd to Tyler Street
· Tyler Street to CSAH 13
2.75 acres
3.30 acres
Property Owners Affected
· Woods at Hillside 3rd to Tyler Street 2 or 3
· Tyler Street to CSAH 13 3 to 5
Possible Future Road Section
· 44 to 52 feet wide; urban design with detached sidewalk or trail
Estimated Cost of Construction
· Right-of-Way $484,000
(Estimated $80,000/ acre for purchase and overhead)
· Street Construction $1,485,000
C. POSSIBLE FUNDING SOURCES
· Municipal State Aid Funding (City's annual allotment approximately $700,000)
· Federal Funding 01ery competitive and does not cover right-of-way acquisition)
· Developers
· City
· J\ssessment
D. POSSIBLE SCHEDULE
Gather more information
Hold public informational meeting
Determine layout/ alignment/ right-of-way
J\pply for Federal funding
Hold public hearing/adopt alignment
Right-of-way acquisition
Design project
Construction
Project complete
Summer 2005
Fall 2005
Winter 2005-2006
December 2005
Spring 2006
Summer 2006 - Fall 2007
Fall 2007 -Spring 2008
Summer 2008
Summer 2009
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Page 2
JUM a 1 mn5
Barbara and David Burandt
19118 Tyler Street NW
Elk River, :MN 55330
May 26, 2005
Stephanie Klinzing
Mayor
City of Elk River
Elk River City Hall
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River,.:MN 55330
Re: Alternatives To The Proposed Extension of 193rd Avenue
Dear Iv1ajor Klinzing:
The mtention of this letter is to'otfer:s?Inereaso~able. itnd."post'yffective 'alternatives to
the' proposed extension of 193m Aventie through>bUr ,'propertY "located on .19118 . Tyler
Street NW.'
In reviewing the Transportation Plan for the City of Elk River, we see that the plan calls
for more east-west corridors in the area we live in to move projected increases in traffic
around Highway 169. The area identified for a possible corridor appears to be anywhet;'e
between 197th and 193rd Avenue on the east side of Highway 169. Therefore, the plan
specifies 193rd Avenue as one OfVariOllS options and not as the only option.
There are two .other existing options to move projected increases in traffic around
Highway 169. Elk River currently has two corridors that bring traffic from County Road
13 or Tyler Street to Highway 169. They are 197th (off Tyler Street) and Line Avenue,
which connects to 5th Street and Dodge Avenue (moving traffic off County Road 13). As
an alternative and as a cost effective approach to building a completely new road, we
suggest that these two corridors be widened and straightened as a first step to moving
more traffic around the east side of Elk River.
. 197th Avenue has'the potential to be widened and straightened without the cost of moving
9f replacing se-wer and water lines. This isa,si~r,llficant .C()st~aviIlgfor the cOIll1ll,unity.
I 97th. Avenue is also a. connect!on to : a .flIture oy~a~~ onHighway 169,.. so greater traffic
capacity here is needed in the .long-term anyway. It seems more reasonable and
'economical to widen an existing road now then to build a totally new road.
The City's plan to close Line Avenue where it connects with County Road 13 to redirect
traffic south to County Road 12 appears misguided. The commercial businesses on
Dodge Avenue will suffer because the plan will cut-off easy access to the businesses
from the east. As an alternative, if the connection from Line Avenue, via 5th Street to
Dodge Avenue were widened, traffic could flow up to School Street to access that future
over-pass of Highway 169. Dodge Avenue should be viewed as a service road that is
needed to access commercial and residential areas on the east side of Highway 169 and
should also be widened for that purpose. If the City's plan to close Line Avenue is
effectuated, it will result in economic hardship for the business community of Elk: River.
If the City Council does not consider and pursue other alternatives and continues with
plans to extend 193rd Avenue, we offer the following cost effective alternative: We
suggest that the road not go directly through our property, but rather follow the
property line out to Tyler Street. This is more reasonable and far less expensive
alternative for various reasons.
First, although our property is zoned residential, it is currently being used for agricultural
purposes and qualifies as "green acres". We raise cattle and other animals on our
property. Putting the road through our property will greatly reduce our pastureland on
which our animals graze and live. Additionally and significantly, the road will take away
our. access to the northeast comer of our property where there is a natural water source for
our animals. If access to the water source is eliminated, which the road would do, our
animals will not be able to get water freely.
The second reason the City should build a road along the section line opposed to through
our property is to save money for reimbursement of our land and l~gal fees. Since the
current City's proposal would take a significant portion of our land and make the land far
less valuable for future development purposes, we will demand payment for both the land
used for the road and the loss of the land in the NE comer. The fees for the land as well
as the legal fees and appraisal fees in conjunction to the taking of the land will be very
expensive. This land means the world to us and we are not willing to. let it go at a
discount. Therefore, if you decide to pursue the option of developing the road through
our property, it will be a far more expensive and litigious alternative than you may have
originally calculated. It would be less expensive and involve less legal entanglement to
simply build the road on the property line.
We would like to invite both you and the City Engineer out to walk: around our land and
review maps to have a better understanding of our concerns related to our property.
David will be calling you to set up times to do this if you are interested. Also please call
us if you have any questions at (763) 441-2537. We would invite city councilmembers
and planning commission representatives also for a walk: and a review of maps around
our property.
Thank you for your time and consideration to these matters.
Barbara Burandt
cc:
~rry Mauer, City Engineer
John Dietz, Ward 1 City Councilmember
Jerry Gumphrey, Ward 2 City Councilmember
Larry Farber, Ward 3 City Councilmember
Paul Motin, Ward 4 City Councilmember
Ho\vard Ropp, Chair, PlannLqg Commission
Jennifer Lammers, Esq., Chestnut and Cambronne
tJ~~
David Burandt
Map -Output Page 2 of 4
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http://www.sherburne.Inn.promap.comlservletlcom. esri. esrimap .Esrimap?ServiceName=... OS/26/2005
COUNTY HIGHWAY 33 BETWEEN CH 77 AND US HWY 169 AND
COUNTY HIGHWAY 77 NORTH OF CH 33 TURNBACK
AND RECONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT BETWEEN
SHERBURNE COUNTY AND THE CITY OF ELK RIVER
WHEREAS, County Highway 33 between CH 77 and US HWY 169 and County Highway 77
north of CH 33, located in the City of Elk river is presently under the jurisdiction of
Sherburne County as a County road; and
WHEREAS, These segments of CH 33 and CH 77 has been determined to serve a local function
only as a local road; and
WHEREAS, revocation of "County Road" status may be accomplished by resolution of the
Sherburne County Board of Commissioners pursuant to Minnesota Statute 163.11
Subd. 5b; and
WHEREAS, it appears to the City Council of the City of Elk River that these segments of
County Highways 33/77 hereinafter described under turnback from Sherburne
County should be a Municipal State Aid Street under the provisions of Minnesota
Law; and
WHEREAS, the legally described limits of County Highways 33 and 77 are as follows;
DESCRIPTION OF COUNTY HIGHWAYS 33 AND 77 TO BE TURNED BACK TO
THE CITY OF ELK RIVER
That part of Sherburne County Highways 33 and 77 described as follows: Beginning at the
intersection of the centerline of U.S. Highway No. 169 with the centerline of Sherburne County
Highway No. 77 being located on the North line of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter
of Section 15, Township 33, Range 26, Sherburne County, Minnesota; thence west along said
centerline of Sherburne County Highway No. 77 to the northwest comer of said Section 15; thence
south along the west line of said Section 15 to the southwest comer thereof; thence east along the
South line of said Section 15, being the centerline of said Sherburne County Highway No. 33, to the
intersection with the Westerly right of way line of said U.S. Highway No. 169 and there terminating.
NOW, THEREFORE SHERBURNE COUNTY AND THE CITY OF ELK RIVER agree
to the following:
1. County shall reclaim and overlay these segments with the equivalent of 6" of Class 5 aggregate
base, 3.5" non-wearing course bituminous and 4" wearing course bituminous. Paving two 14'
lanes with l' of gravel on each side.
2. City shall have the right to review and approve ~he fmal design of these segments. City and
County Engineers shall meet in good faith to resolve any issues that may arise in the design of
these segments of County Highways 33/77.
A.@
3.
'd~~' ~
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County sha maintain thes~;~ of C1~Ii~3/77 for two years under
lvlinnesota Statute 163.11 Subd. 5b.
Each Party shall be liable for its own acts and the acts of its representatives to the extent
provided by law and hereby agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend each other, its
officers, employees and volunteers against any and all liability, loss, costs, damages, expenses,
claims or actions, including attorney's fees which the other, its officers, employees and
volunteers may hereinafter sustain, incur or be required to pay, arising out of or by reason of
any act or omission of the Party, its agents, servants, employees or volunteers, in the execution,
performance, or failure to adequately perform its obligation pursuant to this Agreement.
City of Elk River
Sherburne County
Mayor
Board Chairman
City Administrator
County Administrator
H:\Cities\Elk River\33&77 Draft Agreement.doc
Trunk Highway 169 Study Kickoff Meeting Minutes
State Project 7106-73
May 9th, 200519:00 am
Sherburne County Government Center, Elk River, MN
PRESENT:
Craig Robinson, MnDOT
Jim Hallgren, MnDOT
Timothy Bray, MnDOT
Terry Maurer, Elk River
Herb Murphy, Zimmerman
Scott Young, Zimmerman
John Dotseth, Zimmerman
Randy Piasecki, Zimmerman
Bob Gerold, Princeton
Jesse Hall, Baldwin TWP.
Jesse Hall, Baldwin TWP.
Don Sherper, Livonia TWP.
Lila Spencer, Livonia TWP.
Rhonda Lewis, Sherburne County
Nancy Riddle, Sherburne County
Jon Sevald, Sherburne County
Dick Corbin, Sherburne County
Richard Larson, Mille Lacs County
INFORMATION ITEMS:
The meeting started by Craig Robinson introducing himself as the District 3 Project Development Engineer and
the person who is overall in charge of this Engineering study. Craig also introduced Timothy Bray as the
MnDOT Project Manager for this Study. He explained that Tim would be the primary point of contact for
questions regarding this project.
It was explained that MnDOT has already begun the process to select a private engineering consultant to help
with the actual analysis and documentation of the proposed alternatives. The process of selecting the
consultant is expected to be completed by late summer of 2005. Once the consultant is selected the whole
study process is expected to last between 2-3 years depending on the level of required environmental
documentation.
Funding for the preparation of the environmental documentation has been secured. There is no funding
identified for construction of any portion of this project in the MnDOT's 10 year plan with the exception of the
CSAH 4 interchange in Zimmerman. The objective is to complete the documentation phase of this project in
order that it can be moved directly into the final design phase and actual construction if the funding becomes
available.
The proposed project scope was discussed and a summery map was handed out. The limits of this project are
expected to be from roughly the junction of US Hwy 10 in Elk River, to State Hwy 95 North of Princeton.
Although the official traffic forecast has not been completed, it is expected that the section of TH 169 between
Elk River and Zimmerman will be 6-lane divided Freeway with a local interchanges at major roadway
crossings. From Zimmerman North it is expected to be a 4-lane divided freeway or expressway with a
combination of both local interchanges and at-grade intersections.
Each of the counties, cities and townships were asked to appoint 1-2 representatives for a project advisory
committee that will meet roughly once a month or as needed. Although not absolutely necessary it was
requested that appointees to this committee be the engineering representative for each of the roadway
authorities. Please forward the names and contact information of these people to Timothy Bray at your earliest
convenience. An invitation to the first meeting will be sent as soon as all the names have been compiled.
These meetings are anticipated to start in mid to late June of 2005 and continue thru the end of the project
study. They may continue beyond that as needed including the final design and construction phases of this
project. The location and possible rotation of these meetings can be discussed at the first get-together.
DISCUSSION:
There were few questions and little discussion at the end of the presentation.
ACTION:
The meeting adjourned at 9:50
NEXT MEETING: TSD
Highland Road Corridor
I
TH 169/193rd Avenue Intersection
I
Southbound Jackson Avenue at School Street
I
~
J:J:2
Rhonda F. Lewis, P.E.
425 Jackson Avenue
Elk River, MN 55330
(763) 241-7030. 800-594-5208
Sherburne County
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
June 10, 2005
City of Elk River
Attn: Terry Maurer
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
Dear Mr. Maurer:
The County Road 40 turn-back was discussed at the County Board workshop on Wednesday,
June 8, 2005. As you are aware, the County has received approval for Federal Funding of
$719,104, for the road at a rural status. We had also applied for, but unfortunately did not
receive, additional funding to be able to change the status of the road from rural to an urban
design.
The County Board agreed that in order to be consistent with previous turn-backs that we have
dealt with, Sherburne County offers to the City of Elk River a total amount of $1,000,000 to
build the proposed rural section (as originally planned for with the application for the Federal
Funding), plus two years of maintenance for the County 40 turn-back. If acceptable, a formal
agreement will need to be passed by the County Board.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call me at (763)241-7030.
Sincerely,
honda F. Lewis, P.E.
County Engineer
JUN)
a 200s
Cc: Brian Bensen, Administrator
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Sherburne County
ADMINISTRATOR
BRIAN BENSEN
June 13, 2005
13880 Highway 10
Elk River, MN 55330-4601
(763) 24.1"2701D1-800-433-5229
webs1te: www.:Co.sherburne.mnus
emall: admin@cO.sherburne.rim.us
TO: Pat Klaers, Administrator
. City of Elk River . .'. .. . ",.. "
::yM:~:~:i~:;:~
County Board members
After our phone conversation today, and your subsequent message, I want to supply you
with the attached policywhich the County Board will consider tomorrow. lunderstand
YOUWO~"ld, like, to uPdate,' y'our co, un,cilat"ton,iglit's"m,eet~g. 'Thi,S".POliCYiS nO,',tnew. " "',',',.
Rather It spells out the. policy the Board and County Engmeer have followed mpast turn, /
backs.
. ,
As you are aware, the COunty needs to continue to be consistent in how turn hack
agreements are structuredwithour.citiesan,d townships. Thope that this written policy
will. make .it easier to anticipate County Board decisions.
'Your other question was regarding County Road 44. Lanticipate the County Board will
authorize tomorrow that the County Engineer advertise for bids to reclaim and overlay
.CountyRoads 44, 77 (north of 33}, & 33 (from 77 to Hwy169)., Th~ Board, based on
th~ County Engineer's recommendations, is .concerned that these ro,ads need to be taken
care of this year to maintain safe travel. Tam sure the City Council shares. in these
concerns. The County and City have had preliminary discussions on turn backs on all
three of these roads. We would like to.continue discussions to turn backthese portions of
77 and 33. In the longer term, we understand that the city may want to discuss
reconstruction and turn back ofCoR~ 44." .
i\dding these reclaim and overlay projects this year will be quite costly, but the Board
feels these roads need the attention now.
An Affirmative ActioniEqual Opportunity Employer
SHERBURNE COUNTY
ROAD TURNBACK POLICY
The County of Sherburne shall build the road to the County's design based upon the
following:
· ADTs;
· Soils (determination of the need for a seven ton versus a nine ton road); and,
· Functional classification of the road under the Sherburne County Highway Plan.
If the proposed road project can be fully paid for from sources other than the county
revenues, then the County Board reserves the right to deviate from this policy.
In the alternative, the County may elect to pay to the City or the Township, with the
latter's agreement, the sum equivalent to the Sherburne County Engineer's adopted cost
estimate for building the road and the City or Township agree to build the road. The
County shall, as required by statute, maintain the road for the statutorily required period.
Adopted this
day of
,20
Felix Schmiesing, Board Chair
Brian Bensen, Administrator
Date
Date