04-08-2019 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday,April 8,2019 7:00 o'clock p.m. 4. Pedestrian improvements, including Americans with Disabilities Act compliant pedestrian ramps with Accessible Pedestrian Signals, durable crosswalk markings, and new sidewalks; and 5. Replacement of deteriorating existing curbs and gutters, underground utility lines and pavement substructure modified right turn. The project is anticipated to start after July 4, 2019, and will be completed in seven stages. The length of the various stages will vary depending on the work being completed. The overall project is expected to take four months to complete,weather permitting. Access will be maintained for through traffic to local businesses. There will be turning restrictions and detour routes will be provided. An open house was held on February 27,2019. The purpose of the open house was to provide the public with information on the upcoming safety improvement project. Approximately 50 residents attended the meeting. A majority of the residents in attendance appreciated the added safety features to the intersection and were happy to see the project happening at the intersection. The residents asked if a roundabout was considered, which it was. However,the roundabout was determined to not be feasible due to cost and lack of space available to place a roundabout without having major impacts to businesses at the intersection. Residents also asked about relocating driveways to businesses, specifically the entrance to Lunds from Shoreline Drive to Kelly Avenue. County staff worked with Lunds and the City of Orono on this option. However,that option was dismissed due to the steepness between the Lunds' parking lot and Kelly Avenue and because moving the access off Kelly Avenue will introduce more conflicts with delivery vehicles and with pedestrians walking into the store. The next step for the project is obtaining authorization from the FHWA. Residents are encouraged to sign up to receive updates by going to the project website,which is Hennepin.us/15and19. Walsh stated the biggest takeaways from his discussions is that this project is safety related. Since the intersection is maxed out in width,it needs to be made as efficient as possible. A number of other construction projects will be taking place around Orono, including Tanager Bridge being closed this fall as well as construction on County Road 44. Walsh noted the City has been waiting a long time for this project and that he is glad they will be moving forward with the project. Crosby stated this project will help tremendously at the intersection and will help reduce accidents. Walsh stated the pork chop design will also stop people from driving all the way through, which will also help prevent accidents. Seals asked if any of the entrance widths will be changed. Allers indicated they will not be. Johnson noted for anyone that comes out on the east side of Lunds and attempts to go north,that is dangerous, and the improvements will help the situation. Walsh asked if anyone from the public would like to comment or ask any questions. Page 3 of 12