12-13-1993 Council Minutes2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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(#1) COUNTY ROAD 15 SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS (continued) Bob Sterna, 1930 Shoreline Drive, read a letter referencing Minnesota Rules, Chapter 8820 regarding natural preservation, stating that the area could be considered for re^e\^en the basis of natural preservation. ^ ^ Barbara Halper, 1420 Shoreline Drive, stated that she felt Council should consider [f redirecting trafTic onto Highway 12/394 just as it was done when the bndges were under repair. Jim Rivers stated that the County should have to oi)erate by the same standards as the City of Orono regarding hardcover issues and adding acres of blacktop would be wrong. He commented that the real problem is not left turn lanes or shoulder, but rather the speed limit should be reduced. Several other residents commented on similar issues, saying tliat the proposed changes would only encourage an increase in traffic and speed, thereby making the road less safe. Other comments were that the City needs to look at other alternatives and also the long term picture of the freeway (394). Jabbour asked whether a lower speed could be posted. Polacek stated that the City would have petition the County to petition the state to do a speed study, 'i'he Commissioner of Transportation has authority for setting speed lumts. He cautioned that a speed study might indicate that a higher speed could be set. Kelley agreed with the public and commented on the difficulty of crossing the road to use the lake and the hardcover issues, but stated that he'd like to see safely concerns reviewed. Goetten commented that she agreed with Kelley and would like to see Country Road 15 remain a scenic parkway...not a scenic freeway. Hurr reminded everyone that the Resolution only asks the County to further study the situation, and that there is no commitment at this time to make the changes. Jabbour stated that he fell Hennepin County should be told now whether to continue with more detailed plans and if the City has no intention of making the changes, the County should be informed before spending additional time on the project. Mayor Callahan stated that purpose of the Resolution would allow further study of the situation and that it would not be possible to know whether improvements should be made to County Road 15 uniil the study is dene. Pal Murphy stated that the proposed plan shows the minimum improvements that County would be willing to build and that there would be nothing that the County could eliminate and still improve the safety ef the road. Kelley asked what the maintenance plan would be if the Resolution is turned down. Murphy replied that the road and shoulders would be repaved and right turn lanes mstalled if needed. He asked that the City Council make its decision to proceed or not tonight.