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TO\\T>ILlNE ROAD PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING <br />MINUTES FOR MAY 11,1998 <br />properties. Kelley asked if she was sharing her road now with Highway 12. She responded that she <br />was, and none of the property owners had to tyke care of it. <br />Kelley stated that the main reason for the meeting was to receive input from residents as to whether <br />or not to close Townline Road. Issues related to specific properties could be discussed at other <br />times. He asked Slaughter if she would prefer to come out onto Townline Road or stay on Highway <br />12. She responded that it would depend on what happens. <br />Mr. Diesen asked for a summary of reasons for closing Townline Road. Maple Plain Mayor Vigoren <br />responded that Mn/DOT had agreed to install a signal light in the year 2000. For Mn/DOT to do so, <br />fUey need Federal funds to raise the railroad trestle. The project estimate has been $2.5 million. If <br />Tr.v.nline Road w-ere closed, the signal project would only cost $.5 million. Mn/DOT would close <br />To’.vnline Road and install a signal witli Medina and Maple Plain’s approval. Medina has agreed to <br />approve, conditioned on Orono's position. Maple Plain is concerned that if Federal funds are used, <br />it may be delayed up to 10 years, and they would like to see a signal installed sooner because of <br />safety issues. <br />Jim O'Neil, 4680 Creekwood Trait, supported closing Towuline Road with the stipulation that there <br />be provision for emergency vehicle access. He asked for the definition of a cul-de-sac and private <br />road, and if it would involve all of Townline Road. Jabbour responded that he was unsure where <br />the border between cities was located. Policies of Orono may be in conflict with those of <br />Independence. Independence Mayor Johnson thought the border was the center of the road. Jabbour <br />thought the road would continue to be a public road. Kelley agreed. <br />Terry Maass, 1 125 Townline Road, asked if Mn/DOT would consider a stoplight if there was limited <br />access for through traffic. Maple Plain Mayor Vigoren responded that a proposal had been made to <br />Mn/DOT to move the project up to 1999, and Maple Plain would pay for the installation of the <br />signal. 'Vhen ftinds became available, Mn/DOT would repay Maple Plain. Townline Road would <br />then be closed. Surmountable barriers have been discussed as an option for closing Townline Road. <br />Maass asked about allowing only local traffic to use the road. Maple Plain Mayor Vigoren stated <br />that Mn/DOT had indicated that even if a T were done at the intersection to make it right-in and <br />right-out, local people would "sneak around" to use the intersection. Jabbour added thafonce there <br />is a road, it becomes public, not Just for use by a select few. <br />Linda Seal!, 4825 Broadmoor Drive, asked if the e.xpense of maintaining a private road was the <br />responsibility of the property owners, and if emergency vehicles could use Townline Road if it were <br />a private road. Jabbour responded that the answer to both questions would be yes. He added that <br />it would seem the City would keep Townline Road as a public road because they only own half of <br />the road.