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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />Monday, March 28, 2016 <br />7:00 o'clock p.m. <br />5. RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT APPROPRIATIONS FOR U.S. HIGHWAY 12 <br />PROJECTS, RESOLUTION NO. 6600 <br />Police Chief Farniok stated approximately 16 months ago the Highway 12 Safety Coalition was created, <br />which is a combined effort with law enforcement and cities along a 38 -mile section of Highway 12 as <br />well as collaboration and partnership with MN/DOT and county engineers to identify and work on safety <br />issues along that corridor. A safety audit conducted by MN/DOT has identified some safety issues and <br />shows what areas should be improved. <br />Farniok stated over the past 16 months, 22 people have lost their lives and countless others have suffered <br />serious injuries. Highway 12 through the City of Independence experiences nearly double the average <br />traffic of any similar road in the state, which was pointed out to the MN Senate. This section of <br />Highway 12 through Independence was built in the 1930s with one upgrade in the 1950s, which makes <br />this section of highway at least 60 years old. There is also no center median at all through this section. <br />The area of focus is located in Hennepin County that goes through the cities of Independence, Maple <br />Plain, Orono, and Long Lake. That section consists of 10.51 miles but it has contributed to 39 percent of <br />all fatal crashes. County Road 92 has been identified as one area for improvement. In that area the <br />intersections are not aligned and have no dedicated turn lanes which makes it necessary for traffic to sit in <br />the through portion of Highway 12, which has resulted in a number of rear -end accidents. <br />Farniok stated the approach of the Highway 12 Safety Coalition was to aim for zero deaths. It is a multi- <br />faceted approach consisting of education, law enforcement, emergency medical services, engineering and <br />creating a partnership with the various cities to respond as quickly as possible. In addition, the State <br />Patrol has come on board with policing the area in conjunction with local and sheriff departments. <br />Famiok noted North Memorial provides emergency medical services to this area and they have now <br />implemented an automatic start for air care due to the history of fatal crashes in this area. <br />Farniok presented a slide show showing the various accidents and the victims killed or injured in those <br />crashes. <br />Farniok stated the high number of accidents that are occurring is because of people crossing the <br />centerline. As a result, MN/DOT is requesting $15 million for a concrete barrier that will extend out to <br />Baker Park Road due to the crossover crashes. Other two elements of the bill are requesting safety <br />upgrades at the intersections of County Roads 90 and 92. <br />Farniok stated before the City Council tonight is a resolution asking for the Council's support in this <br />project. The resolution will be sent to the MN Legislature. <br />Council Member Printup asked when the next opportunity will be to attend a committee meeting. <br />Farniok stated the next one will be a presentation to the MN House of Representatives on March 30 at <br />5 p.m. The meeting will be held in Room 10. Information on the legislation and the upcoming meeting <br />will be on the Orono Police Department's website as well as the website for the Highway 12 Safety <br />Coalition. Farniok indicated the same information that was presented tonight will be provided to the MN <br />House of Representatives. <br />Council Member Levang asked if the information was well received. <br />Page 2 of 17 <br />