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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-12-1999 Council Special Meeting PacketREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION DATE: March 17, 1999 ITEM NO: ^ Department Approval: Name Ron Mcxirsc Title City Administrator Administrator Reviewed:Agenda Section: City Administrator's Rqiort Item Description: Scheduling a Meeting Regarding the Future of Townline Road The City of Maple Plain has been working with Mn/DOT regarding a signalized intersection at Highway 12, County Road 29, and Townline Road. A signalized intersection requires either a major upgrade of the railroad bridge at Townline Road or limiting access from Townline Road to Highway 12. The decision process appears to be moving toward cul-de-sacing the north end of Townline Road. In order for the City to participate effectively in the decision process, it is important the City is clear about how those who live along Townline Road feel about the future of Townline Road. The Council may want to schedule a meeting with the residents along Townline Road to provide an update regarding options being considered and to obtain input from the residents regarding the future of Townline Road. It may be helpful to have representatives from the Cities of Maple Plain, Medina and Independence in attendance at the meeting. COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED: Motion to select a date and time for a meeting with the residents along Townline Road. lowiuine Koaa: Should it stay or should it go? By Loirk Ham About a year ago. Maple Plain Mayor Jack Vigoren brought up the possibility of closing Townline Road south of Highway 12. The mayor said the intersection was dangerous. So dangerous, in fact, that Vigoren says MnDOT ranked the inter­ section as the "third most dan­ gerous uncontrolled intersection ill the metro area." Discussions ensued, along with the possibility of putting a signal li^t at the intersection, where Townline Road and County Road 29 intersect Highway 12. MnDOT is in favor of putting in a signal, but not at the expense of redoing the rail­ road bridge south of Highway 12. a project which carries a $5 TOWNLINE... con'l on P. 2. - - Townline ... From page 1. Pi'tn#..-* hi million price tag. according to Vigoren. One of the biggest concerns about closing the road has been response time for emergency vehicles. Mayor Vigoren looked into the situation and urged MnDOT to consider extending water under the highway to a fire hydrant on the south side of Highway 12. "That way, when fire crews got there, the water would already be there," said Vigoren. who felt the proposal helped address the response time issue. MnDOT agreed to provide the water extension, at a cost of about S16S.000. but only if the four cities who would be most affected agreed to close the road. So far. Maple Plain and Medina are in favor of closing the road, according to Vigoren. Orono held a public hearing on the matter April 12 and is scheduled to discuss the proposal at its April 26 meeting. The Independence City Council feels that a traffic signal at the intersection of County Road 83 and Highway 12. a project which is scheduled for this summer, may change the traffic flow within the city. The council also had concerns about emergency vehicle response time to the residents south of Highway 12, particularly if there is a train crossing County Road 19 in town. At the Independence Council's last meeting, councilmembers voted to send a letter to MnDOT voicing their opposition to closing Townline Road in order to study the potential adverse affects or possible change in uaffic patterns after the signal light at Co. Rd. 83 is installed. MnDOT is in favor of putting a signal at County Road 29 and Highway 12, according to Vigoren, who added that the project is likely to happen widiin the next couple of years. But MnDOT's plans for the intersection would include closing Townline Road, said Vigoren. "It really comes down to this question." said Vigoren. "Do we close the road now and get water provided or do we close the road in a couple of years and have no water?" Mayor Vigoren said the Maple Plain Council can vote to close the road without the approval of the other cities if it chooses. But without the four-city agreement. MnDOT's offer to extend the water service would be rescinded, he added. L. TOWNLINE ROAD INFORMATIONAL MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 12, 1999 The following Council members were present: Mayor Gabriel Jabbour, Charles Kelley, Bob Sansevere, and Richard Flint. Representing Staff were City Administrator Ron Moorsc, Senior Planning Coordinator Michael Gaffron, Assistant Zoning Administrator Paul Weinberger, City Engineer Tom Kellogg, Director of Public Services Greg Gappa. and Recorder Lanette Wolf Mayor Jabbour called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Jabbour stated that the mayors of Maple Plain, Independence and Medina were present. He said the purpose of this meeting is to discuss Mn/DOT’s proposal to close Townline Road at Highway 12. Me said the first proposal was to move County Road 19 to Townline Road and to install a stop light. Because of the expense affiliated with the bridge and the railroad, that proposal was not feasible. Tom O’Keefe, representing Mn/DOT, was present. Jabbour said that Townline Road runs through Orono, Maple Plain, Independence and Medina. He said that a major concern is how emergency vehicles would get to Townline Road if there is a cul-de-sac. He said that the City of Maple Plain is planning to run water to the cul-de-sac and the commercial property that will be rezoned to residential property located in Medina. Medina is planning to run a sewer system to the property. He said that Mn/DOT will not take any action until the City of Orono takes a position regarding closing the intersection with Highway 12. Jabbour said that Townline Road is not a major road to Orono, it is a neighborhood road. He said the Council wants input from the citizens of Orono. Martha Diesen said she has been told for years that County Road 19 would be moved to Townline Road. She asked how emergency vehicles would get through. Jabbour said that Orono has had similar issues with other roads. One suggestion is to build the curb low enough around the cul-de-sac so a vehicle could drive over it. Roger Diesen said Townline Road is not built for heavy traffic. He feels it would be a major expense to upgrade it for County Road #19. He does not believe a surmountable curb will work for emergency vehicles. He would like the road left as it is with some repair done. He said the road can be widened and a signal put at the intersection. Emergency vehicles will need access, especially with the proposed residential de\ eIopment. Jabbour asked O'Keefe to explain Mn/DOT's position regarding installing a stop light and keeping the status quo. O’Keefe said that the access under the railroad bridge is too narrow and it's at the wrong skew for an intersection and turn lanes can't be installed. He said it would make a bad situation worse if they signalize the intersection. Diesen said he feels the road can be widened a little bit and a signal put in. He is opposed to putting in the cul-de-sac. Page I L. TOWNLINE ROAD INFORMATIONAL MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 12, 1999 Kelley said that if emergency vehicle access is the primary reason for leaving it open, allow a right-turn only going eastbound and don’t allow anyone to exit from Townline Road onto Highway 12. The fire trucks coming from Maple Plain would be allowed to take the right turn. Another person suggested leaving the intersection as it is, but prohibit any left-hand turns. Sansevere asked how many of the people attending the meeting would like to see the ci»>-de- sac installed. Two people raised their hands. Dave Jellison, 4750 Creekwood Trail, Maple Plain, said that Townline Road is a very convenient road and he does not want it closed. Jabbour said if Townline Road is cul-dc-saced and County Road 19 is moved to Townline Road at a later time, it will have a major impact on the residents in that area. A resident said he wants the cul-de-sac because he would like less traffie. If it does remain open, he would like to sec it upgraded to County Road 19. Sue Jellison asked who will be responsible for the maintenance of the road. She is concerned about the increase in homes with future development. Jabbour said the cities will have to maintain the road. Jane Slaughter, Highway 12, said she may have to use Townline Road in the future. She is in favor of closing the access because her understanding is that it will change the zoning of the property to residential from commercial. Mike Gorman said he is against putting in the cul-de-sac because it will increase traffic on Broadmoor. John Ferris, Mayor of Medina, said the property has not been rezoned and the rezoning is not conditioned on whether or not the cul-de-sac is put in. Jabbour asked if it would be fair to say that nothing will happen with the property if Maple Plain does not run water to the site. It was indicated that the intersection is very dangerous and a light is needed, but the problem with Townline Road is that it is not a square intersection, it is loo narrow and changing the bridge is not feasible. Martha Diesen asked how big the properly is and how many homes would be built because the minimum lot size in Orono is 5 acres. "PageT TOWNLINE ROAD INFORMATIONAL MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 12, 1999 Jabbour said the property is not located in Orono. John Ferris, Mayor of Medina, said that it would be 3/4-acre zoning and 16 or 17 homes could be built. If water and sewer arc not installed by the cities, then five-acre zoning would apply. Dave Jcllison asked which city the new home." would be located in. Jabbour said Medina. He said Medina will be furnishing .sewer and Maple Plain will be furnishing water. Jim Smith. 4972 Broadmoor, said he is concerned that Broadmoor will be used as a short cut. He is concerned about safety at the Highway 12 intersection and he favors the one-way in or one-way out, but leave it open. Carol Neyens, 4850 Broadmoor, said that Townline Road needs to be upgraded if more development occurs. Sansevere asked if there arc any other options such as the one-way turns, that Mn'DO'f would consider in lieu of the cul-de-sac. O’Keefe said the only option other than the cul-de-sac is to leave it open and spend $6,000,000 to reconstruct the railroad bridge and upgrade the intersection. Neither Mn/Dot nor the County is willing to spend that much money. That option would require relocating County Road 19 onto Townline Road. He said Ma0OT cannot just leave the connection in place as it is because it is part of the problem that exi.sts on Highway 12. Townline Road is narrow, it approaches at the wrong angle, it doesn’t line up. and turn lanes can't be set up either into it or out of it. If County Road 19 is moved onto Townline Road, it becomes a much better north/south connection through Hennepin County. He said that intersection is ranked #3 on the list of unsignalized intersections in terms of accidents in the metropolitan area, Ma^DOT is not willing to pay for upgrading the road. O’Keefe said local trips should be kept off the trunk highways. John Ferris, Mayor of Medina, requested that Orono make a decision, either to recommend it, not recommend, or not to have an opinion. Sansevere asked if the cul-de-sac would be put in regardless of what the City of Orono wants. Jack Vigoren, Mayor of Maple Plain, said it costs $165,000 to get the water up there and their city veil! not pay for it. They have asked Mn/DOT, under a cooperative agreement, to give them the money. It will be funded if the four cities agree. Sansevere said he diought the water for the development had nothing to do with the cul-de- sac. Page 3 TOWNLINE ROAD INFORMATIONAL MEETING MINUTES FOR APRIL 12, 1999 Jabbour said that if Orono objects to the project, Mn/DOT will not participate in the project. O’Keefe said Mn/DOT would like some kind of reaction from the Citv, Jabbour asked if Mn/DOT will go ahead with the project if Orono objects to it. O’Keefe said it probably would not be done this summer, but it would be pursued with a more formal public involvement campaign. Jabbour asked if there are other vehicles available to Mn/DOT to force this project on the City of Orono. O’Keefe said yes. Kelley said there has not been enough planning done on tlic concept and he cannot take a position at this time. The resident who lives at the corner of Watertown Road and Townline asked about the feasibility of a temporary semaphore at Townline and Highway 12 to see if that works. O’Keefe said that the cost of a temporary semaphore is the same as a permanent signal. That option would also require turn lanes. Jabbour said he concurs with Kelley. He wants more detail before taking any action. He is concerned about the lack of input from the City of Independence being taken as consent. Jack Vigoren said the issue about the intersection is safety. He would like a light at the intersection as soon as possible. ClHjt Slaughter, Highway 12, said he works in Hamel and travels Highway 12 and County Road 19. He is concerned abcut safety and wants a stop light at the intersection. Meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. ATTEST: <2JL Linda S. Vee, City Clerk Page 4 I TO: FROM: Mayor Jabbour and Orono Councilmembers Ron Moorse, City Administrator DATE:April 8, 1999 SUBJECT: Informational Meeting Regarding Townline Road The City of Maple Plain has been working with Mn/DOT regarding a signalized intersection at Highway 12, County Road 29 and Townline Road. A signalized intersection requires either a major upgrade of the railroad bridge at Townline Road or eliminating access from Townline Road to Highway 12. The decision process appears to be moving toward cul-de-sacing the north end of Townline Road. A letter from the Mayor of Maple Plain is attached. The residents along Townline Road have been invited to an informational meeting to update them on the status of the decision process regarding the Townline Road/Hwy. 12 intersection, and to obtain their input regarding the proposal to cul-de-sac Townline Road. 1 pi il||J P.o. BOX 57 • MAPLE PLAIN, MN 55359 PHONE: (612) 479-0515 • FAX: (612) 479-0519 RECEIVED MAR ? ^ 1999 Cl I y Ur o.’soivo March 18, 1999 The Honorable Gabriel Jabbour Mayor of Orono P.O. Box 66 Crystal Bay, MN 55323 Re: Closing of Townline Road Dear Mayor Jabbour: At this juncture. Maple Plain and Medina have approved the closing of Townline Road. Independence has forwarded its resident’s comments to MN Dot with no recommendation either way. Tom O’Keefe says that that is acceptable to MN Dot as tacit approval. Furthermore, Maple Plain has received cooperative agreement funds to install water across Highway 12 and up Townline Road contingent upon all four cities granting approval. Therefore, at this time, all we need is Orono ’s approval of the project to proceed. Please put this matter on your next agenda and let me know if there is anything I can do to help expedite this matter. Very truly yours. Jack Vigoren Mayor of Maple Plain ••.4 '4 CITY OF ORONO NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Notice is hereby given that the Orono City Council will hold a public information meeting regarding the future of Townline Road at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, April 12,1999 in the Orono City Council Chambers, 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, Minnesota. /s/ Linda S. Vee City Clerk Posted at: City Hall Crystal Bay Post Office Long Lake Post Office Navarre Post Office i Va o o >4 CITYofORONO KO W)\(rf» CRYSrAl. BAY MINMNOIA SS\2\ L 30-118-23 31 0004 ROBB RUDD 4575 WAYZATA BLVD W MAPI.n PLAIN MN 55359 oo\\ t. CITY of <HH>NO Municipal Offices Street Address: 2750 Kelley Parkivay Orono, MN 55356 MaiHog Address: P.O. Box 66 Crystal Bay, MN 55323 0066 NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING CONCERNING A PLAN TO CLOSE TOWNLINE ROAD AT HIGHWAY 12 6:00 P.M., MONDAY, APRIL 12,1999 ORONO CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 2780 KELLEY PARKWAY ORONO, MINNESOTA March 29,1999 Dear Townline Road Area Property Owner: The Chy of Maple Plain has been working with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) to develop a plan for a signalized intersection at Townline Road, County Road 29 and Highway 12. A full four way intersection would require replacement of the existing radlroad overpass bridge at Townline Road. An alternative to reconstructing the bridge would be to close Townline Road at Highway 12 On May 11, 1998, the Orono City Council held a public information meeting to obtain input re3arding the future of Townline Road. There was not a consensus among the residents at the meeting regarding a prefeired option for Townline Road, although those who fevored the cul-de-sac option did so with the condition that emergency vehicle access from Highway 12 to Townline Road be maintained. Plan for Closing Townline Road Approved bv the Cities of Maple Plain and Medina Most recently, the Cities of Maple Plain and Medina have approved the closing of Townline Road at Highway 12. Mn/DOT has agreed to provide funds to extend water service across Highway 12 and along Townline Road to address concerns related to fire suppression capabilities, subject to the Cities of Independence and Orono approving the closure of Townline Road. Prior to its consideration of the plan to close Townline Road, the City Council wants to receive input from the residents and property owners who would be affected by this proposal. If you have any questions, please call Greg Gappa, Public Services Director, or myself at 249-4600. RJM/ch cc: Honorable Mayor and City Council, City of Independence Honorable Mayor and City Council, City of Me^a Honorable Mayor and City Council, City of Maple Plain Tom O'Keefe and Patti Loken, Mn/DOT GlTYof ORONO Municipal Offices Street Address: 2750 Kelley Parkway Ofono, MN 55356 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 66 Crystal Bay, MN 55323-0066 March 29,1999 NOTICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING CONCERNING A PLAN TO CLOSE TOWNLINE ROAD AT HIGHWAY 12 6:00 P.M., MONDAY, APRIL 12,1999 ORONO CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 2780 KELLEY PARKWAY ORONO, MINNESOTA Dear Townline Road Area Property Owner: The City of Maple Plain has been worldng v\ath the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) to develop a plan for a signalized intersection at Townline Road, County Road 29 and Highway 12. A full four way intersection would require replacement of the ensting railroad overpass bridge at Townline Road. An alternative to reconstructing the bridge would be to close Townline Road at Highway 12. On May 11, 1998, the Orono City Council held a public information meeting to obtain input regarding the future of TownHne Road. There was not a consensus among the residents at the meeting regarding a preferred option for Townline Road, although those who fiivored the cul-de-sac option did so with the condition that emergency vehicle access from Highway 12 to Townline Road be maintained. Plan for Closing Townline Road Approved by the Cities of Maple Plidn and Medina Most recently, the Cities of Maple Plain and Medina have approved the closing of Townline Road at Highway 12. Mn/DOT has agreed to provide funds to extend water service across Highway 12 and along Townline Road to address concerns related to fire suppression capabilities, subject to the Cities of Independence and Orono approving the closure of Townline Road. Prior to its consideration of the plan to close Townline Road, the City Council wants to receive input frorh the residents and property owners who would be affected by this proposal. If vou have any questions, please call Greg Gappa, Public Services Director, or myself at 249-4600. Sin^rely, Ronald J. Moorse City Administrator RJM/ch cc: Honorable Mayor and City Council, City of Independence Honorable Mayor and City Council, City of Medina Honorable Mayor and City Council, City of Maple Plain Tom O’Keefe and Patti Loken, MnAjOT 30-118-23 32 0001 MICHAEL THEIS 1180 TOWNLINE RD MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 30-118-23 32 0002 GARY VALENTA 1160 TOWNLINE RD MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 30-118-23 32 0003 HAROLD DIESEN 1100 TOWNLINE RD MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 30-118-23 32 0004 CHARLES & MAXINE KICKHAFER 1040 TOWNLINE RD MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 30-118-23 32 0005 T J LUNIESKI/J P WAHL 1020 TOWNLINE RD MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 30-118-23 33 0003 DAVID & SUSAN JELLISON 4750 CREEKWOOD TRAIL MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 30-118-23 33 0004 CHRISTOPHER TILLOTSON 7130 KEMAREDR BLOOMINTON MN 55438 30-118-23 33 0005 JAMES O'NEILL 4680 CREEKWOOD TRAIL MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 30-118-23 33 0006 STEPHEN COLEMAN 4650 CREEKWOOD TRAIL MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 30-118-23 33 0007 DAVID & KATHRYN BIEK 4675 CREEKWOOD TRAIL MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 30-118-23 33 0008 DAVID & NANCY STORDAHL 4745 CREEKWOOD TRAIL MAPi.E PLAIN MN 55359 30-118-23 33 0009 LONNIE & MARSHA UNDERHILL 4785 CREEKWOOD TRAIL MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 30-118-23 33 0010 PAINTERS WOOD HMOWNRS AS. 4750 CREEKWOOD TRAIL MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 30-118-23 31 0003 GARY FRAZIER 4555 WAYZATA BLVD W MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 30-118-23 31 0004 ROBB RUDD 4575 WAYZATA BLVD W MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 30-118-23 33 0005 GLENN & JANE SLAUGHTER 4545 WAYZATA BLVD W MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 30-118-23 23 0002/7/8 DAVID KEARIN 1242 TOWNLINE ROAD MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 30-118-23 23 0004 RICHARD RUDD P.O. BOX 79 LONG LAKE MN 55356 CITY OF INDEPEDENCE attn: Toni Hirsch 1920 CTYRD90 MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 DOUGLAS HAWKINS 865 TOWNLINE ROAD MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 CITY OF MAPLE PLAIN attn: Don Loebrick 1620 MAPLE AVE MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 ANDREW & LIBBY ATSIDAKOS 1045 TOV/NLINE ROAD MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 CITY OF MEDINA attn: Laura Sulander 2052 CTY RD 24 MEDINA MN 55340 CHARLES & KAY GLOSSOP 1067 TOWNLINE ROAD MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 TERRY & SUSAN MAASS 1125 TOWNLINE ROAD MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 EUGENE & CAROL NEYENS 4850 BROADMOOR DRIVE MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 DONALD & SHIRLEY GEORGI 1261 TOWNLINE ROAD MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 JAMES McMAHILL 4895 BROADMOOR DRIVE MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 DANIEL SCALF 4825 BROADMOOR DRIVE MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 MICHAEL GORMAN 4912 BROADMOOR DRIVE MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 PATRICIA BROWN 4935 BROADMOOR DRIVE MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 ELLIOT BOVEE 5010 BROADMOOR DRIVE MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 GARY & GINA YEE 5125 BROADMOOR DRIVE MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL CITY OF INDEPEDENCE 1920 CTYRD90 MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 MS. PATTI LOKEN, P.E. MN/DOT METRO DIVISION PRE-DESIGN WATERS EDGE BUILDING 1500 WEST COUNTY ROAD B-2 ROSEVILLE, MN 55113 JAMES J SMITH 4972 BROADMOOR DRIVE MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 CARL & SHIRLEY LARSEN 5025 BROADMOOR DRIVE MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 REX & SHIRLEY TASCHE 5154 BROADMOOR DRIVE MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MAPLE PLAIN 1620 MAPLE AVE MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 MR. THOMAS O’KEEFE, P.E. MN/DOT METRO DIVISION PRE-DESIGN WATERS EDGE BUILDING 1500 WEST COUNTY ROAD B-2 ROSEVILLE, MN 55113 J N'J ^ :hi \> & J KENNETH & MAUREEN PYSICK 4985 BROADMOOR DRIVE MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 CURRENT RESIDENT 5075 BROADMOOR DRIVE MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 MICHAEL & KATHLEEN WENGER 5175 BROADMOOR DRIVE MAPLE PLAIN MN 55359 HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL CITY OF MEDINA 2052 CTY RD 24 MEDINA MN 55340 X:\APPS\WPWIN60\WPDOCS\LIN\LABE LS\TOWNLINE.LAB « 1 H ’ A 'ijiii II Jane & Glenn Slaughter 4545 Wayzata Blvd. Maple Plain. MN 55359 Jane ’s weekday phone: 591-6115 Jane ’s direct line phone: 743-5969 Home phone: 479-1202 April 20.1999 City of Orono 2750 Kelley Parkway P.O. Box 66 Crystal Bay. MN 55323-0066 phone: 473-7357 APR 2 1 1999 Cl i V Cr Cl ivJi\’0 Dear Lynn Z, I am enclosing a check in the amount of $10.00 for a copy of the Audio tape made during the “Public Information Meeting Concerning a Plan to Close Townline Road at Hwy. 12*. A reminder I am still waiting for a draft copy of the minutes to this meeting. Also, another reminder I am waiting to hear back from you how/when I can access the township records that you have from the early 50 ’s. You’re welcome to call me at the numbers listed above if you have any questions. Thank you for all your help and for checking to see if there were any older town records. As you advised, I will be checking with the Historical Society also. Sincerely Jane Slaughter City of Orono P.O. Box 66 Crystal Bay. W 55323 1612)473-73^ 04/23/99 10;06;0B CustoMr: NONE NISC. REVENUE 1 B 10.00 10.00 fllDIO TfiPE-TOILIfC RO MTG SUBTOTALTAX TOTAL SALE Check Received CHANGE CLERKI 01 TRANSi 9543 10.00 0.00 10.00 10.00 0.00 Jane SlaughtC! 4545 Wayzatci Blvd. Maple Plain, SfN 55359 April 22, 199‘- City of Oron(» Lin Zee. City' Clerk 2750 Kelley Parkway P.O. Box 66 Crj'Stal Bay, fiTN 55323-0066 ph: 473-73*57 / fax: 249-4616 RE: Townline Roatl (possibilities >br County Rd 19?) Dear Honorable Mayor, City Clcrl and City Council of Orono, I ask that City Clerk Lin Zee copy each of y ou with this letter. Then 1 will know you have an understanding of what I liave lcam :d. I w ould like to share it with you. During and a::ler the Orono's “Public Infomiation Meeting Concerning a Plan to Close Townlinc Road at Hwy, 12” I heard a concern that I thouglit 1 needed to learn more about. Some people suggested the reason o not be agreeable witli the closure of Townlinc Road at the intersection of Hwy. 12 is because Hennepin County may want to take over the roud and change it to County Road 19 I believe they thought a closing would eliminate the possibility of their hope for a county toad. However, after speaking with Tom Johnson from Hennepin County Planning Department,'' believe this concern is not valid. Tom Johnson confinncd that Townlinc Road is penciled in on their draft of a transportation plan map for county roads. 1 understanc this map is a tool they use to see areas that they want to consider furtli.:r, at a later time. Tins doesn’t mean that they have made a decision to go ahead w ith any chair'cs in these areas, ra her it’s just a reminder that these areas arc possible options that haven’t been rliminated. Tom said e\en if everything was favorable to put County RD. 19 in place of Towmlinc Road, it would probaljly be at least 15 years from now and that would mean all cities’ would ha\ e to be agreeable. Wlicn I explained to Tom that some people oppose tlic idea of the closing at Townlinc Road because it woi Id lessen tlie chance of the county road, Tom explained contrary reasoning. Tom indicated that even if Townlinc Road was closed and traffic lights were put in, it would not eliminate tlie possibility of the coiitity to re-open that part of the intersection for County Road 19. He stated that an alrct*dy existing signal tvould add support to the argument of hating tlic County' Road put in. Me mentioned that he believes it would be possible to design a signal hat ing a closure without precluding the possibility cf going to tlie soutli in tlic future; and the years in bettveen would have a jiayback of safety. During fuithci discussion it bccain ; apparent that the cities should be aware that they could request to MnDot that. If a signal goes in .md a closure is part of the design, it could be contingent on a 100 IQ (IMS HI HI iH‘j ni9 vvd re:ft 1H.I. 66 rr to - ( first phase dciign, >vith 3-lcgs, tliat can be modified into a second phase, with a 4-Icgs, if the county choost;;! to do tlte extra construction for County Road 19. Tom realizes that reconstruction of tlic railroad bridj'.c and additional turn lanes would need to be a part of a second phase He suggested tha: the cities talk to Ton O'kccfe at MnDot to verify tliat a first phase design is possible for ni:)dification into a second phase. Tom said the cities could even make it part of the record to te a{',rceable if a 3*leg intjrsection design was contingent on the possibility of a County putting back llie 4“' leg. As our convci‘ *iation evolved, I asked Tom if he could give me some guidelines for an undeveloped property imme diately south of the intersection. I was referring to die Medina properties. I asked him what wvHild be the required distances for a road or driveway to be from the intersection. He responded, ii: ould vary on the specific situation, from a V* mile to 660 feet. The county s preferences would be to have a sid». street seizing adjacent properties enter onto a county road in lieu of numerous driveways. The side street would probably be required to have a left turn lane if it served more than a half dozen properties. Tom agreed, since this property’ could be affected by the draft of the trj nsportation plan, the county would be more than willing to »’cvicw development plans and mal<e suggestions dial would work best if Townline road became County Road 19. In tiiis situation, a city coidd certainly make acceptance of a developer’s plan contingent on the counfy's rcvic'v. We arc interested in what happens to diis development because it could become a better access to our property in Or<Mio. 1 would like tlic cities involved to consider die intbniiation 1 ha\c noted above. Personally, I ticlicvc tliat doing notliing at all at die intersection of Hwy. 12, CR. 29 and Townlinc Road seri'es the public the least in lie interest of safety. 1 don't believe that adding a traffic liglit on the other side of Maple Plain will enhance the safety of this intersection. I believe rerouting our presently (reveled driveway' oft of Hwy. 12 would also serve die interest of public safety. 1 believe our propert:es in Oroiio will definitely be affected on how the Medina properties gel developed. The development of the Medina properties could be made contingent on scix'ing ours I' itli access. We need the Cities’ support in making this hapjKn. Could you consider accepting die closure of Townline Road at die Hw'y. 12 intersection if it were cmitingcnt thal: it could be reopened by die County if dicy decided to reconstruct the railroad bridge, put in ihc extra turn lanes and rebuild Tow-nlinc road as County Road 19? Could it become part of die record or an agreement w idi Medina that, in order to be agreeable with dci'clopmcnt C'f Medina properties, whether commercial or residential, it be contingent on including us to have aco>^ to a road when developed? Since^', Jane SlauglitCiT "00®UMS 0II0 I«‘j «" 19 V V .1 i; i:: e i iiiu. 6 G '" n. t o