1982-06-21 Council minutesPage No. 1665
June 21, 1982
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Adjourned Meeting
Held Monday, June 21, 1982
In accordance with action taken at the regular meeting of the City Council on
June 15, 1982, the adjourned meeting was continued at 2:30 P.M. at the City Hall,
750 South Plaza Drive, Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Mayor Lockwood called the
meeting to order at 2:30 o'clock P.M. The following members were present: Mayor
Lockwood, Councilmembers Hartmann, Losleben, Mertensotto and Witt.
AGENDA Mayor Lockwood noted that Mn/DOT District 9 officials had been
invited to discuss possible upgrading of the TH 110/TH 149
intersection. In addition, Jack Klepp of A.H. Wilder was
present to answer questions concerning senior citizen housing
location. Planner Howard Dahlgren, Public Works Director
Danielson, City Engineer Kishel and Administrator Johnson were
also present to participate in the discussion. Mayor Lockwood then
asked District Engineer Doug Differt to review the existing TH 149
situation and any possible improvements in the future.
Mr. Differt reviewed the current plans for the intersection which
incorporated a grade separation with TH 149 bridged over TH 110.
After some discussion, it was acknowledged by both MN/DOT
officials and City officials that a grade separation was probably
not the most desireable or practical layout, given freeway and
highway developments within the immediate area. He noted that
traffic projections would require at least four fluid lanes in
addition to other needed right and left turn lanes. It was .
noted that four fluid lanes could be constructed on a relatively
narrow right-of-way but that when turn lanes were incorporated, a
considerable amount of additional right-of-way is required.
The matter of signal improvements at the intersection were
discussed. Dick Elasky, Assistant District Engineer, reviewed
the proposed plans for signal improvements which includes an
"advanced flasher" device. This is scheduled for a September,
1982 letting, and 1983 completion. He advised that improvements
would cost between $80,000 and $100,000. It was agreed that
these improvements should be pursued regardless of any revised
plans for the intersection.
Councilman Losleben expressed the idea that TH 149 should be
widened on the existing alignment. He noted that the right-of-
way widening could be accomplished by purchasing the existing
Standard Oil Station and possibly some property from the Sheehy
Center. He proposed that with such widening, the existing
right-of-way east of the Center could be abandoned and used for
senior citizen housing. This would allow area for building the
needed housing and still allow an upgraded intersection.
Planner Dahlgren then noted that the intersection should be planned
for an "at grade" intersection, for a large volume of traffic. He
noted that Pilot Knob Road and Dodd Road are the only access points
Page No. 1666
June 21, 1982
to 1-494 * west or Robert Street. He urged that the planned
right-of-way for TH 149 be kept, noting that once the freeways
are completed that there would be a large volume of traffic
between TH 110 and 1-494. He noted also that an improved inter-
section east of the Center could be staged, that is, retain
right-of-way for ultimate improvements, however construct only
the improvements necessary to handle the traffic for the
immediate future.
This fostered additional discussion concerning financing and the
feasibility of intersection improvements. Mn/DOT officials
indicated that they would be willing to explore new intersection
designs based on the foregoing discussions.
As a result of such discussion, Councilman Losleben moved the
adoption of Resolution No. 82-52, "RESOLUTION REQUESTING MN/DOT
TO RE-EXAMINE THE TH 110/TH 149 INTERSECTION PLANS AND PROPOSE
ALTERNATE PLANS FOR FUTURE CONSTRUCTION".
Councilwoman Witt seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Mayor Lockwood asked if any other business was appropriate and
hearing no response, Mayor Lockwood moved that the meeting be
adjourned.
Councilman Hartmann seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 4:15 o'clock P.M.
K4thleen M. Swanson
City Clerk
ATTEST:
Robert G. Lockwood
Mayor