HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-08-19 PACKET 12.A.REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA
MEETING ITEM #
DATE 08/19/98 �� .
PREPARED BY Administration Ryan Schroeder
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT STAFF AU�fHOR
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COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST
MCES Roadway improvements.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
� MEMOI�ETTER:
❑ RESOLUTION:
❑ ORDINANCE:
❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION:
❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION:
❑ OTHER:
ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS
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City Administrator Data
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COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: ❑ APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER
Memo to: Mayor and City Councii
From: Ryan R. Schroeder
Subj.: MCES Road Improvement Proposal
Date: August 13, 1998
On July 31, 1998 Council discussed the draft proposai from the Metropolitan
Council Environmental Services (MCES) regarding road improvements
proposed by MCES as a result of the upcoming Waste Treatment Plant
expansion. On August 4, 1998 staff penned the attached correspondence to
the MCES as a result of the July 31 discussion. On August 5, 1998 Council
held a public discussion regarding the August 4 correspondence.
As a result of the August 4 correspondence the MCES staff is expected to
provide for a counter proposal. Further, it is expected that this proposal will be
available in time for discussion at your August 19 meeting. Hence, this topic is
being placed on your agenda as a workshop item.
An aside to the above is that the Interceptor Advisory Committee is meeting on
August 24. At this meeting it is expected that some speci£c recommendations
will come forward. As a result the MCES has requested the opportunity to
appear at your September 2 meeting to discuss the result.
Ciiy of
Cottage Grove
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7516 80th Street South / Conage Grove, Minnesota 55016 612 • 458-2800
August4,1998
Mr. Bryce Pickart
Assistant General Manager, Technical Services
Wastewater Services Department
Metropolitan Council Environmental Services
230 E. Fifth Street, Mears Park Center
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-1633
Via Facsimile to 602-1138
Dear Mr. Pickart:
On July 31, 1998, the Cottage Grove City Council discussed the expected MCES
proposal regarding roadway improvements concurrent with the Treatme�t Plant
expansion. The Council is appreciative of MCES's recognition of responsibility for
infrastructure and neighborhood impacts of this metro facility. Additionally, the
Council opined that this $58 miilion facility has had, and will have, substantial long-
term community impacts against which improvements of a positive nature should
occur to provide an appropriate level of balance.
I believe the Cottage Grove Gity Councii is in agreement with the leve� of
improvement suggested by MCES staff to 110'" Street. On Ideal Avenue the MCES
has proposed a 24 foot mill and overlay project with an off road trail with trail funding
yet to be discussed. The Council appears to favor, instead, a roadway project on
Ideal whicn results in a 30 foot paved travel surface, which inciudes marking such as
to provide for a laneway system in addition to the turn lanes at 100�' and 110�'. It is
expected that this project would actuaily result in cost savings from the original
MCES trail proposal.
Within the contemplated MCES proposal there does not appear to be affirmation of
MCES responsibility toward 100"' and Jamaica to Highway 61, as has been
discussed in the past. It is the Councii position that MCES should snoulder
responsibiiity for all roadway needs between the piant and the state highway system.
Further, that the City of Cottage Grove shouid not be in a position of subsidizing
infrastructure needs of this regional facility to the benefit of the larger metro system
and to the detriment of the local taxpayer. We have estimated that the
improvements required for these two roadways are in the neighborhood of $600,000.
This inciudes a partial reconstruction of Jamaica, as a 1998 project, towards which
the Council is contemplating MCES contributions. Finally, it is the expectation of the
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
City Council that in ultimately determining the location of this plant, the MCES chose
the most cost-effective site. Hence, it seems that providing for off site roadway
infrastructure as proposed here is not a significant cost factor given what would have
been experienced on other sites. The Cottage Grove City Council expects that that
situation be recognized in the eventual agreement between the two parties.
The City of Cottage Grove supports MCES efforts in making this regional facility less
of a detriment to the surrounding neighborhood and the community at large. It is
hoped that, in working together, the City and the MCES can strive toward achieving
actual local benefits as well. Achievement of this goal, it seems, would be a
demonstration of commitment to positive co4laborations in plant siting efforts in the
future.
Thank you for your continued cooperation.
Sincerely,
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Ryan R. Schroeder