HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.08.2003COUNCIL WORK SESSION
December 8, 2003
4:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
Mayor Rooff called the meeting to order at 4:17 p.m.
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Kincaid, Welper, Greenwood, Clark, Jordan, Hurley, Getty.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Welper that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
Bob Lentz, Project Engineer at Earth Tech, reviewed the Ansborough Avenue/U.S. 20
Interchange design alternatives with council.
Rod Larsen, District Transportation Planner for Iowa Department of Transportation, stated that
the Iowa Department of Transportation's preference is the standard diamond interchange because
it is easier to maintain and safer. Mr. Larsen stated that usually properties by the loop develop
into commercial development.
Mr. Lentz stated that once a decision is made by the council between the standard diamond and
the modified diamond interchange, it will take approximately two and one-half months to get it
through the federal government and Environmental Protection Agency and then city could
purchase any right-of-way. Mr. Lentz stated there probably will be no construction until late
2004.
Mr. Lentz reviewed the comparison of alternatives. The right-of-way needed for the standard
diamond interchange is 23.12 acres, and 26.44 acres for the modified diamond interchange. The
standard diamond would require the purchase of two homes, while the modified diamond does
not require acquisition of any homes. Six additional properties would be affected under the
standard diamond, with eight additional properties affected under the modified diamond. There
are no significant environmental impacts under either diamonds. There are no road users costs
with the standard diamond, but the modified diamond would add 520,000 vehicle miles per year
for travel on the loop ramp. There are no significant traffic safety issues with the standard
diamond, while there are traffic safety issues with the modified diamond. The estimated cost for
the standard diamond interchange is $4,200,000.00 and $4,134,000.00 for the modified diamond
interchange. Mr. Lentz stated that future plans could connect businesses off San Marnan Drive if
there is commercial development.
Don Temeyer, Community Planning and Development Director, reviewed the affected properties
in the area of the diamond interchange. Mr. Temeyer stated that purchasing the four additional
properties could cost $600,000.00. Mr. Temeyer stated that the city has received no comments
from the Martins and Briners. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Oesterling and Mr. and Mrs. Duane Stone
would like the city to buy them out, but at this point the acquisition of their properties does not
meet the federal government's criteria for acquisition of property.
Councilperson Welper stated that the city is building the interchange to relieve traffic.
Councilperson Welper asked if San Marnan Drive and Ansborough Avenue will be a thru street.
Mr. Lentz responded that traffic signals on Ansborough will be upgraded with additional turn
lanes, with no change on San Marnan Drive.
Mr. Temeyer stated that there is vacant property for sale which could open residential
development and mixed uses.
Mr. Larsen stated that the IDOT would like a commitment from the city to extend Shaulis Road
to keep local traffic on major streets.
Mr. Lentz reviewed the transcript of the pubic hearing held on September 25, 2003. Seven
property owners attended the meeting, with four property owners writing comments to the city.
Mr. Lentz reviewed the comments received. Mr. Lentz stated that Mr. and Mrs. Oesterling have
Council Work Session
December 8, 2003
Page 2
requested that the city acquired their property no matter diamond interchange if approved.
Mayor Rooff stated that the interchange could affect the quality of life for the Oesterlings.
Mayor Rooff reported that the city will be using RISE funding, federal grants and bond funds for
this project.
It was the consensus of the council that the city proceed with the standard diamond interchange.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Clark, seconded by Getty that the
meeting be adjourned at 4:50 p.m. Ayes: Three. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk
• •