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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20071001 - Minutes Special Meeting 20070917 Hastings, Minnesota City Council Special Workshop Minutes September 17,2007 The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota conducted a special workshop on proposed 2008 Highway 61 Bridge Maintenance Project on Monday, September 17, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Hastings City Hall, 101 East 4th Street, Hastings, Minnesota. Councilmembers Present: Mayor Hicks, City Councilmembers Alongi, Hazlet, Hollenbeck, Slavik, and Riveness Staff Present: City Administrator Dave Osberg Assistant City Administrator Melanie Mesko Lee Public Works Director Montgomery City Engineer Nick Egger Lieutenant Joe Kegley Fire Chief Mark Holmes Communications Specialist Shannon Rausch Call to Order Mayor Hicks called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Several MnDOT staff were in attendance to discuss the background ofthe project, work to be accomplished, issues involved, and upcoming steps. It was stated that this is preventative maintenance which include the following: milling, patching, crack sealing, joints resealed, bearings replaced, sidewalk/curb replacement, and painting. Preliminary traffic estimates were prepared. Discussion on whether to have a complete closure (2 Yz months) or keep one lane open (3 Yz months) during the project. Councilmember Hollenbeck requested information on flagging operations. She also stated preference to keep one lane open. MnDOT stated that temporary stoplights will be installed, but will be staffed as well. Hollenbeck stated a desire to have school buses treated as emergency vehicles and expressed concern with the project's impact. Councilmember Schultz stated that she wished the discussion was about bridge replacement, not maintenance. She inquired as to the location of changeable message signs to provide effective communication to drivers. She asked when the project may begin. MnDOT stated that it may be able to start as early as April. Schultz stated preference to keep one lane open. Councilmember Riveness concurred with Councilmember Schultz's comments. Councilmember Hazlet stated preference to keep one lane open. He expressed concern about east/west accessibility. Councilmember Alongi asked for clarification on the term limited closures. MnDOT stated that 5-6 times during the project, traffic will be closed off completely, generally overnight. Alongi expressed concern about viable alternative routes during the project. Alongi stated that one lane closure is the "less awful" choice. Councilmember Slavik stated preference to keep one lane open. He asked about future community meetings. MnDOT stated that they are planning construction review meetings where they will meet with contractors to determine the best way to stage the project. Mayor Hicks stated that full closure of the bridge is not a viable option. He stated that there will need to be work on dealing with the traffic. School buses ought to be considered a priority. Mayor Hicks requested that a committee made up of Councilmembers, DBA members, large employers, etc. be formed to continue discussion on this issue. Mayor Hicks also stated that there would be an opportunity to comment further during the upcoming Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. Adjournment Moved by Councilmember Riveness, seconded by Councilmember Schultz to adjourn the meeting at 6:55 p.m. Paul J. Hicks Mayor Melanie Mesko Lee City Clerk