HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.10.00 Work Session Minutes
City of Farmington
Akin Road Neighborhood Meeting
Farmington Senior High School - August 10, 2000
A neighborhood meeting was called to order by the Farmington City Council at the Farmington Senior
High School for the purpose of hearing comments and public input on a Feasibility Report regarding
proposed improvements to Akin Road. Council did not make any decisions at this neighborhood meeting
relative to the feasibility report at this time.
Present: Mayor Ristow, Councilmembers Cordes, Soderberg, Strachan
Absent: Councilmember Verch
Others in attendance: City Administrator Erar, City Engineer Mann, Traffic Engineer Consultant Johnson
The neighborhood meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Ristow. Mayor Ristow began the
meeting by introducing City Engineer Mann. Mann began by giving a short presentation and overview of
the Feasibility Report options. In his presentation, Mann indicated that no decisions have been made and
that the purpose of the neighborhood meeting was to receive feedback and to respond to issues and
suggestions that were raised at a previous neighborhood meeting. In addition to three options presented by
Mann in the feasibility report, it was noted that several options and their associated costs were in direct
response to citizen input that was received earlier in the process.
Following Engineer Mann's comments, Mayor Ristow commented that he appreciated the opportunity to
receive resident input on the Feasibility Report. In addition, the Mayor indicated that no decision had
been made regarding Akin Road and that the purpose of the meeting was to hear resident comments
before a decision is made. The Mayor further indicated that the Council could not take any definitive
actions on Akin Road until issues with Dakota County have been addressed and resolved.
At this point in the meeting, the Mayor asked for citizen input.
Erwin Hagen: Asked questions relating to traffic warrants; when was the traffic study conducted? Why
does the road need to be overlayed?
Joanne Payne: How much did the Feasibility Study cost? Her opinion that by-pass lanes were of
questionable value. Why are bike path lanes on the east-side of road necessary? Where is the City in its
negotiations with Dakota County and when will there be a conclusion?
Craig Stibbe: Feasibility Study - When was it done? Traffic warrant criteria? Doesn't having a school at
19Sth and Akin Road justify a warrant? Proposed north by-pass at Dunbar is where his driveway is. The
City's Comprehensive Plan, years ago, showed Akin Road "dead-ending at Pilot Knob Road". Added that
he is opposed to all proposed improvements.
Rick Wilkowske: Vehicles traveling too fast. By-pass lanes where and why?
Ed Elvey: Suggested that the City turn the road into gravel.
Bill Peterson: Improving the road is a negative and opposite of what the residents want. Wants stop signs
as opposed to turn lanes. Road shoulders are dangerous to kids and cars.
Stephanie McElligot: Is there any possibility of a guard rail at the curve? Is very concerned about cars
careening off the road into backyards. This has already happened.
Resident question: What are the state regulations or requirements in doing a speed study to lower speed
limits?
Troy Wilkinson: Need a crosswalk at Akin Elementary School.
Bonnie Brumley: Is the City going forward with a signal justification study at 20Sth Street?
In addition to the comments received, staff responded to a number of questions regarding the criteria
associated with traffic warrants, speed limits and crosswalks. It was indicated that the 20Sth intersection
satisfied the one hour warrants, but did not meet any other warrant criteria. City Traffic Engineer Johnson
indicated that the one hour warrant is the least difficult criteria to meet. Staff also indicated that meeting
warrants alone is not justification in itself. If the City puts traffic lights and/or stop signs in locations that
do not meet "warrants", the City assumes significant liability in the event of an accident. In addition, the
City's position with respect to Akin Road is that the road still belongs to the County as the City Council
has not accepted Akin Road pending a turnback agreement with Dakota County. Questions raised at the
neighborhood meeting will be addressed in future project reports and presentations.
With respect to speed limits, staff noted that the MN Department of Transportation can conduct a speed
study, but that lower speed limits must be supported by the study and are determined by Minnesota
Department of Transportation--not the City. In terms of placing a crosswalk without stop signs at 19Sth
and Akin, the City would not be in favor of a crosswalk without appropriate traffic control devices--that at
this point does not meet traffic warrants. Crosswalks, in general, give a false sense of security to the
pedestrian--eventhough state law requires motor vehicles to stop at crosswalks. Staff also indicated that
the Police Department maintains a heavy patrol presence on Akin Road with respect to speed limit
enforcement, and that passing on the shoulder is prohibited as indicated by posted "no passing on
shoulder" signage.
Mayor Ristow asked that written comments from residents Dirk Rotty and Mark Calvird be entered into
the record. These resident statements will be attached to the minutes and made part of the public record.
Councilmember Strachan stated that the Council is interested in "upgrading the road to make it safer, not
faster." The Council thanked the residents for expressing their concerns and comments on Akin Road, and
that it was their intent to take all necessary and appropriate actions within their power to address all
reasonable concerns.
Neighborhood meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
~~Ub:~tted'
}:ohn F. Erar
/ City Administrator