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