The council discussed the roundabout project update, which has advanced to the design phase. New traffic counts, particularly for heavy vehicles, led to changes in the original concept. The council proposed transitioning from a mini roundabout with a concrete center to a small standard roundabout featuring a grass center, increasing the diameter from 75 feet to 120 feet. This adjustment aims to improve navigation for larger vehicles, such as semis, and reduce blockage at the intersection.

A full intersection addition at Credit Union Drive was proposed to alleviate congestion in the roundabout by providing a westbound left turn, reducing the overall vehicle volume. A long turn lane into Quick Trip was also planned to decrease traffic through the roundabout. The north median was designed to discourage vehicles exiting the strip mall from heading north, as that movement was deemed unlikely.

A council member raised concerns about a potential right-out acceleration lane from MCO Drive onto Heritage.

Cost estimates for the roundabout remained consistent despite the modifications. Adjustments were viewed positively, with one council member expressing satisfaction with the new traffic study, stating it represented an improvement over previous efforts. Another council member expressed concerns about a left turn lane at a specific intersection, predicting complications during high traffic periods and advocating for alterations to prevent issues caused by vehicles backing up.

The council debated the design and placement of medians, particularly regarding trailers and larger vehicles making turns. Discussions highlighted the necessity of visual barriers to prevent inappropriate traffic maneuvers, with a median intended to guide vehicles and prevent them from crossing against traffic flow. The logistics of construction limits related to the overall design, including plans for pavement and striping in specific areas, were also discussed.

A crucial part of the discussion involved the roundabout’s ability to accommodate emergency vehicles. Surmountable curbs were proposed to facilitate navigation for large vehicles, including semis and emergency responders. One participant queried whether the curb height should be adjusted for optimal emergency access, noting, “it’s a lot harder to go over a 90 than it is a 45.” The conversation highlighted concerns that during emergencies, drivers often freeze rather than react appropriately, emphasizing the need for a design that ensures the roundabout can be cleared quickly for emergency access.

The viability of a stoplight versus a roundabout was also debated. It was stated that while the roundabout offered a similar level of service as a stoplight, it was deemed safer in terms of accident rates, particularly with pedestrian crossings. Participants recognized that while accidents could still occur in roundabouts, they were generally less severe compared to those at standard intersections.

The design of the center island of the roundabout came under scrutiny, with discussions about whether it should be raised or maintained at a manageable height for visibility and maintenance purposes. The aesthetic implications of the design were noted, with concerns about the appearance of the roundabout compared to others in similar settings. Ensuring that emergency vehicles could navigate the roundabout during peak hours was also a concern.

In other business, the council discussed the city’s long-term planning and its implications for tax rates. A steady decline in the tax rate was noted as a recurring topic, with an emphasis on predictability and consistency in taxation. The municipal budget was described as complex, necessitating breaking it down into manageable components for better understanding. Operating revenue, including levies and rates, and intergovernmental revenue, particularly Local Government Aid (LGA) in Minnesota, were key areas of focus.

Plans to optimize project costs by grouping similar jobs to save on mobilization costs were mentioned. A mathematical adjustment was suggested to bring the general fund levy down by an additional $1,000 to achieve a more precise zero change.

A separate issue concerning the air conditioning system at city hall was raised, highlighting temperature control problems. It was explained that the air exchanger has not been functioning since the building’s inception, leading to uneven airflow. A council member expressed skepticism about replacing the air conditioning unit, citing its operational status. However, it was presented that the unit is approaching the end of its useful life, and replacement could prevent a significant cost increase associated with new Freon standards.

The meeting also included a resolution to authorize a contract with Digit Ticket to enhance the city’s records management system, transitioning to Oracle records management. The county had previously covered expenses for three years, benefiting the city. The urgency of transitioning to this new system was highlighted, with expectations for finalizing the agreement by the end of the year to facilitate smoother operational processes.

The council expressed gratitude towards the Public Works department for their efforts following a recent storm, including maintaining roadways and clearing debris. The compost area remained open daily to accommodate residents needing to dispose of larger brush debris. The conversation included managing the brush pile, with suggestions about potentially allowing residents to collect firewood and hiring a contractor for on-site chipping.