Zach Johnson provided an update on the project, highlighting the historical traffic issues at the site and the need for a redesign to address these concerns. The proposed diverging diamond design promises to enhance traffic operations and pedestrian safety, yet council members and local business owners expressed unease about restricted access, which could affect nearby businesses, such as Pizza Hut, struggling with left turn access.

The council and residents discussed the diverging diamond design’s complexity, acknowledging that educational resources, including videos, would be necessary to familiarize the public with the new traffic flow. Additionally, an open house is scheduled for December 19th to present the design alternatives and gather community feedback, with a February 1st deadline for the layout submission to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Local business owners, particularly those with properties on 175th Street, voiced concerns about potential access restrictions impacting tenant profitability and customer access. The ongoing debate also touched on potential alternatives, such as roundabouts, although the diverging diamond design appeared to be the preferred option based on traffic modeling and safety assessments.

In addition to the interchange discussion, the council addressed the proposed Cherie Park and fire station project. There was discussion about community engagement, noting a low response rate to a public notice, which led to questions about the effectiveness of the city’s communication strategy. Officials acknowledged the need for broader outreach, especially considering the upcoming holiday season and its potential impact on public participation.

The proposed park project involves utilizing existing city land in the Cher Park area for fire station consolidation, which necessitates alterations to park amenities. Concerns were raised about maintaining or improving current amenities, such as the baseball diamond and playground, while ensuring sufficient parking for both park users and fire station visitors. The council emphasized the importance of community feedback before proceeding with the plans, with the intention to maintain or enhance the park’s functionality.

Discussions also covered the financial aspects of the park project, including land acquisition costs and park improvements, with a budget of two million dollars allocated for these purposes. The council stressed the need for distinguishing between essential and optional upgrades, such as replacing the warming house and adding permanent restrooms, which would require further cost assessments.

The meeting concluded with a review of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) report. There were suggestions to enhance the report’s user-friendliness and include a statement about its intended purpose for council members and the public.

The council also deliberated on the balance of land use and property valuation within the city, noting potential disparities between residential and commercial growth. Concerns were raised about the financial implications of a fully developed city, where homeowners might bear a greater burden if commercial growth lags. The council considered the potential for a dedicated report on commercial development challenges to better address these issues.