06-20-2013 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PEQUOT LAKES PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING .TUNE 201, 2013 PRESENT: Deb Brown and James Oraskovich. ABSENT: Mark Hallan, Cheri Seils, Scott Snyder and Wes Wilson. CITY PLANNER: Justin Burslie, Community Growth Institute ZONING ADMINISTRATOR: Dawn Bittner COUNCIL LIAISONS: Jerry Akerson and Dave Sjoblad GATEWAY DISCUSSION: Mr. Burslie explained the Memo for the CSAH 11 Gateway had been approved by the City Council and forwarded to the Crow Wing County Highway Department. Photo 1: Mr. Burslie pointed out this section of road is at the south end of the City where it will remain a road for higher speed traffic. Photo 2 is the current intersection of Highway 371, County Road 168 and County Road 107. Mark Jurchen, representing the Chamber, stated this area has the greatest potential for commercial development, gas stations, etc.to tie into 371. Restaurants and gas stations may want to relocate. Photo 3 is a transition point where the road could turn into a street. Council Member Sjoblad suggested narrowing the right-of-way so land along trail could have room for development. Photo 4 is the intersection of Highway 371 and CSAH 11,the central focal point of the City. The driving lanes should be narrowed to allow more development on both sides. The stop light should be removed. Pedestrian traffic was discussed. Without the signal light safe pedestrian crossings need to be developed. Overhead walkways could be used, similar to the one in Baxter. It was pointed out that these are very expensive, as well as tunnels. A traffic study should be completed after the new highway is constructed to see what type of device is needed. School traffic will be an issue without the traffic light. The traffic today going back and forth to and from the school will probably increase. The City needs to focus on this core area. MINUTES 1 Pequot Lakes Planning Commission June 20, 2013