03-17-2003 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Road Advisory Minutes--March 17, 2003 1 ROAD ADVISORY COMMITTEE MARCH 17, 2003--2:00 PM MEETING TO ORDER Commissioner John Meyer called to order a meeting of the Road Advisory Committee at 2:00 PM, Monday, March 17, 2003, in the Commission Room, Cass County Courthouse. The following members were present: Darrell Vanyo, Vern Bennett, John Meyer, Robyn Sorum, Keith Berndt, Rich Sieg, Jurgen Suhr, and Dennis Rust. Scoff Wagner arrived later in the meeting. Mark Johnson was absent. METROPOLITAN HIGHWAY PLAN, Update Riven on projects Mr. Berndt provided a draft of short range and long range project lists that Metro- Cog had assembled. A county project planning spreadsheet was also discussed. Mr. Bemdt said that Metro-Cog does an update every five years to the Metropolitan Transportation Plan. This is the list based on their database of previously discussed project plans. Mr. Berndt said he would like to mark up the list so Metro-Cog can come up with a permanent list. Prior to adoption, the Metropolitan Transportation Plan will be presented to the Jurisdictions for approval. Mr. Berndt asked committee members to bring any additional project requests to his attention. Mr. Bemdt suggested that the Class 2 bikeway projects on the rural roads be dropped. He reported that the County generally does construct wide (5 - 8 feet) paved shoulders on County Highways during reconstruction. The shoulders do provide an excellent travel way for bicyclists. However, Mr. Berndt questions the benefits of signing the shoulders as bikeways. Mr. Meyer asked about the Red River crossing south of 52nd Avenue South. Mr. Meyer said he may be opposed to placing a bridge across the river if it impacts homes. Mr. Meyer believes the bridge should go further south. Mr. Berndt suggested that we let the Clay County Commission and the City of Fargo finish their study. Mr. Berndt suggested the county not take a stand on this issue until all the facts and studies have been completed for this project. Mr. Berndt also mentioned that Cass and Clay County should identify potential locations for another Red River bridge south of the Wild Rice River. Mr. Berndt discussed and solicited the groups' input on funding of county highways as areas are annexed. Highway 17 is the most immediate concern. There are three municipalities involved: Fargo, West Fargo and Horace. Mr. Berndt said a decision would have to be made about if the responsibility of the highway should go to the city that is annexing or remain under Cass County's jurisdiction. Mr. Vanyo suggested that the staff from all entities involved should get together to discuss the possibilities on Cass County Highway 17. Ms. Sorum asked about the bike path to Horace. Mr. Berndt said that while the bike path may not be constructed in the immediate future, it would be prudent to plan for it in the future. As County Engineer he couldn't support a long range plan that didn't include provisions for pedestrian facilities in this area. The board will have to decide if the path is in the plan or not.