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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/09/1990 - Special Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MONDAY~ APRIL 9, 1990 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ringer, Councilmembers Brown, McIlhaney, Haddox, Gardner, Schneider COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilman Birdwe11 STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Ragland, Executive Director Fiscal/Human Resources Harrison, Executive Director Management Services Piwonka, Assistant City Manager Woody, Assistant City Manager Brymer, City Secretary Hooks, City Attorney Locke, Development Services Director Ash, Right-of-Way Agent Earle, Public Infor- mation officer Calliham Mayor Ringer called the meeting to order. Members of the Planning and Zoning Commission and Capital Improvements Program Committee members present in the audience. Aqenda Item No. 1 - Presentation of the Lotrak Pro~ect. Mr. Carol Ziegler, District Engineer for the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation and Mr. Byron Blaske, Assistant Engineer Director in Austin. Mr. Byron Blaske began his presentation by explaining the Highway Department's plans for transportation improvements in the Bryan/College Station area. Mr. Carol Ziegler is primarily responsible for the development of the project. He pointed out that Wellborn Road is experiencing traffic congestion today, and with the anticipated growth of the Bryan/College Station area, and the fact that Wellborn Road serves as a major north/south artery, it is a very critical element in the transportation scheme. He stated that the current Lotrak concept is to depress the railroad and increase the capacity of Wellborn Road by turning it into an expressway. Mr. Blaske mentioned that the project has been enhanced by the contribution of $2.9 million from the City of Bryan for the grade separation at Villa Maria. He referred to the schematics placed on the wall. He described the design of the project. The beginning of the project begins at Villa Maria and extends to the south at FM 2818. The northbound and southbound lanes will be separated with the railroad placed in the middle between the two lanes. The railroad will be depressed beginning north of Villa 007779 City Council Special Meeting Wednesday, April 9, 1990 Page 2 Maria, crossing underneath Villa Maria and continued depressed through to Luther Street, south of George Bush Drive. He continued by stating that the northbound lane will be located along the existing alignment of Wellborn Road from north of University and Finfeather will extend to the south, to provide the southbound lanes from Villa Maria to the south. At Old College and F&B Road, a structure will cross over the railroad as a grade separation. The present interchange at Wellborn and University Drive will be eliminated and converted to exit and entrance ramps on both sides. Mr. Blaske continued by stating the plans include eliminating Old Main Drive on campus and replacing it with a pedestrian mall. Joe Routt Blvd. will have exit and entrance ramps on both sides. He pointed out that the main lanes and railroad will be brought back up to natural ground level at Luther Street. Holleman Street is proposed to remain the same. Mr. Blaske also mentioned that the Highway Department has authorized a feasibility study for extending FM 2818 to the south and connecting to Greens Prairie Road. Mr. Blakse explained the important cost factors. The current estimated cost of the entire project is $35 million. He noted that Union Pacific and Southern Pacific are very supportive of the concept. These companies will be participating in the construction cost. The City of Bryan has agreed to contribute $2.9 million for their participation north of University to Villa Maria. Mr. Blaske pointed out that the Highway Department's policy is that local entities provide all right-of-way and utility adjustments. The State pays for all the construction. Councilman Schneider asked if plans are to put an overpass at Holleman. Mr. Blaske replied that the plans are to leave Holleman similar to the way it is now. He indicated that an at grade separation at Holleman would be considered another project. Mr. Blaske pointed out that at FM 2818 there is a grade separation planned. Mr. Ziegler stated that the reason why the railroad is brought to ground level at Luther Street is because drainage cannot be maintained southward. Councilman Haddox asked Mr. Ziegler if he could state the cost for Holleman as an overpass. Mr. Ziegler replied that the structure would be $1 million and up. The cost will also depend on the city's right-of-way cost. initial cost Councilman Brown asked if there are plans for the existing Amtrak Station. Mr. Blaske replied that the existing Amtrak station will be eliminated because of the necessary right-of-way for George Bush Drive interchange. 007780 City Council Special Meeting Wednesday, April 9, 1990 Page 3 Councilman Gardner mentioned that he has ideas about placing the Amtrak station near the railroad station's original location. He also noted that it would may be a good idea to replicate the original station and possibly have a museum or visitors information place. Mayor Ringer indicated that we will work with the University on the Amtrak project. Mr. Blaske noted that the University's cost share in the project is $6.6 million. The Board of Regents approved their participation at their March meeting. He indicated that the City of College Station's share involves utility adjustments north of University, and the necessary right- of-way for George Bush Drive interchange, and the added right-of- way from Bush Drive to 2818 plus utility adjustments. The estimated cost for the City is $2 million. He also noted that if the grade separation at Holleman was developed as part of the project, the cost would increase. He stated that if the City is willing to pursue the idea of a grade crossing at Holleman, the Highway Department would be willing to identify the costs. Mr. Blaske pointed out that the Highway Department's share of costs is $23,500,000. Brazos County does not have any responsibilities at this time. Mr. Blaske mentioned that a model has been constructed for everyone to view. Several questions were raised from audience members. Mr. Blaske pointed out several benefits of the Lotrak Project. He stated that this project will clearly establish Wellborn Road as a north/south artery. The improvements to George Bush interchange and University Drive interchange will increase safety and provide for better east/west movements. Mayor Ringer asked if Mr. Blaske can give a time frame. Mr. Blaske replied that the next critical element is for the City of College Station to commit to their participation in the project. Next will be extensive environmental studies, public hearings, and then with the final approval of the project as designed, acquisition of right-of-way will begin. He indicated that it may be four to five years before construction begins. Councilman Gardner expressed concern that the city has not been more involved in the planning process. 007781 City Council Special Meeting Wednesday, April 9, 1990 Page 4 Mr. Blaske commented that there are still ample opportunities to discuss changes in the area south of George Bush Drive and the key is to fulfill the ultimate plan of College Station. Also, the costs to change particular designs in the area can be discussed further. He added that this design is not set in concrete. Councilman Brown expressed concern regarding the area south of George Bush Drive in that it will be an imposition for the citizens. He suggested that the train remain depressed until it reaches the other side of Holleman. Mr. Blaske referred to the drainage situation at this point. He clarified that the railroad must become ground level at Luther to permit natural flow of drainage. Councilman Brown mentioned that an alternative is to have an overpass at Holleman with ramps. Mr. Blaske agreed. He added that an alternative is to depress Holleman and take it underneath the Wellborn. Councilman Haddox mentioned concerns about Southwest Parkway. Mr. Ziegler stated that the Highway Department is willing to work on plans to include the suggestions by councilmembers; however, extensive costs will be added to the project. Councilman Schneider mentioned his concern about the safety aspects of the project. Mayor Ringer asked the City Manager to provide data on a grade separation at Holleman. Mr. Blaske unveiled the model Lotrak project. The Council concurred to hold a meeting on Wednesday, April 18th, 4:00 p.m. to discuss the Capital Improvements Committee Report and the Library Report. Agenda Item No. 2 - Adjourn. Mayor Ringer adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m. ATTEST: ~~6re--~a~ City' Connie Hooks APPROVED: Ma~~ 007782 SPECIAL MEETING i GUEST REGISTER MONDAY, APRIL 9, 7:00 P.M. 1990 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 10. 25. 11. 26. 12. 27. 13. 28. 14. 29. 15. 30. 007783