Title
Discuss the results from the IH-35E betterments priorities poll.
Body
BACKGROUND:
Following the April 18, 2020 Mayor’s IH-35E Betterments Task Force meeting members of the task force participated in a poll to identify priorities moving forward. The results of the poll are in Attachment 1 of this report. The top three items identified were: overhead utility relocation, intersection design, and landscaping.
Since addressing overhead utilities ranked as the top priority, further consideration needs to be given to:
1. Should existing overhead utilities be buried underground for a portion or all of the corridor;
2. Should existing overhead utilities be relocated to alternate above ground locations for a portion or all of the corridor (requires securing easements from property owners);
3. If funds are spent to bury overhead utilities, the city cannot prohibit future utility companies and developers/property owners from placing utilities above ground due to existing case law; and
4. Cost implications.
Therefore, the task force will need to determine the appropriate next steps related to addressing overhead utilities, since this could potentially impact whether other betterments are financed and implemented.
ACTIONS:
Discuss the results of the IH-35E betterments poll and provide direction related to overhead utilities and remaining betterments.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Results from the IH-35E Betterments Task Force betterments priorities poll