HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-04-11city council minutes
BOOK 52 PAGE 48
SPECIAL MEETING
PUBLIC WORKSHOP
April 11, 2011
6:00 P.M.
(DISCUSSION OF THE PROPOSED WIDENING OF HIGHWAY 20/16 FROM EXIT 29 TO
SMEED PARKWAY)
Mayor Nancolas welcomed those in attendance. He gave a brief history of development of the area
that has transpired along Highway 20/26 over the past 12 years. He noted that the funding needed to
complete the project would be acquired through the City’s Street Fund upon approval of City Council
during a Regular City Council Meeting. Mayor Nancolas emphasized that the project has the potential
of benefiting the entire area from the aspect of job creation and traffic safety issues. It has been
approximately four years since a major roadway project has been conducted. The improvements are in
compliance with the Caldwell’s Comprehensive Plan.
Robb MacDonald, Assistant City Engineer at 621 Cleveland Boulevard, outlined facts with a
PowerPoint presentation entitled “20/26 Improvement Feasibility Study Workshop.” He explained the
scope of work associated with the project, cost estimates, and a proposed construction timeline. He
noted that the design criteria would be established by requirements from Idaho Transportation
Department and the City of Caldwell’s Design Standards and Specifications.
Mr. MacDonald noted that if the project is approved, the preliminary timeline calls for completion of
the work by June 2012. Traffic along Highway20/26 would be shifted in phases during construction to
avoid closure of the roadway. He noted that the plan would include the infrastructure for a traffic
signal at Smeed and Highway 20/26, but the actual installation of the signal would be done by
developers. Approximate cost estimates range from $1.6 to $3.1 million, depending on whether some
existing pavement is left intact and how much of the work would be accomplished by City crews or
outside contractors.
Paul Alldredge, 3107 Arlington Street, questioned if the life cycle of the asphalt has been determined.
Scott Gurnsey, Idaho Transportation Department Assistant District Engineer, reported that this portion
of Highway 20/26 was resurfaced approximately eight to ten years ago. He noted that a conditional
survey must be conducted by Idaho Transportation Department before a defined life cycle could be
determined.
Doug Hix, P.O. Box 5012, Idaho Falls, spoke in favor of the proposal.
Craig Eisenberg, 2231 E. Camelback Road, Suite 215, Phoenix, Arizona, spoke in favor of the
proposal. He expressed appreciation to the City for taking the initiative in planning for these roadway
improvements.
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Steve Fultz, Caldwell Economic Development Director, 117 South 9 Avenue, spoke in favor of the
project. He reported that these improvements would assist with future development and thus future
jobs. Safety issues would be addressed with the installation of a traffic signal along Smeed Parkway.
Approximately 50 individuals were in attendance. No decisions were made or action taken.
(ADJOURNMENT)
The meeting was dismissed at 6:52 p.m.
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APPROVED AS written THIS 18 DAY OF APRIL , 2011.
Mayor
Councilperson Councilperson
Councilperson Councilperson
Councilperson Councilperson
ATTEST:
City Clerk