City Council Work Session

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at 6:15 PM Baxter City Hall, 13190 Memorywood Drive, Baxter, MN “A Growing Community” CALL TO ORDER Mayor Olson called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor Darrel Olson and Council Members Connie Lyscio, Zach Tabatt, John Ward, and Mark Cross were present. City Administrator Brad Chapulis, Assistant City Administrator Kelly Steele, Community Development Director Josh Doty, Finance Director Jeremy Vacinek, Assistant City Engineer Trevor Walter, and Police Chief Jim Exsted were present. BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Presentation of the Completed Hwy 210/371 Intersection Improvement Study Tim Bray, Crow Wing County Engineer, presented the results of the intersection improvement study for the intersection of TH 371 and 210. The intersection has very high traffic volume, ranks as the 14th highest crash cost intersection in Minnesota, and the number of crashes is over three times the critical crash rate. The study identified two concept designs for the intersection with an estimated cost of $29 to $39 million. Moving forward, the project partners will need to determine whether to proceed with more detailed design studies and determine the community engagement process. The next phase is estimated to cost $2 million. City Administrator Chapulis has been discussing the project with state and federal officials. Mr. Bray and City Administrator Chapulis are scheduled to meet with the Chamber in August to discuss the project and inquire if they would support the Corridor of Commerce request. 2. Regional Health Care Discussion Council Member Ward asked to discuss regional health care concerns with the council. Council Member Ward explained Essentia Health has been reducing services in our area since 2014. The local autonomy has been moved by Essentia Health to Duluth. The reduction of services has caused residents to travel to other communities for service. Due to the lack of time remaining in the work session, the council discussed continuing the conversation during the comment portion of the regular meeting. ADJOURN Mayor Olson closed the work session at 7:00 p.m. Approved by: Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ Darrel Olson Kelly Steele 7/19/2022 City Council Work Session Minutes Page 2 Mayor Assistant City Administrator