Title
Consider a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Escrow Agreement with the Meridian World School, LLC. regarding cost participation for traffic improvements.
Body
The Meridian School is a charter school located on the IH-35 frontage road just north of Old Settlers Boulevard. In addition to IH-35 frontage, this school also has an access drive on North Mays Street. From its opening in 2011, traffic generated by the school has been a challenge, with lengthy traffic back-ups on North Mays Street during the afternoon. City staff has repeatedly worked with Meridian School personnel to attempt to mitigate the traffic impacts of the school, including suggesting alternative circulation patterns, restriping of streets in the area, and modification to the signage in the area. Recently, staff learned that the school seeks to further expand its enrollment by finishing out several available classroom areas within the existing building.
Upon learning this information, staff sought the assistance of HDR Engineering, a local transportation engineering consultant who specializes in traffic studies, to help identify reasonable steps that could be taken to further mitigate the impacts of the school. The subsequent report (attached) identified three possible solutions to partially address the congestion created by the school. These improvements included: signalization of the entrance to the school on North Mays Street; providing a right turn lane on North Mays Street; and, providing a right turn lane on the IH-35 frontage road.
City staff discussed the study findings with the school staff and came to the agreement that the most beneficial and reasonable improvement would be the addition of the right turn lane on the IH-35 frontage road. Subsequently, an agreement was crafted in which the Meridian School would pay for a share of the costs to install this right turn lane. This agreement provides for the school to pay to the city the sum of $150,000, payab...
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