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Council directs final design for roundabout at 20 Third and Olman, staff to cover bike‑path cost split
Summary
The Mitchell City Council voted to proceed with final design for a roundabout at 20 Third and Olman rather than a conventional stop control; council asked staff to consider the sidewalk/bike path width and agreed the city would cover the extra width beyond a standard sidewalk in the budget analysis
The Mitchell City Council voted to proceed with final design work for a roundabout at the 20 Third and Olman intersection after hearing traffic, safety and cost information from staff and consultants.
City staff presented updated cost estimates and four budget scenarios that factored the city’s share of 8‑foot sidewalks (a city‑funded 3‑foot premium over the typical 5‑foot assessment). The most expensive scenario — constructing a roundabout with the city covering the full 8‑foot sidewalk — would increase the general fund cost by about $715,001. If the sidewalk were assessed to adjacent property owners (the typical practice, with the city covering the 3‑foot premium), the increased city cost for the roundabout would be about $615,004, staff said.
Consultants said roundabouts generally reduce severe crashes and smooth traffic flow; staff presented examples from other cities and federal safety guidance. Councilmembers and residents asked about pedestrian crossings, bicycle facilities, large‑truck and house‑moving maneuvers, snow removal, sightlines and property impacts. Engineers said the proposed design includes a wider turning radius and mountable apron to accommodate large trucks; pedestrian crossings are set back from the circulating lane so walkers cross at a single location per leg.
After public comment and Q&A, Councilmember McCardell moved and the council passed a motion to proceed with the roundabout design. Several council members also asked staff to treat the facility as part of the city’s bike‑path network: council discussed the city covering the extra width of an 8‑foot shared path (the city typically assesses 5 feet of sidewalk to property owners). Staff said those cost differentials are included in the budget scenarios they presented and will be part of the final design decision.
What’s next: staff will advance the final design and right‑of‑way sketches and coordinate with county interests and affected property owners on any assessments; the design will be finalized before bidding.
