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07-18-07 Special ~ CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Richfield, Minnesota Special City Council Meeting July 18, 2007 I CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Mayor Goettel at 6:35 p.m. I ROLL CALL Members Present: Debbie Goettel, Mayor; Susan Rosenberg; Sue Sandahl; Fred Wroge; and Bill Kilian. Staff Present: Steve Devich, City Manager; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director; Bruce Palmborg, Community Development Director; Jim Topitzhofer, Recreation Services Director; Brad Sveum, Fire Services Director; Kristin Asher, Assistant City Engineer; Tom Foley, Transportation Engineer; Cheryl Krumholz, Recording Secretary; and John Dean, City Attorney. I Item #1 CONSIDERATION OF CITY COUNCIL DIRECTION REGARDING 66TH STREET AND PORTLAND AVENUE INTERSECTION Mayor Goettel stated the Worksession this evening was called to address the roundabout at 66th Street/Portland Avenue and provide direction to staff. City Manager Devich stated staff was requesting clarity on the City Council's direction on the intersection because there are several items on the July 24 Regular City Council agenda pertaining to acquisition and disposition of property. City Manager Devich explained the timeframe and deadlines related to the federal funding and Hennepin County funding. There is a deadline of September 30 for receiving the federal funds requiring approval of a plan and purchase of needed right-of-way, but the actual construction does not need to begin. Public Works Director Eastling explained there may be some flexibility in funding. Federal funding has a hard deadline. The City is on track to meet the September 30 deadline but if that is not met, the City may lose eligibility to receive the funds. He has found that no one has tested how long a delay there can be in construction after the first deadline is met. Special Council Meeting Minutes -2- July 18, 2007 Mayor Goettel asked about Hennepin County's participation if the intersection design changed, even though the roundabout is approved. City Manager Devich stated Hennepin County has indicated that with an implication to delay there could be an issue with the funds received from them and the funds the City is scheduled to receive. The County suggested staying on track with the current plan. Assistant City Engineer Asher added that Hennepin County staff informed her that the attorneys would need to interpret the contract. City Attorney Dean discussed the agreement language between the City and Hennepin County, including the grant to underwrite property acquisition costs for construction of a roundabout but if it's not built, there may be an issue of still claiming the funds. There is no provision in the agreement if the roundabout is not in place and withholding funds would not be a breach of the agreement. Either party could cancel the agreement for no reason. He said it is important that an effort be made conclusively to determine if Hennepin County will amend their agreement if a roundabout is not built. City Attorney Dean continued that not having the federal funds is a significant issue. Council Member Rosenberg read a statement that she requested be placed in the record. "The reason this meeting was called tonight was because of my comments on Tuesday, July 10 at the City Council Meeting. At that meeting I stated that I have had numerous conversations and em ails from residents over the past year in regards to the pending roundabout at 66th and Portland. It has been very apparent to me that there is a massive disconnect in Richfield when it comes to the public's perception of the roundabout's safety and the Transportation Commission's assurance that they are indeed safe for the walking and biking public. The majority of the public that contacted me has not reached an acceptable comfort level with a roundabout scenario at that intersection. There is genuine concern in the community about the safety of pedestrians and bikers. On that evening, I suggested that we slow down the process to ~ain more perspective about this endeavor and halt all work until the one at 1 yth Ave. South and 66t St is complete plus the ones on 70th St. in Edina. At no time in my decision making process did I consult with anyone on the Council, Transportation Commission or City Staff. We had presentations to the Council by experts on roundabouts, open houses by the Transportation Commission plus my own roundabout driving abilities left me confident that my basic questions were answered. My decision to go public with my concerns is mine alone and although it is contrary to my previous vote, I knew that to keep silent was not in the best interests of my city. When I took my oath of office I committed to upholding the City Charter and also to represent all residents and not one group of people. I feel that by asking to wait on the completion of roundabouts in our area, that we as policy makers as well as the residents of Richfield, would have a clearer idea of the how the Portland roundabout would work, how the safety issues would be addressed and how it would fit in the neighborhood. At no time did I indicate that I would not be willing to compromise and look for ways to move this issue along in a safe manner. The only compromise that I will not make is to make a decision that will hinder in any way Nilsen's Mortuary Business or the two service stations on the south side of Portland and 66th. I know there are pressures in the community to see that this roundabout is accomplished. Not the smallest of which is the $2.2 million in federal money to be used in the design. The timing unfortunately is a problem and I recognize that. Other pressures are coming from members of the Transportation Commission and I sympathize with their frustration at having a recommendation questioned at this time in the process by a policy maker. Special Council Meeting Minutes -3- July 18, 2007 Let me emphasize, my decision to go public with my concerns is not about the roundabouts or me. I can drive them with ease and I think all the technical answers have been complete and thorough. It is about the public and their expressed concerns to me about the roundabouts and how it would impact their neighborhoods and safety. Recently a person told me that they always direct social justice-type calls to me because in this person's perception, I am for the "underdog"... I doubt if that person truly realized what an extreme compliment they were paying me. At this time, I feel there is a large portion of the public who is the current Underdog in this question and I am here to be their voice." Council Member Sandahl asked if the City has currently expended funds. City Manager Devich explained the process for funding, including how the City fronts the funds and then makes application for reimbursement. Approximately $4 to $4.5 million has been spent in property acquisition costs and the City has received approximately $2 to $2.1 million back with another reimbursement request ready to be submitted. Council Member Sandahl discussed a conversation she had with the City of Edina Assistant City Engineer regarding the proposed roundabouts in Edina on 70th Street between York and France Avenues including the timeline for opening, and the principal reasons for this type of intersection which were safety and reduced speed. It was a unanimous decision' of the Edina City Council to move forward. All the proposed development in that.area has triggered increased pedestrian safety and slowing down traffic. Mayor Goettel asked if the Edina roundabouts were single or double lane. She added she has found that single lanes are safer. Council Member Sandahl stated the Edina roundabouts are single lane. Council Member Wroge stated his biggest concern was comparing double to single lane roundabouts and his frustration of needing to find out information on his own and not from City staff. He discussed his findings from talking with Monticello's chief engineer regarding the roundabout in their city. Council Member Wroge expressed his concern regarding the cost to build the 66th Street/Portland Avenue roundabout. He reported what he found for the cost, not including land acquisition, to build only the roundabout in Burnsville, Apple Valley and Eagan. He said he didn't understand Richfield's increasing costs. The Transportation Commission did not consider costs, only safety. Council Member Wroge said he had never been told why a turn lane at the intersection would not work or fit. He was told that in a roundabout there is only a need to look left, which may be true in a single lane roundabout, but is misleading in a double-lane roundabout. City Manager Devich stated that tonight he wants to make sure the City Council has their questions answered. He said he has a strict obligation that the City Council know all the information. Mayor Goettel stated two-lane roundabouts are dangerous to pedestrians and bicyclists. Tony Heppleman, WSB, explained why some roundabouts cost more at some locations. Work with the 66th Street/Portland Avenue roundabout includes sidewalk reconstruction, storm sewers, right-of-way acquisition costs, landscaping and lighting. Council Member Kilian added that burying utilities is also an additional cost. Special Council Meeting Minutes -4- July 18, 2007 Mr. Heppleman said WSB did the Monticello roundabout and explained the construction costs. Council Member Wroge stated Mr. Heppleman never told anyone that WSB did that roundabout and that he had prior knowledge. Mr. Heppleman stated there is a lot of information on roundabouts and WSB tried to provide all that was relevant to making a decision. Mayor Goettel stated, to her, the pedestrian safety issue is the crux of the problem; not the ability to drive a roundabout or the Transportation Commission's work. She expressed sympathy that there have been accidents at this intersection. Mayor Goettel discussed data she collected from various sources and expert studies that state two-lane roundabouts are not pedestrian friendly. Mayor Goettel stated the pedestrian traffic issues, including those needing auditory/visual cues, have never been addressed and if it had been, she would feel more comfortable. Council Member Kilian said the Mayor and Council Member Wroge have stated they'd never support the 66th Street/Portland Avenue roundabout and it was easy to find negative information for the roundabout. He stated he could find just as many accolades for the roundabout. Council Member Kilian discussed what he has seen at the 66th Street/Richfield Parkway roundabout, including bicyclists and pedestrians crossing safely. He said the Richfield pool creates increased pedestrian traffic only a few months out of the year but the Cedar Point development is a pedestrian traffic creator. There is time to review the 66th Street/Richfield Parkway roundabout and ifthere are issues and modifications needed to be made, they need to be considered objectively not feelings. Council Member Kilian said the City Council received the pros and cons for intersection design to come to a decision; including safety, cost, and keeping viable businesses. Council Member Sandahl stated she was hearing from other City Council Members that a possible short-term resolution for the roundabout includes more time to assess, probable tweaking if there are no major changes and, if funding is lost, nothing can be done. Council Member Sandahl suggested traffic and pedestrian counts at the 66th Street/Portland Avenue intersection. Council Member Wroge stated he did not want to lose funding but that each City Council Member is entitled to their opinion. He reiterated that he voted in support of the 66th Street/Richfield Parkway roundabout but against the 66th Street/Portland Avenue roundabout. One way o'r another, the 66th Street/Portland Avenue intersection needs to be addressed because doing nothing is not an option. Better information is needed because statistics can be used in many ways. Council Member Wroge said that the feedback received from the open houses held for the roundabout was that a vast majority said no. The City Council represents the community. Mayor Goettel stated the funding cannot be lost. She requested the traffic and pedestrian counts be comprehensive with more than one day of statistics. She said the City Council needs to Special Council Meeting Minutes -5- J/uly 18, 2007 look at the other avenues of options and she needed to be provided with the same information as the previous City Council. Council Member Kilian said sometimes the City Council needs to be leaders.. Council Member Rosenberg stated she reserves the right to change her mind. She said she did not want to lose the funding and expressed surprise at the possible financial flexibility. Council Member Rosenberg continued the 66th Street/Richfield Parkway roundabout is not conclusive because it's not completely operational. She asked about the safety features for pedestrians. Public Works Director Eastling explained the firm September 30 deadline for the federal funds but that the plan could be adjusted after that. He discussed the crosswalk on 66th Street to the pool, including a push button to indicate pedestrians are prepared to cross. A crosswalk justification report to identify reasons is required by Hennepin County. Public Works Director Eastling asked how the City Council would like to proceed with digesting the safety information. Council Member Kilian discussed the pedestrian safety features at 66th Street/Richfield Parkway, including lighting markings, and safety zone. He suggested a strong public safety plan of action to enforce and monitor the yielding of traffic. Council Member Rosenberg suggested there be a massive marketing and education campaign. Mayor Goettel discussed a study on gaps in traffic during rush hour for disabled persons and bicycle paths. Council Member Sandahl discussed the Transportation Commission recommendation determining that the roundabout is safer than the alternative designs, costs less, takes less land, provides a higher level of service and slows traffic. Council Member Wroge discussed the Burnsville roundabout which has cutouts before the crosswalk for bicycles to exit. He suggested that type of cutout be considered. Council Member Wroge said he hears that a national model is used for all roundabouts and he hoped it wasn't flawed. City Manager Devich stated that if the City Council decides tonight to move forward with the current plan, there are other condemnation matters to be considered. City Attorney Dean explained there needs to be a way to protect and not lose the federal funds for construction and appropriately work with Hennepin County for funding of the acquisition. Federal officials may ultimately agree with a traditional intersection, but funds have already been expended for acquisition. Hennepin County's decision regarding reimbursement needs to be determined. Mayor Goettel said staff should pursue the Hennepin County reimbursement if the intersection changes. Council Member Wroge asked about the federal funding for the 77th Street tunnel which was used elsewhere. Special Council Meeting Minutes -6- July 18, 2007 Public Works Director Eastling stated those funds were earmarked based upon an application. The roundabout funding is a competitive bid with other cities. Council Member Wroge asked if the total cost of the intersection has increased. Transportation Engineer Foley said no. City Attorney Dean stated the funding issues need to be comfortably covered so any property to be conveyed would not be needed for another roadway design. Mr. Heppleman said a single, left turn lane would require additional right-of-way. Dual left turn lanes would also need more right-of-way and may take some land used for replacement with the roundabout design. Council Member Wroge questioned the need for double turn left lanes. Mr. Heppleman stated a double turn lane is not required, a single left turn lane was an acceptable level of service and slightly better than the current design. Property could be conveyed for a single turn lane but additional property for the intersection may be needed. Council Member Sandahl suggested postponing a vote on the 66th Street/Portland Avenue intersection until the Hennepin County funding decision is determined. City Attorney Dean stated there may be an expectation of conveyance by the property owners of sooner rather than later, and they will need to consent to a delay. Council Member Wroge suggested there be options provided to resolve the possible issue of cut-through traffic in the neighborhoods due to the roundabout. Mayor Goettel requested the City Council be provided with the alternative options. She added the safety perspectives be not just on roundabouts. Council Member Wroge suggested safety information be provided by who built the intersection at 1) 66th StreetlPenn Avenue or 2) 66th StreetlLyndale Avenue or 3) 66th StreetlNicollet Avenue. Council Member Sandahl suggested the safety data considered by the Transportation Committee be provided. Council Member Kilian requested accurate data so if the intersection is changed, it is based on that information. Council Member Wroge suggested the professor at Kansas State University, who he previously spoke with, be considered. Council Member Rosenberg expressed appreciation for tonight's discussion and that the City Council is open to reviewing other alternatives. The best interests of the community need to be considered and it would be remiss to not listen to the residents. She also expressed appreciation for the Transportation Commission's efforts. M/Sandahl, S/Kilian to direct the followino: . staff 00 forward with the current plan for the 66th Street/Portland Avenue intersection to meet the September 30. 2007 deadline for federal fundino; . staff and attorney work with Hennepin County to determine fundino; Special Council Meeting Minutes -7- July 18, 2007 . provide more information reqardinq pedestrian and bicycle safety; . schedule a Worksession to review alternative intersection desiqns; . provide the pedestrian and bicycle safety measures; . conduct on multiple days, multiple times. traffic and pedestrian counts at 66th Street/Portland Avenue and 66th Street/Richfield Parkway intersections on all four corners and the pool crossinq on 66th Street and . provide a plan to address possible neiqhborhood cut-throuqh traffic. Council MemberWroge asked about the Hennepin County funding being now guaranteed. City Manager Devich stated it is guaranteed with the proviso. Motion carried 5-0. I ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 8: 15 p.m. Date Approved: August 14, 2007 ~,~~. Cheryl Krumholz Recording Secretary