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10-23-07 Worksession-2 ~ CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Richfield, Minnesota Special Worksession October 23, 2007 I CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Mayor Goettel at 8:45 p.m. I ROLL CALL Members Present: Debbie Goettel, Mayor; Sue Sandahl; Bill Kilian; Fred Wroge; and Susan Rosenberg. Staff Present: Steven Devich, City Manager; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director; Jim Topitzhofer, Recreation Services Director; Barry Fritz, Acting Public Safety Director; Kristin Asher, Assistant City Engineer; and Cheryl Krumholz, Recording Secretary. Item#1 CONTINUATION OF DISCUSSION REGARDING SURFACE WATER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Public Works Director Eastling discussed the Surface Water Comprehensive Plan capital projects, including prioritizing and fund balance. Larry Wozniczka, 6744 Wentworth Avenue, discussed the flooding at the intersection of 68th Street and Wentworth Avenue. Public Works Director Eastling explained the pond and swale at Academy of Holy Angels. Mr. Wozniczka expressed concern regarding stormwater utility funds used to help finance developments, i.e. Best Buy, the bank at 66th Street and Lyndale Avenue and the Cedar Corridor. He said funds are also provided for educational purposes at Wood Lake Nature Center. Public Works Director Eastling explained that these developments financed their own stormwater needs. The holding pond at Cedar Point is maintained by the City. Public Works Director Eastling stated a detailed cost analysis is needed for the storm water fund balance. Staff is looking for the City Council's authority to move forward with a feasibility study and alternative options. The Community Services Commission's choice was to keep homes versus creating a pond. Council Member Wroge said homeowners need to discuss alternatives. Special Worksession Minutes -2- October 23, 2007 The City Council consensus was to move forward with prioritizing of capital storm water projects. Item #21 DISCUSSION REGARDING ROUNDABOUT EDUCATION/COMMUNICATION (COUNCIL MEMO'NO. 197) Assistant City Engineer Asher stated the discussion tonight is regarding possible education and communication efforts that may assist in public compliance, and acceptance of the roundabouts. The purpose of the Worksession is to determine the action steps to take and the timing to complete any action steps. Also present was a representative from the consulting firm Richardson, Richter & Associates who submitted a quote to assist with education efforts. Council Member Sandahl asked about Public Saf~ty's experience with the roundabout at Richfield Parkway and 66th Street. Acting Public Safety Director Fritz stated that, on the whole, Public Safety is pleased with the current roundabout. The biggest issue appears to be vehicle yielding. Police have not been in a citation mode but rather an education mode. There were no calls to dispatch regarding the roundabout during the grand opening of SuperTarget or Home Depot. Acting Public Safety Director Fritz suggested the yield sign be further outside the roundabout and possibly have flashers on top. Council Member Kilian said the biggest problem appears to be with non-Richfield residents. He added the Police presence has been good. Council Member Wroge said education could be done locally with no expense for a consultant. City Manager Devich suggested regional Channel 6 could provide a wider distribution of information. He said he would make the appropriate contacts. Council Member Rosenberg stated driving the roundabout was not the complaint but rather pedestrian, bicycle and disabled persons safety. She suggested the Transportation Commission could provide "hands on" assistance. She added crossing guards for the pool could be considered. Council Member Kilian suggested giving handouts to drivers entering the roundabout during the morning and afternoon rush hours. Acting Public Safety Director Fritz stated he agreed with a targeted education program but expressed concern regarding stopping traffic where it's not supposed to in the roundabout. Council Member Wroge suggested an empty squad car be parked there because a Police presence appears to make a difference. He said handouts would not be effective. The roundabout would work itself out as people learn how to drive it. Council Member Kilian suggested a handout at the Target and Home Depot entrances. Mayor Goettel suggested Hennepin County could be part of the education efforts. Council Member Wroge expressed concern with the lack of crosswalk markings in front of Target and Home Depot. Public Works Director Eastling said the area is not a public street or a public crosswalk. There is no manual on uniform traffic control in parking lots. Special Worksession Minutes -3- October 23, 2007 Acting Public Safety Director Fritz stated the area was private property and the police have little authority. The City Council consensus was to have staff meet with Target and Home Depot regarding crosswalk issues, not hire a consultant for additional educational efforts and have staff discuss roundabout education efforts with Hennepin County. I ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 9:50 p.m. &~ cher01t;" olz Recording Secretary Date Approved: ---;tv1.J . 137;)()t) 7