06-14-16 Worksession CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
• Richfield, Minnesota
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one„r�;,,,�n,e«W„ Special City Council Worksession
June 14, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Goettel at 6:15 p.m. in the Bartholomew Room.
Council Members Debbie Goettel, Mayor; Michael Howard; Edwina Garcia; Pat Elliott; and
Present: Tom Fitzhenry.
Staff Present: Kristin Asher, Acting City Manager/Public Works Director; Jeff Pearson, City
Engineer; Jack Broz, Transportation Engineer; and Theresa Schyma, Deputy
City Clerk.
Item #1 DISCUSSION REGARDING NORTHWEST RICHFIELD BICYCLE ROUTES
(COUNCIL MEMO NO. 42)
Transportation Engineer Broz discussed Northwest Richfield Bicycle Routes including existing
and proposed routes, pavement markings and signs, trail construction, and the public input received
at the May 24 Open House.
Council Member Howard stated that there was discussion at the Transportation Commission
Meeting about crossing options at Girard Avenue.
Transportation Engineer Broz responded that it is a County road and Hennepin County does
have safety concerns with having a crossing that close to a traffic signal. However, staff will work with
the County to see if there are other options.
Transportation Engineer Broz discussed project funding. He stated Public Works staff will
perform the work for signs and pavement markings while contractors will perform the work for trail
construction.
Mayor Goettel stated she is supportive of this plan and wants the project to move forward.
Public Works Director Asher stated that the implementation of the Bicycle Master Plan will be
on the next City Council agenda.
Item #2 DISCUSSION REGARDING 70TH STREET BICYCLE ROUTES (COUNCIL MEMO
NO. 42)
Transportation Engineer Broz discussed 70th Street Bicycle Routes including corridor
connections, pavement markings and signs, 'No Parking' restrictions, projected timeline and project
financing. He stated that the Three Rivers Park District is leading this project to add over two miles of
planned bicycle route on 70th Street between Lyndale and Cedar Avenues.
Josh Bowe, Civil Engineer at Three Rivers Park District, stated that Three Rivers Park District
will host an open house for public input in July.
Transportation Engineer Broz stated that there is strong value with what this corridor will
contribute to the community, especially youth, with providing safer bicycle connections to parks,
schools, bus routes, the community center and library.
Special Worksession Minutes -2- June 14, 2016
Transportation Engineer Broz stated that due to the narrowness of 70th Street, certain areas
will need to have 'No Parking' restrictions on both sides of the street. In one area, this proposed
parking restriction would impact four homes that currently only have driveway access on 70th Street.
Transportation Engineer Broz stated that staff needs direction from the City Council to move
forward including reaching out to the four homeowners whose driveway access would be impacted.
Council Member Howard stated that the Transportation Commission had a positive response
to the proposed bicycle route.
The City Council consensus was to support the 70th Street Bicycle Route since providing safer
bicycle connections along school routes is worth pursuing and for staff to contact the owners of the
four homes whose driveway access would be impacted to get their input.
Council Member Garcia stated that she has received comments from senior citizens that they
are concerned about adding bike lanes to the street as it takes a while to get used to when driving.
Council Member Fitzhenry stated that with more bicycle access on 70th Street the City may
need to look into options for more bicycle parking and locking facilities along the route.
ADJOURNMENT
The worksession was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:43 p.m.
Date Approved: June 28, 2016
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liebbie Goettel
Mayor A
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Th: sa Schyma t Kr . ' -r
De: ty City Clerk Acting City Manager/Public Works Director