02-26 Work Session (2)
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special City Council Work Session
February 26, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Regan Gonzalez at 6:02 p.m. in the Bartholomew
Room.
Council Members Maria Regan Gonzalez, Mayor; Edwina Garcia; Mary Supple; Simon
Present: Trautmann; and Ben Whalen.
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Kristin Asher, Public Works Director; Jeff
Pearson, City Engineer; and Jared Voto, Executive Aide/Analyst.
Item #1 HISTORY OF THE CONSTRUCTION AND PLANNING ALONG THE I-494
CORRIDOR
City Engineer Pearson presented on the history of construction along I-494 from 1947 through
1990s, traffic volumes during that time, environmental impact statement of I-494 between I-394 and
the Minnesota River. He also presented information on studies of the corridor completed between
2000 and 2014, as well as language in Richfield comprehensive plans during that time. Lastly, he
discussed the current study that includes funding to introduce MnPASS lanes to I-494 and construct a
ramp for Phase 1 Interchange for northbound I-35W to westbound I-494.
Council Member Supple asked for an update on the business impact study.
City Manager Rodriguez and Community Development Director Stark responded that MnDOT
would be paying for the study and working with the City on the scope of service for the study. The City
has sought proposals from consultants and after reviewing the proposals they will be brought back to
the City Council for approval.
HRA Commissioner Sue Sandahl asked about the access from Lyndale Ave north to I-35W.
City Engineer Pearson responded that it is maintained.
Council Member Whalen asked about the impacts on businesses if Portland Ave becomes a
two-way access point.
City Engineer Pearson responded there would be a significant impact and multiple purchases
of property. He also discussed reduced impacts at 12th Ave and Nicollet Ave, which would provide for
opportunities.
Community Development Director Stark added that the change at Portland Ave could make it
a better environment for businesses and the economic analysis could show that.
Council Member Whalen asked if Portland Ave would be able to handle the additional traffic.
Special Work Session Minutes -2- February 26, 2019
City Engineer Pearson responded the initial analysis and modeling shows the growth of traffic
is minimal north of 77th Street and the additional traffic would be directed onto 77th Street, which is
grossly under capacity.
Public Works Director Asher clarified it would require a reconstruction of the intersection at
Portland Ave and 77th Street, to handle more cars.
Council Member Trautmann commented that the addition of the health and prosperity of the
Richfield community should be an explicit goal for Richfield for this project.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez asked to clarify the I-35W Solutions Alliance and 494 Corridor
Commission related to this item.
City Engineer Pearson responded and detailed the make-up of each organization and the
purposes they serve for each corridor, including advocating for regional projects.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez asked about the timeline for the project.
City Engineer Pearson responded he would follow-up with the most recent timeline as MnDOT
has been adjusting it due to the reaction from municipalities.
Public Works Director Asher commented that the municipal consent be split with access
consolidation and right-of-way impacts from the increased capacity along the corridor.
Council Member Trautmann asked if splitting municipal consent puts Richfield at a strategic
disadvantage.
City Engineer Pearson responded he understands the question and will keep it in mind as they
continue to meet with MnDOT.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez asked about this project as it relates to the 77th Street Underpass
project.
City Engineer Pearson responded that it relates to the history of the I-494 project and the
potential isolation of the southeast corner of Richfield and discussed the connection.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez asked about the drainage systems that are necessary and a proposal
is to take up prime real estate in Richfield along the corridor.
City Engineer Pearson responded that staff is working to have other options and not have
holding ponds, which would take up this space.
Transportation Commission Chair Wes Dunser asked about the Penn Ave exit that you would
no longer be able to get to I-35W or Penn Ave with the current proposal and offered a proposal.
City Engineer Pearson discussed the phases and full build-out with the weave and said his
proposal could be brought up to MnDOT.
ADJOURNMENT
The work session was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:57 p.m.
Special Work Session Minutes -3- February 26, 2019
Date Approved: March 12, 2019
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Maria Regan Gonzalez
Mayor
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J ed Vot Katie Rodriguez
Executive Aide/Analyst City Manager