01-14 Work Session
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
City Council Work Session
January 14, 2020
CALL TO ORDER
The work session was called to order by Mayor Maria Regan Gonzalez at 5:45 p.m. in the
Bartholomew Room.
Council Members Maria Regan Gonzalez, Mayor; Edwina Garcia; Simon
Present: Trautmann; and Ben Whalen.
Council Members Mary Supple
Absent:
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Kristin Asher, Public Works Director; Jack
Broz, Transportation Engineer; Neil Ruhland, Communication and
Engagement Manager; and Kelly Wynn, Senior Office Assistant.
Others Present: April Crockett, MnDOT Metro District, West Area Manager
Item #1 PRESENTATION OF I-494 PLANNING AND VISION HISTORY
City Manager Rodriguez gave an overview of the meeting and what will be discussed.
Director Asher explained that it will be a discussion of the vision.
Transportation Engineer Broz described vision versus project and the overall timeline
containing 494 between 169 and the MSP Airport. He then gave a history beginning in 1987 of the I-
494 corridor.
Director Asher added information regarding the 2014 vision of the interchange at 35W and I-
494.
Transportation Engineer Broz presented the 2014 vision layout along Penn Avenue and how it
will be affected by the changes. He also spoke of utilizing the “Box Plan” to redirect traffic. Director
Asher explained Penn and Lyndale are in the vision because of where their ramps touch down on I-
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494. Transportation Engineer Broz then laid out the 2014 vision along Lyndale and 82 Street.
Director Asher described that the main goal is to eliminate weaving and merging to reduce
vehicle accidents that is caused when ramps are placed too close together.
Council Work Session -2- January 14, 2020
Transportation Engineer Broz spoke on the current vision information evaluation process
including Phase 2 which involves I-494 mainline alternative and need for access reconfiguration.
Council Member Trautmann questioned how the Box Plan fits into the project and how traffic
flow will be impacted. April Crockett stated they have information regarding the traffic and would be
more than happy to share at another time.
Transportation Engineer Broz reviewed the 35W and I-494 interchange area alternatives. He
then spoke of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) agreed with the full vision of that area.
Transportation Engineer Broz read through the remaining timeline for Phase 2 and provided a
progress update.
Council Member Whalen requested clarification that there is a need regarding the Portland
Ave changes and how it will impact businesses. Director Asher confirmed that would be a project
detail.
Council Member Whalen asked about pedestrian access during and after construction over I-
494. Transportation Engineer Broz stated the number one goal is to have freeway working but not
ignoring the pedestrian access. It is an important aspect of the project. A vision and funding need to
be put into place before more concrete plans are formed.
Council Member Trautmann questioned how Best Buy Corporate employees will be affected
when not being able to easily access 35W south. Mayor Regan Gonzalez also asked how Best Buy
Corporate has been involved.
Transportation Engineer Broz explained that Best Buy Corporate has been involved in
conversations. The main goal is make the freeway work more efficiently.
Council Member Whalen requested clarification that in order to make the freeway work more
efficiently is to attempt to remove vehicles, employees from Best Buy Corporate, from the freeway.
Transportation Engineer Broz confirmed that those vehicles would then travel along the Box.
Transportation Engineer Broz described how the reliever roadways are used instead of I-494.
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The improvements on I-494, including a MnPass lane, will take traffic off of 77 Street and American
Boulevard.
Council Member Whalen would like to know how much traffic on the reliever routes is through-
traffic that will be moved onto the freeway. Transportation Engineer Broz confirmed research has
been done on how the freeway will be impacted. Council Member Whalen then wanted to know if
there is a ballpark of how much traffic that will be. Transportation Engineer Broz stated they do not
have that information yet but it will be included in the next steps.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez questioned what decision points will be coming to the Policy Advisory
Committee (PAC) in the upcoming February meeting. April Crockett explained there are three areas,
reconfiguration, main line, interchange, incorporated into the vision.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez wanted to know how the TAC and the PAC connect with each other
so conversations or decisions aren’t being missed by either group. Director Asher explained PAC
meetings are surrounded on what was discussed at TAC meetings and what decisions need to be
made. April Crockett also touched on each city affected by the I-494 project has a TAC and PAC and
will be necessary for Council to be kept up to date for when the funding comes through and the
project is able to begin.
Council Work Session -3- January 14,2020
Mayor Regan Gonzalez then asked if they will be requesting a vote from Council on the vision.
Director Asher stated that was not the intention and the PAC will be making decisions regarding the
vision.
City Manager Rodriguez requested the Council Members share all their feedback with staff so
it can be presented and discussed, as well as, decide if another work session is required.
Transportation Engineer Broz stated a Council action is not required for the MnDOT process
on the vision.
Director Asher asked Council for questions.
Council Member Whalen circled back to the area around Best Buy Headquarters that is still
being studied. April Crockett explained MnDOT should have a lot of information and she will be in
touch with the project team.
Council Member Trautmann thanked staff for supplying the maps with context and written
thoughts. They are exceedingly important in helping Council understand the vision and be comfortable
with the decisions being made.
Council Member Whalen confirmed he is ok with not having a more official vote and is
confident in the representatives involved in TAC and PAC.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez read comments supplied by Council Member Supple since she was
unable to attend the meeting:
1. Concerned with the 1-494 and 35W interchange and how many Best Buy Corporate
employees will be affected by the change.
2. Impact of extra travel time on and through the Box to be thoroughly studied.
3. Would like to know how the air quality in Richfield will be affected with more
vehicles sitting on city streets.
Council Member Supple will support the vision with the following provisions:
1. The Cedar Underpass is funded.
2. Underline residual issues on Crosstown are dealt with since it will be the primary
detour.
3. Local impacts are fully addressed and remediated.
City Manager Rodriguez summed up the meeting with a reminder the next PAC meeting is in
February.
ADJOURNMENT
The work session was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:40 p.m.
Date Approved: January 28, 2020
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Maria Regan Gonzal
Mayor
Council Work Session -4- January 14,2020
Kelly�U Katie Rodriguez
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Senior Office Assistant City Manager