09-26-1983 Study Session
CITY OF RICHFIELD
STUDY SESSION
September 26, 1983
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Mayor John Hamilton.
Present: Councilmembers Bunce, Kirsch, Ludeman, Priebe and Mayor Hamilton
Absent: Hassenstab
66th/Penn Avenue Proposed Intersection
66th/Sheridan to Xerxes Avenue
Acting City Manager Thomas Morgan introduced the item, indicating that city
staff and Hennepin County staff were prepared to review the current status of the
proposed improvements and receive direction from the city council.
City .Engineer Michael Eastling reviewed the history of the 66th/Penn Avenue
~,I
project and said the project has recently been designated for Federal Aid Urban
funding and is scheduled for construction in 1985. FAU funds would pay for 75
percent of eligible costs. The city .and Hennepin County would likely use state-
aid money for their share of the project costs.
It-was indicated that because the project would be built in 1985, the
opportunity had arisen to consider improvements along 66th Street west to Xerxes
Avenue to occur at the same time. This would result in disruption to the area
during just one construction season.
Dennis Hansen, Hennepin County Traffic Engineer, reviewed preliminary plans
for this latter project with the council, noting the accident history in the area
and the design for improved safety. Medians and turn lanes would be installed
along 66th Street and north-south traffic on Xerxes Avenue would be rerouted
at the median on 66th Street.
Hansen said approximately 20 feet of additional right-of-way would be
required on the north side of 66th Street in the westerly part of the project
area. There appears to be sufficient right-of-way in the easterly section,
City Council Study Session -2- September 26, 1983
however. Most new construction.would occur on the north side of 66th, Hansen
said. During construction, restricted traffic flow and access to all properties
would be maintained, according to Hansen.
Councilmembers discussed the preliminary plans indicating their approval
of the design concept.
Mr. Hansen said this project is also likely to be approved for FAU funding
during 1985, thereby reducing the direct cost to the city and county.
Council discussed sidewalks along 66th Street and their replacement during
the project, requesting that the sidewalks be widened so that the concrete would
meet the curb. This would improve the appearance of the area and maintenance
activities.
Councilmember Kirsch asked about plans for street lighting along 66th Street.
This was discussed by the council and staff was asked to include street lighting
along 66th Street in future plans.
Council also discussed the approval process. Engineer Eastlin~ said property
owners would be notified of the project plans and status, and Hansen said Hennepin
County would be required to hold at least one public hearing for the project.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
Date Approved: October 10, 1983
Ronald Rankin Acting City Clerk'~~;
1
Bohn Hapt~llton Mayor
Thomas~A. Morgan, A ing City Manager