Minutes 01-11-06Richfield Transportation Commission
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
7:00 p.m.
Richfield City Hall, Council Chambers
DRAFT Minutes
Commission members in attendance: Steve Lindgren (Chair), Barbara Kritzman (Vice-Chair); Council Member Suzanne Sandahl; Council Member Bill Kilian; Bob Elliott; Mike Titzer; Maureen
Scaglia; Sarah Nutter; and Gary Ness.
Others in attendance: Larry Wozniczka; MnDOT Staff: Scott Bradley; and City Staff: Tom Foley.
S. Lindgren called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
Motion to approve amended agenda made by B. Elliott, seconded by B. Kritzman. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion to approve minutes of November 2, 2005 meetings made by B. Kritzman, seconded by B. Elliott. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Shotwell had an excused absence for tonight’s meeting.
Context Sensitive Design Presentation
Scott Bradley of MnDOT was invited to speak on Context Sensitive Design. S. Sandahl had heard his presentation at an I-494 Corridor Commission and asked that the Transportation commission
hear it, too. Mr. Bradley stressed that transportation designers have learned to be flexible in the use of design standards, recognizing that each project is unique. This thinking has
evolved since the 1960’s when new environmental laws were introduced. Mr. Bradley showed examples of good design that respected the project’s surroundings (the context) from around
Minnesota. Questions and discussion followed the slide show.
Lyndale Avenue Bridge
T. Foley reported that MnDOT and the Federal Highway Administration had met to review the new layout proposed by the City of Richfield. The new layout is Option 6 and provides access
to and from the south on I-35W at Lyndale Avenue. City staff is awaiting written comments from both MnDOT and FHWA. So far, verbal comments have been fairly supportive. If the written
comments were favorable, the City would like to hold a public open house in February.
Wheelchairs and Non-Traditional Vehicles
T. Foley submitted a memo on the treatment of motorized wheelchairs and similar vehicles on public roadways and access to private property. City staff will include this topic in an update
to the Comprehensive Plan and include access to private property as part of a checklist of staff review topics for the review of private developments.
Updates
S. Sandahl reported that the City Council passed a resolution in support of a state constitutional amendment that will be on the ballot in November 2006 to use 100% of motor vehicle
sales tax revenues for transportation purposes.
T. Foley explained that a new bicycle advocacy group had formed, Two Wheels To Town. They have invited the Mayor of Munster, Germany to visit Minneapolis in April to promote bike usage.
Richfield and surrounding suburbs are being asked to improve bike facilities. T. Foley reported that it appears that Richfield will receive a federal grant to add a pedestrian bike
bridge as part of a new bridge over I-35W at 76th Street. The project will be let in November 2008 for 2009 construction.
Future Agenda Items
At the next Commission meeting the following items will be considered:
Welcome new members to the Transportation Commission
Attendance at a Council work session on Feb. 14th at 5:00 p.m. to discuss the City’s Stop Sign Policy. Note: The Commission asked T. Foley to summarize the issue of stop signs for the
work session.
Possible open house on new layout for Lyndale Avenue Bridge over I-494.
Possible open house on final layout for 66th St. and Portland Avenue intersection.
Note: Commission members asked for guidance from the City Council on what role the Council wanted the Commission to have, if any, on the final layout for 66th St. & Portland Ave. intersection
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn by G. Ness, seconded by B. Kritzman and passed. Meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m.