Minutes 06-06-07Richfield Transportation Commission
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
7:00 p.m.
Richfield City Hall, Council Chambers
DRAFT Minutes
Commission members in attendance: Bob Elliott(Chair); Bob Shotwell; Gary Ness; Steve Lindgren; Council Member Sue Sandahl; Maureen Scaglia; Pat Sorensen; Jay Hermann; Martin Kirsch (Vice-Chair);
and, Sara Nutter. Others in attendance: Mayor Debbie Goettel; William Svoboda; Larry Wozniczka; Craig Vaughn of SRF Consulting; and, Bill James of Jpod; and, City Staff: Tom Foley;
Aaron Holmbeck; and, Kristin Asher.
Barbara Kritzman had an excused absence.
B. Elliott called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
Agenda was amended to allow Bill James of Jpod to speak at the end of the meeting and approved in a motion moved by S. Lindgren; and seconded by B. Shotwell. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion to approve May 2, 2007 meeting minutes was made by M. Kirsch, seconded by S. Lindgren. Motion passed unanimously.
Council Report on Lyndale Avenue 6300 Block & Landscaping near 66th Street and Richfield Parkway
T. Foley reported that Council approved the recommendation of the Commission on the design of 6300 Lyndale Avenue with discussion on the long-range plan for bicycles within the City.
Also, Council approved additional landscaping along 17th Avenue near homes and in two areas adjacent to the Dental Health Care Center. Council asked for additional information before
deciding on what to do about landscaping the berm on 18th Avenue.
Discussion followed on the procedure for handling dissenting votes on controversial motions passed by the Commission. Motion by S. Lindgren, seconded by S. Nutter to direct staff to
prepare a procedure for handling individual requests when someone disagrees. Motion passed.
Comprehensive Plan Update
Craig Vaughn of SRF Consulting explained the process used in generating traffic forecasts for use in the update to the City’s traffic element of the Comprehensive Plan. He answered questions
about his assumptions and methodology. The likelihood of 494 being rebuilt within the time horizon for the updated plan was a concern to the Commission.
Mid-Block Crosswalks
K. Asher asked the Commission to review mid-block crosswalks that don’t meet the City’s new policy. No action was expected at this meeting. She would ask them to provide guidance next
month. Commission members wondered if the crosswalks are being used. Motion by M. Kirsch, seconded by S. Lindgren to have City staff conduct pedestrian counts at the crosswalks under
consideration. S. Lindgren suggested adding language to the City crosswalk policy on recent legislative action requiring painted mid-block crosswalks.
Lyndale Avenue Bridge
T. Foley reported that the design consultant presented two options for the type of material to build the bridge: steel vs. concrete box girders. The cost of steel exceeded the cost of
concrete by $600,000 but a concrete bridge left 30,000 sq. ft. of excess surface that would need to be maintained. The cost difference would diminish if landscape planters were placed
on the concrete bridge. A steel bridge would be similar to the Penn Bridge, also a steel bridge. The consultant recommended the steel bridge unless the cities objected. Commission members
liked the steel bridge to carry out a consistent design for the 494 Corridor.
Roundabouts
K. Asher encouraged Commissioners to alert civic groups to view the educational video on operating a vehicle in a roundabout. City staff is available to speak to civic groups. Commissioners
suggested placing a roundabout flyer in the water bill that explains how people should drive in a roundabout. Staff plans to provide a walking tour for school children located close
to the roundabout.
Upcoming Meetings
T. Foley encouraged members to attend the public hearing on the Portland Ave. and 66th St. Roundabout on June 12 at the 7:00 p.m. Council meeting at the Richfield City Hall.
T. Foley corrected the date for the next Edina West 70th Street Study meeting. It now will occur on July 26 at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room A at the Southdale Shopping Center.
Due to the July 4th holiday, the next Transportation Commission meeting will be held on July 11th at 7:00 p.m. at the Richfield City Hall.
Personal Rapid Transit (PRT)
Bill James of Jpod spoke on the advantages of PRT to address our over reliance on oil. He wants permission to use public right of way for a demonstration project between Richfield and
Bloomington.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn by S. Lindgren, seconded by B. Shotwell and passed at 9:03 p.m..
Meeting was adjourned at 9:03 p.m.