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Minutes 11-07-07Richfield Transportation Commission Wednesday, November 3, 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; Barbara Kritzman; Sara Nutter; Pat Sorensen; Jay Hermann; Maureen Scaglia; and, Martin Kirsch (Vice-Chair); and, Council Member Sue Sandahl. Others in attendance: Mayor Debbie Goettel; William Svoboda; Larry Wozniczka; James, Kelly and Katie Townsend; and, City Staff: Tom Foley; and Kristin Asher. B. Elliott called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Agenda was amended to delete Roundabout Communications, and add Appointment to 66th St. and Penn Avenue Task Force. Agenda as amended was approved in a motion moved by S. Lindgren; and seconded by B. Kritzman. Motion passed unanimously. Motion to approve October 3, 2007 meeting minutes was made by M. Kirsch, seconded by B. Kritzman. Motion passed unanimously. Proposed Resident Parking Permit Program Jimmy and Kelly Townsend, 7608 Aldrich Ave., spoke against the proposed resident only parking permit program. They did not think there was a parking problem. They have received two parking tickets since the new No Parking Monday thru Friday 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. signs were installed. They opposed fees for the parking permits. Parking problems may be limited to the north end of the block. They could live with a more limited time of 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. instead of the proposed 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. restriction. One family has a problem with parking. Some businesses are unwilling to cooperate. Restaurants cause the parking problem over the lunchtime. Commission members suggested other options: make Aldrich one-way southbound; no fee for the parking permits; if parking is limited, excluded holidays; have a cooling off period until next May; and, consider a sunset date of six months for any trial period. Regardless of resolution language, in order to proceed with permit parking there must be 60% support from the affected property owners. Motion by J. Hermann to revise the proposed resolution in the agenda packet to restrict parking Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. S. Nutter seconds the motion. During discussion R. Shotwell motioned to amend the J. Hermann motion to limit the parking restriction from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., second by M. Scaglia - motion failed on a 5 to 5 vote. Motion by S. Lindgren, second by B. Kritzman to amend the J. Hermann motion to remove from the proposed resolution the sentence in parentheses in item 4 stating that the Council may choose to waive any and all fees. Motion passed. Further discussion led to a motion by S. Lindgren, second by M. Kirsch to table discussion of the Aldrich Parking Permit Program to obtain additional information and observations. Motion passed. The Chair was directed to write a letter to the residents explaining what has happened to date. Motion by M. Kirsch, second by B. Kritzman to offer a mediator to resolve the issue among the neighbors. Motion passed unanimously. Staff was asked to check on a time limit for tabling a discussion. Comprehensive Plan Review T. Foley asked the Commissioners to provide comments on the first draft of the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan. He prepared a list of issues that residents can use to have input on the Comprehensive Plan without having to read the entire document. G. Ness suggested the north end of the Hub Shopping Center as a good park and ride facility. A citywide public meeting on the entire Comprehensive Plan will be held on November 15th. 76th Street Bridge Only 14 people attended Mn/DOT’s public information meeting on the proposed new 76th Street Bridge over I-35W. Two or three written comments were received. T. Foley distributed a staging plan for the project. Concern was expressed about the lack of funds possibly delaying the project. Lyndale Avenue Bridge T. Foley reported that to reduce construction costs the design has eliminated adding two left turn lanes on 77th St. at Lyndale Avenue. Also, the Federal Highway Administration wants access to Lyndale Avenue eliminated from the Hampton Inn. City staff will try to resolve this issue. Future Agenda Items The Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan and the 75th and 76th Street Cross Sections will be on next month’s agenda. Upcoming Meetings Two workshops will be held on November 14th and November 28th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Richfield City Hall on the design of 75th and 76th Streets. An Open House on the City’s draft Comprehensive Plan will be held on November 15th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The next Transportation Commission meeting will be held on December 5th at 7:00 p.m. at the Richfield City Hall. Other Business J. Hermann agreed to serve on the 66th St. and Penn Avenue Task Force to study possible redevelopment plans. T. Foley reminded Commissioners B. Kritzman, J. Heinen and S. Nutter that they need to reapply for appointment to the Commission by December 14, 2007. Commission was informed of the City applying for a Safe Routes to School grant. They encouraged staff to have the Health Advisory Commission submit a letter of support. Adjournment Motion to adjourn by S. Lindgren, second by G. Ness and passed. Meeting was adjourned at 9:04 p.m.