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Minutes 10-01-08RICHFIELD TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 1, 2008 7:00 p.m. | Richfield City Hall | Council Chambers Commission members in attendance: Martin Kirsch (Chair); Peter Easterlund (Vice-Chair); Bob Elliott; Bob Shotwell; Gary Ness; Steve Lindgren; Gerald Charnitz; Pat Sorensen; Sara Nutter; and, Jay Hermann. Others in attendance: Huang Ton; Tim Carter of Richfield Bloomington Honda; Mike Elliott of LaMettry’s; and, Diane Lovich of Postnet. City Staff: Tom Foley. Excused absences: Council Member Sue Sandahl; and, Maureen Scaglia. CALL TO ORDER M. Kirsch called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Agenda was approved in a motion moved by B. Elliott; and seconded by S. Lindgren. Motion carried. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES Motion to approve September 3, 2008 meeting minutes was made by S. Lindgren, seconded by B. Shotwell. Motion carried. LYNDALE AVENUE BRIDGE T. Foley provided sketches showing certain aesthetic features of the Lyndale Bridge. S. Lindgren said it was not what he had in mind. He wanted to see the project’s impact on individual properties. He also said that the schedule of ramp closures was a surprise. There will be three weeks where both the 76th Street Bridge and the Lyndale Bridge will not be accessible for businesses. The Commission demanded a detour map that could be given to businesses to assist customers in finding the businesses during each stage that ramps are closed. Commissioners wanted assurance that adequate signage on I-494 will show motorists how to gain access to local businesses. One suggestion was to note that the 76th Street Bridge will reopen in three weeks. Finally, the Commission wanted to voice its displeasure with WSB for failing to disclose the surprise in the schedule. Directive: Staff will prepare a detour map of the Lyndale Bridge Project and post it on the City’s website. 76TH STREET BRIDGE T. Foley reported that the 76th Street Bridge should reopen on October 28th. Commissioners asked that the staff report on the effect of upcoming sanitary sewer construction on 76th Street, notably will sewer construction close 76th Street at any time in the next three years? Directive: Staff will obtain an estimate of the construction schedule and its impact on the 76th Street just east of 35W. OLIVER AVENUE BIKE STREET T. Foley explained that public comments received had been sent to all those who commented on the proposal or attended the August 14, 2008 public meeting. Directive: Staff will proceed with the proposed paved trail along the south side of Highway 62 but table any action on the Oliver Avenue Bike Street proposal until the Richfield Arterials Study is completed. EDINA’S BIKE TASK FORCE T. Foley gave a brief history of the formation of the Edina Bike Task Force. Directive: Staff will invite the Chair from the Edina Bike Task Force to attend the January 2009 Commission meeting to discuss the possibility of forming a Task Force in Richfield. COST TO BUILD A 6-FOOT SIDEWALK City staff estimated that a 6-foot wide sidewalk would cost from $18 to $20 per linear foot. In addition, at each corner a handicapped ramp costing $500 each would have to be installed. This would add $1,000 to each city block for a sidewalk. In the past residents were assessed on the side of the street receiving the sidewalk. 72ND STREET & 11TH AVENUE STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS City staff will send a letter to residents informing them that the City will only build bump outs at the corners of intersections to reduce speeds. No other traffic calming measures will be considered based on resident comments and concerns for maintenance costs. 70TH STREET AND 12TH AVENUE TRAFFIC SIGNAL T. Foley reported that the signal at 70th Street and 12th Avenue has a traffic signal controller that can not be replaced due to its outmoded technology. City staff will propose replacing it with four-way stop signs. SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL UPDATE SRF Consulting Group has begun to evaluate the walking and biking routes to all public and private elementary schools in Richfield. The Commission will receive progress reports as the study progresses. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Topics for upcoming meetings include the Safe Routes To School Study and the Richfield Arterials Study. OTHER BUSINESS None. ADJOURNMENT B. Kritzman motioned to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by B. Shotwell. Motion carried. Meeting was adjourned at 8:17 PM. THE NEXT TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 5TH AT 7:00 P.M. AT THE RICHFIELD CITY HALL.