2014-01-08 TC MinutesATTACHMENT #2
Richfield Transportation Commission
Meeting Minutes
January 8, 2014
7:00 p.m. | Richfield Municipal Center | Bartholomew Room
Commission members in attendance: Martin Kirsch (Chair), Gary Ness, Tim Carter,
Ghislaine Ball, Ken Severson, Patrick Sorensen, Terry Ahlstrom, Sara Nutter
Liaisons: Sean Hayford Oleary, Bob Shotwell
City Staff: Jeff Pearson, Kristin Asher, Liz Finnegan, Mike Eastling
Others: Jack Broz, Bob Hall, Teresa Kruse, Maury Hooper
I. Call meeting to Order
M. Kirsch called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
II. Approval of Agenda
Motion made by Carter to approve the agenda, s/Sorenson. Motion carried.
III. Approval of November 6, 2013 Meeting Minutes
Motion made by Sorenson to approve the minutes, s/Carter. Motion carried.
IV. Approval of December 4, 2013 Meeting Minutes
Motion made by Sorenson to approve the minutes, s/Carter. Motion carried.
V. North Lyndale Ave Corridor Ped/Bike Improvement Plan
Pearson recapped the open house efforts and the proposed project in general.
Parking on-street
Reject any parking near Wendy’s (No parking in area)
Discussion – Carter – landscaping to be maintained via a maintenance district
passed unanimously.
Motion made by Ball to accept full Lyndale Ave improvements with crossing
including left turn lane southbound to eastbound at 64th and bump out at parking,
s/Sorenson. Motion carried (unanimously).
VI. Portland Avenue & 66th Street Reconstruction Projects
Pearson provided a Lyndale Avenue (Minneapolis) comparison to Portland
Jack Broz provided an overview of the upcoming open house topics
Maury provided an overview of concepts developed so far, cycle track option
coming.
Oleary stated that bikes are abandoned between 60th and 66th and encouraged a
plan to be included to accommodate them in this area.
VII. Sidewalk Expansion Discussion
Pearson reviewed the comments received to date.
Motion made by Ball to continue with direction to Council to see if they want to
pursue public input on sidewalk program, s/Nutter. Motion failed 4-3
(Ahlstrom, Ness, Severson, Kirsch dissenting).
Discussion:
o Oleary felt that the comments received showed that a conversation should
be had with the community on this issue.
o Members thought a sidewalk gap plan could be helpful to address specific
issues
o Shotwell stated that if a meaningful petition were submitted the
Commission should consider opening it up for discussion.
ATTACHMENT #2
o Ms. Kruse stated there would have to be permits for boulevard features,
liability; shoveling; trees, grades, costs
o Ball stated that she didn’t necessarily support city-wide sidewalks but that
as a member of a commission thought they should be discussed further.
o Ness stated he was concerned about City resources being wasted on this
effort
o Severson felt the City shouldn’t initiate such a divisive topic.
o Note: Carter was absent for vote due to having to leave the meeting
early.
VIII. 77th Street Renaming Discussion
Discussion included:
Charles W. Lindberg – WWII Vet who was a resident of Richfield
Has to be renamed the whole way (into Edina), not just border to border, all or
nothing.
IX. Updates
Richfield Bike Advocates
X. Upcoming Events/Meetings
Portland Ave/East 66th Street Reconstruction Open House
Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 4-7 pm Richfield Municipal Center
Next scheduled Commission meeting February 5, 2014
XI. Recognition of Service
Sara Nutter – Member since 2005
Pat Sorenson – Member since 2006
XII. Adjournment
Motion made by Sorenson to adjourn meeting, s/Nutter. Motion carried. Adjourned at
9:19 pm.