2025-05-14 TC MinutesMINUTES
RICHFIELD TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING
BARTHOLOMEW ROOM, CITY HALL
Wednesday, May 14th, 2025, 7:00 PM
Commissioners in attendance: Adam Knosalla, Louis Dzierzak, Brinnon Kubista, David
Gepner
Commissioners absent: McKenzie Burke, Eli Straub, Stella Yang, Jaz Warren
City Staff: Matt Hardegger, Jake Whipple, Olivia Wycklendt
Liaisons: Tim Brackett (Richfield Public Schools), Jan Matheus (Bike/Walk Richfield)
Attachment
1. Call meeting to order
Meeting was called to order at 7:02 PM. The chair informed the Commission that a
quorum was not present and tonight’s meeting would only entail agenda items that
do not require a vote.
2. Review & approve agenda
No action
3. Review & approve minutes for March 5th meeting
No action
4. Nicollet Avenue Status Update
Presenter: Olivia Wycklendt, Project Engineer
Project Engineer Wycklendt updated the commission on project items of Nicollet
Avenue Reconstruction, discussing the current status of the design and upcoming
schedule items.
Commissioners discussed ongoing conversations between staff and residents – largely
occurring at the County level, confirmed that the current design is still following the
approved preliminary design, discussed duration and construction staging in 2026 and
2027, confirmed that 77th Street will be open during construction, and discussed the
need for outreach in advance of construction in 2026.
5. I-494 Project 2 Status Update
Presenter: Matt Hardegger, Transportation Engineer
Transportation Engineer Hardegger provided an update on Project 2 of the I-494
vision, currently planned for construction in 2027, including history of the project
development, current construction, planned work in Richfield in Project 2, and
upcoming milestones toward municipal consent.
Commissioners discussed challenges with the design build process, possible uses of
the vacant site on 78th Street at the Underpass, increases in traffic during
construction, and staging of the ongoing project.
6. 2025 Construction Season Overview
Presenter: Matt Hardegger, Transportation Engineer
Staff presented on the city’s 2025 construction work plan, including the 70th Street
SRTS project, 73rd Street SRTS Project, pavement rejuvenation, cracksealing,
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projects by other agencies in Richfield (MnDOT, Metro Transit, Three Rivers Park
District), and gave an overview of what is occurring with fiberoptic expansion.
Commissioners discussed impacts from the projects, liquidated damage contract
clauses, how cracksealing and pavement rejuvenation work together, and impacts
from fiber installation and restoration.
7. Federal Funding – What We Know and Don’t Know
Presenter: Matt Hardegger, Transportation Engineer
Hardegger updated the commission about federally funded projects. 73rd Street is the
only Federally funded city project, and the city was told to move forward by MNDOT
federal aid.
Commissioners discussed federal funding with respect to I-494 Project 2, which is still
unknown but staff did not think was likely to be affected.
8. Project Updates
Richfield Public Schools – Tim Brackett shared appreciation about getting funding
from SRTS. Over $3 million secured from SRTS in Richfield overall.
Bike/Walk Richfield - Jan Matheus updated the commission that RPS has certified
bicycle instructors.
9. Other Business
a) “Mobile meeting” date – Currently planned for August
Commissioners discussed potential to start the meeting earlier in August, to be
decided at a future meeting.
10. Upcoming events/meeting(s)
a) Wed, June 4th, 7:00pm: Transportation Commission Meeting
b) Wed, June 11th, 4:30-7:00pm (City Hall): State of the Community
o Need volunteers for the Transportation Commission table
o Staff will provide informational materials and engagement materials
11. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 8:44pm.