HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017/01/17 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Sessionr1I$t. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES
MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
JANUARY 17, 2017
The meeting convened at 6:00 p.m
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spann, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Gregg Lindberg,
Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Susan Sanger.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Director of Engineering (Ms. Heiser), Sr.
Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Sullivan), Project Engineer (Mr. Wiesen), and Recording
Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
Guest: None
1. 2017 Pavement Management and Connect the Park Construction Project Update
Ms. Heiser and Mr. Wiesen provided an overview and recommendations for the project. Staff
sought council direction regarding the installation of the sidewalk segments noted in the report
and whether staff should pursue narrowing of certain street segments. The Engineering
Department has been working on the design of the 2017 Pavement Management Project and a
number of sidewalk segments adjacent to the streets being rehabilitated in the Sorenson and
Birchwood Neighborhoods.
Mr. Wiesen noted that annually the pavement management project rehabilitates several miles of
local residential streets. This year the streets to be rehabilitated are located in Pavement
Management Area 4. Street rehabilitation work consists of removing and replacing existing
bituminous pavement and replacing portions of concrete curb and gutter, as needed. Other work
includes sewer repairs and water main replacement. This year there is one sidewalk segment in
the Connect the Park plan located in Pavement Management Area 4. Additionally, there are a
number of sidewalk gap segments under consideration.
Mr. Wiesen noted this report provides an overview of the proposed pavement rehabilitation,
water main replacement and sidewalk construction for 2017. The council will be asked to
approve the project at the February 6 Council Meeting. At that time, cost estimates will be
provided.
Mr. Wiesen explained that construction will take place from May through November. Water
quality and removing pollutants from stormwater will be addressed within the project scope.
Stormwater management tools will include tree trenches, pervious pavement, and SAFL baffles.
Mr. Wiesen presented information on proposed street widths for certain street segments and the
benefits of reducing impervious pavement.
Mr. Wiesen presented the recommendation criteria which was considered in the evaluation
process. They include traffic volumes; existing sidewalk percentage vs. proposed sidewalk
percentage; street widths; connectivity to sidewalk network and destinations; impacts (trees,
retaining walls); and cost.
Councilmember Sanger noted segment #37 Utica Avenue, west side, 27th to 28th Streets, and
stated it needs to be reconstructed as it is not up to the city's construction standards. She noted it
is an unimproved road, with only a partial segment. She added she has been told by residents the
Special Study Session Minutes -2- January 17, 2017
existing sidewalk segment should be removed and no sidewalk should be included there.
Councilmember Sanger pointed out this is a dead end. She added there is no opportunity at this
segment, as well as no pedestrians or traffic on that block, so it would be a waste of money to put
a sidewalk there.
Councilmember Mavity pointed out that segment 437 may be part of what the city is hoping is a
designated trail connector to the larger system.
Mr. Sullivan stated there is a proposed trail connection that comes down the west side, connects
to 27`h Street and down Webster to 28`h Street. He pointed out this has been discussed with
residents, but there has been no formal evaluation yet.
Councilmember Mavity asked how bikers can get to the West End from this location. Ms. Heiser
said staff is currently working on a bridge connection over the tracks at this location. In the next
5 years, this will be a connection to the West End, and Utica Trail will be included in the report
to council on February 6.
Councilmember Mavity added that this feels like a disconnect, and it also feels dangerous for
bikers to cross the street facing traffic.
Councilmember Sanger noted the segment being discussed is a one block segment that connects
to nothing.
Councilmember Brausen agreed with Councilmember Mavity and is in favor of having a
sidewalk there.
Councilmember Hallfrn added he does not think a sidewalk should be there; however, he does
agree to a trail connection there. He stated that makes sense, especially with no traffic there.
Councilmember Mavity agreed with Councilmember Hallfin, adding a bike trail is needed there,
but not a sidewalk.
Mr. Harmening pointed out this could be added in the future.
The council agreed to remove all of the sidewalk in this location.
Councilmember Sanger referenced segment #6, Webster Avenue, east side, stating she agrees
there is a need for a sidewalk there as it goes up to Webster Park. However, she pointed out this
should be a community sidewalk and not a neighborhood sidewalk, noting a community
sidewalk is the type that connects to parks and transit stops and should be close to the street. She
added that for the person who lives in the house that has no buffer yard, it makes it hard for
residents to keep it clean when plows go by. She stated the main reason to have a sidewalk there
is because of the park and transit.
Councilmember Sanger also pointed out segment #15, Zarthan Avenue, east side, Lake Street to
Minnetonka Boulevard. She stated this is narrower than any other streets in this area, and
questioned the need for a sidewalk there. She added there is an existing sidewalk, and since the
street is so narrow, there is no need for additional sidewalk. Mr. Wiesen stated there would not
be as many impacts to trees, and with existing sidewalks there, staff thought that as a safety
measure, a gap should be recommended.
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Ms. Heiser stated this portion is unique because Zarthan Avenue is narrow, and cars park on one
side. She added there is 561 feet of sidewalk here and only one tree impacted to complete the
connection. Ms. Heiser stated it is a low -impact street, with only 223 vehicles per day, and
moderate cost. Staff made the recommendation based on this information.
Councilmember Lindberg stated he agrees with staff here, adding the sidewalk makes sense in
order to fill these gaps.
Ms. Heiser reiterated that staff is talking to neighbors first before removing any segments, and
will present these recommendations at the February public hearing, as well.
Councilmember Mavity stated she absolutely supports building a sidewalk on the east side and
wants this to be a: walkable, safe community.
Councilmember Sanger stated if it is the will of the council to build a sidewalk here, then it
should be a community sidewalk.
Councilmember Sanger noted segments #19 and #20, Alabama East and West, Lake Street to
Minnetonka Boulevard. She pointed out that there are some sidewalks there now, and she
supports adding more, as it connects both school and bus stops and also goes by Keystone Park.
Councilmember Sanger noted again this would also fit the definition of a community sidewalk,
and it needs to be treated as such.
v -- Councilmember Sanger also referenced the Barry Street sidewalk project that was discussed at
the last Study Session. She asked on which side of the street the sidewalk will be located. Ms.
Heiser stated staff is still working on this, and it will be brought to council at the February 6
meeting. She added staff will provide a matrix of this project and make recommendations that
will include costs and impacts to vegetation and properties in the area.
Councilmember Brausen discussed segment 44, the south side of Hamilton Avenue between
Alabama and Zarthan Avenues. He stated if there will be sidewalks on the west side of Zarthan,
it makes sense to have a stretch on the south side of Hamilton Avenue as it seems to be a
connectivity issue for walking around the block, even if there is no traffic there.
Mr. Wiesen added there are low traffic volumes there. Ms. Heiser added there is a proposed
sidewalk on the frontage road, so that was the thought process in this instance.
Councilmernber Brausen also asked about the sidewalks at segments 416 and #17, on Alabama
Avenue, on the west side. Mr. Wiesen stated staff is not recommending sidewalks here due to
low traffic volumes and to impacts to three trees on one property. He added that on Alabama on
the west side, due to traffic volumes, staff recommends only one sidewalk, as there are impacts
to trees there, also.
The council determined that after this discussion, they would leave all 37 segments on the report
as recommended by staff and address them further at the council meeting and public hearing on
February 6.
Councilmember Sanger asked about pervious pavers and if they are recommended for use, noting
that they were not very successful in Minneapolis and had to be removed. Ms. Heiser stated they
are proposed for a parking bay, but staff will provide more information on their durability.
Special Study Session Minutes -4- January 17, 2017
Councilmember Lindberg noted the pavers had been used successfully for boat lanes at Three
Rivers Park, adding they have held up very well.
Councilmember Lindberg asked if there will be more parking bays for the bikeway. Mr.
Sullivan stated there were 12, and now there will be 18 stalls. He added staff will calculate how
many trees were removed and what was replaced and will provide that information for council at
the February meeting,.
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Melissa Kennedy, City Clerk J Sp tayor