HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018/01/16 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionIffSt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES
MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
JANUARY 16, 2018
The meeting convened at 8:06 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Rachel Harris, Anne
Mavity, Thom Miller, and Margaret Rog.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Sr.
Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Sullivan), Project Engineer (Mr. Wiesen), Transportation
Engineer (Mr. Manibog), Fire Chief (Mr. Koering), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
Guest: Justin Grays, Noelle Racette, Traffic Consultant Mike Spack
1. 2018 Pavement Management Project Update
Ms. Heiser, along with Mr. Wiesen, Mr. Manibog and Mr. Sullivan, presented the design of the 2018
Pavement Management Project.
Mr. Wiesen noted that this annual project rehabilitates several miles of local residential streets.
Streets to be rehabilitated this year are in Pavement Area 6, in the Elmwood, Brooklawns, and
Brookside Neighborhoods. He added that this work consists of removing and replacing existing
bituminous pavement and replacing portions of concrete curb and gutter as needed. Additional work
includes sewer repairs and water main replacement. Mr. Wiesen also noted that staff has identified
gaps in the sidewalks, and several are under consideration as part of the project. The infill of gap
sidewalk segments is the direction of council and was feedback from the visioning process in the
community in order to increase resident's active transportation and pedestrian safety in
neighborhoods.
Mr. Harmening stated that this project is included in the City's 20t8 Capital Improvement Plan and
will be paid for using franchise fees, utility funds and General Obligation Bonds. A construction cost
estimate will be provided at the February 5 public hearing.
Mr. Manibog stated that staff conducted a listening meeting with neighbors in February regarding
traffic and access in the neighborhood. Using this feedback, staff conducted a traffic study to
evaluate the concerns brought up at the meeting. Data was collected in March to understand existing
conditions related to vehicle volumes and speeds. From this information, a temporary traffic control
plan was developed in an effort to address concerns regarding access, vehicle volumes and speeds.
The temporary traffic control plan was implemented in August, and data was collected two
additional times to measure changes in vehicle volumes and speeds. This information was used to
develop the traffic control modifications. All intersections were analyzed for additional stop signs,
and none are recommended at this time.
Councilmember Miller left the meeting at 8:23 p.m.
Mr. Manibog stated that traffic control recommendations are: two traffic circles, with yield sign
control; pavement closing behind Aldersgate Church; an all -way stop at Oxford and Zarthan; and
three curb extensions. Mr. Manibog also noted that parking modifications are recommended at 3011
Special Study Session Minutes -2- January 16, 2018
Street and Brunswick, near the Nordic Ware and Johnny Pops buildings. In addition the crosswalk at
the west leg of 36th Street and Alabama would be marked and signed.
Councilmember Mavity asked if the street would be narrowed for the crosswalk, and Ms. Heiser
confirmed this.
Mr. Manibog also noted that the two -ton per axel weight limit signage will be removed because it no
longer applies. He stated that these streets can now handle this weight, which includes school buses,
landscaping vehicles, garbage trucks, UPS and Fed Ex trucks. Mr. Manibog stated that the next
neighborhood open house related to the project will be held January 17, and the public hearing is set
for February 5, 2018.
Councilmember Mavity thanked staff for their hard work on this project, noting it is the most
extensive methodical research that has been done. She added that she has spoken to many people in
the neighborhood, adding that the process has been very transparent, with much input from
neighbors. Councihnember Mavity stated that neighbors have asked for a living streets program, and
with help from the Environment and Sustainability Commission, this is being presented. She added
that some residents perceive that narrow streets are more dangerous, adding it would be beneficial
for the city to show data and evidence to residents related to safety that comes when streets are
narrowed. Councilmember Mavity added that she has concerns about cars sliding through
intersections (e.g., at Zarthan Avenue) and would like staff to address this with neighbors, as well.
She also asked that staff look at the sidewalks at Dakota, Goodrich and Colorado Avenues, adding
that she wants to be sure improvements on these streets make sense. Councihnember Mavity stated
she appreciated staff's creativity in finding ways to save trees in this area, noting the beautiful
canopies on these streets. She added that she approves of the crosswalk and sidewalk at Nordic Ware
but has questions on the parking restrictions there since there are often weekend events at the Depot.
Mayor Spano noted, however, that if truck delivery to Nordic Ware is the reason for the parking
restrictions, this will not be a concern on weekends.
Ms. Heiser noted that residents' concerns are that cars parked on the curve near Johnny Pops can be
dangerous. She stated that the proposed parking restrictions will formalize the self -restricted parking
there now and satisfy residents' and business -owners' concerns.
Councilmember Brausen stated he approves of the plan.
Councilmember Rog asked how many of the sidewalks in the city are city maintained or resident
maintained. Ms. Heiser stated that about half of the sidewalks in the city are resident maintained.
Councilmember Rog stated that residents have had concerns that narrowing the streets make them
look uneven in relation to homes and yards. She also asked why sidewalks will be 5 feet wide
instead of 4 feet wide. Ms. Heiser stated that at least 5 feet is needed for two people to comfortably
pass on the° sidewalk. Additionally, snow removal equipment is 5 feet wide, and also ADA
requirements call for at Ieast 5 feet. She added that in order to save a tree, the sidewalks have been
narrowed for a short distance.
Councilmember Harris stated that she appreciates the emphasis on living streets and is happy to see
it come to fruition, especially after spending time on the Environment and Sustainability
Commission. She added that she appreciated staff's very thorough work on details, including cost
per linear foot.
Special Study Session Minutes -3- January 16, 2018
Mayor Spano stated that the Brunswick and Brookview intersection can become slippery, and the
temporary traffic circle with stop signs was confusing. He stated that unless this was going to be
marketed in a different way, it may be prone to accidents. Ms. Heiser said that staff agrees with the
Mayor on this point. Mayor Spano also stated concern about the sight lines at Brookview and
Alabama, asking if parking could be restricted at that intersection. Mr. Manibog stated that staff will
look at this as a part of our Traffic Committee agenda and make recommendations separate from the
Pavement Management Project.
Mayor Spano asked if staff knows how many trees were lost where the sidewalk has been cut around
them. Ms. Heiser stated she was not aware of any. Mayor Spano asked if the city is doing anything
to help these trees survive. Mr. Sullivan stated that ahead of construction, they are injected with
nutrients to enhance root growth. He added that neighbors are also encouraged to water trees as
much as possible.
Councilmember Mavity asked if there are more porous materials that can be used, to allow for more
infiltration for trees. Ms. Heiser stated that the sidewalks are concrete, but a compost mix is used for
boulevards for better infiltration and root growth. Additionally, equipment is never stored on
boulevards.
Councilmember Hallfin stated that he agreed with the recommendations for Oxford and asked Chief
Koering for his feedback relating to the fire station. Chief Koering stated that he sees future traffic
concerns related to access, particularly when light rail is open in that area. He stated that he also
supports the plan for Oxford and believes it will be safer.
4 . Mr. Harmening noted that Mr. Pires will present at a future study session regarding the status of
fiber conduit installation. Doing it now would save money. He stated that work on the project will be
done May through November, 2018.
Mr. Harmening also pointed out that it will be important for residents to sign up for city project
information updates, in order to keep well-informed.
The meeting adjourned at 9:41 p.m.
Melissa Kennedy, City C erk