City Council Meeting Date: April 2, 2019
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Tim Behrendt, Streets and Parks Manager
Dave Bennett, Public Works Director
Title
Discussion of the Pedestrian, Bike and Trail System Update Recommendations Submitted by Toole Design.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council Discusses the Pedestrian, Bike and Trail System Update Recommendations submitted by Toole Design.
Summary Report:
In March 2018, the City released its Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Pedestrian, Bike and Trail System Update. The RFP laid out a detailed scope of work that included reviewing and proposing recommended revisions to current plans and policies to create a safe and connected system for recreation and transportation within the City of Northfield. The update included evaluating trails, sidewalks, and on-street facilities for walking and biking including:
1. Identifying system gaps
2. Establishing a route for the Mill Towns State Trail within the City
3. Updating and extending the Safe Routes to School plan to include Northfield High School and Arcadia Charter School
4. Planning a network of walking and bicycling facilities
The goal of this update is to plan, build and maintain a network of safe and connected trails and street facilities for people of all ages.
Attachment 1 lists the changes that were made to the final report.
Attachment 2 is the final report for the Pedestrian, Bike and Trail System Update. The final report can also be viewed at the following link: <https://www.ci.northfield.mn.us/1202/2018-Pedestrian-Bike-Trail-System>
The Park and Recreation Advisory Board recommended approval at the March 21 meeting.
The Planning Commission had a couple recommended changes, which follows:
1. Street chart - PC would like allowable minimum lane widths of 10’. in all categories. Changed the minimum widths to be 10’ for ‘Parkway” and ‘Avenue’. Toole Design does not recommend going narrower than 12’ drive lanes on the ‘Road’ street type.
2. Street chart - PC would like a 6’ minimum bike lane width. All street types with on-street bikeways have a minimum bikeway width of 6’.
Staff is recommending one last discussion opportunity prior to considering these for approval. We would like the City Council to give direction on any proposed changes heading into the April 16 meeting as we do not intend to bring our consultant back at that time unless necessary. It would also give any time to consider any final analysis prior to the meeting.
Alternative Options:
None at this time
Financial Impacts:
None at this time
Tentative Timelines:
April 2 - Discussion and receive any specific amendments requested by City Council.
April 16 - Final approval
Summer 2019 - start design of the Mill Towns State Trail.