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City of Northfield MN
File #: Res. 2016-069    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 6/27/2016 In control: City Council
On agenda: 7/5/2016 Final action: 7/5/2016
Title: Consideration to fund Arbor Street Crosswalk Improvements.
Attachments: 1. 1 - Resolution Crosswalk Improvement, 2. 2 - Middle School driveway letter, 3. 3 - Schroeer Recommendations, 4. 4 - Middle School Drive Improvement.pdf, 5. 5 - MNDOT Docs
City Council Meeting Date: July 5, 2016

To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator

From: David Bennett - Public Works Director/City Engineer

Title
Consideration to fund Arbor Street Crosswalk Improvements.

Body
Action Requested:
Staff recommends approval of the Resolution authorizing the Crosswalk Improvements at the intersection of Trunk Highway 246 and Arbor Street. Note this will require a super majority vote (5/7) for the fund balance transfer.

Summary Report:
On June 21, 2016 Council discussed the proposed crosswalk improvements on the south side of Arbor Street intersecting with TH 246. The crosswalk is a requirement for the installation of a school zone speed limit. Some concerns were raised related to the reinstallation of the sidewalk on the north side of the Middle School drive entrance. The School District Superintendent has provided a letter indicating that the installation of the sidewalk on the north side will be reinstalled with their driveway widening improvements (Attachment 2). Furthermore, staff has clarified his support to include the city's conditional approval of these items that are pending final authorization of the school board on July 11th and included this into the resolution.

As part of the TH 246 and Jefferson Parkway study, the Middle School driveway is operating at a level of "service D in the AM peak." A level service D environment tends to include higher prevalence of vehicle backups, frustration by drivers and more risky driving behavior. This is currently being reviewed as part of the study. Preliminary indications are a possible solution to establish lane markings on the driveway to improve operations in the short term. The preliminary findings will be shared at the July 12 council work session. Dependent on what happens at the intersection of TH 246 and Jefferson Parkway, the Middle School Driveway may additionally be a candidate for a roundabout to improve operations.

Staff received input from Will...

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