City Council Meeting Date: August 4, 2020
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
Consider extension closing downtown streets for the benefit of pedestrian enhancements and physical distancing accommodation improvements in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council consider a motion to extend the existing closure of downtown streets for the benefit of pedestrian enhancements and physical distancing accommodation improvements in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 through November or earlier at staff discretion related to weather considerations.
Summary Report:
On June 9, 2020 the City Council approved closure of downtown streets for the benefit of pedestrian enhancements and physical distancing accommodation improvements in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 through August 7, 2020.
There has been significant use of the water street closure of the public for picnic tables and also use of pedestrian walk lanes across the bridge.
There has been observation of the bridge where some drivers have waited to allow one vehicle to pass at a time. There has been no safety issue with this but some may not feel comfortable passing at the current width.
Alternative Options:
A. Water Street Closure Extension Only - The Northfield City Council consider a motion to extend the existing closure of downtown streets of Water Street but not the bridge for the benefit of pedestrian enhancements and physical distancing accommodation improvements in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 through November or earlier at staff discretion related to weather considerations.
Financial Impacts:
The costs are being prepared. See recommended purchase option prices on next agenda item.
Tentative Timelines:
Staff is proposing to extend the closure through mid-November, consistent with our parking restriction time periods.