City Council Meeting Date: September 1, 2020
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
Consider Resolution Amending Budget for Barriers Related to the addition of pedestrian lanes on the Fourth Street Bridge 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 approval of the attached resolution authorizing purchase of Pedestrian and Vehicle Safety Equipment for the addition of pedestrian lanes on the Fourth Street Bridge.
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 some usage of the walk lanes across the bridge, although no formal study was completed. At the August 4, 2020 Council Meeting, Councilor Delong shared observations from the City’s cameras downtown and observed some limited usage of the expanded walkways over the Bridge.
When the temporary pedestrian lanes were up, staff observed drivers approaching the bridge wait to allow one vehicle to pass at a time due to how narrow the driving lanes were. There has been no safety issue with this but some may not feel comfortable passing with nine foot drive lanes.
If Council elects to extend the closures, a few options for council consideration are discussed below. For the Water Street closure, water filled jersey barriers, concrete planters, or parking bumpers (mimic a curb line) are options.
Fourth Street Bridge Pedestrian Options
Option 1 - Jersey Barriers
Water Filled Traffic Jersey Barrier - 32" H x 72" L x 18" W
• 64 Barriers to close Water St., $14,700
• Staff recommends tan color
Option 2 - Parking Bumper with delineators - $7,000 for both sides of bridge
• Parking bumpers and delineators $4,000
Alternative Options:
The resolution is setup for the following alternative options.
Alternate 1 - Fourth Street Bridge (Both Sides) Plastic Barriers - $14,700
Alternate 2 - Fourth Street Bridge (One Side) Plastic Barriers - $7,350
Alternate 1 - Fourth Street Bridge (Both Sides) Parking Bumpers & Delineators - $7,000
Alternate 2 - Fourth Street Bridge (One Side) Parking Bumpers & Delineators - $3,500
Financial Impacts:
The costs are summarized above and the budget amendment will utilize the funds from the Capital Reserve Fund to the Streets General Fund Operation Budget. The City will explore CARES Funding received from the State as a possible use for these funds at a later date.
Tentative Timelines:
Staff is proposing to have the closure through mid-November, consistent with our parking restriction time periods.