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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 11-10 CCM Work Session MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 10, 2014 CITY HALL—COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center City Council/Economic Development Authority (EDA) met in Work Session called to order by Mayor/President Tim Willson at 7:52 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor/President Tim Willson and Councilmembers/Commissioners Kris Lawrence-Anderson, Lin Myszkowski, and Dan Ryan. Councilmember/Commissioner Carol Kleven was absent and excused. Also present were City Manager Curt Boganey, Public Works Director/City Engineer Steve Lillehaug, Director of Business and Development Gary Eitel, Assistant City Manager/Director of Building & Community Standards Vickie Schleuning, City Attorney Troy Gilchrist, and Mary Mullen, TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 63rd AVENUE STREET AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS— COMPLETE STREETS UPDATE (Continued from Study Session) Mayor/President Willson stated there was discussion about the concept of 63`d Avenue as a "gateway" thoroughfare, welcoming visitors and residents to Brooklyn Center, widening the boulevard, and keeping trees that would otherwise be lost if the roadway itself is widened. Mr. Lillehaug stated that is a design option that was used on Dupont Avenue North, and could be discussed further for 63`d Avenue. Mr. Lillehaug stated the north side of 63rd Avenue is proposed for the trail, as the north curb line can be adjusted without requiring storm sewer modification. He added Brooklyn Park has indicated they would prefer a trail on the south side, but the north side provides access to more destinations, and pedestrians would encounter fewer intersections. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence-Anderson stated she has lived in this area for 27 years, and she believes that bike lanes on the street are a safety hazard. She added she supports the idea of bump outs, as well as a stop sign at the 63`d Avenue/Noble Avenue intersection. She noted she would not support increasing the speed limit. Mr. Lillehaug stated a survey was sent to neighborhood residents, and 28 responses were received from 100 residents surveyed. He reviewed the survey results, which can be an indicator of public opinion with regard to City projects. He added he hoped to gauge the City Council's position with regard to preferred traffic calming measures. Mr. Lillehaug stated City staff hopes 11/10/14 -1- to create a gateway corridor with slower speeds, traffic calming,and increased safety, which are strategic priorities for the City. Councilmember/Commissioner Myszkowski expressed her belief that this improvement project is an opportunity to develop 63`d Avenue into an important community roadway. She added she can envision residents riding their bikes to the light rail station on County Road 81. She noted she supports improved accessibility and promoting the use of bicycles in the community. She expressed her support of traffic calming measures. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence-Anderson stated boulevard landscaping could be used as a traffic calming measure, as well as widening the boulevard, to make the area more of a gateway. Mr. Lillehaug stated the boulevard will be maintained at 5 feet, and streetscaping could be considered, including more boulevard trees. He added landscaping results in increased costs, and homeowners currently maintain the boulevard. Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan stated the City Council can help with educating residents and providing information about the project. He added he would support a sidewalk on both sides of 63`d Avenue. Mayor/President Willson stated he is leaning toward supporting a 10-foot wide trail along 63`d Avenue, which would be a great amenity in that neighborhood. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence-Anderson stressed the importance of creating a more accessible pedestrian and bike-friendly community. She added she hopes that families will use the new trail to walk to Odyssey Academy, due to increased safety. Mr. Boganey reviewed roadway concepts that might be considered as part of the project: curvilinear roadways; roundabouts; center islands; and parkways. Mr. Lillehaug agreed, stating all these concepts and others can be reviewed and presented to the City Council for comment and feedback. He thanked the City Council for their input, as well as their support for the efforts of City staff to successfully promote active living in Brooklyn Center. Mr. Boganey thanked Mr. Lillehaug for his hard work and efforts on this and many other projects, particularly where trails are planned on residential roadways, which can often be challenging. Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence-Anderson stated residents along 63`d Avenue will support the project if they understand the potential for a reduction in traffic speeds. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember/Commissioner Ryan moved and Councilmember/Commissioner Lawrence- Anderson seconded adjournment of the City Council/Economic Development Authority Work Session at 8:50 p.m.. Motion passed unanimously. 11/10/14 -2- STATE OF MINNESOTA) COUNTY OF HENNEPIN) ss. Certification of Minutes CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER) The undersigned, being the duly qualified and appointed City Clerk of the City of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, certifies: 1. That attached hereto is a full, true, and complete transcript of the minutes of a Work Session of the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center held on November 10, 2014. 2. That said meeting was held pursuant to due call and notice thereof and was duly held at Brooklyn Center City Hall. 3. That the City Council adopted said minutes at its November 24, 2014, Regular Session. City Clerk Mayor 11/10/14 -3-