Minutes - Public Works Committee - 09/19/2017

Home

Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated there will be some overlap between the transportation plan and the trails plan. He added the trails system is part of the base plan for the non-motorized components of the transportation system. He noted other ideas can be explored if the direction is to study a Rum River vehicle crossing. rd Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated the 173 Avenue and Green Valley Road corridor in consider intersections and shoulders to create a cohesive corridor. He noted many roads that are rural in nature do not have a shoulder, and meetings with Anoka County Highway staff are aimed at addressing that issue. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated the Bunker Lake Boulevard and Armstrong Boulevard corridors are high priorities that are often raised by residents. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated the trails map identifies perceived gaps in the system and areas where improvements are needed, such as the Highway 10/railroad tracks pedestrian crossing, and in The COR. He added potential funding sources for these plans will be reviewed. He noted the Comprehensive Plan probably will not contain details related to funding sources, but individual plans will have more details. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated the partnership with the University of Minnesota will add value to certain components of the Comprehensive Plan process. He added these components include the transit plan requirement, which is fulfilled by the Northstar Commuter Rail. He noted long-term monitoring is proposed of a pilot study for a shuttle bus service in Fridley, that provides transportation to major employers near the Northstar Rail Station. Councilmember Kuzma stated Higmain focus, to increase safety and get it as secure as possible. He added this is an important component of the transportation plan, and trails are secondary. Councilmember Johns stated there would be a decrease in the number of vehicles on the roads if residents were using trails. She added the City must continue to expand the trails system. Public Works Superintendent Riemer agreed, and stressed the importance of addressing pedestrian and bike access within the community. He added, for instance, the Mississippi River Trail, which has become a great asset to the City of Ramsey, was at one time just a concept. Councilmember Shryock asked whether a history or record of what has been considered will be included in the Comprehensive Plan. She stressed the importance of not losing track over time of desired aspects and concerns that have been expressed, which could be an additional outcome in addition to what we are trying to achieve. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated the table document can be included in the Plan index. Public Works Committee / September 19, 2017 Page 7 of 11