03-10-2026 Special JDA Agenda Packet

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Chair Wicklund encouraged staff to further consider who would be submitting the TRC amendment request. Public Works Director Mazzitello indicated it was the County’s desire to have a collaborative application from the City, County and JDA. Commissioner Monson inquired why the plans were designed with 10-foot trails when the TRC calls for 12-foot trails. Public Works Director Mazzitello explained there were only two outliers and noted the County’s requirement was followed for this trail because the trail would be located on County right of way. Commissioner Monson explained the TRC was completed through coordination between the City and County. She cautioned the County from designing plans that meet County requirements and not the TRC requirements. The consensus of the JDA was to support a 10-foot trailway width within RCC. Chair Wicklund asked that the discussion now focus on the lighting requirements. Mr. Fosmo reviewed the TRC Amendment Item #2 which addressed street lighting spacing. He stated the 40-foot light spacing requirement was cost prohibitive. He noted typical spacing was 150 to 200 feet. He explained the typical lighting requirements from MNDOT were 210 to 240 feet. He discussed how lighting was spaced along Rice Creek Parkway and County Road E/Snelling Avenue noting the distance for lighting was 140 to 200 feet. Commissioner Weber inquired if a photometric survey or modeling was completed. He indicated he was concerned with the fact the lights would be 40 feet apart and recommended the spacing be larger. He reported he would like to see different distances modeled to see if there were any dark spots prior to moving forward with a TRC amendment for street lighting. Commissioner Miller asked what the County’s typical light spacing standards were. She inquired if the trail would be owned by the City or County. Public Works Director Mazzitello stated as a general rule the County does not light County roads but rather lights intersections. He explained the trail would be owned by the County because the trail would be located within County right of way but the City would be responsible for the trail maintenance. He clarified the City would be the owner and operator of the lights. Commissioner Miller inquired if the County would be receiving additional requests to have trails lit if the trail within RCC were lit by the County. Commissioner Weber indicated the County may not typically light its trails, but the TRC was agreed upon by the City and County and he would like to see the proposed design standards followed. He requested the photometric survey be created for the spine road with the lighting at 40 feet and other distances in order for the JDA to better understand the proposed changes.