2012-05-22_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chair Vanderwall solicited Past Chair DeBenedet for assistance in that joint meeting and reporting on past accomplishments in particular. 8. Complete Streets Policy Discussion Mr. Schwartz introduced this topic, and provided a copy of the Policy developed by Ms. Bloom in her work with and for the City of Falcon Heights under JPA provisions. Ms. Bloom reviewed the purpose of a Complete Streets Policy or a"Statement of Purposes," providing a commitment by the City to pursue green or sustainable initiatives for any project to adhere to the City's values, while allowing some flexibility based on individual projects, resident values, but applying some type of baseline or foundation. Member DeBenedet advised that his research had found invaluable information online at the website: mncompletestreets.org and their numerous links and resources. One item of note mentioned by Member DeBenedet was their"tool kit" and he encouraged individual members to review the website before the next meeting. From his perspective, Member DeBenedet opined that Roseville was already accomplishing many of these things, from his awareness of engineering projects designed over the last few years, and Pathway Master Plan development. However, Member DeBenedet expressed his personal frustration that the Pathway Master Plan that he had helped to develop almost thirty (30) years ago, remained incomplete. Member DeBenedet expressed his hope that the implementation of the Parks Master Plan process would serve as a catalyst to complete this effort; noting that this continued to be a high priority heard from Roseville residents, that they can safely move from one area to another in Roseville as a pedestrian or biker. Member DeBenedet expressed his interest in pursuing a similar Complete Streets Policy in Roseville similar to that of Falcon Heights with a few tweaks, opining that he was supportive of a policy that was even more aggressive. Member DeBenedet opined that a Policy could be available for recommendation to the City Council within a few months; and suggested that the PWETC provide an advocacy platform for testimony for such a Policy. Chair Vanderwall noted that the testimony needed to hear both sides of the issue from the public for providing guidelines for such a policy. Member Gjerdingen noted that the Cities of Bloomington and Woodbury had proposals, including street configurations done by segment for the Bloomington model. Mr. Schwartz cautioned the PWETC that those policies addressed new developments; but Roseville's situation was more challenging since it was already Page 17 of 19