2014-07-22_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Member Felice expressed her preference that the Roselawn station be installed now; opining that the statistics may prove unfair, especially when the current facilities were among the worst bus stops, especially during the winter months given their lack of maintenance. While recognizing the need to consider ridership as part of their decision-making, Member Felice noted that currently riders were often forced to stand on Snelling Avenue, and therefore they may be using alternative loading areas or other means of transportation; and opined that the station would be used much more if the amenities were improved. Member Felice asked that staff carefully monitor the situation. Mr. Culver agreed that there may be a latent demand for people wanting to use it, but the facilities were not available for them to do so; and opined that it was difficult to measure that with modeling and projections. Mr. Culver noted that Councilmember McGehee suggested improvements that would provide some protection for riders from wind and elements at Roselawn if a station was not going to happen. Chair Stenlund suggested, if a future station was intended for installation, that Metro Transit install utility infrastructure now versus ripping up Snelling Avenue again in the future, which he thought would significantly impact any future stations even if ridership and/or funding improved. Mr. Culver suggested a discussion by City staff with the Met Council for a bid alternate that would include a Roselawn station; allowing that to be taken advantage of and preparation of the site now, short of another alternative. As part of their construction process, Mr. Schwartz noted the possibility of Metro Transit installing fiber along Snelling Avenue. Further discussion ensued about BRT stops, frequency and timing issues; how BRT buses operate without a fare box allowing them to stop at every stop along the route; and transit-oriented development along the Snelling Avenue corridor that is currently guided for land use. Mr. Culver reported that staff would be receiving and scoring proposals later this week for a consultant for the I-35W Interchange at Cleveland Avenue, with federal grant funding assisting with those improvements; and anticipated award by the City Council on a design consultant at their August 11, 2014 meeting with 2015 construction planned. As a follow-up to last month's PWETC discussion on bicycles on sidewalks and whether they are prohibited, Mr. Culver provided a bench handout, attached hereto and made a part hereof, of Minnesota State Statutes 169.222, Subd. 4(d), defining a "Business District" and Roseville City Code, Chapter 1001.10 Definitions of "sidewalks." Also, in his quick search of codes in the Cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, Shoreview, St. Louis Park, and several other metro Page 3 of 15