2015-09-22_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Discussion included the process for water main bursting; questioning by Member Wozniak of what project was creating the digging up of approximately twelve front residential lawns along County Road B-2 east between Dale and Western Streets, with staff offering to follow-up since it wasn't perceived by staff as a city project and thought by staff to be an Xcel Energy project as part of their replacement of gas distribution line services; and observation by Member Thumau of the lack of curb & gutter on Victoria Street between the pathway and street on the segment closest to Larpenteur Avenue, and concern with the longevity of grass growing in this area given the amount of runoff coming down the hill. Mr. Culver responded specifically to the design of this segment and options considered balancing the existing rural section and desire of residents to retain that as well as keeping overall costs down for this type of design rather than the higher cost for installing storm sewer infrastructure. Mr. Culver advised that in designing the segment, aminimum boulevard width adjacentto the path had been challenging, noting that vegetation health varies from one area to another. Mr. Culver stated that he could not guarantee there would not be issues with that vegetation in the future, and it had been seeded versus sodded to enhance that longevity and with all factors considered determined to be the best option. 5. Snelling Avenue (A Line) Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project Update Mr. Culver advised that Metro Transit staff were unable to attend tonight's meeting; and therefore had provided City staff with an update on the Snelling Avenue BRT proj ect. As part of the presentation, Mr. Culver reviewed construction phasing with service anticipated by next spring; future provision by Metro Transit or periodic ridership and data to the City of Roseville for dissemination to the PWETC and City Council by staff, comparisons with other BRT and LRT lines currently in operation taking the place of express commuter routes. As this is the first urban environment, Mr. Culver noted it would be interesting to see how this compares with traditional bus service along Snelling Avenue and with the LRT, since this is anticipated to be a more cost-effective option. Discussion among Commissioners and staff during the presentation included location of the Snelling Avenue BRT station at County Road B and its proximity of northbound and southbound stops with Har Mar Mall and crossing at those signals; continuation of regular bus service along Snelling Avenue (Route 84) and routing of connecting bus routes outside the '/z mile radius for regular bus riders to access the BRT; availability of and general policy for bike racks on the buses to facilitate bike commuters on the route; and how Metro Transit intended to monitor and enforce fares on the BRT routes. Mr. Culver noted that Metro Transit had their own police force and typically randomly surveyed riders to ensure compliance with fare payment; with discussion ensuing on how fare compliance could be improved to avoid additional expense to Page 2 of 13