PC Packet 08-21-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Transportation As previously mentioned, the Metropolitan Council updated their 2030 Regional Transportation Policy Plan in November of 2010. The City is required to amend our Comprehensive Plan to remain consistent with the regional plan. The specific information that is proposed to be included as an amendment was obtained from the Metropolitan Council in the form of a System Statement, which is attached. This System Statement outlines general goals of the regional transportation policy plan, and specifically how New Brighton is impacted. The language that was added, taken directly from the System Statement, is noted on page 1 of the Transportation chapter of the Comprehensive Plan, specifically under "Transportation Objectives". There are two main parts to these amendments: A) Metropolitan Highways and B) Transit Routes and Facilities. The proposed added language aims to reinforce the regional policies of a "managed lane system vision" and putting emphasis on transit routes and facilities, especially in regards to the I-35W N transitway and the typical bus services provided within this area. Staff also is proposing minor amendments related to the classification of the existing roadway system. It was noted in the current plan a couple of streets were listed incorrectly as either minor arterials or major collector, or not at all, or street names were titled incorrectly. The proposed amendments do not change any of the City's roadway classifications, rather the changes are aimed to correct errors in the current plan. Minor amendments were necessary to Figure 8-2 as well. Trails Recently, City staff has learned that three bridges within New Brighton are slated for improvement within the next five years or less. All three of these bridges are vital trail connections in the community. MnDOT is responsible for these bridges and has advised cities the types of trail preferences across these bridges should be specified in local Comprehensive Plans. Further, if the trails preferences are not noted within the Comprehensive Plan it is unlikely the City will be able to obtain desired crossings at the time the bridge is improved. This issue was discussed by the Parks, Recreational, and Environmental Committee (PREC) at their meeting on December 7, 2011. At that time, PREC made a motion to recommend the City Council request multi-use trails at these crossings. The City Council affirmed this recommendation at a work session on May 8, 2012. The proposed amendment discusses four bridge crossings, all of which are recommended for multi-use, consisting of a 5' sidewalk on one side of the bridge and a 10' trail on the other side of the bridge. Additionally, Figure 10-1 has been amended to reflect these future bridge projects. While the Metropolitan Council adopted a revised 2030 Regional Parks Policy Plan, there are no New Brighton impacts that necessitated an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. ' Appendix B Appendix B of the Comprehensive Plan consists of the Surface Water Management Plan prepared by Barr Engineering in 1999. This plan has since been updated. The City Council authorized release of a draft of the updated Surface Water Management Plan on April 24, 2012. This plan has since undergone the 45 day Metropolitan Council review period and the 60 day Rice Creek Watershed district review period. This plan has most recently been accepted by the Rice Creek Watershed District on August 8, 2012. The City Council will be asked to officially adopt the amended and updated Surface Water Management Plan on August 28th. As such, the updated and amended Surface Water Management Plan will be reflected in Appendix B through this Comprehensive Plan amendment process. This plan is kept on file with the Director of Public Works. If Commissioners are interested in the Plan it can be provided in digital format.