2021.02.23 City Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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February 9, 2021 Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas asked how many households were impacted by unpaid utility bills in 2020. Interim Finance Director Smith stated she could get this number to the Council at a later time. Motion by Councilmember Dunsworth, seconded by Councilmember Allen to adopt a Resolution which waives late fees on unpaid utility balances through December 31, 2021 and waives interest charges when certifying delinquent utility accounts to be payable with the 2022 property taxes. A roll call vote was taken. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays -Motion Carried 2. Resolution to Consider Support for Ramsey County's Submittal of the Old Highway 8 LRIP Routes of Regional Significance Grant Application. City Manager Massopust indicated Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting would be presenting this item to the Council. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichtmg stated during the redevelopment of the Midtown Village development a traffic analysis was performed. Based on current and future traffic demands a signal at Old Highway 8 and 8th Avenue NW is required. Ramsey County is responsible for Old Highway 8 and therefor is responsible for two legs of this intersection and half of the costs. This project is in the planning phase, and is projected to be substantially complete during the 2021 construction season. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting commented when looking beyond this project, Ramsey County has reached out to the City to garner support for a larger project which would include Old Highway 8 from County Road D all the way to 5th Avenue. A letter was sent (2/3/2021) to residents and businesses along this corridor requesting their support as well. Construction features with this project would look to reduce pavement width, include pedestrian/bike facilities, and add a permanent signal at Old 8 and County Road E. The application for funding seeks $1.25 million with a total anticipated construction cost of $2.2 million. Future City costs would include trail/sidewalk improvements, 1 leg of the traffic signal, and any associated utility/sense of place improvements that were included. Staff commented further on the Old Highway 8 corridor project and recommended approval of the Resolution Offering Support to Ramsey County. Councilmember Abdulle stated this was a project he was very excited about. He explained he would like to better understand the southern end of the project. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichtmg discussed proposed plans in further detail noting where the five to three lane transition would occur. He explained staffbelieved 5h Street was a good transition point. He commented further on how the improvements would provide better pedestrian protection and access. Councilmember Allen asked if the County has been in contact with the rail authority to any potential improvements to the railroad bridge. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting reported the railroad bridge south of County Road E has been part of the discussion because there were structural issues. He indicated the bridge to the north would be a more difficult topic to approach. He indicated he would speak with the County about these bridges. Councilmember Allen explained the bridge to the north had a steep incline and was difficult for pedestrians to use. He stated he would like to see this improved through this project. Councilmember Axberg questioned what would be incorporated into this project from the feedback received from the public during the Parks Master Planning process. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichtmg stated a pedestrian crossing near Dairy Queen was a concern, and trail facilities would be further addressed He commented further about how the bump outs would assist with pedestrian crossings. He explained pedestrian crossings would not be proposed mid -block for safety reasons. Page 4 of 6 2. Resolution to Consider Support for Ramsey County's Submittal ofthe Old Highway 8 LRIP Routes ofRegional Significance Grant Application.