HomeMy WebLinkAboutCCAgen_10Jan27CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS Regular Meeting of the City Council City Hall 2077 West Larpenteur Avenue AGENDA January 27, 2010 A. CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 PM B. ROLL CALL: LINDSTROM ____ HARRIS
____ GOSLINE ____ LONG ____ MERCER-TAYLOR ____ MILLER ____ C. PRESENTATIONS: D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: January 13, 2010 E. PUBLIC HEARINGS: F. CONSENT AGENDA: 1. General Disbursements
through 1/19/10: $89,783.02 Payroll through 1/15/10: $16,568.68 2. City License Applications 3. Accepting Donations for 2010 Special Events 4. Sanitary Sewer Cleaning Program 5. City
Administrator’s Performance Review and Salary Adjustment G: POLICY ITEMS 1. Establishment of a Streetlight Utility 2. Tobacco Violation Penalty Schedule 3. Resolution Expressing Support
for a Statewide Complete Streets Policy H. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS: I. COMMUNITY FORUM: J. ADJOURNMENT: EFD-B2C3-DCD9779E382E}
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS Regular Meeting of the City Council City Hall 2077 West Larpenteur Avenue AGENDA January 13, 2010 A. CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 PM B. ROLL CALL: LINDSTROM __X_ HARRIS
_X__ GOSLINE _X___ LONG __X__ MERCER-TAYLOR __X__ MILLER __X__ C. PRESENTATIONS: Swearing in of Council Members Keith Gosline and Pam Harris D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: December 9, 2009
APPROVED F. PUBLIC HEARINGS: F. CONSENT AGENDA: PAMELA HARRIS MOVED APPROVAL 5-0 1. General Disbursements through 1/07/10: $224,958.49 Payroll through 12/29/09: $30,503.66 2. City License
Renewal 3. New Mileage Reimbursement Rate 4. Appointment of Michelle Tesser as Deputy City Clerk 5. Review of Elected Officials Out-Of-State Travel Policy 6. Resolution designating official
depositories 7. 2010 Fee Schedule, Correction of Residential Sanitary Sewer Rate 8. Designation of Official Newspaper 9. Review and Adopt Council Standing Rules 10. Appointment of City
Engineer 11. Appointment of City Attorneys 12. Appointment of City Auditor 13. Commission Appointments 14. Designation of 2010 Acting Mayor 15. Council Liaison Assignments G: POLICY
ITEMS 1. Purchase of Utility Vehicle from Little Canada CHUCK LONG MOVED APPROVAL 5-0 2. 2010 Tree Trimmer Contract PAMELA HARRIS MOVED APPROVAL 5-0 K. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS: L.
COMMUNITY FORUM: M. ADJOURNMENT: 7:40PM
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Families, Fields and Fair __________________________ Meeting Date January 27, 2010 Agenda Item Consent F1 Attachment General Disbursements and Payroll Submitted
By Roland Olson, Finance Director The City That Soars! Item General Disbursements and Payroll Description General Disbursements through 1/19/10: $89,783.02 Payroll through 1/15/10: $16,568.68
Budget Impact Attachment(s) General Disbursements and Payroll Action(s) Requested Staff recommends that the Falcon Heights City Council approve general disbursements and payroll.
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Families, Fields and Fair __________________________ Meeting Date January 27, 2010 Agenda Item Consent F2 Attachment N/A Submitted By Michelle Tesser, Deputy
City Clerk The City That Soars! Item City License Applications Description The following individuals have applied for a Mechanical Contractors License for 2010. Staff has received the
necessary documents for licensure. 1. Team Vail Inc. 2. Royalton Heating & Cooling 3. Sunburst Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. 4. C. Hansen Plumbing 5. North Star Plumbing and Htg.
The following individuals have applied for a Municipal Business License for 2010. Staff has received the necessary documents for licensure. 1. Parents United for Public Schools 2. Tiffany
Nail & Skin 3. Butler Vacuum The following individuals have applied for a Tree Trimmers/Removal Contractors License for 2010. Staff has received the necessary documents for licensure.
1. Branch and Bough Tree Service and Landscape Care 2. Hugo Tree Care, Inc. 3. Carr’s Tree Service, Inc. The following individuals have applied for a Home Occupation License for 2010.
Staff has received the necessary documents for licensure. 1. Twin Cities Tutoring Academy 2. David L. Wasson Graphic Design Budget Impact N/A
Families, Fields and Fair __________________________ Attachment(s) N/A Action(s) Requested Staff recommends that the Falcon Heights City Council approve the 2010 City License Applications.
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Families, Fields and Fair __________________________ Meeting Date January 27, 2010 Agenda Item Consent F3 Attachment Accepting Donations for 2010 Special Events
Submitted By Lisa Abernathy, Recreation Supervisor The City That Soars! Item Accepting Donations for 2010 Special Events. Description At the conclusion of each year Falcon Heights and
surrounding businesses are sent a letter inviting them to support the upcoming year’s special events-January’s Winterfest and July’s Ice Cream Social and October’s Touch-A-Truck event.
There are three levels at which the business can donate-Gold ($100+) Silver ($50-$99) and Bronze ($25-$49). The Parks and Recreation department uses the money from the local businesses
to assist in purchasing the events entertainment, supplies and any other event related costs. Each business that donates money to the City is recognized on the City’s website, newsletter
and at the event. Budget Impact A total of $575.00 has been donated so far for 2010 events. These donations will help offset the cost of the events. Attachment(s) NA Action(s) Requested
Accept the following donations for 2010 special events from the following businesses: Gold Level ($100 +): Central/Priority Pediatrics, James Kernik DDS, Warners’ Stellian, Source Comics
and Games Silver Level ($50-$99): Dunn Bros Coffee, John A. Knutson, Hair Design Unlimited Bronze Level ($25-$49): Pretzel People Yoga-Karen Rajcic Favazza
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Families, Fields and Fair __________________________ Meeting Date January 27, 2010 Agenda Item Consent F4 Attachment None Submitted By Tim Pittman, Director
of Public Works and Parks The City That Soars! Item Sanitary Sewer Cleaning Program Description The City of Falcon Heights started a sanitary sewer cleaning /televising program in 2007.
This is a rotating program that occurs every three years. Half of the sanitary sewer system was cleaned in 2008, the other half in 2009, and the entire system will be televised in 2010.
This program has minimized if not eliminated sewer backups that can be costly to the City of Falcon Heights. This program is also recommended by our insurance company, the League of
Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust. Quotes were received for the 2010 cleaning program by the following companies. American Environmental LLC $46,775.84 Visu-Sewer Inc. $47,463.72 Midwest
Trenchless Technologies Inc. $53,655.00 Infratech Inc. $58,469.80 Budget Impact Money has been allocated in the Sanitary Sewer Fund (601) for the 2010 in the amount of $60,000.00. Attachment(s)
None Action(s) Requested Staff recommends that the City of Falcon Heights City Council approve an agreement with American Environmental, LLC for the amount of $46,775.84 to perform the
2010 sanitary sewer cleaning program.
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Families, Fields and Fair __________________________ Meeting Date January 27, 2010 Agenda Item Consent F5 Attachment None Submitted By Mayor Peter Lindstrom
The City That Soars! Item City Administrator Performance Review and Salary Adjustment Description Each year the city council reviews the performance of the city administrator and recommends
changes to his employment contract. This year I discussed his performance with the city council and staff and have shared the results of these conversations with him. As a result of
these discussions, I am recommending that the city administrator’s base salary be increased by 3.5% effective July 1, 2010. Budget Impact The administrator’s new salary will be $92,322,
which will be allocated to various budget accounts in accordance with the approved 2010 budget. Attachment(s) N/A Action(s) Requested I recommend adjusting the city administrator’s base
salary by 3.5% effective July 1, 2010.
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Families, Fields and Fair __________________________ Meeting Date January 27, 2010 Agenda Item Policy G1 Attachment Ordinance 10—01 Amendment #2 to Water Agreement
Submitted By Justin Miller, City Administrator The City That Soars! Item Establishment of Streetlight Utility Description The proposed 2010 budget factors in the establishment of a streetlight
utility to be charged to all properties with in the City of Falcon Heights. This fee will be used to pay for all electricity and maintenance expenses that are associated with the streetlight
system throughout the community. For the most part, there are two types of streetlights in the City of Falcon Heights. The first type is the standard gray cobra-head style that line
most of our streets. These lights are maintained by Xcel Energy, but the electricity cost is paid by the city. The second type is the decorative green lamps along Larpenteur Avenue near
the intersection of Snelling Avenue. The maintenance of these lamps (replacement bulbs, painting, etc.), as well as the electricity, is the responsibility of the city. The past practice
of the city has been to pay for these expenses through the general fund, which is paid for by taxpaying properties within the city. However, roughly 2/3 of the city is tax-exempt, which
means that these properties do not pay taxes into the city’s general fund. Many of the lights abut these tax-exempt parcels, so they are receiving a benefit without paying for the expense.
As a result, our taxpaying residents and businesses have been subsidizing the non-taxpaying properties for quite some time. By establishing a fee, tax-exempt properties can be charged,
similar to our current sanitary and stormwater sewer fees. The fee would appear on monthly or quarterly water bills. The current proposal calls for all single-family residential properties
to pay $2/month and all other properties to pay $.02/lineal foot of street frontage. It is estimated that this rate structure will collect between $35,000 and $40,000 per year. Estimated
electricity and maintenance expenses for 2010 are approximately $35,000. A public hearing was held on November 18, 2009 to allow residents an opportunity to comment on this proposal.
Due to software configuration challenges at St. Paul Regional Water Systems (SPRWS), the fee could not be put onto water bills until February 2010 at the earliest. Finance Director Roland
Olson has been working with SPRWS staff and they are now comfortable including this on water bills beginning
in February if the council decides to proceed. In addition to the ordinance that needs to be approved, an amendment to the agreement with St. Paul Regional Water Services must also be
approved in order for this fee to be implemented. Budget Impact It is estimated that this fee will generate between $35,000 and $40,000 per year and will be placed into a special revenue
fund dedicated to streetlight electricity and maintenance activities. Attachment(s) Ordinance 10-01 Amendment #2 to Agreement Between the City of Falcon Heights and the Board of Water
Commissioners Action(s) Requested Staff recommends that the Falcon Heights City Council adopt the attached ordinance establishing a streetlight utility and amendment #2 to the agreement
with St. Paul Regional Water Services. Further, staff recommends that the 2010 fee schedule be amended to reflect a fee of $2.00 per month for single family residential accounts and
$.02/lineal foot of street frontage for all other properties.
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA ORDINANCE NO. 10-01 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 50 OF THE CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS CITY CODE ESTABLISHING A CITY STREET LIGHT UTILITY
SYSTEM THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS ORDAINS: SECTION 1. Chapter 50 of the Falcon Heights City Code is amended by adding Article IV to provide as follows: 50-60. STREET
LIGHT UTILITY. A City street lighting utility system is hereby established and continued. The utility system consists of all street lighting whether owned by the City or otherwise, for
which the City purchases and supplies electrical energy from a public utility and any additional facilities acquired or operated by the City in the future. 50-61. COST OF SYSTEM. A.
The cost of the street lighting utility system are the administrative costs, capital costs, maintenance and energy costs associated with the operation of the street lighting utility
system. B. The City Council shall by resolution establish a fee schedule to pay for the cost of the street lighting utility system. The City Council shall apportion the cost of the system
against all developed property in the City. Single family residential property shall be charged based upon a per unit charge and all other property shall be charged based upon a front
foot charge. C. Street lighting costs shall be billed with water bills. 50-62. CERTIFICATION OF UNPAID BILLS. On or before October 1st of each year, the clerk must list the total unpaid
charges for street lighting against each separate lot or parcel to which they are attributable. The Council will then spread the charges against property benefited as a special assessment
under Minnesota Statutes, Section 429.101 and other pertinent statutes for certification to the County and collection the following year with real estate taxes. 148595v1 RNK:r11/09/2009
1
148595v1 RNK:r11/09/2009 2 50-63. STREET LIGHTING UTILITY FUND. All fees and assessments received pursuant to this Article shall be place in a dedicated fund for the purpose of paying
the costs of the street lighting system. SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its passage and publication according to law. ADOPTED this ____
day of ____________, 20__, by the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota. CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS BY: _________________________ Peter Lindstrom, Mayor ATTEST: __________________________
__ Justin Miller, City Clerk/Administrator
Agreement # _______________ AMENDMENT NO. 2 to AGREEMENT BETWEEN BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS and CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS This AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO AGREEMENT entered into this 9th day of
February, 2010, by and between the BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS, a municipal corporation of the State of Minnesota (the “Board”), and the CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS, a municipal corporation
of the State of Minnesota (“Falcon Heights”). WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, Falcon Heights and the Board entered into an agreement dated July 9, 1997 for the provision of water service by the
Board to properties within Falcon Heights (the “Agreement”); and WHEREAS, Article XV of the Agreement allows for amendments to the original agreement, and WHEREAS, Falcon Heights at
this time desires that the Board provide street lighting fee (“Street Lighting Fee”) billing and collection services to properties within Falcon Heights on its behalf, and the Board
desires to provide such services in accordance with said Article XV. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties mutually agree to amend the
Agreement in the manner described below. 1. The following Street Lighting Fee billing terms and conditions are hereby added to the Agreement: A. Board Responsibilities 1) The Board will
provide current electronic account data to Falcon Heights to assist Falcon Heights in allocating Street Lighting Fees to water/sewer accounts. 2) The Board will provide the work necessary
to include Falcon Heights Street Lighting Fees in the Board’s billing system. The Street Lighting Fee shall be appropriately displayed on the Board’s water/sewer bill form. 3) The Board
will provide descriptive information on the water/sewer bill form regarding the Street Lighting Fee, as permitted by and within limitations of the Board’s water/sewer bill form. S:\CC
AGENDAS\2010 CC Agendas\Docs for Jan 27\Falcon Heights_amend2_01-20-10.doc
4) The Board will provide month-end reports to Falcon Heights, which will list the number of bills charged a Street Lighting Fee and the amount charged. 5) The Board will provide to
Falcon Heights the Street Lighting Fee payments it collects, less compensation for providing billing services. Payments not received by the Board for the Street Lighting Fee may be withheld
from monies due Falcon Heights until collection is made. The necessity of such withholdings will be determined by Board staff on a case-by-case basis, and such withholdings and collections
will be included as a line item in the month-end reports to Falcon Heights. B. Falcon Heights Responsibilities 1) Falcon Heights will provide the Board with the text it wishes the Board
to include on the front and back of the water/sewer bill form. 2) For each property to be billed a Street Lighting Fee, Falcon Heights will provide in an electronic format approved by
Board: (1) water service account number, (2) the property address of the account, and (3) the amount of the Street Lighting Fee to be billed. 3) Falcon Heights will inform its residents
of the new Street Lighting Fee, how it is computed and that Saint Paul Regional Water Services will be performing the billing and collection. 4) Board will refer all customer questions
and inquiries regarding the Street Lighting Fee to Falcon Heights, which is responsible for addressing same. C. Schedule 1) Falcon Heights and the Board agree to implement the Street
Lighting Fee billing according to a schedule acceptable to both parties. D. Compensation 1) Falcon Heights agrees to pay a billing fee of $.12 for each water/sewer bill that includes
a Street Lighting Fee charge. This fee shall increase over time at the same percentage rate as Board water rates. 2. Except as modified herein, the terms of the Agreement shall remain
in full force and effect. [Remainder of page is left intentionally blank] S:\CC AGENDAS\2010 CC Agendas\Docs for Jan 27\Falcon Heights_amend2_01-20-10.doc
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment No. 2 to Agreement to be executed as of the day and year first above written. Approved: BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
_____________________________ By _____________________________ Stephen P. Schneider, General Manager Patrick Harris, President By _____________________________ Mollie Gagnelius, Secretary
Approved as to Form: __________________________ By _____________________________ Assistant City Attorney Margaret Kelly, Director Office of Financial Services STATE OF MINNESOTA ) )
ss. COUNTY OF RAMSEY ) The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this ___ day of , 2010, by Patrick Harris, President, Board of Water Commissioners of the City of Saint Paul,
a Minnesota municipal corporation, on behalf of the corporation. Signature of person taking acknowledgment S:\CC AGENDAS\2010 CC Agendas\Docs for Jan 27\Falcon Heights_amend2_01-20-10.doc
STATE OF MINNESOTA ) ) ss. COUNTY OF RAMSEY ) The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this ___ day of , 2010, by Mollie Gagnelius, Secretary, Board of Water Commissioners
of the City of Saint Paul, a Minnesota municipal corporation, on behalf of the corporation. Signature of person taking acknowledgment STATE OF MINNESOTA ) ) ss. COUNTY OF RAMSEY ) The
foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this ___ day of , 2010, by Margaret Kelly, Director, Office of Financial Services, Board of Water Commissioners of the City of Saint Paul,
a Minnesota municipal corporation, on behalf of the corporation. Signature of person taking acknowledgment S:\CC AGENDAS\2010 CC Agendas\Docs for Jan 27\Falcon Heights_amend2_01-20-10.doc
S:\CC AGENDAS\2010 CC Agendas\Docs for Jan 27\Falcon Heights_amend2_01-20-10.doc CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS By_____________________________ Peter Lindstrom, Mayor By_____________________________
Justin Miller, City Clerk/Administrator STATE OF MINNESOTA) ) ss. COUNTY OF RAMSEY ) The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this ___ day of , 2010, by Peter Lindstrom, Mayor
of the City of Falcon Heights, a Minnesota Municipal Corporation, on behalf of the corporation. _____________________________________ Signature of person taking acknowledgment STATE
OF MINNESOTA) ) ss. COUNTY OF RAMSEY ) The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this ___ day of , 2010, by Justin Miller, City Clerk/Administrator of the City of Falcon Heights,
a Minnesota Municipal Corporation, on behalf of the corporation. _____________________________________ Signature of person taking acknowledgment
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Families, Fields and Fair __________________________ Meeting Date January 27, 2010 Agenda Item Policy G2 Attachment Ordinance 10--02 Submitted By Justin Miller,
City Administrator The City That Soars! Item Tobacco Violation Penalty Schedule Description In late 2009, for the first time in several years, one of the city’s licensed tobacco vendors
received a penalty for selling tobacco to an underage person. When staff and legal counsel were discussing how to proceed with issuing a penalty for this infraction, it was discovered
that specific terms were not outlined in the city code. Instead, the city relied on authority under state statutes and imposed a fine of $500. In discussing this with other cities and
the Ramsey Tobacco Coalition, it was found that most cities have a graduated penalty scale built into their city code for vendors that sell tobacco to underage persons. Attached to this
report is an ordinance amendment that reflects comments received at the January 6th city council workshop. It calls for graduated penalties of $500 for a first violation, $750 for a
second violation, and license revocation for a third violation. The clerk or individual who commits the violation is also subject to a $50 fine, per state statute. Once notified, license
holders may request a hearing, but if no hearing is requested, the presumptive penalty will be imposed. Budget Impact Since the occurrence of these penalties is so rare, fines will not
be projected in future operating budgets. Attachment(s) Ordinance 10-02 Action(s) Requested Staff recommends that the Falcon Heights City Council adopt the attached ordinance establishing
a penalty structure for violations of the city’s tobacco code.
149163v03 RNK:r01/15/2010 1 CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS RAMSEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA ORDINANCE NO. ______ AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14 OF THE FALCON HEIGHTS CITY CODE CONCERNING TOBACCO THE
CITY COUNCIL OF FALCON HEIGHTS ORDAINS: SECTION 1. Section 14-297 of the Falcon Heights City Code is amended by adding the following provisions: (c) Administrative Civil Penalties; Licensee:
Each license issued hereunder shall be subject to suspension or revocation for violation of any provisions of this chapter or the laws of the State of Minnesota as follows: (1) First
Violation: The first violation of this chapter shall be punishable by a civil penalty of five hundred dollars ($500.00). (2) Second Violation: A second violation of this chapter within
any twenty four (24) month period shall be punishable by a civil penalty of seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00). (3) Subsequent Violation: A third or subsequent violation of this chapter
within any twenty four (24) month period shall be punishable by revocation of the license. Any licensee whose license is revoked under this section shall not be eligible for renewal
for a period of two (2) years after the revocation. (d) Administrative Civil Penalties; Individuals: An individual who sells tobacco to a person under the age of 18 years shall pay an
administrative penalty of fifty dollars ($50.00). (e) Hearing: Following receipt of a notice of a violation and penalty issued under this section, the license holder or individual may
agree to the presumptive penalty or request a hearing before the City Council. A request for a hearing shall be made by the individual or license holder in writing and filed with the
City Administrator or designee within ten (10) days of the mailing of the notice of the alleged violation. Following receipt of a written request for hearing, the individual or license
holder shall be afforded an opportunity for a hearing before the Council. (f) Findings: If after the hearing the license holder or individual is found in violation of this chapter, the
Council shall impose the presumptive penalty.
149163v03 RNK:r01/15/2010 2 (g) Default: If the individual or license holder has been provided written notice of the violation and if no request for a hearing is filed within the ten
(10) day period, then the presumptive civil penalty, suspension or revocation imposed in this chapter shall take immediate effect by default. The City Administrator or designee shall
mail notice of the fine, suspension or revocation to the individual or license holder. SECTION 2. This ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its passage and publication. ADOPTED
this ______ day of ____________, 2______, by the City Council of Falcon Heights, Minnesota. CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS BY: ____________________________ Peter Lindstrom, Mayor ATTEST: ____________________
______________ Justin Miller, City Administrator/Clerk
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Families, Fields and Fair __________________________ Meeting Date January 27, 2010 Agenda Item Policy G3 Attachment Resolution 10-02 Submitted By Mayor Peter
Lindstrom The City That Soars! Item Resolution Expressing Support for a Statewide Complete Streets Policy Description The Regional Council of Mayors is asking area cities to adopt the
attached resolution in support of a statewide complete streets policy. Complete streets is a concept that encourages all modes of transportation – motorized, pedestrian, and bicycle,
to be incorporated into street design processes. Budget Impact N/A Attachment(s) Resolution 10-02; Complete streets background prepared by the Minnesota Complete Streets Coalition Action(s)
Requested I recommend approval of Resolution 10-02 expressing the City of Falcon Heights’ support for a statewide complete streets policy.
CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS COUNCIL RESOLUTION January 27, 2010 No. 10-02 -----------------------------------------------------------A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR A STATEWIDE COMPLETE
STREETS POLICY WHEREAS, the “Complete Streets” concept promotes streets that are safe and convenient for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and motor vehicle
drivers of all ages and abilities; and WHEREAS, the October 2009 public draft of the Minnesota Department of Transportation Complete Streets Report includes the recommendation: “Mn/DOT
should build on existing Context Sensitive Solution practices and develop and implement a statewide Complete Streets policy…”; and WHEREAS, the Falcon Heights City Council recognizes
the importance of complete streets, as shown in its 2008 Comprehensive Plan update; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Falcon Heights encourages the Minnesota legislature,
with input and guidance from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, to authorize the development of a statewide Complete Streets program, which would provide for the development
of a balanced transportation system, through appropriate planning, that integrates multiple transportation modes, where appropriate, for transportation users of all types, ages and abilities.
-------------------------------------------------------------------Moved by: Approved by: ________________________ Peter Lindstrom, Mayor January 27, 2010 LINDSTROM ____ In Favor Attested
by: ________________________ GOSLINE Justin Miller HARRIS ____ Against City Administrator LONG January 27, 2010 MERCER-TAYLOR
Background Related to Complete Streets ? Complete Streets is a flexible transportation planning and design process that considers the safety and accessibility needs of all users. Complete
Streets is not a prescriptive roadway design. Individual “complete” street designs vary based on context, including topography, road function, the speed of traffic, pedestrian and bicycle
demand, local land use, and other factors. ? State Senator Tony Lourey (Kerrick) and State Representative Mike Obermueller (Eagan) will introduce Complete Streets legislation during
the 2010 legislative session. ? The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) is working to create a partnership of state agencies, local governments, and other stakeholders to
develop and implement a Mn/DOT policy on Complete Streets. ? In December 2009, Mn/DOT released a legislatively mandated Complete Streets Report, which includes a recommendation for Mn/DOT
to work in partnership with representatives of relevant stakeholders to develop a Complete Streets policy. The report also articulates the important connection between Complete Streets
and
Context-Sensitive Solutions, which together support building roads that better fit local needs and contexts and help save money. ? Mn/DOT Commissioner Thomas Sorel has spoken publicly
about the benefits of Complete Streets and his commitment to taking a leadership role on implementation of a Complete Streets policy. ? Between 1999 and 2008, 417 pedestrians and 84
bicyclists were killed and more than 10,000 pedestrians and more than 9,000 bicyclists were injured on Minnesota’s roads. ? Complete Streets is a national movement with policies adopted
by 12 states and more than 100 cities and counties, including Rochester, Hennepin County, St. Paul, and Albert Lea. ? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Minnesota Department
of Health, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, American Heart Association, HealthPartners, and other public health officials in Minnesota and across the country have called for
Complete Streets as an important public health tool in fighting the obesity epidemic by supporting exercise as a part of daily life. ? The Complete Streets concept is also supported
by AARP, Urban Land Institute of Minnesota, Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, Minnesota Environmental Partnership, and many other transportation, planning, and public
health professionals. The Minnesota Complete Streets Coalition has more than 45 member organizations that support the concept of Complete Streets and a state Complete Streets policy.
Benefits of Complete Streets ? Complete Streets improves safety by reducing crashes and injuries and their costs. ? Complete Streets removes barriers to transportation facilities and
services for seniors, children, and people with disabilities, allowing them to lead more active and independent lives. ? A state Complete Streets policy will give local governments more
flexibility to build roads that meet the needs in their community. ? Complete Streets promotes public health by supporting exercise as a part of daily life. ? Complete Streets helps
avoid costly future retrofits by making sure that we build roads right the first time. ? Complete Streets supports affordable transportation options for families. ? Complete Streets
reduces congestion by providing safe travel choices that encourage non-motorized transportation options, increasing the overall capacity of the transportation network. ? Complete Streets
supports more pedestrian, bicycle, and transit travel, which helps protect clean air and clean water and reduces our dependence on costly energy sources. ? Complete Streets promotes
economic growth and community stability by providing accessible and efficient connections between home, school, work, recreation, and retail destinations by improving the pedestrian
and vehicular environments throughout communities. ? Complete Streets supports vibrant and walkable neighborhoods that improve quality of life and help build community. For more information:
www.mncompletestreets.org Ethan Fawley, Fresh Energy and the Minnesota Complete Streets Coalition ethan.fawley@fresh-energy.org 651-294-7141