Agenda Packets - 2010/03/01 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Transit/Courtesy Benches Staff Report March 1, 2010 Page 2 All the cities that regulate transit benches have almost the same requirements. They all require an annual license, liability insurance, city approval of the bench location, and they are only allowed in the right-of-way at transit stops. They also have many requirements for the size, location, construction, maintenance, advertising and removal. The annual bench license fees in all the cities are very low ($30-$69), except Shoreview ($3,000), so they do not generate much revenue for a city. Staff’s opinion is that since there has not been a problem with benches being placed in Mounds View, that the city does not need to amend the city code at this time. Although, if the Council decides that they do not wish to have these benches in the city, the city code could be amended to specifically state that they are not allowed. Most bus stops in Mounds View are in residential areas and staff assumes that most homeowners would not want a bench in their front yard. The two benches that are currently in Mounds View are in front of Scotland Green apartments and across the street on the Red Oak Estates townhome property. If the City Council were inclined to add regulations for transit/courtesy benches, staff recommends that the City use the same or similar standards as the other cities in the metro area. The City Council also should decide whether to include regulations for bus shelters, although the possible locations for a shelter are so limited that it probably would not be necessary for the City to have regulations for them. Recommendation: The City Council should discuss the placing of bus benches in Mounds View, and if the City Code should be amended to either allow and regulate transit benches, or specify that they are not allowed in the City of Mounds View. Respectfully submitted, Heidi Heller Planning Associate