HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-03-09 Council Work Session MinutesAI
C I TY OF C ORC ORAN
City Council Work Session Minutes
March 93 2023 — 5:30 pm
The Corcoran City Council met on March 9, 2023, in Corcoran, Minnesota. The City Council work session
meeting was held in person and the public was present in person and remotely through electronic means using
the audio and video conferencing platform Zoom.
Mayor McKee, Councilor Bottema, Councilor Nichols, Councilor Schultz, and Councilor Vehrenkamp were
present.
City Administrator Beise, City Clerk Friedrich, Public Works Director Mattson, and Project Engineer Steve
Heglund were present.
'1. Call to Order / Roll Call
Mayor McKee called the work session to order at 5:30 pm.
2. Pedestrian Crosswalk Policy
Project Engineer Steve Heglund of Stantec highlighted the pedestrian crosswalk areas of interest located
within Ravinia Wildflower Park, Ravinia amenity center, and Bellwether Crossing on Stieg Road. Project
Engineer Heglund noted the City's current approaches regarding pedestrian crosswalks, discussed
background and issues, and reviewed what options may be available. Project Engineer Heglund noted a
crosswalk policy provides framework for pedestrian crosswalks, reinforces the current system, and requires
time and resources to develop. Project Engineer Heglund noted current crossing areas include event -based
needs at Lions Park and City Park, pedestrian traffic with neighborhood parks, crossing areas within
situation facilities such as schools or senior centers, the existing neighborhood crossings, and other
jurisdictions such as County Roads and Three Rivers regional corridor. Project Engineer Heglund noted
policy options include an interactive program incorporating stakeholders and community groups; a technical
merit -based program utilizing engineering warrants only, or a guidance -based program utilizing data
informed options. Project Engineer Heglund reviewed management of programs, resource possibilities, and
cost considerations. Project Engineer Heglund reviewed types of pedestrian crosswalks include curb
extensions, pedestrian refuge islands, rectangular rapid -flashing beacons, and pedestrian hybrid beacons,
and reviewed the reduction in pedestrian crashes with each type of crosswalk option. Council and staff
discussed policy criteria, development of streets with pedestrian crosswalks, and pedestrian crosswalk
warrants and thresholds. Council discussed implementing a pedestrian crosswalk policy to establish
requirements for future PUDs. Council and staff noted long and short-term impacts regarding a pedestrian
policy. Council and staff discussed how to utilize the road infrastructure, landscaping, and road and curb
design to make pedestrian crosswalks and bike lanes safe. Council and staff reviewed different ways to
help control traffic speed through narrowing of perceived lane, curved bump out curbs, painting, and
discussed the danger of pedestrian's false sense of security within crosswalks, and to recognize the issue
when designing solutions to pedestrian crosswalk safety elements.
Mayor McKee noted a resident wishing to speak and asked him to move to the podium and state his name
and address.
Gerald Pearson, 10325 Elm Lane, opined on danger of crossing as pedestrian on Stieg Road within the
Bellwether neighborhood, noting drivers rarely follow the speed limit.
Council provided staff direction regarding a draft pedestrian crosswalk policy. Council noted discussion on
the Three Rivers Cooperative Agreement regarding crossing locations and costs within the community.
3. Unscheduled Items
No unscheduled business was heard.
4. Adjournment
MOTION: made by Nichols, seconded by Schultz to adjourn.
Voting Aye: McKee, Bottema, Nichols, Schultz, and Vehrenkamp
(Motion carried 5:0)
Meeting adjourned at 6:39 pm.
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Michelle Frledrich — City Clerk