City of Blaine Anoka County, Minnesota - File #: RES 21-146

• File #: RES 21-146
• Version: 1
• Name: Initiate Project to install crosswalks at Ulysses St/115th & Aberdeen/123rd, I/P 21-10
• Type: Resolution
• Status: Passed
• File created: 7/7/2021
• In control: City Council
• On agenda: 7/7/2021
• Final action: 7/7/2021
• Title: Initiate Project to Install Crosswalks at Ulysses Street at 115th Alignment and at Aberdeen Street at 123rd Lane, Improvement Project No. 21-10
• Sponsors: Dan Schluender

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
7/7/2021	1	City Council	Adopted	Pass

Administration - Dan Schluender, City Engineer

Title

Initiate Project to Install Crosswalks at Ulysses Street at 115^th Alignment and at Aberdeen Street at 123^rd Lane, Improvement Project No. 21-10

Executive Summary

Review Pedestrian Crossings study and recommendation of the Traffic Commission to install a mid-block crosswalk on Ulysses Street at 115^th Avenue Alignment and at Aberdeen Street at 123^rd Lane. 

Background

The Traffic Commission reviewed resident requests to introduce mid-block crossings on Ulysses Street between 113^th Avenue and 117^th Avenue and on Aberdeen Street between 121^st Avenue and 124^th Avenue.  The commission discussed the merits of mid-block crossings and the access of the residential properties to access the commercial parcels on the opposite sides of two of the city’s collector streets.  The commission recommended having a study conducted to review mid-block crossings on these two streets and to review the traffic speeds, traffic volumes, pedestrian traffic, and sight lines.  At their meeting on May 5, 2021 the commission reviewed the study, attached to this item, and the recommendations outline in the report. 

Strategic Plan Relationship

This item meets the strategic goal of well-maintained infrastructure by providing the opportunity to review the neighborhoods concerns for public safety. 

Board/Commission Review

This item was discussed and reviewed by the Traffic Commission in September 2020 and May 2021.  The commission unanimously recommended that stationary crosswalks as shown in Figures 8 and 9 of the report be installed.  The location of the crossing on Ulysses Street at the 115^th Avenue alignment, as shown in Figure 2 and the location of the Aberdeen Street crossing as shown in Figure 5. 

Financial Impact

Both crossings are located on streets that are on the City’s designated State Aid routes and are eligible for state aid funding.  Staff is recommending that the City’s State Aid funds be utilized as funding for this project.

Public Outreach/Input

N/A

Staff Recommendation

Review Pedestrian Crossings study and initiate installation of the crosswalks based on study and recommendation by the Traffic Commission. 

Attachment List

Pedestrian Crossing Reviews Study.

Recommended Council Action

By motion, approve the Resolution.

Body

WHEREAS, the City Council is aware of the need to maintain City streets in a condition that provides for functional, safe and efficient travel; and

WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is in the public interest to implement projects to maintain City streets in a logical and cost-effective manner; and

                     WHEREAS, the Blaine City Council proposes to initiate a street improvement project to install crosswalks at Ulysses Street at 115^th Alignment and at Aberdeen Street at 123^rd Lane;

                     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Blaine that the proposed improvements are hereby referred to the City Engineer to prepare construction drawings and specifications and to provide the Council with bids to consider award of contract for stated improvements.

PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 21st day of June, 2021.