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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-02-2018 WSCOLUMBIA HEIGHTS City of Columbia Heights 59040 th Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421 -3878 (763) 706 -3600 Visit our website at: www.columbiaheightsmn.gov Meeting of: Date of Meeting: Time of Meeting: Location of Meeting: Purpose of Meeting: NOTICE OF WORK SESSION Columbia Heights City Council Monday April 2, 2018 7:00 PM (Following the EDA Meeting) City Hall- Conference Room No. 1 Worksession Mayor Donna Schmitt Councilmembers Robert A. Williams John Murzyn, Jr. Connie Buesgens Nick Novitsky City Manager Wolter R. Fehst 1. Update from Lona Schreiber (Met Council) 2. Draft Ordinance amending the City's Zoning Code as it relates to institutional uses 3. Discussion of organizational restructuring for the Police Department 4. City Hall Master Plan 5. Central Avenue Medians Feasibility Report 6. Designating Temporary No Parking on 39th Right of Way 7. 2020 Census (Discussion only) Auxiliary aids or other accommodations for disabled persons are available upon request when the request is made at least 48 hours in advance. Please contact the City Clerk at 763 - 706 -3611 or kbruno @columbiaheiyhtsmn.gov to make arrangements. r i AGENDA SECTION W COLUMBIA ITEM NO. WS 2 HEIGHTS MEETING DATE APRIL 2, 2018 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS - COUNCIL LETTER ITEM: Ordinance No. 1648, being and Ordinance amending City Code of 2005 relating to certain institutional uses within the City of Columbia Heights. DEPARTMENT: Community Development CITY MANAGER'S APPROVAL: BY /DATE: Elizabeth Holmbeck 1/25/18 BY /DATE: CITY STRATEGY: #2: Economic Strength Additional Strategy? N/A SHORT TERM GOAL (IF APPLICABLE): N/A Additional Goal? N/A BACKGROUND: Over the last several months, Community Development Staff have received inquiries regarding the establishment of Religious Facilities, and K -12 Schools, in commercial areas of the City. The City Council asked staff to look into how we can limit these types of institutional uses in commercially zoned areas. While there is recognition that these types of uses are responding to a demand in the community, reducing future K -12 Schools, or Religious Facilities from locating on commercially zoned property, shouldn't have a significant impact on meeting this demand. Currently, both Religious Facilities and K -12 Schools are permitted in all five Residential Zoning Districts and the Limited Business Zoning District. The attached draft Ordinance No. 1648, would remove K -12 Schools and Religious Facilities as permitted (conditional) uses, from the Limited Business Zoning District. Both uses would still be allowed in all residentially zoned areas with a Conditional Use Permit. Staff believes that this effort will help to maintain the intent and purpose of the LB, Limited Business District, which according to the Columbia Heights Zoning Code is to "provide appropriate locations for limited retail sales and services for the convenience of adjacent residential neighborhoods ". It is important to note that staff is not proposing to change where other types of schools such as a performing or visual arts or vocational and business schools can locate. RECOMMENDATION: Removing Religious Facilities and K -12 Schools from the Limited Business Zoning District will help to enhance the commercial nature of this district, by reserving these areas for commercial uses. While the Zoning Code will still allow for these institutional uses in other areas of the City, it is essential that the City preserve and encourage other types of commercial uses such as restaurants, and small and large retail to locate in these areas. Staff would like to bring an ordinance before the City Council later in March or April and seeks input and direction from the City Council regarding these proposed changes. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Draft Ordinance No. 1648 2. Zoning District Chart 3. Zoning Map ORDINANCE NO. 1648 BEING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE OF 2005 RELATING TO INSTITUTIONAL USES IN COMMERCIAL AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The City Council (Council) of the City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota (City) does ordain: SECTION 1: §9.110 (D) (3), City Code of 2005, as it currently reads is amended as follows: (3) Conditional uses. Except as specifically limited herein, the following uses may be allowed in the LB, Limited Business District, subject to the regulations set forth for conditional uses in § 9.104, Administration and Enforcement, and the regulations for specific uses set forth in § 9.107, Specific Development Standards: +@4 Religious faeility�plarse efWOFhop. (b) Convent or monastery, when accessory to a religious facility. (d) School, vocational or business. (e) School, performing /visual /martial arts. (f) Licensed day care facility, child or adult. (g) Government maintenance facility. (h) State licensed residential care facility. (i) Congregate living facility, including rooming houses, group living quarters, nursing homes, senior housing, assisted living facility, traditional housing and emergency housing. (j) Bed and breakfast home, when accessory to a single - family dwelling. (k) Community center. (1) Recreational facility, indoor. (m) Recreational facility, outdoor. (n) Single- family dwelling, when accessory to a commercial use. (o) Food service, limited (coffee shop /deli). (p) Hospital. (q) Museum /gallery. (r) Retail sales, not exceeding 2,500 square feet in area. (s) Hotel or motel. (t) Fences greater than six feet in height. (u) Brewer taproom, not exceeding 2,000 barrels of malt liquor a year. (v) Brew pub, not exceeding 2,000 barrels of malt liquor a year. SECTION 2: Chapter 9.110, (D) (3), City Code of 2005, shall hereafter read as follows, to wit: (a) Convent or monastery, when accessory to a religious facility. (b) School, vocational or business. (c) School, performing /visual /martial arts. (d) Licensed day care facility, child or adult. (e) Government maintenance facility. (f) State licensed residential care facility. (g) Congregate living facility, including rooming houses, group living quarters, nursing homes, senior housing, assisted living facility, traditional housing and emergency housing. (h) Bed and breakfast home, when accessory to a single - family dwelling. (i) Community center. (j) Recreational facility, indoor. (k) Recreational facility, outdoor. (1) Single- family dwelling, when accessory to a commercial use. (m) Food service, limited (coffee shop /deli). (n) Hospital. (o) Museum /gallery. (p) Retail sales, not exceeding 2,500 square feet in area. (q) Hotel or motel. (r) Fences greater than six feet in height. (s) Brewer taproom, not exceeding 2,000 barrels of malt liquor a year. (t) Brew pub, not exceeding 2,000 barrels of malt liquor a year. SECTION 3: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after 30 days after its passage. First reading: Offered by: Seconded by: Roll call: Second Reading: Offered by: Seconded by: Roll Call: Date of Passage: Donna Schmitt, Mayor Attest: Katie Bruno, City Clerk /Council Secretary Zoning District Religious Facilities /Place of worship Schools — public or private (K -12) Schools (Vocational, business, arts) R -1 Conditional Use Conditional Use Not Permitted R -2A, R -2B Conditional Use Conditional Use Not Permitted R -3 Conditional Use Conditional Use Not Permitted R -4 Conditional Use Conditional Use Conditional Use for Vocational /Business LB, Limited Business Conditional Use Conditional Use Conditional Use CB, Central Business Not Permitted Not Permitted Permitted GB, General Business Not Permitted Not Permitted Permitted ^ i I COLUMBIA HEIGHTS � POLICE DEPARTMENT �. MEMORANDUM To: Mayor Donna Schmitt Members of the Columbia Heights City Council Walt Fehst, City Manager Kelli Bourgeois, H.R. Director /Assistant to the City Manager From: Lenny Austin, Chief of Police Subject: CHPD Organizational Structure Change Date: March 29, 2018 I want to take the opportunity to inform you about a change to the Columbia Heights Police Department's organizational structure that I am planning on implementing. In speaking with the Finance Director, since the change has a minimal budgetary impact it does not require a budget amendment; however since it is a change in the organizational structure of the police department I wanted you to be aware of the change and the reasons for it. The attached document outlines the reasons for the change. I will review it with you in further detail at the work session on April 2, and look forward to your questions and comments. Attachment Proposal for an Organizational Structure Change for the Columbia Heights Police Department. Over the past several years the Columbia Heights Police Department has experienced a significant amount of internal change. Policing and public safety expectations continue to evolve quickly. Incidents and trends that occur nationally now have a much greater impact at the local level. How we view and respond to crime and public safety has changed significantly and we continue to evolve our problem oriented policing strategies which have helped in solving problems long term. We continue to learn from each issue that arises, and learn and adapt from incidents occurring locally and nationally, in order to use that knowledge to address future concerns. External change has also been an influence to the Columbia Heights Police Department. President Obama's Task Force on 21 sc Century Policing laid out strategies designed to strengthen community policing and trust among police officers and the communities they serve. As we reviewed those strategies, we realized that the police department as a whole had already embraced many of these ideals long before the Task Force was created. The Police Department's Organizational structure has also evolved. The role of the Police Sergeant has evolved and helped in assuring accountability and that the goals and objectives of the Police Department are being accomplished. As policy and oversight continues to evolve, so should the organizational structure of the police department to ensure that trust and legitimacy between police and the community continues to grow, and the department's mission is accomplished. I am planning a structural change to the current Command Structure of the Columbia Heights Police Department. The organizational structure will change from one Captain to two, and from five Sergeants to four. This change would allow for the following to occur: The additional Captain position would allow for the oversight of some initiatives to be redirected from a Sergeant to a Captain. This would provide for several benefits, including: a. Allow Sergeants to spend additional time in supervising, mentoring and developing officers. i. The CHPD has a large number of young officers who require more frequent interaction with a Sergeant in order to become effective in their role. ii. The complex nature of today's police work and the public's expectations of law enforcement make it incumbent on us to mentor and develop our officers to respond to incidents in a manner that is in alignment with the department's policies and its core values. iii. Procedures and technology changes such as electronic search warrants, the need for additional digital documentation (photo, video, audio) in criminal cases, and the Sergeants responsibility of assuring that these additional requirements are being met have significantly increased the time Sergeants are spending on reviewing and approving reports, and documentation associated with those cases. 1. This additional administrative time that has been added has decreased the ability of Sergeants being able to be out on patrol actively supervising personnel on their assigned shift. This has created a situation where a significant majority of a Sergeant's shift is spent on administrative tasks and a small amount of time is spent on first line supervision. iv. As noted in the Department's Use of Force Policy, Sergeants should automatically respond to any incidents involving a weapon, mental health problem, or potential use of force incident. This is because when a Sergeant is able to respond in a timely fashion and arrive on scene quickly, use of force, or the need for use of force will generally go down. This change in organizational structure will help ensure that not only are Sergeants adhering to this, but that they will have the ability to respond in a more timely fashion. Since the Sergeants generally have more experience in dealing with these critical incidents, their oversight and quick response during these incidents will help ensure that the need for use of force is minimized and de- escalation strategies, if reasonable are used. b. Oversight of projects and programs would be done by Captains. i. Allowing for effective administrative of the departments many programs and initiatives, thereby maximizing efficiency and minimizing duplication of effort. ii. The youth and community outreach programs and other projects undertaken by the CHPD have increased our effectiveness in the community and are responsible for increasing safety and decreasing crime and disorder, however, these initiatives require administrative time in order to keep them functioning efficiently. 1. Captains would delegate the hands -on operation of initiatives and programs, but would maintain the tracking and administration of the programs. 2. The proposed structure change would increase effective communication between command staff (Chief and Captains), supervisory (Sergeants) staff, and line staff: i. Captains would work both day and modified shift assignments to allow for more direct and frequent interaction between Sergeants and line staff and provide for more oversight of patrol officers and initiatives. 1. More quickly able to address personnel concerns or other department issues. 2. Provide more opportunity for positive interactions, increasing job satisfaction. 3. Having two Captains allows for better availability of command staff in case of a critical incident or in the absence of the Chief of Police. 4. Police input and participation with other city departments, and stakeholders such as civic and community groups continues to be a priority for the police department and has been 2 an important part of the department's strategic planning. Having two Captains also ensures that the Chief or a command level Officer will be available to meet with stakeholders which will help assure that the community needs continue to be met. 5. An analysis of the upcoming budget shows that there would be Minimal or neutral budget impact: a. 2018 Form B Captain Austin total comp and fringe: 140,774 b. 2018 Form B Sergeant Fischer total comp and fringe: 140,809 c. 2018 Form B Sergeant Markham and Johnson total comp and fringe: 143,209 6. Adding a Captain position provides an additional internal command level position as a potential candidate for a future Chief of Police opening. Additional considerations: Adding an additional Captain position provides an important opportunity for a command level position. In a small department such as the CHPD, this provides incentive to Sergeants and career- minded Patrol Officers to prepare themselves for future promotional opportunities in a command level position, thereby impacting employee retention and development. Training of department leadership: As noted in the 21 st Century Policing Report, the skills and knowledge needed to effectively deal with community needs requires higher education as well as extensive and continual training. It further recommends that agencies provide leadership training to all personnel throughout their careers. As part of the structural change, I am also recommending additional training for the Captains and Sergeants to include but not limited to the following: Sergeant: 1. MN Chief s Leadership Academy for First Line Supervisors. 2. IACP Leading in Police Organizations (LPO). 3. Northwestern University Supervision of Police Personnel. Captain: 1. MN Chief s CLEO and Command Academy. 2. IACP Leading in Police Organizations (LPO). 3. The Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command. 4. FBI National Academy. This training will also aid in the development and preparation of Officers to meet future unknown challenges, as well as prepare them for future leadership opportunities. The Police Department uses a core training plan for line staff where the department plans out specific additional training for line staff above the minimum required POST objectives. This core training is designed to take place over several years of an Officers career. Similarly, the training outlined in this core training plan for supervisory and command staff would likely be planned out over a course of several years (5 -10). Staff would attend based on availability and as staffing levels allow. The cost of this training ranges in cost from $500 per student (Leadership Academy) to $5,000 (Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command). With the exception of the FBI National Academy, all other training is usually held in the Twin Cities Metro Area. In conclusion, by implementing this change to the command structure, it would enable the Police Department to continue to evolve our strategies for responding to crime and public safety issues, while continuing to strengthen our problem oriented policing and community oriented policing efforts, through a more efficient use of existing personnel. 0 CH COLUMBIA - HEIGHTS AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION ITEM NO. MEETING DATE APRIL 2, 2018 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS - COUNCIL LETTER ITEM: CITY HALL MASTER PLAN DEPARTMENT: Public Works CITY MANAGER'S APPROVAL: BY /DATE: Kevin Hansen /March 21, 2018 BY /DATE: CITY STRATEGY: #7: Strong Infastructure /Public Services Additional Strategy? N/A SHORT TERM GOAL (IF APPLICABLE): #5 Develop a Master Plan for New City Hall Additional Goal? N/A BACKGROUND: At the September 25th regular meeting, the City Council authorized staff to prepare a Master Plan for City Hall, meeting one of the Council goals established earlier in the year. The process for the creation of a Master Plan would be similar to the scoping study process used for the new library and would involve: • Site Evaluation and Selection — provide an analysis of four or more sites in the city that may locate a new City Hall. • Site Assessment and Site Development — includes building layout, site access, parking, integration of stormwater needs on the site, and review foundation needs based on soil borings. • Concept Layout Development - develop preliminary building layout drawings including building square footage, exterior materials, building height, primary interior spaces, and quality of construction. • Develop site cost comparisons for each site. • Develop a detailed cost estimate based on the preferred site. • Develop funding scenarios based on the detailed cost estimate. Leo A Daly has prepared multiple concepts for the four sites that are under consideration for a future City Hall: 1. Public Safety Facility — North Lot 2. Public Safety Facility— Existing Building Expansion 3. City Library —east lot, south lot 4. Existing City Hall site (area) Conceptual site layouts for sites 1 -4 are attached. Based on an updated space needs analysis, a building size of 17,200 square feet was used for this analysis. Each site plan includes a Pro / Con identification that is site specific. Also included is a cost estimate range for each site. Leo A Daly and staff member will review each site at the April work session. The Finance Director has also prepared a summary that identifies funding for funding a new City Hall (future) for consideration. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Site review, building cost, and funding discussion. Discuss preferred site for development. RECOMMENDED MOTION(S): None — discussion and review for final City Hall Master Plan. ATTACHMENT(S): Site Concepts for (4) Sites, Site Cost Estimates °Y id. ��i j � tb d loom" AkAl LL 1' �.. .• ,• � 4' '' s fir. � .�(. 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MEETING DATE CITY MANAGER'S APPROVAL: APRIL 2, 2018 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS - COUNCIL LETTER ITEM: CENTRAL AVENUE MEDIAN FEASIBLITY REPORT DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS CITY MANAGER'S APPROVAL: BY /DATE: KEVIN HANSEN / MARCH 21, 2018 BY /DATE: BACKGROUND: The HSIP project on Central Avenue from 47th to 51St Avenue is now complete. The improvements included pedestrian and vehicle lighting, new sidewalks, and signage focusing on pedestrian and vehicle safety in the corridor. As part of the RFP for engineering services for this project, the preparation of a feasibility report was included to review potential alterations to the median in the corridor for improved pedestrian safety. The City views this project as a unique opportunity to effect a gateway to the community, with improved vehicular and pedestrian safety as the key goal in the design process. Other key project goals are meeting ADA requirements and creating a design consistent with the initiatives of the City Architectural Design guidelines for the Central Avenue Corridor. ANALYSIS /CONCLUSIONS: Schematics of several options were prepared and included in a project open house held March 23 of 2017. Feedback for the median treatments was limited — but those that did comment were most interested in the aesthetics and visibility of any future improvements. The Council subsequently reviewed those options and provided feedback. The attached feasibility report details each treatment with a cost range. Those include: 1. Corten barrier wall and landscape boulders with 12" depressed planting zone 2. Dry — Stacked Stone Wall 3. Gabion Basket Steps with 12" Depressed Planting Zone 4. 3' Corten Barrier Wall with Base Plantings 5. Metal Fence with Barberry Hedgerow 6. 3' Gabion Wall with Railing Treatment, Base Plantings Review of the options favored #3 —the Gabion baskets with a depressed planting zone. As detailed in the feasibility report, this would only apply to median widths of 12 —18 feet in width. Other vertical treatments would be utilized where the median narrows to 4 — 6 feet in width. Two issues remain with moving forward with any treatments. The first is funding. The work is only partially state -aid eligible. Only 5% of the City's Construction allotment is available, or approximately $37,000. The remainder of the $400,000 to $500,000 project is undetermined. The second is MnDOT approval. MnDOT has indicated they need more detailed information for their review. This would require detailing the work beyond the scope of the feasibility preparation. RECOMMENDED MOTION(S): None — for review / discussion ATTACHMENT(S): Central Avenue Medians Feasibility Report Feasibility Report Potential Median Treatments for Central Avenue: 47th to 49t'Avenue Columbia Heights, Minnesota SEH No. COLHT 139409 March 2, 2018 `tom/ 1 [Page intentionally left blank] Contents 1 Summary of Feasibility Study Report ...... .....1 2 Background Criteria ....... ..............................2 3 Findings and Recommendations .................3 1. Corten Barrier Wall and Landscape Boulders with 12" Depressed Planting Zone 2. Dry- Stacked Stone Wall 3. Gabion Basket Steps with 12" Depressed Planting Zone 4.3' Corten Barrier Wall with Base Plantings 5. Metal Fence with Barberry Hedgerow 6.3' Gabion Wall with Railing Treatment; Base Plantings 7. Assumptions for Cost Ranges 8. Preferred Option 4 Future Action .................. ..............................7 5 Appendix ........................ ..............................8 SEH is a registered trademark of Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. FEASIBILITY REPORT COLHT 139409 SECTION 1: Summary of Feasibility Study Report The City of Columbia Heights engaged Short Elliot Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH) to create various options and evaluate potential median treatments that would minimize midblock pedestrian crossings. The project team worked in collaboration with City representatives to explore potential solutions that would balance safety needs with visually pleasing and aesthetically appropriate median treatments. SEH evaluated several feasible design opportunities and strategies through examination of similar project precedents, on -site corridor analysis, evaluation of potential materials and order of magnitude cost estimates. Design strategies carried forward and represented in this Study Report were deemed potentially realistic, pragmatic and feasible — and acceptable to the community. An Open House was held on March 23, 2017 to present the work and to gauge community input. FEASIBILITY REPORT COLHT 139409 SECTION 2: Background Criteria The criteria created to evaluate aesthetic median treatments design builds upon the previous planning work done in Columbia Heights, as demonstrated by the successful in- place corridor projects — achieved through the City's Architectural Design guidelines. As a well - traveled north -south commercial corridor with a mix of commercial properties and schools both to the east and west, Central Avenue has many unsafe mid -block pedestrian crossings. The 2017 Central Avenue Safety Improvements project included sidewalk reconstruction, the addition of street and pedestrian lighting, and a 3/4 median north of 47th Avenue. The intent of these improvements was to improve pedestrian visibility and provide safer accommodations for pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles along the corridor. SEH approached the work with several primary objectives: build upon previous planning work; engage stakeholders in a creative process of placemaking appropriate to the Central Avenue commercial corridor; bring forward our experiences on similar projects and precedents; and share our understanding of safety issues. The goal of the feasibility study was to combine aesthetic median treatments with a vision to achieve safety goals for the unsafe pedestrian crossing conditions between 47th and 49th Avenue. We also proposed and evaluated potential recommendations that are creative, pragmatic and feasible, and provided schematic concept -level design solutions and cost estimates which include barriers, landscaping and /or decorative fencing in the 47th to 49th Avenue center median areas. Cursory discussions of potential median options were held with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) representatives in the course of the 2017 project. In the future, detail discussion with MnDOT will be necessary to proceed through various design reviews and approvals processes. The discussion would also include potential ongoing maintenance agreements for any median features. FEASIBILITY REPORT COLHT 139409 SECTION 3: Findings and Recommendations The following recommendations are presented as unique median treatments applied in the widest and narrowest median width scenarios. In actual application, some combination of the various elements shown could be used together as an appropriate design solution — one solution may not fit all applications and some mixing and matching might be necessary. Further engineering and design evaluation will need to occur to appropriately fit the treatments within the medians. The recommendations do share several common traits: clear sightlines of turning vehicles and commercial businesses; creation of visual cue from the outer sidewalks so a pedestrian won't cross the street; sustainable materials and features appropriate to the Columbia Heights context; and avoidance of creating a significant barrier that might trap a pedestrian. 1. Corten barrier wall and landscape boulders with 12" depressed planting zone Corten is a stable, rust resistant steel -base material that takes on mellow, visually appealing earth tones with age. In this potential application, it is used with landscape boulders as a cost effective and visually pleasing mixture of materials. Placement of the barrier in the median depression creates a waist -high insurmountable object and cues pedestrians that are standing on the existing sidewalks to not cross mid - block, but is low enough to not block sightlines for vehicles or commercial signage. Artistic images or text can be applied to the surface or added as cutouts to the top of wall. In the wider median areas, the addition of landscaping with perennials and low shrubs is also desirable. Relative Range of Costs C_orten steel $150K to $200K Landscape boulders $25K to $50K Grading /base prep $75K to $100K Artistic images or text $25K to $100K+ Landscaping/plant material $80K to $120K Total Cost Range $355K to $570K 11 -20' MEDIAN FEASIBILITY REPORT COLHT 139409 2. Dry - Stacked Stone Wall Limestone (or a similar flat ledge -stone material) dry stacked walls are visually appealing barriers and easy to repair /restack if struck by an errant vehicle. This timeless material of the earth evokes the history of glaciation and river corridor creation within Minnesota. This material, either dry- stacked or used as a mortared veneer, can be used elsewhere in the commercial corridor as markers, placard mounts, low walls, etc., and could become an iconic branding symbol for Columbia Heights. The limestone material is complementary to the concrete form -liner used for the pedestrian bridge piers. This is a relatively inexpen- sive and low cost option. Relative Range of Costs Limestone wall $50K to $75K Grading /base prep $1 OK to $20K Landscaping /plant material $40K to $80K Total Cost Range $100K to $175K 11 -20' MEDIAN 3. Gabion Basket Steps with 12" Depressed Planting Zone This option is a more complex and holistic solution to deter mid -block pedestrian crossings. Gabion containers are time tested and cost effective, used in streetscapes and site applications throughout the country. The gabion baskets can use a wide range of stone. Columbia Heights' underlying bedrock is composed of sedimentary limestone; using this type of stone is context appropriate and complements the concrete form - liner pattern used on the pedestrian bridge piers. The placement of the baskets in the depressed median also creates a slight physical barrier without obstructing vehicle sightlines and will cue pedestrians on the sidewalks to "not cross" mid - block. Landscaping and "rain garden" type plant materials could be incorporated and provide some water infiltration and cleansing. Once the plant material is established, this median treatment is relatively low maintenance. Relative Range of Costs Gabion baskets w/ limestone $100K to $150K Grading/base prep $75K to $100K Landscaping /plant material $80K to $120K Total Cost Range $255K to $370K 12' 1 14' 1 14' 1 11 -20' 1 12' 1 14' 1 14' 1 .. - BUS STOP TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE MEDIAN TURN LANE TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE F.'-,r- SIDEWA FEASIBILITY REPORT COLHT 139409 4. 3' Corten Barrier Wall with Base Plantings For the narrow median areas, a waist -high vertical wall can be used as a longer linear implementation strategy to decrease mid -block pedestrian crossings. The warm -toned industrial look of corten steel can be softened with perennial and small shrub plantings along the narrow median edge. A disadvantage of this treatment is potential vehicle hits may be difficult and costly to repair. Relative Range of Costs Corten steel $100K to $150K Perennial / small shrub plantings $10K to $20K Total Cost Range $110K to $170K s -s 6 -10' MEDIAN 5. Metal Fence with Barberry Hedgerow A simple and straightforward design treatment to stop mid -block crossings. Many prefabricated (e.g. not custom) fence options are readily available through a variety of manufacturers and provide a wide range of cost, material and aesthetic variables. If struck or damaged, fence segments could be purchased and replaced. The fence barrier would be visible from the sidewalks and the pickets allow sightline transparency for vehicles. The metal fence paired with a prickly, all season barberry plant make this an effective treatment with seasonal interest. Relative Range of Costs Metal fence $100K to $150K Perennial /small shrub planting's $10K to $20K Total Cost Range $110K to $170K r 1 6 -10' MEDIAN FEASIBILITY REPORT COLHT 139409 FEASIBILITY REPORT 6. 3' Gabion Wall with Railing Treatment, Base Plantings Gabion baskets in a vertical and narrow application would provide a barrier and visual cues to deter pedestrians from crossing. Gabion baskets can be made to contain a variety of different materials and could be swapped -out and replaced cost effectively if damaged. In this application, the baskets are shown with a top rail to allow vehicle sightlines. Tough, durable, hardy and drought resistant low plant material, such as a climbing /clinging vine could be used at the base of the baskets. Relative Range of Costs Gabion baskets w/ limestone $50K to $75K Landscaping climbing /clinging vines $10K to $20K Total Cost Range $60K to $95K AMIL �r 1 4' 1 5' 1 14' 1 14' 1 14 1 e -10' 1 12' r 14' r 14 L 14' r 4' 1 6 I SHELTER SIDEWALK SHIELD TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE MEDIAN TURN LANE TRAVEL LANE TRAVEL LANE TvR':'L A'iI BLVD •I,.... 7. Assumptions for Cost Ranges 1. The cost information is based on either the large median (11' to 20' wide) and smaller median (6' to 9' wide); a range and combination of both median widths may be required for the proposed 3 blocks of median treatment. 2. Specific design features and elements can be mixed and matched for cost reductions. 3. Total cost ranges do not include modifications to in -place infrastructure that may be required, including curb & gutter, concrete flat work /slope paving within median, utilities, and /or storm /sewer alterations or realignments. 8. Preferred Option Based on community feedback from the Open House and City Council review, the de- pressed gabion basket with landscaping option was preferred over other options explored and presented. COLHT 139409 FEASIBILITY REPORT SECTION 4: Future Action The City of Columbia Heights will choose how to move forward with the information in this study report to evaluate the best and most appropriate application of median treatments, seeking reviews and consensus from MnDOT and area businesses. The City will seek various funding sources as well. Most highway grant programs, (such as Cooperative Agreements, Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), Safe Routes to Schools, or similar), are limited in application to aesthetic treatments. The City will continue to seek and support all funding opportunities as applications come available, especially for safety -based improvements. Some Metropolitan Council grant sources may also fund aesthetic treatments. The City has an option to tap 5% of its State Aid construction allotment over 3 years, generating $35,000 /year or a total of $105,000 to dedicate to median improvements. Developer fees implemented through the Economic Development Authority may also be considered. Partial Assessments to abutting properties may be a funding mechanism. Traditionally, assessments have been used for infrastructure type improvements for streets and utilities. When Central Avenue was improved in 2002, the City limited streetscaping assessments to 10% of the improvement cost. COLHT 139409 SECTION 5: Appendix The following pages show the median treatment precedents that were on display at the March 23, 2017 community meeting. The precedents reflect the design findings and recommendations outlined in this report. FEASIBILITY REPORT COLHT 139409 0 N 'd cC O co cC P� x w C!J M '--i O N s� N N u U x w O N ,-d U cd c� w c/1 M O N N ti N u U O iY+ x w H H Z WC G Q W H Z Q El CW C W N N W a W N H 2 W a m J U O cC rn O KIIEW52 let Q� C� � -4 'd r rF� V cdd �I .ti �I �cl Wy i-1 O It C.7 H O rl O C7 E E 0 O (y N N X N O C N � aj °C° u E a, o Y E o X 0 E E aQ x 4 O r a a 0 Q 3 Y �1 E o v Q E _ U ` Y rLr A :a .4` ai al C 0 C O d c a� Q O cd 'ii Q• CA ( as U 0 1 C7 `• a� N C� ,fkr[ 14 `mow / �p y O „o e . w sa •�f . r w . 1 r + i• `V4 r 74 _ n wv. . MIL ,fkr[ 14 `mow / �p y O „o e . w sa •�f . r w . 1 r + i• Building a Retter World for All of Us' Sustainable buildings, sound infrastructure, safe transportation systems, clean water, renewable energy and a balanced environment. At SEH, Building a Better World for All of Us communicates a company -wide com- mitment to act in the best interests of our clients and the world around us. We're confident in our ability to balance these requirements. SEH CH COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION ITEM NO. MEETING DATE APRIL 2, 2018 CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS - COUNCIL LETTER ITEM: RESOLUTION 2018 -XX DESIGNATING TEMPORARY "NO PARKING" ON THE 39TH AVENUE RIGHT OF WAY FROM ROUNDABOUT TO CENTRAL AVENUE DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS CITY MANAGER'S APPROVAL: BY /DATE: KEVIN HANSEN / MARCH 23, 2018 BY /DATE: BACKGROUND: Construction on 39th Avenue from the roundabout to Central Avenue is tentatively scheduled to begin in late April. The work includes partial reconstruction of the street with new concrete curb and gutter and 6 foot wide sidewalk along the south side of the street. The curbing on the south side of the street will be moved in 6 feet allowing the sidewalk to be installed at the back of the new curb. This narrows the roadway from 46 to 40 feet. The current practice of several businesses is for both employees and customers to park on the street and in the boulevard area, right up to the back of the curb. To facilitate construction, staff is requesting temporary No Parking within the right of way on 39th Avenue. On the aerial, the right of way is designated with a yellow line. On the display, the right of way is designated with a green line. Other than during specific operations, the street will remain open for businesses to access their property. Staff will be meeting with business owners and residents in mid -April prior to the start of construction. For north side businesses where staff parking may become an issue, staff will coordinate employee parking within the Huset Park east parking lot, immediately behind the industrial area. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends designating temporary "No Parking" on both sides of 39th Avenue and from the back of curb to approximately 7' from the curbs from the roundabout to Central Avenue between April 23 and June 22, 2018 during the reconstruction of 39th Avenue,. RECOMMENDED MOTION(S): Move to designate "No Parking" within the 39th Avenue 60' right -of -way from the roundabout to Central Avenue between April 23 and June 22, 2018. 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