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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-01-2026 City Council Work Session Packet CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula Councilmembers Connie Buesgens Rachel James Justice Spriggs Laurel Deneen City Manager Aaron Chirpich City Hall—Shared Vision Room, 3989 Central Ave NE Monday, June 01, 2026 6:00 PM AGENDA ATTENDANCE INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC Members of the public who wish to attend may do so in-person, or by using Microsoft Teams Meeting at http://www.columbiaheightsmn.gov/joinameeting ID 244 591 441 962 9, Passcode GH63Mp9D. For questions, please contact Administration at 763-706-3610. Auxiliary aids or other accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request when the request is made at least 72 hours in advance. Please contact Administration at 763 -706-3610 to make arrangements. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Columbia Heights City Council and Staff Norms. While we are accountable to each other for these norms, the Mayor and City Manager will help us adhere to them with respectful reminders and reinforcement as needed. WORK SESSION ITEMS 1. Group Ice Breaker: What is one thing you are looking forward to in Columbia Heights this summer. Presenting Item: Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor 2. Introduction of Sarah Zonn-Schmittdiel, Office of the Minnesota Attorney General. (10 Minutes) Presenting Item: Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor 3. Municipal Consent for MnDOT Central Avenue Reconstruction Project. (30 Minutes) Presenting Item: Rochelle Widmer, Director of Engineering and Facilities Staff requests that Council have a brief discussion regarding MnDOT’s Municipal Consent submittal for the Central Avenue Reconstruction project. 4. Ongoing ALPR Discussions. (30 Minutes) Presenting Item: Chief Matt Markham Staff is seeking Council input and direction on the following: 1. Additional information or analysis needed regarding Flock Safety or Axon ALPR systems. 2. Approval to schedule a second town hall meeting and proceed with securing an independent facilitator. 3. Approval to initiate the formation of the ALPR Technical Advisory Task Force, with MCAC conducting member selection. 4. Any other guidance on public engagement or evaluation processes the Council wishes to include. 1 City of Columbia Heights AGENDA June 01, 2026 City Council Work Session Page 2 5. Discussion of Fire Service Delivery and Organizational Study. (10 minutes) Presenting Item: Daniel O’Brien, Fire Chief Staff requests that the City Council discuss and provide directions regarding the inclusion of a comprehensive Fire Service Delivery and Organizational St udy in the 2027 Fire Department budget. 6. Just Cause Update (15 Minutes) Presenting Item: Aaron Chirpich, City Manager Staff request that council have a discussion regarding the legal considerations th at have been raised before moving forward with enactment of an ordinance. 7. Transition to City Administered 18-Day Early Voting and Delegation of 46-Day Absentee Voting Operations to Anoka County. (5 Minutes) Presenting Item: Aaron Chirpich, City Manager Staff request that the council review the implementation of the 18 -day early voting period so that the attached draft notice can be submitted to Anoka County Elections to begin at the upcoming August State Primary Election. 8. City Manager Follow Up on Previous Work Session Topics. (15 Minutes) Presenting Item: Aaron Chirpich, City Manager 9. Council Corner. Presenting Item: Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor Monthly Calendar Sharing Monthly Event Notification, Attendance and Past Event Updates Monthly Proclamations and Meeting Guests ADJOURNMENT Auxiliary aids or other accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request when the request is made at least 72 hours in advance. Please contact Administration at 763-706-3610 to make arrangements. 2 Columbia Heights City Council and Staff Norms While we are accountable to each other for these norms, the Mayor and City Manager will help us adhere to them with respectful reminders and reinforcement as needed. Behavioral Norms 1. We will assume others best intentions. 2. We will exercise humility. 3. We will praise publicly and criticize privately. 4. We will focus on the policy and not personalities. 5. We will do our best to de-escalate contentious interactions. 6. We will provide reasonable notice to the Mayor and City Manager of any changes or additions we wish to make at a Council meeting so that the Mayor is prepared to manage the meeting. 7. We will show respect for one another by: a. Paying attention to others when they are speaking. b. Not interrupting others. c. Listening to understand others, not simply to respond to them. d. Honoring each other in public and protecting one another in their absence. e. Not bullying others. Operational Norms 1. Council members and staff will respect the Mayor’s role to chair our meetings by: a. Waiting to be called on before speaking so that others can consider our contributions. b. The Mayor and City Manager will bring closure to policy discussions, public comment, and other similar “final word” situations. 2. Once a decision has been made by the Council, we will support the implementation of that decision even if we did not support the decision itself. 3. If Council has a request of staff, they will direct their request to the City Manager and the Division Director for coordination with staff unless the City Manager decides otherwise. 4. If Council has a question about a staff member, they will raise that with the City Manager privately before raising it publicly. 5. When Council is considering a topic, it is incumbent upon Council members to ask sufficient questions to ensure they are making informed decisions. 6. Council and staff will address each other by their titles when engaging each other in any official capacity and will use first names in informal settings. 3 ITEM: Group Ice Breaker: What is one thing you are looking forward to in Columbia Heights this summer. Presenting Item: Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor DEPARTMENT: Administration BY/DATE: Sara Ion / May 27, 2026 CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below) _Community that Grows with Purpose and Equity _High Quality Public Spaces _Safe, Accessible and Built for Everyone X Engaged, Effective and Forward-Thinking _Resilient and Prosperous Economy _Inclusive and Connected Community Ice Breaker: What is one thing you’re looking forward to in Columbia Heights this summer? An event, a project, a deadline, or event just a place to spend time. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION MEETING DATE JUNE 1, 2026 4 Item 1. ITEM: Introduction of Sarah Zonn-Schmittdiel, Office of the Minnesota Attorney General. (10 Minutes) Presenting Item: Amáda Márquez Simula, Mayor DEPARTMENT: Administration BY/DATE: Sara Ion / May 28, 2026 CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below) _Community that Grows with Purpose and Equity _High Quality Public Spaces _Safe, Accessible and Built for Everyone X Engaged, Effective and Forward-Thinking _Resilient and Prosperous Economy X Inclusive and Connected Community CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION MEETING DATE JUNE 1, 2026 5 Item 2. ITEM: Municipal Consent for MnDOT Central Avenue Reconstruction Project. (30 Minutes) Presenting Item: Rochelle Widmer, Director of Engineering and Facilities DEPARTMENT: Engineering BY/DATE: Rochelle Widmer / May 27, 2026 CORE CITY STRATEGIES: (please indicate areas that apply by adding an “X” in front of the selected text below) _Community that Grows with Purpose and Equity _High Quality Public Spaces X Safe, Accessible and Built for Everyone _Engaged, Effective and Forward-Thinking _Resilient and Prosperous Economy _Inclusive and Connected Community BACKGROUND The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has presented the preferred layout for Central Avenue (TH 65) from 37th to 53rd Avenues. MnDOT has reviewed the layout with the Council at the April, May, June, and December 2025 Work Sessions and the January and April 2026 Work Sessions. The project includes reconstruction of the 2 -mile stretch of Central Ave (TH 65) between 37th Ave and 53rd Ave. This project will look to address safety concerns through th e corridor while enhancing the connectivity and quality of life for the residents that live along and use the corridor. The project will benefit all travelers by reconstructing the road, upgrading pedestrian crossings, improving sidewalks and pathways, managing speed, expanding multimodal options, and improving transit access. SUMMARY OF CURRENT STATUS On April 17, 2026, MnDOT submitted the proposed layout for Central Avenue for Municipal Consent. The submittal from MnDOT provided the following information to City staff:  Submittal letter  Example resolution  Good faith cost estimate  Engagement summary of MnDOT’s outreach efforts since 2020  Relevant statutes around Municipal Consent  Proposed layout Municipal Consent by the City Council is required on the Central Avenue Reconstruction project since it:  Alters access by removing the connection of Central Avenue and Reservoir Boulevard and several other locations.  Reduces highway traffic capacity by removing a general purpose through lane in each direction north of 39th St. to a point approximately 450 feet south of the intersection with 49th Avenue. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING AGENDA SECTION WORK SESSION MEETING DATE JUNE 1, 2026 6 Item 3. City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 2  Requires acquisition of permanent right-of-way, including potential acquisition of parcels currently owned by the City of Columbia Heights. MnDOT also plans partial acquisition of several additional parcels to acquire small amounts of permanent right-of-way from other parcels. Approval or disapproval of the final layout is by resolution of the City Council. However, if the City neither approves nor disapproves the final layout within 90 days of the public hearing, the layout is deemed approved (per MN Statute 161.164). The deadlines (per MN Statute 161.164) for the City’s responsibilities regarding Municipal Consent of the proposed layout are as follows:  Within 15 days of receiving the final layout, schedule a public hearing (by May 5, 2026).  Within 60 days of receiving the final layout, conduct the public hearing (by June 16, 2026).  Provide at least 30 days’ notice of the public hearing.  Within 90 days of the public hearing, approve or disapprove the layout by resolution (by September 14, 2026). MnDOT will attend the public hearing to present the final layout to the public and answer questions, as required by statute. As noted above, the deadline for the City Council vote on Municipal Consent is September 14, 2026. MnDOT has identified several key design subjects that members of the public have previously voiced concerns over. This list of concerns includes:  Number of Lanes o MnDOT has proposed fewer lanes on Central Ave to make the corridor safer and help calm traffic. The primary goal of this project is to improve safety. Reducing lanes will help accomplish that while also considering tradeoffs with this shift. o To discuss:  Some traffic will shift to University Ave, which MnDOT is planning for. This will result in more east-west traffic but likely not enough to create new safety concerns.  Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) will be stopping in-lane which will cause on average a 7 second delay in traffic every time a bus stops. There will be bus pull-outs at some locations to account for this.  If maintenance or an incident occurred with one single driving lane in each direction, the entire road would need to shut down with a detour in at least one direction. MnDOT is preparing a Central Ave/University Ave lane closure plan for these occasions.  Roundabouts vs Traffic Signals o Single lane roundabouts reduce all types of crashes and will function better than traffic signals. o Items to consider with multilane roundabouts:  They can prevent fetal/serious injury crashes but can lead to an increase in property damage (fender bender) crashes relative to a signal.  Multilane roundabouts can present some challenges to safe and accessible pedestrian and bicycle crossings.  Bicycle Facilities o MnDOT supports and will fund construction of bicycle facilities along Central Ave but will not maintain bike facilities. This facility is currently shown as a shared use path.  Reservoir Blvd 7 Item 3. City of Columbia Heights - Council Letter Page 3 o MnDOT has recommended full closure of the Central Ave access from Reservoir Blvd.  42nd Ave o MnDOT has recommended a conversion to right-in right-out from the existing traffic signal at 42nd Ave. Local businesses have shared concerns with this change. Currently, the intersection does not have the traffic volumes to support a signal. City staff from multiple departments have been working with MnDOT to obtain sufficient information on future maintenance requirements for the City. These efforts specifically pertain to the MnDOT’s proposed stormwater infrastructure. As we are currently in the layout phase, MnDOT does not have a detailed design covering the specifics of the proposed infrastructure. More details will be provided later in the design process once the necessary testing and research have been completed my MnDOT. To leverage the City’s authority on these matters, the City can adopt a separate Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MnDOT to document commitments not clearly defined in the layout. City Council would vote on each MOU at the same time as the Municipal Consent vote. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Requested Council Action/ Discussion Topics / Key Questions (Briefly state the specific action staff is requesting of the City Council, if any. For example: provide direction, discuss options, or review information.) Staff requests that Council have a brief discussion regarding MnDOT’s Municipal Consent submittal for the Central Avenue Reconstruction project. ATTACHMENT(S) MnDOT Submittal Letter MnDOT Good Faith Cost Estimate MnDOT Example Resolution for Municipal Consent MnDOT Timelapse Engagement Summary MnDOT Proposed Layout Relevant MN State Statutes 8 Item 3. An Equal Opportunity Employer April 17, 2026 Rochelle Widmer P.E. M.S. | Director of Engineering and Facilities City of Columbia Heights rwidmer@columbiaheightsmn.gov RE: Request for City Approval (Municipal Consent) of the Final Layout for SP 0207-130 (TH 65) Dear Rochelle, MnDOT is proceeding with plans to complete State Project 0207-130, the proposed reconstruction of Central Avenue from 37th Avenue to 53rd Avenue In accordance with Minnesota Statute 161.164, I am submitting for City approval the project’s Final Layout, S.P. 0207-130, dated April 14th, 2026. The City’s approval (municipal consent) is required for this project because it: • Alters access by removing connection to Reservoir Blvd. and alters access at several other locations. • Reduces highway traffic capacity by removing a general purpose through lane in each direction north of 39th St. to a point approximately 450 feet south of the intersection with 49th Avenue. • Requires acquisition of permanent right-of-way, including potential acquisition of parcels owned by Columbia Heights. MnDOT also plans partial acquisition of a number of additional parcels to acquire small amounts of permanent right of way from a number of other parcels. Municipal consent of MnDOT projects is described in Minnesota Statutes 161.162 through 161.167 (attached). Approval or disapproval of the final layout is by resolution of the City Council. (A sample resolution is attached). However, if the City neither approves nor disapproves the final layout within 90 days of the public hearing, the layout is deemed approved (per MN Statute 161.164). The deadlines (per MN Statute 161.164) for the City’s responsibilities regarding municipal consent of the attached layout are as follows, based on a submittal date of the final layout to the City of 4/17/2026: • Within 15 days of receiving the final layout, schedule a public hearing (by 5/2/2026). Please coordinate the timing of the public hearing with MnDOT staff to ensure that they can be present. • Within 60 days of receiving the final layout, conduct the public hearing (by 6/16/2026). 9 Item 3. Page 2 of 9 An Equal Opportunity Employer • Provide at least 30-days’ notice of the public hearing. • Within 90 days of the public hearing, approve or disapprove the layout by resolution (by 9/14/2026). MnDOT will attend the public hearing to present the final layout and answer questions, as required by statute. Project Purpose The primary purpose of this project is to improve pavement condition and safety. Over the past 10 years, there have been over 20 fatal or life-threatening injury crashes involving pedestrians, illustrated in the image below. Figure 1 - Map image showing locations of fatal and serious pedestrian crashes on Central Ave. Looking at the most recent 5 years of crash data, from 2020 through 2024, the segment of Central Avenue from 40th to 47th Ave. has experienced a rate of serious and fatal crashes (referred to as the “FAR Index”) that is over 5 times what would be considered a “critical” crash rate. This segment of Central Avenue had the 2nd highest rate of serious and fatal crashes of any Trunk Highway in the state of Minnesota, measured by FAR Index for 2020 through 2024. 10 Item 3. Page 3 of 9 An Equal Opportunity Employer In addition to addressing pavement condition and safety issues, this project aims to address other issues along the corridor: • Planned transit improvements associated with Metro Transit’s F Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project • Underground utility improvements • Aging traffic signals and other roadside infrastructure • Sidewalks that are in poor condition and are not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) • A lack of safe places to ride a bicycle – Central Avenue is a planned bikeway in the Met Council Regional Bike Transportation Network Project Description The project includes reconstruction of the 2-mile stretch of Central Ave (TH 65) between 37th Ave. to 53rd Ave. This project will look to address safety concerns through this corridor while enhancing the connectivity and quality of life for the residents that live and use along the corridor. The project will benefit all travelers by reconstructing the road, upgrading pedestrian crossings, improving sidewalks and pathways, managing speed, expanding multimodal options, and improving transit access. MnDOT is also coordinating with Metro Transit to install improved transit stations and with the cities of Columbia Heights and Hilltop to replace local utilities along the corridor. Property impact details MnDOT is planning several major property acquisitions along Central Avenue for this project, which also includes some parcels not directly adjacent to Central Avenue. Permanent easements located in the layout are conservative and further discussions with Columbia Heights and stakeholders will continue through the design phase of the project. The main reasons for acquiring permanent easements in the layout are due to roadway design changes, intersection design changes, installation of roundabouts, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements, and stormwater treatment requirements. Refer to attached final layout for proposed permanent easements. Roadway Configuration MnDOT is proposing to re-configure Central Avenue and tailor the roadway configuration based on traffic volumes. Near 694, where traffic volumes are the highest, Highway 65 will retain two lanes in each direction and a southbound auxiliary lane at the interchange will be removed. South of 49th Ave., where traffic volumes start to decrease, MnDOT is proposing to remove one through lane in each direction. A northbound bus lane will be added in the northbound direction (only) from 37th to 45th Ave., in order to improve the speed and reliability of the F Line BRT service. One of the primary reasons to remove a general purpose travel lane where it is not needed is to improve roadway safety. The image below shows what Central Avenue looks like before and after the proposed construction – the proposed design significantly reduces pedestrian crossing 11 Item 3. Page 4 of 9 An Equal Opportunity Employer exposure and will reduce motor vehicle speeds, this is the most effective way to reduce the likelihood of future pedestrian crashes. Figure 2 - Image showing pedestrian crossing differences before and after the proposed construction Bus stops The proposed layout has some bus stops where transit buses will stop in the (only) lane – this will lead to momentary delays as passengers board/alight buses. With bus rapid transit, passengers pay their fares before boarding the bus – this reduces delays experienced with traditional buses. On average, a bus will be stopped for about 7 seconds. MnDOT has performed virtual simulations of how Central Avenue will function with in-lane bus stops during the busiest time of day – the afternoon rush hour. The maximum added delay with fewer lanes and in-lane bus stops that could be encountered while traveling from 53rd to 37th Avenue is about 30 seconds. Most traffic will experience lesser delays (or even travel time savings) when traveling outside of rush hour. 12 Item 3. Page 5 of 9 An Equal Opportunity Employer Figure 3 - Screen shot of traffic simulation of bus stopping in-lane at 45th Ave. Roundabouts The proposed layout includes five roundabouts in intersections that were previously governed with a signal or had no intersection control. Changing these intersections to a roundabout provides a number of benefits: • In a statewide study, single lane roundabouts were found to be the single most effective tool to reduce motor vehicle speeds, more so than other tools like curb extensions and median islands. On a corridor with speeding issues, we believe this to be an essential component for traffic calming. • Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) will be added at strategic locations during final design for pedestrians to navigate roundabouts safely. • The roundabouts will also allow for a shorter crossing distance for pedestrians, decreasing the amount of time that they spend walking through lanes and reduces pedestrian crossing exposure. • In a statewide study, single lane roundabouts showed an 89% reduction in fatal crashes, 83% reduction in serious injury crashes, and a 60% reduction in all injury crashes. Unbalanced multi-lane roundabouts (2 Lane and 1 Lane) showed a 78% reduction in serious injury crashes and an 18% reduction in all injury crashes. Access Modifications The proposed layout shows a new intersection layout at 37th Ave. and Central Ave. that adds a cul- de-sac at the end of Reservoir Blvd., and removes the access to/from Central Ave. The 5th leg at the intersection of 37th Ave. and Central Ave. increases intersection delay and crash risk. At the request of the City of Columbia Heights city council, MnDOT will close this access completely. This will reduce crash risk and reduce intersection delay at the intersection of 37th and Central. Refer to attached layout for additional access modifications. 13 Item 3. Page 6 of 9 An Equal Opportunity Employer Off-site Infiltration basins The proposed layout shows the proposed off-site infiltration basins to help achieve the requirements for phosphorus removal. These infiltration basins will require MnDOT to acquire the portion or whole parcel and install new storm sewer to MnDOT’s system. Alternatively, Columbia Heights could take ownership of these basins and negotiate the routine and non-routine through the cooperative construction agreement. Planned Project Schedule The project is planned to be constructed in multiple different sections, from 2028 to 2030. MnDOT will attempt to maintain vehicle access during construction, however, it may be necessary to close certain segments of Central Avenue fully during construction. In this instance, access will be maintained to businesses and residents via side streets, MnDOT will coordinate full closures with affected property owners ahead of construction. City’s Estimated Project Costs Some project costs are the City’s responsibility, as detailed in MnDOT’s cost participation policy. (See the policy and the Cost Participation and Maintenance with Local Units of Government Manual at MnDOT’s this website: https://edocs- public.dot.state.mn.us/edocs_public/DMResultSet/download?docId=39065478 ). MnDOT has attached a Good Faith Cost Estimate for SP 0207-130. Below is a summary of estimated costs for the City: SP 0207-130 • Overall Current Project Budget – $55,800,000 • Columbia Heights project cost share – $1,026,000 plus city-requested utility construction o City share before individual project maximum contribution  $6,011,666 o City individual project maximum contribution  $226,000 o Items not subject to individual project maximum contribution  Signal at 43rd - $800,000 Please note that Columbia Heights has hit the individual project maximum contribution of $226,000 for FY28 under the current Cost Participation Policy. However, the locally proposed signalized intersection at 43rd Ave is considered “non-eligible” and therefore is not subject to the City’s maximum contribution. The proposed signal is “non-eligible” as the signal at 43rd is a local request and was not determined through MnDOT’s internal scope. Columbia Heights’ planned utility improvements are not included in the Columbia Heights project cost share – any city-requested 14 Item 3. Page 7 of 9 An Equal Opportunity Employer utility construction will be 100% city cost, not subject to the “individual project maximum”, and in addition to the city costs listed above. City’s Maintenance Responsibilities MnDOT is currently responsible for most routine maintenance along Central Ave today, and this will continue post-construction. Under the Cost Participation Policy (CPP), below is a summary of city maintenance responsibilities is below: • Routine maintenance of all sidewalks, shared use paths, and pedestrian refuge island • Removal of snow from parking lanes on trunk highways • Maintenance of markings at intersections on local roads • Maintenance of parking-related markings installed on MnDOT roadways • Maintaining, locating, and ongoing electrical costs for continuous or intersection lighting systems within the corporate city limits* • Non-routine maintenance and routine maintenance and operation of pedestrian hybrid beacons and rectangular rapid flashing beacons • Routine Maintenance of drainage elements, not including culverts** • Maintenance of any amenities or aesthetic features on the roadway*** • Maintenance of Trees and non-stormwater related Green Infrastructure *Except at roundabouts, where the City and MnDOT will share the cost of roundabouts maintenance which includes the lighting within the roundabout and approach or exiting lighting to the end of the splitter island, painted delineation, or up to approximately 400 feet from the roundabout. **Routine maintenance includes removal of sediment debris, vegetation and ice from grates and catch basins. Replacement of grates or manhole covers. Pavement repair around manholes and catch basins. ***Amenities include streetscape or other elements not essential for roadway operations. This includes things like bike racks, garbage cans, benches, or similar elements. The scope of amenity construction with the project is yet to be determined. Stormwater Infiltration Basin Maintenance Obligations According to the Cost Participation Policy, there are maintenance obligations outlined as routine and non-routine. The Cost Participation Policy outlines baseline obligations and payments, but the final responsibility of maintenance tasks can be negotiated in a cooperative construction agreement. According to the Cost Participation Manual, the owner performs routine maintenance for ponds and drainage treatment features within their right-of-way. Routine maintenance includes the following: • Removing litter • Clearing ice 15 Item 3. Page 8 of 9 An Equal Opportunity Employer • Mowing and vegetation management • Minor erosion repairs • Sediment and debris removal from structural pollution control or pre-treatment devices • Utility Locates Per the Cost Participation Manual, non-routine maintenance costs are determined by the ratio of contributing flow into the basin. Non-routine maintenance includes the following: • Sediment removal beyond pre-treatment sediment removal. • Major erosion, structure, pipe, and drain tile repair. • Clearing drain tile. • Replacement of filter media. If the city chooses to follow the recommended Cost Participation Policy maintenance obligations, the City will be responsible for a percentage of non-routine maintenance. Current estimations show the city appears to contain roughly 37% of the contributing area, so we are estimating that they will take over 37% of the non-routine costs. This will be refined as the project design progresses through the final design. As stated previously, the maintenance obligations and costs can be negotiated through a cooperative agreement to ensure a fair representation of maintenance for all partners. Please refer to the attached Layout for proposed locations of infiltration basins. MnDOT will continue to coordinate the details of stormwater treatment with the city as the project moves through final design. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this submittal. Sincerely, Christopher Bower North Area Engineer christopher.bower@state.mn.us Christopher Bower Digitally signed by Christopher Bower Date: 2026.04.17 13:07:22 -05'00' 16 Item 3. Page 9 of 9 An Equal Opportunity Employer Attachments: Final Layout for SP 0207-130, dated 4/14/2026 MN Statutes 161.162 – 161.167 Estimated Project Costs Sample City Resolution Timelapse Engagement Summary cc: Mathew Thibert MnDOT Project Manager 17 Item 3. Good Faith Cost Participation Estimate Summary S.P. 0207-130 (TH 65 in Columbia Heights) The City of Columbia Height’s share of construction costs was estimated using Mn/DOT’s cost participation policy and the Cost Participation and Maintenance with Local Units of Government Manual (PDF). You can find both the policy and the manual at http://www.dot.state.mn.us/policy/financial/fm011.html). This policy is used statewide to calculate participation of local units of government on Mn/DOT construction projects. The City of Columbia Height’s cost associated with the proposed construction as shown on the attached Final Geometric Layout is estimated to be as follows: City of Columbia Heights Estimated Cost for SP 0207-130 City Estimated Cost - $1,026,000 • City Individual Project Maximum - $226,000 • Items not covered by Individual Project Maximum o 43rd Avenue proposed signal - $800,000 o City utility costs – not quantified, these will be at 100% city cost o Any aesthetic project elements (such as aesthetic street lighting) in excess of MnDOT standard allowance. These costs are not quantified. City cost items in excess of the Individual Project Maximum – paid by MnDOT • $4,985,666 A breakdown of all city cost elements associated with project construction follows below. Trunk Highway 65 Mn/DOT is responsible for 100% of the costs associated with the reconstruction of TH 65 through the City of Columbia Heights as is shown on the submitted Final Geometric Layout. Parking Lanes Mn/DOT is responsible for 90% of the costs associated with the reconstruction of parking lanes through the City of Columbia Heights as is shown on the submitted Final Geometric Layout, Columbia Heights is responsible for the remaining 10% of costs. Signals and Lighting The project proposes the replacement of 2 signalized intersections, 2 signal revisions, and a city proposed signal system. The proposed signal system replacements at 44th and 45th Avenue has an estimated cost of $1,484,700, of which $649,556 is Columbia Heights’ cost. The signal revision at 41st Avenue has an estimated cost of $742,350, of which $371,175 is Columbia Heights’ cost. This is based on our cost participation policy and an estimated cost of $700,000 per signal. The proposed signal system at 43rd Avenue has an estimated cost of $800,000, of which all of the cost is Columbia Heights’. Due to the signal system being proposed by the city, MnDOT will not share the cost as the cost is not eligible for the ability to pay cap from the cost participation policy. 18 Item 3. MnDOT will be responsible for up to 100% of the costs to furnish and install MnDOT standard lighting as it deems necessary for the trunk highway system. If non-standard lighting is requested, the city of Columbia Heights is responsible for the difference in cost. Intersecting City Streets Mn/DOT is responsible for 100% of costs associated with connecting TH 65 to intersecting side streets to their current width as near as practicable to the existing right of way line. The City would be responsible for 100% of additional costs that extend significantly beyond the right-of-way line or extraneous construction beyond what is required to match into the existing side street. Roundabout The project proposes the replacement of five signalized intersections with roundabout intersections. The City’s share is estimated at $2,094,487 at 51st Avenue, $1,042,825 at 47th Avenue, and $523,621.88 at 53rd Avenue. This is based on our cost participation policy and based on the number of legs and traffic volume on the City’s intersecting roads. Mn/DOT would be responsible for costs of roundabout construction in accordance with the following figure: City Utilities Any city-requested utility construction would be 100% city of Columbia Heights’ cost. 19 Item 3. Drainage Costs For MnDOT initiated projects, MnDOT will be responsible for the cost to perpetuate the existing drainage system required for a trunk highway improvement. MnDOT will be responsible for the costs of any improvements to the existing drainage system necessitated by the project, unless a local agency requests improvements or requests changes which the local agency will be responsible for the costs. 20 Item 3. RESOLUTION NO. _____ Resolution for Layout Approval At a Meeting of the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights, held on the __ day of _______, 20__, the following Resolution was offered by ____________________and seconded by ________________ to wit: WHEREAS, the Commissioner of Transportation has prepared a final layout for State Project 0207-130 on Trunk Highway 65, from 37th Avenue NE to 53rd Avenue NE within the City of Columbia Heights for roadway reconstruction; and seeks the approval thereof, as described in Minnesota Statutes 161.162 to 161.167: and WHEREAS, said final layout is on file in the Metro District Minnesota Department of Transportation office, Roseville, Minnesota, dated April 14th, 2026, S.P. 0207-130, from 37th Avenue NE to the I-694 Eastbound Off-ramp. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that said final layout for the improvement of said Trunk Highway within the corporate limits be and is hereby approved. Upon the call of the roll the following Council Members voted in favor of the Resolution: The following Council Members voted against its adoption: ATTEST: Mayor _________________________________ Dated ________________, 20__ State of Minnesota County of ________________ City of ____________________ I do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution is a true and correct copy of a resolution presented to and adopted by the Council of the City of ___________________________, Minnesota at a duly authorized meeting thereof held on the ______ day of _________________, 20___, as shown by the minutes of said meeting in my possession. (SEAL)_______________________________ City Clerk Commented [JE1]: Is this the entirety of the project or city limits? Commented [CB2]: If there are conditions, add them here. Please discuss potential conditions with Chris before the vote to ensure they’re viable. 21 Item 3. 22 Item 3. The purpose of the MnDOT led Hwy 47 and Hwy 65 Planning Study was to better understand the existing conditions and transportation needs of a 10-mile stretch of both Central Ave (Hwy 65) and University Ave (Hwy 47). This study preceded the project design process, providing higher level evaluation and recommendations. It was also done in parallel with the Metro Transit F Line Corridor Plan, which focused on transit alternative development. The study’s primary elements and timeline are summarized in the graphic below. Work was conducted across two phases: • Phase 1: Project needs and evaluation criteria • Phase 2: Alternatives development and evaluation Phase 1 of the study was conducted from spring 2020 to summer 2021. Public engagement during this time included working with agencies and the public to analyze existing and future conditions and determine project needs. This phase of the study identified the following purpose and need elements, along with supporting evaluation criteria to apply to future alternatives. These were based on both technical analysis and community input. HWY 47 & HWY 65 PLANNING STUDY 2020 - 2024 Purpose Phase 1 overview To learn more and sign up for project updates scan the QR code or visit: bit.ly/FLineHwy65 Postcards sent Other considerations • Consistency with local, state, and regional plans and programs • Consistency with local, state, and regional projects • Cost • Maintenance • Bridge condition • Transit ridership on existing or planned routes • Supports Future F Line (BRT) Plan Secondary needs • Walkability and bikeability, mobility: improve comfort and access to destinations • Vehicle mobility: maintain or improve operations for autos, transit, and freight Primary needs • Vehicle safety: reduce injury and loss of life for all users • Walkability and bikeability, safety: reduce or eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries for the most vulnerable users • Pavement condition: maintain and improve roadway surface COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT HISTORY Central Ave NE (Hwy 65) 23 Item 3. To learn more and sign up for project updates scan the QR code or visit: bit.ly/FLineHwy65 The project team and its partners engaged with study area residents in October and November 2020. Due to the State of Minnesota’s public health emergency restrictions on in-person meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic, the study team adapted traditional public engagement activities to meet public safety guidance, with most activities conducted virtually. Over 2,200 people shared input in Phase 1. Participation in activities included 1,557 survey responses, 478 comments on the online interactive map, 256 local calls made to targeted stakeholders, 15 virtual stakeholder briefings, and three virtual open houses. Primary engagement activities included: • Project website with online survey and comment map • Three virtual open houses • Project emails • Ads on social media, community papers, and websites • Lawn signs and sidewalk decals (90 locations) • Outreach toolkits for partners’ websites • Media relations (press release and interviews) • One-on-one telephone interviews • Meetings with key stakeholders (13 sessions) Primary themes from engagement included: • Pedestrian needs: Many pedestrians don’t feel safe, especially on University Ave. Pedestrians worry about cars, including speeds and traffic rule compliance. Pedestrians can also have a difficult time crossing the street. • Bicycle needs: Bicyclists don’t feel safe on either Central Ave or University Ave. There is significant interest in adding or expanding bike lanes. • Motorist needs: People are concerned with driver speeding. People also feel like the timing of traffic lights doesn’t feel right. Roads feel congested, which leads to other problems in terms of unpredictability and bottlenecks. All travelers, including drivers and pedestrians, have issues with visibility of others on the road. • Transit needs: There is a high level of interest in better snow removal. Community members would like to see more bus shelters. • Focus area needs: Targeted engagement on specific segments of the corridor identified locations with the most concentrated challenges and need for improvements. Public engagement informed the development of the project purpose and need as well as supporting evaluation criteria. Phase 1 public engagement Overall Hwy 47/65 study engagement: 440 public meeting attendees 3,296 survey responses 2,769 map/alternative comments 15 virtual stakeholder briefings 14 in-person and virtual public meetings 256 local calls made to stakeholders 2,829 newsletter subscribers 125 sidewalk decals and yard signs installed COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT HISTORY Central Ave NE (Hwy 65) 24 Item 3. To learn more and sign up for project updates scan the QR code or visit: bit.ly/FLineHwy65 Phase 2 of the study was conducted from fall 2021 to spring 2024. This stage included reviewing the evaluation criteria developed in Phase 1, developing concepts and potential alternatives, evaluating and selecting alternatives, and drafting a study for public and agency review. Initially, the project team evaluated 166 concept alternatives across 10 sections of the corridor. Nineteen of these concepts were dismissed, and the remaining 147 were grouped into 35 “packages” representing typical road designs for each section. After further evaluation, the 23 packages that met the evaluation criteria were consolidated into four “corridor visions” recommended for further study. • Vision 1: Lower speed roadways with roundabouts at key intersections • Vision 2: Intermediate and high-speed roadways with traffic signals at key intersections • Vision 3: Combination of low and higher-speed roadways at different corridor segments • Vision 4: Reduced speeds throughout the corridor The study team engaged the public during key decision points in the study from fall 2021 to spring 2024. During Phase 2, there were 325 people who attended either in-person or virtual public meetings, 2,291 people commented on concept alternatives and 1,739 online survey responses. Phase 2 overview Phase 2 public engagement Engagement methods included: Project website with online survey and comment map Lawn signs and sidewalk decals 11 in-person and virtual public meetings Outreach toolkit for partner distribution Pop ups and targeted engagement activities Media relations (press releases and interviews) Ads on social media, community papers, and websites Meetings with community groups One-on-one telephone interviews 166 concept alternatives 35 packages147 concept alternatives 23 packages 4 corridor visions COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT HISTORY Central Ave NE (Hwy 65) 25 Item 3. To learn more and sign up for project updates scan the QR code or visit: bit.ly/FLineHwy65 Primary themes from engagement included: • Roads: While traffic speeding was identified as a concern, low speed alternatives were not heavily endorsed due to other considerations. Traffic calming and the addition of green areas were frequently noted as a welcome strategy. Parking-related issues were another common theme, both from the perspective of needing parking to support small businesses as well as safety concerns around parked cars. • Multimodal: People expressed concerns about pedestrian and bicycle safety within all concepts. Many people felt unsafe walking and biking along the corridors. Shared use paths received mixed reactions, while there was general support for adding or expanding bike lanes. • Intersections: Engagement participants also expressed concerns about intersections, including issues with current signal timing, safety of pedestrian crosswalks, and mixed feedback on the possibility of adding bump-outs. This feedback informed the selection of the four vision concepts that moved forward for further consideration. Of the four, Corridor Vision 1 received the most support, followed closely by Corridor Vision 4. However, the concepts did not account for all issues, so – while they were inspiration for what was considered in future phases – there was some additional work needed to get to the next set of project alternatives. The chart below shows what items were and were not covered during this study. Considered during study Not considered during study • Intersection crash rates and crash severity • Pedestrian and bicycle safety • Pedestrian level of service • Bicycle level of traffic stress • Pavement condition • Traffic operations • Transit route and station placement • Consistency with plans and policies • Estimated high-level project and maintenance costs • Stormwater management needs • Vehicle access impacts • Right-of-way impacts • Bridge condition • Historical and cultural resources • Environmental justice • Section 4(f) and 6(f) resources • On-street parking demand and removal impacts • Accommodation of both northbound and southbound bus lanes • Specific access closure impacts, as well as emergency vehicle access • Treatments for specific intersections, including freight mobility assessments • Transit facility design specifics • Specific lane, shoulder, and facility widths • Non-road infrastructure needs including drainage, signals, signing, bridges, and noise barriers • Connected and automated vehicle readiness • Site-specific hazardous and contaminated materials assessment COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT HISTORY Central Ave NE (Hwy 65) 26 Item 3. The purpose of the Central Ave NE Improvements Project was for MnDOT, local agencies, and the public to collaborate on a new design for Central Ave. (Hwy 65) between University Ave SE and Interstate 694. This work built upon the study and public engagement conducted in the Hwy 47 & Hwy 65 Planning Study. This project involved working closely with Metro Transit on the integration of the METRO F Line, a planned bus rapid transit line that will provide improved transit service on Route 10. This project has multiple phases, with associated engagement: • Phase 1: Raising awareness and connecting (April to July 2024) »Phase 1 was a preparatory phase focused on agency coordination; there was no significant public engagement besides general education and awareness via agency conversations. • Phase 2: Previous study wrap-up and project goal setting (July to December 2024) »Phase 2 focused on initial concept development, building on the vision concepts from the previous study and adding additional technical analysis. • Phase 3: Concept alternatives evaluation (January to April 2025) »Phase 3 focused on development and evaluation of roadway concept alternatives. • Phase 4: Preferred concept review (May to August 2025) »Phase 4 focused on finalization and refinement of a selected corridor alternative. Concepts evaluated in this study have largely been based on Visions 1 and 2 from the previous study. CENTRAL AVE NE IMPROVEMENTS 2024 - 2025 Purpose Design concepts To learn more and sign up for project updates scan the QR code or visit: bit.ly/FLineHwy65 4 corridor visions 2 design alternativesAdditional technical analysis Design refinement Recommended design COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT HISTORY Central Ave NE (Hwy 65) 27 Item 3. To learn more and sign up for project updates scan the QR code or visit: bit.ly/FLineHwy65 Community input supported the development and refinement of alternatives, which helped the project team reach a preferred design. Community members were also asked to weigh in on changes to specific intersections and areas. Engagement methods included: • Online survey • In-person and virtual public meetings • Community pop-ups • Meetings with community groups • Meetings with business and property owners • Mailings • Door knocking Key takeaways: • Safety and accessibility: Safety was the most consistent and urgent theme. Community members emphasized the need to: » Reduce vehicle speeds through traffic calming measures. » Improve pedestrian and cyclist safety with wider sidewalks, separated bike paths, better lighting, and clearer crossings. » Address multimodal safety, especially south of 37th Avenue, where support was strong for sidewalk-level bike lanes and dedicated transit lanes. • Transit reliability: There was strong support for enhancing public transit through the integration of the METRO F Line. Key themes included: »A desire for dedicated bus lanes and improved stop infrastructure. »Ensuring accessibility for elderly and disabled riders. »Clarifying bus lane rules and addressing concerns about in-lane bus stops during congestion. • Community and business vitality: Participants voiced a clear desire for the redesign to support local businesses and reflect the cultural character of the area. This included: »Maintaining access during and after construction. »Creating a vibrant, walkable corridor that attracts customers. »Incorporating placemaking elements like street furniture, signage, and public art. »Concerns about construction impacts and property values were also prominent, especially among business owners. Public engagement Central Ave NE engagement: 620 public meeting attendees 846 survey responses 13 neighborhood presentations 30+ business meetings 5 city council presentations 1,710 newsletter subscribers 310 public meeting comments 37,224 postcards sent 689 business postcards hand delivered 20 community pop up events COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT HISTORY Central Ave NE (Hwy 65) 28 Item 3. To learn more and sign up for project updates scan the QR code or visit: bit.ly/FLineHwy65 Key takeaways continued COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT HISTORY Central Ave NE (Hwy 65) • Environmental enhancements: Green infrastructure was widely supported as both a beautification and sustainability strategy. Feedback included: »Adding and maintaining diverse tree species. »Designing greener medians and rain gardens. »Using landscaping to calm traffic and manage stormwater runoff. • Traffic management: Traffic congestion and flow were major concerns, particularly at key intersections like Lowry Avenue, St. Anthony Parkway, and 53rd Avenue. • Roundabout education: While roundabouts received mixed feedback, many supported single-lane designs for safety and called for more public education to reduce confusion. • Parking tradeoffs: Parking emerged as a divisive issue. While some prioritized transit and pedestrian space over on-street parking, others—especially business owners—expressed concern about losing parking. Suggestions included shared district parking and off- peak bus lane use. • Access changes: Access changes at intersections like Reservoir Boulevard and 32nd Avenue also drew mixed reactions, which will require thoughtful communication going forward. Phases 1 through 3 of engagement were used to inform concept development and refinement, as well as selection of a preferred alternative. Phase 4 involved presenting the preferred alternative to the community and gathering final feedback. 29 Item 3.