HomeMy WebLinkAbout5I Corridor Options Report
Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245 / www.cityofpriorlake.com
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: FEBRUARY 19, 2018
AGENDA #: 5I
PREPARED BY: MICHAEL PLANTE, CITY MANAGER
PRESENTED BY: MICHAEL PLANTE
AGENDA ITEM:
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION SUPPERTING THE REPEAL OF
2002 MINN. SESS. LAW CH. 393 (H.F. 3618, SEC. 85) ENABLING THE STATE
OF MINNESOTA AND METROPOLITAN COUNCIL TO STUDY ALL CORRIDOR
OPTIONS
GOAL AREA AND
OBJECTIVE:
High-Value City Services
6. Seek community engagement through a variety of communication methods to
reach all residents.
DISCUSSION: Introduction
The purpose of this agenda item is to request that the city council adopt a
resolution allowing the State of Minnesota and the Metropolitan Council to discuss
corridor options.
History
In 1997 the State began studying the feasibility of transportation alternatives in the
metro area. The study published in 1999 identified the Dan Patch Corridor as one
of three corridors with the highest potential for success. Legislators in some
suburban communities became concerned about the proposed route relative to
residential neighborhoods in their district.
In 2002 a law was introduced and passed entitled Dan Patch Commuter Rail Line
Prohibitions, Minnesota Session Law Chapter 393 (House File, Sec. 85). The law
prohibited the State of Minnesota and the Metropolitan Council from discussion or
study of this corridor. The law, or gag order as some have referred to it has
remained in place for seventeen years. Over the years there have been attempts
to repeal the law, but the attempts have gone for not.
Current Circumstances
For several years, the Scott County Association for Leadership and Efficiency has
supported the repeal of this law. This year Savage is seeking to have various cities
including Prior Lake adopt a resolution to strike down the 2002 law. Attached is a
copy of the staff report and attachments to the Savage City Council.
This year city council members have provided input into the language of the
resolution.
ISSUES: This action is not intended to guarantee that the Dan Patch Line is built and
operated, instead it is intended to identify and overturn an exceedingly poor public
policy. Most would agree that the reason our political system works is largely
because we can debate all proposals.
But not Dan Patch Lines. This resolution simply seeks to allow a debate on the
topic and let the debate be the determiner of what the next step will be if any.
FINANCIAL
IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with the adoption of the resolution.
ALTERNATIVES: 1.Motion and second to adopt the attached resolution as part of the consent
agenda.
2. Motion and second to remove this item from the consent agenda for additional
discussion.
RECOMMENDED
MOTION:
Alternative #1
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
RESOLUTION 19-___
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE REPEAL OF 2002 MINN. SESS. LAW CH. 393 (H.F. 3618,
SEC. 85) ENABLING THE STATE OF MINNESOTA AND THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
TO STUDY ALL CORRIDOR OPTIONS
Motion By: Second By:
WHEREAS, it is important to the vitality of the City of Prior Lake, Scott County, and the region to
have a well-functioning transportation system, and;
WHEREAS, a majority of Scott County residents work outside of the County, and a significant
number of employees travel to Scott County businesses for work, and;
WHEREAS, these residents and businesses depend on Scott County’s river crossings to get to
and from work, and;
WHEREAS, Scott County’s river crossings are currently over capacity and will continue to be
over capacity in the year 2040 despite significant investments in the State and
County transportation system, and;
WHEREAS, a transportation system that negatively impacts residents’, businesses’, and
employees’ ability to travel for work or move freight hinders economic growth and
quality of life, and;
WHEREAS, the City of Prior Lake feels it is important for the State of Minnesota, the
Metropolitan Council, or a regional trail authority to be able to study all options to
address this important issue.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PRIOR LAKE,
MINNESOTA supports the repeal of 2002 Minn. Sess. Law Ch. 393 (H.F. 3618, Sec. 85) which
prohibits the State of Minnesota and Metropolitan Council from spending funds or studying the
viability of the Dan Patch commuter rail line, and further supports the State and the Metropolitan
Council to include the Dan Patch commuter rail line in future transportation development guides
and the regional transit master plans.
Passed and adopted by the Prior Lake City Council this19th day of February 2019.
VOTE Briggs Thompson Burkart Braid Erickson
Aye ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Nay ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Abstain ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Absent ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
______________________________
Michael Plante, City Manager
City Council Agenda Memorandum
Meeting Date: February 19, 2019 Public Hearing:
Agenda Item Number: Consent Item:
Originating Department: Administration General Business:
Prepared by: Brad Larson, City Administrator
Action Requested:
Consider adopting a resolution supporting the repeal of the Dan Patch Commuter Rail Line
Prohibitions, 2002 Minnesota Session Law Chapter 393 (House File 3618, Sec. 85), enabling the
State of Minnesota, the Metropolitan Council and Regional Rail Authorities to Study the Dan
Patch Commuter Rail Line.
Guiding Principal:
“Savage will facilitate the development of efficient and effective transportation systems that
provide for both local and regional needs.”
Background:
Staff is working with Representative Cantrell to draft le gislation to repeal the ban on studying
or spending funds on the Dan Patch Line. Neighboring communities have also been contacted
to consider a resolution of support, as this is a regional issue.
According to 2014 Census information, 40% of Scott County residents worked outside of the
County. In Savage, 46% of residents used the Minnesota River crossings to travel north for
work (See Exhibit A). Scott County’s river crossings are currently over capacity and are
projected to be worse by 2040 as the region grows. See Exhibit B and C for maps of current and
future congestion in Scott County. The river crossings are not only important for getting people
north of the river. Businesses in Savage and Scott County depend on people being able to come
south across the Minnesota River to work. For example, Mystic Lake and Amazon are paying
MVTA to operate bus routes in Minneapolis to bring workers over the Minnesota River
crossings to their facilities.
A well-functioning transportation system is important to the vitality of the region. This can be
found in the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan, Scott County’s Comprehensive Plan, and MNDOT
planning documents. Staff’s concern is the County’s river crossings will negatively impact the
City’s and County’s economic growth and residents’ quality of life. In a quote to the Savage
Pacer John Solberg from MNDOT states all major roadways in the metro will be congested in 20
years (Exhibit D). Evaluating alternatives to address congestion at these river crossings is a
concern for the City of Savage and the County. However, due to a ban on studying the Dan
Patch Corridor, the issue will not be addressed fully.
In 1997 the State began studying the feasibility of commuter rail in the metro area. That study
was published in 1999 and identified the Dan Patch corridor as one of three corridors with the
2
highest potential for success. In 2002, a law was introduced and passed by legislators in
Hennepin County to ban the State of Minnesota, the Metropolitan Council, and regional trail
authorities from studying the viability of the Dan Patch Line.
In 2019, the Twin Cities now has two successful light rail lines with planned expansions.
Dakota County has begun to plan for their future by identifying an additional river crossing into
Washington County in their 2030 Transportation Plan. However, with the ban on studying the
Dan Patch Corridor the public cannot properly research options for reducing river crossing
congestion in Scott County.
Budget Information/Fiscal Impact:
None.
Alternatives:
1. Adopt a resolution supporting the repeal of the Dan Patch Commuter Rail Line
Prohibitions, 2002 Minnesota Session Law Chapter 393 (House File 3618, Sec. 85),
enabling the State of Minnesota, the Metropolitan Council and Regional Rail Authorities
to Study the Dan Patch Commuter Rail Line.
2. Amend the resolution.
3. Table the agenda item and request additional information form staff.
4. Deny the request.
Action/Recommendation:
Staff recommends alternative 1.
12/4/2018 What the experts say about increasing traffic on Highway 13 (copy) | Savage Pacer | swnewsmedia.com
https://www.swnewsmedia.com/savage_pacer/what-the-experts-say-about-increasing-traffic-on-highway-copy/article_35f92785-3dc8-5594-a7d2-ba57…1/5
Brad Lar…
https://www.swnewsmedia.com/savage_pacer/what-the-experts-say-about-increasing-tra c-on-highway-
copy/article_35f92785-3dc8-5594-a7d2-ba5735f2d328.html
TOP STORY
What the experts say about increasing tra c on Highway 13(copy)
By Christine Schuster cschuster@swpub.com Oct 18, 2018
O cials called for public input in a Highway 13 study they hope will guide decision-making
about the roadway’s future design while balancing needs for mobility and access to local
Savage.
BuyHighway 13 in Savage carries high levels of freight and tra c volumes are approaching freeway levels.
Photo by Christine Schuster
12/4/2018 What the experts say about increasing traffic on Highway 13 (copy) | Savage Pacer | swnewsmedia.com
https://www.swnewsmedia.com/savage_pacer/what-the-experts-say-about-increasing-traffic-on-highway-copy/article_35f92785-3dc8-5594-a7d2-ba57…2/5
John Solberg with the Minnesota Department of Transportation said the department plans to
launch a study of the highway and its connecting roads that could take two or three years. But
the funding isn’t entirely pinned down at this point, and a consulting rm hasn’t been hired.
An estimated price tag will become available once the scope of the study is determined, but
Savage City Engineer Seng Thongvanh said the city plans to commit around $65,000.
Rapid growth in Scott County is expected to continue over the next decade, leading to higher
tra c volumes on Highway 13, Solberg said.
“We are projecting already for the next 20 years that tra c volumes at every major roadway in
the metro will be congested — bottom line,” he said. Solberg served as the south area manager
for the metro district with MnDOT for four years before recently transitioning to the
environmental stewardship department.
Thongvanh said that keeping access points into downtown Savage poses challenges when
considering how to improve mobility on Highway 13.
A congested roadway could deter customers from businesses along Highway 13 just as much
as removing spotlights that provide convenient access points— it’s a “double-edged sword,” he
said.
Experts at the state level closely consider how lower-level roadways impact higher-level
roadways, Solberg said. In this case, he said that means analyzing how Highway 13
improvements could create issues on Interstate 35 West. The state focuses on safety and
12/4/2018 What the experts say about increasing traffic on Highway 13 (copy) | Savage Pacer | swnewsmedia.com
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mobility, while additional factors come into play for city sta , such as land use and economic
health.
“There are competing interests,” Solberg said. “The hope with this study is that we are blending
those interests.”
Finding solutions
For business owners along Highway 13, there’s a lot riding on the changes that could be made
— the study will include several opportunities for public input. Input from residents and
business owners is crucial, Thongvanh said, and could impact the direction of Highway 13
improvements.
With average daily tra c counts on Highway 13 approaching 60,000 cars — a volume normally
seen on freeways — Thongvanh expects that some recommendations on the table will include
removing stoplights and limiting access into Savage.
“I think MnDOT also understands that we need to keep the downtown viable and we need
access to get to those business, and I think they are really engaged and open,” he said.
According to Solberg, several studies have been conducted on Highway 13 since the early
2000s through joint ventures between the department, cities and the counties. While the
previous studies have looked at sections of the roadway, the new study will provide a more in-
depth look at the overall road network.
12/4/2018 What the experts say about increasing traffic on Highway 13 (copy) | Savage Pacer | swnewsmedia.com
https://www.swnewsmedia.com/savage_pacer/what-the-experts-say-about-increasing-traffic-on-highway-copy/article_35f92785-3dc8-5594-a7d2-ba57…4/5
“It’s a hybrid project where we are combining long-range planning and project initiation,” he
said.
In 2017, a design study funded by the City of Savage and Scott County created plans for an
interchange in the area of Highway 13 and Dakota Avenue that would bring Highway 13 over
Dakota. The project is slated to begin construction in 2022. These designs will be evaluated in
the new study to determine how well they t into the bigger picture, Thongvanh said.
Rising tra c counts on the Highway 13 corridor is inevitable, Solberg said, so improvements
center around “right-sizing” the system — in other words, making improvements in a ordable
steps that don’t waste infrastructure.
The process of making improvements can become more complex when multiple agencies
share authority over a roadway, Solberg said. For example, any changes made to an
intersection along the Highway 13 corridor in Savage would require the approval of MNDOT
and the Savage City Council. The same complexities come into play for county roads.
“Certainly one of the things we know is Highway 13 carries a high level of freight,” Solberg said
“That’s been documented in the past, but recently the department and the MET Council
completed a study showing the highest freight corridors in the metro and 13 is one of those.”
At any given moment, around ve to nine percent of the vehicles on Highway 13 are
commercial trucks, Thongvanh said. This number can be as high as 18 percent.
12/4/2018 What the experts say about increasing traffic on Highway 13 (copy) | Savage Pacer | swnewsmedia.com
https://www.swnewsmedia.com/savage_pacer/what-the-experts-say-about-increasing-traffic-on-highway-copy/article_35f92785-3dc8-5594-a7d2-ba57…5/5
Christine Schuster
Solberg said that drivers who feel frustrated about delays on Highway 13 aren’t wrong.
However, the con icting question he asks is whether or not those delays meet engineering
standards for an acceptable delay in the context of the entire road network.
“It is our major roadway through Savage, and sometimes it’s hard to get people involved,”
Thongvanh said. “But I think MnDOT, Scott County as well as the city would really appreciate
the public being involved in what the solution is there.”