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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-27-15 Worksession Packet 0 City of Oak Park Heights Worksession Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2015 Location: Oak Park Heights City Hall Council Chambers Time: 6:00 p.m. 1. Call to Order 2. MNDOT Response Regarding Traffic Blocking Intersection at South Frontage Road 3. Coalition of Utility Cities Update from Carolyn Jackson 4. Boat Ramp Discussion—Update from MN DNR 5. Safe Routes to School Grant 6. Adjourn Page 1 of 40 THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Page 2 of 40 'rrs. ent of Tmnsrportation .� St. Croix Crossing Project 1862 Greeley Street S. Stillwater, MN 55082 October 12,2015 Mayor Mary McComber City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Dear Mayor McComber: This response is to your September 3 letter regarding the Osgood Ave/Highway 36 intersection south approach.The Minnesota Department of Transportation, Washington County, and the City of Oak Park Heights have been aware of the traffic issues at the frontage road intersection with Co Rd 24 (Osgood Ave)for many years. The intersection has been reviewed extensively and a number of concepts have been developed over the years. None of the concepts for this intersection were found to he acceptable due to right-or-way and business impacts. When the initial Highway 36 construction project was let,there was a provision in the contract for each potential bidder to receive extra points if they could come up with a"creative"way to redesign this particular intersection.The criteria they were given was that Hwy 36 was the primary roadway, the solution needed to be in compliance with all traffic and ADA standards, and purchasing private property was not an option. Unfortunately,none of the bidders brought forward a viable solution. At the beginning of the project, MnDOT did consider closing the median on Osgood at the South Frontage road but concluded that traffic could be forced into private businesses which was an unacceptable solution. We also have considered various striping options but these would not meet traffic standards and open the department to legal issues.The possibility of a double turn lane to Highway 36 west was explored but right-of-way issues prevented that solution and it did not meet the long term planning for Co Rd 24.MnDOT has installed a sign on the median at Osgood as motorists approach Hiighway 36 from the south advising traffic to not block the intersection.As you're aware, signs and pavement markings are either not adhered to or the gaps are filled by vehicles turning from the frontage road to northbound Osgood. Washington County has communicated to MnDOT that they would be happy to work with the City and the State to explore options to relocate the intersections. if you would lice to set up a time to begin the conversation of potentially relocatingthe intersections,let us know and we can reach out to Washington County. Sincerely, {, Terry Zoller,Construction Manager St. Croix Crossing Project cc: Michael Beer Adam Josephson Wayne Sandberg An Equal Opportunity Employer 53 of 57 s F a } ! b,: rte ? j a i n — Page's"of 40 City of Oak Park. Heights 14168 uOak Park RNd. N•Box 2007.Oak Park Heights,MN 55082 e Phone(651)439-4439 w Fax(651)439-0574 September 3,2095 Mr. Terry Zoller 1862 Greeley St.S. Minnesota Department of Transportation St. Croix River Crossing Office Stillwater,MN 55082 RE: Osgood Ave&STH 36—South Frontage Roadway Surface Markings&Signage Dear Terry, Now that it appears that the final elements of asphalt and curbing have been installed at the intersection of STH 36 and Osgood Ave at the South Frontage Road;there would seem to be opportunities to improve the surface markings and signage so as to enhance driver movement through the area. As we have noted to your office in the past,it would appear that there remains some confusion by drivers attempting to move east-west across this intersection as at some times of the day,the stacking from cars(cuing to move westbound on to STH 36)backs-up and effectively blocks the east-west movement acfoss the south frontage road. Also,drivers attempting to tum eastbound from Osgood Ave.onto the south frontage roadway similarly cannot effeetively make this tum without creating excessive stacking. Per our previous conversations you had mentioned discussions with the County regarding signage,pavement markings,etc;could you advise us further of any improvements or suggestion that you or the County may have regarding further improvements. The City would greatly appreciate any feedback you may have on this matter.The City and its many businesses would appreciate any effort you might consider to improve this Intersection. KiE ds, C McComber Cc: Weekly Notes Wayne Sandberg,County Engineer Gary Kdesel,Washington County Commissioner 54 of 57 Page 4 of 40 CCAL1TJ0N _0.F_ - - Hr,kr;•t:lu.:.r•t I-.m:c f'...F•I I,�:;,ier •lhansfttlln•Oak Park HriCehlx•Red n'nr. Coalition of Utility Cities October, 2015 The Coalition of UtiNty Cities Seven Member Cities: — Becker (Sherco I, il, lil) — Cohasset (Boswell) — Granite Falls (Minnesota Valley) — Hoyt Lakes (Laskin Energy Center) — Monticello (Monticello Nuclear) — Oak Park Heights (Allen S. King) — Red Wing (Prairie Island) 131 Pageq 00 Why we lobby • Host Communities should not subsidize utilities. • The primary issue: Changes in state tax law have shifted the tax burden away from electric utility plants and onto other city taxpayers— local business and residents. • The Coalition analyzes, testifies and lobbies on to protect the tax base of our member cities. Current Issues at the Leglslature • Major changes to the property tax structure for electric generation under discussion. • Why? Current system is piecemeal; need to address solar energy taxation. • Who? Most discussion has been in the Senate. House has yet to take up proposed changes. Page 6 of 40 Department of Revenue Study 2014 Legislation directed the DOR to study how the state taxes energy systems: • MN's current system • Exclusions, exemptions and payments--in-lieu of taxation currently available • Costs and benefits to host communities • Comparison with neighboring states • Alternative tax options • Recommendations for taxing solar What the DOR Study Found • Alternative forms of tax include: energy excise tax, coal conversion tax, licensing fee and capacity tax. • Chief burdens on communities: Pollution and public safety. • Long term legacy cost of spent nuclear fuel storage • Chief benefits to communities: Job creation and skilled workforce. • Overall: No recommendation for change. Page 7 of 40 SF1636 : The Senate Responds • originally: subjects all electric producers to same system of taxation, regardless of energy source. • Taxation levied by local units of government, based on "electric generation tax base." • Tax base calculated based on energy source, average production, capacity and nuclear storage. Coalition of UtiNty Cities' Response • Analysis • Testimony • Recommendations Proposed and Adopted — Adjustment rate — Clarify transition aid Page 8 of 40 Valuation for Coal Burning Facilities Maximum nameplate capacity x $10,000 5 year average production (kW) x $0.055 n, 4 Valuation for (Natural Gas Facilities Maximum nameplate capacity x $5,000 5 year average production (kW) x $0.0525 yr Page 9 of 40 Valuation for Nuclear Facilities Maximum nameplate capacity x $5,000 5 year average production (kW) x $0.0525 $150,000 + $100,000/ton of spent fuel Adjustment Rate Both the "capacity rate" ($10,000 for coal, $5,000 for gas/nuclear) and the "generation rate" ($0.055 for coal, $0.0525 for gas/nuclear) adjusted annually by the percentage change in the retail price of electricity for the residential sector. Page 10 of 40 Transition Aid For cities that lose net tax capacity as a result of the change in the law, the law provides transition aid: Net tax capacity of electric generating equipment in 2015 x 2015 tax rate LESS Net tax capacity in current year of "electric generation tax base" x current year tax rate Effect on Oak Park Heights Oak Park Heights:Electric Generation Tax Base $6 c (Historical and Under Sen.Skoe bill) $5 GG S».GG $3.60 v S3.G0 $2.00 $1,03 S 1.00 SO CO 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 20112012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 20212022 2023 2024 2025 Oak Park He:ht>E et Gema).6aSe Page 11 of 40 Coalition of Utility Cities' Position • Addresses major concerns of CUC's legislative efforts in the past, including pollution control exemption, sliding scale exclusion • Adjustment factor and transition aid key to support • Stabilizes electric generation valuation by eliminating depreciation factors Tax Changes in 2016 Unclear whether there will be a tax bill: • GOP wants tax cuts • At least $800 million in state budget unspent • House tax committee has not heard the electric generation tax bill; Senate tax committee supportive Page 12 of 40 Clean Power Plan • EPA's Clean Power Plan: Rule 111(d) • Goal: to reduce carbon emissions from existing power plants. MN: Reduce to 40.3% of 2012 emissions by 2030 • Effect on CUC: May set a timeline for elimination or reduction of coal-powered electric generation Rule introduced July, 2015. MN Plan goes to Legislature for March, 2016 approval; due to EPA in June, 2016 _COA1..ITION O Rriscr•Coha"wI-Granilc FaEs-Iios-,Lakrs-:Mnmi,cV,10nk Park I IZ]it,-Rcd[fine Protecting the tax base of host utility cities. Questions? Page 13 of 40 THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Page 14 of 40 a City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N•Box 2007•Oak Park Heights, MN 55082•Phone(651)439-4439•Fax(651)439-0574 10/22115 MEMO TO: Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Eric Johnson,City Administrator RE: Safe Routes to School At the October 13th City Council meeting the Council sought to disucss in a worksession on 10127 the possibility and concept of a SRTS application.As follows is a review of that documentation and possibility. Federal SRTS Infrastructure Grant Application Overview This is a statewide Safe Routes to School solicitation with set-aside federal funds to support the SRTS Program as the state transition to the Transportation Alternatives Program under MAP-21. Selected projects within a 2 mile radius of a K-8 school may get up to 80% of their infrastructure project reimbursed with federal funds. Awarded funds are reimbursed to community after they completed the approved work. $1.7 million is available statewide for the 2016 cycle. Eligible Applicants The SRTS Program funds infrastructure projects that benefit students at public and private schools. However, schools must partner with their local public works office and/or state aid city or county to apply for funding. Cities with a population of less than 5,000 and townships must work with their county to submit an application. The document does not state that cities could not apply, however it would seem directly geared towards schools; however as the City is under 5,000 the County must be the official sponsor. Eligible Activities: •Pedestrian facilities:new sidewalks,sidewalk gap closures,curbs,gutters,and curb ramps with sidewalks. •Bicycle facilities:bicycle facilities or multi-use bicycle and pedestrian trails and pathways that are separated from a roadway • Traffic calming and crossing improvements: curb extensions, speed humps, raised crossings, raised intersections, median refuges, timed onloff beacons, bicycle-sensitive signal actuation devices, pedestrian countdown signals,vehicle speed feedback signs at speed transitions, and pedestrian activated signal upgrades(electronic devices must be permanent) •School site improvements: secure bicycle parking facilities, covered bicycle shelters, traffic diversion improvements(separation of pedestrians and bicycles from vehicular traffic adjacent to school facilities) The infrastructure project must be within the public right of way. This may include projects on private land that have public access, easements, or public property that is owned by a public entity. Construction and capital improvement projects may be proposed as far out as two miles of a school but communities are What actually is a"safe route to school"? (I have not yet found a DEFINITION of what a SRTS is....?- PENDING—calls into MNDOT SRTS office. Are the routes(to OPH Elementary!Salem)safe now?- This would be up to the SRTS Group to determine and evaluate—see below. How does a Safe Route to School Progarm Work? Each participating school forms a local team consisting of school administrators, municipal officials, teachers, parents, student leaders, law enforcement officers and other interested community members. They work together to assess attitudes and behaviors of parents and students, analyze the physical environment leading to the school and research related policies. Community and school groups work together to assess the safety of existing routes to school and potential new safe routes.The Page 15 of 40 SRTS team also looks at existing SRTS programs and opportunities to start or expand activities. The group develo s a prioritized action plan for improvements and a plan for developing a comprehensive Safe Routes program in the community. What is in the Plan? SRTS plans are comprehensive school travel plans created for schools to evaluate existing conditions and make an action plan for future work. Some plans focus on one school, while others focus on a school district. The planning process begins_by working with the local SRTS team to evaluate conditions through walking audits parent surveys(sample enclosed and hand tallies. At the end of the planning process an action plan is developed to guide the SRTS work at the school. The action plan includes long and short term goals, and includes implementation goals of infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects. Another key piece of the planning process is outreach to stakeholders throughout the school year; including parents, students,teachers and other local partners. A Safe Routes to School plan should describe the process by which students are encouraged and educated on the benefits of safely walking and biking to school. It should present the provisions for enforcing traffic laws in the vicinity of schools for the safety of children. It should define or prioritize the engineering requirements for infrastructure and include an evaluation of all these processes for results. What is the current layout of trails l sidewalks? I have attached a sumary map of the known trailways and sidewalks that are directly adjacen to the the Oak Park Elementary and Salem Lutheran. Recommendation/Cdptions: 1. At this time it would seem that the application is best initiated by the School District enitty and must foster and incorpoate signicant public engagement including but not limited to the formation of a SRTS team group which them must develop a comprehensive SRTS plan. The costs associated with this process from a staffing and/or consulting engineering elements would likely be in the $5,400-10,000 range to comply with all required documenation for a complete application. 2. A letter of Intent is due Oct 30th, 2015 with a full application due on January 8"1. Please note, that without the incorporation and leadership of the District, the formation of the SRTS Group and the creation of a SRTS Plan with specific goals;funding would not be secured regardless of need or ability to pay. 3. That said, upon review of the layout map, there are likely only a few key linkages remaining and for which a simple partnership between the cities, the County and the school district could more than adequately fund these costs and would be without the extensive design requirments, reporting and bidding requirements. 4. Another action the Council may want to consider is a proactive letter to the School District offering its desire to participate in a possible SRTS plan development. Enclosures: • Map of current adjacent trail systems • Misc. SRTS Data from website Page 16 of 40 V.� q J t cu co r:, cn 3 O OS *4�r1 ac U)CL aX4+3y - mc — , v ,r L O 0 co ! L N O Y c 1 © w r v 2 ? W W w ca CD ..' u, ry ° , ' lit„�; = r r ru �i # �,., KI[sv ,la.:.. s.a315d3M a •�% d g # 'SA �... s a. 6 Ie. _L ca fj , „ ,t , -- I ren � ��� � �� � � � � •�� � �_�� o — r i _ U) 6 L (a 1 i °• .e 1 f FAQs l Minnesota Safe Routes to School Page 4 of 7 How does Safe Routes work? Safe Routes to School improvements may include physical infrastructure changes and non- infrastructure programs. 1. Community and school groups work together to assess the safety of existing routes to school and potential new safe routes. The SRTS team also looks at existing SRTS programs and opportunities to start or expand activities. 2. The group develops a prioritized action plan for improvements and a plan for developing a comprehensive Safe Routes program in the community. 3. The plan might go through outreach for comments and input from the community and may be adopted by the school or city council. Once adopted, the school or community can begin to complete action steps in the plan. Some action steps, such as developing a Walking Wednesdays program, may begin immediately. Policy changes (providing bike education for all third graders) and infrastructure improvements may take several years to complete. 4. In the end, children travel a safer path to school...and a healthier path into adulthood. INFRASTRUCTURE EXAMPLES ■ Traffic-calming devices (medians, speed humps, speed feedback signs) ■ Biking/Walking trails ■ ADA compliant sidewalks and curb ramps ■ Additional crosswalks and traffic signals NON-INFRASTRUCTURE EXAMPLES Page 18 of 40 http://www.dot.state.mn.us/n-Lnsaferoutes/about/faq.htmi 10/22/2015 FAQs [ Minnesota Safe Routes to School Page 5 of 7 • Incentive programs that rewards kids for walking/biking ■ Educational materials to teach kids safety techniques ■ Public education about driving safely around schools At what age can children walk to school by themselves? There is no state or federal law setting a legal age minimum before children can walk to school alone. You may want to contact the school district or local police department where your child attends to determine if they have a policy that prohibits children under a certain age from walking to school alone. Children vary in their readiness to handle traffic situations, such as choosing a safe time to cross a street, even if they are in the same grade. In general, children are not ready to cross a street alone until age 10. Ideally parents are a central figure in their children's safety education. Parents have the best opportunities to effectively assess their individual child's skills and teach safe behavior in the course of daily life so they should be encouraged to participate in their child's safety education. It is less a matter of chronological age, and more about whether children have demonstrated they can safely walk and cross streets independently. For additional information about when children are ready to walk alone, see the resource developed by the National Center for Safe Routes to School called Teaching Children to Walk Safely as They Grow and Develop. Page 19 of 40 http://www.dot.state.mn.us/ninsaferoutes/about/faq.htm1 10/22/2415 FAQs ! Minnesota Safe Routes to School Page 6 of 7 What is Walk to School Day? Walk to School Day is an annual event held each October where students are joined by parents, school personnel, and other community members to walk and bike to school on the day of the event. Walk to School Day began as a one-day event in 1997 and has evolved into an annual celebration as part of a movement for Safe Routes to School. Today, thousands of schools from across the United States participate, including from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Walk to School day will be held on October 7th, 2015. What 'is a Valking School Bus'? A walking school bus is a group of children who walk to school on designated routes with adult supervision, while picking up kids along the route, just like a school bus. For some neighborhoods, it's a casual group walk, while others set up a formal plan with adults scheduled to walk on certain days. What are the 5 Es? The 5 Es are strategies of a comprehensive SRTS Program, which include: engineering, enforcement, education, encouragement and evaluation. The most effective Safe Routes to School programs include elements of all of the 5 Es. For complete definitions of the 5 Es, please see the Glossary page. How can parents get more involved with Safe Routes to School? Page 20 of 40 http://www.dot.state.nin.us/mnsaferoutes/about/faq_html 10/22/2015 What is a Plan? I Minnesota Safe Routes to School Page 1 of 3 Search the site r SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL ABOUTnow RESOURCES CURRENT CONTACT WSRTS INFORMATION & 5e TOOLS PROGRAMS & EVENTS us HOME > PLANNING INFORMATION > WHAT IS A PLAN? t What is aPlan '.2 SRTS plans are comprehensive school travel plans created for schools to evaluate existing conditions and make an action plan for future work. Some plans focus on one school, while others focus on a school district. Page 21 of 40 http://,",ww.dot.state.mn.us/mnsaferoutes/planning/what is_a_plan.html 10/22/2015 What is a Alan? Minnesota Safe Routes to School Page 2 of 3 f The planning process begins by working with the local SRTS team to evaluate conditions through walking audits, parent surveys and hand tallies. At the end of the planning process an action plan is developed to guide the SRTS work at the school. The action plan includes long and short term goals, and includes implementation goals of infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects. Another key piece of the planning process is outreach to stakeholders throughout the school year; including parents, students, teachers and other local partners. Page 22 of 40 http://www.dot.state.nm.us/nuisaferoutes/planning/what_is_a_plan.html 10/22/2015 Parent Survey About Walking and Biking to School QarParent or Caregiver, Ischool wants to learn yothoughts about children walking and biking to school. This survey wili take about 5 - 10 minutes to e ask that each fa omplete only one survey per school your children attend. If more than one child from a school brings a e survey for the child with the next birthday from today's date. After you have completed this survey, send it back to the school with your child or give it to the teacher. Your responses will be kept confidential and neither your name nor your child's name will be associated with any results. Thank you for participating in this survey! + I CAPITAL LETTERS ONLY—BLUE OR BLACK INK ONLY + School Name: I 1.What is the grade of the child who brought home this survey? M Grade(PK,K,1,2,3.) 2.Is the child who brought home this survey male or female? Male Female 3. How many children do you have in Kindergarten through 8'grade? ID 4.What is the street intersection nearest your home?(Provide the names of Mo intersecting streets) and Place a clear`X'inside box.If you make a mistake,fill the entire box,and then mark the correct box. 5. How far does your child live from school? Less than 'A mile D '/z mile up to 1 mile More than 2 miles L '/a mile up to '/a mile Lj i mile up to 2 miles LiDon't know Place a clear'X`inside box.If you make a mistake,fill the entire box,and then mark the correct box. + 6. On most days, how does your child arrive and leave for school?(Select one choice per column, mark box with X) Arrive at school Leave from school WalkU Walk Bike Bike School Bus School Bus i Family vehicle (only children in your family) L I Family vehicle(only children in your family) Carpool(Children from other families) Carpool(Children from other families) Transit(city bus,subway, etc.) Transit(city bus, subway, etc.) Other(skateboard, scooter, inline skates, etc.) El Other(skateboard, scooter, inline skates, etc.) + Place a clear`X`inside box. If you make a mistake,fill the entire box,and then mark the correct box + 7. How long does it normally take your child to get to/from school?(Select one choice per column, mark box with X) Travel time to school Travel time from school Less than 5 minutes Less than 5 minutes L—jL— V — 10 minutes 5— 10 minutes 11 —20 minutes Li 11 —2.0 minutes More than 20 minutes El More than 20 minutes Don't know/Not sure Don't know/ Not sure + + rage Z3 0 8. Has your child asked you for permission to walk or bike to/from school in the last year? Yes C'' No 9.At what grade would you allow your child to walk or bike to/from school without an adult? (Select a grade between PK,K,1,2,3...) grade (or) I would not feel comfortable at any grade place a clear'X'inside box. If you make a mistake,fill the entire box,and then mark the correct box 10.What of the following issues affected your decision to 11.Would you probably let your child walk or bike to/from allow,or not allow,your child to walk or bike to/from school if this problem were changed or improved?(Select one school?(Select ALL that apply) choice per line, mark box with X) L.j My child already walks or bikes to/from school E] Distance............................................................................................................. ® Yes No 13 Not Sure ® Convenience of driving..................................................................................... Yes ® No Not Sure ® Time.,.............. ............. ........................... ..,.,...,,............................... Yes No Not Sure ® Child's before or after-school activities.............. .............................................. Yes ( NoNot Sure Speed of traffic along route.............................................................................. Yes I I No Not Sure ._�:- ® Amount of traffic along route........................................................................... Yes No �__ Not Sure ® Adults to walk or bike with.........__..........•....................................................... UYes p, No Not Sure Sidewalks or pathways..............._.............. ................... Yes No T Not Sure .................................... ry g .................. .............................. Yes ;I No Not Sure Safe of intersections and crossings ..... Crossing guards..................... Yes No Not Sure ® Violence or crime.................................................................___...................... Yes No Not Sure .7 1711, Weather or climate..................................................................-..................... Yes 17 No Not Sure -I- -1 Place a clear"X'inside box. If you make a mistake,fill the entire box,and then mark the correct box 12.In your opinion, how much does your child's school encourage or discourage walking and biking to/from school? Strongly Encourages Encourages Neither Discourages _. Strongly Discourages 13. How much fun is walking or biking to/from school for your child? Very Fun Fun ! Neutral h �` Boring t Very Boring 14.How healthy is walking or biking to/from school for your child? Very Healthy Healthy Neutral Unhealthy Very Unhealthy Place a clear x inside box.If you make a mistake,fill the entire box,and then mark the correct box f 15.What is the highest grade or year of school you completed? Grades 1 through 8(Elementary) College 1 to 3 years(Some college or technical school) 0 Grades 9 through 11 (Some high school) College 4 years or more (College graduate) Grade 12 or GED(High school graduate) Prefer not to answer 16.Please provide any additional comments below. r Safe Routes to School Students Arrival and Departure Tally Sheet + CAPITAL LETTERS ONLY—BLUE OR BLACK INK ONLY School Name: Teacher's First Name: Teacher's Last Name:. I I I 11. tl M FTI I 1 1 1111117 Grade: (PK,K,1,2,3...) Monday's Date (week count was conducted) Number of Students Enrolled in Class: m ® m0[1 .Please conduct these counts on two of the following three days Tuesday,Wednesday,or Thursday. (Three days would provide better data if counted) i I e Please do not conduct these counts on Mondays or Fridays. • Before asking your students to raise their hands, please read through all possible answer choices so they will know their choices. Each Student may only answer once_ .Ask your students as a group the question"How did you arrive at school today?" Then, reread each answer choice and record the number of students that raised their hands for each. Place just one character or number in each box. . Follow the same procedure for the question"How do you Plan to leave for home after school?" •You can conduct the counts once per day but during the count please ask students both the school arrival and departure questions. . Please conduct this count regardless of weather conditions(i.e., ask these questions on rainy days, too). Step 1. Step 2. Fill in the weather conditions and AM—"How did you arrive at school today?"Record the number of hands for each answer. number of students in each class PM—"How do you plan to leave for home after school?"Record the number of hands for each answer_ Weather Student Walk Bike School Bus Family Carpool Transit Other Tally Vehicle S=sunny Number in Only with Riding with Key R=rainy class when Children from children from City bus, Skate-board, O=overcast countmade yourfamily otherfamilies subway,etc. scooter,etc. 5N=snow _ Sample AM i S N„ 2 M C 3 B i 3 3 t r P_M� 7L ZSample � 2_J] u Toles, AM . Tues. PM .;i Wed. AM k Cel ' Wed. PM Thurs. AM f; f Thurs. PM i Please list any disruptions to these counts or any unusual travel conditions to/from the school on the days of the tally. I i + + Page 25 of 40 Resources & 5E Tools I Minnesota Safe Routes to School Page 1 of 4 Search the site SAFE I - ROUTES TO SCHOOL MINI"now ABOUT PLANNING RESOURCES CURRENT NEWS CO NTACT OOLS PROGRAMS & EVENTS US HOME > RESOURCES & 5E TOOLS row Am Aft f 1ff"M 'Mourcua, & 5E Tools Mapping Walk! Bike! Engineering Mapping is the visual Fun! and Bike Creating operational representation of Fleets and physical geographic data, inimprovements to the both print and The new Minnesota infrastructure electronic formats. Walk! Bike! Fun! surrounding schools Safe Routes to School Pedestrian and Bicycle that reduce speeds maps specifically show Safety Curriculum is a and potential conflicts walking and biking two-part curriculum with motor vehicle routes to schools and designed specifically traffic, and establish other kid friendly for Minnesota's schools safer and fully Page 26 of 40 http://www.dot.state.mn.us/mnsaferoutes/resources/ 10/22/2015 Resources& 5E Tools I Minnesota Safe Routes to School Page 2 of 4 destinations, as well and is structured to accessible crossings, as the progress of the meet Minnesota walkways, trails and program, in multiple education standards. bikeways. geographies such as It helps children ages school districts, five to thirteen learn LEARN ABOUT regions, and traffic rules and ENGINEERING ga. statewide. Maps can regulations, the serve multiple potential hazards to audiences such as traveling, and handling Enforcement children, parents, skills needed to bike school staff, and walk effectively, Partnering with local engineers, planners, appropriately and law enforcement to and law enforcement. safely through their ensure that traffic laws Maps can also be used community. Bike are obeyed in the to illustrate the impact Fleets can also help vicinity of schools and of Safe Routes to teach students initiating community School programs to important skills in enforcement such as elected officials, state bicycling safety. Bike crossing guard agencies, and other fleets are a set of programs and student organizations. bicycles that is safety patrols. purchased for a school LEARN ABOUT or school district for LEARN ABOUT MAPPING the use of bike-related ENFORCEMENT student events. FundingLEARN ABOUT WALK! BIKE! EvaluationFUN! AND BIKE FLEETS . Monitoring and Funding refers to the contribution, support, documenting organization, and outcomes, attitudes allocation of financial Education and trends through resources for Teaching children the collection of data Minnesota Safe Routes about the broad range before and after the to School campaigns, of transportation intervention(s). programs, and choices, instructing initiatives. Funding them in important LEARN ABOUT recipient lifelong bicycling and EVALUATION organizations, walking safety skills Page 27 of 40 http://www.dot.state.mn.us/mnsaferoutes/resources/ 10/22/2015 Resources & 5E Tools I Minnesota Safe Routes to School Page 3 of 4 programs, and and launching driver Encouragement projects should be safety campaigns in widespread and the vicinity of schools. Using events and varied. activities to promote LEARN ABOUT walking and bicycling and to generate LEARN ABOUT EDUCATION enthusiasm for the FUNDING dio• program with students, parents, staff and surrounding community. LEARN ABOUT ENCOURAGEMENT `'.<.. Equity A needs-based approach to allocating resources that aims to achieve fairness in the distribution of benefits and costs. LEARN ABOUT EQUITY 10 i t" Page 28 of 40 http://www_dot.state.mn.us/mnsaferoutes/resources/ 10/22/2015 4�pla° 2015 Minnesota Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Grant Guide y� 4 _ li � IA' t 9 1 f� Lincoln Elementary School Alexandria, MN Page 29 of 40 4 Prepared by The Minnesota Department of Transportation 395 John Ireland Boulevard Saint Paul,Minnesota 55155-1899 Phone:651-296-3000 Toll-Free: 1-800-657-3774 TTY,Voice or ASCII: 1-800-627-3529 To request this document in an alternative format Please call 651.-3664718 or 1-800-657-3774(Greater Minnesota).You may also send an email to ADrlrccgaest.dotgstatr.nin. is, 2 Page 30 of 40 Content Federal SRTS Infrastructure Grant Application Overview......................................................................................4 Funding...................................................................................................................................................................4 EligibleApplicants ..................................................................................................................................................4 Eligible Infrastructure Improvements....................................................................................................................4 Federaland State Requirements............................................................................................................................5 Rolesand Responsibilities......................................................................................................................................5 ProjectDevelopment .............................................................................................................................................6 ProgramEvaluation................................................................................................................................................6 Howto Apply..........................................................................................................................................................7 MnDOT District State Aid Engineer Contacts........................................................................................................8 3 Page 31 of 40 Federal SRTS Infrastructure Grant Application Overview This is a statewide Safe Routes to School solicitation with set-aside federal funds to support the SRTS Program as the state transition to the Transportation Alternatives Program under MAP-21. Selected projects within a 2 mile radius of a k-8 school may get up to 80%of their infrastructure project reimbursed with federal funds. Awarded funds are reimbursed to community after they completed the approved work. All SRTS infrastructure applications require a State Aid sponsor.Applicants and sponsors with guidance from MnDOT staff will need to complete a process that includes: 1) environmental documents required by the National Environmental Protection Act,2)plans,specification,and estimates for authorization from the Federal Highway Administration and 3) let and administer construction contracts following all applicable state and federal contracting requirements for reimbursement. Funding Approximately$1.7 million will be awarded for infrastructure projects. The funds may only be used to support the construct costs on a project. The minimum and maximum amount that may be requested is listed below. Minimum: $100,000 Maximum: $300,000 Infrastructure projects are funded at 80%with a required 20%local match for eligible construction costs. Applicants are responsible for all costs above the grant amount. Engineer's estimate submitted with the application will be used to set the limit of federal funds on the project. Eligible Applicants The SRTS Program funds infrastructure projects that benefit students at public and private schools. However, schools must partner with their local public works office and/or state aid city or county to apply for funding. Cities with a population of less than 5,000 and townships must work with their county to submit an application. Eligible Infrastructure Improvements Infrastructure projects are consists of improvements that greatly improve the safety and the ability of children to walk and bicycle to school within a two mile radius of the school. The following are types of infrastructure improvements that SRTS funds may be used on. • Pedestrian facilities:new sidewalks,sidewalk gap closures,curbs,gutters,and curb ramps with sidewalks. • Bicycle facilities:bicycle facilities or multi-use bicycle and pedestrian trails and pathways that are separated from a roadway • Traffic calming and crossing improvements:curb extensions,speed humps,raised crossings,raised intersections,median refuges,timed on/off beacons,bicycle-sensitive signal actuation devices,pedestrian countdown signals,vehicle speed feedback signs at speed transitions,and pedestrian activated signal upgrades (electronic devices must be permanent) • School site improvements: secure bicycle parking facilities,covered bicycle shelters,traffic diversion improvements (separation of pedestrians and bicycles from vehicular traffic adjacent to school facilities) The infrastructure project must be within the public right of way. This may include projects on private land that have public access,easements,or public property that is owned by a public entity. Construction and capital improvement projects may be proposed as far out as two miles of a school but communities are encouraged to consider infrastructure around schools then preferred routes to and from the schools. 4 Page 32 of 40 Federal and State Requirements SRTS projects are requited to comply with all federal and state requirements. The local project manager and sponsors are advised that following the federal regulations and processes will require time and resource commitment. It is recommended that the requirements be reviewed prior to submitting an application.Below is a list of some requirements that are the responsibility of the local project manager and sponsor. • Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. In many cases SRTS projects will be eligible for Categorical Exclusion. The applicant is responsible for all required coordination and documentation for compliance. o State Aid—Environmental form • Securing all of the necessary local,state,and federal approvals and permits. • Ensuring that the project information is accurate and up-to-date in the State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP),Area Transportation Improvement Plans (ATIP) and local Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP),in metropolitan areas. • Using the latest State Aid and MN MUTCD standards,and MnDOT guidance. o MN MUTCD—Traffic control devices o State Aid—Bicycle path design o AInDOT—Bic�-cle desimi and engineering • Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA). A� o United St nr s Del>arnc, c I o Federal 1 Itgiiwa)�Adnumst<atuon _ �7 r o United States Access Board k 'V4OtY T N Streets and sidewalk guidance ' X0403 V,Ll � r o 'NInDOT ADA _ • Compliance with Btir .\merica requirements • Compliance with Q;ivis-Bacon and related acts J� � y�t • Maintenance of the project For the duration of its useful life Communities not able to meet these requirements risk Iosing federal funds_ For additional information on how State Aid administers the federal aid program and what process are in place to review compliance,see chapter five of the State Aid :Manual and the Delegts:d Contract Pruccs:, <1U)(J) checklist on the State Aid website. Roles and Responsibilities Continuous communication and coordination between MuDOT District State Aid Engineers,sponsors,and local agencies is essential to the successful development and implementation of a federal Safe Routes to School project. Each partner plays an important role in completing the project. District Stare Aid Engineer Each Minnesota Departi-hent of Transportation District has a District State Aid Engineer that will assist communities with implementing their project once selected. DSAE are available to provide guidance on a project; from initial programming to final inspection. They also provide oversight to ensure that the project is following the federal process. District State Aid Engineer contact information is provided in Appendix A. Lead Agency or County/City Sponsor A State Aid Cit} or County sponsor is re uir r all infrastructure projects. Projects in cities with less than 5,000 populations or in a township will need a countl sponsor. qnDOTand sponsors have DCF agency agreements in place w iiich delegates the responsibilit' of construction bid opening process to the local agency and enable MnDOT to fund local projects. The bid opening process for implementing federal projects is outlined in the DCP checklist. 5 Page 33 of 40 L As a sponsor for the SRTS project,the sponsor has oversight responsibilities in ensuring that the DCP process is followed. Local Project Manager The role of the local project manager may be more applicable to communities that need a sponsor. The local project manager is a full-tune staff employed by the city with the authority to act or represent the city. He or she must work with the sponsor on responsibilities outlined in the DCP checklist. The person will also assist with decisions on the project,coordinate the student and parent surveys,and provide status updates as requested by the schools or SRTS Coordinator. Project Development SRTS projects funded this solicitation must be ready for construction in 2017. However,there are multiple steps outlined in the DCP proces that must be completed before an infrastructure project is constructed. Applicants should review the federal aid process outlined in the State Aid Manual to determine an appropriate a schedule for their project. Three important steps and deadline dates for 2017 federal project are listed below. There is no flexibility to delay projects so communities should schedule their project to meet these deadlines. December 1,2016 Environmental document April 1,2017 Plan submittal package June 30,2017 FHWA authorization Program Evaluation Evaluation of the Safe Routes to School program will assist MnDOT and the National Center for Safe Routes to school assess the results of the program locally and nationally. /S JrkFOla- Baseline evaluations with the Student Travel Tally and Parent Survey from National Cent r for Safe D�VMPn l� Routes to School are required for a coq Mete application. School(s) awarde d benefiting fro Safe Routes to infrastructure fluids must conduct after evaluations using e Student Travel Tally and the Parent Survey. The applicant and sponsor should coordinate the evaluation measures with the school and community. The surveys will be used to help determine if there are changes to student travel behaviors and parental attitude changes. S The survey forms are available on the National Center for Safe Routes to School website and should be downloaded 6 ro) with the instructions. The National Center for Safe Routes to School website is / Q J� central 7r The Statewide Health Improvement Program requires the same information for communities working on Safe Routes to School initiatives through SHIP. Connect with your local SHIP Coordinator to see if this data has been collected at your school in the last year. 6 Page 34 of 40 How to Apply The SRTS solicitation has a two-step process to applying for infrastructure funding. The first step is to complete and submit a Letter of Intent form on the SRTS infrastructure grant website, The LOT will be reviewed and the applicant will be contact with comments on the LOI and guidance for the full application phase. The second phase is to complete and submit the full application with the required attachments by the application deadline date. The application will be scored and reviewed by a selection committee. Important deadlines and dates for the solicitation are listed below. Dates Details October 1,2015 Solicitation announcement Call for Letter of Intent(LOT) October 30,2015 Letter of Intent deadline November 2,2015—November 13,2015 Letter of Intent review November 16,2015 SRTS application online January 8,2016 Application deadline January 11,2016—March,2016 Application review March,2016 Award announcement For additional information about the solicitation and how to apply for infrastructure funding contact Mao Fang at mao.vang2state.mn.us or 651-366-3827. 7 Page 35 of 40 MnDOT District State .Aid Engineer Contacts Krttscn Roseau Lake of the District 2 j bWocds Marshall a __.._ Beltrami Koochiching ( i Pennington Red take Cook Polk 1 St.Louis ! Lake Itasca M Norman /.lanntme i + ,..�.1.__ District 1 Becker Cass Clay _ strict 3 Otter Tail CrOW Carlton Aitkin Wing _. District 4 -- Pine ToddQj Morrison I ,�� Grant Douglas ,c 5tevem Sertor i Pope Stearns -. �g ---- Sherburne Isanti Stan r Swift Lac ' �.t Z. Wrighnoka c Qu cr ppffva , 3 Meeker ° Metro � c Parte i rG "!-errPar 4 �, ��[teaz Carer ell ;t!e_i7r_`ti_, Renville w"""i Ecol* Dakota District siblev J Lyon Redwoodn Nicoll It Goodhue � Brown i e5ueu Ricer,atasha 2 m — r. rrlurrayBlue N - k Cotta cvoadn�la a+l Earth ° I Olmsted Winora Rcck Nobies Jackson Martrn Fanbault Freeborr o9nr.er �illirore oss a MnDOT District District State Aid Engineer Phone Number District 1 -Duluth _John McDonald (218) 725-2705 District 2-Bemidji Lou Tasa (218) 755-6570 District 3 -Brainerd Kelvin Ho%vieson (218) 828-5707 District 4—Detroit Lakes Merle Earley (218) 846-3607 Metro Dan Erickson (651) 234-7763 District 6-Rochester Fausto Cabral (507) 286-7620 District 7-Mankato Gordy Regenscheid (507)304-6105 District 8-Wilhnar Todd Broadwell (320) 214-6425 8 Page 36 of 40 Safe Routes to School 3-snts Sjft Rcutf;Home About Grants Fundon Resources Contact Infrastructure Grants E-2i reer nG t-e ery r:)-niEr-`c-s3fe'XS-c,79 and L C'eC r19 rod-te$ 7;ore&the fve Fs to the -.c 5---;; ac The SR-:P-:,,r_qm, 1`4^c,ng skpoctt f*- a"- nale sl,,den's 1-1 vi r.or nicyn;e to school by rns'Org --e=2,oc c_,.ez sale-Bra i-.,e access,nie illi ill --e'r, -=-e sere t-,za-s cf nfrss,.r-jC'LLre vrorovernerts f-at corr,%rities-,sy-eq,-est �-P o-!Fc•r. a Sshool site improvements.secure b cyce rrric rig fsc iitIes traff-c J ie:-sici slid rnqrovenients Pedestrian facilities rens 51deti5;-:r 5'de:181K g3l)CloSLreS. sma-e:sTec.4_'A rrrrovenent= Bicycle facilities:bicycle t-a Is,secarated rn.,IJ-use or sha-ed psihs anc relatec ADA rrr:-vc­rar­,s o Traffic calming and crossing improvements:Curb Exte-s c-s ECeEO mumps, 'ned s,- :l,-=swslk nial-Kirgs.ti:-ed crvoff descors,ve'-ic-e leedbecc s-s -s-sic speed sign--, 9-c I-e---sf,9c c:)rt,c devices Identifying SRTS Infrastructure Improvements SRTS co,,m_rities derff irfr t Ctire reecs Viro-.gh SRTS or cornrrunitvIsn^ 5 5 e e-:I-ee-r to e-'s-a' a,-q-ae-i-C:-c-cD-en-, t'.'O. e':2 US:E E24e,y_q-`C 5ttE3c y Ccrc e ro E125eJ on-.'E- d,;-r,-e P 9-1--2 '.l'a cOM-L, -a e irdS'STS-0 1�L'.71eei -C'0,:E-e-s col d:,e-afe to Cn3b C TIC-le a,jCen"5 ',V3 D,c a OlSrr IZ errs 5-,-. 93 9 s _.rels-s a p"9.1 c---sct,,a o 2- s,-E_ -Zeu --eds:C a-q;e vwjerz to 09:to so-CO ACC is S:a CdS,jsbcn s-.a.:a-z:ce=erg gfilaa-i.2 ;area- !�-13 eace� -g ce-.C-,rjr,-what each comm;r ty needs it a 5;?7S orc_ecl_ 2015 Infrastructure Solicitation -h s-s a Fsfe Flo� e­ct 5m =:trt se�s_-e-e:�E'Bi'Ll,:5 t-- -rc, 1,Y Sei ecte-_ c-c.e::is r �y 2a-t t 80 ercent f-.�"r _e MOL,sed vi^tn en-a!!L-m Grant funds are reimbursed tc a community after the approved construction work is completed CIesse-L-Ec--e__:1� ­_ :­. :;- ­. =Z= --�S-Ln:'rs-r ---,e rrtV"r- - �_ortslit trfo-r3tz-psi-s 7!,1 E;-a-! �,5r: 1 te e�gib lily.ford�e,­_renments,ex�en3,Dr5r S'j�'*''Ie 'I 1 1. de :-e 9r,_iCatlorl P._Cc&53. rre S How to Apply %I & COU"'ry --:Ere is a arc-sten process for 0,!rfrS5trLC1,Lj-.?apDl-_qt 0- et-3 2-d SLO--1,,e Lens-o",,tert Wclksha,&,to a- 3c:OcEr�-_7) 15 In.:,,s p,-zae yo--_:, vil: oe reiiawej for eiigibflrty and '-;eat Azplicarts wil ne c-r -&a.lLaz,a.Dc-i''I---LC 9-c guidance-.o oroceed c t,)L f-11&p:p • Leiter cf --7 1.f 2, Complete ant SLL--'.the 5 i 5 2 R-S kP-, the-RCu led sttactnic­s io MnDOT a! bf 3--3-j 3 Z_-15. 21 If SRTS infrasir. oily.,furl spplic2tior=11 be avails:DIe r- E Aojo icancr rstrLZt CIS(RDF, 140 KS) • 21'f Apr.icstici Sccri% Ojtluqe(PDF,90 KB) • Atzschmerl exanioles - CL'rEM,COrditDr MA (PDF, I 1.1B) * Studert4ravel rrap(PDF. I FOB} • RcQpuad jmnmvamert mac(PDF. I MB) • 7Vp,Qa 5pCTjor(PDF,C.5 NIS) Page 37 of 40 2015 SRTS Letter of Intent Worksheet Review Process Please read the infrastructure grant guidance on the SRTS gi-ants webpage before starting the Letter of Intent (1,01). Interested applicants must then complete and submit this LOl for their SRTS project to be eligible to participate in the SRTS project selection.Upon completion,the LOIS will be also distributed to the appropriate Regional Development Organization (RDOL Metropolitan Planning_OrganizationMPO or MnDOT District for review. A reviewer will discuss the project with the applicant before an applicant proceeds to the full SRTS application. The goal of the initial review is to ensure project eligibility and determine project readiness prior to submittal of the full application. Worksheet Complete the worksheet by filling in the requested information below. Submit this completed L01 worksheet to saferoutes.dot@state.mn.us by October 30,2015 to be considered for SRTS infrastructure funding. Name of the Applicant Organization: Title of Project: Full Name of Contact: Address: City: State:MN County: Zip: Phone: Email: 1. One sentence description of the work for which you are seeking support: 2. Amount of request from SRTS: 3. Total project budget. Briefly explain the total estimated amount of financing needed. Include the SRTS request and other sources of financing. Specify how you will obtain the 20%local match for the SRTS funds. 4. This project request is for capital improvements. Page 38 of 40 S. Describe the SRTS infrastructure work you are seeking federal funds for. Describe project development activities completed for this project to date. 6. Describe the objective of the project and explain how your project meets a transportation purpose: 7. List any adopted plans that your project has been identified in (statewide,regional,SRTS,comprehensive,etc.). S. Describe your organization and/or the sponsoring agency's history with developing and delivering local transportation projects with federal funds. Include federal projects completed or background work with federal funds by the organization or sponsoring agency. Identify the organization or agency that will complete the environmental document,construction plan,engineer's estimate,and specification on this project. Page 39 of 40 9. Identify key partners and their roles on the project(sponsoring agency, elected officials,governing bodies, county engineers, etc.). Have they been contacted?Indicate how committed each partner is to the project at this time (verbal, letter,resolution, etc.). Sm,=e a Copy Submit LOI For questions or problems with this form, contact Mao Yang at 651-366-3827 or mao.yang@state.mn.us. Page 40 of 40