Loading...
IV.6. Hennepin County’s Bikeway Participation Grant Application – Feasibility Study for 17th Avenue Cycle-track; Beekman (CR2016-028)February 29, 2016 Council Report 2016-028 Hennepin County’s Bikeway Participation Grant Application – Feasibility Study for 17th Avenue Cycle-track Proposed Action Staff recommends adoption of the following motion: Move to approve Resolution 2016- 024 Authorizing Application for a Grant from Hennepin County’s Bikeway Participation Program for the 17th Avenue Cycle-track Feasibility Study. Overview Hennepin County’s Bikeway Participation Program was created with the goal of expanding and enhancing the Hennepin County bikeway network identified in the county’s 2040 Bicycle Transportation Plan. Funds from the program can be used to construct bicycle infrastructure or be used to fund feasibility studies in support of future construction of bikeways on the Hennepin County bikeway system. The maximum award for construction is $100,000. The maximum award for a feasibility study is $20,000. In both cases a 50% match is required by the grant recipient. The City would be seeking $20,000 from the program funds for the purpose of a feasibility study for a two-way cycle-track along the west side of 17th Avenue between Excelsior Boulevard and the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail. Primary Issues to Consider Does the City support the feasibility and possible future construction of a two- way cycle-track along the west side of 17th Avenue between Excelsior Boulevard and the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail? Supporting Information Resolution 2016-024 ___________________________ Meg Beekman Community Development Coordinator Council Report 2016-028 Page 2 Financial Impact: $_________Budgeted: Y/N ___ Source: __________ Related Documents (CIP, ERP, etc.): _______________________________________ Notes:_______________________________________________________________ Analysis of the Issues As part of the Southwest LRT project, 17th Avenue will be extended from Excelsior Boulevard, south to the Shady Oak station and K-Tel. The 17th Avenue extension will include a two-way cycle-track along the west side of the new road. The cycle-track will connect multi-use trails along Excelsior Boulevard with the Cedar lake Regional Trail and Shady Oak Beach. One of the recommendations that came out of the Shady Oak Master Development Strategy that the city completed in 2015, with the Minnetonka, was that the city should extend the two-way cycle-track north from Excelsior Boulevard to the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail in order to create a complete off-road bike loop. The Shady Oak Master Development Strategy also recommended the addition of a sidewalk along the west side of 17th Avenue. A feasibility study is the next step if the city wishes to implement the sidewalk and cycle- track connection. Alternatives The Council has the following alternatives: Approve Resolution 2016-024 Approve Resolution 2016-024 with changes Deny Resolution 2016-024 and opt not to support the grant request RESOLUTION NO.2016-024 CITY OF HOPKINS,MINNESOTA RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION FOR A GRANT FROM HENNEPIN COUNTY’S BIKEWAY PARTICIPATION PROGRAM FOR THE 17TH AVENUE CYCLE-TRACK FEASIBILITY STUDY WHEREAS the City of Hopkins is eligible to make application for grant funds from Hennepin County’s Bikeway Participation Program; and WHEREAS the City wishes to submit an application requesting grant funds from the Hennepin County Bikeway Participation Program; and WHEREAS the grant funds will be used to fund a feasibility study for the construction of a cycle-track along 17th Avenue between Excelsior Boulevard and the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail; and WHEREAS the Hennepin County Bikeway Participation Program Guidelines require approval by the governing body of the City for submission of a grant application to the Hennepin County Bikeway Participation Program; and WHEREAS the City has the institutional, managerial and financial capability to ensure adequate project administration for any grant funds received; and WHEREAS the City certifies that it will comply with all applicable laws and regulations as stated in the contract agreements; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that, after appropriate examination and due consideration, the governing body of the City supports the submission of a Bikeway Participation grant application to Hennepin County for the proposed feasibility study and that the City Manager is hereby authorized to apply to the Hennepin County Bikeway Participation Program on behalf of the City of Hopkins as well as execute such agreements as are necessary to implement the project on behalf of the City. Adopted this 29th day of February, 2016. By: ______________________________ Molly Cummings, Mayor Attest: _______________________________ Amy Domeier, City Clerk