HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution - 2015-112 - Intent to Fund Local Improvements within City segment of SWLRT - 11/17/2015 CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE
HENNEPIN COUNTY,MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-112
RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO FUND LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS
WITHIN THE EDEN PRAIRIE SEGMENT OF
THE SOUTHWEST LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT PROJECT
WHEREAS, the City of Eden Prairie (City) has been working with the Metropolitan
Council in planning for the proposed Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) Project; and
WHEREAS, the proposed SWLRT Project, which is under environmental review, is an
approximately 14.5 mile extension of the METRO Green Line, which would operate from
downtown Minneapolis through the cities of St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Eden
Prairie; and
WHEREAS, the City, our residents, businesses, and workers would benefit from the
proposed SWLRT Project as it could provide an attractive transportation option for residents and
workers along with increased development opportunities strengthening the City's tax base; and
WHEREAS, the City, our residents, businesses, and workers would benefit from the
proposed SWLRT Project through increased access to employment districts, cultural attractions,
educational centers, and shopping and entertainment; and
WHEREAS, the City has received input from our residents and businesses during the
planning process for the SWLRT Project desiring improved aesthetics and access to stations; and
WHEREAS,the City believes certain local improvements should be a part of the
proposed SWLRT Project as it would enhance visual aesthetics, provide better access to stations,
and improve economic development opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the City believes the only opportunity for some of these local
improvements to be made would be in conjunction with the SWLRT Project construction; and
WHEREAS, the City believes the best opportunity for the remainder of the local
improvements to be made would be in conjunction with the SWLRT Project so that impacts to
areas businesses can be minimized and local construction costs can be reduced; and
WHEREAS,the estimated costs of the proposed local improvements are $2,900,000 for
public plazas and art, $250,000 for West 701h Street enhancements, $130,000 for Technology
Drive extension, $360,000 for Southwest Station trail installation, $825,000 for bridge aesthetics,
$1,050,000 for enhanced fencing and railing, $1,125,000 for enhanced landscaping and retaining
walls, $285,000 for enhanced overhead catenary system poles, and $550,000 for Town Center
area street lighting; and
WHEREAS, through this resolution the City is stating its intent to provide funding for
the eventual construction of these proposed local improvements; and
WHEREAS, the City has requested Eden Road be reconstructed to include a trail,
sidewalk, two travel lanes, two parking lanes and a landscaping boulevard area and the
Metropolitan Council has included this design in SWLRT project plans; and
WHEREAS,through this resolution the City is stating its intent to provide $2,500,000 in
funding to ensure Eden Road is reconstructed as contemplated and that no other improvements
currently proposed within the Eden Prairie segment of the SWLRT project are de-scoped from
the SWLRT project; and
WHEREAS,the City, in exchange for proving funding for local improvements within
the SWLRT project, expects the support of the Metropolitan Council and Hennepin County in
the eventual construction of a town center station; and
WHEREAS,the City understands that the proposed SWLRT Project is undergoing state
and federal environmental review and that this resolution does not prejudice or compromise any
of these environmental review processes or any decisions made under them.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,that after appropriate examination and due
consideration, the governing body of the City of Eden Prairie hereby commits to reimburse the
Metropolitan Council for the required local portion of design and environmental review costs
related to the proposed local improvements during the Project Development and Engineering
phases through future agreements between the City and Metropolitan Council. The City and the
Metropolitan Council acknowledge that nothing in this resolution or any subsequent agreements
shall require the Metropolitan Council to take any action or make any decision that will prejudice
or compromise any review or decision-making processes required under state and federal
environmental review laws, regulations, or rules.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that after all necessary state and federal environmental
review has taken place and the SWLRT Project receives a Record of Decision and Determination
of Adequacy, the City will address the terms and conditions of this commitment through
subsequent resolutions regarding appropriation of funds for construction costs through one or
more subordinate funding or other agreements with the Metropolitan Council.
ADOPTED by the City Council on November 17, 2015.
N&icy T -L ens, a or
(Seal)
ATTEST:
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Ka Xleen Porta, City Clerk