Consent Agenda Items 3-11

Dissent: None

Moved by Vice Stevenson [00:09] · Seconded by Unknown [00:09]

The consent agenda included resolutions for gift acceptances from Equivolve, Brookings Transportation Initiative, and Minneapolis Foundation. It also contained a resolution of support for the Minnesota Department of Transportation Highway 280 project, setting a public hearing for the Minnesota Department of Transportation Central Avenue Improvement Project, a land sale at Wedge Point Park, authorization for grant applications for federal highway safety improvement funds, accepting a low bid for the West River Road phase 2 project, and approving a legislative directive related to the proposed closure of the Henipin Energy Recovery Center. No items were pulled for further discussion.

2026 to 2029 Climate and Infrastructure Committee Work Plan

Dissent: None

Moved by Vice Stevenson [00:15] · Seconded by Unknown [00:15]

Public comment focused on the 'zero waste' strategic objective. Leslie Mint of the Minnesota Environmental Justice Table praised the inclusion of zero waste and the creation of a zero waste program manager FTE and ambassadors. However, she expressed concern that the work plan's wording might imply zero waste is a prerequisite for closing the HERK, arguing that HERK closure should be pursued independently due to its ongoing pollution impact, regardless of waste reduction efforts. No further public speakers came forward, and the committee decided to postpone the item.

Lindell Avenue Reconstruction Project and Designation Resolution

Dissent: Council Member Vita initially expressed a preference to move it without recommendation, but ultimately supported the modified motion.

Moved by Vice Stevenson [01:54] · Seconded by Council Member Chowdery [01:54]

Hennepin County staff presented a detailed overview of the Lindell Avenue reconstruction, highlighting the project's history, the success of a 2022 pilot (57% crash reduction, speed moderation), extensive community engagement, and project goals including safety, accessibility, greening, and meeting community needs. The design incorporates two-way bikeways, transit advantage lanes, center medians, enhanced lighting, tree preservation efforts (reducing impacted trees from 90+ to 50-60), and retains 76% of existing parking. The project is critical due to the age of infrastructure and a federal funding deadline of June 30, 2027. Public comments revealed strong division: advocates for biking, walking, and transit lauded the safety improvements and multimodal design, emphasizing the need for action and investment. Business owners and some residents expressed severe concerns about potential economic devastation due to multi-year construction, loss of parking, and the impacts of median placement, citing negative experiences from the Hennepin Avenue reconstruction. Concerns were also raised about tree loss and the city's assessment policy for street reconstructions. During committee discussion, members acknowledged the controversial nature and the compromise embedded in the plan. Key points included the substantial federal funding (40-45%), efforts to reduce the 2-3 year construction timeline, and the county's commitment to anti-displacement work for businesses. Council members debated the need for more business support and further design refinements, ultimately agreeing to forward the concept plan to the full City Council without a formal recommendation.