4.3. SR 05-17-1999
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Item # 4 . 3 .
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Scott Harlicker, Planning Assistan~
DATE: May 17, 1999
SUBJECT: Northstar Corridor Update
At the May 6th meeting of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority the
Authority selected a consultant to provide services relating to public
involvement and public information and selected a firm to provide legal
services to assist in the negotiations with Burlington Northern.
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Other actions included a legislative update. Commuter rail will be considered
as a separate issue from light rail. Legislation is also moving forward
regarding developing comprehensive plans for commuter rail in the state and
MNDOT is proposed to be in charge of operations. All in allJcommuter rail is
in a good position at the state level. At the federal level no final decisions are
expected until this fall.
The issue that will have the most direct effect on Elk River is station area
planning. A station area planning team has been set up and will begin
meeting with communities to discuss station design, land use and traffic
issues. Meetings will begin this month and continue through the summer.
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13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420. Fax: (612) 441-7425
HAY n 3 1999
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Northstar Corridor Development Authority
Thursday, May 6, 1999
4:30 p.m.
Sherburne County Government Center
Elk River, MN
Action Requested
1. Minutes of April 1, 1999 Meeting* Approval
2. Executive Committee Report Approval
a. Selection of Public Information Consultant*
1. Presentation by Shandwick
2. Consideration of Work Program and Budget
b. Mainline Management Contract*
3. Selection of Firms to Provide Legal Services* Approval
4. Legislative Update Discussion
5. Initiation of NCDA Phase II Work Program Discussion
6. Station Area Planning Discussion
a. Work Program*
b. Guiding Principals
7. Environmental Impact Statement Information
a. Notice of Intent
b. Scoping Process*
8. Other
*Attached
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DRAFT
DRAFT
DRAFT
NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Regular Meetine: Minutes
April!. 1999
The Northstar Corridor Development Authority met on April 1, 1999, at 4:30 p.m. at the
Sherburne County Government Center, Elk River, Minnesota.
The following members. alternates and citizens were present:
Lynn George, Marilyn Bujarski, Gerald Gaebel, Frank Hartmann, Dave Saunders, Vic
Oviatt, John Norgren, Paul Goenner, Stephanie Klinzing, Terry Nagorski, Gerry Donlin,
Paul McCarron, Steve Billings, Marlaine Szimek, Patrick Cairns, Robert Kirchner,
Yvonne Chaillet, Biz Colburn, Dick Wolsfeld, Stephanie Eiler, Betsy Wergin, Tom
Cruikshank, Ken Paulson, Dave Mahle, Scott Harlicker, Jim Dickinson, Jerry Leese, Art
Daniels, Paul Ostrow, Tom Gamec, Dan Erhart, Jim Bartonk, David Loch, Rick Speak
.
1.
Chairperson Wergin called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
2. A motion was made by John Norgren, seconded by Gerry Donlin
and carried unanimously to approve the agenda of April 1, 1999, with the
following additions and the meeting minutes of March 4, 1999, regular meeting
minutes as presented:
. Letter from Ramsey Regional Authority
Letter from Sherburne County citizen
Letter from Medtronics, Inc.
May 22-27, 1999 Toronto Conference
Legal Services Regional Rail Authority
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Executive Committee Report:
a. The Committee received an update on the status and progress of
the Phase II Technical Work Program for completing the
Northstar Corridor Major Investment Study and Environmental
Impact Statement in the BR W Contract Amendment #2.
b. A motion was made by Ken Paulson, seconded by Patrick Cairns
and carried unanimously to approve the recommendation of the
Northstar Executive Committee to amend the Agreement for
professional services of Ken Stevens by increasing the contract
amount for 1999 by $50,000 for adding to the scope of work the
responsibility for managing the station area development work
(Amendment #2).
c.
A motion was made by Gary Erickson, seconded by Tom Gamec
and carried unanimously to approve the recommendation of the
Northstar Executive Committee to create a Technical Advisory
Committee (TAC) to advise the Project Management Team (PMT)
on technical issues, and request participating cities, townships, and
counties to appoint a member of their organizations' professional
planning and/or engineering staffs to serve as a member of the
Technical Advisory Committee by April 30, 1999.
d.
A letter was received from MainLine Management, Inc. providing
background information on MainLine Management and their
employees outlining their ability to perform capacity modeling
services. The Executive Committee will present a proposed
agreement with MainLine Management to the NCDA on May 6,
1999 for consideration.
e.
Regarding East St. Cloud station claritication, the Northstar
Corridor study termini are downtown Minneapolis at the south end,
and the east side of St. Cloud at the north end, pending a decision
later in the study on extending the corridor north to Rice, or west
into downtown St. Cloud.
The extension study requested by MnDOT District 3 will evaluate
an extension to the line through the city and out west toward St.
Joseph, under the downtown St. Cloud option. Under this option,
additional station locations to the west of a downtown St. Cloud
station will be identified. Under both the downtown St. Cloud and
the Rice option, a station on the east side of St. Cloud, in the
general area south of the "wye" or track juncture, is assumed.
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4. Paul McCarron provided an update on legislative issues.
5. A motion was made by Steve Billings, seconded by Louis Stark and carried
unanimously to authorize the Executive Committee to continue with Public
Involvement Consultant interviews and recommend a Consultant at the next
NCDA meeting on May 6, 1999, with a contract amount not to exceed $200,000,
for the term May 10, 1999 to December 31, 2000.
6. MIS Phase I Update:
a. Dick Wolsfeld, BRW, reviewed the Northstar Commuter Rail Feasibility
Study-Financial Analysis prepared by Wilbur Smith Associates and
Richardson, Richter and Associates, Inc. dated March 23, 1999. The
report was distributed at the meeting.
b.
Dick Wolsfeld, BRW, distributed the Northstar Commuter Rail Feasibility
Study, Initial Social and Environmental Impact Assessment prepared by
BRW. Inc., dated March 24, 1999.
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c.
A Phase I Major Investment Study progress report was given to the
Authority indicating that the Purpose and Need and Conceptual Definition
of Alternatives have been completed and approved. Commuter rail and
feeder bus operations & maintenance, social & environmental impacts.
and financial analysis technical memoranda have also been completed and
approved. Work has been submitted to the Project Management Team on
the Public Information Summary.
In addition, a progress report was given on the Commuter Rail Feasibility
Study indicating that the following is still in progress: freight & commuter
rail capacity modeling, commuter rail capital costs.
7. David Mahle, BRW, reviewed the Commuter Rail Capacity Modeling Update
discussing the recommended upgrades required for operation in the year 2003 and
year 2020. Mr. Mahle suggested the NCDA conduct its own Commuter Rail
Capacity Modeling study.
8. Paul McCarron provided an update on the March 22-24, 1999 FT A Chicago
Meeting.
9.
A motion was made by Steve Billings, seconded by Gerry Donlin and carried
unanimously to receive the letter of March 16, 1999, from the Ramsey County
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10.
11.
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Regional Railroad Authority, and to refer to the Attorney for review of the request
as to the impact on the by-laws, joint powers agreement and funding mechanisms.
Further, the motion requests that the Attorney present the findings to the
Executive Committee at its May 20, 1999, meeting, and lastly, that the Executive
Committee Review the information and make a recommendation to the NCDA in
June, 1999.
A motion was made by Steve Billings, seconded by J.ohn Norgren to enter into the
records comments presented to the Authority submitted by a citizen of Sherburne
County who expressed concern with the Northstar Corridor Commuter Rail Line.
The citizen urged the Authority to conduct a survey by all citizens along the
Corridor to obtain their interest and feedback. No action take by the Authority
regarding the survey.
A motion was made by John Norgren, seconded by Patrick Cairns and carried
unanimously to enter into the records comments presented to the Authority
submitted by Medtronic, Inc. offering their support of the Northtar Corridor
Commuter Rail Line.
12.
The Chairperson notified the Committee that the legal services request for
proposals was distributed on March 25, 1999 and is due back to the Authority by
April 12, 1999.
13.
Any member interested in attending the American Public Transit Association
Conference to be held May 22-27, 1999, in Toronto, Canada, should contact
Stephanie Eiler or Tim Yantos for information.
14. The next meeting ofthe Northstar Corridor Development Authority is scheduled
for Thursday, May 6, 1999, at 4:30 p.m. at the Sherburne County Government
Center.
15. The Chairperson declared the meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Betsy Wergin Chairperson
Date
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MEMORANDUM
April 28, 1999
To:
NCDA
From:
~ ~ ;:f-d.0-
Executive Committee
Subject:
Selection of Public Involvement and Public Information Consultant
This memorandum summarizes the schedule and process used for selecting a
Public Involvement and Public Information Consultant for the Northstar Corridor
and includes a work program and budget for the consultant.
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I. Schedule
February 26, 1999:
March 23, 1999:
March 26, 1999:
March 30 and 31, 1999:
April 1, 1999:
May 6, 1999:
Release of RFP
Proposals due
Selection Team reviews proposals and develops short
list of proposers for interviews
Interviews. Selection Team recommends Shandwick
International to the Executive Committee
NCDA authorized Executive Committee to
recommend a consultant and work program for
approval by the NCDA on May 6, 1999
Presentation by Shandwick International. NCDA to
select consultant
II. Proposing Firms
Five firms submitted proposals:
1. Himle Horner Incorporated
2. Padilla Speer Beardsley
3. SEH (Short Elliot Hendrickson)
4. Shandwick International
5. Tunheim Santrizos
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Northstar Corridor Development Authority
2100 3rd Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265 (612) 323-5700 Fax: (612) 323-5682
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III. Selection Process
The Selection Team reviewed and evaluated the five proposals based on the following
criteria:
1. Experience of the proposing team including experience of any subcontractors.
2. Demonstrated understanding of both public involvement and public
information strategies.
3. Experience of personnel and the ability of the project manager and other
personnel to work in a team environment.
4. Understanding of the project objectives.
5. Creativity.
6. Ability to complete the project in a timely manner.
7. Ability to respond in a crisis.
8. Appropriateness of cost.
9. Inclusion of a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise.
Based on the above evaluation criteria, three firms were selected for an interview: SEH,
Shandwick International and Himle Horner Incorporated.
The selection Team interviewed these three firms. Following the interviews, the
Selection Team recommended that the NCDA contract with Shandwick International for
the following reasons:
1. Shandwick International has significant public information and public
involvement experience on high profile projects.
2. The Shandwick Team best understood the diverse communities and interests
along the corridor.
3. Shandwick International had significant experience managing
communications in crisis situations and in a proactive and responsive
manner.
4. Shandwick International clearly understood the difference between public
involvement activities (two-way communications) and public information (one-
way communications) and had proposed creative strategies for both.
5. The project manager and personnel on the team have appropriate and
complementary skills, and have experience working with large teams.
6. While Shandwick International is not a DBE, it indicated a willingness to use
vendors who are DBE certified.
7. The cost was competitive with the other proposals.
8. Responses from their references were very positive.
For these reasons, the Executive Committee recommends that the NCDA contract with
Shandwick International for public involvement and public information services for the
term of May 10, 1999 through December 31, 2000 for an amount not to exceed
$200,000.
IV. Work Program and Budget
A work program and budget for the public involvement and public information consultant
is attached.
Action Requested: That the NCDA select Shandwick International for public
involvement and public information services as described in the attached work program
and budget for the term May 10, 1999 to ending December 31, 2000 for an amount not
to exceed $200,000.
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Exhibit
Public Involvement and Public Information Work Plan
April 28 1999
Task One:
Develop a detailed public involvement and public information work plan. Conduct
necessary research needed to develop the work plan.
Develop a work plan for implementation of public involvement and public information
strategies. The work plan should identify key messages, themes, stakeholders and
activities to be undertaken during the period of July 1999 through December 2000.
Research activities should be undertaken to guide the development of the work plan.
Research activities must include:
1. Review of current research gathered by the NCDA regarding commuter
rail.
2. Conducting research to identify the level of knowledge or opinions of key
stakeholders as described in page 3 of the Shandwick International
response to the NCDA's request for proposals for a public involvement
and public information consultant.
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The work plan must include:
1. Identification of key stakeholders and target audiences.
2. Public involvement and public information strategies to reach the
stakeholders or target audiences.
Key messages or themes.
A strategy implementation plan that includes a timeline, recommended
budget for each activity, and the identification of roles and responsibilities.
A crisis management plan.
An evaluation strategy for assessing the impact of recommended activities.
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4.
5.
6.
The work plan must be approved by the NCDA or its designee before implementation of
the proposed strategies.
Deliverables
1.
2.
3.
Research study to support the development of the work plan.
A work plan.
A crisis management plan.
Timeline
May 1999 - July 15, 1999
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Budget
$20,000
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Task Two A:
Implement recommended work plan for public involvement.
Implement the approved work plan resulting from Task One activities above. The
activities in the public involvement work plan must include, at a minimum:
1. Coordination and attendance at meetings with key stakeholders, including
business and community leaders, along the Corridor.
Coordination of logistical arrangements for up to 15 meetings with key
stakeholders on issues relating to station area design. Shandwick
International may be asked to attend some of those meetings.
Updating the NCDA PowerPoint presentation for use during meetings.
Other activities as defined in the work plan completed in Task One above.
Other activities may include activities from pages four through six of the
Shandwick International response to the NCDA's request for proposals for
a public involvement and public infoimation consultant (attached).
2.
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4.
Deliverables
1.
2.
3.
Implementation of the work plan.
Updated PowerPoint presentation.
Other materials or activities as recommended in the work plan developed
as part of Task One.
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Timeline
July 1999 - December 2000
Budget
$72,000 of which at least $15,000 must be for direct costs associated with the
production of graphic display materials, supplies for meetings, mileage, printing,
postage and other collateral materials needed for public involvement strategies.
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2
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Task Two B:
Implement recommended work plan for public information.
Implement the approved work plan resulting from Task One activities above. The
activities in the public information work plan must include, at a minimum:
1. Writing, editing, printing, distribution and mail list management for at
least six NCDA newsletters.
2. Editing, printing, distribution, and mail list management of monthly
Project Update fact sheets.
3. Revise and maintain the NCDA web site, enhance linkages and post
information.
4. Production of a media packet and packet updates as needed.
5. Spokesperson training.
6. Other activities as defined in the work plan completed in Task One above.
Other activities may include activities from pages 7 through 8 of the
Shandwick International response to the NCDA's request for proposals for
a public involvement and public information consultant (attached).
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Deliverables
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Implementation of the work plan.
At least six NCDA newsletters.
Monthly Project Updates.
Media Packet.
Other materials or activities as recommended in the work plan developed
as part of Task One.
Timeline
July 1999 - December 2000.
Budget
$80,000 of which at least $30,000 must be for direct costs associated with the
production of graphic display materials, supplies, mileage, printing, postage and
other collateral materials needed for public information strategies.
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3
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Task Three:
Evaluate the impact of the public involvement and public information activities on
an on-going basis.
Throughout the implementation of the work plan developed as part of Task One, assess
the impact of the public involvement and public information strategies. Recommend
adjustments to the work plan as appropriate.
Deliverables
1.
2.
Report on the impact of the implementation strategies.
Revise work plan if needed.
Timeline
July 1999 - December 2000
Budget
$15,000
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Task Four:
Maintain a record of public comments and public involvement activities throughout
the project.
Develop a record of public comments received throughout the project and document the
strategies implemented. At a minimum, the record should contain agendas and meeting
notes. The record should be a document that is developed throughout the project and
continuously updated when new comments are received.
Deliverables
A record of public comments.
Timeline
July through December 2000
Budget
$5,000
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4
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Task Five:
Prepare a final report documenting the public information strategies used including
public information materials developed, distribution strategies used, and audiences
reached.
The final report should, at a minimum, include:
1. Documentation of all implementation strategies undertaken.
2. Documentation of the stakeholders/target audiences reached.
3. Copies of materials developed.
4. An evaluation of the effectiveness of the various strategies.
5. Other as needed to document the implementation undertaken.
Timeline
December 2000
Budget
$3,000
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Task Six:
Develop a recommendation for continued public involvement and public
information for implementation in 2001.
Develop a work plan for public involvement and public information strategies to be
implemented in the year 2001. The work plan should build on the work completed in
1999 and 2000 and take into consideration the evaluation of the impact of the 1999 and
2000 strategies. The work plan should include, at a minimum:
1. Recommended public involvement and public information strategies.
2. Target audiences.
3. Timeline for implementation.
4. Budget.
Deliverables
A work plan for implementation in 2001.
Timeline
November and December 2000
Budget
$5,000
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Exhibit
Budget
Task Budget
Task One
Develop a detailed public involvement and public $20,000
information work plan; conduct research.
Task Two A $72,000
Implement public involvement work plan. (of which $15,000 must
be for direct expenses)
Task Two B $80,000
Implement public information work plan. (of which $30,000 must
be for direct expenses)
Task Three
Evaluate the impact of the public involvement and $15,000
public information strategies; adjust work plan as
needed.
Task Four
Maintain a record of public comments and public $5,000
involvement activities.
Task Five
Prepare a final report documenting the public $3,000
information strategies.
Task Six
Develop a recommendation for public information $5,000
and public involvement activities for 2001.
Total $200,000
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. I CommUDicatloDS Strategy
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Out of the Station
DEVELOPING A PLAN. Shandwick would begin immediately to develop a public
involvement and public information plan by meeting with you to detennine the areas of
highest priority to you. We would work with you as partners to implement a plan that will
give you the greatest results.
RESEARCH. We will build on the research that has already been conducted to identify
key opinion leaders along the corridor who can be advocates for your project. For example,
we will identify businesses along the corridor, as well as businesses from St. Cloud and the
Twin Cities who draw their employees from the corridor. By identifying key opinion
leaders from the business community, we can meet with them to inform them about the
project, seek their input and create enthusiastic third-party advocates. We will also review
the research conducted by NCDA on other successful commuter rail projects in the country
and identify areas where more information is needed. By studying other successful projects,
we can draw on the best tactics to build advocates and inform the public.
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KEY MESSAGING. Shandwick would help NCDA identify and refine talking points on
the project for each key audience. We will help refine technical messages so engineers
and technical staff can better communicate with the general public. These key messages
would serve as the basis for any communication on the project. Consistent use of these
messages will make NCDA communications more effective.
MEDIA TRAINING. Key spokespeople need to be the voice of NCDA. We recommend
an intensive training session on how to talk with the media to get your key messages
across. Shandwick media trainers, all former journalists in the Twin Cities and elsewhere,
would work with these representatives in a four-hour session to practice delivering your
message and dealing with other issues related to media interviews. We can also work
with technical staff on creating presentations that are easily understood by the public.
CRISIS PLAN. Shandwick would write a plan on how NCDA should deal with potential
crisis: controversy over funding at the state legislature, neighborhood resistance to station
locations, concerns over noise or traffic. By anticipating these pitfalls, NCDA will be
better prepared to deal with them and protect the project's reputation.
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3.23.99
. I Communications Strategy
Bringing Key Audiences on Board: Involving the Public
· ONE-ON-ONE MEETINGS. We would set up meetings with key business,
community, educational leaders along the corridor and representatives from NCDA.
These meetings should be set up early on in the process so we can solicit their input
and identify strong advocates for the project. One-on-one meetings will also help
create strong relationships between NCDA and these key opinion leaders. We would
continue to keep these individuals informed about the progress of the study and add
them to the NCDA mailing list for newsletters and updates. These meetings will also
help us identify third-party advocates for the project and gain their involvement in
other ways, such as a Business Roundtable or Working Group.
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· BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE. After the one-on-one meetings, we would organize a
Business Roundtable meeting to be held once every 4 to 5 months to update the
business community on the project as well as raise awareness of sustainable
development approaches and goals. The meetings could be held over an early
morning breakfast or a luncheon, and would include a lengthy question-and-answer
session where business leaders could offer input into the process and inform NCDA
of the needs of business.
· DEVELOP A WORKING GROUP. Actively recruit a diverse group of people along
the Northstar Corridor representing business, neighborhood community and
educational leaders to participate in a Working Group that will meet quarterly. Invite
the public to participate. Quarterly meetings would inform the Working Group of the
status of decisions such as station location and design, and allow members of the
group to have input into the decision-making process. Meetings could be held in
various cities along the corridor.
· NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS. Many of the cities along the Corridor have been
f named "Star Cities" by the Department of Trade and Economic Development1Each
Star City has a coordinator. We would work with the coordinator and established
neighborhood groups to set up evening coffees at community centers or private
homes so neighbors could meet with an NCDA representative in a setting less formal
than a public meeting. Similar meetings could be organized with local churches,
providing NCDA representatives the opportunity to make presentations during coffee
hours after services and a chance to interact with church leaders and parishioners.
Interacting on a grassroots level is an excellent opportunity to build advocates and
hear what people are thinking about your project.
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3.23.99
. I Communications Strategy
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· SPEAKERS BUREAU. We would actively seek opportunities for NCDA
representatives to speak to the public. In addition to the local Rotary Club, Kiwanis
Club and Lions Club, we would look for venues that will reach your target audiences.
A simple survey could be handed out at these speaking engagements to solicit input
from the audience and add to the mailing list.
· TELEPHONE HOTLINE. Implement a telephone hotline where people can call and leave a
message if they have questions or simply want to offer their thoughts. A voice mail
message would be used and an administrative assistant assigned to the public involvement
and public information plans would record comments and respond to questions.
... .....
· ! STUDENT SURVEYSjPartner with St. Cloud State University, St. John's
University or the University of Minnesota and other educational institutions where
students are potential commuters. Conduct a survey of students to fmd out what they
think about commuter rail, if they would use it, factors influencing their use (getting
to and from the station, amenities like coffee and newspapers at the station, frequency
of trains) as well as attitudes about the environment and sustainable development.
The partnership could involve faculty and students interested in planning and
sustainable development.
· ENDORSEMENTS. Announce endorsements by local officials up and down the
corridor of the commuter rail. While the communities are already working together
through NCDA, these endorsements would create public and media interest, building
momentum and enthusiasm for making commuter rail a reality . We could partner
Mayors with state representatives for more impact. We would also seek out high-
profile public officials who are advocates of commuter rail such as Governor Jesse
Ventura and Metropolitan Council Chair Ted Mondale. Other potential endorsements
could come from the Convention and Visitors Bureaus of St. Cloud and Minneapolis.
These organizations rely on bringing people in for trade shows, conventions and
entertainment. If they would "pledge" to work with the shows at their sites to make
shuttles available from the stations to the convention site, we could make this a media
announcement. Other potential partners include Twin Cities sports teams and St.
Cloud sporting events. These announcements would be made through news releases
and new conferences.
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I ConunUEUcationsStrategy
Barnstorming: Using Events to Involve the Public
The following are the kinds of ideas we will generate for encouraging public involvement
as NCDA conducts the MIS. Not only will events encourage excellent turnout, they will
create an excitement around the idea of bringing commuter rail to the Northstar Corridor.
· TA MOVING BRIEFING. Use a classic railroad car or a new, state-of-the-art
commuter rail car to take a group of business leaders along the proposed commuter
line from St. Cloud to Minneapolis. Along the way NCDA spokespeople could offer
a briefing about the project and get input from the business representatives. We could
ask these opinion leaders to fill out short questionnaires, asking them what questions
they have, what they think needs to be done to succeed. Other special events could be
created to target key audiences. Another ride could be organized for educators and
planners. A public event could be created by taking families on a ride of the entire
track or a portion of it. We would tailor the briefing to offer fun facts for family day,
more information on planning for educators and developers.
· r RAn.. CAR DrSPLA YS. Have a railroad car visit each community along the corridor.
Again, this could be a historic trolley or a new, state-of-the art commuter rail car. Set
up special displays with drawings of potential station sites. Partner with the
Minnesota Transportation Museum to include history exhibits (it was not that long
ago that most of us did travel by rail) and enlist the museum's wonderful
engineers/guides to talk about rail travel in the old days. These exhibits would be
targeted to draw families on a Saturday afternoon. A representative from NCDA
would be on hand to answer questions and solicit input from the public.
· (COUNTY FAIRS. Set up booths at county fairs and other summer community
events. At each booth, create an eye-catching display that asks people what they think
about the project. We could set up a laptop computer hooked up to the Internet that
lets people e-mail their responses in - this would be more fun than simply filling out
a survey with paper and pencil.
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I Communications Strategy
Public Address Announcements: Informing the Public
Shandwick would review and build on NCDA' s current information tools, including
Northstar News, web site and Power Point presentation. We would look for ways to
improve the impact of these information efforts.
· AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT. Shandwick would build on and complement
NCDA's current mailing list. At public meetings and events we would encourage
people to sign up to receive updates on the project.
· TRA VEUNG DISPLAYS. A mobile display would be developed for schools,
colleges, libraries, shopping centers, churches and city halls up and down the
corridor. We would again partner with the Minnesota Transportation Museum to
incorporate historical photos along with photos of modem commuter rail, maps and
drawings of the proposed stations along the Northstar Corridor. The newsletter and
brochures would be available for people. A signup sheet to receive more information
(via newsletters or e-mail) would be clearly visible.
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· NEWSLETTER. We would build on the current newsletter, making sure your key
messages are being communicated.
· APPEARANCES ON RADIO AND TELEVISION. We would seek out
opportunities to discuss the Northstar corridor and transportation issues through
various media outlets, including local radio stations, morning drive-time programs,
Minnesota Public Radio and public television.
· RADIO OR TELEVISION TOWN HALL MEETING. Partner with public radio,
public television or cable television to create an electronic Town Hall Meeting. We
would work with a media partner to create an educational meeting about commuter
rail in the Northstar Corridor, again seeking high-profile commuter rail advocates
like Gov. Ventura or Metropolitan Council Chair Ted Mondale to participate in the
Town Hall Meeting. The Town Hall could also address issues of planning and
development around commuter rail stations.
· LISTSERV. NCDA should take every opportunity to ask the public (via Work Group
meetings, public meetings, at traveling displays) if they would like to receive updates
via e-mail. By collecting these e-mail addresses into a database of supporters, NCDA
can communicate more efficiently in the future with those interested in getting
updates on the project.
· UTILITY STUFFERS. Inform the public about upcoming meetings and
opportunities to meet with NCDA about the commuter rail.
.
7 Shandwick International
3.23.99
.;t-
<.
. I Communications Strategy
Working with the Media
· EDITORIAL BOARD MEETINGS. Shandwick could arrange meetings between
daily newspaper editorial boards and NCDA representatives. These meetings
sometimes result in stories shortly after and plant the seed for future editorial
comment.
· OPINION ARTICLES. Shandwick would draft and submit articles on behalf of
NCDA that address your key issues. These would be distributed to daily and weekly
newspapers along the Northstar Corridor.
· MEDIA KIT. As you embark on the next phase of the Major Investment Study, we
would review your existing media materials and update them as appropriate. A basic
media kit would include relevant information, fact sheets, maps and articles so
reporters have the background information they need to cover development of
commuter rail in the Northstar Corridor. These kits would be updated for special
events and as the project progresses.
.
· MEDIA LIST. Shandwick would tailor a media list to ensure your message is
targeted to the right reporters. Our extensive experience working with Twin Cities
and Greater Minnesota media ensures your media list will be current and that the
appropriate messages get to the appropriate beat reporters, including reporters who
cover business, environment, development and urban planning. We would contact
reporters about events as well as keep them informed on current issues.
· VIDEO. Shandwick would use the aerial footage created by NCDA to provide
footage to television reporters who are doing stories about commuter rail. We could
work with the engineers at BRW and computer graphics to create a video that shows
how commuter rail and the stations might look. Another potential use of the aerial
footage you already have is to create a fun, time-lapse video with upbeat music. This
could be used at public meetings, during workshops and by speakers before they
begin their presentations.
· WEB SITE. We recommend creating a media portion of your web site that includes
the media kit materials, current and past news releases and relevant articles on the
Northstar Corridor or issues you are dealing with.
.
8 Shandwick International
3.23.99
. "*/#/OR7/J}//$7r/4J/l!l
CORRII/iJ)(Q)/l!l
Agenda Item #2b
Memorandum
April 28, 1999
To:
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
From:
Executive Committee
Subject:
Mainline Management, Inc. Contract
.
On April 15, 1999 the Executive Committee recommended approval of an
agreement with Mainline Management for an amount of $50,000 to fund an
independent analysis of commuter rail capacity modeling and $25,000 to cover
the cost of negotiations with BNSF, for a total contract amount of $75,000. David
Mahle, who has been retained by Mainline Management, will serve as Mainline
Management's on-site project manager and Ken Stevens will supervise the
project. The proposed work program is attached.
Action Requested: That the NCDA approve the agreement with Mainline
Management, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $75,000 to perform services as
described in the attached work program, for a term of May 6, 1999 through
December 31, 1999.
.
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
2100 3rd Avenue. Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265 (612) 323-5700 Fax: (612) 323-5682
.
.
.
COUNTY RDMIN
Fax:612-323-5682
Rpr 28 '99
9:56
P.02
PROPOSED MAINLINE MANAGEMENT (MLM) WORK PROGRAM
Task I
.. Review all assumptions and input used by BNSF for their simulation work, including current
track and signal systems, current train operations. proposed changes in train operations,
and future traffic growth projections.
· Simulate the 1998 current operations to develop an initial base case for comparison.
· Simulate 2003, first with freight traffic increases only, and proposed operational changes,
to determine variance in key measures of performance, like delay and transit time. for
various classes of trains. Add the 18 train commuter schedule and determine the amount
and location of capacity upgrades necessary to bring system performance to acceptable
levels by analyzing and assessing simulation output. Determine the value received from
improvements to freight versus passenger operations. Do the same analysis with the six
train schedule if NCDA so desires.
· Determine amount of capacity required in 2020 for freight growth by adding freight trains
to the appropriate 2003 freight-commuter operation. Do the same type of analysis
described for 2003 above.
Task II
· Assist NCDA in the negotiation process with BNSF by helping NCDA set strategy based on
MLM's knowledge of railroad perspective and methods. Provide support and information
to NCDA as required, based on the simulation work described above.
NOTE: Rate of $175/hourfor actual running simulation model. Allwork associated with reviewing
or developing input assumptions or analyzing output or conferring with NCDA will be billed
at $125/hour.
BudQet
Task I
Task II
$50,000
$25.000
Total
$75.000
. .t~lN@R7fH$7rAJ!RJ
C@RRI//iJ}@!RJ
Agenda Item #3
Memorandum
April 28, 1999
To:
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
From:
Executive Committee
Subject:
Selection of Firms to Provide Legal Services
.
On February 4, 1999, the NCDA directed staff to initiate a process to secure
qualified legal professionals with the expertise needed to assist in the
negotiations with BNSF and in the Environmental Impact Statement process. On
March 18, the Executive Committee appointed Commissioner Mark Stenglein
and Councilmember Steve Billings to lead the selection process. A Request for
Qualifications (RFQ) was issued on March 25, 1999 and Statements of
Qualifications were received from six firms on April 12, 1999. The list of firms
responding to the RFQ is attached. The Screening Committee then met on April
20, 1999 and interviewed several of the responding law firms. An additional
interview of the finalists will be held on April 29, 1999. A final recommendation
from the Screening Committee will be presented at the NCDA meeting on May 6,
1999.
Following are the steps taken to date by the Administrative Team and Selection
Committee in procuring legal services:
~ March 25, 1999:
~ April 12, 1999:
~ April 20, 1999:
~ April 29, 1999:
~ May 6, 1999:
~ June 3, 1999:
Request for Qualifications issued
Statement of Qualifications due
Screening Committee met
Interview finalists
Selection by NCDA
NCDA review and approval of the Agreement
for Legal Services
.
Action Reauested: That the NCDA approve the selection of firms to provide
legal services.
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
2100 3rd Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265 (612) 323-5700 Fax: (612) 323-5682
.
Legal Services
April 28, 1999
page two
Byron D. Olsen
Felhaber Larson Fenlon & Vogt
601 Second Avenue South
Suite 4200
Minneapolis, MN 55402-4302
David Hirsh
Harkins Conning ham
1300 Nineteenth Street NW
Washington, DC 20036-1609
202-973-7606
Kevin Johnson
Lindquist & Vennum
4200 IDS Center
80 South 8th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402-2205
Paul Lamboley
1020 19th Street NW
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
Carolyn Wolski
Leonard Street & Dienard
Suite 2300
150 South 5th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly
45 South ih Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402
.
.
"
BRW
.
A DAMES & MOORE GROUP COMPANY
MEMORANDUM
BRW
Thresher Square
700 Third Street South
Minneapolis. MN 55415
Phone: (612) 370-0700
Fax: (612) 370-1378
SECOND DRAFT
To:
Northstar Corridor Copy:
Project Management Team
File: 39935 002 0202
From: David Showalter, AlA
Thomas Harrington, ASLA
Date: April 28, 1999
Subject: Northstar Corridor
Land Use Analysis and Station Area Planning Work Program
.
The purpose of this memorandum is to identify the proposed work program and project team for
station area planning to be performed by the BRW Planning and Urban Design Department. Key
team members and roles include:,
David Showalter, AlA, AICP
Ph. 612-373-6332
e-mail dshow@brwmsp.com
Co-Task Manager - Director of station
area planning efforts
Tom Harrington, ASLA
Ph. 612-373-6329
e-mail tharr@brwmsp.com
Co-Task Manager - Lead station area planner
Steve Malloy, ASLA
Ph. 612-373-6313
e-mail small@brwmsP.com
Technical Support - Station area planning support
and liaison for Hiawatha LRT
interface
Bill Weber, AICP
Ph. 612-373-6343
e-mail bwebe@brwmsp.com
Land Use Planner - Lead corridor and station level
land use impacts analysis
Jeff Wingfield &
Pat Nolan
Ph. 612-370-1378
Development Forecasting - Lead economic
analysis and development
forecasting efforts
. This memorandum is intended to supplement the Phase II Technical Work Program for
Northstar Corridor MIS and EIS for the Proposed Commuter Rail Service, dated March 17,
Memorandum-Land Use and
Station Area Planning Program
April 28, 1999
Page 2
.
1999. That work program identified three major work tasks for the Land Use Analysis and
Station Area Planning efforts:
TASK 2.1 LAND USE IMPACTS
TASK 2.2 STATION AREA PLANNING AND DESIGN
TASK 5.4 CONCEPTUAL ENGINEERING FOR EACH STATION SITE PLAN
This memorandum identifies subtasks beyond the major work tasks above, and is intended
provide a more detailed outline of the proposed components of land use analysis and station area
planning and design efforts. Listed below are the proposed subtasks, followed by a brief
description of: a) goal; b) contacts and reviews with appropriate municipalities/agencies; c) work
products; and d) schedule outline. Also attached to this memorandum is the proposed schedule
by subtask, for the work of Tasks 2.1 and 2.2.
It is understood that the data gathering and municipal contacts and review activities specified for
the various subtasks will be consolidated to efficiently utilize the staff resources of the affected
municipalities. Furthermore, to the extent practical, at least one member of the NCDA Station
Area Planning Committee will participate in all of the municipal contact meetings.
Task 2.1
LAND USE IMPACTS
.
Subtask 2.2.1: Development Forecasts
a. Goal: Forecast land development at the corridor level and at the station level.
The corridor level forecast will focus on the amounts and type of development
with and without the commuter rail service. The station level forecast will
focus on the expected type and amount of land use that would be expected to
occur within one-half mile of each station with and without the commuter rail
serVIce.
Corridor Level Forecast: The Twin Cities, the St. Cloud area, and the
governmental units along the corridor have forecasts of population, dwelling
units and employment for the next 20 years. These forecasts have been
developed with the lliisumption of no commuter rail service. Forecasts of the
impact of commuter rail service on corridor level of population, dwelling
units, and employment will be made. These forecasts will be further broken
down into station area development and non-station area development.
Forecasts will be prepared for a 2020, and a general description of expected
impacts beyond 2020 will be prepared.
Station Level Land Use Analysis: The general approach to forecasting
changes in development amount and type within one-half mile of each station
will be a top-down approach to forecast demand for development and a
bottom-up approach to assess the capability of each station to accommodate
the demand. Prepare criteria for assessing station area development potential.
.
.
Memorandum-Land Use and
Station Area Planning Program
April 28, 1999
Page 3
b. Prepare a matrix summarizing the evaluation of potential for each station area.
Forecast the type (residential, office, industrial, and commercial) and amount
of land development by station for the year 2020. The final forecasts will be
input to the station area plans.
c. Contacts/Reviews: Obtain preliminary forecasts (without the project) from
the Twin Cities Metropolitan Council, the St. Cloud MPO and the State
Demographer. . Meet with local planners or zoning administrators to obtain
and discuss land use plans, zoning, roadway changes and any city-assisted
development efforts. Inspect each station area site and vicinity. Tour the
general area of each station to understand the pattern of land use and
development. Review the aerial and other photography prepared previously.
Review and discuss the forecasts with representatives of the cities as a group,
with the NCDA and with the demographic forecasters of the Metropolitan
Council and the St. Cloud MPO.
.
d. Work Products: Prepare a Technical Memorandum describing the study
methodology and results of the forecasts of land development for the corridor
and for each station area.
e. Schedule: The corridor-level forecasts will be completed by June 30 and the
station-area forecasts by July 31.
Subtask 2.2.2: Transit-Oriented Development Policies
a. Goal: Prepare guidance for the cities to use in promoting and guiding
development near the stations. NCDA will coordinate with Metro Council
TOD land use guidelines currently being developed.
. Define polices and actions that would enhance transit-oriented development.
A dialogue will be established to engage the local neighborhoods, the
responsible local and metropolitan agencies, interest groups and the general
public to identify appropriate actions and the responsible parties for the
implementation of plans for the integration of commuter facilities and land
use. A workshop format will be used to initiate dialogue with the
communities to refine the analysis process and identify issues to be addressed
in Task 2.1.
.
Provide recommendations for policies and actions for each city that would
support transit oriented development at each station area.
Describe and evaluate the potential impact of the project on growth
management policies of the Twin Cities, the St. Cloud area and the
communities in the corridor.
Memorandum-Land Use and
Station Area Planning Program
April 28, 1999
Page 4
.
b. Contacts/Reviews: Meet with local planners or zoning administrators to
obtain and discuss land use plans, zoning, roadway changes and any city-
assisted development efforts. Discuss with city planners or administrators
each City's policy or attitude about promoting transit-oriented development.
Coordinate information gathering with the subconsultant preparing the
development forecasts (Task 2.2.1). Inspect each station area site and vicinity.
Tour the general area of each station to understand the pattern of land use and
development. Review the aerial and other photography prepared previously.
Review metropolitan and county development policies with representatives of
the Metropolitan Council, St. Cloud Area MPO, and each county.
Review the draft products with each city and with the NCDA.
c. Work Products: Recommended policies and actions that each city may take to
promote transit-oriented development. Text evaluating the relationship
between this project and the metropolitan planning policies of the Twin Cities,
the counties outside the Twin cities Metropolitan Area, and the St. Cloud
Planning District.
d. Schedule: This work will be completed by July 31.
.
Task 2.2
STATION AREA PLANNING AND DESIGN
Subtask 2.2.1: Introduction and Inventory
a. Goal: Collect background materials, including plans, maps, and studies
intended to document existing conditions. This information may have been or
is currently being collected by various team consultants, but an effort has been
made to organize this collection through a memorandum to the team members
from BRW dated 4/15/99. During this phase, station functional requirements
will be determined, ie define intermodal transfer requirements, platform
design criteria, parking needs and expected riderships.
b. Contacts/Reviews: Visit the municipalities at each proposed station location
to meet their staff members, introduce the station area planning team and
review the proposed project design process. We would also use this meeting
to learn each City's process for review. This first contact would be
coordinated through the City Administrator for each of the Cities where
stations are proposed to be located, and include:
.
Anoka
Becker
Big Lake
Clear Lake
Coon Rapids
Elk River
Fridley
Minneapolis
Ramsey
Rice
St. Cloud
.
Memorandum-Land Use and
Station Area Planning Program
April 28, 1999
Page 5
At these meetings it would also be a good opportunity to collect any additional
inventory materials.
A site review of the existing physical conditions of the corridor and a more
detailed review of the station areas will also be conducted. Information will be
inventoried utilizing existing base mapping or Y2 section aerial photographs
which BRW will procure from the Counties. The purpose is to document
current land use, unique physical features, other detailed elements not
identified in base mapping. BRW will also photograph the proposed station
areas to document existing conditions.
c. Work Products: Prepare the following presentation graphics for use as
documentation of existing conditions, as design tools and for required
reVIews.
.
1. PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY.;... BRW will mount the photographs taken at
the site visit described above on boards which will serve to document detailed
site conditions, for use during any reviews and presentations and for
planning/design efforts. Also, Anoka County had recently obtained both 360
degree ground-shot photography of the proposed station areas(which is
available on CD), and a video of oblique aerials or fly-over of the corridor.
BRW will attempt to utilize this material for analysis and possible
presentation.
2. EXISTING CONDITIONS PLAN: Utilizing the aerial photography to be
provided by Horizon in early Mayas a base plan, BRW will prepare a plan for
each station area which illustrates the existing physical features with a graphic
overlay of the existing track location and proposed station location(s). This
plan will also illustrate any major landmarks and street names. (This plan may
be combined with the Existing Land Use Plan).
3. EXISTING LAND USE PLAN: BRW will prepare a plan, utilizing the
existing conditions plan above, graphically illustrating existing land use.
d. Schedule: A majority of this work will be accomplished during the months of
April, May, and mid June 1999.
Subtask 2.2.2: Identification of Issues (Analysis)
.
a. Goal: To utilize the inventory materials collected in 2.2.1 above, and analyze
the proposed station areas, determining feasibility of station location and
layout of station plan based on:
land use compatibility
environmental and cultural impacts
Memorandum-Land Use and
Station Area Planning Program
April 28, 1999
Page 6
.
roadway issues, ingress and egress to site
bus feeder systems
zoning and opportunities for redevelopment
Since the final location of a few of the proposed station sites have not been
established, this phase of project development will help identify and focus on
the issues which influence alternate site selection.
b. Contacts/Reviews: Contact municipalities and agencies as required to acquire
any additional inventory information and detailed studies which may be
needed to identify issues. No formal schedule of reviews or contacts with
municipalities has been anticipated for this phase.
c. Work Products: Prepare the following presentation graphics for use as
documentation of issues.
1. FORCES/ISSUES PLAN: Utilizing the aerial photography identified
above as a base plan, BRW will prepare a plan for each station area which
illustrates the existing site forces and issues which may influence station
location and design. This plan will graphically illustrate as an overlay, the .
existing track location and proposed station location(s), major landmarks,
street names, bus routes, existing and projected traffic volumes, signalized
intersections, adjacent land use, existing and proposed developments,
parks, neighborhoods, and similar features.
d. Schedule: A majority of this work will be accomplished during the months of
May, June and mid July 1999.
Subtask 2.2.3: Station Site Planning (Preliminary)
a. Goal: Utilizing the existing conditions information gathered in 2.2.1 and
analysis data in 2.2.2 above, prepare concept station area plans. These plans
will be used to illustrate the proposed station location and site configuration,
determining total land area required for each of the station area components
and their configuration. Planning will consider:
Platform and canopy configuration
Auto access and egress
Feeder bus access and egress
Number and layout of parking spaces
Pedestrian circulation
Landscape treatments
Right-of-way requirements
Adjacent land uses
Potential storm water ponding areas
.
.
Memorandum-Land Use and
Station Area Planning Program
April 28, 1999
Page 7
b. Contacts/Reviews: Contacts/Reviews: Visit the municipalities identified in
2.2.1, to review the existing conditions, forces/issues, and concept site plans
with staff, officials, and the community or to those required per the particular
City's process for review as identified during the Inventory/Introduction
phase. It is anticipated that at least one member of the Northstar Corridor
Station Area Planning Team will be in attendance at each of these meetings.
c. Work Products: Prepare the following technical documents and presentation
graphics for use as illustrations of station area planning efforts:
1. TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM ON ST A nON DESIGN GUIDELINES:
Prepare in text format, standard guidelines which directs the on-going
design efforts for station area site planning, platform and architectural
components
.
2. CONCEPT STATION AREA PLAN: Utilizing the aerial photography
identified above as a base plan, BRW will prepare a concept plan for each
proposed station area, illustrating the existing site forces and issues which
may influence station location and design. This plan will graphically
illustrate as an overlay, the base information of existing track location and
proposed station location(s), major landmarks, and street names. The site
plan will conceptually illustrate design elements to include platform and
canopy configuration, parking lot layout and ingress/egress, feeder bus
parking layout and ingress/egress, station area pedestrian circulation,
potential storm water detention/retention areas, and drop-off and ride areas.
d. Schedule: A majority of the planning and plan preparation work will be
accomplished during the months of June, July and August.
Subtask 2.2.4 Station Site Planning (Final)
a. Goal: Provide revised station area planning based on feedback received
during Subtask 2.2.3
b. Contacts/Reviews: Recycle the municipal review process to receive input
based on the revised station area plans.
c. Work Products: Prepare revised concept plans, and any supporting plans
necessary such as station/platform cross sections and plans.
.
d. Schedule: A majority of the planning and plan preparation work will be
accomplished during the months of August and September, with reviews
occurring in late September through October. Any additional plan revisions
could then occur through November.
Memorandum-Land Use and
Station Area Planning Program
April 28, 1999
Page 8
.
Subtask 2.2.5 Preliminary Station Architecture
a. Goal: Provide preliminary station architectural design.
b. Contacts/Reviews: Incorporate the review of station architecture alternatives
with the reviews of Station Area Site Planning efforts.
c. Work Products: Prepare the following presentation graphics for use as
documentation of issues.
1. DESIGN PLANS: Prepare up to 3 alternate station structure design
concept plan. Plans may also include elevations arid sections intended to
illustrate the concept for each. Once a preferred architectural design has
been selected by the Station Area Design Team, a more detailed plan and
elevation plan will be prepared.
2. STUDY MODEL: A simple study model of the preferred architectural
design will be constructed. .
d. Schedule: A majority of the design and plan preparation work will be
accomplished during the months of August and September, with reviews
occurring in late September through October. Final design plans could occur
in the month of November.
Task 5.4
CONCEPTUAL ENGINEERING FOR EACH STATION SITE PLAN
Station site plans will be developed under Task 2.1 Station Area Planning and Design.
Conceptual engineering will be completed on the following plan elements:
Park and Ride facility
Feeder bus access, layout and egress
Auto access and egress
Pedestrian and bicycle access and egress
The conceptual engineering will include:
Analysis of potential private and public utilities. Preliminary designs to
rectify any major conflicts between the commuter real facilities and the
affected utilities will be completed. This analysis will include preliminary
drainage analysis and design. The design will size- and locate any required
detention and/or retention facilities for storm water. The Contractor will
consult with BNSF to determine the information available.
.
.
.
.
Memorandum-Land Use and
Station Area Planning Program
April 28, 1999
Page 9
Preliminary grading plan in order to determine right-of-way
General assessment of any unusual soil conditions
These products will be combined with the outputs from Task 2.1 and submitted to each
governmental agency with review and/or approval responsibilities.
This work would occur between September 1999 and March 2000.
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Northstar Corridor Development Authority
Guiding Principles for Station Area Planning
DRAFT
May 6, 1999
The following Northstar Corridor Project Goals have been established and approved by the NCDA.
. Improve mobility and safety within the corridor.
. Minimize adverse environmental impacts and foster positive environmental effects.
. Encourage transportation-supportive land use development patterns..
. Provide a cost-effective and efficient transportation system
In order to effectively locate stations within the corridor and to specific sites which maximizes
attainment of these goals, more specific direction from the NCDA is required. Clearly defined
guiding principles need to be established by the NCDA as the design team proceeds with the next
phases of the station area planning process. These principles would be considered when evaluating
three levels of station area planning as a way to a.) confirm initial corridor-wide station site
locations, b.) help further define feasible station sites at the community level, and c.) serve as a
foundation for station desi~n guidelines used to shape commuter rail station designs and reinforce
rail stations as an overall community amenity. These three levels of station area planning are:
a. Corridor Wide - a broad viewof the commuter rail system considering the goals for the
project as well as the guiding principles to generally determine in which community
stations are located. This level has been accomplished by the recently completed Phase 1
process and serves as the basis for future station siting activities.
b. Community Level - a narrowed view of the system utilizing the goals and guiding
principles which are intended to direct station location within the community.
c. Station Design Guidelines - defines station area design standards to the greatest level of
detail including: station platform and canopy; park and ride requirements, feeder bus
relationships, parking lot configurations; vehicular and pedestrian access; storm sewer;
utilities; landscaping; signage; lighting, and identification of sites with future
development potential. Specific station design guidelines will be created for application
throughout the corridor stations.
Page 2
.
Guiding Principles for Station Area Planning
DRAFT
May 6, 1999
Upon adoption of the following principles by the NCDA, they will be used to more firmly locate
stations within the corridor and provide a means to evaluate various locations within the
community. Following are recommended Guiding Principles for Station Area Planning.
1. SERVICE STANDARDS (provide an efficient and cost effective system)
The system should be located to maximize overall efficiency, intended to:
. Maintain a 90-minute maximum travel time between St. Cloud and downtown Minneapolis
. Maintain a minimum station spacing of 5 miles
. Maintain a 3D-minute frequency of service (headway) during peak periods
2. PARK AND RIDE FACILITIES (improve mobility; encourage transportation supported
land uses; provide an efficient and cost effective system; meet or exceed environmental goals)
. Stations that include parking should be located and configured as to:
. Provide sufficient free parking for all transit patrons
. Provide parking which is immediately accessible from an arterial street
. Minimize walking distance from parking to station
. Provide direct platform adjacency for other transit modes such as feeder bus, drop-off/pick-
up, bicycle and pedestrian.
. Encourage shared-use parking facilities with adjacent development
In addition, the NCDA, of subsequent operating entity, will own and maintain all facilities
essential to provide passenger service.
3. SAFETY (ensure safety for passengers, freight operations, pedestrians, and other
transportation modes)
The system and station area plans should meet or exceed all applicable safety standards and
strive to minimize conflicts between all modes of transportation. The system should:
.
. Locate and configure stations such that a commuter train stopped at a station does not block
roadway crossings
. Utilize designated railroad crossings for all pedestrian track crossings and access to stations
from adjacent development or trails
. Minimize track crossings to access the station platform
. Maximize sight lines of approaching trains
.
.
.
Page 3
Guiding Principles for Station Area Planning
DRAFT
May 6, 1999
4. ACCESS (improve mobility and safety; provide a cost effective system)
Station location and configuration should maximize access for transit patrons, with a design
that:
. Provides access on a street system which can accommodate the added traffic demands
generated by the facility
. Avoids travel through residential areas and parking conflicts between transit patrons and
residents
. Accommodates connections to bus transit routes
. Provides direct connections to pedestrian and bicycle systems (both community and
regional)
. Provides connections to adjacent redevelopment sites
. Facilitates multi-modal connections such as the Hiawatha Light Rail
. Meets or exceeds all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements
5. LAND USE (encourage transportation-supported development patterns; meet all
environmental standards)
Station location and configuration should consider land use and development issues such as:
. Compatibility with adjacent land use, zoning and community development plans
. Minimizing adverse impacts upon natural and cultural resources
. Maximizing the potential for future adjacent economic development and revitalization