Council reviews I‑494 Phase 2 with MnDOT and receives pool project update

1A. Executive Summary MnDOT representatives will be presenting information on Phase 2 of the I-494 Corridor Vision project, as a follow-up to the May 27th Work Session with the City Council. Expected topics include: Follow-ups on action items identified at the May work session 2nd Avenue Pedestrian Bridge 73rd Street Pedestrian Bridge Local System Traffic Impacts Noise Update Air Quality Update Public Engagement for Phase 2 Summary of Project 1 engagement Phase 2 Plan Scope Changes 24th Avenue Framework Progress Air Quality Analysis Benefit Cost Analysis Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis Continued Discussion on Project Items between Council and MnDOT staff 1B. Historical Context The Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) approved I-494 Corridor Vision and identified 9 project elements to construct on I-494 between Highway 77 and Highway 169. Phase 1 of the project constructed/is constructing: The 35W Interchange Flyover E-ZPass lanes between Hwy 100 and I-35W Reconstruction of the Nicollet, Portland, and 12th Avenue Bridges plus construction of the Chicago Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Phase 2 proposes to complete the remaining project elements: E-ZPass Lanes from Hwy 169 to Hwy 100 E-ZPass Lanes from I-35W to Hwy 77 Reconstruction of the Pleasant Avenue railroad bridge over I-494 82nd Street interchange and grade raise on I-35W MnDOT staff and their consultants are still completing the environmental documentation work for Phase 2. The Hybrid Environmental Assessment document from Phase 1 will be revised and updated for Phase 2. This is expected to include an analysis of air quality and greenhouse gas emissions as a result of the E-ZPass expansion. | attachments=1 | reports=1

1A. Executive Summary The Pool project team has been working with JLG architects to develop the scope and schedule for the Richfield Outdoor Pool improvements. The architectural and engineering team completed a comprehensive assessment of the facility and reviewed the findings with City staff to refine the project scope. 1B. Historical Context The Richfield Outdoor Pool was originally constructed in 1961. In 2002 improvements were made to pool plumbing and the zero depth pool was added to the facility. In 2006 the bathhouse was rebuilt. Since these improvements staff have completed annual maintenance to keep the facility running. This year a free public splash pad was added to the space. The rest of the facility now needs major updating to keep the facility running another 20 -30 years, especially the pool liner which is original to the facility. Local Option Sales Tax During 2022 budget discussions, staff and City Council noted the need for additional long-term funding for future large-scale public parks projects. The use of a Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) was identified as a potential funding method. The City of Richfield was granted the authority by the Minnesota Legislature in 2023 to bring a Local Option Sales Tax of 0.5% (one-half percent) lasting up to 20 years to Richfield voters for three projects. These projects are the Wood Lake Nature Center Building ($11M), the Richfield Community Center ($45M), and Veterans Park Improvements ($9M). In November 2024 voters approved a LOST to place a tax on certain product sales or services within the municipality. All goods or services that are otherwise exempt from taxation are exempt from LOST. | attachments=1 | reports=1