Title
Requesting a variance from Minnesota Department of Transportation Municipal State Aid Rules for a reduced clear zone requirement via the reconstruction of Saint Peter Street from 10th Street to 11th Street, which includes an indemnification guarantee (State Aid Operation for Project No. S.P. 164-236-010).
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works plans to reconstruct Saint Peter Street (MSAS 236) from 10th Street to 11th Street as a part of the Wabasha Street Capital City Bikeway (CCB) Extension to the Capitol project; and
WHEREAS, Saint Peter Street is classified as a minor arterial street with a posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour and an average daily traffic volume of approximately 2,500 vehicles per day between 10th Street and 11th Street; and
WHEREAS, Saint Peter Street, is a part of the State Aid Network for which the City of Saint Paul receives formula funding for the maintenance and operation of these streets; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Rule for State Aid Operation 8820.9995 (Minimum Off-Road and Shared Use Path Standards) provides dimensional standards for off-road (separated) bikeways; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota State Aid Rule 8820.9995 clearly states that a two foot (2’) wide shoulder/clear zone is required; and
WHEREAS, Saint Peter Street is proposed to include a one foot (1’) clear zone adjacent to the bikeway in order to place signs and streetlights adjacent to the bikeway; and
WHEREAS, MnDOT requires an indemnification guarantee; and
WHEREAS, constructing Saint Peter Street from 10th Street to 11th Street with a one (1) foot clear zone would require a variance from Municipal State Aid Rules subject to the approval of the Minnesota Department of Transportation; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that we do hereby authorize the Department of Public Works to request a variance for a one foot (1’) clear zone on MSAS 236 (Saint Peter Street) from 10th Street to 11th Street in lieu of the required two foot (2’) shoulder/clear zone; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Department of Public Works will not initiate these changes until after it has received variance approval for the lane width reduction from the Minnesota Department of Transportation; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council hereby indemnifies, saves and holds harmless the State of Minnesota and its agents and employees of and from claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or by reason of the granting of the variance. The city further agrees to defend at its sole cost and expense any action or proceeding commenced for the purpose of asserting any claim arising as a result of the granting this variance.