02-12-24 CC Reg Mtg Agenda PacketVolunteerism At Work in Shorewood
In Concert with University of Minnesota
Timeline overview (contingent on Prairie Restoration performance)
• Feb/Mar 2024 - forestry mulching and/or hand cut by Prairie Restorations
o Define 2-3 plots for U of M study and install U of M Research signage
• Apr/May 2024 - spread native seeds per U of M recommendations
• May/June 2024 - volunteers mechanically cut and or pull re -growth and continue as
needed through the fall (2025 repeat 2024 schedule)
• 2024 - 26 - Public Works, Park Committee & volunteers coordinate work
City's Responsibility
• $$ New grant funding or CIP for addition clearing in Freeman & other properties
• Legal to provide waiver agreement for volunteers
• $$ Purchase native seeds recommended by University of Minnesota below
• Provide work/road signs, sign posts, miscellaneous
• 2024 - 26 - budget & staff for long term maintenance with volunteer help
Park & Rec Committee Responsibility
• Build out plan details (start w/Freeman) obtain City Council approval as needed
• Develop standards for educational signage, trailhead signs, QR code tags
o Develop content for signs& QR code tags, etc.
o Obtain approvals as needed
• Liaison for Volunteer Groups
Liaison with U of M Invasive Terrestrial Plants (recommend Amy Wenner)
o Plot selections with U of M agreement
a Recording forest data to comply with U of M study
a Coordinate with researchers
Volunteer Group Responsibility
• Order University of Minnesota Research signs
• Collect signed waivers of responsibility for city
• Apr/May 2024 - spread native seeds per U of M recommendations ex. WO Rye
Grass, Snake Root, Water Leaf BlackLftwn Eyed Susan, Spikenard Aurelius
• May/June 2024 - inform Public Works that volunteers will mechanically cut and or
pull new sprouts and continue as needed through the fall
• Print/create signs and QR code tags & professional voice overs
• Install new signage and QR codes along trail
• Brush cut or pull new buckthorn growth until exhausted or minimal regrowth
• Help city identify high priority areas in the city based on volunteerism likelihood
University of Minnesota Responsibility
• Select plots to monitor with Park Committee
• Monitor plots and record data with comparable data sets as needed
• Provide graphics for U of M signage
A Wider Eureka Road Leads to Increases in Traffic plus Speed & Traffic Control Issues
Here are six facts supporting this:
1. Wider Roads Increase Traffic Volume: According to 2023 Victoria Transport Policy Institute report, widening roads
creates a phenomenon known as induced demand. This occurs when the expansion of road capacity attracts more drivers,
resulting in an overall increase in traffic volume. Mapping systems and ride -sharing apps will also increase route volumes.
(https llwww.vtO org/gentraf PdD
2. Skinny Roads Save Lives: Wider roads give drivers a false sense of security, leading to an increase in driving speed. Last
month, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health report recommended street lane widths of 9 feet, citing significant
increases in crashes (1.5 times more) when width increases to 12 feet.
(https://publichealtfi jhu.edu/2o23/narrovier-traffic4anes-in-cities-could-help-tower-risk-of-traffic-related-collisions)
Wide Roads Increase Pedestrian Accidents: Wider roads pose safety challenges for pedestrians. This results in higher
rates of pedestrian accidents and fatalities. SRTS Guide indicates narrower lanes can reduce motor vehicle speed and may
reduce total pedestrian crashes. Every mile per hour counts. Numerous studies indicate a pedestrian hit by a car traveling
30mph is 7 to 9 times as likely to be killed as one hit by a car traveling 20mph.
(http://guidesaferoutesinfo.org/engineennglnarrow lanes.cfm)
4. Speed Control Methods Less Effective on Wider Streets: Measures such as reduced speed limits are less effective, due
to the tendency of drivers to exceed speed limits on larger roads. According to 2021 traffic -calming report by SMATS, street
width reductions narrow the roadway, causing drivers to slow down to maintain safety.
(https://www.smatstraffic.com/202l/08/30/traffic-calming/)
5. Wider Roads Negative Environmental Impact: Wider road infrastructure leads to environmental consequences such as
habitat destruction and disruption of natural ecosystems. The Center for Climate -Smart Transportation states narrower
lanes ultimately minimize construction and road maintenance and also reduce environmental impacts.
(https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-climate-smart transportation)
6. Wider Roads Increase Maintenance Costs: A 2023 article in Strong Towns, declares that every routine project, over the
years, will need to crack seal, coat, overlay, sweep and plow more surface at shockingly high costs. Lifetime costs are higher
for wider streets. The article highlights a city which moved the curb inward for real financial impact.
(https://www.smatstraffic.com/2021/08/30/traffic-calming/)