Council told MnDOT approved alternate for active-transportation demo at John Birch Park; school-front option denied

City staff told the Cannon Falls City Council on July 15 that the Minnesota Department of Transportation denied a proposed active‑transportation demonstration in front of the school but signaled support for an alternate crossing near John Birch Park and Seventh Street. EDA representative Laura said, “we finally heard back from MnDOT, regarding our active transportation demonstration project.” She said the school‑front plans were denied “for multiple reasons” and that the alternate location near John Birch Park would be easier to install and had more positive feedback from MnDOT. The city will hold a special public works/parks meeting in July to review the plans and to prepare a recommendation to the council so the council can consider approval in August and seek the permit needed for installation. Laura said the alternate would improve a crossing “for the residents at the senior center and also the people that are going to and from that park and ride.” Council members asked for additional detail about what elements were denied; Laura said several infrastructure elements and the lack of sidewalk segments between 70 Second and 70 First complicated the school‑front option. She said staff can provide more of the reasons in a later conversation. This is a staff‑led demonstration project, and any installation requires MnDOT permitting and council approval. No formal motion or vote on the installation was taken at the July 15 meeting; the item is scheduled for further review at the special meeting and for council consideration in August.