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Lake Elmo council authorizes $22,832 for crosswalk concept studies; work delayed until May 2026
Summary
Council authorized preliminary engineering services from SRF Consulting (estimated $22,832) to evaluate three potential crosswalk locations for 2026, and amended the motion to require studies not begin until May 2026 to capture spring usage counts.
The Lake Elmo city council voted to authorize preliminary engineering services to study three potential pedestrian crosswalk locations, approving an estimated SRF Consulting scope and fee of $22,832 and adding a council amendment to delay start of field work until May 2026.
City engineer Mr. Stanley described the request as conceptual-level layouts and planning-level estimates for crosswalks at three locations: 5th Street & Inwood Circle, 5th Street & Julia Avenue, and Village Parkway & Lower 31st Street. “SRF...their scope and fee for this work is just under $23,000, $22,832,” Stanley said.
The work would be funded from the public works contracted professional services budget and would investigate feasibility, sight lines, pedestrian/vehicle counts and potential improvements such as pedestrian-actuated rapid-flash beacons, curb work for ADA compliance and median adjustments.
Council discussion focused on how locations were selected (resident requests filtered through the city’s crosswalk policy), the need for pedestrian and vehicle counts, and seasonality of counts. One council member argued against conducting winter counts at park locations because they “don’t serve the purpose” and recommended waiting until spring; another council member said the 5th Street locations “are a little more populated” and merit study now because of sight-line and speed considerations.
Council member (recorded as Speaker 8 in the transcript) moved to authorize the $22,832 study; the motion was amended to specify that the work not commence until May 2026. The amendment was seconded and approved by voice vote; the main motion as amended passed by voice vote.
Staff said the SRF scope includes counts and a concept-level cost estimate and that staff can request the consultant schedule counts in spring if the council prefers.
