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Lake Elmo council approves $22,832 preliminary study for three crosswalks, delays work until May 2026
Summary
The council authorized SRF Consulting to perform preliminary engineering—including counts and conceptual layouts—for three potential 2026 crosswalks (5th & Inwood/Ivywood, 5th & Julia, Village Parkway & Lower 31st) at an estimated cost of $22,832, and amended the motion to delay field work until May 2026.
The Lake Elmo City Council voted to authorize preliminary engineering services from SRF Consulting to investigate three potential crosswalks, approving a not‑to‑exceed estimate of $22,832 for conceptual layouts, counts and planning‑level cost estimates.
City Engineer (Mister Stanley) told the council SRF helped draft the city’s crosswalk policy (adopted December 2024) and that staff has identified three candidate locations based on resident requests and the policy’s eligibility criteria: 5th Street and Inwood/Ivywood Circle, 5th Street and Julia Avenue, and Village Parkway at Lower 31st. Stanley said funding for the study would come from public works’ professional services contracted services budget and described the SRF scope as feasibility and conceptual design work.
Council members pressed staff on how the three sites were selected and on whether vehicle and pedestrian counts had been performed. Stanley confirmed the policy requires counts and that the scope would include counts at each location; he also said staff does not have in‑house counting equipment. Several council members noted counting in winter months would under‑represent park use and suggested delaying field counts until spring.
In response to that concern, a council member amended the motion to authorize SRF's services but require that the consultant not commence field work until May 2026; the amendment was seconded and adopted by voice vote. The amended motion then passed by voice vote. The motion and amendment were recorded on the meeting transcript as a council voice vote; no roll‑call tallies were given.
City staff said the study would evaluate sight lines, speed, lane geometry and potential treatments (striping, curb work, pedestrian‑activated rapid‑flash beacons and ADA improvements). Council members noted that 5th Street presents sight‑line, speed and multi‑lane crossing challenges that may require more extensive mitigation, while Village Parkway was expected to need less intensive improvements.
Next steps: SRF will perform the concept‑level study and counts (timed to begin no earlier than May 2026). Staff will return to the council with the findings, cost estimates and recommended next steps for design and funding.
