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Record of Proceedings

Rochester City Council Study Session: 2025-11-10

City Council — Monday, November 10, 2025
BodyRochester, Minnesota
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, November 10, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:31:18

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it
0:02

Welcome everybody to our November 10th Rochester City Council study session.

0:09

We have two agenda items today.

0:13

The first one is reimagining Sixth Avenue and reconnecting the downtown mobility network.

0:20

And then we will also have a report on our supporting transformation.

0:26

And then after that, we will also have an exec the city council will have a executive session.

0:34

So with that, I will turn it over to Steve Stampson Brown to give us a report on our first agenda item.

0:43

All right.

0:44

Good afternoon, Council President, Mayor, Council members.

0:47

We're here to talk to you this afternoon about reimagining Sixth Avenue and reconnecting the downtown mobility network.

0:54

This afternoon's conversation, we're going to ask you for direction on Sixth Avenue in its next evolution as a neighborhood Greenway Corridor.

1:04

And we're also going to ask you for some direction on the bike lane solutions we're proposing, both interim and long term.

1:10

I'll turn it over to project manager Mike Collins to lead off the presentation.

1:16

Sure.

1:18

So before we go to the next slide, I just wanted to introduce our project team.

1:23

So my name is Mike Collins.

1:24

I'm a project manager with the city.

1:26

We also have Mitzi Alex, who's our consultant with tool design.

1:31

David Gamble, who's one of our part of our consultant team.

1:35

And I will say, as part of this project, we work closely with the public works team as well.

1:41

So I can do it here.

1:45

Sure.

1:46

So as the name implies, this project has really two main goals.

1:51

So kind of think of it as two projects in one.

1:54

Really, there's the sixth uh reimagining Sixth Avenue project, which as uh Steve said at the beginning, we're trying to create kind of an urban greenway.

2:03

Um safe and uh accessible and safe and comfortable place to be, um, and a quality experience in the public realm.

2:12

Um, the second half of the project is to reconnect the downtown mobility network.

2:16

Um, and as you know, Third and Fourth Avenue were um vacated as part of the Mayo Development Agreement.

2:22

Um, so we do need to reconnect the downtown mobility network, and the goals for that side of the project are a safe reliable travel options and improved access to employment, housing, uh, restaurants, and entertainment.

2:34

Um, and then just to give uh the council an idea of kind of where these projects lie.

2:41

So I do want to kind of draw your attention to the map on screen.

2:44

Um, so the green and yellow checkered area were the three corridors that were studied for the um reconnecting the uh downtown mobility network.

2:54

Um so we analyzed Broadway Avenue South, uh North North uh sorry, First Avenue Northwest and uh Sixth Avenue Southwest and Sixth Avenue Northwest as the three corridors for reconnecting the downtown mobility network.

3:08

Um the reimagining Sixth Avenue side of the project is uh the blue line on that screen, and that is Sixth Avenue from uh 2nd Street Southwest to Civic Center Drive.

3:19

Um, so that gives you just an idea of the project scope.

3:23

Um couple things I'll point out before I hand it over to our consultant team here is um kind of the changing dynamics around Sixth Avenue.

3:31

Um, Sixth Avenue is becoming more of that transition area um between kind of the downtown core, the Mayo campus, and the neighborhoods to the west.

3:40

Um it's I've been identified as a key um uh transit corridor.

3:45

Um, so that incorporates all forms of mobility.

3:48

Um so that is that is part of the reason that this project's being brought forward before you today.

3:52

Um and then without further ado, I will hand it over to uh David Gamble to talk about streetscape um investments and kind of the the larger downtown context.

4:05

Thanks.

4:07

I did just the five things we need to change.

4:12

Thanks, Mike.

4:13

Can you hear me okay?

4:16

Uh David Gamble, I'm an architect and urban planner with Campbell Associates.

4:19

We're based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a city, by the way, that is almost exactly the same size as Rochester.

4:25

And over the last of 20 years, Cambridge has quadrupled the number of bike lanes in its city while simultaneously dropping the number of conflicts with cyclists and motorcycles and uh cars by 30 percent.

4:39

So this is a trend that you're seeing all across the country, and we had the pleasure of getting to know your great city uh a number of years ago on the small area plan.

4:47

I recognize uh some of you here uh between 2nd and 4th Street along the Zumbro uh behind the Indigo Hotel.

4:54

It's our introduction.

4:55

And it's important to note that streets are so much more than just infrastructure and transportation, they're actually great places.

5:03

The best streets in some cities are actually the best places are streets themselves.

5:08

And this uh famous book by Alan Jacobs describes some of those reasons about why that is.

5:14

They're comfortable, they're safe, they actually are public realm.

5:17

They make up people feel like they can participate.

5:20

The best streets are remembered and they leave impressions, and they also can be models for other communities.

5:27

I have to say, for as great as your institutions are, your streets can be so much more.

5:32

And in fact, Broadway has narry a street tree as I was crossing it over to walk here.

5:38

There's many streets that could be so much more.

5:41

This is a project we worked on in a medical campus in Buffalo.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Urban Design███████████████████████████████████35%
Public Engagement███████████████████████23%
Public Transportation███████████████15%
Transportation Safety█████████9%
Destination Medical Center████████8%
Economic Development██2%
Infrastructure And Capital Projects██2%
Procedural██2%
Active Transportation█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Reimagining Sixth Avenue and Supporting Transformation Study Session - November 10, 2025

This study session focused on two primary agenda items: the "Reimagining Sixth Avenue" project to create a neighborhood Greenway Corridor and reconnect the downtown mobility network, and a report on the city's "Supporting Transformation" initiatives. Council members engaged in extensive deliberation regarding street designs, parking removal, interim solutions for First Avenue, and the potential inclusion of Second Avenue in the mobility study. The session concluded with a report on construction wayfinding strategies and a motion to enter an executive session regarding real property evaluation.

Consent Calendar

  • No items were listed on the consent calendar for this study session.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Councilmember Palmer: Expressed strong opposition to removing diagonal parking on First Avenue, characterizing the proposal as "anti-business" and potentially harmful to commercial viability. He questioned the data regarding declining bike commuting numbers, arguing they were incomplete. He also expressed skepticism about studying Second Avenue due to a lack of retail and potential conflicts with valet operations near Kaler.
  • Councilmember Wall: Emphasized the need for streets to be destinations that encourage public engagement, referencing a visit to Elmhurst, Illinois. He advocated for providing places to visit to attract people to the street level.
  • Councilmember Doring: Reported personal safety concerns regarding the congestion on First Avenue during peak hours (7-9 a.m.) due to deliveries, having been "hit probably a half a dozen times." He requested a study to limit deliveries or traffic during these times.
  • Councilmember Keene: Expressed concern that the exclusion of Second Avenue from the study appeared to be a decision made privately rather than through public process. He supported adding Second Avenue to the scope for review, noting that private property ownership and valet issues might make it less viable but insisted on transparency.
  • Mayor Norton: Highlighted that the community has raised concerns about the project, specifically regarding Second Avenue, and expressed confusion that the public was told earlier they would have more options considered later. She noted that the "place of respite" on Annenberg Plaza is currently being used for vehicle traffic due to construction, which she finds inappropriate.
  • Councilmember Miller: Noted that freight deliveries are vulnerable road users and advocates for cooperative planning rather than restrictive measures. He questioned whether the city has sufficient guidance on delivery management in the broader downtown.
  • Councilmember Fredericks: Praised the innovative wayfinding design, specifically the use of "Rochester logo blue," and suggested investigating the reuse of sign bases for other city events.

Discussion Items

  • Reimagining Sixth Avenue (Interim and Long-Term)

    • Proposed Design: Staff proposed a "double boulevard" concept retaining two vehicle travel lanes north and south of Civic Center Drive. The design includes sidewalks, boulevards, and a two-way bikeway to negotiate the relationship between the growing institutional edge (Mayo) and residential neighborhoods. Councilmember Palmer asked about the absence of parking on the diagram; staff clarified the focus is on person throughput rather than vehicle throughput.
    • Parking and Deliveries: Councilmember Palmer advocated for retaining diagonal parking, while staff proposed shifting angled parking to parallel parking on First Avenue to create space for a two-way bikeway. Discussion ensued regarding the removal of diagonal parking, with Councilmember Palmer stating, "I'm not in favor of that," while others noted that many businesses in the segment already utilize alleyways for deliveries.
    • Truck Traffic: Councilmember Miller and others sought data on semi-truck frequency from the West Logistics Center. Councilmember Palmer noted that developers projected up to 60 vehicles, but the specific mix (boxing vs. semi) was unknown. Staff clarified that box trucks would primarily enter via First Street Southwest between 6th and 7th Avenue, though occasional semis might use First Street.

  • Reconnecting the Downtown Mobility Network

    • First Avenue Interim Solution: Staff proposed an interim solution on First Avenue involving the conversion of angled parking to parallel parking and the incorporation of a two-way bikeway with a buffer. Staff noted this would be implemented without removing concrete curbs. Councilmember Keene expressed concern about the transition from a four-lane road to a shared lane in front of Central Park.
    • Second Avenue Study: Multiple Councilmembers (Keene, Miller, and implicitly Fredericks) requested that Second Avenue be added to the scope of study to determine its viability as a north-south connection, including through the privately owned Annenberg Plaza. Staff explained that Second Avenue was excluded from the current contract based on the prior street vacation approval (which designated it as a pedestrian-only easement) and the desire to maintain Annenberg Plaza as a ped-only respite. However, staff confirmed a study for Second Avenue could be conducted for approximately $20,000, drawing from the existing $38 million "Unbound" budget.
    • Funding and Scope: Councilmember Keene indicated council support to study Second Avenue, potentially reallocating funds from the $38 million pot. Staff cautioned that doing so would require reducing the scope of other Unbound projects or finding additional funding.
    • Traffic and Safety: Discussions covered traffic volumes (4,000-4,300 cars/day on 6th Avenue), the need for raised crosswalks, and the challenges of navigating intersections for emergency vehicles and large trucks. Councilmember Palmer expressed strong support for Sixth Avenue but skepticism regarding the necessity of the First Avenue interim build and the study of Second Avenue, stating, "we're a little bit ahead of our time planning for this road."

  • Supporting Transformation Report

    • Infrastructure and Funding: Deputy City Administrator Cindy Steinhauser reported on unprecedented growth, including $5 billion in Mayo investment and $1 billion in private building permits. The $38 million Unbound infrastructure fund is being leveraged to coordinate with Mayo's underground work.
    • Link BRT Updates: The project is 20% complete. All but one contract (driver bathrooms) has been let. Federal funding drawdowns have begun.
    • Wayfinding and Construction Navigation: Staff introduced an interim wayfinding program with the theme "Detours lead to discoveries." This includes "trailblazer" signs, portable posts with maps and QR codes, and branded signage for bus stops and barriers. The program aims to reduce visual noise and create an intuitive pedestrian experience. Staff noted they are investigating accessibility options for the visually impaired, including audible devices.
    • Data Collection: Staff mentioned the purchase of PED counters and Streetlight data to improve tracking of pedestrian and traffic patterns post-construction.

Key Outcomes

  • Second Avenue Study Direction: Council expressed strong support to include Second Avenue in the scope of review to determine viability as a north-south connection. Staff acknowledged this would require reallocating funds from the $38 million Unbound budget or identifying a new funding source, and will bring a cost proposal back to the council.
  • Interim Project Status: No final approval was granted for the interim solution on First Avenue at this time due to the new directive to study Second Avenue and the desire for a more complete analysis. Staff confirmed the final recommendation on all corridor designs will be presented in January.
  • Sixth Avenue Direction: Council members expressed general comfort with the direction of the Sixth Avenue design profile and the goal of creating a pedestrian-friendly greenway, though concerns about the hill south of 2nd Street and delivery logistics remain.
  • Wayfinding Implementation: Staff to proceed with prototyping the interim wayfinding program, with the theme "Detours lead to discoveries" and "Skyways lead to discoveries," to be deployed by December. Further investigation into ADA-compliant accessibility features for the visually impaired will be conducted.
  • Executive Session: The council voted to enter a closed executive session to evaluate real property near 611 40th Street Southeast.

Meeting Transcript

Welcome everybody to our November 10th Rochester City Council study session. We have two agenda items today. The first one is reimagining Sixth Avenue and reconnecting the downtown mobility network. And then we will also have a report on our supporting transformation. And then after that, we will also have an exec the city council will have a executive session. So with that, I will turn it over to Steve Stampson Brown to give us a report on our first agenda item. All right. Good afternoon, Council President, Mayor, Council members. We're here to talk to you this afternoon about reimagining Sixth Avenue and reconnecting the downtown mobility network. This afternoon's conversation, we're going to ask you for direction on Sixth Avenue in its next evolution as a neighborhood Greenway Corridor. And we're also going to ask you for some direction on the bike lane solutions we're proposing, both interim and long term. I'll turn it over to project manager Mike Collins to lead off the presentation. Sure. So before we go to the next slide, I just wanted to introduce our project team. So my name is Mike Collins. I'm a project manager with the city. We also have Mitzi Alex, who's our consultant with tool design. David Gamble, who's one of our part of our consultant team. And I will say, as part of this project, we work closely with the public works team as well. So I can do it here. Sure. So as the name implies, this project has really two main goals. So kind of think of it as two projects in one. Really, there's the sixth uh reimagining Sixth Avenue project, which as uh Steve said at the beginning, we're trying to create kind of an urban greenway. Um safe and uh accessible and safe and comfortable place to be, um, and a quality experience in the public realm. Um, the second half of the project is to reconnect the downtown mobility network. Um, and as you know, Third and Fourth Avenue were um vacated as part of the Mayo Development Agreement. Um, so we do need to reconnect the downtown mobility network, and the goals for that side of the project are a safe reliable travel options and improved access to employment, housing, uh, restaurants, and entertainment. Um, and then just to give uh the council an idea of kind of where these projects lie. So I do want to kind of draw your attention to the map on screen. Um, so the green and yellow checkered area were the three corridors that were studied for the um reconnecting the uh downtown mobility network. Um so we analyzed Broadway Avenue South, uh North North uh sorry, First Avenue Northwest and uh Sixth Avenue Southwest and Sixth Avenue Northwest as the three corridors for reconnecting the downtown mobility network. Um the reimagining Sixth Avenue side of the project is uh the blue line on that screen, and that is Sixth Avenue from uh 2nd Street Southwest to Civic Center Drive. Um, so that gives you just an idea of the project scope. Um couple things I'll point out before I hand it over to our consultant team here is um kind of the changing dynamics around Sixth Avenue. Um, Sixth Avenue is becoming more of that transition area um between kind of the downtown core, the Mayo campus, and the neighborhoods to the west. Um it's I've been identified as a key um uh transit corridor. Um, so that incorporates all forms of mobility. Um so that is that is part of the reason that this project's being brought forward before you today. Um and then without further ado, I will hand it over to uh David Gamble to talk about streetscape um investments and kind of the the larger downtown context. Thanks. I did just the five things we need to change. Thanks, Mike. Can you hear me okay? Uh David Gamble, I'm an architect and urban planner with Campbell Associates. We're based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a city, by the way, that is almost exactly the same size as Rochester. And over the last of 20 years, Cambridge has quadrupled the number of bike lanes in its city while simultaneously dropping the number of conflicts with cyclists and motorcycles and uh cars by 30 percent. So this is a trend that you're seeing all across the country, and we had the pleasure of getting to know your great city uh a number of years ago on the small area plan. I recognize uh some of you here uh between 2nd and 4th Street along the Zumbro uh behind the Indigo Hotel. It's our introduction.

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