New Bike Law – Rolling Stops
Beginning August 1st, bicyclists in Minnesota no longer need to fully stop for stop signs if there are no cars around.
Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 169.222, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 4a. Stopping requirements. (a) For purposes of this subdivision, “in the vicinity” means located in an intersection or approaching an intersection in a manner that constitutes a hazard of collision during the time that a bicycle operator would occupy the intersection.
(b) A bicycle operator who approaches a stop sign must slow to a speed that allows for stopping before entering the intersection or the nearest crosswalk. Notwithstanding subdivision 1 and section 169.06, subdivision 4, if there is not a vehicle in the vicinity, the operator may make a turn or proceed through the intersection without stopping.
(c) Nothing in this subdivision alters the right-of-way requirements under section 169.20. The provisions under this subdivision do not apply when traffic is controlled by a peace officer or a person authorized to control traffic under section 169.06.
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/new-law-rolling-stops-bicyclists-stop-signs/
https://streets.mn/2023/08/03/minnesota-adopts-the-safety-stop/
Walnut Street Corridor Planning Project Update
The City of La Crescent staff and staff from the consulting firm of MSA Professional Services continued receiving public input on concepts and alternatives for the Walnut Street Corridor. The project begins at South 3rd Street and continues north on Walnut Street to North 4th Street and includes studying options for creating bicycle and pedestrian access to Veterans Park north of North 4th Street via Park Street, Walnut Place and North Chestnut Street. City staff had a booth at the Farmer’s Market on Tuesday, August 8th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to present project information and to obtain input from the public. The city conducted three meetings on Wednesday, August 9th. One meeting was with the residential property owners in the study area, a second meeting was held with merchants and businesses on South Walnut Street and a community meeting was held the evening of August 9th.
Presentation materials from August 8th and 9th are available at the following links. The slide show from the August 9th meeting is at this link: LaCrescent-Walnut St. Corridor Plan Input Meeting
The presentation board depicting the alternative concepts along the corridor that provide for Americans with Disabilities (ADA) access, bicyclists, pedestrians, automobiles, trucks, and busses is at this link:Presentation Board for Walnut Street Project
If you would like to fill out a comment form please select the following link Walnut Street Corridor Plan Comment sheet once you have completed the form please drop it off at the front desk at City Hall or scan it and email to lkirch@cityoflacrescent-mn.gov
The city’s Economic Development Commission will be reviewing a draft of the Walnut Street Corridor Plan in September and will make a recommendation to the City Council on the final draft of the plan. The City Planning Commission will be reviewing the plan in October and will make their recommendation to the City Council on the final draft of the plan. The City Council will be reviewing the final draft of the plan in November and is expected to take action on the plan in November.
If you have any questions, please call Larry Kirch, Community Development Director at (507) 895-4096.
Ordinance No. 255 Enacting Water Conservation Measures Now Active
The City of La Crescent Public Works Director has released a memo regarding Ordinance No. 255 enacting water conservation measures. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has declared a severe drought for the Upper Mississippi-Black-Root Watershed. Select the links below to view the memo and additional websites offering other ways to conserve water:
HOMESTEAD CREDIT REFUND FOR HOMEOWNERS
You may qualify for a Homestead Credit for your property. The following link will take you to the MN Revenue site where you can see if you qualify and apply:
https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/2023-02/m1pr_inst_22.pdf
PET LICENSE APPLICATIONS
Pet Licensing Letter to Residents
Primary Application: 2023 Pet License Application
Review the Multiple Pet ordinance Ordinance 90.06. Multiple Pet License and fill out the following form along with the Primary application (above) if you have 3 or more of one Species Multiple Pet Permit Application
Mail application(s) along with payment and rabies vaccine information to City of La Crescent, 315 Main St., P.O. Box 142, La Crescent, MN 55947 or place in the drop box on the wall outside the front door of City Hall. License tags will be mailed back to you.