Hello everyone and welcome to another council update. Today we are talking about two important topics happening in our community right now. The 80th Street rehabilitation project and the city's new ebike ordinance. And joining us today to talk about those topics is council member Dave Clawson. So, Council Member Clawson, thanks for joining us. >> Thanks for having me today. >> How are you today? >> I'm doing well. >> Awesome. Glad to hear. Uh, well, Council Member Clawson, why don't we start out and talk about the 80th Street Rehabilitation Project? Residents have definitely noticed the construction activity. And so, can you explain just what is happening with this project and what it includes and why it's so important? 80th Street is one of our major east west uh roads in the city and uh it's well past its useful life and we need to update this important infrastructure and we're going to you know just update the safety, the lighting and um just make it a better road. >> Nice. And uh anything you can add about the um the Highway 61 ramps that are happening over on 80th Street? Yes. Along with this, we're able to coordinate with MDOT and their project to work on the ramps of Highway 61 is also ongoing. So, right now, the ramps uh the north side of Adia Street are closed as you uh get on and off Highway 61. >> I think they closed today as we are recording this if >> Yes, they did. I just drove by there today. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, so definitely take that to note as you're as you're heading to that area. Uh and of course, construction we know can be, you know, disruptive uh to everyone. So, what would you like residents to know uh as this work continues? >> Yeah, first and foremost, thank you to everybody uh the businesses, the residents. This is going to be a uh long-term project that will benefit the community for years to come. Um we encourage everyone to uh plan ahead. There's going to be detours. They're going to uh be changing from week to week. Um just patience uh allow for some extra time and um we'll get through this. >> We absolutely will. Um, and are there any major milestones uh or impacts that residents should be aware of in the coming weeks? >> Yeah, we talked about Highway 61 ramps are going to be open and closing. So, the ramps are going to be uh the north ramps are going to be closed uh for about 8 to 10 weeks and then um once that gets complete, they're going to switch to the southbound southside ramps. This is significant and it's again patience. Um you're going to have to find a new route. Uh if you used 80th Street, just plan on using 70th Street or Jamaica and um you'll be able to get to your destination. >> And I'd be remiss to not add in uh head to 80th Streetcg.com to to get project updates and figure out where you're heading next in terms of finding alternate routes and what's open and what's closed. >> You can put your email in there and you will get at least I think a weekly update. >> A weekly update. Yep, that is correct. Uh so why don't we just switch gears a little bit and talk about the city's ebike ordinance. So ebikes have of course become increasingly popular both for recreation and transportation. And so can you tell us why the city and the city council specifically felt it was important to address ebikes now? >> Yeah, ebikes are growing in popularity across the communities everywhere, including here in Cottage Grove. As their use increases, it's important that we have clear rules in place to promote safety for the riders and the pedestrians. And we have to establish some expectations of where they can operate, ensure that, you know, people are in the right place on the parks and in the sidewalks and so everybody can use the trails >> and do so safely. >> And safely. >> Yes. Absolutely. So, what are some of the key things residents should know about the ordinance? The ordinance generally aligns with Minnesota state law and helps clarify how ebikes are categorized and where they can be used. It's uh addresses things like trail usage, rider behavior, safety expectations, and our goal is not to discourage ebike use. Uh in fact, we really support the alternate, you know, sort of uh sort of transportation. Um but we have to do it responsibly and safely. And so, Council Member Clawson, what message would you like to leave with residents regarding both of these topics? >> So, Phil, I'd say this. As Kais continues to grow and evolve, and with that comes the need to invest in our infrastructure and update some of our policies like our ordinances to meet the needs of the community. Whether it's improving our roads or addressing new transportation needs, trends uh like ebikes, uh the city council remains focused on safety, quality of life, and planning for the future. and we appreciate the residents staying informed and engaged throughout this process. >> Well, Council Member Clawson, thank you so much for joining us and for the update. >> Thank you. >> And thank you all for watching this council update. Stay connected with us online and on social media for future updates and announcements. And thanks as always to True Lens Community Media for producing these videos. And we will see you next time.