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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/21/2000CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota August 21, 2000 Minutes of the special emergency meeting of the City Council of Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota, held August 21st, 2000, at 3:00 o’clock p.m., at Apple Valley City Hall, pursuant to due call and notice thereof. PRESENT: Mayor Hamann-Roland; Councilmembers Erickson, Goodwin, Grendahl, and Sterling. ABSENT: None. City staff members present were: City Administrator Lawell, City Clerk Mueller, City Attorney Dougherty, Police Chief Erickson, and Acting Public Works Director Heuer. Mayor Hamann-Roland called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. and announced that the purpose of the meeting was to consider issues related to pedestrian crossing on 140th Street in the area of its intersection with 137th Street. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: of Grendahl, seconded by Sterling, approving the agenda for today’s meeting as presented. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON 140TH STREET Mayor Hamann-Roland expressed sympathy to Neena Ingvalson, 13717 Parkwood Lane, who was present. On August 18, 2000, Spencer Ingvalson was struck by a car while crossing 140th Street and died of his injuries. Mr. Lawell said staff met this morning with Ms. Ingvalson on concerns over the intersection and consulted with the City Attorney. Two resolutions have been prepared for the Council to consider. One directs a study of crossings for the entire length of 140th Street and the other provides for temporary stop signs while the study is underway. The Mayor asked the news media present to publicize how important it is for drivers to slow down and pay attention to their surroundings. She also said pedestrians need to pay attention when crossing streets and not assume drivers will see them. Resolution No. 2000-210 MOTION: of Sterling, sec onded by Grendahl, adopting authorizing Short, Elliot, Hendrickson, Inc., to proceed with a traffic/pedestrian study of 140th Street, from Garden View Drive to Pennock Avenue, to determine the safest and most prudent means of providing access across 140th Street for pedestrians and cyclists. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. Resolution No. 2000-211 MOTION: of Goodwin, seconded by Grendahl, adopting authorizing installation of temporary stop signage on 140th Street at its CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota August 21, 2000 Page 2 intersection with 137th Street to remain in place until the authorized traffic study has been completed and accepted. Councilmember Goodwin asked what kind of temporary stop signs are proposed and expressed concern about making sure there is advance warning of them. Mr. Heuer said they would be 48-inch stop signs and 48-inch advance warning signs equipped with flashers. A resident said she grew up on 137th Street and asked what the time frame is for the study? Mr. Lawell said the consultant will need about two weeks after school starts to gather data. A report should be ready by the end of September or early October. Gordon Henrikson, 13786 Hanover Way, said he believes the stop signs should be kept in place until a permanent solution is in place. The neighborhood will be presenting a petition to the Council on August 24th concerning safety at the intersection. Dave Fudally, 8102 West 137th Street, expressed concern about drivers obeying the stop signs. When signs were installed at 140th and Pennock, they were ignored. He asked for more of a police presence to enforce the signs and tag violators. Police Chief Erickson said the police will be present as much as possible. He is also concerned that drivers regularly using the street be given enough warning of the signs. There may be violations at first because the signs may be unexpected. Gordon Awsumb, 13690 Harmony Way, referred to a February 7, 1989; letter from the Public Works Director stating the City could not install a stop sign at the intersection because it is regulated by MnDOT. If the study comes back with the same recommendation, will the Council act anyway? Mr. Lawell said MnDOT does have authority on location of stop signs, but the City will have to look at the new data before considering its action. Dave Freilinger, 13131 Heritage Way, said he was crossing the street in the crosswalk and a car drove around him and would have hit anyone else who might have also been crossing. He worked on a similar problem when he lived in Rosemount. He has seen flashing lights at school crossings in other cities and suggested they be considered here. Vote was taken on the motion. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. Nancy Tschohl, 8130 West 137th Street, said they have heard about studies being done before and nothing happened. Now there is a stadium at the High School and more pedestrian activity. Will a study tell the City more than the residents can; the people who live north of 140th Street and use the schools, athletic fields, and bike paths. As taxpayers, they want the City to spend the money to do what needs to be done to make the crossings safe. CITY OF APPLE VALLEY Dakota County, Minnesota August 21, 2000 Page 3 Mr. Awsumb said there are engineers living in the neighborhood who could have the study done in a couple of days. This intersection has been a problem for a long time and the Council could have found a way to solve the problem. Councilmember Grendahl said the City is working on traffic issues and noted the Committee involved in Garden View Drive traffic as an example. There are concerns about traffic all over the City. Mr. Henrikson said when the County was involved with the road, they were told that if the intersection were improved, the speed limit would probably increase to 50 miles per hour. The system does not meet the needs of the residents. They are asking for action. He asked if the City has the funds to take action on recommendations? Mr. Lawell said it depends on the recommendations. The regulations are also tied to funding. The State will help fund improvements if they are met. Mr. Fudally said a neighbor just retired from the State and he believes improvements at the intersection will qualify for half of funding by the State. The speed limit on 140th Street, by Eastview High School, is lower and it should be lower here too? The speed limit on County Road 42 is only 40 miles per hour. Ms. Ingvalson said she asked the Council to consider installing stop signs today and that was the purpose of this meeting. Other issues being raised can be considered at the Council meeting on August 24, 2000. MOTION: of Erickson, seconded by Grendahl, to adjourn. Ayes - 5 - Nays - 0. The meeting was adjourned at 3:36 o’clock p.m.