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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/13/2017 Traffic Safety Advisory Committee City of Apple Valley September 13, 2017 7:00 p.m. Municipal Center Minutes 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Linda Dolan. Members Present: Linda Dolan, Nick Francis, Charles Grawe, Fred Puente, Matt Saam, Arthur Zimmerman (arrived at 7:05 pm) Members Absent: Joe Shaw Consultants/Alternates Present: Brandon Anderson, City Engineer Others Present: Lamont Rolfshus 2. Approval of Agenda The Galaxie Avenue Corridor Study was moved to S.A. A street light for 1461' Street was added to 6.A. MOTION: Mr. Francis moved, second by Mr. Puente to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed 5-0. 3. Audience Items There were no audience items. 4. Approval of July 12, 2017 Minutes MOTION: Mr. Francis moved, second by Mr. Grawe, to approve the Minutes of July 12, 2017. Motion passed 5-0. 5A. Galaxie Avenue Corridor Study Findings Mr. Zimmerman arrived. Mr. Anderson presented the highlights of the corridor study findings and recommendations. He noted that the intersection with 1401' Street is scheduled to be redesigned. The study recommended Greenleaf School realign the pick-up/drop-off entrance with 133rd Street. This creates a long internal driveway for stacking waiting vehicles. The study also recommended relocating the existing crossing to align with the sidewalk entrance to the school and to consider a second crossing at 133rd Street. The study recommended installation of a signal or round about at the intersection with 132nd Street. There was discussion about the recommendation of the study. 5B. County Road 46 Noise & Speed Concerns Mr. Rolfshus presented his concerns about traffic noise from County Road 46 near Garden View Drive. He expressed particular concern over semi-trucks using engine brakes descending the hill and motorcycles with poor mufflers speeding. He requested a city-wide ban on use of engine brakes, issuance of citations for noise violations, lowering of the speed limit on County 46, and noise enforcement signage on County Road 46. He also distributed several articles on traffic. Mr. Francis said noise complaints on County Road 46 increased several years ago when a gravel mining operation opened in Rosemount. He explained that there is no court-approved vehicle noise measuring device that would uphold a citation written for a noise ordinance violation. He said the City invested in training a police officer as a commercial vehicle inspector (CVI), allowing the officer to inspect trucks and write citations for safety equipment violations which are often correlated with excess noise. The CVI has performed 111 inspections this year, resulting in 38 vehicles or drivers being removed from the road. Mr. Francis said he would research the statutory authority cited by other cities banning the use of engine brakes. Mr. Grawe said that the Committee has not recommended installing signs restricting motorists in a manner that the City does not have authority to restrict. He noted that the State of Minnesota sets the speed limits, not cities, and the Committee has not recommended posting speed limit signs lower than the limit set by the State. Mr. Saam noted that the road is under County control and any decisions on signage would be with the County. Mr. Saam said he would look into the process for establishing noise reduction zones. 5C. Hamlet Avenue and Palomino Drive Crosswalk Update Mr. Anderson said a traffic study revealed very low average daily traffic levels that don't meet the threshold for crosswalk striping. However, a vehicle stop bar is being considered. The Public Works Department has been working with the homeowners' association to correct the issue by trimming the trees and shrubs at the entrance monument area that were blocking sight lines at the intersection. 5D. Butte Avenue and Hidden Meadow Road Stop Sign Concerns Mr. Anderson said the City received a concern about vehicles violating the stop sign at the base of Butte at Hidden Meadow Road. The streets in the area were reconstructed in 2016 and there are no visibility issues. As this appears to be an enforcement issue, Mr. Francis said Police would provide enforcement. 6A.Other Traffic Concerns Communicated to the City of Apple Valley Police Concerns Mr. Francis reported no other concerns. Public Works Concerns a) Speeding on 1451'between Galaxie and Flagstaff. Mr. Anderson reported that the Police Department has increased enforcement efforts in this area. b) Flashing Yellow Arrow (FYA) Update Mr. Anderson showed a map of implementation of the flashing yellow arrows. c) Crosswalk at Fit Academy School at 1471i Street Update Mr. Anderson said the crosswalk was re-established as part of a plan implemented with the School. d) Additional Signage along 1571i Street from Pilot Knob to Flagstaff Mr. Anderson said MNDOT is conducting a speed study at this time and signage will be posted when the study is complete. e) Germane and 1271i Street Parking Mr. Anderson said the proposed striping and parking restrictions are scheduled to be implemented in 2018. f) Speed Advisory Signage on Pennock Avenue Update Mr. Anderson said the measured speeds have not changed significantly with the signs up compared to when the signs were not active. g) Garden View Speed Advisory Signage Update Mr. Anderson reported no significant changes in vehicle speeds or volumes. h) 1551i and Embry Path Intersection Mr. Anderson said a second set of portable speed advisory signs will be deployed at this location. i) Street Light on 1461' Street Mr. Saam said a business expressed concern over the lack of street lights on 1461i Street. Staff is currently investigating this issue. 6B.Educational Issues and Grant Opportunities Ms. Dolan reported that the Committee had a successful booth at the Music in Kelley Park concert. Ms. Dolan noted the Toward Zero Deaths conference will be held October 261i and 271'. Mr. Zimmerman said he plans to attend. Ms. Dolan reported on a meeting between the Toward Zero Deaths group and Dakota County school resource officers. Ms. Dolan requested ideas for the application for the next round of AAA grants. 7. Adjourn MOTION: Ms. Dolan moved, second by Mr. Puente, to adjourn. Motion passed 6 - 0. Meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.