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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/12/2008 . ti � � ; Traffic Safety Advisory Committee City of Apple Valley November 12, 2008 7:00 p.m Municipal Center Minutes l. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Chair Arthur Zimmerman Members Present: Todd Blomstrom, Linda Dolan, Harald Eriksen, Charles Grawe, Jon Rechtzigel, Arthur Zimmerman Members Absent: Dick Asleson Consultants/Alternates Present: Tom Sohrweide Others Present: Bert Brost, Mike Burns, Sue Burns, Anthony Devine, Tiffany Field, Julia Fried-Devine, Vlady Messing, Teresa Rondeau-Ambroz, Rebecca Wagner, Roger Wagner 2. Approval of A eg nda MOTION: Mr. Rechtzigel moved, second by Ms. Dolan,to approve the agenda as presented. Motion passed 6-0 3. Approval of September 10, 2008 Minutes A technical correction was noted to replace references to Elderberry Court with Emmer Place. MOTION: Ms. Dolan moved, second by Mr. Blomstrom, to approve the Minutes of September 10, 2008 as corrected. Motion passed 6-0. 4. Audience Items There were no audience items. 5. Resident Request for School Speed Zone along 147th Street and Garrett Avenue Adjacent to Paideia Academy Mr. Blomstrom reviewed the current design of the crossing area. Mr. Sohrweide said he evaluated the crossing gaps and found some gaps to be less than desirable. However,he also found that there was a relatively low number of crossings taking place based on recent pedestrian counts at this location. He � � • �, ; recommended changing the current pedestrian crossing signs to school crossing signs. He also recommended placing the stop bars 50 feet in advance of the crossing to provide better sight lines for motorists. He said that there were anticipated changes in the allowable signage designs in the Traffic Control Manual far 2009 and encouraged the City to implement them when the new manual is adopted. Mr. Sohrweide encouraged the School to monitor usage of the crossing to see if it increases. He suggested the School explore the use of safety patrols or other supervised crossings, especially when Schoollets out for the day. Mr. Blomstrom clari�ed that the City relocated the stop bars as recommended prior to the onset of winter weather, but some stenciling could not be completed until better weather conditions in the spring. MOTION: Mr. Grawe moved, second by Mr. Zimmerman, to recommend the City install the revised signage and markings as recommended by staff. Motion passed 6-0. _ 6. Resident Request for Sidewalk Installation alon� 132°a Street Between Pilot Knob Road and Emmer Place Mr. Blomstrom reviewed a resident request for the installation of pathway , along 132°d Street between Emmer Place and a pedestrian ramp leading down to a tunnel underpass that was installed under Pilot Knob Road(County State Aid Highway 31). The property owner impacted by the pathway was strongly opposed to its installation. Mr. Blomstrom distributed further communication from neighbors in the area requesting the pathway or sidewalk. Mr. Blomstrom reviewed the right-of-way and easements in the area and found adequate room for a residential sidewalk, but not for a multi- use trail without involving more land acquisition. Mr. Sohrweide reported on his traffic studies of the area. He found approximately 500 vehicle trips per day on 132"d Street at Pilot Knob Road. About 300 of those ti�s per day continued on to Emmer Place and about 200 continued on to 132° Street. He described the street as very residential in nature and noted that typical residential street volumes could be as high as 1,000 to 1,500 vehicle trips per day. He noted that pedestrians walking on 132"a Street toward Pilot Knob Road should be walking on the right-hand side of the 132"a Street. The existing pedestrian ramp approaches 132"a facing directly south, but there is no sidewalk or pathway on the south side of 132"d. Mr. Sohrweide did not find this arrangement to be a problem for pedestrian traffic, but possibly for bicycle traffic. Mr. Sohrweidexecommended marking a five-foot lane on the north side of 132°d along the drive shoulder. He recommended reconfiguring the top of the pedestrian ramp so that it would orient toward the west into the newly marked lane instead of facing directly south. He also recommended using signage to mark the new lane as a bike and pedestrian area and to prohibit parking along that side of 132"d Street. Mr. Blomstrom provided a cost estimate for the • � recommendations at $3,SOO.UO. He estimated sidewalk installation at $16,000.00 as it would involve relocating some utilities. Ms. Dolan asked about the size of the pavement markings and bike lanes. Mr. Sohrweide said that designated bike lanes are defined and have a prescribed width and might require more space than the proposed lane. A number of residents expressed support for the sidewalk. There was discussion about the maintenance obligations that would fall upon the property to maintain the sidewalk and keep it clear of snow and ice. MOTION: Mr. Eriksen moved, but received no second, to recommend investigating the installation of the sidewalk. There was extensive discussion about the probability of receiving grant funds from a State Safe Route to School grant program that could be used to fund sidewalk. There was extensive discussion with the neighbors encouraging all parties involved to seek a compromise solution. Several residents asked if a partial sidewalk could be a solution. Mr. Blomstrom clarified that the staff proposal created an extension of the pedestrian ramp which would provide for a tapered transition from the street to the pedestrian path. He also stated that modifications to the ramp will need to be discussed with Dakota County Transportation staff. The residents seemed to be in agreement that this solution would work for them. � MOTION: Mr. Rechtzigel moved, second by Ms. Dolan, to table the issue until the next meeting and for staff to provide more detailed drawings of the proposal and to physically mark the improvements on the site so that the residents see how it would look. Motion passed 5-1 (Mr. Eriksen opposed). Mr. Grawe noted that Mr. Asleson had a conflict with the January meeting date and requested the meeting date be rescheduled to January 21St. The group agreed to hold the January�meeting on the 21 St 7. Update on Traffic Si nal Operation at 140th Street and Pennock Avenue Mr. Blomstrom said the City has recently completed adjustments and repairs to the traffic signal system based recent complaints and system testing. This wark involved minor reprogramming of the signal controller and repairs to the wiring for the emergency vehicle preemption. 8. Resident Request for Parkin�Lane Delineation Line Along Glenda Drive between 145th Street and Pennock Avenue Mr. Blomstrom said Glenda Drive is scheduled for resurfacing next year. It would be most cost effective to delineate the parking lane at the time the � . . overlay is done. He noted that the mix of commercial and residential properties along that stretch of street and potential future traffic volumes warrant the lane delineation. 9. Resident Concern Re arding Speeding Traffic and Accident Rate alo� Haven Drive between Hayes Road and 147th Street Mr. Blomstrom said the City received a concern over vehicle speeds and cut- through traffic. The average daily vehicle trip count for the street is 280 trips per day. The 85th percentile speed is between 30 and 34 miles per hour. He recommended increasing speed enforcement,possibly posting advanced advisory signs to denote the curve, possible street striping, and continuing to monitor traffic as the commercial area develops. MOTION: Mr. Grawe moved, seconded by Ms. Dolan, to accept the staff recommendations for possible solutions. Motion passed 6-0. 10. Safe Routes to School Grant Pro�ram Ap.plication Mr. Blomstrom said there are two high-priority grant submissions. Last year, the City did not receive funding for its submission. The first request would complete the trail extension along 140th Street between Guthrie Avenue and Hayes Road. A previous project extended the trail between Guthrie Avenue and Pennock Avenue so the request would complete the trail connections. The second request would be a resubmittal of last year's proposal for a crosswalk at Johnny Cake Ridge Road new Falcon Ridge Middle School. Mr. Grawe moved, secand by Ms. Dolan, to recommend support for the two grant submittals. Motion passed 6-0. 11. Letters to Neighborhoods Directed at September Meeting There was a miscommunication that delayed sending the letters, but that they will be sent in the very near future. 12. Other Traffic Concerns Communicated to the Citv of Apple Valley Police Concerns Mr. Rechtzigel reported no concerns. Public Works' Concerns � � Mr. Blomstrom said the speed limit on Foliage Avenue between 150th Street and 160th Street might be appropriate for re-evaluation given the development that has occurred along the street. The current speed limit is 45 miles per hour. The process would be to submit a resolution to the City Council requesting a speed study by MnDOT. Mr. Blomstrom said he received a request for speed limit reduction on Dodd Road between Pilot Knob Road and Diamond Path. Mr. Blomstrom said he received a request for guard rail along Pennock Avenue near County Road 38. MOTION: Mr. Zimmerman moved, second by Mr. Grawe, to recommend the City Council request MnDOT conduct a speed limit study on Foliage Avenue with emphasis placed on consideration of potential speed limit reduction. Motion passed 6-0. 13. Education Issues Pedestrian and Bike Safet�pa_ ig_n Mr. Rechtzigel said the status of grant funding should be determined by January. He said the local high schools have been approached about developing student-created traffic safety video public service announcements. 14. Adj ourn MOTION: Mr. Grawe moved, Mr. Blomstrom seconded, to adjourn. Motion passed 6 - 0. Meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m..