HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/09/2007 • •
Traffic Safety Advisory Committee
City of Apple Valley
May 9, 2007
7:00 p.m. Municipal Center
Minutes
l. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Arthur Zimmerman.
Members Present: Dick Asleson, Linda Doland(arrived approx 8:00 p.m.),
Harald Eriksen,Neal Heuer, Arthur Zimmerman,
Members Absent: Charles Grawe, Michael Marben
Others Present: Jack Fenton, Guss Neubert, Cliff Tye
2. Approval of A e� nda
MOTION: Mr. Eriksen moved, second by Mr. Asleson, to approve the
agenda as presented. Motion passed 4-0
3. A�proval of March 14, 2007 Minutes
MOTION: Mr. Eriksen moved, Mr. Zimmerman seconded, to approve the
Minutes of March 14, 2007. Motion passed 4-0
4. Audience Items
There were no audience items presented.
5. Resident Concerns over Traffic on Pennock Avenue and 142"a Street
Mr. Heuer stated the Public Works Department had conducted a review of the
intersection based upon resident request for multi-way stop sign installation.
The study, which included traffic counts and reviewing accident reports,
showed the intersection does not meet warrants for multi-way stop sign
installation. The review shows that traffic volumes are below the minimum
warrant volumes. Also, a three-year review of accident reports showed that
two accidents occurred at this intersection. Neither accident was of a type
correctible by a multi-way stop sign installation.
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MOTION: Mr. Asleson moved, second by Mr. Eriksen, that staff send Ms.
Brown a letter outlining the results of the multi-way stop sign review and
stating that warrants were not met. Motion passed 4—0.
6. Resident Request for Guard Rails Along Palomino Drive
Mr. Heuer reported that on May 3, 2007, Tom Sohrweide and he conducted a
review(safe curve speed study) on Palomino west of Hunters Way using a
Ball Bank Indicator. The purpose of this instrument is to measure the amount
of lateral force on the vehicle as it drives through a curve. This study helps
the City determine if it should install warning signs (curve) and appropriate
advisory speed limit.
The results of the review indicated the curve on Palomino Drive west of
Hunters Way should be signed with a 35 mph advisory. In addition, it was
noted the curve sign should be replaced with a reverse curve sign. A reverse
curve sign with 35 mph advisory should also be added for eastbound traffic.
Residents from the Hunters Woods Association expressed their concerns
related to resident and pedestrian safety and property damage. There have
been two accidents, involving vehicles driven by impaired drivers, where
vehicles left the roadway and went through their property damaging trees and
landscape. It is their opinion that eventually someone is going to get hurt if
something isn't done. The pathway is loaded with kids.
Mr. Eriksen noted that Highway 3 has guard rails on both sides of the road.
The committee requested further comments from the Traffic Engineer related
to guard rails - their effectiveness and facts which may support their
�installation.
Mr. Heuer requested TSAC recommend the placement of chevrons along the
west bound curve, removal of the west bound curve sign, and installation of
reverse curve signs with 35 mph advisory for west and east bound traffic.
MOTION: Mr. Asleson moved, second by Mr. Eriksen, to recommend the
placement of chevrons along the west bound curve as well as speed advisory
signage as recommended by staff. Motion passed 3 — 1.
Mr. Eriksen expressed support for the placement of a guard raiL
7. Traffic Concerns Around Alimagnet Paxk
Mr. Heuer indicated to the committee that Public Works was collecting traffic
counts on the streets by the south entrance to Alimagnet Park and throughout
the neighborhood. Traffic counting will continue through the summer. It is
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Public Works' intention to report finds to TSAC at its September2007
meeting and then forward information to the City CounciL
On May 3, 2007, Tom Sohrweide and Mr. Heuer also conducted a review of
the Walnut Drive curve between Park Avenue and Redwood Drive using the
Ball Bank Indicator. The review showed that it would be appropriate to install
curve signs with 20 MPH advisory speed limit signs on Walnut Lane. Based
upon the finding of the review, Public Works installed the appropriate
signage.
8. Other Traffic Concerns Communicated to the City of A�ple Valley
Public Works' Concerns
Parking Concerns, 157th Street West. Resident concerned regarding transit
station overflow parking. Overflow parking is restricting sight distance at
intersections and when attempting to back out of driveways. Resident was
also concerned regarding child safety as parked vehicles restrict sight and
there are a number of people coming and going all the time.
Public Works received a request for handicap warning sign. The resident's
concern related to an autistic child. The parent's concern was that the child
may unexpectedly run into the street even though he would see a car
approaching.
Public Works staff reviewed this concern with Tom Sohrweide who found the
City of Rochester, Minnesota, was among the first cities in the country to
make an"Autistic Child" sign available for residents. Public Works ordered
two "Autistic Child"warning signs and installed them.
9. Adj ourn
MOTION: Mr. Eriksen moved, Mr. Asleson seconded, to adjourn. Motion
passed 5-0. Meeting was adjourned.