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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/08/2006 � � Traffic Safety Advisory Committee City of Apple Valley February 8, 2006 7:00 p.m.Municipal Center Minutes 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m.by Chair Arthur Zimmerman. Members Present: Craig Anglin, Dick Asleson, Linda Dolan, Charles Grawe, Neal Heuer, Arthur Zimmerman Members Absent: Harald Eriksen arrived at 7:20 p.m. Consultants/Alternates Present: Tom Sohrweide Others Present: 2. Approval of Agenda Mr. Grawe requested moving the Joint Meeting with the City Council up on the agenda if the previous business is not concluded by 7:30 p.m.. MOTION: Mr. Asleson moved, second by Ms. Dolan, to approve the agenda. Motion passed 6— 0. 3. Approval of January 11, 2006 Minutes � Mr. Anglin clarified that the Educational Issue pertained to a youth alcohol round table discussion. Mr. Sohrweide corrected the second paragraph of the second page to read "Institute of Transportation Engineers"instead of"MnDOT". MOTION: Mr. Anglin moved, second by Mr. Heuer, to approve the minutes as amended. Motion passed 6—0. 4. Audience Items There were no audience items. TSAC Meeting Minutes � • February 8, 2006 Page 2 5. Review 2005 Annual Committee Accomplishments R�ort MOTION: Mr. Anglin moved, second by Mr. Asleson, to forward the 2005 Annual Committee Accomplishments Report to the City Council for its receipt. Motion passed 6—0. 6. Other Traffic Concerns Communicated to the Citv a) Police Concerns—Mr. Anglin had no new concerns. b) Public Works Concerns — Mr. Heuer said he received a concern about the area of Emerald Way and 144�` Street. At the intersection, 144th Street stops in both directions, but Emerald Way does not stop. The resident requested a four-way stop. Mr. Heuer said he received a concern over vehicle speeds on Embry Path. The area does not have a history of accidents nor does it have high traffic volumes that would warrant a four-way stop. Mr. Heuer recommended using the speed trailer and Car 54 to increase awareness Mr. Heuer said the City continues to work with the traffic engineer to evaluate the intersection of 147�' Street and Foliage Avenue. He noted that an additional speed limit sign might be posted in the area. There have been 18 crashes in three years. The engineer is currently loolflng at the sight lines looking east where the Sam's Club retaining wall is located. Due to significantly heavier traffic volumes on 147th Street, the four-lane design of 147`�' Street, and the close proximity to the signal at the intersection of 147`�'Street and Galaxie Avenue, a four-way stop is not an ideal solution. c) Other Concerns—There were no other concerns presented. Mr. Eriksen arrived at 7:20 p.m. 7. Education Issues Mr. Asleson asked about the status of enabling legislation for the "Photo Cop" cameras designed to document red light violators. Mr. Sohrweide said that the City of Minneapolis has reported success with their trial project. In the six months since it was implemented, that city has issued 22,000 citations and there has been a 16 percent reduction in the crashes at those intersections at which Photo Cop has been installed. If Minneapolis prevails in the current litigation over the project, it plans to expand the system. Mr. Anglin requested volunteers to present at the spring Police Citizens Academy. John Bergman, Bob Erickson, Pam Gackstetter, Mary Hamann-Roland, and Tom Lawell arrived at 7:34 p.m. TSAC Meeting Minutes • • February 8,2006 Page 3 8. Joint Meeting with City Council The attendees introduced themselves. Mr. Zimmerman noted that the Council received a draft copy of the Committee's accomplishments from 2005. Ms. Dolan noted that the Committee heard a number of difficult issues. She also noted that while the Committee listens to residents' concerns,there are some situations in which the citizens' desired solutions are not feasible. Mr. Lawell asked how the process far the temporary traffic calming measure on 138t'' Street was received. Mr. Eriksen said this is an example of a situation where the problem still exists. Mr. Heuer said the physical nature of the section of Pennock Avenue doesn't allow for the implementation of many traffic calming solutions. Mr. Heuer said the early reports of the Photo Cop project in Minneapolis have been successful and he hopes the League of Minnesota Cities can lobby the State Legislature to enable all cities to use this tool. Ms. Hamann-Roland said this request is part of the League's policy platform. Mr. Erickson suggested that if the State receives a portion of the fine revenues issued by Photo Cop, then perhaps the State could share the cost of purchasing the equipment. Tom Goodwin arrived at 7:46 p.m. Ms. Hamann-Roland said it appears that drivers are responding positively to the speed informational signs erected on Garden View Drive. Mr. Zimmerman said he thought the signs were effective when they were first installed, but they appear to be slightly less effective at this time. Mr. Bergman noted that the City of Burnsville uses reflective sleeves on the posts for some of their speed limit signs. Mr. Sohrweide acknowledged the use of the sleeves,but was not aware of any data on their effectiveness. He also noted the use of pavement markings. Mr. Heuer said Apple Valley has used pavement markings on a trial basis, but did not find them to be having an impact. He said the City is currently analyzing data to gauge the impact of the speed informational signs. He noted that each sign installation costs about $15,000.00, including $4,000.00 to bring electricity to the site. He said another area for possible testing of the signs is Palomino Drive near the intersection of Cimarron Drive where there is a speed limit change. Mr. Zimmerman asked if the City would want to consider the use of temparary stop signs to gauge their possible effectiveness. Mr.Heuer said the City has an opinion from the City Attorney that there would be liability issues associated with temporary stop signs. He also said that the proposed sign must meet warrants and the City must have an engineering judgment that the sign is appropriate. Mr. Bergman asked if temporary signs erected on private property are enforceable. Mr. Heuer said such signs are not enforced by the City. Mr. Goodwin said that signs should be not installed if they do not meet warrants. Ms. Dolan asked if the Council has any further direction for the Committee. Ms. Hamann-Roland requested representation at the Celebration of Spring event. Mr. Bergman asked if he could assist in contacting local reporters about writing stories that explain the Committee. Mr. Anglin said he could also work on a cable television public safety announcement explaining the Committee. There were brief questions about air traffic issues. TSAC Meeting Minutes � � February 8, 2006 Page 4 9. Adjourn MOTION: Mr. Asleson moved, second by Mr. Grawe, to adjourn. Motion passed 7 — 0. Meeting was adjourned at 8:56 p.m.