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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/11/2011 • � Traffic Safety Advisory Committee City of Apple Valley May 11, 2011 7:00 p.m.Municipal Center Minutes 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.by Chair Arthur Zimmerman Members Present: Todd Blomstrom, Linda Dolan, Harald Eriksen, Charles Crrawe,Jon Rechtzigel, Joe Shaw, Arthur Zimmerman Members Absent: Consultants/Alternates Present: Tom Sohrweide, Dave Bennett Others Present: Terri Blattenbauer,Nick Francis, Carl Houseman, Carol Houseman, Brian O'Loughlin, Julie Woltersdorf, Thomas Woltersdorf 2. Approval of A eg nda Members requested additional items including an update on the Toward Zero Deaths initiative, ten-year service award for Ms. Dolan, and Safe Communities of Wright County initiative. MOTION: Mr. Grawe moved, second by Mr. Eriksen,to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed 7-0. 3. Approval of March 9, 2011 Minutes MOTION: Mr. Rechtzigel moved, second by Mr. Eriksen,to approve the Minutes of March 9, 2011 as presented. Motion passed 6-0. Mr. Zimmerman abstained. 4. Audience Items There were no audience items. 5. Update on Resident Concerns with Speedin�on Garden View Drive Between CR 42 and CR 46 Mr. Blomstrom said the City received concerns about speeds on Garden View Drive south of Whitney Drive at the previous meeting. The City pursued • � several action items after the meeting discussions including removal of high snow mounds on the boulevard that obscured views of the street and increased speed enforcement by the Police Department utilizing both the Special Enforcement Team and Car 54. The speed trailer was not utilized as the - roadway already has two speed measuring signs in place. The speed surveys and officer reports revealed very few violations taking place that were significantly over the posted speed limit. Mr. Blomstrom said his department would continue to collect data collected by the speed sign throughout the summer. 6. Resident Concern with Speedin og n U�per 136�' Street Mr. Blomstrom said the City received concerns about speeds Upper 136�' Street. He provided a brief overview of the area, specifically noting how traffic patterns may be impacted by on-going improvements to Cedar Avenue. Mr: O'Loughlin expressed his concerns about traffic speeds and volumes, believing that both have been increasing over time. He said he believes that drivers user 136�' Street as a cut-through route to avoid the traffic light on 140�Street. Mr. Sohrweide said he could study existing volumes and estimate future volumes on 136�Street once the Cedar Avenue improvements are complete. He said he could also look at actual speeds and potential site distance issues along the roadway. Mr. O'Loughlin wanted to know what traffic calming measures could be installed on 136�' Street and mentioned speed bumps. Mr. Sohrweide explained why the City does not install speed bumps and why looking at the appropriate traffic control is appropriate. Mr. Grawe explained that more than one problem cause may be involved in the neighborhood. He explained that data collection allows the City to correctly identify the problem or problems and then appropriate measures that address those specific problems can be considered. 7. Resident Request for Speed Limit Signs alon�Hunters Way Mr. Blomstrom said the City received a request for additional speed limit signs along Hunters Way. He briefly described the roadway and surrounding area. Several residents were in attendance and expressed concern over high speeds. They noted that there are no speed limit signs currently posted along that roadway. Mr. Blomstrom believed that signs could be justified,but cautioned that studies have shown that in some cases, erecting speed limit signs can actually lead to increases in vehicle speeds rather than reductions. He also noted that the looping alignment of the roadway means that it is highly unlikely that the traffic is cutting through and is almost certainly from within the surrounding neighborhood. Ms. Dolan suggested that the neighbors use a flyer to communicate their traffic concerns among the neighborhood. � . MOTION: Mr. Eriksen moved, second by Mr. Grawe,to recommend the City install speed limit signs and provide flyers for the neighbors to distribute. Motion passed 7-0. 8. Potential Traffic Signal Modifications at Galaxie Avenue and 147�' Street Mr. Blomstrom noted a number of highl�y visible vehicle crashes at the intersection of Gal�ie Avenue and 147 Street. Many of the crashes were associated with left turn movements. He said his department is reviewing data on vehicle stacking and light cycle issues before recommending a specific change. 9. Potential Safe Routes to School Grant Application for Greenleaf Elementary School Mr. Blomstrom said staff has been looking at a grant application for a HAWK pedestrian crossing signal at the Greenleaf Elementary School site due to the very high volumes of walkers crossing Galaxie Avenue mid-block. Ms. Dolan described the growing number of walkers on the east side of Galaxie Avenue and the projected increases in walkers due to school budget cuts. 1VIr. Sohrweide said he is currently collecting data,but that the area in question appears to meet warrants for such a signal. Mr. Grawe emphasized the importance of carefully documenting the justifications and criteria used for a significant investment in a HAWK signal at this location when one may not be recommended at other school locations. MOTION: Mr. Grawe moved, second by Mr. Eriksen,to proceed with the application for the Safe Routes to School Grant that would be used for a HAWK signal at the Greenleaf Elementary School site. 10. Other Traffic Concerns Communicated to the City of A�ple Valley Police Concerns Sergeant Nick Francis provided a brief update on the County-wide traffic safety grant. Apple Valley is the fiscal agent for the grant. The group is moving to an electronic management system to ease the administrative burden. Public Works' Concerns 'There were no other Public Works concerns. 1 l. Education Issues . � Mr. Grawe noted that bicycle safety issues appear to be increasing and the Committee will need to consider strategies for reaching bikers. Ms. Dolan provided examples of brochures used in the Wright County Safe Communities initiative. Mr. Sohrweide said he is involved in the Toward Zero Deaths Conference Planning Committee and may request volunteers to serve on a panel on citizen advisory committees. Ms. Dolan was recognized for ten years of service on the Committee. 12. Adjourn MOTION: Mr. Blomstrom moved, second by Mr. Rechtzigel, to adjourn. Motion passed 7- 0. Meeting was adjourned at 8:42 p.m.