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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/09/2011 r � � Traffic Safety Advisory Committee City of Apple Valley March 9, 2011 7:00 p.m. Municipal Center Minutes 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:06 p.m. by Secretary Harald Eriksen Members Present: Todd Blomstrom, Linda Dolan, Harald Eriksen, Charles � Grawe, Jon Rechtzigel, Joe Shaw � Members Absent: Arthur Zimmerman Consultants/Alternates Present: Dave Bennett Others Present: Will Nagle, Mark Moore Z. Approval of Agenda MOTION: Mr. Blomstrom moved, second by Ms. Dolan, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion passed 6-0. 3. A�proval of Januarv 12, 2011 Minutes MOTION: Mr. Grawe moved, second by Mr. Rechtzigel, to approve the Minutes of January 12, 2011 as presented. Motion passed 6-0. 4. Audience Items There were no audience items. 5. Findlay Avenue Sidewalk Request Mr. Blomstrom said the City received a request for sidewalk extensions along Findlay Avenue. A survey to the six resident properties potentially impacted by the proposed sidewalk showed one in favor and five against. Some of the comments from those opposing the sidewalk included concerns over reduced front yard setbacks, loss of mature trees, and utility relocations. Mr. Blomstrom said he would share the results of the survey and the concerns with the resident requesting the sidewalk. � � � 6. Garden View Drive Traffic Concerns Mr. Blomstrom said the City received concerns about speeds on Garden View Drive south of Whitney Drive. He provided a summary of the Garden View Drive Committee and the work that was done in 2000 and 2001, culminating in the creation of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. He described a number of traffic calming measures that were installed on Garden View Drive in response to concerns over the potential for increased traffic volumes when the Highview Avenue alignment was completed in Lakeville. He also described the types and locations of all existing signage and speed advisory devices. He noted that the State sets the speed limits, with a very few special situations in which local control is granted. One such exception involves a 2� mile per hour limit option for streets less than one-half mile in length. As Garden View Drive is considerably longer than one-half mile, the speed Iimit is 30 miles per hour. Mr. Nagle expressed concern that drivers ignore the existing speed signs. The curve of the road presents challenges for residents backing out of their driveways, especially when foliage or snow reduces visibility. This is further complicated when drivers speed or are distracted. He noted that many speeders are aggressive, approaching road rage type activity. He described distracted driver situations involving cell phones and food. He requested the installation of stop signs at Hayes Trail and 157�' Street as an attempt to slow traffic. Committee members explained that the City follows State laws and the policies in the State's traffic control manual. The Committee attempts to identify appropriate solutions that will address the concern without creating new problems. The State's manual sets warrant requirements for stop sign placement. Plaeing stop signs that don't meet warrants can create a more dangerous situation and increase liability. The City also considers its resources and how solutions can be fairly implemented throughout the City, not just a single neighborhood. Committee members explained that large investment was made in traffic calming measures for Garden View Drive in the early 2000's in an effort to keep traffic volumes from growing when Highview Avenue was completed to the south. Members noted that the City receives complaints about speeding from virtually every area of the community. Members suggested that traffic , counts and speed studies could be conducted to see if there has been a recent ' traffic pattern change. Members also suggested increasing enforcement and organizing a neighborhood watch group to help make neighbors aware of speeding concerns. Mr. Blomstrom said that if boulevard snow banks are too high and reducing visibility, the Public Works Department could clear some of the boulevard using large snow equipment,but would expect the residents to be responsible for repairing sod or sprinkler damage. � � � 7. Other Traffic Concerns Communicated to the City of Apple Valley Police Concerns Mr. Rechtzigel noted a large number of vehicle accidents at the intersection of Galaxie Avenue and 147th Street in recent years. Many of the accidents appear to involve left-hand turn movements. The signal at the intersection allows for permissive green left-hand turns, unlike many other signals which only allow left-hand turns when there is a protected b een arrow. Mr. Blomstrom said that with the planned extensions of Flagstaff Avenue and 147th Street, this would be the optimal time to determine lane configuration changes to 147�' Street. He said he would bring recommendations to the next meeting. Public Works' Concerns There were no other Public Works concerns. 8. Education Issues There were no new educational issues. 9. Adjourn MOTION: Mr. Blomstrom moved, second by Mr. Rechtzigel, to adjourn. Motion passed 6- 0. Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.