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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/10/2009 � � Traffic Safety Advisory Committee City of Apple Valley November 10,2009 7:00 p.m. Municipal Center Minutes 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Chair Arthur Zimmerman Members Present: Dick Asleson, Todd Blomstrom, Linda Dolan, Harald Eriksen, Charles Grawe, Jon Rechtzigel, Arthur Zimmerman Members Absent: Consultants/Alternates Present: Tom Sohrweide Others Present: George Beran, Brend Dolejs, Barbara Holbert, Kathy Koshiol 2. A�proval of A e�nda Mr. Grawe requested that the Greenleaf issue be moved up on the agenda behind the Pennock issue. MOTION: Ms. Dolan moved, second by Mr. Rechtzigel, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed 7-0. 3. A�proval of September 9, 2009 Minutes MOTION: Mr. Rechtzigel moved, second by Mr. Blomstrom, to approve the Minutes of September 9, 2009. Motion passed 7-0. 4. Audience Items There were no audience items. 5. Resident Traffic Concerns - 13800 Block of Pennock Avenue Mr. Blomstrom said residents raised concern about traffic volumes and speeds on Pennock Avenue between 138�' Street and 140�' Street. The section of roadway has a number of rather sharp curves. Two residents said that part of the problem is a particularly high hedge on one of the properties along the interior of the curve. Mr. Sohrweide reviewed the accident data and found • • five reported crashes on the roadway in the past five years, all of which were run off the road crashes and four of which were at the curve in question. Mr. Sohrweide said several different evaluation methods can be used to determine if there might be a sight line issue. The sight distance for northbound vehicles approaching the residents' driveway is 240 feet. For the 85�'percentile speed on this street of 25 mph, the stopping sight distance for a vehicle to see an obstruction and respond equates to 155 feet, or 200 feet at 30 mph. The desired time (gap in traffic) for a stopped vehicle in the driveway to have the opportunity to make a left-hand turn is 7.5 seconds although gaps as low as 5 seconds are used. For the speed on this street,the site distance for 7.5 seconds is 265 feet or 175 feet for 5 seconds. Mr. Sohrweide said it is not clear that the hedge currently meets the definition of a public nuisance. He recommended the residents back out of their garage and turn around so that they can drive forward onto the street. Staff also recommended asking the Code Enforcement to look at the situation and talk with the property owner who owns the hedge to discuss the problem that it � creates. 6. Greenleaf Elementarv School—Grant Applications and Traffic Circulation Several representatives from the Greenleaf community gave a brief presentation on their initiative encouraging children to walk and bike to school. They expressed the desire to encourage students to walk to school for health reasons and to also have a safe walking route. Some of the specific concerns were drivers ignoring the crossing guards on Galaxie Avenue, issues with vehicle circulation for students pick-up, and conflicts with school buses entering and exiting by the median. The School is applying for a grant to promote walking to school and asked that the Committee write a letter of support. There was discussion about the Greenleaf School area and possible improvements. MOTION: Mr. Eriksen moved, second by Mr. Asleson to write a letter of support for the Greenleaf Elementary School walk to school grant application for funds to be used for walking and traffic safety education purposes. Motion passed unanimous. 7. Resident Traffic Concerns— 137�' Street Near Wildwood Park Mr. Sohrweide said a concern was raised at the last meeting from vehicle speeds shortly after the roadway was overlayed with new pavement. One possibility would be to paint a four-inch edge line about six feet from each curb that would essentially create driving lanes and a pedestrian/bike area. He • • did not recommend a centerline. Mr. Asleson suggested that since there has only been one complaint to date, it would not be appropriate to implement a solution when a problem doesn't really exist. The general consensus was that a single complaint did not warrant corrective action at this time. 8. Discussion of Potential Pedestrian Crosswalk Policv Mr. Blomstrom noted that there have been a number of requests for painted crosswalks at various intersections. As there is a cost for installation and maintenance of the crosswalks and as the City supports judicious use of signage and markings that maintain relevance to motorists, it would be appropriate to develop a policy with guidelines as to what conditions warrant a crosswalk and how the crosswalk would be configured. The consensus of the Committee was that such a policy was needed. Mr. Sohrweide said he would compare policies used by other cities and present a draft at the next meeting. The Committee also agreed it would be appropriate to have a moratorium on individual crosswalk requests while the policy is under development. 9. Resident Request for Crosswalks on Pennock at 142nd Street and Glenda Drive Mr. Blomstrom said an individual crosswalk request was made for Pennock Avenue and 142°d Street and Glenda Drive. The group agreed to table this issue until the policy has been finished. 10. Other Traffic Concerns Communicated to the Ci .ty of A�ple Valle� Police Concerns Mr. Rechtzigel received a complaint on speeds on Garden View Drive. The SET team was assigned to conduct enforcement and speed monitoring. The survey found average vehicle speeds of 30.3 and 30.6 miles per hour, which did not suggest a problem. He also noted that very few vehicles were observed in excess of 10 miles per hour more than the limit. There was a complaint about stop sign violations in the area of Lowell Drive and Hopewell Drive. The SET team is investigating. There was a complaint about violations in the 35 mile per hour zone on Palomino where Car 54 had been used. The unoccupied car will be replaced with a real squad car for enforcement activity. Public Works' Concerns Mr. Blomstrom said there were no other Public Works concerns. # �i 11. Education Issues Child Booster Seat Law Ms. Dolan said she is working with the Greenleaf Elementary School community to launch a program to raise awareness about the new child booster seat law that took affect on July lst requiring children who are under eight years of age and under 57 inches in height to use a booster seat. She distributed draft informational material. The group suggested distinguishing the legally required use of seatbelts and booster seats with the term "must" and the recommended use of booster seats with the term "may". 12. Adjourn MOTION: Mr. Asleson moved, second by Mr. Eriksen, to adjourn. Motion passed 7 - 0. Meeting was adjourned at 9:24 p.m.