HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 15, 1998 Work SessionCrTY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS (1--) ,,,.,,o,.
Joseph Sturdevant
Counclimembers
~90 40TH AVENUE N.E., COLUMBIA Hi~GHTS, MN 5542 ~-3878 (612) 782-2800 TDD 782-2806DonaldG. Jolly
Marlaine Szurek
Gary L. Peterson
Robert PK. Ruettimann
City Manager
Walt Fehst
ADMINISTRATION
NOTICE OF COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Notice
is hereby given that a Council Work Session
is to be held in the
CITY OF COL UMBIA HEIGHTS
as follows:
Meeting of:
Date of Meeting:
Time of Meeting:
Location of Meeting:
CITY CO UNCIL/CITY STAFF
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 1998
7:00 P.M.
CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Amendment to Administrative Offense Schedule~a,_.~,~
Jamboree Parade - Re: Distribution of Candy
Transfer of Funds for Auto Theft Prevention Grant Reimbursement ~,L Altgat-
MCES Sanitary Sewer Work: Update ~ l..d~Z.o~-l~/'t~gq ~
Traffic Study for Central Avenue Area, 3 7h to 40'h Avenue: Report Discussion
Abandonment of Commissions: Science, Human Services and Insurance Commissions:
Update of Notification of Commission Members I.t/;t. A~~ ~
The City of Columbia Heights does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to,
or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodation will be
provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in all City of Columbia Heights'services,
programs, and activities. Auxiliary aids for handicapped persons are available upon request when the
request is made at least 96 hours in advance. Please call the City Council Secretary at 782-2800, Extension
209, To make arrangements. (TDD/782-2806 for deaf only)
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY IN EMPLOYMENT OR THE PROVISION Of SERVICES
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
CITY COUNCIL LETTER
Meeting of June 22, 1998
AGENDA SECTION: Resolutions/Ordinances ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER
Fire APPROVAL
NO:
ITEM: Amendment to Administrative Offense BY: Dana Alexon BY:
Schedule
DATE: June 8, 1998 DATE:
NO: 98-
On October 13, 1997, the City Council adopted Ordinance #1358, establishing Section 8 of the Columbia
Heights Code entitled "Administrative Offenses." This ordinance established the administrative tag system
for the city. The system allows a person tagged for certain offenses to receive an administrative tag and to
pay this tag at City Hall. If the person receiving the tag fails to respond within seven (7) days, then the code
violation would be processed through the Anoka County court system.
On November 10, 1997, the City Council amended this ordinance to include a penalty for parking between
the hours of 2:00 am and 6:00 am on city streets from November 1 to March 31. To date, this is the only
offense for which the administrative tag has been used.
The attached Resolution would further amend Ordinance #1358 to include a penalty for violations of the
Housing Maintenance Code. The Housing Maintenance Code (ordinance # 1281) provides for misdemeanor
penalties for refusing to comply with the provisions of the code. In the past, several property owners have
been cited for violations of this code.
Staff intent would be to use the tag as a final administrative solution for owner-occupied properties that fail
to comply with exterior inspection violations. We will continue to use the Revocation process as the final
administrative process for rental property owners who do not comply.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to waive the reading of Resolution No. 98- , there being ample
copies available to the public.
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution No. 98-
Amending Administrative Offense Penalty Schedule.
, Being a Resolution Regarding
COUNCIL ACTION:
RESOLUTION NO. 98-
BEING A RESOLUTION REGARDING AMENDING ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENSE PENALTY SCHEDULE
WHEREAS, the Columbia Heights City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1358 on October 13, 1997, establishing Section 8 of
the Columbia Heights Code entitled "Administrative Offenses," and,
WHEREAS, Section 8 provides that penalties be imposed for violations of scheduled administrative offenses according to a
schedule established, and amended from time to time by Resolution of the City Council, and,
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Columbia Heights City Council to amend said administrative offense penalty schedule,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia Heights that the administrative offense
penalty schedule is amended as follows:
Offense Description
Refusing to Comply with any provision of Chapter 5A of the Columbia Heights Code
Code.
5A. 611
Passed this
Offered by:
Seconded by:
Roll call:
day of
Penalty
$100
Jo-Anne Student, Council Secretary
Mayor Joseph Sturdevant
CITY COUNCIL LETTER
AGENDA SECTION:
NO.
ITEM:
NO.
Transfer of funds for auto theft
prevention want r~eimbursement
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT
POLICE
BY: Thomas M. Johnso~
DATE: June 11, 1998 ~ v
Meeti~ of: June 22, 1998
CITY MANAGER
APPROVAL:
D ATE: &////~oa~
/
Background:
In 1997 the City Council approved the Columbia Heights Police Department's involvement in a countywide auto
theft prevention grant. This grant gave us access to equipment such as a bait car and overtime money in order to
survey the bait car and apprehend auto thieves.
On May 8, 1998, members of our department assisted with search warrants of scrap yards located in Anoka County,
looking for stolen cars and car parts. As a result, eight officers used 32 hours of overtime, totaling $1,216. In order
to pay for the overtime on this program, it was necessary for us to charge these dollars to our current overtime
budget and then to submit to the County for reimbursement. We have now received our second reimbursement from
the County in the amount of $1,216.
Analysis/Conclusion:
Because the $1,216 is considered revenue, it was placed in the General Fund Revenue account. I am requesting that
the City Council direct that this money be appropriated from General Fund Revenue to the Police Department's
budget, line 1020. This will allow us to replace the money that was initially taken from our budget in order to
participate in this program.
Recommended Motion:
Move to appropriate $1,216, the total amount reimbursed to us from the Anoka County auto theft grant, from the
General Fund Revenue to the Police Department 1998 budget under line 1020.
TMJ:mld
98-210
COUNCIL ACTION:
City of Columbia Heights Police Department
MEMO
To: CID Lt. Klink
From: Leonard Olson, Captain
Subject: County Auto Theft Grant, Billing
Date: May 12, 1998
INVOICE
The City of Columbia Heights participated in the auto theft program where our officers assisted
at a local scrap yard.
The detail was on May 8, 1998 from 0900 to 1300 hours.
Larry Johnson approved the participation of (8) eight of our officers.
32 manhours X $38.00/hour = $1216.00
Please make check payable to the City of Columbia Heights.
cc file
Ci.ty of Columbia Heights
Public Works Department
Work Session Discussion Item
Work session date: June 15, 1998 g~
Prepared by: Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director/City En
Item: MCES Sanitary Sewer Work: Update
Background:
Following the discussion from the June 8, 1998 City Council Meeting regarding additional work
(see attached memo distributed at the Council Meeting), please find a copy of the Conveyance
Agreement for the Hilltop Interceptor Sanitary Sewer Line. Councilmember Ruettimann brought
up the issue of the Conveyance Agreement with MCES and maintenance responsibility defined
in that agreement. A meeting was held June 10 with the City Attorney and City Manager to
review the agreement (a copy is attached for reference).
Analysis/Conclusions:
Mr. Hoer will have an opinion prepared for Monday night's meeting Furthermore, I would like
to provide additional information on the manhole 26a replacement. The problems with this
manhole do revolve around the two outside drops from City lines. These drops are currently
plugged and are in need of repair. Due to the depth of the manhole and its condition,
replacement of these two outside drops by the City would be extremely difficult, if not
impossible. With the new 10" diameter manhole, the City's drops will be reconstructed
providing a safe access for our crews to maintain them now and long into the future.
Requested Action:
Public Works recommends a 50/50 cost share with MCES in the amount of $28,000 for MH26a
and the inside drops for the City sanitary sewer lines. The northerly line from MH1 should be
televised on Monday and I expect to provide the Council with an update on the condition of that
line.
Attachment: Follow-up Memo dated 6/8/98 from Kevin Hansen and City Council
Conveyance Agreement with Hilltop
CONVEYANCE AGKEEMENT
This Agreement is made and entered into by and between the Metropolitan Council
(hereinafter called the "Council") and the City of Columbia Heights (hereinafter called the
"Municipality"), each acting by and through its duly authorized officers.
THE ABOVE-NAMED PARTIES hereby agree as follows:
Section 1. RECITALS.
a. The Council on September 28, 1989 approved the former Metropolitan Waste
Control Commission's (hereinafter called the "MWCC") 1990 - 2010 Implementation Plan which
identified a Columbia Heights trunk sewer as a facility to be acquired for use as a metropolitan
interceptor.
b. In 1993, the MWCC, by Resolution No. 95-140, determined to assume the
ownership of the interceptor and necessary appurtenances thereto described in Section 2 hereof
and owned and operated by the Municipality, and authorized entry into an agreement with the
City of Columbia Heights for the acquisition &the Columbia Heights Trunk Sewer as a
metropolitan interceptor.
c. Pursuant to Minnesota Laws, Chapter 628, Article 2, {}4, the MWCC was
abolished effective July 1, 1994 and its duties and responsibilities transferred to the Council. The
Council is the successor entity to the MWCC with respect to all the MWCC's property, interests,
obligations, and rules.
d. Minnesota Statutes {}473.511 authorizes the Council, at any time at~er January 1,
1970, to assume ownership &and require any local government unit to transfer to it, any existing
interceptors or treatment works needed to implement the Council's comprehensive plan for the
collection, treatment and disposal of sewage in the metropolitan area.
Section 2. TRANSFER OF INTERCEPTOR.
The Municipality will transfer to the Council by quit claim deed or other appropriate
instruments of conveyance, effective as of January 1, 1996 and in a form satisfactory to the
Council, all of its fight, title and interest in and to the interceptor and all necessary appurtenances
thereto described on Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof, and any permits, licenses,
easements, and other property rights which it has and which are necessary for the location, access
to, operation and repair of such interceptor Ail property, real and personal described in Exhibit A
attached hereto is hereinafter referred to as the "Interceptor~. The Interceptor to be acquired is
shown diagrammatically as Line 1 in the map attached as part ofExhibit A.
Promptly after the transfer of the Interceptor, the Municipality will also provide the
Council will copies of any as-built and/or record drawings &the Interceptor which it may have in
its possession or access to. Such as-built and/or record drawings will be provided to the Council
in both paper form and, if available to the municipality, electronic form.
The parties to this agreement acknowledge and agree that, to the best of their knowledge,
the Interceptor is located completely within Municipality right-of-way and that it is not located on
any public or private property. The Municipality grants the Council the right to operate an,.d
maintain the Interceptor in Municipal right of way. If in the future it is determined that the
Interceptor is located on public or private property either through fee ownership, easement,
permit or other authorization, the Municipality agrees that it will promptly transfer such property
right to the Council for the purposes of purposes of operating and maintaining the Interceptor.
Section 3. CONDITION OF INTERCEPTOR.
The Municipality will convey and Council agrees to accept the Interceptor in "as is"
condition, i.e., the condition the Interceptor is in as of the effective date of this Agreement. All~
costs for repairs to the Interceptor after January 1, 1996 will be the responsibility of and borne by
the Council unless reconveyed to the Municipality pursuant to Section 7.
Section 4. FINANCING OF CAPITAL COSTS.
Effective January 1, 1996 the Council will acquire the Interceptor from Municipality for
the price of $330,413.72. The Council will pay to the Municipality the above mount for the
Interceptor in equal annual installments over a period of fifteen(15) years at 4% interest in
accordance with the Schedule attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit B.
In accordance with the Schedule attached as Exhibit B, the payments made by the Council
will begin in the year 1996 and end in the year 2010 and will be in the form of an addition by the
Council to the Municipality's Current Value Credit (as reflected in the Council's annual statement
of sewer service charges) owed by the Council to the Municipality by the amounts shown in
Exhibit B, Third Colum ("TOTAL"). This addition to current value credit reflects both principal
and interest payments for the Interceptor.
The Current Value Credit Schedule as shown in Exhibit B, Last Column (''GRAND
TOTAL") reflects the outstanding capital payments owed to the Municipality by the Council after
conveyance of the Interceptor.
Section 5. WARRANTS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Municipality hereby warrants and certifies that:
a. There are no outstanding bonds or other debt issued by Municipality or any other
entity which provided funds to pay costs of construction or betterment of Interceptor.
b. Municipality did not receive any federal grants to pay costs of construction or
betterment of the Interceptor.
c. Municipality has made payment in full for all labor, materials, machinery, fixtures
or tools furnished within 120 days immediately preceding the date of this Agreement in
connection with construction, alteration, or repair of the Interceptor.
- 2 -
d. Municipality owns the Interceptor free and clear of any and all claims by other
municipalities or entities.
Section 6. MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION PAYMENT.
It was the intent of the parties to this Agreement to have conveyed the Interceptor and
property rights described in Exhibit A hereto on January l, 1990. However, such conveyance has
been delayed due to ongoing litigation involving the parties to this agreement and the City of
I-Yflltop. The Council agrees to make the additional payment described in this section in
recognition of the parties' intention to convey ownership of the Interceptor on January l, 1990.
In addition to the acquisition price stated in Section 4 of this Agreement, Council will pay
to Municipality the sum of $26,903.35 for the Municipality's maintenance and operation of the
Interceptor during the period January 1, 1990 through December 31, 1995. The Municipality
agrees that the amount set forth above for maintenance and operation represents full and complete
payment by the Council for all costs incurred by the Municipality in maintaining and operating the
Interceptor during the period January l, 1990 through December 3 l, 1995.
The Municipality agrees that it will indemnify and hold harmless the Council, its board
members, officers, employees, agents, predecessors, and successors from and against all claims,
damages, losses, and expenses, including without limitation attorney's fees, arising out of or
resulting from (1) the Municipality's maintenance and operation of the Interceptor during the
period January l, 1990 through December 31, 1995, and (2) claims by any other municipality or
entity of ownership of, or rights of any nature in, the Interceptor.
Section 7. RETURN OF 12qTERCEPTOR.
The Council agrees to reconvey to the Municipality and the Municipality agrees to accept
the Interceptor or any part of it when the Council determines it is no longer needed for the
metropolitan disposal system. Upon the date of any such reconveyance, the Municipality shall
become obligated to pay to the Council an amount equal to the amount the Council has paid to
Municipality for the Interceptor, i.e. $330,413.72, minus depreciation of the Interceptor at one
and one-half percent (1-1/2%) per year until the Interceptor has been fully depreciated over an
eighty year life period of the Interceptor; provided that if the Municipality is entitled to additional
credit which has not yet been allowed by the Council, the Municipality shall not be required to pay
such amount to the Council in cash to the extent that the Municipality's credit not yet allowed can
be reduced by the amount owed to the Council.
If the Counc'fl determines to reconvey the Interceptor pursuant to this section, the Council
will reconvey and the Municipality' agrees to accept the Interceptor in "as is" condition, i.e., the
condition the Interceptor is in as of the date of the deed or other instrument reconveying the
Interceptor. All costs for repairs tO the Interceptor will be the responsibility of and borne by the
Municipality after the reconveyance.
- 3 -
Section 8. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This agreement is effective on the date on which the last signatory executes the agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly
authorized officers on the dates set forth below.
Date:
Date:
Date:
CITY OF coLUMB~ HEIG~S
By:_
Title:
By:.
Title:
OPOLITAN~OUNCiL
By:.. ~
Regional AdminiStrator
m
EXHIBIT A
The City of Columbia Heights sewer from its connections with t~e
City of Hilltop on 47th-1/2 Avenue at Monroe Street northerly and
thence southwesterly to intersect with Commission interceptor 4-
FR-440 at 2nd Street and 45th Avenue.
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.CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS.
Public Works Department
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
KEVIN HANSEN GI~
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOI~CITY EN
FOLLOW-UP TO MCES WORK AT 45TM AVENUE AND 2 ½ STREET
JUNE 8, 1998
As reported in the Weekly Activity Report for June 8, additional sanitary sewer repairs will be
necessary at the intersection of45~' Avenue and 2 ½ Street due to excessive deterioration in both the
manhole structures and sewer pipe.
A meeting was held this morning at Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) offices in
Eagan with MCES office personnel and Public Works staff. A determination has been made to
replace an additional manhole not in the original scope of work by MCES. This manhole, referred to
as MH26a, is a major structure for both the MCES interceptor and City lines (see attached map).
Over 50% of the entire City of Columbia Heights flows through this manhole. Additionally, the City
has two outside drops (on our 15" to the east and 8" to the south of MH 26a) that are deteriorated
and plugged and are in need of replacement.
Since the City and the MCES interceptor sewers both flow through this manhole, a cost share is
proposed for its reconstruction. Due to the City drops and size of pipe connecting through the
structure, a 10 foot diameter manhole is proposed at a total estimated cost of $50,000. As discussed
with MCES office staffthis morning, a 50-50 cost split is proposed. The City would be responsible
for the cost of constructing new inside drops at an estimated cost of $3,000.
Another concern is the condition of the City 15" pipes; to the east of MH26a and to the north of
MH1. To completely assess the condition of each pipe, staffis recommending to have Insituform,
MCES' subcontractor, perform line cleaning and televising inspection services at a quoted cost of
$3,000 each. Based upon staff's visual observation to date, the 15" RCP line north of MH1 has
experienced the same deterioration as the MCES line. The least intrusive and most cost effective
method of rehabilitation in this situation would be relining the 368 feet of pipe at an estimated cost of
$24,000. Staffwill report back to council on the findings and recommendations of the segment to the
east of MZI26a after televising.
KH:jb
98-183
Attachment: Map
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BRW
A DAMES & MOORE GROUP COMPANy
MEMORANDUM
BRW
Thresher Square
700 Third Street South
Minn. eapolis, MN 55415
Phone: (612) 370-0700
Fax: (612) 370-1378
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
June 10, 1998
Kevin Hansen, PE
City of Columbia Heights
Bob Green, PE
Central Avenue / 37th Avenue
Traffic Study
This memorandum documents the results of the traffic study conducted for the
Central Avenue / 37th Avenue area of Columbia Heights (Figure 1). The purpose
of the study is to develop and evaluate design alternatives for the existing five
legged intersection of Central Avenue / 37th Avenue / Reservoir Blvd.
Several operational and safety problems are associated with five legged
intersections, including increased delay and potential safety conflicts.
Alternatives will be developed that will improve traffic operations and safety. In
addition, the alternatives will provide opportunities for Columbia Heights to
emphasize the area as a "gateway" entrance to the community by providing
landscaping opportunities.
The study also explores alternative typical sections for Central Avenue, including
closing the existing median and creating a four-lane divided section with left turn
lanes.
City of Columbia Heights
Central AYe. & 37th ~¥e.
Traffic Study
~33910~339 lO002~Jayou ts',Joceflon.dwg
Figure j
Project Location
Kevin Hansen, PE
June 9, 1998
Page 3 of 22
The primary study area focused on Central Avenue from 40th Avenue on the north
to 37th Avenue on the south (Figure 2). This memo is organized into the
following sections:
Existing Conditions
· Development of Alternatives
· Analysis of Alternatives
· Conclusions
Existing Conditions
In order to conduct a technical analysis of both the existing conditions and
potential design alternatives, data was collected to better understand the current
conditions of the roadway. Information gathered includes roadway geometry,
traffic volumes, speed data, and crash data.
Data Collection
The existing roadway geometry was developed using base mapping provided by
the City of Columbia Heights, City of Minneapolis, and Mn/DOT. A site survey
was conducted by BRW staff to verify driveway locations and median breaks on
Central Avenue. The existing roadway geometry and traffic control are illustrated
in Figure 3.
Central Avenue (TH 65) is currently a four-lane divided roadway with left turn
lanes at 37th Avenue and 40th Avenue. No left turn lanes exist between 37th
Avenue and 40th Avenue. The Central Avenue / 37th Avenue / Reservoir
Boulevard intersection is a five legged signalized intersection. There is an
existing bus stop in the right turn lane on the south approach of the intersection.
Daily traffic volumes for the key roadways in the study area are illustrated in
Figure 4 and were obtained from the City of Columbia Heights and the 1996
Mn/DOT Traffic Flow Map. Central Avenue currently has a volume of 22,000
vehicles per day (vpd) in the study area. 37th Avenue has a volume of
approximately 9000 vpd, while Reservoir Boulevard has a volume of 1500 vpd.
Intersection turning movement counts were conducted during the PM peak hour
and are documented in Figure 5. In addition, the number of vehicles entering and
exiting the Conoco station on the northeast corner of the intersection were
documented.
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Kevin Hansen, PE
June 9, 1998
Page 9 of 22
A speed study was conducted by Mn/DOT on Central Avenue in the study area.
The current speed limit is 30 mph. A review of the study indicates that the 85th
percentile speeds is 39 mph. The 85th percentile speed is often used to set the
posted speed limit.
Accident data was obtained from the City of Columbia Heights for Central
Avenue from 40th Avenue to 37th Avenue for the last three years. There have
been a total of 70 accidents in the last three years, 16 of which have involved
personal injury. The accident data is summarized in Table 1.
Intersection Capacity Analysis
An intersection capacity analysis was conducted based on the methods of the
Highway Capacity Manual. A capacity analysis is an established method of
measuring the quality of traffic flow through an intersection. The basic output is
a letter grade (A through F), with level of service (LOS) A denoting excellent
operations and LOS F signifying congested or over capacity conditions. In the
Twin Cities area, LOS D is considered an acceptable level of traffic flow.
The analysis was conducted for the intersections of Central Avenue with 37th
Avenue, 39th Avenue, and 40th Avenue. Results of the analysis indicate that the
signalized intersections at 37th Avenue (LOS D) and 40th Avenue (LOS C) are
operating at an acceptable level. The unsignalized intersection of Central Avenue
and 39th Avenue is operating at an overall LOS A. However, the 39th Avenue
traffic currently experiences long delays waiting for gaps in the Central Avenue
traffic.
Signal Warrant Analysis
Because the installation of a traffic signal is a potential solution for vehicles
experiencing long delays under stop control, a signal warrant analysis was
conducted for the 39th Avenue / Central Avenue intersection. Comparison of the
traffic volumes to the guidelines documented in the Minnesota Manual on
Uniform Traffic Control Devices indicates that the intersection does not meet the
requirements for signalization and should not be signalized.
Table 1
Accident Summary
Intersection Year PD PI Fatality Total
37th Ave. 1995 4 1 0 5
37th Ave. 1996 7 0 0 7
37th Ave. 1997 1 0 0 1
37th Ave. 1998 0 1 0 1
Total 12 2 0 14
Intersection Year PD P! Fatality Total
38th Ave. 1995 0 0 0 01
38th Ave. 1996 0 0 0 0
38th Ave. 1997 2 01 0 2
38th Ave. 1998 0 0 0 0
Total 2 0 0 2
Intersection Year PD PI Fatality Total
39th Ave. 1995 2 2 0 4
39th Ave. 1996 4 2 0 6
39th Ave. 1997 4 3 0 7
39th Ave. 1998 6 I 0 7
Total 16 8 0 24
Intersection Year PD Pi Fatality Total
40th Ave. 1995 21 3 0 5
40th Ave. 1996 10 1 0 11
40th Ave. 1997 7 I 0 8
40th Ave. 1998 5 I 0 6
Total 24 6 0 30
Central Avenue (37th Ave. to 40th Ave.)
Year PD PI Fatality Total
1995 8 6 0 14
1996 21 3 0 24
1997 14 4 0 18
1998 11 3 01 14
Total 54 16 0 70
Source: Columbia Heights Police
Accident
6/11/98
Kevin blansen, PE
June 9, 1998
Page 11 of 22
Development of Alternatives
The following alternative designs were considered for the intersection of Central
Ave. and 37th Ave./Reservoir Blvd. All alternatives include the proposed Bobby
and Steve's development on both sides of Central Avenue.
Figure 6 - Existing Conditions; including New Bobby and Steve's
Development
· Figure 7 - Alternative A - Close Reservoir Boulevard Approach to Central
Avenue
· Figure 8 - Alternative B - Make Reservoir Boulevard One-Way Away From
Central Avenue
· Figure 9 - Alternative C - Make Reservoir Boulevard One-Way Toward
Central Avenue
The following alternatives were considered for the Central Avenue Roadway
Section between 37th and 40th Avenues.
· No Changes to Access or Median Breaks
· Close median openings
· Remove Parking on Both Sides of Central Avenue and Add Left-Turn Lanes
(Figure 10) Remove Parking from one side of Central Avenue and Add Left
Turn Lanes
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Kevln Hansen, PE
June 9, 1998
Page 18 of 22
Analysis of Alternatives
Each of the alternatives listed above were analyzed to determine the potential
impact on access and neighborhoods, traffic operations, and safety.
Trip GeneratiOn
The number of trips expected to be generated by the proposed Bobby and Steve's
are shown in Tables 2 and 3. The proposed development is expected to generate
2300 trips per day, and 250 in the PM Peak hour. It should be noted that all of
these trip are not new trips, since there is an existing Conoco station currently on
the site.
Diversion Routes
The effect of each alternative on traffic patterns in the neighborhood was analyzed
based on whether or not the current median opening on Central Avenue for Bobby
and Steve's traffic is closed.
Alternative A - Close Reservoir Boulevard
Closing Reservoir Boulevard and the addition of the Bobby and Steve's will result
in an overall reduction of trips on Reservoir Boulevard. Even if the median
opening is closed on Central Avenue, the overall number of daily trips is not
expected to increase from the current number of 1600 vehicles per day.
However, if both Reservoir Boulevard and the median opening are closed, traffic
southbound on Central Avenue would have to use Reservoir Boulevard to the
north to access the proposed developed, both entering and exiting.
Alternative B - Reservoir Boulevard One-Way Northeast Bound (Away from
Central Avenue)
Making Reservoir Boulevard one-way northeastbound results in no increase in
traffic on Reservoir Boulevard if the median opening remains in place. If the
median opening is closed, there would be a slight increase in traffic due to
southbound vehicles on Central Avenue using 40th or 39th to access Reservoir
Boulevard to enter or exit Bobby and Steve's.
Kevin Hansen, PE
June 9, 1998
Page 21 of 22
Alternative C - Reservoir Boulevard One-Way Southwest Bound (Towards
Central Avenue)
Making Reservoir Boulevard one-way southbound would result in a slight
decrease in traffic on Reservoir Boulevard if the median opening remains in
place. If the median opening is closed
Capacity Analysis
The intersection capacity analysis is documented in Table 4. Results of the
analysis indicates that Alternative A, Closing Reservoir Boulevard, and
Alternative B, Converting Reservoir Boulevard to One-Way Northeast Bound,
results in improved traffic operations at the intersection. Alternative A and B
improve traffic operations by eliminating the signal phase for Reservoir
Boulevard.
Alternative C, Converting Reservoir Boulevard to One-Way Southeast Bound,
does not improve traffic operations at the intersection, because this alternative
does not eliminate the Reservoir Boulevard signal phase.
A queuing analysis was conducted to determine the necessary storage for
southbound left turning vehicles at the intersegtion. Under existing conditions
and Alternative C, the necessary storage is approximately 200 feet.
Implementation of Alternative A or B would result in an approximate 15 percent
reduction in the maximum queue length, due to the improved traffic operations.
Safety Analysis
The existing five-legged intersection causes potential safety problems due to the
number of conflict points and potentially confusing movements. Field
observations indicate that northbound vehicles heading for Reservoir Boulevard
are using both the right turn lane and the through lane.
Closing Reservoir Boulevard (Alternative A) would result in a typical four-legged
intersection that conforms to driver expectations and eliminates many of the
conflicts caused by a five-legged intersection. Making Reservoir Boulevard one
way northeast bound improves traffic operations and eliminates some conflicting
movements. However, the potential for confusing movements still exists.
Adding left turn lanes on Central Avenue will improve safety by providing left
turning vehicles a designated lane to turn from.
TABLE 4
LEVEL OF SERVICE ANALYSIS
SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION ANALYSIS
(1) INTERSECTION INTERSECTION
INTERSECTION DELAY
LEVEL OF SERVICE
CONDITION (SEC/VEH)
Existing D 27.9
Central Avenue
& Alternative A i~z,.~u~tt ~ 19.8
37th Avenue/ - _
Reservoir Alternative B C ~"3,.,.~, 20.3
Boulevard - -
Alternative C ~' D 26.2
Existing C 18.3
Central Avenue Alternative A C 18.2
&
40th Avenue Alternative B C 18.2
Alternative C C 18.2
UNSIGNALIZED INTERSECTION ANALYSIS
(11 MINOR STREET MAJOR STREET
INTERSECTION
INTERSECTION (2) LEVEL DELAY (2~ LEVEL DELAY DELAY
CONDITION OF (SEC) OF (SEC) (SECNEH)
MOVEMENT SERVICE MOVEMENT SERVICE
EB LT/TH/RT F 126.8 NB LT B 5.7
Existing WB LT/TH/RT E 44.4 SB LT C 12.0 4.5
EB LT/TH/RT F 179.5 NB LT B 5.9
Alternative A 6.0
Central Avenue WB LTFFH/RT F 48.9 SB LT C 13.4
&
39th Avenue
EB LT/TH/RT F 144.1 NB LT B 5.9
Alternative B 5.0
WB LTFFH/RT E 41.7 SB LT C 12.0
EB LTFFH/RT F 164.9 NB LT B 5.7
Alternative C 5.6
WB LT/TH/RT F 51.8 SB LT C 13.4
Notes:
(1) The alternative conditions include:
Alternative A - Close Reservoir Boulevard Approach to Centi'al Avenue
Alternative B - Make Reservoir Boulevard One-Way Away From Central Avenue
Alternative C - Make Reservoir Boulevard One-Way Toward Central Avenue
(2) The direction and movement is reported. For example, SB LT is the Southbound Left-turn movement.
6/11/98
Source: BRW, Inc. using HCS. U:\TRIPGEN(5}.XLS
Kevin Hansen, PE
June 9, 1998
Page 22 of 22
Conclusions
· Closing Reservoir Boulevard (Alt. A) or making it one way northeast bound
would improve traffic operations at the Central and 37th intersection, by
eliminating one phase of the signal sequence.
· Making Reservoir Boulevard (Alt C) one way southwest bound results in
similar traffic operations when compared to existing conditions.
· All of the alternatives reduce, or do not significantly increase, traffic volumes
traffic volumes on Reservoir Boulevard.
· The intersection of Central Avenue and 39th Avenue does not meet the
requirements for signalization under existing or under the alternative
scenarios.
If the median opening for the Bobby and Steve's site on Central Avenue is
closed, some additional traffic will be added to Reservoir Boulevard from, and
to, 39th and 40th Avenues.
Left turn lanes could be added on Central Avenue by eliminating parking on
at least one side of the roadway. Adding left turn lanes improves safety by
allowing left turning vehicles to turn out of a designated lane.
Adding a left turn lane and leaving the existing median opening in place on
Central Avenue for the Bobby and Steve's site does not impact the storage
length for the southbound left turn lane at 37th Avenue.
Consideration should be given to moving the transit stop on Central Avenue
on the south side of 37th Avenue north to a midblock location.
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Ci_ty of Columbia Heights
Public Works Department
Work Session Discussion Item
Work session date: June 15, 1998 x~~
Prepared by: Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director/City Engin
Item: Traffic Study for Central Avenue Area: 37th to 40th Avenue: Report Discussion
Attached herewith please find a draft traffic study from the City's Consultant, BRW, for Central
Avenue. Representatives from BRW will present the findings of their study for discussion and
input from the Council. Based upon Council input, the report will be distributed for formal
review by Mn/DOT, City of Minneapolis traffic and Waterworks, and Anoka County. It is also
recommended that the public have an opportunity for comment, possibly in an evening "open
house" format. A final report with recommendations would then be provided to the Council for
consideration.
Attachment: Draft Central Avenue Traffic Study prepared by BRW