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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 4, 2002OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TRAFFIC COMMISSION NOVEMBER 4, 2002 The meeting of the Traffic Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Commissioner Goodman. I. ROLL CALL II. Members Present: Staff Present: Anderson, Carlson, Goodman, Stump/Sturdevant Kathyjean Young, Assistant City Engineer Tom Johnson, Police Chief APPROVAL OF SEPTEMBER 4, 2002 MINUTES Motion by Goodman, second by Stumpf, to approve: the minutes of the September 4, 2002 meeting. Motion carried unanimously. III. OLD BUSINESS IV. None. OTHER OLD BUSINESS None. V. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST TO INSTALL HANDICAP PARKING SIGN AT 4044 JEFFERSON STREET Ms. Janet Gould of 4044 Jefferson Street has requested a loading and unloading sign in front of her house. She is physically impaired and goes to therapy three times a week using the Metro Mobility Van to be picked up mhd returned to her home. As the west side of Jefferson Street is designated as "No Parking", discussion centered on how to accommodate Ms. Gould's request. Police Chief Johnson stated that it would not be a good idea to allow a loading and unloading area as southbound traffic on Jefferson Street would not be expecting a vehicle to stop along Jefferson Street. It also could set a precedence for other requests for similar signage throughout the City. A handicap parking sign across the street from her house on the east side would not solve the problem as she would have further to walk and could not easily cross the street. Ms. Gould does have alley access and it was suggested that she contact the Metro Mobility Van that picks her up, to see if they would stop in the alley for her rather than in front of her house. By City Ordinance a vehicle may stop in the alley way for loading and unloading. It was suggested that if she needed a ramp installed at the back of her house she could contact Community Development or the Lions Club for assistance. Official Proceedings Columbia Heights Traffic Commission November 4, 2002 Staff also suggested the possibility of a parking pad for her at the front of her house and would check with the City Planner to see if this would be feasible. Commission members felt this could be dangerous backing out onto Jefferson Street. Motion by Sturdevant, second by Anderson, to deny the request to install a loading and unloading sign at 4044 Jefferson Street. Motion carded unanimously. Chairperson Carlson indicated he would contact Ms. Gould in a few weeks to see if the Metro Mobility arrangement for picking her up in the alley was working out okay. B. REQUEST TO RESTRICT PARKING ON CENTRAL AVENUE Ms. Nancy Ebner owns the Michael Anthony Hair Salon business at 3928 Central Avenue. The stated concern is that the tenants in the apartment building to the north at 3932 Central Avenue park in the street instead of behind the building. Ms. Ebner believes this has a negative impact on her business for availability of parking spaces for clientele. Police Chief Johnson indicated he has already spoken with AACAP about the on-street parking and the use of the parking lot behind the building. The Police Department will also be enforcing the six-hour parking restriction. Police Chief Johnson will update the Commission at the December meeting. The Central Avenue construction should be near completion by the end of December. Staff reviewed parking limitation signage that was posted prior to the Central Avenue construction and suggested that the Traffic Commission discuss appropriate parking restrictions on Central Avenue from 37th Avenue to 43rd Avenue at the February meeting. At that time, a Public Hearing could be called for March. Commission members suggested a letter be sent to business owners along the west side of Central Avenue to get opinions on what, if any, the parking restrictions (30 minute, one hour, two hour) should be in front of their businesses. There is no parking on the east side of Central Avenue. Staff will report results from the business owners at the December meeting. VI. OTHER NEW BUSINESS None. Official Proceedings Columbia Heights Traffic Commission November 4, 2002 VII. REPORTS VIII. A. CITY ENGINEER A request was received for a handicap parking sign to be installed at 4145 Jefferson Street on October 16, 2002. The sign has been installed. B. POLICE CHIEF C. COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Goodman asked staff to review the area of 42nd Avenue and Polk Street. He suggested a Yield sign be placed at 42nd Avenue and asked Police Chief Johnson to review accidents in this area. Several visibility areas were also mentioned and staff was asked to have them looked at for possible visibility violations. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Goodman, second by Sturdevant, to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m. Motion carded unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, J o ~/nne Baker Traffic Commission Secretary