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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 2, 2011 AGENDA COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TRAFFIC COMMISSION CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER MONDAY, MAY 2, 2011; 6:00 P.M. I. ROLL CALL II. APPROVAL OF APRIL 4, 2011 MINUTES III. OLD BUSINESS None. IV. OTHER OLD BUSINESS V. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST TO CALL PUBLIC HEARING TO DESIGNATE “NO PARKING” ON 50TH AVENUE, EAST OF CENTRAL AVENUE th Traffic on 50 Avenue was discussed at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting and at the City Council meeting as part of the ALDI site plan review. The issues are safety th and congestion at the 50 Avenue and Central Avenue intersection. Another issue is additional traffic on Tyler Street generated by businesses on Central such as Jimmy John’s and potentially ALDI. Suggestions from the public for immediately improving the intersection have been No th Parking on 50 Avenue as well as Traffic Lane Striping. A potential long term solution is th to construct a right turn lane from 50 Avenue onto Central Avenue. Accordingly, the Council authorized the City Engineer to prepare a feasibility study to evaluate a right turn lane. Suggestions for limiting traffic on Tyler Street have been to sign Tyler Street for “No Thru Traffic” or “No Delivery Service Vehicles”. Staff will be discussing these suggestions with public safely personnel prior to the meeting in June. The City Council has directed the Traffic Commission to schedule a public hearing to discuss these issues. RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move to call for a Public Hearing on June 6, 2011 at 6:00 th p.m. to designate “No Parking” on 50 Avenue, adjacent to 4955 and 5001 Central Avenue, and to extend the notification area to all property owners on Tyler Street from thth 49 Avenue to 50 Avenue. VI. OTHER NEW BUSINESS Traffic Commission Agenda May 2, 2011 Page 2 VII. REPORTS A.CITY ENGINEER th A parking sign for persons with disabilities is being installed in front of 4237 5 Street NE at the request of the property owner, Lori Keller. Her disability parking permit number is 20034. B. POLICE CHIEF C. COMMISSIONERS VIII. ADJOURNMENT 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 763/706-3611 to make arrangements. (TDD/763-706-3692 for deaf only.) U N A P P R O V E D OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TRAFFIC COMMISSION MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2011 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Carlson at 5:59 p.m. ROLL CALL Members present: Carlson, Doty, Goodman, Olson, Tyler Staff present: Kathy Young, Assistant City Engineer Ted Fischer, Police Sergeant Sue Schmidtbauer, Public Works Secretary Council Liaison: Donna Schmitt (not present) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motioned by Doty, seconded by Tyler, to approve the minutes of December 6, 2010, as presented. Motion carried unanimously. OLD BUSINESS None OTHER OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS REQUEST TO INSTALL 4-WAY STOP SIGNS AT THE INTERSECTION OF JACKSON STREET AND TH 39 AVENUE Mr. Shannon Tuttle of 3857 Quincy Street has requested 4-way stop signs at the intersection of Jackson Street thth and 39 Avenue. Mr. Tuttle’s main concern is the speed of traffic on 39 Avenue. He is especially concerned for the children who are dropped off by the school bus at that location. At the City’s request, Bill Strep with the School District observed the bus drop-off procedure for the thth elementary school bus. The bus drives south on Jackson Street from 40 to 39 Avenue and stops on the north th side of the intersection. Several students go north on Jackson Street and a few students cross 39 Avenue and go south on Jackson Street. The bus driver reported that the traffic does tend to go fast from Central Avenue down the hill toward Jackson Street. When trucks are parked near the intersection, the bus and students beginning to cross the intersection can be hard to see. Bus routes and bus stop locations are reviewed annually and changed based on the number of students in the area. Mr. Tuttle, who was present at the meeting, also stated that westbound traffic from Central Avenue to Jackson Street picks up speed coming down the hill. Visibility is limited if cars are parked on the street. Traffic does th currently stop on Jackson Street but apparently children from the bus stop run out and cross 39 Avenue without looking. A memo from the Police Departments states there have been four accidents at this intersection since 2007, none of which involved children. The MUTCD guidelines for multi-way stop signs require 5 or more correctable Traffic Commission Minutes –April 4, 2011 Page 2 accidents in a one-year period. Commission member Tyler looked at the site. He states it would be difficult to stop for a stop sign at the th bottom of the hill on 39 Avenue in the winter. It would also be difficult to drive up the hill from a dead stop in the winter. Mr. Tuttle also reported that his garage has been run into twice and stated again there is a problem with speeding, mostly on the weekends around bar closing time. Sergeant Fischer stated the Police Department can set up a speed trailer on a Saturday to monitor east and west bound traffic for a few days. If there is a problem they will use a speed gun to monitor traffic. Motioned by Carlson, seconded by Tyler to table the stop sign request until speed survey information was available. After further discussion the motion was withdrawn. The Traffic Commission was in agreement that this location is a terrible place for a stop sign. Motioned by Olson, seconded by Tyler to deny the request to install 4-way stop signs at the intersection of thth Jackson Street and 39 Avenue, and request that the Police Department set up the speed trailer on 39 Avenue to monitor east and west bound traffic. Motion passed unanimously. OTHER NEW BUSINESS None REPORTS CITY ENGINEER TH 50 AVENUE AT CENTRAL AVENUE Aldi’s has purchased the Cafe Donuts, 5001 Central Avenue, and Crosstown Eatery, 5025 Central Avenue, properties. The proposed plat for the development is on the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting agenda th Tuesday night. There have been no objections thus far. This business will generate more traffic to 50 Avenue, which is a good reason for a right turn lane. Mill and overlay is scheduled on Central Avenue from Broadway to 694 in 2012. The traffic signals may not be done until 2013. Aldi’s was required to submit a new plat so this is a good time to redo the right-of-way and request an additional 10 feet. Commission member Goodman stated that when the mill and overlay is done, it would be a good time to st change the wait time at the signal on 41 and Central Avenue. TH 49 AVENUE th Anoka County has tentatively scheduled construction on 49 Avenue (CSAH 4) from Central to Fairway Drive. City staff met with Anoka County Engineers and the School District concerning the project. The crosswalk near Chatham Road will be eliminated. The idea of a three lane road with a dedicated center turn lane and restricting parking near the crosswalks was discussed. The County Engineers felt that it is safer for pedestrians to have to cross just one lane of traffic in each direction. Also, the concern with a dedicated center turn lane is that within the limited area of the schools, the number of turning movements in opposite directions would actually result in more vehicle conflicts. The School District wants to minimize parking restrictions near the cross-walks. The City paints the standard distance of 20 feet on each side of the crosswalk. Traffic Commission Minutes –April 4, 2011 Page 3 2011 STREET REHABILITATION PROJECTS A map of the proposed street rehabilitation projects under consideration by the City Council was distributed. POLICE CHIEF None COMMISSIONERS Lenny Olson stated he is happy to be a part of the commission. ADJOURNMENT Motioned by Doty, seconded by Goodman to adjourn the meeting at 6:35 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Sue Schmidtbauer Public Works Secretary COLUMBIA COLUMBIA HEIGHTS HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT 1, 1 POLICE MEMORANDUM To: Traffic Commission From: Sgt. Fischer Subject: Traffic survey of 39 Ave. Date: 4/27/2011 As request at the last traffic commission meeting I had the speed monitor placed on 39 Ave east of Jefferson Street. The results were as follows: April 7 th 2011, The survey was started at 10:48 AM and ended at 9:30 AM on April 8 The average speed was 23.94 MPH, 85% of the cars drove at 30 MPH or less. The maximum speed was 45 MPH. 2093 cars passed the speed trailer. April 8 th 2011, The survey was started at 09:45 AM and ended at 10:00 PM. The average speed was 22.88 MPH, 85% of the cars drove at 29MPH or less. The maximum speed was 42 MPH 1266 cars went past the speed trailer. April 11 2011, The survey was started at 10:02AM and ended at 10:15 PM. The average speed was 22.36 MPH, 85% of the cars drove at 29MPH or less. The maximum speed was 42 MPH 1672 cars went past the speed trailer. April 12" 2011, The survey was started at 10:01AM and ended at 11:00 PM. The average speed was 21.78 MPH, 85% of the cars drove at 28MPH or less. The maximum speed was 43 MPH 1905 cars went past the speed trailer. April 13 2011, The survey was started at 9:44 AM and ended at 7:45 PM. The average speed was 23.02 MPH, 85% of the cars drove at 29MPH or less. The maximum speed was 42 MPH 1396 cars went past the speed trailer. April 19 2011, The survey was started at 09:50AM and ended at 10:00 PM. The average speed was 22.03 MPH, 85% of the cars drove at 29MPH or less. The maximum speed was 41 MPH 1688 cars went past the speed trailer. In analyzing the numbers I did not find a problem with excessive speeding in the area. I have attached the source documentation from the speed trailer. At this point I do not see any action that needs to be taken. a) (6 .Q O E +' O U CJ ~ 96 44 Z 0 V Z ao►.4 4L44 4944 = 4544 4z44 4044 490V t "4 4z04 4 Z --°°" 0035 118 5544 c7 6 Oz44 5444 �, z Z 0844 Z = 09L6 Oz04 N �.�..� .J (9 CL Q a- V Q = LL Z >< W 0L a � Lu QLL GQ CL w aY �] = 1- Z m i � o Z�D w oa O W 000 O 0901 �� I 0 0 0 0o Q o V- r- O O� O 0 OP0 Ozo4 ° O V.A. IE 96 44 Z 0 V Z ao►.4 4L44 4944 = 4544 4z44 4044 490V t "4 4z04 --°°" 0035 118 5544 aoz 4 98L4 Oz44 5444 0 0 44 W 0844 5944 = 09L6 Oz04 Of C) 0004 3Nvoin� LU 0944 OM 0261 5tr44 5 244 soli LO 0 44 OZ44 oo4c 0005 4044 i � o G O r o r 000 O 0901 5804 0 0 0 0o Q o V- r- O O� O 0 OP0 Ozo4 ° O V.A. IE r � r 3N '3nb IV2UN30 O � � O 0 458 e O O 96 44 Z 0 V Z ao►.4 4L44 4944 = 4544 4z44 4044 490V t "4 4z04 5544 ova Oz44 5444 0 0 44 9104 0904 990t 0104 � Oz04 0004 r � r 3N '3nb IV2UN30 O � � O 0 458 e O O O o 0 SAt O le V co Im N I0 07 Np� Iii r O � m � �rLn�scr Minnesota Department of Transportation h Metropolitan district Waters Edge OPTS a�� 1500 West County Road B -2 Roseville, MN 55113 -3174 Apri 1 13, 2011 Jeff Sargent City Planner, Columbia Heights 590 40` ► ' Street NE Columbia Heights, MN 55421 SUBJh,CT: Aldi's (Columbia Heights)— Mn /DO Revievv PI 1 -011 NL Quadrant of TH 65 and 50"' Avenue NE Columbia Heights, Anoka Control Section 0207 Deal` Mr, Sargent: The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn /DOT) has reviewed the above referenced plat in compliance with Minnesota Statute 505.03, subdivision 2, Plats. Thank you for eliminating the access Tip to Jimmy John's drive. Mn /DOT chive and moving the 50 "' Avenue NE drive easterly to better line has the fallowing additional comments: Trgffie: Mn /DOT recommends that no parking be allowed on either side of the relatively narrow 50" Avenue NE between TH 65 and the proposed Aldi's parking lot access. This will allow eastbound vehicles to bypass left turning vehicles if the left- turners are waiting for oncoming traffic to clear before entering the new lot, or if the lot entrance is congested. 50i Avenue NE currently experiences congestion with the existing Jimmie John's and the south side frontage road interne g 50' tl use ue N Avenue close p as ► a s1 to H 65 Additionally, motorists traveling southbound on TIA C fr q y Columbia I- ieights Senior High and Highland Elementary Schools. "No parking" on 50"' Avenue NAB will also allow larger vehicles to enter /exit the Aldi's property. The radii on Aldi's driveway onto 50' ► ' Avenue NE should also be increased to 20 feet to aid truck turning movements. Design.' Consideration should be given to adding pedestrian access to this nevv development with a link along 50"' Avenue NIA an<l!a• a link 651 in M IDOT Metro Design Section, this comment, please contact Nancy Jacobson { �234 -7647} Permits: Any use of or work within or affecting Mn /DOT right of way requires a permit. Permit forms are available from Mn'DOT's utility website at ti ►�.us /teesr► tr . Please include one 11 x 17 plan set and one frill size plan set with each permit application. Please direct any qt►estions regarding permit requirements to Buck Craig (651 -234 -7911) of MnDOT's Metro Permits Section, Future Submittals: As a reminder, there are four submittal options. Please submit either: An equal opportunity employer, I , One (1) electronic pdf version of the plans. Mn/DOT can accept the plans via e-mail at njetrodevrevieNvs lot a 111ail is less than 20 provided that each separate e megabytes. 2, Three (3) sets of full size plans. Although submitting seven sets of full size plans will expedite the review process. Plans can be sent to: Mn /.DOT — Metro District Planning Section Development Reviews Coordinator 1500 West County Road B-2 Roseville, MN 55113 3. One (1) compact disk. 4. Plans to Mn/DOT's external FTP Site. Please send pdf. Files to: /Plaiming Internet Explorer doesn't xvork L[Shl- ftp SO please use - ,in 17TP Client or your Windows Explorer (My C' Computer). Also, please send a note to metrod , indicating that the plans have been submitted on the FIT site. If you have any questions regarding this review please feel free to contact me at (651) 234-7794. Sincerely, Tod Sherman Planning Supervisor Electronic Copy: Buck Craig, Permits Gayle Gedstad, Traffic Nancy Jacobson, Design Bill Goff, Planning Ann Braden / Metropolitan Council 0 a J W z a J z D f-- 2 C'3 CC J a z LU 0 CL VI I.A. a