HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 3, 2009
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TRAFFIC COMMISSION
AUGUST 3, 2009
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Carlson at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Anderson, Carlson, Doty, Goodman, Sturdevant
Staff present: Kathy Young, Assistant City Engineer
Lenny Austin, Police Captain
Council Liaison: Bruce Kelzenberg
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motioned by Sturdevant, seconded by Doty, to approve the minutes of July 13, 2009, as presented.
Motion carried unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
OTHER OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
REQUEST TO INSTALL STOP SIGNS AT THE INTERSECTION OF WASHINGTON STREET AND
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41AVENUE.
Young presented the background information for the request:
Mr Donald Baron of 330 Orendorf Way has requested stop signs at the intersection of Washington
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Street and 41 Avenue. Mr Baron’s concern is the safety of the intersection. Mr Baron drops his daughter
off at a nearby daycare and has observed many close calls.
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Staff reported the visibility at the intersection is good; westbound traffic on 41 Avenue has a partially
obstructed view because of the hill on Washington Street.
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Captain Austin reported that there has been one accident at that intersection and one accident at 42 Avenue
and Washington Street during the last three years.
Young stated that no traffic counts were available.
Commissioner Goodman observed the intersection and counted 15 cars in ½ hour one time and 7 cars in ¼
hour another time. Cars do slow down at the intersection.
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Commissioner Carlson noted that any delivery trucks probably block visibility on 41 Avenue.
Commissioner Anderson stated that there have not been enough accidents to warrant stop signs.
Traffic Commission Minutes – August 3, 2009
Page 2
Moved by Sturdevant, seconded by Goodman, to direct staff to conduct a traffic study at the intersection of
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Washington Street and 41 Avenue and to present the results of the study at the Traffic Commission meeting
on October 5, 2009. Motion carried unanimously.
OTHER NEW BUSINESS
None.
REPORTS
CITY ENGINEER
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The City has obtained Federal funding to replace the pedestrian bridge on Central Avenue at 49 Avenue.
POLICE CHIEF
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Captain Austin discussed the “No Jaywalking” signs on Central Avenue from 45 Avenue to 49 Avenue.
Commissioner Carlson asked if there was a City Ordinance that made jaywalking a violation. Austin stated
that there is no City ordinance, but there is a state statute that could be enforced. Commissioners wondered
if signs would need State approval to be placed along Central Avenue. Commissioner Anderson noted that
City of Aitkin, Minnesota has signs posted. Captain Austin will follow up with City Engineer.
COMMISSIONERS
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Doty: Reported that the “5 Street” sign at 49 Avenue is missing and that there is a hole in the sidewalk at
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44 and Central where a pole was moved. Also discussed if there was a way to let public know that the alley
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behind the businesses on Central Avenue, north of 43 Avenue is private.
Goodman: Questioned what could be done about bicycles going through stop signs. Captain Austin
informed the commissioners that the Police Department has focused on bicycle violations this summer.
ADJOURNMENT
Motioned by Carlson, seconded by Doty to adjourn the meeting at 6:26 p.m. Motion carried unaminously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Young
Assistant City Engineer