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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 13, 2009 OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TRAFFIC COMMISSION JULY 13, 2009 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Carlson at 6:05 p.m. ROLL CALL Members present: Anderson, Carlson, Goodman, Sturdevant Doty (arrived at 6:15 p.m.) Staff present: Kathy Young, Assistant City Engineer Council Liaison: Bruce Kelzenberg APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motioned by Goodman, seconded by Sturdevant, to approve the minutes of June 1, 2009, as presented. Motion carried unanimously. OLD BUSINESS thND PUBLIC HEARING TO INSTALL STOP SIGNS AT THE INTERSECTION OF 5 STREET AND 52 ND AVENUE, YIELDING OR STOPPING TRAFFIC ON 52 AVENUE Young presented the background information for the request: thth nd Marie Holmberg of 5132 4 Street NE has requested stop signs at the intersection of 5Street and 52 Avenue. Ms Holmberg’s concern is the safety of the intersection as it is the only uncontrolled intersection in the area. The visibility at this intersection is obstructed. Other intersections in the area have good visibility and still have stop signs. Staff reported the visibility at the intersection is generally good, although southbound traffic has a partially obstructed view because of shrubs at the corner. At the April meeting, the Traffic Commission directed staff to review traffic accident records for the last 5 to 7 years at this intersection and surrounding intersections for two blocks in each direction. The Police Department reviewed the records for traffic accidents between 2000 and 2009. thnd The total number of accidents at the intersection of 5 Street and 52 Avenue is low, however, there have been more accidents at this intersection compared to other intersections in the area. All other intersections are controlled by two-way stop signs. Motorists may be anticipating a controlled intersection because of the surrounding intersections. th Ms Holmberg submitted a petition for the stop sign. She said that the traffic on 5 Street is too fast. Doesn’t agree with a yield sign, that’s what it is now. What are we waiting for? A terrible accident? If not recommending a stop sign, why not? The plum tree is beginning to cause an obstruction. Commissioner Sturdevant explained that this is the procedure for installing stop signs. Young stated that stop signs will not solve all the problems. Keep in mind that there are stop signs at the other intersections and there are still accidents. Traffic Commission Minutes – July 13, 2009 Page 2 th Arlene Engel, 5142 4 Street has seen many accidents at that intersection. It is time for stop signs. Why are we arguing about stop signs? Commissioner Sturdevant stated that the purpose of the hearing was to get the facts. Ms Engel continued that there have been too many close calls. About 2 years ago there were 50 kids in a 2 block area. We don’t want anyone getting hurt. Commissioner Sturdevant added that these are just reported accidents and we don’t know the severity. th Dennis Marty, 5200 5 Street, lives at that corner and said there is a major accident every year. It is difficult to see southbound and west bound traffic. Need stop signs to assign right-of-way. Would like the traffic nd stopped on 52 Avenue. Ms Holmberg suggested a four-way stop sign. Young stated the MnMUTCD guidelines for installing stop signs. A four way stop at the intersection was not warranted. thth Roy Schneider, 5210 5 Street said that there is speeding on 5 Street. Could write 10 tickets a day. Someone is going to get hurt or killed. Commissioner Carlson noted that it is difficult to judge speed. 30 mph seems fast when standing nearby. Commissioner Sturdevant made the motion to recommend the City Council install two-way stop signs at the thndnd intersection of 5 Street and 52 Avenue, stopping traffic on 52 Avenue. th The majority of residents in the audience felt the traffic should be stopped on 5 Street. Young stated that when looking at the stop signs in the area on the map, it is appropriate to stop the traffic nd on 52 Avenue, but anecdotal information presented at the hearing could be taken into account. Commissioners Carlson and Sturdevant discussed the motion made at the last meeting concerning which street should be stopped. Commissioner Sturdevant rescinded his motion. Motioned by Anderson, seconded by Sturdevant, to recommend the City Council install two-way stop signs thndth at the intersection of 5 Street and 52 Avenue, stopping traffic on 5 Street. Motion carried unanimously. Staff was directed to send letters to residents in the notification area as the motion was different than the public hearing notice sent out previously. OTHER OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. Traffic Commission Minutes – July 13, 2009 Page 3 OTHER NEW BUSINESS th Mr Elhshik representing the Islamic Center at 4056 7 Street was in the audience to request handicap parking thst signs on 7 Street and 41 Avenue adjacent to the Center. One sign was requested on each street because there are separate entrances for men and women. Commissioners discussed handicap parking signs versus temporary signs, or a loading and unloading zone with Mr Elhshik. Mr Elhshik requested the handicap parking signs. th Motioned by Carlson, seconded by Goodman, to install one handicap sign on 7 Street and one handicap sign stth on 41 Avenue adjacent to the Islamic Center at 4056 7 Street. Motion carried unanimously. REPORTS CITY ENGINEER None. POLICE CHIEF None. COMMISSIONERS Doty complemented the Street Department on the patching being done and reminded staff that the street thnd signs were missing at 5 Street and 52 Avenue. ADJOURNMENT Motioned by Anderson, seconded by Goodman, to adjourn the meeting at 6:48 p.m. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Young Assistant City Engineer