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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAUGUST 1, 2011 OFFICAL PROCEEDINGS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TRAFFIC COMMISSION MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2011 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Carlson at 6:00 p.m. Motioned by Carlson, seconded by Olson to appoint Kathy Young as Secretary Pro-Tem. Motion carried unanimously. ROLL CALL Members present: Carlson, Doty, Olson, Tyler (Goodman – Absent) Staff present: Kathy Young, Assistant City Engineer Lenny Austin, Police Captain Council Liaison: Donna Schmitt APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motioned by Doty, seconded by Olson to approve the minutes of June 6, 2011, as presented. Motion carried unanimously. OLD BUSINESS None. OTHER OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS TH A.REQUEST TO INSTALL 4-WAY STOP SIGNS AT THE INTERSECTION OF 45 AVENUE THTH AND 6 STREET OR 7 STREET Young provided the background information: th Mr. Cory Mattson of 4500 Washington Street has requested 4-way stop signs at the intersection of 45 thth Avenue at either 6 Street or 7 Street. Mr. Mattson’s concern and the concern of his neighbors is the thth speed of traffic on 45 Avenue. There are no stop signs to stop traffic on 45 Avenue between Jefferson Street and University Avenue Service Drive. Traffic currently stops at each north-south street th along 45 Avenue, except University Avenue Service Drive. th Mr. Mattson stated that the stop sign should be at 7 Street. He commented that new drivers are th driving fast compared to older drivers and that there are excessive speeds on 45 Avenue. Stop signs will help motorists slow down on side streets; there’s been an increase of traffic/speed on side streets. There is a lot of concern for children in the area. Captain Austin summarized the traffic counts and speeds and the traffic accidents. There have been five reported accidents over the last three years: th 45 Avenue at University Avenue Service Drive (4/11/10), th 45 Avenue at Washington Street (4/16/08), th 45 Avenue between Washington and Jefferson Streets (12/22/10), th 45 Avenue at Jefferson Street (12/16/10), and Traffic Commission Minutes - August 1, 2011 Page 2 th 45 Avenue at Central Avenue (1/27/11). A total of 9,547 vehicles traveled through the area during the speed trailer survey from July 21 to July 29. The average vehicle speed was 22.17 miles per hour. The maximum speeds varied from 40 to 51 mph. Mr. Mattson stated that there was a hit and run in front of his home; his dog was seriously injured. Drivers see the speed meter and slow down. It was only out during the day. thth Carlson related a previous request for a stop sign at 5 Street, but the gentleman drove carelessly up 5 Street. Olson stated he understood the concerns. When there are signs that aren’t needed, people don’t stop, they roll through them. The information from the Police Department doesn’t support the need for stop signs. Tyler said the State of Minnesota does not recommend stop signs be used for speed control. Schmitt observed that the accident with the dog was not on the list. She stressed the importance that neighbors should report all accidents. Carlson stated the intersection does not meet the requirements for 4 way stop signs and can’t recommend putting one in. Mr. Mattson said that a lot of common sense has been lost over the last 20 years with older people moving out of houses. The duplexes in the neighborhood also cause problems. He said that he has a vested interest in Columbia Heights, has built a home, and is a member of the Fire Department. th Motioned by Carlson, seconded by Tyler to deny the request to install 4 way stop signs on 45 Avenue th at 7 Street. Motion carried unanimously. OTHER NEW BUSINESS None. REPORTS A.CITY ENGINEER A parking sign for persons with disabilities is being installed in front of 4535 Taylor Street NE at the request of the property owner, Hussein Musse. His disability parking permit number is 7472HL. B. POLICE CHIEF None. C. COMMISSIONERS Tyler suggested the Commission look at where stop signs are installed. th Doty discussed the flooding at 49 Avenue and Central Avenue. ADJOURNMENT Motioned by Olson, seconded by Tyler to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously.