HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 1, 2016 Minutes
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS TRAFFIC COMMISSION
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Ed Carlson at 5:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members present: Commissioners Ed Carlson, Brian Clerkin (arrived late), Kevin Doty, and
Leonard Olson
Staff Present: Kathy Young, Assistant City Engineer
Lenny Austin, Police Captain
Sue Schmidtbauer, Public Works Secretary
Council Liaison: Donna Schmitt
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Doty, seconded by Olson, to approve the minutes of January 4, 2016, as presented. Motion
passed unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING TO REMOVE “NO PARKING” DESIGNATION ON THE EAST SIDE OF JACKSON STREET
Residents present:
Steve Smith representing Immaculate Conception Church, 4030 Jackson Street
At the January meeting the Traffic Commission called for a public hearing to consider removing the “No
Parking Saturday 4 PM to 6 PM” and “No Parking Sunday 6 AM to Noon” designations on the east side of
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Jackson Street from 41 Avenue to approximately 230’ south of 41 Avenue. There are five different
parking “zones” along Jackson Street. The Public Hearing notice was published in the Sun Focus and
property owners within 300’ of the proposed change in parking designations were notified of the hearing
by mail.
On behalf of Immaculate Conception Church, Mr. Steve Smith requested the “No Parking” signs for
Saturday and Sunday be removed. The church feels there is no longer a need for a no parking restriction,
and, as parishioners are aging, the church would like to offer parking closer to the door. The “No
Parking” signs were originally put up because of a protester who would park his car mounted with very
offensive signs. The “No Parking” signs did not hinder the protester from displaying his signs; he simply
parked around the corner. Since this protester has not been seen for over six months, the church is
requesting removal of the no parking signs to recover the parking spaces.
Motion by Olson to remove the “No Parking Saturday 4 PM to 6 PM” and “No Parking Sunday 6 AM to
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Noon” designations on the east side of Jackson Street from 41 Avenue to approximately 230’ south of
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41 Avenue. Motion seconded by Carlson. Motion passed unanimously.
Traffic Commission Minutes – February 1, 2016
Page 2
OLD BUSINESS
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REQUEST TO DESIGNATE THE SOUTH SIDE OF 40 AVENUE FROM 5 STREET TO 20’ EAST OF 5 STREET
AS “NO PARKING”.
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Commissioner Clerkin has requested no parking 20’ from the southeast corner of 5 Street and 40
Avenue so it is possible to see around trucks. He stated he has almost been hit many times coming from
that intersection.
The police report shows only one accident in five years, which had nothing to do with visibility. Clerkin
still feels visibility is a safety issue. He has talked to other residents who agree and they would like some
type of buffer. Vans are parked all the way to the edge of the corner requiring cars to pull out further
into the intersection. There is currently only a daycare center on the corner and no stores. Young
stated this will require a public hearing to give business owners an opportunity to speak.
Motion by Clerkin to call a Public Hearing for the next Traffic Commission meeting to request no parking
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20’ from the southeast corner of 5 Street and 40 Avenue. Seconded by Doty. Motion passed
unanimously.
OTHER OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
None
OTHER NEW BUSINESS
None
REPORTS
A.CITY ENGINEER
Commissioner Tyler moved to Shoreview and has resigned from the Traffic Commission. Carlson
requested we send him a thank you letter. Young stated she will draft one up for everyone to sign at
the next meeting. Schmitt suggested that we remind the council secretary of Commissioner Tyler’s
resignation. She also advised that we did receive an application requesting appointment to a
Commission. The applicant asked for Planning & Zoning, Traffic, or Charter so there is a possibility he
could get appointed. Application was from an Adam Schell at 4128 Arthur Street. Apparently he has
only lived in Columbia Heights for a short period of time.
A disabled parking sign has been requested by the resident at 4220 Van Buren Street. The sign will be
installed when weather permits.
B.POLICE
None
Traffic Commission Minutes – February 1, 2016
Page 3
C.COMMISSIONERS
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Doty inquired about putting up a seasonal “Turtle Crossing” sign from May to July on either 49
Avenue and/or Innsbrook Parkway to warn drivers about turtles crossing the street. The turtles leave
Highland Lake to lay eggs from May to July and many of them get run over. He would like to see
some type of signage. Other cities put up seasonal signs for this type of thing. Young stated she will
discuss it with the Public Works Director but seasonal signs are somewhat difficult.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Olson, seconded by Clerkin, to adjourn the meeting at 5:45 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Schmidtbauer
Public Works Secretary