HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-17-2022 Traffic Commission Packet
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
City Hall—Council Chambers, 590 40th Ave NE
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
6:00 PM
AGENDA
ATTENDANCE INFORMATION FOR THE PUBLIC
Members of the public who wish to attend may do so in-person, by calling 1-312-626-6799 and
entering meeting ID 831 6304 5370 and passcode138976 or by Zoom at
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83163045370?pwd=RTlTbW9JOW9Ka080VFpjNUg2SDZsdz09. For
questions please call the Public Works Department at 763-706-3700.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
APPROVE MINUTES
1. ACCEPT MARCH 15, 2022 MINUTES
2. ACCEPT APRIL 19, 2022 MINUTES
PUBLIC MEETING
3. PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS SPEED LIMITS IN THE CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
The Traffic Commission is seeking input from residents and property owners about th e
speed limit on streets in Columbia Heights. The law setting the minimum traffic speed of
30 mph has changed in Minnesota. The City Council has the authority to set speed limits
on local roads. This does not include MnDOT or Anoka County roads.
The Traffic Commission is encouraging the public to attend this meeting and voice your
opinion.
OLD BUSINESS
4. ADDRESS ANY FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS FOR SARA ION, CITY CLERK, REGARDING MEETING
ATTENDANCE/OPEN MEETING LAWS FOR BOARD/COMMISSION MEMBERS
5. 37TH AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
REPORTS
City Engineer
Police Chief
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City of Columbia Heights AGENDA May 17, 2022
Traffic Commission Page 2
Commissioners
ADJOURNMENT
Auxiliary aids or other accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request when the request is
made at least 72 hours in advance. Please contact Administration at 763-706-3610 to make arrangements.
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TRAFFIC COMMISSION
City Hall—Council Chambers, 590 40th Ave NE
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
6:00 PM
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Schluender at 6:00 p.m.
Members present: Commissioners Ciesynski, Davis, Finkelson, Nekora, Schluender
Staff present: Kathy Young, Assistant City Engineer
Staff absent: Captain Markham, Police
Council Liaison: Connie Buesgens (for Amáda Márquez Simula)
APPROVE MINUTES
Motioned by Davis, seconded by Ciesynski, to approve the minutes of February 15, 2022 as presented.
Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
CONTINUE DISCUSSION ON TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
At the February meeting Commissioners agreed to continue the discussion on traffic and pedestrian safety.
Commissioner Finkelson has recommended two motions for consideration, the first being updating the
Traffic Commission page on the city website and the second to reduce the speed limit on city streets to 20
mph.
Finkelson would like to update the city website to make the process for traffic control requests clearer and
easier for residents. Some residents are unsure of how to submit a request and of the process that follows.
He would like the website to explain this in more detail. He would also like to add links to appropriate
resources that will provide requesters with other options for traffic c alming measures besides stop signs.
Currently residents ask for a stop sign and it’s either approved or denied per the MUTCD guidelines.
Ciesynski feels the city’s website is difficult to navigate. Davis agrees with providing residents with better
access to information. It would be helpful if the website was more user-friendly.
Commissioners would like a link placed on the Traffic Commission webpage to the Report a Concern form
with an explanation that the resident will receive a response and instructions once the form is reviewed by
city staff. Commissioners would also like a list of all communication from residents, even if the items do not
make it to the agenda. They would like this information included in the agenda packet. They would like a
link to the Report a Concern form as well as links to the bicycle and city trails, maps, etc. placed on the Traffic
Commission webpage. They feel including more information on the Traffic Commission page will make it
easier for residents. Davis stated the sidewalk and trails map was last updated in 2011. Young thinks the
trails map was updated more recent than 2011 but the date wasn’t changed—she will check on it. The
bicycle map was updated in 2019. Young advised that staff can add the links to the Report a Concern form
and maps on the Traffic Commission webpage. However, commissioners should check what the City Council
is going to support before posting links to sections of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. If there’s a traffic
calming option listed in the plan that the council is not going to support, it would be a disservice to residents
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to present that option. Finkelson asked how they are supposed to know what the council is going to support.
Young advised she would leave those items as recommendations directed toward the City Council.
Schluender feels it would be useful to link to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan transportation section because
it’s already on the website.
Finkelson stated that when the Traffic Commission recommended changing the speed limit on Stinson Blvd
to the beach it was in the minutes but there was no follow up by the City Council. His understanding is that
recommendations from the Traffic Commission first go to the City Manager and then the City Manager
decides what is placed on the agenda. He feels this recommendation was pocket-vetoed by the City
Manager. Young advised that the City Council wants to have a broader discussion regarding the speed limit
and that this recommendation will then become part of that broader discussion.
Councilmember Buesgens explained that sometimes things take a long time. The council will be discussing
the Traffic Commission at the next work session. Commissioners cannot participate but they can email items
to councilmembers of things they want to see changed. She would like to see the Traffic Commission
transformed into a more multimodal commission and that will be up for discussion. She advised that
sometimes the City Manager will put items on her list if she knows a discussion is coming up down the road,
which sometimes may take years. This is usually due to staffing limitations, time constraints, etc. There are
many different reasons why an item may be addressed later. Things don’t always get done quickly. She
strongly suggests they all come to hear what the council has to say about the Traffic Commission. Davis
asked about the timeline for addressing the speed limits. Councilmember Buesgens is not sure. Young
advised the discussion she’s aware of is that they plan to address the speed limits when they discuss 37th
Ave and if Columbia Heights is interested in lowering the speed limit to 25 mph. The discussion will take
place later this year or early next year and then they will plan what to do citywide.
Davis suggested posting items on the website that the council supports within item c (the link to the MnDOT
best practices documents, Minnesota’s Best Practices for Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety ) to assist residents
making requests. Young advised this may be part of a discussion with the City Council. Schluender feels
their recommendations are broad enough that they can follow up at the next meeting and see what’s
happening with the links on the website . There is enough detail in the minutes for people to see what’s
being discussed. The motion does not have to be specific as long as they can follow up at the next meeting.
Motioned by Finkelson to adopt Item (1) requesting the Traffic Commission page of the city website be
updated to make the request for traffic-related improvements process clearer for residents and provide links
to the Report a Concern form and appropriate resources. Seconded by Schluender. Motion passed
unanimously.
Finkelson feels we should reduce the speed limit in Columbia Heights citywide. His understanding is that
there are two options. You have either a blanket 25 mph limit, which is what St. Anthony did, or you can
implement a tiered limit where minor and residential streets are 20 mph and collectors are 25 mph. He
personally favors the 20 mph. He would like to register the Traffic Commission’s opinion regarding the speed
limits with the City Council. Per the minutes the council wants to be consistent with the spee d limits and
the goal is to increase safety. The Traffic Comm ission heard from Ethan Fawley of Vision Zero that
Minneapolis has seen good results with their speed limit reduction. Finkelson would like to make a motion
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to recommend the City Council take a tiered approach of 20 mph on minor and residential streets and 25
mph on collector streets such as 37th Ave.
Davis opposes. He feels any road designed for truck traffic should stay at 30 mph . Because 37th Ave is the
main east-west route from Central Ave to I-35W he feels it’s important to keep it at 30 mph. He would
support residential roads being at 25 mph but there are certain roads that should remain at 30 mph. These
are roads that have a yellow centerline. Some of these are county roads so the speed limit may not change
anyway. You do want to encourage the use of certain roads and avoid others. Some speed limits should
remain at 30 mph to prevent heavy traffic in residential areas. There needs to be a balance and speed limits
should be considered reasonable by most people. He would prefer more discussion before passing a motion.
Schluender feels one benefit of lowering the speed limit is that it sets a baseline expectation for the
neighborhood roads. These are expectations where residents are not expecting through traffic. There
should be justification for major roads versus residential roads. He agrees this needs additional discussion.
A lower speed limit long-term is beneficial because it helps with redesigning the streets. You do not want a
speed limit of 20 mph on 40th Ave with four lanes and parking. Staff should compare St. Anthony and
Minneapolis speed limit changes to see how they’re working. He would like to see more information.
Davis asked if 30 mph is a choice with the tiered approach. Finkelson will need to check. There are still a
couple of city roads in Minneapolis that have a higher speed limit than 20 mph so there are exceptions. The
real restriction is that you can’t make every city road 20 mph but you can always increase the limit. Nekora
agrees with contacting St Anthony and Minneapolis. Davis would like to table this for discussion.
Motioned by Davis to table reducing the speed limit on city streets until the next meeting. Seconded by
Schluender. Motion passed unanimously.
REVIEW OTHER ITEMS DISCUSSED AT FEBRUARY MEETING
A representative from MnDOT will attending the City Council Work Session on April 4th via Zoom. MnDOT
will be updating the council on the PEL Study (Planning and Environmental Linkage) for TH 47 and TH 65.
Opportunities for comment are provided on the MnDOT website:
https://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/hwy47andhwy65study/index.html
Comprehensive Plan: Review and analyze high traffic crash locations on a biannual basis.
The 2040 Comprehensive plan talks about analyzing high traffic crash locations. Staff has not done a
formal review on TH 47 and TH 65, but MnDOT does inform us of the locations they’re concerned about.
There are opportunities for residents to approach staff and council about areas of concern. These are:
Email and phone
Traffic Commission
Listening sessions with council and staff
Annual city picnic
Annual Public Improvement Hearings
Davis asked if there will be more traffic signal replacement along Central and University Avenues within the
next year or two. Young will need get back to him. There are four signals that will be painted, so those will
not be replaced. Minneapolis wants to replace one signal on 37th Ave as part of the 37th Ave project.
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Finkelson asked about the listening sessions with council and staff. Buesgens advised these took place when
they held the city expos, these were held on a Saturday. He also asked about the annual improvement
hearings. Young explained that the majority of street projects are assessed, so as part of that process staff
will host at least two informal meetings with the affected residents. Residents then can bring up both
construction issues and issues they’ve seen on their street.
NEW BUSINESS
None
REPORTS
City Engineer
37TH AVENUE CONSTRUCTION
At the last meeting the 37th Ave plans were part of the discussion so the City Engineer included these at
this meeting for commissioners to go over.
Davis stated there have been a few changes since the last review and asked where this input came from.
The first change he noted is that there are quite a few crosswalk islands. Young advised those were
generated by Minneapolis. Davis understands Polk St but is questioning the others. Young explained these
were part of the agreement to move forward with the project.
Parking will be limited on 37th Ave, buses will stop in the traffic lane which is a safety request by the transit
company.
Davis stated that on the north side of 37th west of Buchanan St. there is a row of houses that face 37th Ave.
Can a second parking bay put into that section? Young explained parking bays were reviewed based on the
driveway lengths and this would have had to have been brought up during the open houses with staff. Davis
feels residents were unaware of the open houses as many are rental properties. He would like to see the
parking reconsidered.
Davis is also concerned about the pedestrian bays because of what he saw on in Minneapolis on Johnson St,
where the road curves throughout, especially with truck traffic having to meander through. He feels this is
problematic, especially because it’s a narrower road with no parking which leaves nowhere to go. Starting
at Central Ave there’s a tiny jog that goes in between there and Polk St. Can the median be kept a little
wider so it’s not going in and out—it gets wide, then narrow, then wide, etc. Young stated that when driving
it will seem fairly straight. Davis did not find that when driving on Johnson St and he does not want to see
the same thing on 37th Ave. He would like a more detailed map.
Davis asked the width of 37th Ave on the west side of Central where the parking was removed to add the
trail and if the east side will be the same width or will it be narrower? Young will need to check the distance
between the curb and centerline stripe on the east side compared to the west side. She advised for the
most part it’s 13’, an 11’ lane and 2’ curb reaction. Davis would like her to let him know that west of Central
will be designed the same as east of Central to make sure the lanes are both the same width.
Finkelson likes the pedestrian islands. Currently 37th Ave is difficult to cross. He likes the way it weaves a
little because this will slow people down and the pedestrian islands will make it safer to cross. Young advised
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part of that was at the request of Minneapolis. Because the bike trail is on the north side they want their
residents to be able cross from the south side to the north side.
Davis stated there are some pedestrian areas that are rather close. Polk St to Central Ave in particular and
between Johnson St and Buchanan St. Young advised the medians will not be removed. Davis does not
want them removed but he feels the geometry is wrong. He would like to see these areas stay wide rather
than narrow and then widen so it’s not so extreme for truck traffic. It would make more sense to keep these
wider through those sections. He would like more width to deal with the traffic. Young advised that other
than at Central Ave, the lanes going in both directions are essentially 13’ feet wide, an 11’ lane with 2’
reaction before you get to the vertical part of the curb. Davis stated with snow it’s essentially 11’.
He also asked if the chokepoint at Hayes St could be created so there’s not such a significant jog between
the north and south side of Hayes St. The boulevard on the south side could be wider on the left instead of
the right so there’s less of a jog between the north and south side. Cross traffic now must veer at more of
a diagonal.
Davis questioned Hart Blvd becoming narrower when traffic already is coming in at an angle at that spot.
Young explained this definitely will force vehicles into one lane in each direction, but this makes it much
safer for pedestrians to cross the street. It was done this way to try to square it up so it’s at more of a 90
degree angle with 37th Ave.
Finkelson asked about Anoka County doing work on 40th Ave. Young advised they’ve applied for a couple of
grants and so far, have been unsuccessful. The work will not be done without grant money because of the
costs. She provided the costs we have to date for 37th Ave to give commissioners an idea of the financial
impact for this type of construction. Originally the project started at $11 million but as the design progressed
the cost increased. They are looking for more funding sources. For example, they plan to approach the
Mississippi Watershed Organization for the green infrastructure such as the stormwater type projects. New
signals have been added at both Central Ave and Johnson St as part of the project.
Davis asked if there will be a change of configuration with the new signals. At one point he had suggested a
change to the signals at 37th and Central Aves. He had suggested a green arrow for the westbound dedicated
right turn lane onto northbound Central Ave . The lane is signed no turn on red. The green arrow for
southbound traffic on Central Ave turning left (eastbound) onto 37 th Ave follows the green light for the right
turn lane onto northbound Central Ave and westbound traffic on 37th Ave. Davis had suggested having the
green arrow for the dedicated right turn lane onto northbound Central Ave and the left turn signal for
southbound Central Ave turning east on 37th Ave cycle at the same time. He feels this would allow a lot
more traffic to go through and alleviate backups in the dedicated right turn lane during rush hour. There
would still be the protection that no turn on red provides but it would allow more traffic to flow.
Councilmember Buesgens stated she was liaison on the Traffic Commission several years ago and she has
seen a change in the commission since then. This commission is taking more initiative and more interest in
being involved. She will bring this up to the city manager, council, and staff. Hopefully the council will allow
the Traffic Commission to be more self-initiating and find a more formal way for them to bring items to the
council. She strongly recommends zooming in or attending the April 4th work session at 7:00 pm. They meet
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at the Public Safety building in the downstairs training room. She strongly recommends if anyone has ideas
or suggestions about transforming this commission to send them to the council.
Police Chief
None
Commissioners
None
ADJOURNMENT
Motioned by Davis, seconded by Schluender to adjourn the meeting at 7:29 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
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Item 1.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
City Hall—Council Chambers, 590 40th Ave NE
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
6:00 PM
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Schluender at 6:03 p.m.
Members present: Commissioners Ciesynski, Davis, Finkelson, Nekora, Schluender
Staff present: Kathy Young, Assistant City Engineer
Captain Markham, Police
Sue Chapman, Administrative Assistant
Council Liaison: Amáda Márquez Simula
GUEST SPEAKER
Sara Ion, City Clerk / Council Secretary
Sara gave a brief refresher on meeting attendance/open meeting laws for commission members.
CHAIRPERSON APPOINTMENT
Chairperson Schluender has resigned as Chair of the Commission.
Motion by Finkelson to nominate Adam Davis as the new chairperson, seconded by Schluender. Nomination
accepted by Davis. Motion by Schluender to implement nomination immediately. Motion passed
unanimously.
Motion by Ciesynski to nominate Jared Finkelson as Vice Chair of the Commission, seconded by Davis.
Motion passed unanimously.
APPROVE MINUTES
Motion by Davis, seconded by Schluender, to table acceptance of the March 15, 2022 minutes until the
next meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
CONTINUE DISCUSSION ON TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
At the March meeting commissioners agreed to table reducing the speed limit on city streets until the April
meeting.
Finkelson advised he pulled data from MnDOT regarding reducing speed limits. Excluding data from 2020-
21, which is preliminary, the data shows that from 2011-2019 approximately 48% of all crashes occurred on
city or municipal state aid roads. He doesn’t have the criteria for what MnDOT categorizes as serious crashes
but out of 15 serious crashes, six were on city streets and two on municipal state aid roads, which is just
over half of the streets under the City of Columbia Heights jurisdiction. He would like to make a
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recommendation to the City Council to adopt a 20-25mph maximum speed limit. The 20-25mph would be
consistent with the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Per Vision Zero lowering the speed limit does have
some effect on slowing down traffic. Feels this would set the expectation for city staff when redesigning
streets to keep the speed limit lower for people to be safe.
Davis asked Mayor Simula if there has been further discussion since the MnDOT meeting about what
direction the City Council wants to take regarding the speed limit. She advised she wasn’t at the work session
but her notes indicate that for the most part the council was okay with MnDOT’s presentation, but they still
want to hear from the community. One councilmember was hoping for more traffic slowdown on Central
Ave. There have been five accidents in the last three weeks on Central Ave. A PEL study was done two years
ago before knowledge of the new apartment buildings that does not reflect the new data. Davis stated the
recent accidents seem to be concentrated within a 4-block area that has no additional pedestrian lighting.
This area has dark zones outside of the LED lights making it difficult to see pedestrians, especially if they’re
not right at the corner. He feels the LED lighting we’ve added is brighter but is more concentrated making
it difficult to see outside of that zone. He would like the Traffic Commission to ask the council to look into
some type of additional lighting in this area. North of 45th Ave is so wide that having only mid-block lighting
is not adequate, coupled with coming from a 40mph speed limit. He feels this is a big enough concern to
address now and not wait for a grant for lighting. He also asked about the pedestrian bump outs and where
these would be placed on Central Ave. He feels 45th Ave to 49th Ave would be the most beneficial but is
unsure of the Metro Transit using the shoulders as bus stops. Finkelson advised there is a list in the
presentation or the risk assessment, but it only goes up to 45th Ave. Ciesynski questioned that since Central
Ave is a state road, would MnDOT let the city install more lighting. Young advised they would, but MnDOT
would need to be involved.
Motion by Davis to request the City Council consider adding additional basic or temporary lighting on Central
Ave between 43rd and 47th Aves to increase public safety. Seconded by Finkelson. Motion passed
unanimously.
A motion was made by Finkelson to recommend the City Council adopt a 20-25mph speed limit on city
streets. Schluender stated he is in favor of this motion but thinks it should be an agenda item for the next
meeting and the commission should try to get citizen input for discussion. Davis agrees more public input
would be helpful and more valuable to the council. He would like a tiered speed limit of 20-25-30mph for
different types of roads. Finkelson and Davis asked how to attain public attendance i.e., publicize a meeting.
The City Clerk advised she would need to follow up on this as far as restrictions, jurisdiction of the
commission, etc.
Motion by Davis to direct staff to explore how the Traffic Commission can hold a public hearing regarding a
potential tiered speed limit of 20-25-30mph on local roads. Seconded by Ciesynski. Schluender added that
it would be useful to include in the agenda packet a synopsis of what the legislation passed down to local
entities, including the state statute referencing the guidelines and ability of the Traffic Commission, so the
public understands where this is coming from . Motion passed unanimously.
The City Clerk advised she needs to research if the Traffic Commission has the authority to call for a public
hearing regarding this item. There is a difference between a public meeting and a public hearing. A public
hearing must be posted to the City’s website and published in the city’s legal newspaper. A public meeting
can be posted on the website, commissioners can also have conversations with residents. Mayor Simula
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advised commissioners can promote a public meeting on social media, i.e., there is a meeting on Tuesday,
we’d like input, and list what the meeting is about on the agenda. Commissioners can also talk to neighbors.
Commissioners agreed to be more specific on the next agenda regarding the speed limit in hope of obtaining
more public input.
Davis asked for any information regarding the 25mph in St. Anthony. Young spoke with Zach Lunderberg,
the St. Anthony Public Works Superintendent. He stated that when they first made the change they received
some negative social media comments, but nothing major that needed to be addressed formally, and
operationally everything seems to be going fine. Captain Markham exchanged emails with the St. Anthony
Police Captain. He didn’t have any hard data but stated with the change to the interior streets there seems
to be fewer traffic complaints. They also installed digital speed display signs on Silver Lake Road at 31st Ave
and on 37th Ave by Wilshire Elementary School with no strong objections from residents. Captain Markham
is unaware if St. Anthony is collecting any hard data.
NEW BUSINESS
None
REPORTS
City Engineer
The Central Ave traffic signals scheduled for painting are at 44th, 45th, 47th, 49th and 52nd Avenues. The signal
at 50th Ave is fairly new and it’s anticipated that the signal on Central and 40th Aves will be replaced within
the next 10 years. MnDOT’s new standard it to put up galvanized poles. It is up to the City if they want
them painted and to provide the funding. The poles that are being painted are at the City’s request and the
City is funding this. Davis asked if the new signal on 40th Ave will have the flashing arrow, Young advised it
will. He also questioned if there will be a longer walk time. Young advised studies are done prior to the
signal replacement projects and we will know at that time. Davis also asked if the lighted street sign will be
replaced. Young advised all new signals will have LED lights, so she anticipates when 40th is redone the new
signal will have LED lights.
LRRB (Local Road Research Board) studies are underway. This shows that other cities are dealing with the
same issues as the Traffic Commission, i.e., the impact of speed limits, factors that influence vehicles
stopping for pedestrians, impact of warning devices. All these studies are underway; some will be done in
2023 and others in 2024. These studies are not specific to Central Ave, they’re general.
Young asked what commissioners envision the May meeting to entail and what they are looking for from
staff. Davis advised one item is the public meeting regarding the speed limit. He also wanted to provide
some feedback on 37th Ave but needs more time to review. Ciesynski asked about the time frame for a
public meeting notice. Young advised a public meeting notice needs to be posted three days before the
meeting and does not require legal publication. For a public hearing, commissioners would need to formally
call for a public hearing and a legal public hearing notice would need to be published a minimum of 10 days
prior to the hearing date. Schluender suggested specifying this agenda item as lowering the city speed limit
to 20mph so the public is aware this is coming up and if interested can attend the meeting. Commissioners
can also assist with spreading this information to residents. After this public meeting commissioners can
vote on the speed limit. If citizens know ahead of time from social media, etc. and are interested they will
attend the meeting. Nekora agrees with this suggestion. Otherwise, commissioners will need to wait until
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the June meeting and then it will be getting into summer. Commissioners agreed to put reducing city speed
limits on the May agenda and to spread the word via social media and/or talking to neighbors. Young and
the City Clerk will work together on what can be placed on the city website to publicize the meeting.
Police Chief
Captain Markham advised the Police Department is very much aware of the traffic issues on Central Ave
lately and is undertaking extra patrol. They are concerned about the crashes.
Captain Markham asked the Traffic Commission to consider one speed limit throughout the city versus tiered
limits. Currently if you’re on a residential street you know it’s 30mph. If you’re on a residential street and
you need to guess between 10-15-20-30mph it may create confusion for drivers and is definitely harder to
enforce, i.e., if there are three different speed limits within a three-quarter mile stretch. Schluender advised
Minneapolis and St. Paul put up entrance signs that say 20mph unless otherwise posted. From what he
understands, it is the intent of the legislative action that a city can lower the speed limit to 20mph and then
if wanted, can designate the speed limit on an arterial road to 25mph. Or cities can take the approach that
St. Anthony did and have a citywide speed limit of 25mph.
Captain Markham agreed with Davis about the lighting on 47th Ave, it’s very hard to see pedestrians,
especially if they’re dressed in dark clothing. Another thing that needs to be looked at is bus stops. Is it
necessary to have a bus stop on every block or is better to control them. It would be better for bus stops to
be located at controlled intersections so pedestrian must use the crosswalk at the light, making things safer
and easier to control. Police is currently working on this in the background with MnDOT and Zero Death.
Ciesynski asked about Columbia Academy-- parents are taking up the only through lane for traffic. Captain
Markham stated he has been dealing with this traffic issue all year and working with the academy to try to
keep the loop drop-off moving. He has received numerous complaints but does not know how else to
improve the situation. There is a high volume of car traffic, more parents pick up and drop off. Police has
CSO’s present mornings and evenings, and the school district has three officers directing. They continue to
tweak the situation; the flow has improved but it’s not ideal. They are doing the best they can.
Finkelson questioned enforcement of drivers that fail to yield to pedestrians. Captain Markham advised
they have run a program for several years and used communit y outreach to educate pedestrians.
Pedestrians and drivers are equally at fault, it’s a combination problem. Before COVID they were carrying
out enforcement of both vehicle and pedestrian traffic and providing educational handouts to each.
Davis questioned removal of certain bus stops to control pedestrian crossing. Captain Markham explained
this was a goal prior to COVID but at this point it’s at the control of Metro Transit; once they’re on board
they will try to move forward. Schluender advised the “10” line is being converted to the “F” line through
the BRT and there will be less stops. Captain Markham stated the bus stop that’s problematic is at 46-1/2
Ave. On Central Ave, 45th to 47th Ave is uncontrolled so a pedestrian can cross the street anywhere legally
and there’s also bad lighting. If a northbound bus drops someone off, that person may try to dart across
Central Ave towards Hilltop. These are a couple of the west to east issues. There’s definitely room for
improvement in that area.
Finkelson asked about making the intersections at 46th and 46-1/2 Aves safer for pedestrians, even without
a bus stop. There’s still a lot of pedestrians that will using that area and he feels we should focus our energy
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on making these intersections safe for crossing the street. Captain Markham advised that a pedestrian
crossing at 43rd Ave is $300,000. He's doing the best he can from the enforcement side with what he has to
work with. We need to develop a relationship with MTC and try to get something done there such as lighting
and traffic control devices, but this is a much bigger process.
Ciesynski stated that the bus stops were a big selling point when they built the multi-units at the old K-Mart
site, as to quick access to the downtown bus line, so removing these may cause some discontent. Davis is
concerned that removing bus stops and implementation of the “F” line may cause accessibility issues and
increase the distance seniors need to walk to the bus stop, making it less feasible for them to use it.
Captain Markham advised that from 47th to 49th Ave some people use the 49th Ave walk bridge and others
just dart across Central Ave if they’re trying to catch the bus. If there were planters in-between this area it
would make it more difficult to cross the street, so you would be controlling the pedestrian traffic which
would reduce the likelihood of a crash. Mayor Simula added that if the bus dropped pedestrians at the traffic
light they would cross at the traffic light, which would be the safest place, instead of in the middle of the
block. We currently have two mid-block bus stops. It’s not about removing the bus stops but relocating
them to drop people off at the light. She is taking notes and reporting back to MnDOT with the BRT to
ensure that the bus stop is at a safe place to cross. Davis advised people don’t like to take the corners, they’ll
take the diagonal whenever possible, whether it’s a bus stop or just crossing the street in general. Captain
Markham agrees, they’ll always take the shortest route. That’s why he feels barriers on Central Ave would
make it more difficult for pedestrians to just shoot across. Finkelson asked about the legalities of crossing
the street. Captain Markham explained that at controlled intersections such as 44th and 45th Aves, you must
cross at the light, but 47th Ave is not controlled so people can cross wherever they want. This is not much
different than the Safe Systems program Minneapolis has run, Crime Prevention through Environmental
Design; through environmental design you’re trying to safely move people to an area where they’re not
going to get hit by cars. It’s not about taking away accessibility. Finkelson feels we should use environmental
controls to slow down traffic to make it safe to cross the street. Captain Markham advised that moving a
bus stop one-half block and having a traffic light to cross the street is safer for pedestrians. Mayor Simula
added this includes traffic speeds, the two work together. Finkelson feels that because of the restaurants
and businesses on Central Ave people are still going to cross at 46th and 46-1/2 Aves. Mayor Simlula advised
all options will be discussed.
Commissioners
Schluender stated that draft of the website changes that includes links to the maps looks really nice.
ADJOURNMENT
Motioned by Adams, seconded by Schluender to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
13
Item 2.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
AGENDA SECTION OLD BUSINESS
MEETING DATE MAY 17, 2022
ITEM: Public Meeting to Discuss Speed Limits in the City of Columbia Heights
DEPARTMENT: Public Works BY/DATE: Kathy Young/May 12, 2022
BACKGROUND: At the April meeting commissioners discussed reducing the speed limit on city streets. They
are in favor of a 20-25mph speed limit but feel public input would be very helpful. A public meeting will be
held on May 17, 2022 with hopes the public will attend and voice their opinion regarding this matter.
The State Statute concerning speed limits on city streets is attached.
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S):
MOTION: None at this time.
ATTACHMENT(S): State Statute
City Map
14
Item 3.
2021 Minnesota Statutes
169.14 SPEED LIMITS, ZONES; RADAR.
Subd. 5. Zoning within local area.
Subd. 5h. Speed limits on city streets.
A city may establish speed limits for city streets under the city's jurisdiction other
than the limits provided in subdivision 2 without conducting an engineering and
traffic investigation. This subdivision does not apply to town roads, county
highways, or trunk highways in the city. A city that establishes speed limits
pursuant to this section must implement speed limit changes in a consistent and
understandable manner. The city must erect appropriate signs to display the
speed limit. A city that uses the authority under this subdivision must develop
procedures to set speed limits based on the city's safety, engineering, and traffic
analysis. At a minimum, the safety, engineering, and traffic analysis must consider
national urban speed limit guidance and studies, local traffic crashes, and
methods to effectively communicate the change to the public.
15
Item 3.
16
Item 3.
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3665
3656
3700
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3665
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37
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3
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3
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37
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37
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37
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37
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3
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3
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2
3
3
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1125 1131 1137 1201 1215 1219
3670
3664
3658
3654
3651
3655
3659
3663
1028
1100
1108
1114
3656
3662
3668
3669
36593660
3668
1101
1109
3669
3663
3657
3652
3658
3664
3670
KOREAN FIRST
BAPTIST CHURCH
CVS
4.5' BOULVARD
6' SIDEWALK
6' MEDIAN
11' LANE (W/ 1' AND 2' CURB REACTION)
4.33' BOULEVARD
6' SIDEWALK
11' LANE (W/ 1' AND 2' CURB REACTION)
9' BOULEVARD
10' SHARED USE TRAIL
CUT THROUGH
MEDIAN TO PROVIDE
ALLEY ACCESS
11' LANE (W/ 2' CURB REACTION)
9' BOULEVARD
10' SHARED USE TRAIL
11' LANE (W/ 2' CURB REACTION)
9' BOULEVARD
6' SIDEWALK
ALLEYWAY RECONSTRUCTION
6' MEDIAN
11' LANE (W/1' AND 2' CURB REACTION)
4.33' BOULEVARD
6' SIDEWALK
11' LANE
(W/ 1' AND 2' CURB REACTION)
4.33' BOULEVARD
10' SHARED USE TRAIL
RETAINING WALL
11' LANE (W/ 2' CURB REACTION)
12' THRU LANE (W/ 2' CURB REACTION)
10' LEFT TURN LANE
10' THRU LANE
10' RIGHT TURN LANE (W/ 1' CURB REACTION)
4.5' BOULEVARD
10' SHARED USE TRAIL
RETAINING WALL
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1305 1313
1317 1325
3701
3705
3713
3712
3720
3719
1411
3706
3712
3718 3719
3711
1505 1513
1529
3716
3715
3707
1605
1601
1611 1621 1625
3710
3720
3711
3719
3652
3658
3664
3670 3669
3663
3657 3656
3662
3668
3669
3665
3659
3653 3652
3658
3664
3668 1400
3663
3659
3653 3652
3656
3660
1414
3669
3663
3659
3653 3652
3656
3660
3664
1600 1606 1612 1618 1624 1630
3647
HAIR
SALON
(W/ 1' AND 2' CURB REACTION)
11' LANE (W/ 2' CURB REACTION)
9' BOULEVARD
10' SHARED USE PATH
RETAINING WALL
11' LANE (W/ 2' CURB REACTION)
9' BOULEVARD
6' SIDEWALK
RETAINING WALL
1/25/2022
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FILE NO.
DATE:
156807 37TH AVENUE NORTHEAST
RECONSTRUCTION
PROJECT
MA
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POTENTIAL GREEN STORMWATER
INFRASTRUCTURE LOCATION
TURF
ROADWAY
CONCRETE SIDEWALK/MEDIAN/DRIVEWAY
SHARED USE PATH
SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION
METRO TRANSIT STOP
LEGEND
11' LANE (W/ 2' CURB REACTION)
9' BOULEVARD
10' SHARED USE TRAIL
6' MEDAIN
11' LANE (W/ 1' AND 2' CURB REACTION)
4.33' BOULEVARD
6' SIDEWALK
11' LANE (W/ 2' CURB REACTION)
9' BOULEVARD
10' SHARED USE TRAIL
CONSIDER RAISED CROSSING
DURING FINAL DESIGN
11' LEFT TURN LANE
11' RIGHT TURN/THRU LANE (W/ 2' CURB REACTION)
6' BOULEVARD
6' SIDEWALK
11' LEFT TURN LANE
11' RIGHT TURN/THRU LANE (W/ 2' CURB REACTION)
9' BOULEVARD
10' SHARED USE TRAIL
RETAINING WALL
11' LANE (W/ 2' CURB REACTION)
9' BOULEVARD
6' SIDEWALK
6' MEDIAN
17
Item 5.
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37TH AVE NE
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NE
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W
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HA
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1625 1631 1637 1651
3712
3716
3703
1703 1711 1715 1725
1733 1739 1747
2105
1624 1630 1636
1642 1648
1701
1707
1713
1719
1700 1706 1712 1718 1724 1730 1736
1742 1748 1754 1760 1766 1772
1748
1754
1760 1766
1800
1804
1816
TOP VALUE LIQUOR
SPEEDWAY
11' LANE (W/ 1' AND 2' CURB REACTION
10.5' BOULEVARD (ACCESSIBLE BOARDING
AREA AND FUTURE BRT STOP)
10' SHARED USE TRAIL
6' MEDIAN
11' LANE (W/ 1' AND 2' CURB REACTION)
9' BOULEVARD
6' SIDEWALK
ACCESSIBLE
BOARDING AREA
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37TH AVE NE
37TH
P
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S
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B
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2105
2301
3646
3647
3650
3639
2400 3642
3632
TOP VALUE LIQUOR
SPEEDWAY
MIDWEST AUTO REPAIR
CONNECT TO EXISTING TRAIL SYSTEM
NEW RAILROAD
CROSSING PANELS
NEW RAILROAD
CROSSING PANELS
12 MPH DESIGN SPPED REQUIRES VARIANCE
TRAIL OFFSET TO CROSS TRACK
AS SQUARE AS POSSIBLE
CONSIDER RAISED CROSSING DURING FINAL DESIGN
RE-STRIPE 37TH AVE EAST OF STINSON BLVD
11' LANE (W/ 2' CURB REACTION)
9' BOULEVARD
10' SHARED USE TRAIL
11' SHARED TURN LANE
11' LANE (W/ 2' CURB REACTION)
9' BOULEVARD
6' SIDEWALK
12' LANE (W/ 2' CURB REACTION)
12' LANE (W/ 2' CURB REACTION)
BOULEVARD VARIES (MAX 9')
10' SHARED USE TRAIL
11' LANE (W/ 2' CURB REACTION)
9' BOULEVARD
10' SHARED USE TRAIL
11' PAINTED MEDIAN
11' LEFT TURN LANE
11' RIGHT TURN/THRU LANE
(W/ 2' CURB REACTION)
9' BOULEVARD
6' SIDEWALK
ACCESSIBLE
BOARDING AREA
ACCESSIBLE
BOARDING AREA
1/25/2022
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FILE NO.
DATE:
156807
MA
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S
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T
1
MA
T
C
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B
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MA
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C
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L
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N
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SE
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B
E
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O
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37TH AVENUE NORTHEAST
RECONSTRUCTION
PROJECT
POTENTIAL GREEN STORMWATER
INFRASTRUCTURE LOCATION
TURF
ROADWAY
CONCRETE SIDEWALK/MEDIAN/DRIVEWAY
SHARED USE PATH
SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION
METRO TRANSIT STOP
LEGEND
11' LANE (W/ 1' AND 2' CURB REACTION)
9' BOULEVARD
10' SHARED USE TRAIL
6' MEDIAN
11' LANE (W/ 1' AND 2' CURB REACTION
9' BOULEVARD (W/ ACCESSIBLE BOARDING AREA)
6' SIDEWALK
11' LANE (W/ 1' AND 2' CURB REACTIONS)
9' BOULEVARD (W/ ACCESSIBLE BOARDING AREA)
10' SHARED USE TRAIL
8' PARKING BAY
6' MEDIAN
11' LANE (W/ 1' AND 2' CURB REACTION)
9' BOULEVARD
6' SIDEWALK
11' LANE (W/ 2' CURB REACTION)
9' BOULEVARD
10' SHARED USE TRAIL
11' LANE (W/ 2' CURB REACTION)
9' BOULEVARD
6' SIDEWALK
11' LEFT TURN LANE
11' RIGHT TURN/THRU LANE (W/ 2' CURB REACTION)
9' BOULEVARD
6' SIDEWALK
11' LANE (W/ 2' CURB REACTION)
9' BOULEVARD
10' SHARED USE TRAIL
CONSIDER RAISED CROSSING
DURING FINAL DESIGN
4' BOULEVARD
18
Item 5.