HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-21-2022 Traffic Commission Packet
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
City Hall—Council Chambers, 590 40th Ave NE
Tuesday, June 21, 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 870 5890 5039 or by Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87058905039. For
questions please call the Public Works Department at 763-706-3700.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
APPROVE MINUTES
1. Accept May 17, 2022 Minutes
NEW BUSINESS
2. Request for NO PARKING on 41st Avenue from Monroe Street to Jefferson Street
OLD BUSINESS
3. Traffic Speed Update for Reservoir Boulevard from 37th Avenue to 39th Avenue
REPORTS
City Engineer
4. City Engineer’s Report
Roberts Rules of Order
Emails Concerning Traffic Issues
Police Chief
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, May 17, 2022
6:00 PM
UNAPPROVED MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Davis 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
APPROVE MINUTES
Motion by Ciesynski, seconded by Schluender, to approve the minutes of March 15, 2022. Motion passed
unanimously.
Motion by Schluender, seconded by Ciesynski, to approve the minutes of April 19, 2022. Motion passed
unanimously.
PUBLIC MEETING
Residents Present:
Cliff Johnson, 1027 43-1/2 Ave Derek Schansberg, 3804 2nd St
Hajor Benalol, 3839 Polk St Justice Spriggs, 4645 Chatham Rd
Barb Schommer, 4102 Quincy St Gregory K. Sloat, 4731 6th St
Saudia Epps, 3804 2nd St Kt Jacobs, 4104 Monroe St
Ramona Anderson, 4132 Stinson Blvd Joe Manshiem, 3722 3rd St
Gordon Anderson, 1850 49th Ave
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 only. This does not include MnDOT or Anoka County roads.
Lowering the speed limit has been an ongoing discussion at Traffic Commission meetings. The Traffic
Commissioned called this public meeting to seek input from residents and property owners regarding the
speed limit on city streets.
Finkelson advised he brought forth the motion to recommend changing the speed limit in the city. There
have been a lot of requests for stop signs because of speeding and/or accidents, as well as residents feeling
unsafe while walking due to the lack of sidewalks.
Mr. Sloat lives at 4731 6th St. He feels this is a “stupid” idea. He personally tries to avoid Minneapolis and
St. Anthony due to the restriction of traffic and speed limits. When he drove to this meeting he did not
come across one pedestrian. If lowering the speed limit will make it safer, at what point do you stop lowering
the speed limit? Why not ban cars and make everyone walk or bike. He grew up in Columbia Heights and
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City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 17, 2022
Traffic Commission Page 2
when he was three years old his mother taught him how to cross street. He learned you don’t cross when
cars are coming. The legislature has changed it so that cars now have to watch for pedestrians, which they
should, but drivers also need to watch out for other cars. A person steps off the curb and expects the car to
stop. A car weighs 2-3,000 lbs., takes a while to stop, and he hasn’t seen an interaction yet between a car
and a pedestrian where the pedestrian doesn’t lose. So, as a pedestrian, he watches and makes sure it’s
safe to cross even if he has the right of way. The 30 mph has worked for all these years. This is a solution
looking for a problem. Lowering the speed limit to 20 mph will make it take longer to get anywhere causing
drivers more frustration along with more traffic congestion and pollution. People will take chances and cut
corners to get where they’re going creating more situations conducive to accidents, so need to think long
and hard before changing something that’s been working for decades.
Kt Jacobs, 4104 Monroe St, speaking as a resident not as a councilmember. She asked if any studies have
been done since St. Anthony changed their speed limit to 25 mph. Davis advised they have not done a study.
Jacobs stated if there is no data to show this was a benefit to the community, we would be basing the speed
limit change on what another community did without any data to support the decision. Davis concurred.
Ramona Anderson, 4132 Stinson Blvd, advised she looked up the stats for pedestrian fatalities in Minnesota.
There are 4,000,000 people in the metro area and the number of pedestrian fatalities in 2019 was 19. This
number has remained fairly steady at 20-23 for a population of 4,000,000. She agrees with Mr. Sloat, we
are creating a solution where we don’t need to. Some of these fatalities occurred because the driver or
pedestrian was intoxicated, it had nothing to do with the speed limit. Do not change the speed limit for 20
accidents a year.
Joe Manshiem lives at 3722 3rd St across from Wagamon’s which he states is frequently used as a Daytona
500. Instead of dropping the speed limit down to 20 mph why not enforce 30 mph. On Main St if you see
someone doing less than 50 mph that’s a good day. The sign at the end of his alley says 10 mph Slow Children
Ahead. People drive 20-30mph through this alley. He saw a jaywalker on the way to the meeting trying to
cross University Ave that was almost hit twice. Bicyclists drive faster than 20 mph and do not honor stop
signs or obey speed limits. He questioned how much it will cost to change all the signs from 30 mph to 20
mph, instead we could hire another police officer to slow people down. He’s a local truck driver and sees
kids playing in the streets every day. He would like to see a stat on how many kids are hit every day. Even
Minneapolis does not honor the 20 mph. Solve real crime such as carjacking in Columbia Heights. Start
focusing on the real problems facing Columbia Heights instead of the speed limit—for 20 people in a
4,000,000 population. This is a waste of time, money, and this meeting is a waste of our resources.
Barb Schommer, 4102 Quincy St, states she does have a sidewalk and it’s very well used. However, there
are very few sidewalks in Columbia Heights so it’s not a pedestrian city like Minneapolis. She is a hard no
for a 20 mph speed limit. She assumes this speed limit is for pedestrian and bicycle accidents. She sees
people cross Central Ave wherever they want in the dark. When you step out on a 4-lane road, what logic
is that? Pedestrians should yield to cars.
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City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 17, 2022
Traffic Commission Page 3
Finkelson advised that per state statute every intersection in the State of Minnesota is a crosswalk unless
there is a sign that states otherwise, such as the 49th Ave pedestrian bridge. Ms. Schommer stated she waits
to cross the street until cars are done coming, it’s just common sense. A week ago there were three little
boys approximately 11 years old that kneeled in the street on 41st Ave in the westbound lane. The three of
them lined up on their knees basically daring cars and the cars had to go around them. She took a video and
someone else called the Police. She’s seen this in north Minneapolis, it’s a game. Kids will wait on the
sidewalk until the last second and then dash in front of your car. We do not need this mindset and to
accommodate irresponsible behavior—where pedestrians don’t know enough to look for cars before
crossing the street and that’s what is happening. She’s never been hit by a car. The blame gets put on the
motorists. She does not like the bikes on the roadways, but she will wait for them. Asked if pedestrians can
still get a ticket for jaywalking. Finkelson advised per state statute the only time you’re not allowed to cross
mid-block is if there’s two lights on both of the intersections. Ms. Schommer feels 30mph is a natural speed.
When she drives to Minneapolis her anxiety goes up as the speed goes down. High traffic areas should be
30 mph not 20 mph. She is responsible for herself and her dog when crossing the street, the cars are not.
Krisma lives at 40th and Central Ave. She does not agree with footing the bill for this. She grew up in New
York City and has lived in Columbia Heights 18 years and loves it here. Her brother was hit by car when he
was a child in New York City. Her grandfather and cousin were both killed together by vehicles but that’s
New York, this is Columbia Heights. She thinks this would be a real waste of money. What about all the
drivers running red lights? People are so distracted and on edge and after two years of COVID she feels
lowering the speed limits will raise the level of stress in our community.
Gordon Anderson, 1850 49th Ave, does not believe the fatalities due to speeding are evenly distributed
across Columbia Heights. He would like to find out where the problem is and then lower the speed limit in
those areas if you believe it’s a fix instead of penalizing everyone.
Saudia Epps, 3804 2nd St, is also against lowering the speed limits in Columbia Heights. She lived in
Minneapolis for eight years and hated what they did to people who did care about pedestrians. She feels
lowering the speed limit makes people drive more aggressively because they’re going from stop sign to stop
sign and driving behind slower driving people and get upset by that as well. She doesn’t think it’s going to
help anything.
Davis advised lowering the speed limit has been an ongoing discussion of the Traffic Commission for a variety
of reasons. Last year it was related to requests to add stop signs at uncontrolled intersections questioning
a possible stop sign policy. That discussion led to the speed limits. The Traffic Commission felt it was
important to get community input before making any considerations. He received approx imately 12
electronic responses all saying they have no interest in changing speed limit and would prefer increased
enforcement of the existing laws. He put out a public post and thos e are the people who responded via
social media.
Three people were present via Zoom, none wanted to speak at the meeting.
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City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 17, 2022
Traffic Commission Page 4
Krisma asked about light dimmers or motion sensors in the parking garage on 40th Ave. Then you would
know when someone was in there as opposed to when someone’s not in there. A friend had his car stolen
in the area a month ago and he lives where he can see his vehicle. However, if the lights would have come
on, he would have been alerted to the fact that his car was being stolen. Also, parking in Columbia Heights
is very difficult for families that have multiple cars.
Captain Markham advised there is currently work being done to the parking ramp to improve safety, which
the City Council approved. They are replacing all the lighting with LED’s and installing new security cameras
and elevators. Krisma still feels motion sensors would be better. There are lots of kids that play in there
and skateboarding. It would be nice to know when there’s activity going on. The continuous light inhibits
the entire street and they are affected by that light. Motion sensors would give an alert. Captain Markham
is aware of the light pollution and this may be something they can look at. They have been doing extra patrol
of the ramp and are aware of the issues that have been going on.
He also wanted to touch base on enforcement. All four of their patrol shifts have increased traffic
enforcement, specifically on Central Ave. Between Feb 12th and March 28th there were 38 citations issued
for various offenses on Central Avenue. From March 29th to May 13th they increased proactive traffic
enforcement on Central Ave and citations went up to 85, which is a 124% increase. The main focus was
speed. They put out traffic signs and enforcement was done on shift levels when officers had free time.
Speeding was the highest ticket number along with multiple DWIs, no license, seat belts, and other various
things. They are working on this and he appreciates the support for more police officers. The department
is authorized for 29 officers and they are currently four officers short, they are trying to hire more but there
is a shortage in the entire state. If they can get more officers they can be more proactive and less reactive.
Reserves are pretty much non-existent at this point. They’ve had their best success with hiring Community
Service Officers.
Ciesynski asked if Columbia Heights is number one in carjackings. Captain Markham does not know where
this comes from and if it’s accurate. He knows Columbia Heights is high for vehicle thefts but is not the
highest in the county. A lot depends on if they’re able to solve some of these cases. In 2018 and 2019 only
8 cars fled from them each year. In 2020 it went up to 24, in 2021 it was 32 or 34, and in 2022 it’s already
at 17. The sudden rise in violent carjackings is metro state-wide. A lot of information is gained from social
media sites that follow police dispatch, but this is not always accurate. For example, recently they were
dispatched to a shooting on Central Ave where a bus shelter window was shot out. When they arrived they
found an intoxicated person, there was no gun or shooting, and the bus stop window had been broken
forever. They have not had that many carjackings where people are physically removed from the car and
this is different from a vehicle theft. As far as carjackings, most are juveniles from Minnesota.
Young advised that of the three emails she received, two were in favor of reducing the speed limit and one
was against. Davis received an email from a resident on the 4200 block of Arthur St who is strongly in favor
of lowering the speed limit in the city. Arthur St is currently posted at 30 mph which is too high for a
residential street. Vehicles regularly drive 10-15 mph above that speed limit and she is frequently tailgated
while driving 30 mph. There are many children on the block and she is concerned about the speed of traffic
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City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 17, 2022
Traffic Commission Page 5
traveling through the area. She is in favor of the 20 mph speed limit on residential streets, the same as has
been posted in the Minneapolis. Lowering the speed limit should stop drivers from speeding in our
residential areas. Also, road design that is more conducive to traffic calming should be studied and
implemented. There are uncontrolled intersections in the area and few sidewalks.
A resident asked about speed bumps. Speed bumps are counter-productive. They need to be removed in
the winter, are noisy for residents when cars go over them , and as soon as drivers are over they gun it to
make up the time. They are also detrimental to emergency vehicles. Finkelson is not in favor of speed
bumps but there are many other traffic calming measures available to slow traffic down. He would prefer
gentle traffic calming measures that slow traffic to a steady 20-25 mph and eliminate some of the stop signs.
Driving a steadily at 20-25 mph is actually faster than stopping and starting every block or two for a stop
sign. He brought forward reducing the speed limits in Columbia Heights. It’s his least favorite way to slow
traffic but it’s the most inexpensive.
Ms. Schommer asked Finkelson what he meant by fixing the traffic flow. He stated the Traffic Commission
is trying to be more proactive. Previously a resident would request a stop sign due to an uncontrolled
intersection and/or accidents. The Traffic Commission would follow the MUTCD guidelines to approve or
deny the stop sign. The result has been a lot of stop signs throughout the city. Ms. Schommer asked how
you would fix the flow of traffic on Jefferson St for example. The State of MN has best practices guide for
residential streets. One example is a bump out to make the street a little narrower at the intersection by
removing part of the shoulder so cars would need to slow down. It has been proven that the wider the lanes
are on a roadway, the faster cars will travel. So, if you conservatively narrow the lanes, psychologically
drivers will reduce their speed.
Resident asked how many fatalities occurred on residential roads last year. Finkelson advised there have
been none but there have been car crashes. Resident stated there are always going to be crashes; we are
talking about something that doesn’t exist. We have zero fatalities.
There were no further comments from the audience or via Zoom.
Motion by Davis to close the public meeting. Seconded by Schluender. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Davis to recommend the City Council make no changes to the residential speed limit and it be
maintained at 30 mph. Seconded by Ciesynski. Roll call vote: Ciesynski aye, Davis aye, Finkelson nay,
Nekora nay, Schluender nay. Motion failed.
Motion by FInkelson to recommend the City Council reduce the minimum speed limit to 20 mph. Motion
failed for lack of a second.
OLD BUSINESS
ADDRESS ANY FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS FOR SARA ION, CITY CLERK, REGARDING MEETING
ATTENDANCE/OPEN MEETING LAWS FOR BOARD/COMMISSION MEMBERS
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City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 17, 2022
Traffic Commission Page 6
Commissioners had no questions. Sara left copies of the Roberts Rules of Order and advised she is always
available for questions, not just at the meetings.
37TH AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
Young advised 37th Ave from Central Ave to Stinson Blvd is slated for reconstruction in 2023. It will be a 2-
lane road with one lane in each direction. There will be a pedestrian and bicycle trail on the north side and
sidewalk on the south side.
Davis advised there were a series of public meetings jointly with Minneapolis and Columbia Heights last
year. There have been significant changes to the project requested by the City of Minneapolis since that
time. This personally makes him less enthusiastic for the project. His understanding is that it’s $3M over
budget. One of the notable changes is that pedestrian islands have been added to allow residents from
Minneapolis better access to the shared trail on the north side of 37th Ave. Another change is the curb cuts
where the road gets narrower as you approach 37th Ave. Feels we are over budget because of the way the
road approaches 37th Ave. Because of bump outs and pedestrian islands there is a waviness to the road and
most parking has been eliminated. Buses will stop all traffic on 37th Ave. Also, 37th Ave will not be as wide
as the west side of Central Ave.
Davis asked about rounded corners at 37th and Central Aves to allow trucks and semis to make the turn—
Young advised this was removed by Minneapolis. Instead the stop bar is set back to allow room for the
trucks to make the turn. Davis stated there is the same issue on Johnson St. Young advised they looked at
the turning movements at each of these intersections and made whatever adjustments needed for making
the turn.
Resident asked if there is anything that can be done to improve the quality of 37th Ave before 2023. The
road is and has been in terrible shape.
Kt Jacobs, speaking as a resident, advised that at the initial virtual meetings residents along 37th Ave
attended, they stated parking was not an issue. Also, it was her understanding that the lanes were to be
slightly wider than what they are now. Young advised the travel lanes are 11’ wide with a 1-2’ curb reaction
distance making them 12-13’ from the centerline to the curb. She is unsure if this is wider or not. Kt advised
part of the delay for reconstruction was due to applying for grant money. Minneapolis was not on board at
the same time as Columbia Heights and the project is a coordination of effort because it's a split roadway.
Both cities had to re-apply for grant money which took a couple of years and then go through the entire
engineering process. She travels that way a lot and knows it is and has been a terrible road. They’re
currently doing water line work along 37th and once that’s done they’ll be able to begin the road project.
NEW BUSINESS
None
REPORTS
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Item 1.
City of Columbia Heights MINUTES May 17, 2022
Traffic Commission Page 7
City Engineer
None
Police Chief
None
Commissioners
Finkelson advised a number of residents in Columbia Heights have started a petition drive to MnDOT
regarding Central Ave. MnDOT is currently conducting a PEL study of Central and University Aves regarding
projects over the next 10-20 years. Residents can google Highway 65 and Highway 47 for information.
MnDOT is doing outreach so residents have an opinion. The idea in general is asking MnDOT to treat Central
Ave as a main street in Columbia Heights. It is a highway with four lanes and in Columbia Heights it is a main
street with driveways to businesses, intersections, residential on both sides, and people crossing the street.
The idea is to treat Central Ave as a main street versus a highway. There will be two public meetings at the
library, not associated with the Traffic Commission. He read the card and advised he would be around after
the meeting for any questions.
ADJOURNMENT
Motioned by Davis, seconded by Schluender to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
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Item 1.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
AGENDA SECTION NEW BUSINESS
MEETING DATE JUNE 21, 2022
ITEM: Request for NO PARKING on 41st Avenue from Monroe Street to Jefferson Street
DEPARTMENT: Public Works BY/DATE: Kathy Young/June 15, 2022
BACKGROUND: Kt Jacobs has requested NO PARKING on the north side of 41 st Avenue from Monroe Street to
Jefferson Street. 41st Avenue from approximately Jackson Street to Jefferson Street is a primary route for
emergency vehicles. The concern is that the width of the street cannot accommodate two -way traffic with
parking on both sides.
The following No Parking restrictions are in place on 41 st Avenue:
Monroe Street to Quincy Street – No Parking on the north side.
Quincy Street to Jackson Street – No Parking on the north side next to the Public Safety Building. No
parking on the south side, except for funerals.
Jackson Street to Van Buren Street – No Parking on either side of 41st Avenue.
Van Buren Street to Central Avenue – No Parking on either side, except for a short distance next to
Wargo Park.
41st Avenue is 30’ wide from Monroe Street to Jefferson Street. This is typical for residential streets in
Columbia Heights.
East of Monroe Street, 41st Avenue is 36’ to 37’ wide.
Input from Police and Fire Departments will be available at the meeting.
If the Traffic Commission elects to proceed with the No Parking recommendation, a public hearing is needed.
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S):
MOTION: None at this time.
ATTACHMENT(S): Request for No Parking with photos
Aerial
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Item 2.
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Item 2.
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Item 2.
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Item 2.
³
Disclaimer: Map and parcel data are believed to be accurate, but accuracy is not guaranteed. This is not a legal document and should not be substituted for a title search, appraisal, survey, or for zoning verification.
41st Ave, Jackson to Jefferson
Anoka County GIS
Owner Information:Parcel Information: Approx. Acres:
Commissioner:
Plat:
Date: 6/15/20221:1,200
LEGEND
NO PARKING (EXISTING)
NO PARKING EXCEPT
FOR FUNERALS (EXISTING)
PROPOSED NO PARKING PROPOSED NO PARKING
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Item 2.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
AGENDA SECTION OLD BUSINESS
MEETING DATE JUNE 21, 2022
ITEM: Traffic Speed Update for Reservoir Boulevard from 37th Avenue to 39th Avenue
DEPARTMENT: Public Works BY/DATE: Kathy Young/June 15, 2022
BACKGROUND: In 2021, the Traffic Commission requested a speed comparison be obtained for Reservoir
Boulevard from 37th Avenue to 39th Avenue, before and after restriping to narrow the travel lanes and add
bike lanes.
Traffic patterns were obtained by the Police Department from May 18-22, 2021 with radar (not speed trailer).
This was before Reservoir Boulevard was restriped with narrower traffic lanes and bike lanes.
The Police Department obtained additional information from May 25-28, 2022. Comparisons between two
data sets are shown on the tables below. The 85th Percentile speeds, which is the speed that 85% of motorists
are driving, are within 1 mph of each other.
2021
2022
RECOMMENDED MOTION(S):
MOTION: None at this time.
ATTACHMENT(S): 2021 Radar printouts
2022 Radar printouts
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Item 3.
Reservoir Blvd Facing South 2-Chart-2
2021
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Item 3.
Reservoir Blvd Facing South 2-Chart-3
2021
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Item 3.
Reservoir Blvd Facing South 2-Chart-5
2021
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Item 3.
Reservoir Blvd Between 37th Ave and 39th Ave-Chart-1
2022
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Item 3.
Reservoir Blvd Between 37th Ave and 39th Ave-Chart-2
2022
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Item 3.
Reservoir Blvd Between 37th Ave and 39th Ave-Chart-3
2022
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Item 3.
Reservoir Blvd Between 37th Ave and 39th Ave-Chart-4
2022
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Item 3.
Reservoir Blvd Between 37th Ave and 39th Ave-Chart-5
2022
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Item 3.
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
AGENDA SECTION REPORTS
MEETING DATE JUNE 21, 2022
ITEM: City Engineer’s Report
DEPARTMENT: Public Works BY/DATE: Kathy Young/June 15, 2022
4. ROBERTS RULES OF ORDER
The City Clerk has provided the attached guidelines for Roberts Rules of Order for your reference.
5. EMAILS CONCERNING TRAFFIC ISSUES
At a previous Traffic Commission meeting, Commissioners requested copies of emails concerning traffic
issues. Three emails have been directed to staff.
Request for 4-way stop signs at 50th Avenue and Jefferson Street
The concern was traffic not stopping at the stop signs at 49th Avenue and Jefferson Street (4-way stop)
as well as the signs stopping traffic on 50th Avenue at Jefferson Street (2-way stop) and the speed of
traffic.
Currently traffic stops on 50th Avenue at Jefferson Street. There is a flashing light on the stop sign. The
Police Department reviewed the accident records for the intersection. There have been five reported
accidents since 2018. Slippery road conditions were a contributing factor in two accidents and an
intoxicated driver caused one accident. The applicable MMUTCD guideline for multi-way stop is: Five
or more reported crashes in a 12-month period that are susceptible to correction by a multi-way stop
installation.
The resident was informed that the intersection at Jefferson Street and 50th Avenue did not meet
guidelines for multi-way stop.
The Police Department also placed the speed trailer in the area. The summary is provided below.
Request for flashing pedestrian crossing at Columbia Middle School
A parent has requested a flashing pedestrian light at the crossing by the middle school. Staff contacted
Anoka County with the request. Anoka County will review the crossing next fall to determine if the
criteria is met to install flashing pedestrian lights.
Request for speed humps on St. Moritz Drive
The concern was traffic speed. Resident was informed that speed humps are not an option as St.
Moritz Drive is in both Columbia Heights and Fridley.
ATTACHMENT(S): Roberts Rules of Order
Traffic accidents at 50th Avenue and Jefferson Street
Emails (3)
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Item 4.
1
Kathy Young
Subject:FW: Report a Concern
Attachments:image001.jpg; image002.png
From: Janaya Arellano <janaya.martin@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2022 5:28 PM
To: Kathy Young <KYoung@columbiaheightsmn.gov>
Cc: Matt Markham <MMarkham@columbiaheightsmn.gov>
Subject: Re: Report a Concern
Hi Kathy,
I appreciate the reply and understand the intent of a stop sign. I also see them, on a very regular basis, being completely
ignored, which is what prompted my complaint.
I am not certain that the intersection at 50th and Jefferson meets the five crash threshold, but would appreciate it very
much if accident data were reviewed.
A speed trailer would also be very much appreciated.
Thanks to you both for your assistance.
Regards,
Janaya
On Fri, May 20, 2022, 4:27 PM Kathy Young <KYoung@columbiaheightsmn.gov> wrote:
Hello-
Thank you for your email. I have also copied Police Captain Markham.
Stop signs are not intended for speed control. These signs are meant to assign right-of-way at an intersection.
The Police Department can set up the speed trailer on Jefferson Street to remind motorists that the speed limit is 30
mph.
The City typically follows the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for installing stop signs. Guidelines from the
MMUTCD are attached.
One of the guidelines for a multi-way stop is:
Five or more reported crashes in a 12-month period that are susceptible to correction by a multi-way stop
installation. Such crashes include right-turn and left-turn collisions as well as right-angle collisions.
The Police Department will review the accident data.
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Item 4.
2
Please contact me with any questions.
Kathy Young | Assistant City Engineer
City of Columbia Heights | Public Works Department
637 38th Avenue NE | Columbia Heights, MN 55421
KYoung@ColumbiaHeightsMN.gov
Direct: (763) 706-3704
Main: (763) 706-3700
From: Publicworks <Publicworks@columbiaheightsmn.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2022 11:49 AM
To: Kathy Young <KYoung@columbiaheightsmn.gov>
Subject: FW: Report a Concern
From: info <Columbia.HeightsInfo@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us>
Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2022 11:27 AM
To: Publicworks <Publicworks@columbiaheightsmn.gov>
Subject: FW: Report a Concern
From:noreply=revize.com@turbo-smtp.info <noreply=revize.com@turbo-smtp.info>On Behalf Of noreply@revize.com
Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2022 8:25 AM
To: info <Columbia.HeightsInfo@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us>
Cc: Will Rottler <WRottler@columbiaheightsmn.gov>
Subject: Report a Concern
first_name = Janaya
last_name = Arellano
Email =janaya.martin@gmail.com
Phone = 6125528092
Please-Select-a-Concern =info@columbiaheightsmn.gov
textarea-1617653690382 = 4908 Jefferson St NE
issue = Intersection of 49th and Jefferson has grown increasingly problematic in that people are viewing the stop signs as
optional. Even and especially in the morning as CHILDREN are walking to school.
Further, without a 4-way stop at 50th and Jefferson, people often go 40+ down Jefferson (between 49th and 51st). It is
simply not safe.
preferred_contact = email
Client IP = 63.231.144.182
Disclaimer: Information in this message or attachment may be government data and thereby subject to the Minnesota
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system.
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Item 4.
1
Kathy Young
Subject:FW: Report a Concern
From: Kathy Young
Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2022 5:24 PM
To: 'carolewhitney@mac.com' <carolewhitney@mac.com>
Subject: RE: Report a Concern
Thank you for submitting the information concerning safety at the school. 49th Avenue is a County State Aid Highway. I
will photograph the crossing and send your request to Anoka County.
Kathy Young | Assistant City Engineer
City of Columbia Heights | Public Works Department
637 38th Avenue NE | Columbia Heights, MN 55421
KYoung@ColumbiaHeightsMN.gov
Direct: (763) 706-3704
Main: (763) 706-3700
From: Publicworks <Publicworks@columbiaheightsmn.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2022 8:14 AM
To: Kathy Young <KYoung@columbiaheightsmn.gov>
Subject: FW: Report a Concern
From: info <Columbia.HeightsInfo@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us>
Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2022 7:57 AM
To: Publicworks <Publicworks@columbiaheightsmn.gov>
Subject: FW: Report a Concern
From:noreply=revize.com@turbo-smtp.info <noreply=revize.com@turbo-smtp.info>On Behalf Of noreply@revize.com
Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2022 5:16 PM
To: info <Columbia.HeightsInfo@ci.columbia-heights.mn.us>
Cc: Will Rottler <WRottler@columbiaheightsmn.gov>
Subject: Report a Concern
first_name = Carole
last_name = Whitney
Email =carolewhitney@mac.com
Phone = 6513292770
Please-Select-a-Concern =info@columbiaheightsmn.gov
textarea-1617653690382 = Columbia Academy
issue = Hearing of a youngster being hit by a motorcycle exiting a bus in another city, I’m moved to request, strongly, a
new traffic control mechanism in front of Columbia Academy. When picking up or dropping off my student, I observe
that frequently cars do not stop for students at or in the crosswalk.
I’d like to request a similar treatment used by St. Anthony on Silver Lake Road near their secondary school. It is a flashing
light like the one in front of CA, but has a walk button for pedestrians’ use, changing the yellow to a red light but only on
demand. This would be preferable to either a stop sign or a semaphore that would stop traffic in a busy traffic area yet
keep our young citizens safe.
preferred_contact = email
Client IP = 63.231.151.78
29
Item 4.
1
Kathy Young
Subject:FW: Ask a Question/Report a Problem
From: Kathy Young
Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2022 11:39 AM
To: 'jsaj112@comcast.net' <jsaj112@comcast.net>
Cc: Matt Markham <MMarkham@columbiaheightsmn.gov>
Subject: RE: Ask a Question/Report a Problem
Hello-
Thank you for your interest concerning speed humps on St Moritz Dr. St Moritz is unusual as part of the block is in
Fridley. Because of this, speed humps are not an available option.
Police Captain Markham is copied on this email to schedule the speed monitoring trailer on St Moritz Drive to remind
motorists that the speed limit is 30 mph.
Kathy Young | Assistant City Engineer
City of Columbia Heights | Public Works Department
637 38th Avenue NE | Columbia Heights, MN 55421
KYoung@ColumbiaHeightsMN.gov
Direct: (763) 706-3704
Main: (763) 706-3700
From: Publicworks <Publicworks@columbiaheightsmn.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2022 8:13 AM
To: Kathy Young <KYoung@columbiaheightsmn.gov>
Subject: FW: Ask a Question/Report a Problem
From:noreply=revize.com@turbo-smtp.info <noreply=revize.com@turbo-smtp.info>On Behalf Of noreply@revize.com
Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2022 7:30 AM
To: Publicworks <Publicworks@columbiaheightsmn.gov>
Subject: Ask a Question/Report a Problem
Name = JOE SAJADI
Address = 5151 SAINT MORITZ DRIVE COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN 55421
Phone = 6125014797
Email =jsaj112@comcast.net
issue = Other
description/question = I live on St. Moritz Drive. If you are familiar with our Neighborhood, you know that St. Moritz is
the connecting ROUTE between Matterhorn/Central avenue traffic and Silver Lake Road. This Spring, similar to past
years, traffic speeds are out of control.
Street Address = 5151 Saint Moritz Drive
Intersecting Street = Innsbruck Parkway
Describe = Between Innsbruck and Glacier, need a speed bump.
Client IP = 170.218.46.23
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30
Item 4.