HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-03-18 Minutes
MINUTES OF THE
Edina Transportation Commission
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Edina City Hall
4801 West 50th Street
Council Chambers
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Geof Workinger, Jennifer Janovy, Tom Bonneville, Jean White, Michael Schroeder, Julie
Sierks, Usha Abramovitz, Nathan Franzen, Paul Nelson, Josh Sprague
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
Jack Sullivan, Sharon Allison
I. Call to Order
II. Comments
a. Chairman Comments
Chair Workinger reported that the City Council recently appointed over 35 new board
and commissions members, including three to the ETC. They were introduced as
Nathan Franzen, Josh Sprague and Paul Nelson.
b. Community Comments
None.
III. Acceptance of Meeting Summary
a. Regular Meeting of February 18, 2010
One correction was made to page 3, New Business – “Acting-chair Janovy suggested
reviewing the idea of creating bylaws.” Commission Bonneville motion to approve the meeting
summary with the correction and it was seconded by Commissioner Janovy.
The minutes of January 21, 2010 was also motioned for approval by Commission Bonneville
and seconded by Commissioner Abramovitz.
IV. New Business
a. MnPass (Heidi Rudh)
Ms. Rudh explained that MnPass Express Lanes are carpool lanes that can be used by cars,
motorcycles, buses, etc. to increase the efficiencies of a roadway by giving solo drivers the
opportunity to use carpool lanes for a fee (maximum is $8.00). After setting up on account, the
average user uses the carpool lane at least twice monthly. Ms. Rudh explained further that the
hours of operation are 6:00-10:00 a.m. driving into downtown Minneapolis and 2:00-7:00 p.m.
leaving downtown. The fees generated are used for lane maintenance.
Chair Workinger suggested working with our Communications Department to create a short
segment for broadcast on our cable channel.
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b. 66th Street Speed Study
Assistant city engineer Sullivan explained that a petition was received in 2007 requesting that
the speed limit be reduced on 66th Street between Valley View Road and TH-100; and the City
Council has referred it to the ETC for review and recommendation.
Mr. Sullivan explained that the roadway is currently signed 35 mph to Sherwood, and then it
goes down to 30 mph. He said the roadway was originally an entrance to TH-100 and most
likely carried more vehicles than it does today. He said there are sidewalks in place and a
Roslyn Park nearby.
Mr. Sullivan explained further that a speed study is required by Mn/DOT to be consistent with
state statue and also because of the roads unique designation of “rural/residential district”
bounded on each side by “urban district.” Data gathered shows that in 2005 there were 6,233
vehicles traveling at 38.1 mph; 2009 had 5,551 vehicles traveling at 33.9 mph; and most recent
data in 2008 shows 4,600 vehicles traveling at 39.1 mph. Mr. Sullivan said given that the
average speed is between 35-40 mph, Mn/DOT could reduce the speed to 30, leave it as is, or
increase it. He said they study could be done this summer.
Mr. Scott Solberg, 4201 W. 66th Street (petitioner) said his primary concern is safety and that
walking is dangerous because of the high speed. He said currently, there have been no
accidents, but he is concerned that the discussion to reduce W. 70th Street to 25 mph could
cause traffic to increase on 66th Street and, if W. 70th can be reduced to 25 mph, why not 30
mph on W. 66th Street.
After discussion, Commissioner Bonneville motioned that they recommend procedures
to change the roadway to a park road and include signage similar to those in school
zones for traffic to slow down when pedestrians are present, and to use this as a
potential strategic way of handling other park problems within the City. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Janovy with an amendment that the motion be tabled
pending further information on the discussion.
Further discussion ensued and Commissioner Bonneville agreed to withdraw his motion until
more information can be obtained.
Commissioner Sprague motioned to table the resolution pending further investigation.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner White. Commissioner Franzen requested
an amendment to have staff study the options discussed (park road designation/urban
district or rural/designate as park zone). The amendment was accepted.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Abramovitz, Bonneville, Franzen, Janovy, Nelson, Schroeder, Sprague, White,
Workinger
Absent: Sierks
Motion carried rollcall vote.
Staff will bring this back to the ETC in April and chair Workinger asked that they do not begin
discussion until all requested information is available.
c. Introduction to the Edina Transportation Commission
Assistant City Engineer Sullivan recommended that this be tabled for a later meeting. He said
the intent is to explore the purpose of the ETC, including possibly hearing from residents. Chair
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Workinger recommended that new members read the Transportation Chapter of the Comp
Plan which is used as a benchmark. Commissioner Janovy suggested updating the ETC Policy
to bring it in line with the Transportation Chapter. Sullivan said there should be some
discussion on how to modify the Policy.
V. Planning Commission Update (Commissioner Schroeder)
Commissioner Schroeder said while they are reviewing the senior housing, their major activity
continues to be the zoning ordinance update; and next month focus will be on the Small Area
Study.
VI. Bike Edina Task Force Update (Commissioner Janovy)
Commissioner Janovy said they are hosting a Bike Rodeo at Highlands School for children on
April 17.
VII. Staff Liaison Comments
a. 70th Street Reconstruction Update
Assistant City Engineer Sullivan said the plans have been sent to Mn/DOT for review and
anticipated start date is still May.
b. Metro Transit Route 6
Assistant City Engineer Sullivan said a revised map was sent out recently that appears to meet
the needs of most residents.
c. Community Comments from February 2010
Assistant City Engineer Sullivan said at the February meeting a resident had multiple traffic-
related concerns and they were addressed by Traffic Safety Committee and the resident was
notified.
Commissioner Comments
Commissioner White said she is no longer the ETC’s representative on the Small Area Study
committee. She said Commissioner Sprague expressed an interest and she had deferred to
him.
Commissioner Bonneville said he sent Mr. Sullivan a list of 15 items that he considers to be
duties of the ETC and the Planning Commission to determine what each should be doing. He
would like this added to the next agenda.
Commissioner Workinger said they will be electing a new chair at the next meeting. He said he
will continue to serve as Commissioner.
VIII. Adjournment.