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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-08-20 Minutes 1 MINUTES OF THE Edina Transportation Commission Thursday, August 20, 2009 Edina City Hall 4801 West 50th Street Council Chambers MEMBERS PRESENT: Geof Workinger, Jennifer Janovy, Warren Plante, Michael Schroeder, Tom Bonneville MEMBERS ABSENT: Marc Usem, Jean White, Usha Abramovitz, Julie Sierks STAFF PRESENT: Jack Sullivan, Sharon Allison I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by chair Workinger. II. Comments a. Chairman Comments None. b. Community Comments None. III. Approval of Minutes a. Regular minutes of June 18, 2009 Commissioner Bonneville moved to approve the minutes of June 18, 2009. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Schroeder. IV. Old Business None. V. New Business a. Counties Transit Improvement Board Presentation – Mr. Peter McLaughlin, Hennepin County Commissioner 4th District Commissioner McLaughlin said he was invited by Mayor Hovland to present the Counties Transit Improvement (Mayor Hovland is a member of the Grant Evaluation and Ranking Systems [GEARS] Committee that advises the Board). He said the region is in a period of redefinition in terms of transit funding with one line opened (Hiawatha) and others nearing completion (Northstar and Central Corridors), as well as new bus routes (Cedar Avenue & 35W Busways). Funding sources, he said, includes the new stimulus money for high speed and intercity rail; a ¼ cent sales tax in the metro area; and the new federal authorization bill which is still pending. Commissioner McLaughlin showed a map that included routes for mixed mode transportation covering Dakota, Washington, Ramsey, Anoka, and Hennepin Counties. He said, while seven 2 counties were given authority, only the five listed agreed to participate and are members of the Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB). He said the role of the CTIB is to set criteria and award grants from the transit improvement sales tax revenue. He said in their 17 months of existence, they were able to approve the transit sales tax and eight months after, awarded their first grant for $85b. He said funding for new projects (LRT and Commuter Light Rail) will be 50% federal, 10% state, 30% transit sales tax, and 10% from the County Rail Authority. Additionally, he said the Legislators approved $47m in bonding ($26m for passenger rail and $21m for transit in the metro); the Metro Transit operating deficit was resolved without fare increase; and MnDOT was given authority to seek federal high speed funds. Commissioner McLaughlin said their status report includes the 5-year-old Hiawatha LRT with 12% ridership and a Minneapolis extension transit hub opening in late 2009, close to the new ball park; Northstar to open in late 2009; Cedar and I-35 BRT (buses) to begin running in 2010; Central Corridor to begin construction in 2010 and open in 2014; a route will be selected for the Southwest LRT late 2009; Bottineau Transitway will run from downtown through north Minneapolis NW Suburbs in 2009; Northern Lights Express intercity passenger rail service from Duluth to Minneapolis is undergoing technical and environmental studies; I-94 East from St. Paul to St. Croix River is exploring mode with feasibility to begin soon; Robert Street from downtown St. Paul to 494/110 interchange and on to Rosemount via TH 52 feasibility study completed; Red Rock 30-mile rail line from Hastings through St. Paul to downtown Minneapolis; Rush Line 80-mile corridor from Hinckley to downtown St. Paul under study; and a late addition to the stimulus bill is an $8b high speed rail to Chicago. Facility status report included a Minneapolis Transit Hub in 2009 and a station next to the new ball field served by multiple lines. Commissioner McLaughlin wrapped up his presentation with the next generation of issues for CTIB, their vision, definition of transitways, methods to achieving their vision, and an overview of their 2009 Grant Solicitation Process for 2010 Grants. b. 4820 W. 77th Street Transportation Review Mr. Sullivan explained that a restaurant is being proposed for 4820 W. 77th Street, the Walsh Title site. He said of the 18,000 sq. ft. building, 8,000 sq. ft. would become the restaurant which would seat 140, serving lunch and dinner. He said the square footage and seating capacity is comparable to what the Planning Commission uses and parking and trip generation were calculated using 140 seats. He said no other changes to the site are proposed. Mr. Sullivan explained that daily trips would increase by 582, with a.m. peak decreasing by 14 and p.m. peak increasing from 32 to 75. He said the overall level of service would remain within an acceptable measure of Level of Service D or better. He said staff’s concerns with the proposal were: 1) serving breakfast in the future; and additional information were requested from the developer; 2) turning movements at the intersection of W. 77th Street at the traffic signal, which is shared by the Burgundy and the Pentagon Towers office building. Mr. Sullivan said the intersection is heavily used and staff wanted to be sure they did not accelerate the problems that were identified in two previous studies (AUAR and Edina Gateway Pentagon) by changing the site today; and 3) eastbound movement into the site indicated that the turn bay may need to be lengthen or change the timing of the traffic signal. He said staff has decided against changes at this time and instead will wait for future planned development in the area. He said the developer and traffic consultant were present to answer questions. 3 Mr. Sullivan said staff’s recommendation was “If so desired by the Transportation Commission, adopt a motion recommending that the Transportation Study for 4820 W. 77th Street does not adversely affect the adjacent transportation system.” Commissioner Bonneville began the discussion by stating his opposition to the development based on the following reasons: the counts were under estimated; there is not enough parking for restaurant patrons and employees; handicap parking requires more space; 400 trips per day seems low; and traffic could be backed-up onto the roadway. Mr. Sullivan explained that internal circulation is within the purview of the Planning Commission and the restaurant being planned has a similar sized one in St. Paul that functions efficiently. The developer, Chris Hickok of Wayzata Properties, said the restaurant, Little Schezuan, will have 16 fulltime employees. He said the restaurant is larger than the average size with a larger kitchen. He also said there are 80 parking spaces, including handicap. Mr. Hickok was asked if there will be take-out service and what impact this would have on traffic. He said there will be take-out but it was not factored in separately from dining-in patrons. Chair Workinger said he does not feel that the study can be approved without knowing the impact of take-outs. Mr. Sullivan said the ITE trip generation used is for high turnover sit down restaurants and take-out trip generation is included. He said it could be pursued further but he is not sure the numbers can be separated based on the research method used. Traffic consultant, JoNette Kuhnau, of Kimley-Horn explained that the analysis used in the traffic study is based on typical high turn- over restaurants such as Apple Bee’s. Commissioner Janovy asked about pedestrian movements in and around the site. Mr. Hickok said there are no plans at this time for sidewalks. He said as the Gateway development proceeds sidewalk will be added (the first phase is planned for 2013). Commissioner Janovy said she is familiar with a location where traffic spills out into the street because of limited parking and not knowing if the Planning Commission will make changes that will impact traffic makes it difficult for the ETC. Commissioner Schroeder said the challenge for him is what is happening on the site and as a Planning Commissioner he will be looking at the site plan fairly soon. He said is not so concerned with the traffic numbers. Commissioner Bonneville made a motion to table the 4820 W. 77th Street Transportation Review until the developer can present supporting data. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Plante. Commissioner Bonneville said supporting data would include turnover of parking; arrangement made by developer and adjacent property for reciprocal easement agreement for additional parking; and proof that there will not be lots of back-ups onto the roadway. Chair Workinger said this is may not be within the purview of the ETC. Commissioner Bonneville said he does not believe there is enough parking and, therefore, the cars will not be able to get in and out adequately. Commissioner Janovy said this may not need to come back to the ETC because the Planning Commission and Council will have the ETC’s minutes to review. 4 Chair Workinger called for a roll call vote as follow: Commissioner Bonneville: Aye Commissioner Janovy: Aye Commissioner Plante: Aye Commissioner Workinger: Nay Commissioner Schroeder: Nay Commissioner White: Absent Commissioner Abramvotiz: Absent Commissioner Usem: Absent Commissioner Sierks: Absent (non-voting) Motion passed 3 to 2. c. 8050 W. 78th Street Transportation Review Mr. Sullivan said this property is located at the northeast corner of TH-169 and TH-494. He said the developer is proposing a 42,000 sq. ft. law office with 140 employees. The traffic study was reviewed by the city’s traffic consultant, Chuck Rickart and also MnDOT because of existing plans to redevelop TH-169 which placed constraints on the site due to the highway redevelopment. Mr. Sullivan said staff’s concerns are: 1) development is close to the slip ramp which will be eliminated when the highway is redeveloped; and 2) interaction of the neighboring property entrance with the new entrance. He said staff has requested that the entrance be a right-in/right-out only because of the slip ramp. The slip ramp will be eliminated when the highway is redeveloped and the developer would like to open the entrance to full access and staff is recommending evaluating this at that time. Other mitigation measures are to move the median closer to the entrance to facilitate the right-in/right-out only and provide proper signage for such. Mr. Sullivan said staff’s recommendation was “If so desired by the Transportation Commission, adopt a motion recommending that the transportation Study for 8050 W. 78th Street does not adversely affect the adjacent transportation system and that all necessary improvements to 78th Street shall be approved by the City; design and construction of the improvements shall be the responsibility of the Developer.” Mr. Sullivan said the developer, Dean Dovolis of DJR, and traffic consultant, Nicholas J. Erpelding was available to answer questions. Commissioner Bonneville asked if the developer considered a second entrance on the west side of the property. Mr. Sullivan said the site is challenged by the wetland parameters and MnDOT will need 30 ft. to redevelop TH-169. Mr. Dovolis said they studied different entrance options and this is the only one that will work. Commissioner Bonneville asked if it is possible to have a two-lane roadway and Mr. Sullivan said yes. Commissioner Bonneville then asked if this could be done through cost participation. Mr. Sullivan said this may not be a reasonable request considering that the roadway is scheduled for redevelopment in the near future. Commissioner Schroeder made a motion to accept staff’s recommendation as follow: “If so desired by the Transportation Commission, adopt a motion recommending that the transportation Study for 8050 W. 78th Street does not adversely affect the adjacent transportation system and that all necessary improvements to 78th Street shall be 5 approved by the City; design and construction of the improvements shall be the responsibility of the Developer.” The motion was seconded by Commissioner Janovy. All voted aye. Motion passed. d. Safe Routes to School Study Mr. Sullivan said Safe Routes to School Study was funded by a grant from Mn/DOT to help facilitate safe walking and biking to school. He said starting this school year, most schools, including private schools will be marked either 15 or 20 mph when children are present, plus additional signage and/or striping. A mailing went out to 5,300 household notifying them of the changes. VI. Planning Commission Update (Commissioner Schroeder) Commissioner Schroeder said they are continuing to update the zoning ordinance with input from the community and board members and expects a meeting in November. VII. Bike Edina Task Force Update (Commissioner Janovy) a. Bike meeting minutes (July 2009) Commissioner Janovy said several bike rides are scheduled as follow: o August 24, 5:30 p.m. Ride with the Mayor o August 25, 6:30 p.m. Edina Fun Ride (slow pace) o September 26, 8:30 a.m. Edina Fall Color Ride (registration through Community Education) VIII. Staff Comments a. 2010/2011 Neighborhood Reconstruction Projects Mr. Sullivan reviewed the 2010/2011 neighborhoods that are scheduled for reconstruction and asked the Commissioners to forward concerns that they may hear about to staff. b. Promenade Improvements Mr. Sullivan said the first bridge has been installed and scheduled completion is November 2009. c. Public Works Accomplishment Report Mr. Sullivan explained that an accomplishment report is prepared annually by Engineering for the Council. d. Traffic Safety Reports (July & August 2009) Copies of July and August 2009 Traffic Safety Reports were given to the ETC at their request. Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.