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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-09-17 Minutes MINUTES OF THE Edina Transportation Commission Thursday, September 17, 2009 Edina City Hall 4801 West 50th Street Council Chambers MEMBERS PRESENT: Geof Workinger, Jennifer Janovy, Marc Usem, Warren Plante, Tom Bonneville, Jean White, Usha Abramovitz MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael Schroeder, 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. Commissioner White reported that public hearings are currently under way to select a route for the Southwest LRT. b. Community Comments None. III. Approval of Minutes a. Regular Meeting of August 20, 2009 The following correction was made: page 5, Safe Routes to School Study, change “all’ to “most.” Motion made by Commissioner Bonneville to approve the corrected minutes and seconded by Commissioner Plante. All voted aye. Motion carried. IV. Old Business a. 4820 W. 77th Street Transportation Review Chair Workinger said the redevelopment of 4820 W. 77th Street into a restaurant was approved by the Planning Commission. He stated that the ETC’s concern was traffic spilling over into the street and they suggested a parking easement agreement with the Burgundy Place for spillover parking. He said it appears traffic will not spill over onto the street and there are 15 proof of parking spaces available on site. After discussion, the following motion was made: Commissioner White made a motion to accept staff’s recommendation “that Transportation Study for 4820 W. 77th Street does not adversely affect the adjacent transportation system.” The motion was seconded by Commissioner Usem. 2 Rollcall: Ayes: Abramovtiz, Usem, White, Workinger Nays: Bonneville, Janovy, Plante Absent: Schroeder, Sierks Motion carried four to three. V. New Business a. Metro Transit – Route 6 Revision Assistant city engineer Sullivan said Metro Transit contacted the City regarding plans to modify Route 6 by removing service from W. 76th Street, west of France and adding Edinborough Way and Parklawn Avenue. Mr. Sullivan said the City agreed to the modified route and in July Metro Transit notified residents of the new route which would take effect September 12. Mr. Sullivan stated further that in August, a petition was received from residents requesting that the Council not allow the route on Parklawn between Edinborough and France; and also Edinborough Way north of W. 76th Street. Mr. Sullivan said the Council requested that the ETC hold a public hearing on the matter. John Dillery, senior planner with Metro Transit, said they are always looking for ways to enhance routes and a review of the City’s Comprehensive Plan shows a desire to have a circular mode of transportation in the Centennial Lakes area, hence the modified route in a densely populated area. Public Testimony Scott Edstrom, 305 Coventry Lane, addressed the Commission. Mr. Edstrom said the petition was submitted by him and his neighbors. He said 80-86 buses are passing every day on Parklawn and Edinborough Way that circulates and comes back every 10 minutes. He said this is new traffic that was not there before. He said the area is densely populated but the number of users is low. He said their concerns are: demand for service and trips per day; running buses through the park and affecting green area; increased risk to residents and pedestrians (there have been three accidents this past winter); quality of life impact (brake noises); six trips per hour during rush hour; buses off France entirely; alternative stops on W. 76th Street; fiscal responsibility (four passengers on bus per trip); and Ebenezer will be doing construction which will create extra traffic. Mr. Edstrom asking to eliminate the route is not practical; therefore, they are asking that everyone work together to create an alternative route. Adrian Herest, 309 Coventry Lane, addressed the Commission. Mr. Herest said eliminating one side and putting on eastside; significant adverse impact; squeaky brakes, loud and intrusive; safety issues – difficult to see; survey or market research study was not done to determine public safety, usage, demand, etc; no evidence to suggest there is a need. Please consider what Mr. Edstrom has said. Mike Bochert, 213 Coventry Lane, addressed the Commission. Mr. Bochert asked why this route with no users? Does not like the noise; do not want to argue with Metro Transit’s business decision but need to balance residents’ opposition to change against ridership. After discussion, Commissioner Bonneville made a motion recommending that the parties meet to discuss and cause a solution to occur within the next 60 days and that City staff moderate such meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Abramovitz. 3 All voted aye. Motion carried. VI. Planning Commission Update (Commissioner Schroeder) None. VII. Bike Edina Task Force Update (Commissioner Janovy) a. Bike Meeting Minutes (August 2009) Commissioner Janovy reported that last Tuesday there was a short, friendly ride. Others are planned like the Fall Colors ride on September 26; sign up is through the Community Center or visit www.bikeedina.org for more information. Chair Workinger said a petition was brought to the Bike Edina Task Force for bike lanes since there was no sidewalk near the high school. Mr. Sullivan said the Engineering Department has not seen the petition and if one was to be submitted all options would be considered. He said typically the petition would be submitted to the Council for consideration. VIII. Staff Comments a. Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Updates Mr. Sullivan said the 2010-2014 CIP is still under review. He shared with the ETC the upcoming neighborhood reconstruction projects, State Aid streets and the total funds for the projects. He explained that neighborhood meetings are held to explain the City’s process. b. Promenade Improvements Pedestrian Survey Mr. Sullivan reported that this is in its 2nd phase of construction, building two pedestrian bridges. He said a survey was conducted in the area and it shows the trail is being used but there is a lack of connectivity to the businesses in the area. He said they will be suggesting to the businesses that they make adjustments to create connectivity. Funding is not available for a follow-up survey. c. Traffic Safety Reports (September 2009) The Traffic Safety Report of September 2009 was shared with the ETC. IX. Adjournment Meeting adjourned.