HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-18 Meeting PacketAgenda
Transportation Commission
City Of Edina, Minnesota
City Hall - Community Room
Thursday, April 18, 2024
6:00 PM
I.Call To Order
II.Roll Call
III.Approval Of Meeting Agenda
IV.Approval Of Meeting Minutes
A.Draft Minutes: March 28, 2024
V.Special Recognitions And Presentations
A.Sidewalk Inspection Program
VI.Community Comment
During "Community Comment," the Board/Commission will invite residents to share relevant issues
or concerns. Individuals must limit their comments to three minutes. The Chair may limit the
number of speakers on the same issue in the interest of time and topic. Generally speaking, items
that are elsewhere on tonight's agenda may not be addressed during Community Comment.
Individuals should not expect the Chair or Board/Commission Members to respond to their
comments tonight. Instead, the Board/Commission might refer the matter to sta% for
consideration at a future meeting.
VII.Reports/Recommendations
A.Tra*c Safety Report of March 26, 2024
B.2024 Work Plan Updates
VIII.Chair And Member Comments
IX.Sta1 Comments
A.Concord B/C Roadway Reconstruction Update
X.Adjournment
The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public
process. If you need assistance in the way of hearing ampli4cation, an
interpreter, large-print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861
72 hours in advance of the meeting.
Date: April 18, 2024 Agenda Item #: IV.A.
To:Transportation Commission Item Type:
Minutes
From:Andrew Scipioni, Transportation Planner
Item Activity:
Subject:Draft Minutes: March 28, 2024 Action
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Approve the minutes of the March 28, 2024 regular meeting.
INTRODUCTION:
See attached draft minutes.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Draft Minutes: Mar. 28, 2024
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date:
Minutes
City Of Edina, Minnesota
Transportation Commission
City Hall Community Room
March 28, 2024
I. Call To Order
Vice Chair Brown called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
II. Roll Call
Answering roll call: Commissioners Bildsten, Brown, McCarthy, Olson, Plumb-Smith, Rosen, Rubenstein,
Donnelly
Absent: Commissioners Lewis, Wright, Karoussos
Staff present: Transportation Planner Andrew Scipioni
III. Approval of Meeting Agenda
Motion was made by Vice Chair Brown and seconded by Commissioner Bildsten to add Item
VII.C to discuss the Concord B/C shared-use path. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rubenstein and seconded by Commissioner Bildsten to
approve the amended agenda. All voted aye. Motion carried.
IV. Approval of Meeting Minutes
Motion was made by Commissioner Plumb-Smith and seconded by Commissioner Rubenstein
to approve the February 15, 2024 meeting minutes. All voted aye. Motion carried.
V. Special Recognition and Presentations
A. Special Recognition – Adam Rosen
Commissioner Rosen introduced himself to the Commission. Rosen was appointed to serve
through March 1, 2027.
VI. Community Comment
None.
VII. Reports/Recommendations
A. Traffic Safety Report of February 27, 2024
The Commission reviewed and commented on the Traffic Safety Report of February 27, 2024.
B. 2024 Work Plan Updates
• #1 Traffic Safety Infrastructure – No update.
• #2 Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan Review – Staff provided information on
implementation progress.
• #3 Parking – No update.
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date:
• #4 20th Anniversary Proclamation – Proclamation will be presented to City Council May 7.
C. Concord B/C Shared-Use Path Advisory Communication
The Commission discussed the shared-use path on Concord Avenue proposed as part of the
Concord B/C neighborhood street reconstruction project.
Motion was made by Commissioner Rubenstein and seconded by Commissioner
Plumb-Smith to approve the advisory communication to City Council on the topic of
the shared-use path on Concord Avenue. All voted aye. Motion carried.
VIII. Chair and Member Comments – Received.
IX. Staff Comments – Received.
X. Adjournment
Motion was made by Commissioner Plumb-Smith and seconded by Commissioner Rubenstein
to adjourn the March 28, 2024 regular meeting at 7:51 p.m. All voted aye. Motion carried.
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE
J F M A M J J A S O N D # of Mtgs Attendance %
Meetings 1 1 1 3
SEAT NAME
1 Wright, Grant 1 1 2 67%
2 Rubenstein, Tricia 1 1 1 3 100%
3 Bildsten, Roger 1 1 1 3 100%
4 Lewis, Andy 1 1 2 67%
5 Rosen, Adam 1 1 100%
6 Brown, Chris 1 1 1 3 100%
7 Olson, Bethany 1 1 1 3 100%
8 McCarthy, Bruce 1 1 1 3 100%
9 Plumb-Smith, Jill 1 1 1 3 100%
10 Donnelly, Sam (s) 1 1 1 3 100%
11 Karoussos, Evangelia (s) 1 1 2 67%
Date: April 18, 2024 Agenda Item #: V.A.
To:Transportation Commission Item Type:
Other
From:Andrew Scipioni, Transportation Planner
Item Activity:
Subject:Sidewalk Inspection Program Information
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
None.
INTRODUCTION:
Sidewalk Inspector Derek Leonard will present to the Commission on the City's Sidewalk Inspection program.
Date: April 18, 2024 Agenda Item #: VII.A.
To:Transportation Commission Item Type:
Report and Recommendation
From:Andrew Scipioni, Transportation Planner
Item Activity:
Subject:Traffic Safety Report of March 26, 2024 Discussion
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Review and comment on the Traffic Safety Report of March 26, 2024.
INTRODUCTION:
See attached staff report.
Comments received by the Commission will be included in the staff report provided to City Council at their May
7 regular meeting.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Traffic Safety Report of March 26, 2024
April 18, 2024
Transportation Commission
Nick Bauler, Traffic Safety Coordinator
Traffic Safety Report of March 26, 2024
Information / Background:
The Traffic Safety Committee (TSC) review of traffic safety matters occurred on March 26. The Traffic
Safety Coordinator, City Engineer, Streets Public Service Worker, Transportation Planner, Police Sergeant,
Public Works Director and Assistant City Planner provided comments on each item. The comments were
compiled for the recommendations below.
On each of the items, persons involved have been contacted and the staff recommendation has been
discussed with them. They were informed that if they disagree with the recommendation or have additional
facts to present, they can submit correspondence to the Transportation Commission and/or to City Council
prior to the May 7 regular meeting.
Section A: Items on which the Traffic Safety Committee recommends action
A1. Request for a stop sign to control eastbound traffic on Branson St at Grimes Ave
Staff recommends installing a stop sign to control right-of-way for Branson St.
Description Resident believes Branson should be stop
controlled as it ends at Grimes (three-leg
intersection).
AADT Branson – 210 (2016)
Grimes – 826 (2021)
85% Speed N/A
Crashes None reported at intersection in past ten years.
Sight Lines Adequate
Previous Request Cars parking along Branson illegally- added
restriction sign.
Unique
Circumstances
Resident at southwest corner of intersection
installed trees along property line which may lead
to future sight line impairment.
Recommendation With volumes 4x greater on Grimes, Branson
should receive stop controls to establish
intersection major-approach right-of-way.
Branson St at Grimes Ave
STAFF REPORT Page 2
A2. Request for “Keep Back 30 Feet” sign at Eden Ave and W 50th St
Staff recommends restricting parking along the curve of Eden.
Section B: Items on which the Traffic Safety Committee recommends no action
B1. Request to improve sight lines at Brookside Ave and Eden Ave
Staff recommends no action. Railroad bridge pier is the main obstruction and is not scheduled for
improvements in the near future.
Description Recent construction led to street parking
demand on Eden approaching W 50th St.
ADT 243 afternoon peak hour (100% right turns) 2021
85% Speed Eastbound W 50th St – 37.3 MPH
Crashes None at intersection in past ten years.
Sight Lines Adequate
Previous Request Crossing concerns over W 50th St.
Road Work Nearby Maison Green and roundabout
construction completed in past year.
More road work anticipated beginning in summer
2024.
Discussion Such signs aren’t necessary at most intersections.
This location can receive more parked vehicles
for City Hall or upcoming street projects.
Description Public Works staff is concerned with site
lines looking east from Brookside and is
requesting a mirror or any way to improve
issue.
ADT 5,250
85% Speed 32.5 MPH
Crashes Southbound left-turning vehicle hit a
westbound bus (February 2016).
Sight Lines Impacted by rail bridge deck
Previous
Requests
Similar request leading to trimming of
vegetation and review options for improving
bridge decking.
Previous complaints of high speeds on Eden.
Previous
Work
Eden was reconstructed in 2021.
Sidewalk installed on north side of Eden in
2022 (east of Brookside).
Brookside sight line facing east
Brookside Ave at Eden Ave
Eden Ave at W 50th St
STAFF REPORT Page 3
B2. Request to restrict right turns on red for westbound vehicles at W 65th St and Valley View Rd
Staff recommends no action based on crash history and existing traffic operations.
Section D: Other traffic safety items handled
D1. A resident noted a parking restriction sign was missing on Sunnyside Rd west of Townes Rd. The sign
was reinstalled by Public Works.
D2. Two complaints made regarding signal timing at France Ave and W 58th St. Hennepin County was
informed of the issue and the timing was fixed.
D3. A request for an additional parking restriction sign on the south side of Branson St. After review, an
additional sign was installed by Public Works for adequate visibility and Police enforcement efforts.
D4. A resident on the 5200 block of Kellogg Ave requested to replace temporary parking restriction signs
adjacent to their home due to a neighbor’s home remodeling project. Signs had blown away and were
replaced.
D5. A request was made for added speed limit signs along France Ave between W 44th St and HWY 62
citing excessive vehicle speeds. Hennepin County staff was informed of this request and the Police
Department notified of speeding concerns.
Description Requestor has many close calls of westbound
right turns not yielding to eastbound left
turning vehicles onto northbound Valley View
(Under HWY 62 bridge).
ADT W 65th St- 5,500
Valley View Rd- 17,200
85% Speed N/A
Crashes One reported crash of this instance in 2019.
Sight Lines Adequate
Previous
Requests
None at intersection.
Unique
Circumstances
Traffic signal timing maintained by MnDOT.
MN-MUTCD 2B.54 mentions issues review- sight distances,
excessive pedestrian conflicts, three accidents
in past 12 months.
Recommendation No action. Vehicles are required to yield at
red signals. Adding restriction could lead to
cuing east towards driveways and worsen
LOS.
W 65th St at Valley View Rd & HWY 62 eastbound exit
Date: April 18, 2024 Agenda Item #: VII.B.
To:Transportation Commission Item Type:
Other
From:Andrew Scipioni, Transportation Planner
Item Activity:
Subject:2024 Work Plan Updates Information
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
None.
INTRODUCTION:
Commissioners will provide updates on the status of 2024 Work P lan initiatives (unless an item is elsewhere on
the current agenda). See attached work plan.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
2024 Work Plan Progress Report
Approved by City Council December 5, 2023
Transportation Commission
2024 Work Plan
1
Initiative Type: Project Target Completion Date: Q4 Lead(s): Grant Wright, Bethany Olson
Initiative Title: Traffic Safety Infrastructure Research and Recommendations
Initiative Description: Residents have been vocal with the Transportation Commission about how dangerously fast
drivers drive on Edina’s residential streets – even after speed limits were lowered to 25 mph. This, paired with a lack of
focus on traffic enforcement capacity due to understaffing of patrol officers and a slower-than-desired implementation
of traffic calming measures they suggest to the Commission, leaves some residents feeling frustrated with the City’s
perceived inaction. To improve safety for all users of Edina’s transportation network, this initiative will support an
educational campaign (such as “Drive 25”) and recommend improved processes to implement traffic calming
improvements more quickly.
Deliverable: Complete case study research of cities that leverage quick build solutions to implement traffic calming
changes to roadways. Recommend improvements at priority locations (e.g., schools, parks, bus stops, places of
worship, etc.) and identify grant programs for city staff consideration to pursue for project implementation of best
practices.
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Study & Report ☐ 2: Review & Comment ☒ 3: Review & Recommend ☐ 4: Review & Decide
Budget Required: No funds available.
Staff Support Required: ~2 hours per month from Staff Liaison. Police and Public Works would likely be asked to
provide their perspective on various traffic calming techniques and infrastructure.
Jan: No update
Feb: Staff will provide contacts for other cities, information on grant opportunities.
Mar: No update.
2
Initiative Type: Project Target Completion Date: Q4 Lead(s): Roger Bildsten, Bethany Olson, Tricia
Rubenstein
Initiative Title: Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan Review
Initiative Description: The Commission will assess progress to-date on implementation of the plan; prioritize
implementation of recommendations within the plan that have not been yet implemented; identify appropriate
updates, revisions, deletions or additions to the plan; and develop a community communication strategy related to the
plan.
Deliverable: Report to Council
Council Charge: ☒ 1: Study & Report ☐ 2: Review & Comment ☐ 3: Review & Recommend ☐ 4: Review & Decide
Budget Required: No funds available.
Staff Support Required: ~3 hours per month from Staff Liaison.
Jan: No update.
Feb: Staff will provide information on implementation progress.
Mar: Staff provided information on implementation progress.
Approved by City Council December 5, 2023
3
Initiative Type: Project Target Completion Date: Q4 Lead(s): Jill Plumb-Smith, Kirk Johnson
Initiative Title: Parking (Planning Commission Lead)
Initiative Description: Consideration of the future of parking in Edina to identify parking initiatives to pursue in the next
10-15 years, in what order and what commissions/resources should be assigned to each. The Planning Commission will
be the lead.
Deliverable: ETC will review and comment on the final report and recommendation from Planning Commission.
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Study & Report ☐ 2: Review & Comment ☒3: Review & Recommend ☐ 4: Review & Decide
Budget Required: No budget available.
Staff Support Required: ~1 hour per month from Staff Liaison. Community Development staff will be primary contacts.
Jan: No update from Planning. Jan. 9 meeting was cancelled.
Feb: No update.
Mar: No update.
4
Initiative Type: Event Target Completion Date: Q1 Lead(s): Andy Lewis, Grant Wright
Initiative Title: Edina Transportation Commission 20th Anniversary Recognition & Celebration
Initiative Description: The Commission will work with staff to create a proclamation recognizing the Commission’s 20th
anniversary and celebrating their contributions and achievements since 2004.
Deliverable: Proclamation for adoption by City Council.
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Study & Report ☐ 2: Review & Comment ☐ 3: Review & Recommend ☒ 4: Review & Decide
Budget Required: No budget available.
Staff Support Required: ~5 hours from Staff Liaison. Administration would be involved in reviewing the proclamation,
Communications may be involved in producing and distributing articles or social media posts on the City’s various
media channels.
Jan: Commission reviewed draft proclamation.
Feb: Commission approved draft proclamation.
Mar: Proclamation will be presented to City Council May 7.
Parking Lot
Organized trash collection, transit service advocacy and expansion, boulevard tree planting
Date: April 18, 2024 Agenda Item #: IX.A.
To:Transportation Commission Item Type:
Other
From:Andrew Scipioni, Transportation Planner
Item Activity:
Subject:Concord B/C Roadway Reconstruction Update Discussion
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
None.
INTRODUCTION:
Staff will provide an update on the status of proposed pedestrian and bicycle facilities in the Concord B/C
roadway reconstruction project.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Staff Report: Concord Petition Response
Staff Report: Concord Petition Response (Fire Department)
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Revised April 12, 2024
April 2, 2024
Mayor and City Council
Chad A. Millner, Director of Engineering
Petition Response: Concord B & C Street Reconstruction Project
Sidewalk Location and Fire Code Follow-Up from April 2 City Council Meeting
Staff recommends a 5-ft wide sidewalk with a 5-ft wide boulevard along the west side of Concord
Avenue. A memo from the Fire Department supports the Living Street Plan recommendations as they
relate to Fire Department Operations and Fire Code. The sidewalk location is at the discretion of the
Council and not related to the fire code.
Information / Background:
Staff and the City Council have had many discussions about the design of Concord Avenue between Valley
View Road and 64th Street within the 2024 Concord B & C Street Reconstruction Project. Residents
submitted a petition that was officially received by the City Council at the April 2, 2024 City Council
Meeting. Staff and Council discussed the petition at the April 2, 2024 City Council Meeting.
The petition requests Council consider the following 4 things:
1. Direct City Staff to modify plans to refrain from:
a. Installation of a shared use path, or
b. Any facility at all.
2. If a facility is determined necessary for the broader community’s benefit, direct staff to:
a. Install a 5-ft elevated sidewalk, directly adjacent to the roadway, with no boulevard.
b. Maintain the facility.
3. Confirm whether one-sided parking is necessary, and if so, consider the east side of Concord Ave.
4. For the sake of due process, direct staff to share design plans with residents, send letters to this
acutely impacted, and halt construction until resident concerns are resolved.
REPORT / RECOMMENDATION Page 2
Staff Response based on the April 2 City Council Discussion and Fire Code Review
Staff has provided updates on each request of the petition below for Council consideration.
1. Direct City Staff to modify plans to refrain from:
a. Installation of a shared use path, or
b. Any facility at all.
Council directed staff to installation a 5-ft wide sidewalk instead of the staff recommended 8-ft wide
concrete shared-use pedestrian and bicycle facility along the west side of Concord Avenue from Valley View
Road to 64th Street with boulevard varying between 0 and 3 feet wide.
2. If a facility is determined necessary for the broader community’s benefit, direct staff to:
a. Install a 5-ft elevated sidewalk, directly adjacent to the roadway, with no
boulevard.
b. Maintain the facility.
The fire code related to street width and sidewalk location was discussed. No decision was made on April 2.
Staff needed more time to review the fire code in context to Concord Avenue between Valley View Road
and 64th Street.
Engineering, fire, and legal staff reviewed the fire code in this project’s context. The fire department has
provided a memo attached. The Fire Department supports the living street plan recommendations as they
relate to Fire Department Operations and Fire Code.
Staff recommends a 5-ft wide sidewalk with a 5-ft wide boulevard. A 5-ft boulevard provides snow storage,
space for landscaping that reduces the watershed permitting needs of the project, separation from the
roadway and better integration with driveways.
Council agreed to wait until later this year to answer the request for maintenance of the sidewalk. Staff are
working on a sidewalk maintenance policy. The topic will be discussed with Council later this year. This will
ensure there is a total understanding on what it means for city operations to maintain more sidewalks.
Previous discussions on the topic provided the financial impacts related to increased staffing and equipment.
For reference, the City maintains approximately 76 miles of sidewalk and the residents maintain 25 miles.
3. Confirm whether one-sided parking is necessary, and if so, consider the east side of
Concord Ave.
The Council directed staff to move parking to the east side of Concord Avenue between Valley View Road
and 64th Street.
4. For the sake of due process, direct staff to share design plans with residents, send
letters to this acutely impacted, and halt construction until resident concerns are
resolved.
REPORT / RECOMMENDATION Page 3
The Council did not half construction and awarded a contract as recommended by staff. Staff continues to
be available to discuss the project with anyone interested.
Attachments
Fire Code and Living Streets Plan Memo from the Fire Department
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
April 12, 2024
Mayor and City Council
Andrew Slama, Fire Chief
Petition Response: Concord B & C Street Reconstruction Project
Fire Code and Living Street Plan
Staff supports the living street plan recommendations as they relate to Fire Department Operations and
Fire Code.
Information / Background:
At the April 2, 2024 regular meeting, City Council received a petition regarding the Concord B and C Street
Reconstruction Project. At that meeting, staff were presented with concerns regarding the reconstruction
of the road and the width required by Fire Code.
Fire Apparatus utilize roadways, both public and private, to respond and operate on during emergencies.
The Fire Code defines Fire Apparatus Access Roads and their widths typically applied to multiple dwelling
units, commercial buildings, and other structures that have long setbacks or challenges that prevent or delay
fire operations, suppression, and aerial truck operations. More specifically, the Fire Code referenced in
section 503 (20 Feet Wide access road) is required in new projects and developments and is applied on
certain occupancy types, however, the Authority Having Jurisdiction (Edina Fire Department) reviews each
project individually to ensure the fire department vehicles can setup and operate during in an emergency and
makes considerations on each application which may reduce or increase requirements based on department
need during a response.
Staff from the Fire Department consulted with the Engineering Department on the Concord project ahead
of the April 2nd Council Meeting and had no concerns about the project as designed, however, the
communication provided to a resident regarding fire code, from staff at Edina Fire, which didn’t directly
apply to a single-family home created confusion for residents and council members.
The width of the roadway is most important when considering aerial operations. This is due to the size of
the outriggers which support the vehicle during aerial operations. These outriggers are commonly placed
on the roadway as the road surface and sub-surface is designed to meet the load and weight requirements of
the vehicle. Although the design of the sidewalk could be rated to support the ladder truck, Edina Fire
Department would not recommend utilizing the sidewalk for fire department operations. Designing the
REPORT / RECOMMENDATION Page 2
sidewalk to support outriggers would be an atypical design and not consistent with the rest of the
community. The roadway width as designed is sufficient for aerial operations at a single-family home.
The Edina Fire Department has no concerns with the proposed project in relation to Fire Code or fire
department operations. The design guidelines from the Living Street Plan 2015 continue to meet and or
exceed the requirements for the fire department to operate during an emergency in the neighborhoods for
which the street is designed.