HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-05-27 Meeting Packet• AGENDA
Regular Meeting of the
Edina Transportation Commission
6:00 PM, Thursday, May 27, 2004
Edina City Hall
4801 West 50th Street
Community Room
I. Approve Minutes from April 22, 2004.
II. Presentation of Edina Transportation Plan (previously handed out)
III. Presentation and Review of Transportation Commission Policy*
IV. Other Governmental Activities
V. Adjournment
* Note: Attachment included.
City of Edina
May 27, 2004
Regular Meeting of the
Edina Transportation Commission
Presentation:
City of Edina Transportation
Commission Policy (DRAFT May 2004)
City of Edina Transportation Commission Policy
Table of Contents
i. Introduction
ii. Policy Framework
in. Plan Implementation
iv. Neighborhood Traffic Management Plans
Appendices
Appendix A — Traffic Calming
Appendix B — Application Request for
Neighborhood Traffic Management
Appendix C — Petition-to-Study
City of Edina Transportation Commission Policy
I. Introduction
o Background
• Transportation Commission established
December 2003
o Purpose
• Advise the Council
Review and Comment on Plans
• Evaluate Methods of Traffic Calming
• Review Findings of Local Traffic Task
Force
City of Edina Transportation Commission Policy
>1
II. Policy Framework
o ETC policy developed as supplement to Transportation
Plan
o Policies (Transportation Plan Policies — Amended)
• Roadway Design
• Roadway Function and Access
• Roadway Maintenance and Operation
• Transit/TDM
• Parking
• Pedestrian/Bicycle
• Goods Movement
• Funding and Jurisdiction
City et Edina Transportation Commisolon Policy
III. Plan Implementation
o Action Plan
• Short Term - Immediate:
• Review and approve Transportation Commission Policy.
- Review and identify problems and causes of Edina traffic issues
(determine what's fact versus perceptidn).
- Establish volume and speed criterLd.
- Present Draft Policy to Council.
- Open public comment period.
- Recommend to Council for approval.
• Review Local Traffic Task Force Findings and
Recommendations as It reflects the adoptNe policies and
procedures.
- Rank the six identified traffic "issue areas'.
- Review and recommend action for them as Neighborhood Traffic
Management Plan studies to Cly Council
city of Ulna Transportation Commission Polley
Ill. Plan Implementation (cont...)
o Action Plan
• Short Term - Immediate: (cont...)
• Review and approve a Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan
(NTMP).
• Publicize transportation issues joke studied by ETC.
• Establish a means for public communication for transportation
issues:
- Coy of Edina Web site
- About Town
- Public Access Station 16
- Edina Sun Newspaper
• Create a citizen's guide to transportation issues
City at Cdina Transportation Commission Policy
)=.2
IV. Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan
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City of 141n0 Transportation Comntiulon Polley
o Process
and
Schedule
III. Plan Implementation (cont...)
o Action Plan
• Long Term — Continually:
• Review and recommend Neighborhood Traffic Management
Plans.
• Review and update local roadway functional classification.
• Hold yearly public open house for transportation issues,
• Review and update Transportation Commission Policy yearly.
City of canna Transportation Comtniulon Polley
III. Plan Implementation (cont..)
o Sources of Funding
• Existing Sources of Revenue:
• Federal Surface Transportation Program Funds
• Congestion Management and Air Quality (CMAQ)
• State Aid
• Special Assessments
• Livable Communities Grants
• Ad Valorem Taxes
• Tax Increment Financing
• Potential Sources of Revenue:
• Impact Fees
• Road Access Charge
• Transportation Utility
City of Edina Transportation Commission Polley
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IV. Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan
(cont...)
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o Process
and
Schedule
(cont...)
City of Edina Transportation Commission Policy
IV. Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan
(cont...)
o Scoring and Ranking for NTMP Study
• Sidewalk adjacent to area
• Public school yard, play lot, playground development
adjacent to area
• Residential development adjacent to area
• No. of crashes (based on last 5 yrs.)
• % of potential support by assessed properties
• Average residential density adjacent to area
City of Edina Trammortation Commission Volley
IV. Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan
(cont...)
o Criteria for Screening
• Roadway classification (all local Edina streets)
• Petition required (majority support)
• Minimum distance between traffic calming device and other
design element
• Access (no dead end without adequate turn around)
• Non-critical emergency route (reviewed by Fire Chief)
(All five eligibility requirements must be met.)
City of Edina Transportation Commission 'WIC,
>4
IV. Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan
(cont...)
o Process for Removal of Traffic Calming Measures
o Traffic Management Devices
• Speed Reduction Traffic Calming Measures
• Volume Reduction Traffic Calming Measures
• Education and Enforcement
• Regulatory Measures
o Define Assessed Area (Benefited Area)
City of Edina Transportation Commission Policy
Appendix
• Appendix
• Traffic Calming (Approved Edina Methods)
• Application Request for Neighborhood Traffic
Management
• Petition-to-Study
City of Edina Transportation COMIIIfill1011 Polley
Discussion & Questions
City of Ed/an Transportation Commission Polley
>5
City of Edina
May 27, 2004
Regular Meeting of the
Edina Transportation Commission
Presentation:
City of Edina Transportation Plan
City ot Edina Transportation Plan
Plan Contents
I. Introduction
ii. Policy Framework
in. Community Characteristics and Growth
Assumptions
IV. Analysis of Existing and Future Roadway Needs
v. Roadway System Plan
Transit and Travel Demand Management (TDM)
Plan
vii. Pedestrian, Bicycle and Goods Movement
yin. Plan Implementation
City e Edln• Transportation Plan
I. Introduction
o Purpose of Plan
Required under Mn Statute (473.859)
Assists the City in making transportation decisions
today while anticipating the future
Serves as the transportation element of the Edina
Comprehensive Plan (adopted by City Council
October 1999)
City of Edina Transportation Plan
)=-1
I. Introduction (cont..)
o Approach of Plan
Defines the relationship of the transportation
system to land uses and regional transportation
system
• Develops a functional roadway hierarchy and
defines access to regional system
Establishes a system improvement and
completion program (i.e. Capital Improvement
Program — CIP)
Identifies key transit services and TDM strategies
Identifies strategies and policies needed to
integrate pedestrian and bicycle systems with
roadway systems.
City of Edina Transportation Plan
Policy Framework
o Consistent with Regional and County Framework
o Edina General Policies:
• Roadway Design
• Roadway Function and Access
• Roadway Maintenance and Operation
• Transit/TDM
• Parking
• Pedestrian/Bicycle
• Goods Movement
• Funding and Jurisdiction
City of Etiln• Transportation Plan
III. Community Characteristics and
Growth Assumption
o F rst-ring suburb encompassing 16 sq. miles
City of Edina Transportation Plan
D2
III. Community Characteristics and
Growth Assumption (cont...)
o Land Use Plan
(tool to guide future
development)
City of Edit,. Transportation Plan
III. Community Characteristics and
Growth Assumption (cont...)
'
o Socio-economical Characteristics
TABLE 1
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44,613 46.073 4,670 47.116
13,002 17,661 19.6133 23.635
22033 Nteel 64,634 514610
3 32 267 2 32 226
2 100 103 0612
47,500 48,564
21[03 31,3C0 21,503
51,033 59.503 63[03
2 26 2 26 2_26
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6... 0.641.64,...
City of Edina Transportation Plan
IV. Analysis of Existing and
Future Roadway Needs
o Existing Roadway System
(existing traffic volumes
and congested roadways)
City of Edina Transportation Plan
>3
City of Edina Transportation Plan
IV. Analysis of Existing and
Future Roadway Needs (cont...)
o 2020 Traffic Forecasts
IV. Analysis of Existing and
Future Roadway Needs (cont.„)
o Edina Capital Improvements Program
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City mi Edina Transportation Plan
IV. Analysis of Existing and
Future Roadway Needs (cont..)
o Planned and Programmed Improvements
• Metro Highway system — Capacity Improvements
• Hennepin County - CIP
• Edina — CIP
City of Edina Transportation Plan
V. Roadway System Plan
o Functional Classification
System
• Hierarchy of Roads
• Met Council
Classification Criteria
(Appendix D) t,
, •
Legend FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATIONS
Prinapat Arterial •n •••n •• 1..or Moral
'A' W. Adored-Rote. UCAS,. ArterolAvnartat
City of Edln• Transportation Plan
V. Roadway System Plan (cont..)
ci Summary of Spacing Criteria — adherence is important to
functional classification system
TABLE ,'
SuittlART OF SPACING CRITERIA
Funcibrul
Class ificstion
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City of Edina Transportation Plan
V. Roadway System Plan (cont...)
ct Functional Roadway Classification
See Spreadsheet (Handout)
City of Edina Transportation Plan
>5
V. Roadway System Plan (cont...)
u Recommended
Roadway
Improvements
,
‹ :I
1r -
11
City of Edina Transportation Pion
VI. Transit and TDM Plan (cont...)
u Proposed Transit and TDM Improvements
• Service Improvements
• Southeast Edina Transitway
• Future Park-and-Ride
• HOV Ramp Meter Bypasses
• Travel Demand Management
• Commuter Rail (State Legislature put on hold)
City of Paint. Transportation Plan
>6
Discussion & Questions
City of Edina Transportation Plan
VII. Pedestrian, Bicycle and Goods Movement
o Pedestrian and
Bicycle Facilities ;
•-'
City of Edina Transportation Plan
VIII. Plan Implementation
o Transportation Plan Adopted
March 1999
o Initiate Jurisdictional
Realignment Process
o Protect Access
o Establish Improvement
o Programs
o Sources of Funding
•
City 0 Edina Transportation Plan
CITY OF EDO A
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION POLICY
May 2004 \
(DRAFT) 4).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Introduction 1
II. Policy Framework
2
III. Plan Implementation 6
IV. Neighborhood Traffic Management Projects 8
APPENDICES
Appendix A — Traffic Calming
Appendix B — Application Request for Neighborhood Traffic
Management
Appendix C — Petition-to-Study
City of Edina Transportation Policy i May 2004
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND
Sustaining, improving and operating a sound street and transportation system are integral
parts of the long-term vision of the City consistent with the Transportation Plan.
Congestion on the regional roadway system and the failure of that system to
accommodate the continued growth in traffic volumes has created and exacerbated traffic
volumes, speed and congestion on local streets. As such, these deficiencies are adversely
affecting the quality of life of the City's residents and businesses located in the City.
The Edina City Council in December 2003 established the Transportation Commission to
address these issues and improve the local transportation system to stay consistent with
the Comprehensive Plan and Vision 20/20.
PURPOSE
The Edina Transportation Commission (ETC) advises the Council on matters relating to
the operation of the local street system with respect to traffic volumes, congestion, and
functional classification, but not maintenance activities, of the City. The ETC will review
and comment on plans to enhance mass transit opportunities in the City. The ETC will
evaluate methods for traffic calming and other speed and volume mitigation measures and
recommend their implementation where appropriate. The ETC will review the findings
of the Local Traffic Task Force and offer recommendations for implementation.
VISION
Edina shall maintain a street system that will accommodate the efficient movement of
people and goods throughout the City while innovatively creating a preeminent place of
safe and livable neighborhoods, beautified pedestrian and bicycle friendly streets and
pathways.
City of Edina Transportation Policy 1 May 2004
II. POLICY FRAMEWORK
INTRODUCTION
The Edina Transportation Commission Policy was developed as a supplement to the City
of Edina Transportation Plan (March 1999). The purpose of this policy is to guide the
ETC in the identification and evaluation of traffic and transportation issues in the
community and the prioritization of projects and improvements to the transportation
system.
CITY OF EDINA TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION POLICY
The City of Edina Transportation Commission Policy implements the purposes and
objectives of the ETC as provided in Section 1225 of the City Code (Transportation
Commission). The Policy also supplements the amended policies of the Transportation
Plan as follows:
Roadway Design
Design roadway facilities constructed in conjunction with new developments
according to the intended function.
2. Upgrade existing roadways when warranted by demonstrated volume, safety or
functional needs, taking into consideration environmental limitations.
3. Emphasize improvements to management, maintenance and utilization of the
existing street and highway system.
4. Design residential street systems to discourage through traffic and to be compatible
with other transportation modes including transit, bicycle and walking, including
traffic calming measures on local streets and, in some cases, collector streets.
5. Use adequate transitions and buffers including but not limited to earth berms, walls,
landscaping and distance to mitigate the undesirable impact of high volume
roadways.
6. Promote use of sound mitigating features (noise walls) and aesthetic barriers along
residential development adjacent to high volume roadways, and, where economically
feasible, make property owners and land developers responsible for noise attenuation
at new developments near high volume roadways.
7. Encourage beautification of local corridors such as planting boulevard trees,
decorative street lighting, monuments and other amenities (where appropriate).
City of Edina Transportation Policy 2 May 2004
Roadway Function and Access
1. Review and update regional and local functional street classification and coordinate
with adjacent cities and Hennepin County. Establish subcategory classifications and
criteria for local streets if warranted. Revise local roadway classifications when
warranted.
2. Provide logical street networks to connect residential areas to the regional highway
system and local activity centers.
3. Adequately control access points to the regional roadway system (including minor
arterials) in terms of driveway openings and side street intersections.
4. Provide access to the local street system (including collector and local streets) in a
manner that balances the need to safely and efficiently operate the street system with
the need for access to land.
5. Encourage intra-area trips on minor arterials rather than the principal arterial system,
and promote serving regional trips on the metropolitan highway system.
6. Separate, to the extent possible, conflicting uses on the public street system in order
to minimize safety problems. Give special attention to pedestrian and bicycle routes.
7. Provide access to redeveloping sites using current functional classification and
standards rather than the existing access at the sites.
8. Review and monitor citywide traffic volumes, congestion, existing traffic calming
devices, accident history, vehicle violation history, speed limits and enforcement
annually.
9. Educate public on vehicle operations
10. Review and recommend traffic calming policies and consider traffic calming
implementation where requested by residents.
11. Implement measures to reduce non-local, cut-through traffic in cooperation with
County and State efforts by developing a local traffic calming policy to mitigate the
effects of cut-through traffic. Identify the origin and destination of cut-through
traffic.
12. When requested by the Planning Commission, review landuse that may impact traffic
implementations. Continue to monitor adjacent community redevelopment and
activity that impact the City of Edina.
City of Edina Transportation Policy 3 May 2004
Roadway Maintenance and Operation
1. Cooperate with other agencies having jurisdiction over streets and highways in Edina
to assure good roadway conditions and operating efficiency.
2. Continue the implementation of the 1-494 frontage road system and Integrated
Corridor Traffic Management system through ongoing coordination with Mn/DOT,
Hennepin County, and the cities of Richfield and Bloomington.
3. Maintain roads by repairing weather-related and other damage.
4. Use economic and environmentally sound management techniques for snow and ice
removal.
5. Replace substandard bridges and bridges that present safety or traffic problems.
Transit/TDM
1. Participate in the 1-494 Commission to encourage all forms of travel demand
management in order to reduce vehicle miles of travel, reduce petroleum
consumption, and improve air quality.
2. Review all major new developments in light of the potential for ridesharing including
bus accessibility, preferential parking for carpools/vanpools, and mixed-use
development.
3. Support HOV bypasses and other preferential treatments for transit and high
occupancy vehicles on streets and highways.
4. Include transit planning in the construction or upgrading of streets and highways.
5. Pursue development of a demonstration project to provide a circulator system within
the Greater Southdale Area.
6. Encourage the legislature to increase funding for efficient mass transit. Review and
recommend policies requiring a mass transit component with all types of
development.
Parking
1. Review new developments for adequacy of parking based upon need, the potential for
joint use of parking facilities and opportunities to encourage ridesharing.
2. Continue to limit on-street parking in and near congested commercial areas.
City of Edina Transportation Policy 4 May 2004
Pedestrian/Bicycle
1. Provide accessibility to pedestrians and bicycles at major activity centers, including
necessary storage facilities.
2. Create pedestrian and bicycle interconnections among major generators, with
continuity across major roadways and other barriers.
3. Provide sidewalks and safe crossing in high pedestrian danger areas, including high-
traffic streets, commercial areas, areas with transit access and in high-density
residential locations.
4. Provide adequate signage along all bike paths including areas of conflict with
pedestrians and automobile traffic.
5. Review and recommend construction of pedestrian and bike paths throughout Edina
cooperatively with the Three Rivers Park District and Hennepin County.
Goods Movement
1. Serve major truck users and intell lodal facilities with good minor arterial access to
the metropolitan highway system.
Funding and Jurisdiction
1. Pursue and support regional or multi-community funding sources for improvements
that provide regional or multi-community benefit
2. Support of research efforts into more efficient and cost-effective management,
maintenance and replacement of street surfaces
3. Support governmental jurisdiction over roadways that reflect the role of the roadway
in the overall transportation system
4. Develop and support legislation permitting a transportation utility
City of Edina Transportation Policy 5 May 2004
III. PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
This section provides the steps necessary to implement the transportation policies and
discusses a general strategy for carrying out the policies.
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION POLICY ADOPTION
By adopting the Transportation Commission Policy, the City Council will establish the
guidelines by which decisions regarding transportation facilities will be made in Edina. It
should be revised as necessary to respond to changing conditions and needs, both locally
and regionally.
The policy should be circulated widely so that residents and the business community are
aware of the opportunities and limitations that the policy provides, thus enabling all
interested parties to voice their concerns and issues with full knowledge.
ACTION PLAN
Short Term (Immediate):
• Review and approve Transportation Commission Policy:
o Review and identify problems and causes of Edina traffic issues
(determine what's fact versus perception).
o Establish volume and speed criteria.
o Present Draft Policy to Council.
o Open public comment period.
o Recommend to Council for approval.
• Review Local Traffic Task Force Findings and Recommendations as it reflects the
adoptive policies and procedures. Rank the six identified traffic "issue areas" and
review and recommend action for them as Neighborhood Traffic Management
Projects to the City Council.
• Review and approve a Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan (NTMP).
• Publicize transportation issues to be studied by ETC.
• Establish a means for public communication for transportation issues:
o City of Edina Web site
o About Town
o Public Access Station 16
o Edina Sun Newspaper
• Create a citizen's guide to transportation issues
City of Edina Transportation Policy 6 May 2004
Long Term (Continually):
• Review and recommend Neighborhood Traffic Management Plans.
• Review and update local roadway functional classification.
• Hold yearly public open house for transportation issues.
• Review and update Transportation Commission Policy yearly.
SOURCES OF FUNDING
The following sources of funding are explained in more detail in the Transportation Plan.
Existing Sources of Revenue:
• Federal Surface Transportation Program Funds
• Congestion Management and Air Quality (CMAQ)
• State Aid
• Special Assessments
• Livable Communities Grants
• Ad Valorem Taxes
• Tax Increment Financing
Potential Sources of Revenue:
• Impact Fees
• Road Access Charge
• Transportation Utility
PLAN ACCEPTANCE REQUIREMENTS
Educate residents about the possibility that they may be asked to fund the installation and
maintenance of NTMP Projects through additional taxes and/or special assessments.
City of Edina Transportation Policy 7 May 2004
IV. NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN
Introduction
Neighborhood Traffic Management Plans (NTMP) include local street studies and
neighborhood area studies. These studies would be conducted by the City Engineering
Department.
The NTMP studies are intended to respond to speeding and excessive cut-through traffic
on local streets in a residential neighborhood and on multiple streets in one or more
neighborhoods. These plans are required to respond to traffic problems that are
symptomatic of wider problems, such as congestion or lack of capacity on the arterial
system. Solutions may include revisions to the local street to slow traffic or to completely
or partially divert traffic off the street. NTMP studies are developed primarily through
the City Engineering Department, with the involvement of the Transportation
Commission and other City Departments They are scheduled based on available
resources, and given priority by factors that include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Previous efforts and requests in the area
• Intensity and extent of the problems
• Degree of conflict between traffic conditions and land uses
• Availability of data
• Regional improvement projects scheduled or planned
City of Edina Transportation Policy 8 May 2004
Process and Schedule
This section details the process and schedule for Neighborhood Traffic Management
Plans (See Table 1).
Table 1. Nei hborhood Traffic Mana ement Plan Schedule
Step Item Period (i-'wt i A I-)
- Traffic Management Information Open House Late September
Step 1 Neighborhood Traffic Management Applications Due 2nd Monday in
January
Step 2 Initial Screening, Scoring and Ranking of Applications February
Step 3 Petition-to-study prepared by City Staff and circulated
by petitioner
March
Step 4 Plan Development
• Before data collection
• Review and comment by Fire, Police, Public Works
and Engineering, Transit and School (transportation)
agencies
• Public Open House
• Survey-to-test circulated and evaluated by City staff
• Trial Project Plan prepared
April
Step 5a Presentation to ETC for recommendation April
Step 5b • Council approval of trial projects
• Schedule temporary installations, removals and after
data collection (minimum period of 2 weeks after
installation)
May
Step 5c • Temporary installations and removals June/July/August
Step 6 • After data collection (trial projects)
• Review and comment by Fire, Police, Public Works,
Transit, and School (transportation) agencies
• Prepare evaluation summaries
September
Step 7a Mail Surveys October
Step 7b • Summarize returned surveys
• Open House
November
Step 8a Recommendations to ETC, Public comment December
Step 8b Recommendations to Council, Improvement Hearing,
Preliminary Assessment Hearing, Order Project
January
Step 9a Survey and Design February / March
Step 9b Final approval of plans by Council, Set bid schedule April
Step 9c Letting, Assessment Hearing May
Step 9d Construction June / July
Step 10 After data collection July / August
Step 11 Follow-up Evaluation Within 3 to 5 yrs
City of Edina Transportation Policy 9
May 2004
STEPS:
1. Study Request (Application)
Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan (NTMP) studies can be requested by individual
citizens or by neighborhood organizations. Requests to consider a NTMP study must be
in writingnçl are due by 4:30 p.m. on the second Monday in January of each year. See
Appendi or application request.
2. Preliminary Review and Priority Ranking
City staff will gather and review preliminary data about the traffic request and apply the
criteria for screening and ranking to prioritize for trial and evaluation of a NTMP. The
Engineering Department will rank studies based on score (methodology outlined under
"Scoring for Ranking") and schedule order of trial studies for ETC review. The number
of trial studies will depend on equipment and personnel availability. Some trial studies
may be deferred if not feasible due to conflicting construction, development in the area,
county or state restrictions or other concerns.
Requests are also reviewed by the Engineering Department for other possible solutions. If
the preliminary review shows that an immediate hazard to the public exists, the City may
(a. 5co, Cot 440) choose to address the problem separately from the NTMP. .
Studies are ranked citywide, based on the point score . The highest-ranking
study will be undertaken first. The number of studies initiated each year will depend on
City resources. At any time, a neighborhood may request approval to proceed with the
development and implementation of a NTMP that does not involve City funding — the
approval processes would remain the same.
The City notifies all study requestors of the status of their request after Step 2. The City
also notifies the ETC of the status of the 10 highest ranked studies and asks for
comments.
Once in the process, a study is considered in the annual priority ranking step for up to 3
years. If, after 3 years, a study has not received a high enough priority to proceed, it is no
longer eligible for consideration. This time limitation will ensure that the study request
has not become obsolete because of changing traffic conditions and/or new residents in
the area.
The study requestor is notified when the 3-year limit expires. Then, a new request may be
made to re-enter the study in the program. Step 1 is then repeated to obtain current
information.
3. Petition-to-Study
If a study is ranked high enough to proceed, a petition-to-study must be circulated within
a defined study area. The appropriate neighborhood group will be given the opportunity
City of Edina Transportation Policy 10 May 2004
to officially request the petition-to-study. If the neighborhood group does not wish to do
so, the original requestor will be responsible for making the request.
City staff establishes the petition-to-study area, based on information obtained in the
preliminary review. This area is generally defined as those households and businesses
fronting on the affected segments of the study street. In the case of a single intersection
problem, the minimum area would be approximately one block in all directions. If
significant diversions to other residential streets are reasonably expected, those streets'
residents would also be included in the study area.
The purpose of the petition-to-study is to determine the level of agreement among the
study's street residents that there is a problem they want to address. City staff will prepare
the petition, describing the problem and the procedures to be followed if a study is
undertaken. The study requestor(s) will be responsible for circulating the petition.
Signatures representing a majority of the households within the petition-to-study area are
required to move the study forward. Each household is entitled to one signature. Property
owners not living in the study area are not included in the pet. ion-to-study process. A
standard petition-to-study application is included in Appendi C.
4. Plan Development
Based on a positive petition, the NTMP study will move forward and City staff will
gather preliminary data, including volume, speed and accident information. The NTMP
will be reviewed by the City's Fire Department, Police Department, Public Works and
Engineering, and by transportation agencies including transit and school.
The ETC will then hold a public meeting for the neighborhood to inform residents of the
proposed project, to describe the NTMP process, and to gather additional information
about the traffic problems and related neighborhood needs.
Plan development consists of the following steps:
• Assessment of problems and needs
• Identification of project goals and objectives
• Identification of evaluation criteria
• Development of alternative plans/solutions
The first two steps are accomplished through public meetings, neighborhood association
meetings, and ETC meetings. Additionally, City staff prepares a survey-to-test describing
the proposed project and calling for a temporary test installation. Staff then circulates the
survey-to-test within the defined area.
The survey-to-test area must include all properties located on the project street and on
adjacent local residential streets within an area approximately 1 block from the project
street. The ETC or the City may expand the survey-to-test area beyond these minimum
requirements, if desired. Each household and business is entitled to one survey.
City of Edina Transportation Policy 11 May 2004
The survey is evaluated and City staff members prepare a trial installation plan. The City
proposes solutions based on the citizen responses and sound engineering principles.
Possible criteria, solutions and their impacts are evaluated by the ETC, City staff and
other affected agencies.
5. Test Installation
The NTMP is presented to the ETC and the City Council. If recommended by the ETC
and approved by Council, the test will be installed for between 3 and 12 months. If the
City Traffic Engineer finds that an unforeseen hazard is created by the test, the test
installation may be revised or removed.
6. Project Evaluation
Following the test period, the City evaluates how well the test has performed in terms of
the previously defined problems and objectives. The evaluation includes the subject street
and streets affected by the project, and is based on before-and-after speeds and volumes,
impacts on emergency vehicles or commercial uses, and other evaluation criteria
determined during steps 4 and 5. If, in the evaluation, desired improvements in quality of
life are not met to the satisfaction of the ETC and City staff, the traffic plan may be
modified and additional testing conducted.
The final test results will be reviewed with the ETC, area residents, and relevant City
staff, and the information will be distributed during the survey stage.
The City will not forward a project to the next step if the test results show it may be
unsafe or it violates NTMP policy or other City policies or regulations.
7. Survey
To forward the project to the stage where permanent implementation is approved (step 8),
a survey from households, businesses and non-resident property owners within a defined
survey area will be obtained through a mail survey administered by the City. The survey
area includes all properties located on the project street and on adjacent local residential
streets that either 1) are within an area approximately 1 block from the project, or 2)
experience a traffic volume increase that is at least 75 percent of the maximum acceptable
increase (as determined by the ETC in step 4).
The ETC will then hold an open house for the neighborhood to update residents of the
proposed project.
8. City Council Action
Based on the project evaluation and survey, City staff members prepare a feasibility
report and recommendations for the ETC and City Council. The report outlines the
City of Edina Transportation Policy 12 May 2004
process followed, includes the project findings, states the reasons for the
recommendations and includes a preliminary assessment roll. The feasibility report and
preliminary assessment roll will be presented for a recommendation by the ETC before
final action by the City Council. If the feasibility report and preliminary assessment roll
are adopted, the project is ordered.
If the feasibility report and preliminary assessment roll are not adopted, the plans and
specifications will not be ordered and the project is terminated. The project will be
dropped from the list and the neighborhood will not be able to reapply for five years.
9. Design, Final Assessment Roll and Construction
Final design and construction are administered by the City and are generally completed
within 12 months after final action by the City Council. City staff will prepare and
recommend the final assessment roll as required under authority granted by Minnesota
Statute Chapter 429
10. Monitoring
The City will monitor constructed traffic management devices and will gather post data,
including volume, speed and accident information.
11. Follow-up Evaluation
Within 3 to 5 years after construction of an NTMP project, the City shall conduct a
follow-up evaluation to determine if the project's goals and objectives continue to be met.
This evaluation may entail traffic studies of volumes, speeds and accidents, as well as
public opinion surveys.
Criteria for Screening
1. Roadway Classifications
• Eligible: All Edina local streets under the Public Works Department
jurisdiction.
• Not Eligible: All roadways within Edina designated as County, State, or
Federal Highways, Municipal State Aid roadways — collector streets, Park
roadways, or shared jurisdiction roadways, such as city limit boundary streets.
2. Petition Required:
• Eligible: Majority (over 50%) of properties in benefited area sign petition
supporting trial of traffic calming device.
City of Edina Transportation Policy 13 May 2004
3. Minimum Distance of the traffic calming device from the following (all must
apply for eligibility):
• Traffic Signals (except neckdowns) 300 ft.
• Stop Signs (except neckdowns) 300 ft.
• Other Traffic Calming Devices 300 ft.
• Driveway/Alleys 20 ft.
• Horizontal or Vertical Curves affecting sight lines 200 ft.
• Railroad Crossing 300 ft.
• Dead End 400 ft.
4. Access:
• No dead-end created without adequate turn around on public roadway right-of-
way roachr,ay„
5. Not-Critical Emergency Route:
• To be reviewed and approved by the City Fire Chief.
All five eligibility requirements must be met for scoring and consideration.
Scoring for Ranking
1. Sidewalk adjacent to the benefited area (0 to100 points):
• None + 100
• All of 1 side + 50
• All of 2 sides + 0
2. Public school yard, play lot, playground development adjacent to benefited
area (0 to 200 points):
• None + 0
• All of 1 side + 100
• All of 2 sides + 200
3. Residential development adjacent to benefited area (0 to 100 points):
• None + 0
• All of 1 side + 50
• All of 2 sides + 100
City of Edina Transportation Policy 14 May 2004
4. Number of reported correctable crashes based on last 5 years of available
data (0 to 200 points):
• 20 per crash; maximum of 200 points
5. Percent of potential assessment properties supporting project by petition (180
to 300 points):
• 3 points per percent; maximum 300 points
6. Average residential density adjacent to benefited area (0 to 50 points):
• 50 points maximum
• (0 dwelling units per adjacent 100 un. ft. = 0 points
• 5+ dwelling units per adjacent 100 un. ft. = 50 points)
Scoring based on benefited area
Correctable crashes determined by Engineering Division
Removal of Traffic Calming Measures
The City of Edina's Traffic Calming Program is intended to avoid the costly installation
and later costly removal of traffic calming devices. On occasion, it may be determined to
be desirable to remove a traffic calming device.
If the removal is City initiated due to safety/crash issues, the removal will be at City
expense. If the removal is at neighborhood request, the removal will be charged to the
petitioning property owners. The following procedure will be used for neighborhood
initiated removals:
1. Petition requesting removal representing a major majority of over 70% of the
properties in the benefited area is submitted to the City Traffic Engineer.
2. A survey, including estimated cost for removal and data collected previously on the
device, is mailed to each property owner in the benefited area.
3. Surveys will be summarized 30 days after mailing. Staff will make recommendation
to the ETC.
4. ETC will forward a recommendation to Council. If the recommendation is for
removal, improvement and assessment hearings will be scheduled for Council.
5. If Council orders project, removal will be included in the traffic calming plan set.
6. Final approval of plans by Council. Set bid schedule.
City of Edina Transportation Policy 15 May 2004
7. Letting, final assessment and construction.
8. New traffic calming devices will not be considered for five years in benefited area of
removed device.
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT DEVICES — CITY OF EDINA APPROVED OPTIONS
This sections lists traffic management devices and methods that are approved for use in
the City of Edina. Appendix A contains a detailed description and overview of each item.
Speed Reduction Traffic Calming Measures:
• Speed Hump
• Speed Table
• Raised Intersection
• Raised Crosswalk
• Textured Pavements
• Center Island Narrowings
• Neckdowns
• Choker
• Chicane
• Realigned Intersections
• Traffic Circle
• Round-a-bout
• Others...
Volume Reduction Traffic Calming Measures:
• Diverter
• Half Closure
• Cul-de-sac
• Median Barriers
• Forced Turn Islands
• Others...
Education and Enforcement:
9 Targeted Police Enforcement
• Photo-radar Speed Enforcement
• Radar Speed Display Units
• Neighborhood Traffic Safety Campaigns
• Neighborhood Speed Watch Program
City of Edina Transportation Policy 16 May 2004
Regulatory Measures:
• Stop Sign
• Turn Restrictions
• One Way Streets
• Traffic Signals ("Rest on Red" and "Rest on Green")
• Neighborhood Speed Watch Program
• Striping (Centerline, Edge and Transverse)
BENEFITED AREA (ASSESSED AREA)
This section defines the benefited area of the traffic management devices for use in
determining the assessment area.
Speed Hump, Speed Table, Raised Intersection, Raised Crosswalk, Textured
Pavement, Center Island Narrowings, Neckdowns, Choker, Chicane, Traffic
Circle:
• Benefited area extends 300 feet from the device along the street affected by the
device or to the nearest stop sign or traffic signal, whichever is less.
Diverter, Round-a-bout:
• Benefited area extends to the next intersection on each leg of the intersection.
Half Closure, Realigned Intersection, Forced Turn Island, Median Barrier:
• Benefited area extends to the next intersection on the leg of the intersection
partially closed, realigned or restricted.
Cul-De-Sac:
• Benefited area extends from the point of closure to the next intersection on the leg
that is closed.
City of Edina Transportation Policy 17 May 2004
APPENDICES
Appendix A — Traffic Calming
Appendix B — Application Request for Neighborhood
Traffic Management
Appendix C — Petition-to-Study
City of Edina Transportation Policy May 2004
Appendix A - Traffic Calming
City of Edina Transportation Policy May 2004
Appendix B — Application Request for Neighborhood
Traffic Management
City of Edina Transportation Policy May 2004
Appendix C — Petition-to-Study
City of Edina Transportation Policy May 2004
Marie Thorpe
(1)
Transportation Commission
Mission Statement:
The Edina Transportation Commission (ETC) researches, evaluates, and
makes recommendations to the Edina City Council regarding
transportation issues affecting the City of Edina. The ETC operates under
certain premises set by the Council. First, the creation and operation of a
street and transportation system is an integral part of the long-term vision
for the city. Secondly, the conditions of the regional roadway system
have created and exacerbated traffic volumes, speed and congestion
on local streets; that such volumes, speed and congestion are adversely
affecting the quality of life of the City's residents; that businesses are
adversely affected; and that improving the local transportation system is
consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Plans of the City.
(Excerpts taken from Section 1225: Transportation Commission, 1225.01:
Policy and Establishment)
Vision:
Edina will be the preeminent place of safe and livable neighborhoods,
beautified pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly streets and areas, with a street
system that will accommodate the efficient movement of people and
goods throughout the city.
My documents:word
(2)
Objectives (These tie into 2020 Vision):
1. Promote safe, livable, strong residential neighborhoods.
ISSUES: +Neighborhoods are adversely affected by traffic leaving
the regional highway system.
+Absence of sidewalks and bicycle paths decreases leisurely
outings, and increases car usage.
STRATEGY:
°Determine options to reduce non-local cut-through traffic
coming from the regional system in cooperation with county
and state efforts.
OUtilize a process for neighborhoods to request and
implement traffic improvements. (Refer to City of Savage
info.)
°Utilize standardized criteria on traffic counts and speeds to
evaluate transportation improvement requests.
°Utilize a traffic-calming toolbox when appropriate.
°Identify locations for bike paths and sidewalks within the city.
2. Promote ways to accommodate the efficient movement of people
and goods in and around Edina.
ISSUES: +The shrinking capacity of the regional roadway systems forces
traffic onto Edina city streets.
+Congestion on the highway system will increase in the years
ahead with freeway reconstruction projects magnifying the
problem.
STRATEGY:
ORecommend viable public transit modalities.
°Recommend a local transportation plan to mitigate effects
of cut-through traffic.
(3)
GOALS AND ACTION PLAN:
• Approve/amend mission and vision statement, objectives, and goals.
• Develop a priority list from objectives.
GOALS/PLAN:
1. Research and identify how the ETC can interface with County and City
efforts to facilitate the reduction of cut-through traffic coming off the
regional system.
2. Review and redefine Local Traffic Task Force recommendations.
3. Develop a process that neighborhoods can use to request and
implement traffic improvements. (See City of Savage info attached.)
4. Develop traffic counts and speed criteria for the standardized
evaluation of viability of traffic improvement requests.
5. Blend the above #4 and #5 to develop an internal review process for
the ETC to follow when a request is made.
6. Develop a traffic calming tool box to be utilized when appropriate.
7. Identify/recommend an increase and/or addition of bike paths and
sidewalks within the city.
8. Research and identify those public transit avenues the ETC may
influence, and make recommendations to the Council based upon
advantageous findings.
9. Address the functional classification of streets and make appropriate
recommendations.
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Traffic Safet
The Traffic Safety Committee reviews and makes recommendations on traffic
issues affecting the city of Savage. Issues discussed include requests for
improvements from the community, City staff and City Council. The Committee
is made up of representatives from the City's Administration, Police, Public
Works, Planning, and Engineering departments. The Committee meets each
Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.
The following is a description of the process the Committee uses to handle
requests for traffic improvements.
Step 1: Initial Request
Any interested citizen, neighborhood group or business owner who feels there
is a traffic problem in their neighborhood or on their street must submit their
concerns in writing to the Traffic Safety Committee (TSC). The TSC will briefly
review the request and determine whether the traffic concerns are valid for
further exploration.
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In the case of requests for advisory signs, the Committee will consult City policy
and either approve or deny the request. This will be followed by a letter
informing the requestor of the action.
In the case of requests for regulatory signs, the Committee will consult City
policy and may require the completion of a petition to validate the requestor's
concerns.
All other improvement requests requiring considerable data collection must be
substantiated by a petition circulated within the requestor's neighborhood. Those
requesting the improvement will be sent a letter explaining this process, along
with the petition form and a map outlining the petition area.
Step 2: Application/Petition Process
Petitions must be signed by more than 50 percent of the households or
businesses in the petition area. The completed petition shall be returned to the
TSC for further review. The neighborhood must appoint a contact person to
serve as the liaison to the TSC.
A. Sack Ig_Tog
Upon the City's receipt of the completed petition, the request will be placed on
the TSC agenda to be discussed in length. The Committee will evaluate the
concern, discuss potential Neighborhood Traffic Management devices for
solving the issue, and determine the studies and observations necessary in
proving a problem exists.
Step 3: Data Collection
The TSC will gather all necessary information regarding the concerns of the
http://www.ci.savage.mn.us/traffic_safety.html 3/24/2004
Trattic satety uommittee Page 2 of 2
Beck tp Top
applicant, such as location, description and geometrics of affected streets, traffic
counts and traffic speeds, accident history, pedestrian and bicycle activity,
surrounding land use, signage, presence of sidewalks and any other relevant
information.
If the data fails to verify that a problem exists, a letter will be sent to the
neighborhood contact to inform them that their request has been denied.
If the data confirms that improvements are necessary, a neighborhood
workshop will be scheduled.
Step 4: Neighborhood Workshop
The purpose of the neighborhood workshop is to review the results of the data
collection and to present the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program
(NTMP) alternatives that would best address the concerns. The TSC and
neighborhood should try to reach consensus on the type of device(s) to utilize.
The estimated cost of the various alternatives should be presented at this
meeting along with funding sources.
In certain cases, the neighborhood may have to fund all or part of the
improvements.
Step 5: Presentation to City Council
Upon determination of the NTMP device recommended, it will be presented to
City Council. The City Council will conduct a public hearing, in accordance with
MS429, to determine whether to implement the project or not. At this hearing,
the estimated cost of the project and any proposed special assessments will be
presented.
At the conclusion of the hearing, the Council will decide whether to order the
project.
Step 6: Project Design and Implementation
The NTMP device(s) will be designed and installed. The TSC may decide to
install certain devices for a test period while others may be installed as
permanent. The test period projects will be monitored and evaluated for
effectiveness for a predetermined length of time on a case-by-case basis. Once
in place, the City is responsible for maintaining the NTMP devices.
Step 7: Monitoring
Upon installation of the device, the TSC may continue to monitor and evaluate
the effectiveness of the device. A follow-up questionnaire may be done to
determine neighborhood acceptance of the device.
Requests for traffic safety improvements may be submitted in writing to Jason
Wedel, City Engineer, City of Savage, 6000 McColl Drive, Savage, Minn. 55378.
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1
Edina Transportation Commission, Jean White
Notes and Recommendations, April 22, 2004
The Edina Transportation Commission mission includes the following elements:
• Address the Task Force findings and make recommendations to the City Council.
• Define the process for residents' to voice concerns about traffic concerns.
• Establish criteria to address transportation related issues as they arise.
These three elements focus on finding traffic solutions that are compatible with Edina's
20/20 vision of livability for its residents while moving people and goods efficiently
throughout Edina. It is hoped that by taking the following actions that the findings
address whether traffic problems are actually problems or only perceptions.
When addressing solutions for traffic congestion, the TC must have an established
process in place in order to implement a plan. Does the plan actually reduce overall
traffic congestion or does it just transfer traffic from one area to another area? Any
recommendations that the TC makes should address the "balloon effect" principle that
describes traffic congestion. That is, just moving congestion from one bottleneck to
another bottleneck.
The TC must have adequate data in the following areas to judge if the solutions are
realistic.
Funding
• TC recognizes all sources of funding from federal, state, county, local levels of
government and asks lobby groups that the city affiliates with to advocate for
more funds for transportation.
• TC should endorse establishment of dedicated sources of funding for mass transit.
• TC supports a countywide sales tax to eliminate bottlenecks found in our regional
roadways.
Education So that Edina residents understand the transportation system, the TC should
work with the City to inform residents using the following methods:
• Quarterly updates about current traffic and transportation issues in About Town
• Update City website on current construction projects.
• Hold forums on the new Channel 16 that seek to inform and engage residents on
transportation system issues
Task Force findings
• Establish a Pilot Study to study traffic devices and methods that calm traffic.
• The TC and staff can find a variety of traffic calming devices and methods to
study, learn about their advantages and disadvantages, their costs.
• The TC should recommend a Task Force Areas implement a Pilot Study that
demonstrates the effectiveness of the devices and methods.
•
•
• The TC should recommend a citizens traffic monitor program that studies speed,
volume, safety and access.
• Upon completion of a Pilot Study, the TC can advise the City Council on the
process to engage resident's reactions to the findings of the Pilot Study.
Traffic Enforcement
• Dedicate more resources to enforcement of existing traffic laws on Edina's
streets.
• Consider lowering speed requirements on local streets.
• Present information to Edina residents about traffic laws as it relates to operating
a vehicle, using sidewalks and riding bicycles.
Vehicles
• Carpooling — encourage Edina employers to offer priority parking to their
employees who carpool.
• Staggered working hours to utilize more efficiently our regional road system.
• Ask employers to provide a staff person whom Edina can contact about traffic
problems near their office.
Mass Transit
• Recommend to the City Council to negotiate with authorities from Metro Transit
and Southwest Transit to expand and develop mass transit opportunities along
Edina's main arterials streets.
• Support a study of the feasibility of a proposed trolley for the Pentagon Office
Park area.
• Evaluate city ordinances that establish a minimum number of parking spaces for
any new building or rezoning situations. Investigate proper rights of ways and
pick-up/drop-off areas for mass transit.
Bicycles
• Hire a consultant to recommend the best way establish a bicycle transportation
system that connects Three Rivers Bicycle Plan to Edina's streets.
• Endorse city staff to work with Hennepin County's bicycle supervisor to
establish a realistic bicycle route within the France Avenue corridor.
• Procure adequate and safe bicycle parking facilities near entrances to shopping
centers, recreational facilities, schools, churches and businesses.
Pedestrians
• Endorse finding to complete sidewalks on both side of the street for Edina's
collector streets and main arterials.
• Add pedestrian crosswalks along arterial streets.
• Partner with Edina School district and Edina private schools to establish safe
routes to school plan that promotes safe walking to school.
• Evaluate Edina's sidewalk petition system with respect to cost/benefits for the
community in general versus special neighborhood interests.
2
Land Use and Zoning
• Support future land use within Edina that complements mass transit, pedestrian
and bicycle and carpooling opportunities.
• Review existing zoning requirements with respect to parking and other land uses
that conflict with or discourage use of mass transit, bicycles, sidewalks and
carpools.
• Review Edina's zoning ordinances pertaining to automobiles and parking.
• TC must have input for revision of Comprehensive Plan in 2008.
3
3
-)
EDINA TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
Observations and Comments of Joni Kelly Bennett
April 22, 2004
1. Although the Edina City Council recognizes a cause and effect relationship between
regional congestion and local traffic issues (the ordinance creating the Transportation
Commission states that "congestion on the regional roadway system and the failure of
that system to accommodate the continued growth in traffic volumes has created and
exacerbated traffic volumes, speed and congestion on local streets. . ."), it has directed
the Commission to address local traffic issues (Ordinance No. 2003-9, new Section 1225,
Section 1225.02 Purpose and Duties).
2. Even when narrowed to local issues, the list of possible topics is long and complicated,
including: functional street classification (Section 1225.02 Subsection A.), traffic
volumes and congestion, enhancement of mass transit opportunities (regional-but
assigned in Section 1225.02 Subsection B.), traffic calming and other speed and volume
mitigation.
3. To adequately address these topics, the Commission needs more specific, more relevant,
and more complete information from the City. For example, information about the
Minnesota Transportation Alliance and Association of Metropolitan Municipalities is
interesting, but not relevant to the work the Commission has been assigned (see 1.
above). The Commission has been given a schedule of City capital improvements, but
not descriptions of the work those improvement projects will entail, or a list or
descriptions of projects in the planning stages. The information brought to the
Commission about traffic calming in other cities is relevant and specific, but incomplete.
4. Independent research by Commission members can supplement information provided by
the City. However, sources vary in their quality, usefulness, and conclusions. I have
spent the last 24 hours researching traffic calming strategies, and I now have more
questions than I did when I started. Just one example: a study demonstrating that speed
humps in residential neighborhoods reduce child pedestrian injuries by up to 60% has just
been published in the American Journal of Public Health (April 2004, vol. 94, issue 4, p.
646). An earlier study published by the Institute of Urban and Regional Development at
the University of California-Berkeley in 1998 found that speed humps do force drivers to
slow down. However, The City of Berkeley has not installed a new speed hump since
1994. Berkeley relies on more aesthetic, more expensive, traffic circles instead, citing
the predominance of pedestrian accidents at intersections rather than mid-block where
speed humps are meant to be used. In other communities, claims of increased response
time by emergency responders and fire departments have served as the basis for
moratoria on the construction of new speed humps and the removal of existing ones.
5. The Commission needs factual data and studies on traffic calming. An article in Civil
Engineering (New York, January 2000, vol. 70, issue 1, p. 46) refers to a report published
by the Institute of Transportation Engineers of Washington, D.C., titled: "Traffic
Calming: State of the Practice". Its author is Reid Ewing, a transportation and urban
planning research professor at Rutgers University and the research director of the Surface
Transportation Policy Project in Washington, D.C. The article is said to summarize the
results of a number of studies that show the speed, volume, and safety effectiveness of
several traffic-calming measures, and to classify traffic-calming measures by the
characteristic affected most—speed or volume. The article would appear to be a very
good starting point for discussions about traffic calming strategies.
6. The Commission needs factual data on driver behavior in Edina. The police department
should have compilations of data on speeding "hot spots", locations of frequent DWI
arrests, accident and moving violations involving teenaged drivers, as well as recent
traffic counts and speed or other traffic surveys. That data should help the Commission
narrow its focus.
7. The Commission needs factual data on use of mass transit by Edina residents and by
residents of other communities who would otherwise commute through Edina. One of
the Commission's tasks will be to recommend location of Park and Ride facilities, and
another will be response to the prospect of a commuter rail line. Data on mass transit use
is essential to discussion of either of these or other transit-related topics.
8. After it is better informed, the Commission needs to start work on recommendations that
will improve transportation and traffic for the City as a whole rather than a specific
neighborhood. Focus on a particular neighborhood repeated times has created an
impression of favoritism at City Hall and divided neighborhoods within the City. Initial
recommendations should seek to improve conditions throughout the City (the ITE report
should help the Commission choose strategies to recommend). Both Les Wanniger's
sidewalk proposal and Warren Plante's recommendations to lower speed limits and
increase police enforcement on residential streets would have citywide impact.
9. The Commission needs to think creatively about potential solutions. In addition to the
traffic calming strategies of traffic humps, traffic circles, cul-de-sac, chokers, center
islands, coordinated stop signs, and chicanes, I encountered discussions of speed limit
reduction (Anchorage, Alaska—city ordinance allows city traffic engineer upon resident
petition to lower the speed limit from 25 to 15 miles per hour on any street less that 600
feet long), speed display signs, citizen radar programs, improvements to arterial streets,
graduated drivers' licenses for teenaged drivers, lower blood alcohol limits for teenagers
driving drunk, a mobile speed hump/pace car program, and increased, consistent police
enforcement of traffic laws and speed limits.
10. The Commission needs to develop a process for getting information to and from Edina
residents. Commission members' names and contact information should appear on the
City web site (as of last week, no mention of the Commission appeared). Contact should
be established between the Commission and Edina's neighborhood associations. At least
one initial open forum should be held, with citizen statements limited to three minutes or
less, for the gathering of general information from the community. Later meetings can be
scheduled when the Commission discusses issues relating to a particular neighborhood or
area of town. Warren Plante's recommendation of a citizen's guide to transportation
issues is an excellent idea. The guide could include contact information for City Hall and
the Commission.
Edina Transportation Commission, Waren Plante
Notes and Recommendations, April 21,2004
Transportation Commission (TC) Duties
• Evaluate current problems and causes of Edina's traffic problems.
• Advise city Council (CC) on transportation concerns with an emphasis on traffic volume,
congestion, functional classifications and laws.
• Review plans to enhance mass transit opportunities.
• Evaluate methods and technology for mitigating traffic problems such as volume, speed
and commercial activities.
• Review findings of the local traffic task force.
Short-Term Recommendations
• Recommendations from the TC to the CC should be balanced and feasible for the near
term. They should be equitable and benefit all citizens through examination of traffic
volume, congestion, and behavior. Respect for all neighborhoods is important.
• Review, evaluate, and recommend changes within Edina's boundaries regarding speed
limits for all streets, needed semaphores/signs, and enforcement.
• Develop and recommend a comprehensive information program regarding transportation
issues for all constituents.
• Review, evaluate and recommend changes in functional classification of streets.
• Review findings of the local traffic task force and support their findings where
appropriate.
• Develop a written understanding for all constituents regarding transportation issues over
which the City has control
• Develop and recommend a comprehensive environmental impact statement relating to
transportation issues.
Long-Term Recommendations
• Identify key issues that will adversely impact traffic congestion and safety over time.
• Continuously evaluate mass transit opportunities for Edina that will not disrupt the
environment.
• Strongly encourage the CC to approve a special bonding referendum to improve streets,
lights, add additional traffic officers and technology.
• Develop a stronger relationship with communities on Edina's southern and western
boundaries. Both residential and commercial development in Eden Prairie and
Bloomington have seriously impacted and compromised Edina's well-being as a
community.
• Continually evaluate technological innovations and make recommendations for
implementation to the CC.
• Encourage neighborhood safety patrols to foster citizen involvement.
Ron Erhardt
State Representative
District 41A
Hennepin County
Minnesota
House of
Representatives
CHAIR, TRANSPORTATION POLICY
COMMITTEES: TAXES; TRANSPORTATION FINANCE; WAYS AND MEANS
Warren and Beverly Plante April 2004
6804 Wooddale Ave. S
Edina, MN 55435
Dear Warren and Beverly:
Thank you for completing and returning my 2004 Session Questionnaire and for your additional comments. I appreciate your
interest in state government. The results of the survey are below. Once again, thank you.
2004 SESSION QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS
VOTER RESPONSE
1. Once again, it appears that the State of Minnesota will be facing a budget shortfall. To make up
the deficit, should lawmakers:
A. Cut state spending 36%
B. Raise taxes 19%
C. Utilize a combination of spending cuts and tax increases 41%
D. Other 4%
2. If you support raising taxes to balance the budget, which tax would you prefer be raised:
A. Property taxes 7%
B. Income taxes 36%
C Sales tax 35%
D. Other 22%
3. Over the next 20 years, the Minnesota Department of Transportation estimates it will need $15 billion in
new money just to stay even with the congestion problem in the metro area. To solve this congestion
problem, should the Legislature:
A. Raise the gas tax 55%
B. Increase license tab fees 18%
C. Other 27%
4. 2004 is a bonding year at the Capitol, which means that the state will bond (i.e. borrow) money to pay
for state projects. What projects should be the focus of this year's bonding bill?
A Roads. 53%
B. Government buildings (i.e. University of MN and MnSCU buildings, state buildings) 12%
C Local community projects (i.e. community, centers, libraries, schools, museums) 19%
D. Environmental projects (i.e. trails, parks) 8%
E. Arts and entertainment projects (i.e. Minnesota Zoo, sports stadiums) 8%
5. What do you believe is the best solution to traffic congestion in the southwest metro area?
A. More highway capacity 20%
B. More transit options 28%
C. Both more highway capacity and transit options 44%
D. Other 8%
6. Would you support a state-run casino?
A. Yes 48%
B. No 52%
7. Do you support the use of toll roads as a means of financing Minnesota's road construction needs?
A. Yes 51%
B No 49%
4214 Sunnyside Road, Edina, Minnesota 55424
State Office Building, 100 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, St, Paul, Minnesota 55155-1298
Ifb FAX: (651) 296-4307 TTY: (651) 296-9896 Email: rep.ron.erhardt@house.mn
tiO
(952) 927-9437
(651) 296-4363
Edina Transportation Commission
Les Wanninger, 4/22/2004
Policies
The ETC is representative of the citizens of Edina, appointed by the Edina Council to
make recommendations to the Council.
•All meetings are conducted in public, consistent with the MN Open Meeting Law.
'The primary purpose of ETC meetings is for the ETC members to jointly discuss and
consider issues and proposed solutions.
'Given the public representative status of the ETC membership, it is assumed the
individual members provide broad citizen perspective on issues and potential solutions.
'Edina City Staff are a primary resource to the ETC to provide information on issues
and suggest and critique options for solutions.
'Public hearings on specific issues and proposed solutions will only be conducted after
recommendations to the Edina Council. This is to avoid generating public controversy
on issues and solutions the Council may not choose to pursue.
'The ETC will, following votes on individual recommendations to the Council, conduct a
follow-up vote for unanimous consent. This can be particularly important on
controversial votes, because it represents the ETC to the public as having considered
and then come to consensus agreement on issues and solutions.
Procedures
'The ETC should, as its first priority, study the several key issues identified in the
Citizens Task Force, determine for each issue whether solutions should be considered
or not, study a range of possible solutions, and then make recommendations to the
Edina Council. Public hearings would follow if requested by the Council.
'The ETC should form sub-committees to do some of the preliminary work on each
issue, after which the entire ETC will prioritize the issues for further study and begin
considering solution options.
'Individual ETC members may also raise issues to be considered by the ETC.
'The ETC should develop a long range projection of transportation and transportation-
related concerns in Edina including safety, quality of life and funding. Modes to be
included are walking (sidewalks), biking, local automobile traffic, traffic through Edina on
local streets, traffic essentially bypassing Edina via the Highway system, and public bus
transportation. This projection should begin with the current status and use a range of
projections of traffic growth and incorporate planned changes to capacity and design.
This projection should be discussed with the Edina Council prior to publication, because
its first purpose is as a planning document for the council.
Dean Dovolis
Policy / Strategy / Mission
Use the following to create policy / strategy / mission:
• Impacted Streets
-Beyond normal impact
. 25mph
Noise Walls
Street Hierarchy
Sidewalks
Budget
Appeal Structure
Mission Statement
Mass Transit
Public Meeting
-One meeting to present policy (Process comes out of this)
. Council
-Present same to Council
Process
• Notice of appeal if criteria met
• Commission prepares notifications
• Public Meeting: Impacted and secondary neighborhoods
-Vote: impacted 1 vote; secondary .5 vote; requires 50% approval
• Field test modifications
-Experimental implementation over 30-60 day period
• 2nd public meeting
-Vote for permanent installation (same as above)
• Goes to Council for approval