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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-07-18 Meeting PacketAGENDA CITY OF EDINA, MINNESOTA TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION COUNCIL CHAMBERS July 18, 2013 6:00 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Regular Meeting of June 20, 2013 V. COMMUNITY COMMENT During "Community Comment," the Transportation 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 Commission Members to respond to their comments tonight. Instead, the Commission might refer the matter to staff for consideration at a future meeting. VI. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS A. Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Fund Update B. 2014 Work Plan Update C. Traffic Safety Committee Report of July 3, 2013 D. Updates i. Student Member ii. Bike Edina Task Force iii. Living Streets Working Group iv. Transportation Options Working Group v. Communications Committee a. Community Transformation Grants VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS Agenda / Edina Transportation Commission July 18, 2013 Page 2 VIII. CHAIR AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS IX. STAFF COMMENTS A. Project Updates 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 amplification, an interpreter, large-print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861 72 hours in advance of the meeting. SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING MEETINGS/DATES/EVENTS Tuesday July 16 City Council and ETC Workshop 5:00 PM COMMUNITY ROOM Thursday July 18 Regular ETC Meeting 6:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS Thursday August 15 Regular ETC Meeting 6:00 PM COMMUNITY ROOM Thursday September 19 Regular ETC Meeting 6:00 PM COMMUNITY ROOM Thursday October 24 Regular ETC Meeting 6:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS Thursday November 21 Regular ETC Meeting 6:00 PM COMMUNITY ROOM Thursday December 19 Regular ETC Meeting 6:00 PM COMMUNITY ROOM G:\Enginecring\rifrastructure\Streets\Trafflc\TRANsp COMM \Agendas & RR's \ 2013 Agendas \ 20130718 Agenda.docx 1 MINUTES OF CITY OF EDINA, MINNESOTA TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION COUNCIL CHAMBERS JULY 18, 2013 6:00 P.M. ROLL CALL Answering roll call was members Bass, Iyer, Janovy, LaForce, Nelson, and Whited. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA Motion was made by member Janovy and seconded by member LaForce to approve the meeting agenda. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 20, 2013 – Approved as corrected. Motion was made by member Bass and seconded by member Whited to approve the revised minutes of June 20, 2013. All voted aye. Motion carried. COMMUNITY COMMENT – None. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Fund (PACS) Update Transportation planner Mark Nolan presented the following short, medium and long term plans for the PACS fund: Short Term • Prepare strategy for utilization of PACS fund • Finalize Sidewalk Priority Plan criteria • 2013 Sidewalk/Non-Motorized Transportation Facilities (NMTF) projects School Road Sidewalk Vernon Avenue Bike Lanes Ped-activated pedestal-mounted flashers (Rosland Park, Edina High and Valley View Middle Schools) • Plan for 2014 sidewalk/other NMTF projects Birchcrest B Neighborhood: Valley View & Normandale Road Sidewalks Strachauer Park D Neighborhood: W. 62nd Street Sidewalk Morningside B Neighborhood: W. 42nd Street, Alder Drive & Scott Terrace Sidewalks Ped-activated overhead mounted flasher: mid-block crossing at 69th (Southdale-Galleria) Medium-Long Term • Prepare Living Streets Plan and coordinate with PACS Fund (Sidewalk Priority Plan) • Determine priority projects for future years • Update Sidewalk/Pedestrian Facilities map • Prepare for Comprehensive Bicycle Transportation Plan update • Develop public input/outreach procedure 2014 Work Plan Update Director Houle said the only change was to the France Avenue Intersections Improvement Project to reflect the construction delay until 2014. He said they will need to finalize the plan and recommendation to City Council by August. Traffic Safety Committee Report of July 3, 2013 Brief discussion ensued regarding Sections A.1, A.2, and C.1. 2 Updates Student Members - None Bike Edina Task Force Member Janovy said they continue to have discussion on their bylaws and to work on the Bicycle Community Friendly application. Living Streets Working Group Chair Nelson said on July 16, they updated the City Council on the draft Living Streets Policy and on their visits to boards and commissions that they’ve presented the policy to. He said the City Council approved the Living Streets Advisory Group and they are looking for volunteers; currently, there are approximately 10-12 volunteers and they will begin meeting soon. Members Bass and Janovy suggested creating a Living Streets work plan that would include projects that other boards and commissions are working on that are Living Streets related. Chair Nelson will draft an email to the chairs of other boards and commissions to this effect. Transportation Options Working Group Member Whited said their next phase is to work on funding thru the Health and Human Services grant process which is due August 31. Discussion ensued regarding whether or not to keep the working group going and the conclusion was that the working group had completed its work. After discussion, motion was made by member Whited to disband the Transportation Options Working Group and the motion was seconded by member LaForce. All voted aye. Motion carried. Communications Committee a. Community Transformation Grant Member Bass said the $5,000 grant she referred to last month was the Statewide Health Improvement Program grant and not the Community Transformation Grant. She said they are discussing ways to use the funds and will have an update in August. Member LaForce asked for an update on the communications plan for the France Avenue Intersections Improvement that they reviewed and offered comments on. Director Houle said the plan is not finalized yet because they are still working on the urban design piece. He said they are moving forward on generating the Frequently Asked Questions and it will be routed to the committee for review before being posted to the website. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS A. Correspondence relating to transportation issues – A letter was received from resident Dr. Frank Wei requesting a sidewalk on 66th St W. Director Houle said this location is not on the Sidewalk Plan and it is not scheduled for reconstruction any time soon. Member Iyer said the location would make a good network connection. CHAIR AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Member Iyer said he would like to participate in the Living Streets Advisory Group but not as a volunteer. Member Whited asked Director Houle when 58th St. W. is scheduled for reconstruction because the asphalt is eroding. He said it is scheduled for 2014. Chair Nelson said on 66th St. W., west of TH-100, there is quite a large bump in the road. Director Houle will check to see what has caused the bump. 3 Member Laforce asked if there were any crash data for Benton Ave as you exit TH-100 south. He said this intersection continues to be unsafe. Member Janovy added that it is too wide for a two-lane roadway. Director Houle said he will add this intersection to their workload for evaluation. Member Janovy said she submitted a sidewalk petition to City Council on July 16. She asked if it could be incorporated into the 2014 project that is scheduled. Director Houle said staff knew the petition was coming and is already working to see if it can be incorporated. STAFF COMMENTS • Commissioner Braden resigned effective today. • The neighborhood reconstruction projects are progressing on schedule despite the weather. • The School Road sidewalk RFP was approved by City Council July 16. • One bid was received for France Avenue Intersections Improvements and it was $600,000 higher than estimated; staff consulted with MnDOT to see if the federal funds would be affected if they were to reject the bid and rebid; this is not the case and on July 16, City Council accepted staff’s recommendation to rebid in the fall with construction in 2014. A second meeting was held for the Urban Design piece of this project and a third is scheduled for August 21, 7-9 p.m. • Hennepin County is still on schedule to mill and overlay Vernon Avenue; the Penn Avenue Bridge redecking is starting Monday, July 22-October 22, and traffic is detoured to Xerxes Avenue. Xerxes Avenue Bridge will be redecked next year and staff is continuing to work with the County to improve lane designs. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned. ATTENDANCE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE - 2013 NAME TERM J F M A M J J A S O N D Work Session # of Mtgs Attendance % Meetings/Work Sessions 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 7/16 Bass, Katherine 2/1/2014 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 88% Braden, Ann* 2/1/2014 1 1 1 1 1 5 63% Franzen, Nathan 2/1/2016 1 1 1 1 1 5 63% Iyer, Iyer 2/1/2015 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 88% Janovy, Jennifer 2/1/2014 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 100% LaForce, Tom 2/1/2015 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 100% Nelson, Paul 2/1/2016 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 8 100% Schweiger, Steven student 1 1 1 3 38% Sierks, Caroline student 1 1 1 1 1 5 63% Spanhake, Dawn 2/1/2016 1 1 1 3 50% Whited, Courtney 2/1/2015 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 88% City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 Agenda Item #: VI. C. Action Discussion E Information El To: Edina Transportation Commission From: Byron Theis — Traffic Safety Coordinator Date: July 18, 2013 Subject: Traffic Safety Committee Report of July 3, 2013 G:\ Engineering \Infrastructure \Streets \Traffic \TRANSP COMM \ Agendas & RR's \2013 R&R \20130718 \ Item VI.C. Traffic Safety Committee Report of July 3, 2013.docx REPORT / RECOMMENDATION Action Requested: Review and recommend Traffic Safety Committee (TSC) Report of Wednesday, July 3, 2013, be forwarded to City Council for approval. Information / Background: It is not anticipated that residents will be in attendance at the meeting regarding any of the attached issues. An overview of the comments from the Edina Transportation Commission (ETC) will be included in the staff report provided to Council for their August 20, 2013, meeting. Attachments: Traffic Safety Committee Report for July 3, 2013. TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT Wednesday, July 3, 2013 The Traffic Safety Committee (TSC) review of traffic safety matters occurred on July 3. The Director of Engineering, Public Works Director, the Assistant City Planner, the Transportation Planner, Sign Coordinator, and Traffic Safety Coordinator were in attendance for this meeting. From these reviews, the recommendations below are provided. On each of the items, persons involved have been contacted and 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 be included on the July 18, Edina Transportation Commission and the August 20 City Council agenda. SECTION A: Requests on which the Committee recommends approval: Request for parking restrictions in the area of 5821 Zenith Avenue. This request comes from the relative of the resident who lives at 5821 Zenith Avenue. The requestor states that they require Metro Mobility bus to pick up/drop off in front of the residence for travel. The requestor has noticed that sometimes vehicles park in front of the residence, making pick up/drop of difficult. The requestor was interested in finding a solution that would always allow the mobility bus to park in front of the residence. Photos are provided below. Zenith Avenue is a local roadway with an Average Daily Traffic (ADT) of 135 vehicles, and an 85th percentile speed of 20.6 MPH. It is a 28 foot wide bituminous street with no curb and gutter. There are currently no parking restrictions in the area. The TSC discussed using signs that state, "No parking, loading zone" in the area. There are other areas where, "no parking, loading zone" signs are used for Metro Mobility buses. Staff recommends the approval of "No parking, loading zone" at 5821 Zenith Avenue. Traffic Safety Committee Report Page I of 9 July 3, 2013 —5901— 5900 5905 5904— 5901 5900 5905 5901 5905— 5909 5913— 5909 58TH S7 W 590 8900 5905 5904 —5909 5908— 5913 5912 5917 5916— 5921 5920 5925 5924 5929 5928 5933 5932— 5904 —5908— 5912 5916 5900 5904 5908 —5912 5916— 5909 5908 5913— 5912 5917 5921 5917 592r- 5925— 5925 5929 —5933 5920 —5924— —5928— —5932— 5913 5917 —5921 5925— 5929 —5933— 5924 5916 5920— —5924 5920 5928 5932 5933 =IMP5632 5636 5701 5700 gag' 5 5704 708 5709 5705 5713 5712 5717 5716 5721 5720 5725 5724 5729 5728 5733 5732 , 5629 15625 ---"----Th6700 5701 5700 5705 5704 5709 5708 5713 5712 5717 5716 5721 5720 5725 5724 5729 5728 5733 5732 5737 5738 5741 5740 5701 5705 5709 5713 5717 5721 5633 5637 5641 5705 5704 5125 5724 5729 5728 573 5732 5737 5738 5741 5740 5712 5716 5720 687H ST W —5800— 5804— —5808 —5812 —5816— 5820— e 5524 —5828 —5832 5836— 5840— —984— 5801 5805 —5809— 5813 5897 5821 5825 5829 5837 5841 —5845 — 1111 1. 1 1 1 1 1111 111 34163412 3408 3400 3316 33123308 3300 3216321232083200 3/1631123108 3 1 100 I I 134014 I I I 3314 I I I 13214 I I I 3 '/4 I 5801 —5805— 5809 5813 5817 —5821 5835— 5829 —5833— 5837 5841— —5845— 5800 5808 5812 5818 5824 5828— 5832— 5836 —5844— —5848 — 5804 5808 5812 5816 5820 5824 5828 32 5629 5624._ 5640 5633 5628 5644 5637 5632 5701 5700 5705 5704 24 5709 5708 5712 5713 5716 5720 5717 5724 5724 5725 5728 5728 5729 5732 5732 -5736 — 5733 5736 5800 5801 5800 5804 5804 5805 1nn 5808 5808 5809 5812 5812 5816 5817 5816 5820 5821 5820 5824 5825 5824 5828 5829 5828 5832 5833 5832 19 5836 5837 5836 5900 5901 5900 5904 6 saos 5904 5908 5909 5908 5912 5913 5912 595 6 5917 5916 5920 5921 5920 5924 5925 5924 5928 5929 5928 5932 5933 5936 5634 5633 5637 5635 5640 5641 5646 5645 3021 5700 5701 5707 5705 5708 5711 5712 5711 5717 5716 5717 5721 5720 5721 5725 5724 5725 5729 5730 5729 5733 5737 5736 5735 5741 5740 5741 5745 5744 5745 5749 5748 5749 5753 5757 5756 5757 5801 5800 5801 5805 5809 5808 5895 5812 5 5817 816 5820 5823 5824 5827 5828 5809 5833 5832 5837 5836 5841 5840 5845 5844 5849 5848 5853 5852 5853 5857 5856 5857 5901 5900 5901 5905 5904 5905 5909 5908 5909 5913 5912 5913 5917 5996 5917 5921 5920 5921 5925 5924 5925 5929 5928 5929 5933 5932 5933 5937 5936 5937 5941 5940 5941 5945 3008 3000 2924 2920 3018 2916 r ce.cd. :IMAMS C., (C LOGS SO 2.3 6001 6000 I 6001 6000 79778 ST W 3015 6000 6001 Map: Zenith Avenue near 580h Street Traffic Safety Committee Report Page 2 of 9 July 3, 2013 Photo: 5821 Zenith looking south Photo: 5821 Zenith looking north Traffic Safety Committee Report Page 3 of 9 July 3, 2013 6:4 IO•AY6 TOA,14pvc .6. A vc 114TH STY, HANWAY 62 SS IAVY62 To VALLEY vEWRO 6701 6705 6709 6713 6701 6705 6709 6713 4018 4010 45Tly5TIV 4015 4005 24 6600 cj 71A-cAIS 1C C.2.1:15 • 6400 ke Cornelia 24 6708 2. Request for pedestrian crossing lights at the intersection of 66th Street West and Southdale Road. This request is from a resident who uses the park frequently. The requestor states that vehicles are not stopping for pedestrians at this intersection. The requestor also states that he was hit by a car going through this intersection. Requestor would like to increase the visibility of the crosswalk. A map and photos are provided below. Map: 66671 Street West and Southdale Road Traffic Safety Committee Report Page 4 of 9 July 3, 2013 Photo: 66th Street and Southdale Road, looking northwest Photo: 66th Street and Southdale Road, looking east Traffic Safety Committee Report Page 5 of 9 July 3, 2013 Marked pedestrian crosswalks can be enhanced as outlined in the City of Edina Local Traffic Control section. It states: Marked Pedestrian Crosswalks • Marking for crosswalks will be established by measuring the "Vehicle Gap Time". This is the total number of gaps between vehicular traffic recorded during the average five minute period in the peak hour. Criteria for markings are: • More than five gaps — pavement marking and signage only. • Four to five gaps — add activated pedestal mounted flasher. • Less than three gaps — add activated overhead mounted flasher The gaps counted in the area averaged 4 gaps during the peak hour at 5 P.M.. This crosswalk would qualify for an activated pedestal mounted flasher. 66th Street West is classified as a Collector Street with an ADT of 9823 vehicles and an 85th percentile speed of 33.5 MPH. It is a 38 foot wide bituminous street with insurmountable curb and gutter on both sides. Sidewalks are on both sides and marked crosswalks at Southdale Road. There is no report of the crash involving pedestrians. Staff recommends approval of installation of activated pedestal mounted flasher for the crosswalk located at 66th Street West and Southdale Road. SECTION B: Requests on which the Committee recommends denial: At this time, there are no requests that are recommended for denial. SECTION C: Requests that are referred to a later date: Request for pedestrian improvements at the intersection of Valley View Road and Chapel Lane. This request is from a crossing guard supervisor for the school. The requestor states that vehicles are not yielding to pedestrians in the crosswalk. Traffic Safety Committee Report Page 6 of 9 July 3, 2013 6750 VALLEY VkleY RD 6608 6801 6020 6016 6012 6008 6004 6000 5908 5104 3900 6808 CHAPEL DR / 6812 5905 5901 6017 6013 6009 6005 6001 6816 5913 5911 6812 6816 6016 6012 6008 6004 6000 SHAM DR 6908 6821 6825 6983 53 6917 6909 6911 6128 ce.tol A ZIA OUS CUZI, qf (CI 4C,.. CeS 21,5 6124 6120 6116 6112 7004 6825 6821 6829 6028 24 6840 6029 6024 6013 6012 6025 6016 6017 6021 6012 68680 760 6013 6008 6000 8A 6017 6008 6004 l - 6009 6005 i 601 6000 5920 6001 6009 5112 5925 5921 6912 5100 6908 6904 6824 6900 6820 Map: Valley View Road and Chapel Lane Traffic Safety Committee Report Page 7 of 9 July 3, 2013 Photo: Chapel Lane and Valley View Road, looking west Photo: Valley View Road, looking north Traffic Safety Committee Report Page 8 of 9 July 3, 2013 The criterion for placement of crosswalks and type of control is outlined within the City of Edina Local Traffic Control list. It states: Marked Pedestrian Crosswalks o Marked crosswalks are placed at locations that are unusually hazardous or at locations not readily apparent as having pedestrian movement. • Marked crosswalks will only be placed in an area that has in excess of 20 pedestrians crossing for a minimum of two hours during any eight hour period. • Marking for crosswalks will be established by measuring the "Vehicle Gap Time". This is the total number of gaps between vehicular traffic recorded during the average five minute period in the peak hour. Criteria for markings are: More than five gaps — pavement marking and signage only. ▪ Four to five gaps — add activated pedestal mounted flasher. Less than three gaps — add activated overhead mounted flasher After discussion, staff concluded that further study is needed. Staff will gather additional traffic counts, along with discussing issue with the school district. SECTION D: Other traffic safety issues handled. 1. Request for speed counts to be done on 66th Street West near the intersection of Wilryan Avenue. Requestor states that vehicles are speeding through the area. 66th Street West has an ADT of 4297 vehicles and an 85th of 31.8 MPH. Speed counts were taken and forwarded to Edina Police Department (EPD) for enforcement. 2. Request for speed counts on Code Avenue near Porter Lane. Code Avenue has an ADT of 631 vehicles and an 85th of 25.6 MPH. Speed counts were taken, and forwarded to EPD for enforcement. 3. Call from a resident about traffic volumes in Cedars of Edina Apartment complex. A voicemail was left with the resident, who has not called back. That parking lot is a private lot, which is not controlled by the City of Edina. 4. Call from a resident about residential construction parking. Resident states that vehicles from construction are parking on both sides of the street and possibly causing a safety issue. Resident would like temporary parking restrictions until the residential construction is completed. Resident was forwarded to EPD, who place temporary parking restriction signs. 5. Call from a resident about construction parking. Resident was interested in knowing the options when construction vehicles begin to park near a project. Resident was forwarded to the Redevelopment Coordinator. 6. Call from a resident regarding construction around Xerxes Avenue and TH 62. Resident was forwarded to Hennepin County, who is managing construction in the area. Traffic Safety Committee Report Page 9 of 9 July 3, 2013 REPORT / RECOMMENDATION To: Edina Transportation Commission From: Wayne D. Houle, PE, Director of Engineering Date: July I 8, 20 I 3 Subject: 2014 Work Plan Update Action Requested: No action requested. Information / Background: Continue 2014 Work Plan discussion from June ETC meeting. Agenda Item #: VI. B. Action 0 Discussion a Information al G:\ Engineering \ Infrastructure \Streets \Traffic \TRANSP COMM \Agendas & RR's\ 2013 R&R \ 20130718 \Item VI.B. 2014 Work Plan Update.docx City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 REPORT / RECOMMENDATION To: Edina Transportation Commission From: Wayne D. Houle, PE, Director of Engineering Date: July I 8, 20 I 3 Subject: Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Fund Update Action Requested: No action requested. Agenda Item #: VI. A. Action Discussion 0 Information Information / Background: Mark Nolan — Transportation Planner for the City of Edina will attend to give an update on the Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety program. G: \ Engineering \ Infrastructure \Streets \ Traffic \TRANSP COMM \ Agendas & RR's \ 2013 R&R \ 20130718 \ Item VIA. Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Fund Update.docx City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 1 MINUTES OF CITY OF EDINA, MINNESOTA TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION COMMUNITY ROOM JUNE 20, 2013 6:00 P.M. ROLL CALL Answering roll call was members Bass, Braden, Iyer, Janovy, LaForce, Nelson, Sierks, and Spanhake. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA Motion was made by member Janovy and seconded by member Iyer to approve the meeting agenda. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 16, 2013 – Approved as corrected. Motion was made by member LaForce and seconded by member Spanhake to approve the revised minutes of May 16, 2013. All voted aye. Motion carried. COMMUNITY COMMENT – None. Director Houle introduced new employee Mark Nolan, transportation planner. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS 54th St. W. Bridge and Roadway Reconstruction Study Director Houle stated that this project is in the Capital Improvement Plan for 2013 to complete the planning and design phase with reconstruction in 2014. The project includes reconstructing 54th St. W. from Wooddale to France Avenues; reconstructing the bridge over Minnehaha Creek; and designing a stormwater management plan to mitigate untreated stormwater runoff into the creek. Request for Proposals (RFP) for the planning and design phase were solicited. He said the difference in this project than others was that staff wanted a robust public engagement process. SEH was selected from the four RFPs that were received because they had the best public engagement process which included working with a public relations firm. Director Houle said their approach is to identify issues and needs up front and this will be done through online surveys, intercept surveys and door knocking. The intercept surveys and door knocking will be done in the area from Wooddale Avenue over to France Avenue and from 50th St. W. down to 56th St. W. The online survey can be done by anyone throughout the City. Director Houle introduced Ms. Anne Carroll from Carroll, Franck & Associates, the public relations firm working with SEH. Ms. Carroll said the RFP made it very clear that the public engagement process was central to the project and they recommended using the International Association for Public Participation framework which is nationally recognized and internationally tested. She said staff chose to use ‘collaborate’ from the framework to work with all stakeholders, including the ETC. Continuing, Ms. Carroll said residents were notified of the project via a letter and they started the intercept surveys this morning with a team of ten graduate students asking two key questions: 1. What issues and needs do you see on 54th St. W., including the bridge? (Please focus on needs and issues rather than specific solutions. Example: We live west of Arden Park and kids cannot walk there safely; or, the bridge isn’t wide enough for cars, bikes, and walkers.) 2 2. What issues and needs do you see for Minnehaha Creek and Arden Park? (Please focus on issues and needs rather than specific solutions. Example: Stormwater runoff dumps directly from the road into the creek; or, the canoe landing is primitive and slippery after it rains.) Ms. Carroll said community input will be gathered as follows (input will be combined and not reported as individual or group feedback): 1. Gather issues and needs about 54th St. W., stormwater, and the creek and park – June-July 2. Gather input on design components – August 3. Gather feedback on refined scenarios – August-September The City Council public hearing will be October or November. The ETC was asked to share their input on the two issues above and on issue #1, they shared the following: • Having a place to stand to see the water (area is narrow); • Bridge is narrow; • Need to separate pedestrians, bikers and vehicles; • Stop sign is unexpected, not likely to stop when biking considering there is an oncoming hill ahead (loses momentum); • Church parking (private organization relying on public parking); • Dedicated bike lanes on both sides to build out the system and optimize the street for cycling; • Need sidewalk to improve safety and access to creek; • Grade separation so that traffic does not have go down to the level of the creek; Issue #2: • Stairway not maintained in winter; • Sidewalk on Brookview to get to the stairway; • Make it easier/safer for canoeists to cross 54th; • More parking without adding to runoff; • Make people feel safe biking and parking to reduce vehicle parking; • Aesthetics of creek – algae blooms; • Move warming house away from creek for safety, visibility; • Make Oaklawn a scenic viewing vista; • Add a trail in the park; Ms. Carroll thanked everyone for their participation and reminded them that they too, can complete the online survey if other issues came to mind. Director Houle encouraged the ETC to visit the area. Discussion • The budget is approximately $2M to be paid mostly from State Aid funds; the roadway cost split will be 80% State Aid and 20% assessed to residents. • Member Janovy said she is concerned that some phasing in the letter sent to residents is vague enough to be misleading, e.g. “the State will pay for approximately 80 percent of the reconstruction.” She said the ETC knows what this means but its likely to be misunderstood by the general public. She encouraged rewriting the letter. She is also concerned with how authentic the engagement is going to be given competing interests (sidewalk/bike lanes/boulevard/State Aid standards). In response to the authenticity of the engagement, Director Houle said it is in the engagement process that they will determine what people’s interest are. • Member Iyer said he likes the idea of collaboration but is worried with the impression that a lot of public input will be part of the decision-making. He said area residents may want things that visiting residents may not want and he asked whose input will be given priority. He said he would have preferred to use “involve” from the framework because it tells residents upfront that they will be listened to but the decision-making 3 will be based on sound engineering practices and what will benefit the overall City. In response, Director Houle said the process is set up so that no one group gets preferential treatment and the series of workshops are set up to engage residents at different stages. • Additionally, member Iyer said there is no mention of how this project fits with the Comprehensive Plan, Safe Routes to School, etc. and suggested that these should be included. Director Houle said the draft Living Streets Policy will be implemented and it is mentioned in the tasks. Member Bass said they need to tie the pieces together (stormwater issue, multi-modal transportation, etc.) in a more overt way so that residents can make the connection. Member Janovy added that in the past, residents could refuse a sidewalk in their neighborhood because the option was there; but this project so far, has communicated that these things are non-negotiable. She asked how you invite input when there are things off the table that may be important to residents. She said the draft Living Streets Policy has been a struggle up until now because people object to sidewalks. She added further that door knocking for her would be intrusive and you’re invited to give input but is told that certain things are off the table. • Member Bass said she understands that not everyone likes door knocking but it is a great opportunity to involve residents because you are meeting them where they are and they are more likely to participate in the design process. She added that this is good step and will be a growth process for them. 2013 Capital Improvement Plan and Work Plan Update Director Houle updated the ETC on their Work Plan progress. He said the 2014 Work Plan is due to the City Council in September. He recommended adding this to the August agenda for discussion. Member Iyer recommended a working group to brainstorm ideas. Member Bass suggested asking City Council if there is anything that they would like the ETC to work on. Director Houle will distribute the 2013 Work Plan Update to City Council for the next scheduled work session. 2014 Neighborhood Reconstruction Projects Director Houle said the ETC will receive the feasibility studies in September and make recommendations to the City Council in October. He said even though the Comprehensive, Bike, and Sidewalk Plans does not include these neighborhood streets he asked if they should review them to see if sidewalks should be added because the draft Living Streets Policy mentions sidewalks everywhere. He said if there is a chance that sidewalks will be recommended by the ETC, he would like to know this sooner rather than later so that residents can be informed and provide feedback (a neighborhood open house is scheduled for July 29). In the Bredesen Park D Neighborhood, for example, traffic volume is low but Director Houle asked if it makes sense to add a sidewalk along Tamarac Lane to connect with the future Nine Mile Creek Trail. Member Iyer asked what the criteria for adding sidewalks were and Director Houle said there are no specific rules but his general rule is 500-750 cars per day. Member Bass said since it will be too late to fully implement the draft Living Streets Policy into the 2014 neighborhoods; in the meantime, they could offer rain gardens as options to residents or use 54th St. W. to demonstrate what a Living Streets is like. She said there are elements of the policy that could be implemented. (The policy is expected to be approved this summer.) Director Houle said they have options in Bredesen Park D because all the curb and gutter will be replaced. Member LaForce is concerned that there are few houses, low traffic volume and a cul-de-sac. Member Iyer suggested criteria such as park, traffic, school for adding sidewalk. Member Janovy said they were lacking information to make decisions (volume counts/speed, etc.). In the Morningside B Neighborhood, chair Nelson said there are sidewalks that ends abruptly for no apparent reason or that continue on the opposite side of the road. Director Houle said they are recommending continuing the sidewalks that ends mid-way on both Alden and Scott to 42nd and on 42nd, he asked if they are still considering only the northside to France Ave. He said they could also continue it to the border (to the west) and they could also consider including Grimes from 42nd to Inglewood to the border (petition coming for this segment). Member Janovy said she does not believe the two sidewalks (Alden and Scott) need to be continued and that more information is 4 needed to make a decision on 42nd (to construct on one or both sides). Member Bass said if they do not complete Alden and Scott the perception could be that they are inconsistent in what they are doing which is filling in missing gaps of sidewalks and it will be another 30 years before these roadways will be redone; however, she does believe that 42nd is more crucial. Birchcrest B Neighborhood has some concrete streets and staff is analyzing them to determine if they should keep the concrete or replace it with bituminous. A petition was received for a sidewalk along the Benton Ave frontage road. Also, residents have asked if they could get a sidewalk on Valley View Rd (not on Sidewalk Plan). Member Janovy said she thought they were no longer using the Sidewalk Plan because the Comp Plan is so much better. After a brief discussion, member Iyer motioned to make the Sidewalk Plan obsolete. Director Houle said the Sidewalk Plan is a good starting point so he would not recommend making it obsolete. The motion failed for lack of a second. In Strachauer Park B Neighborhood, the ETC recommended a sidewalk along the perimeter of the park to have a safe place to walk after parking. There are many complaints about on-street parking in this area. Bike facility was also suggested to encourage biking to the park. There is nothing unusual about the Countryside F Neighborhood. Traffic Safety Committee Report of June 5, 2013 Section D – it was noted that the ETC usually get the data for this section. Section C-2 – Chair Nelson lives in the area and he said he did not receive the survey. Both he and member Braden agreed that throughout the day there is a steady flow of traffic. Director Houle was asked what the police do if they do not issue speeding tickets until over 15 mph and he said they do smart enforcements – Engineering data helps them determine when/where to send out enforcement. Motion was made by member Braden and seconded by member Bass to forward the Traffic Safety Committee Report of June 5 to the City Council. All voted aye. Motion carried. Updates Student Members - None Bike Edina Task Force Received minutes of May 9, 2013. Member Janovy said they are starting the process of filling out the Bicycle Community Friendly Application and in the fall they will offer training to individuals who are interested in becoming league certified bicycle instructors. Living Streets Working Group Chair Nelson said the draft Living Streets Policy is making its way around to boards and commissions and they have all been very receptive to it. Transportation Options Working Group Chair Nelson said member Whited is having ongoing discussion with the City Council regarding the Senior Transportation Option funding. He said the City Council is working on finding funds and member Whited is working on a grant separately. Director Houle said this was well received by the City Council. Communications Committee Member LaForce said they requested a copy of the draft France Avenue Intersections Enhancement communication plan for review and offered some recommendations. Director Houle their recommendations were received and he would follow up with them next week. 5 CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS A. Correspondence relating to transportation issues - None CHAIR AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Member Bass reported that she and member Janovy met with the Edina High School Student Council (arranged by ETC student member Sierks) regarding Safe Routes to School. She said she asked the students if they had education on safe bicycling and pedestrian behavior and some said they had. She said they all knew it was illegal to ride on the sidewalk but they were conflicted because their parents will not let them ride in the street and with a lack of sidewalk, their parents are worried about their safety. She said the consultant’s report will probably recommend that they revisit the no riding on sidewalk policy. Additionally, bike security was mentioned as a concern. She said there is a bike rack but it is not in a visible location and the bikes could be tampered with. She said at Richfield High or Junior High they have a best practice bike parking cage with a close loop surveillance system so students do not have to worry about their bikes. She said there are concrete things that can be included in their Safe Routes to School plan. Member Bass said Bloomington Public Health is giving out $5,000 Community Transformation Grants to assist with promotion of the Living Streets policy but she is not sure yet what promotion means. Member Janovy said there is an issue with all the school buses leaving the campus one right behind each while traffic with the right-of-way waits. She said she wrote to David White but have not gotten a response. She said she was aware that this was not the purview of the ETC but somehow they need to let the school district know that their choices are affecting others. Director Houle added that they have internal circulation issues that spill onto the roadway. He said he use to meet regularly with them and they should probably get these meetings started again. Member Janovy suggested placing signs to signify who is working on a particular project with a phone number to call with questions. She said she has seen this in Minneapolis. She also suggested a street obstruction permit process. STAFF COMMENTS • The 2013 projects are progressing on schedule despite the weather. • Wooddale Avenue has been restriped to sharrows. • France Avenue Intersections Enhancement – bid opening is June 27; the second urban design meeting is scheduled for July 9. • The School Road sidewalk was approved by City Council. Staff went door knocking and residents were receptive to the sidewalk. Bid opening is July 9. • The Xerxes Avenue Bridge is opened. Staff is working with Bloomington and Hennepin County to move the 4- way stop sign from the south side of the Bridge to the north side because there is more traffic on this side. • MnDOT will be working on the TH494 auxiliary lane thru fall. • Crosstown, Penn Avenue and Xerxes Avenue – Penn Avenue Bridge was shutdown recently for redecking and traffic was pushed to Xerxes Avenue. To alleviate back-ups which is sometimes all the way to 56th St, staff is working with Hennepin County, Minneapolis, Richfield and MnDOT to eliminate the parking lane from Crosstown to 60th and adjust the timing on the traffic signal. Xerxes Avenue Bridge is scheduled for redecking this fall and the roadway to the north will be milled and overlaid. • The Lake Edina pathway is under construction. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned. 6 ATTENDANCE NAME TERM J F M A M J J A S O N D Work Session # of Mtgs Attendance % Meetings/Work Sessions 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 Bass, Katherine 2/1/2014 1 1 1 1 1 5 83% Braden, Ann 2/1/2014 1 1 1 1 1 5 83% Franzen, Nathan 2/1/2016 1 1 1 1 4 67% Iyer, Surya 2/1/2015 1 1 1 1 1 5 83% Janovy, Jennifer 2/1/2014 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 100% LaForce, Tom 2/1/2015 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 100% Nelson, Paul 2/1/2016 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 100% Schweiger, Steven student 1 1 1 3 50% Sierks, Caroline student 1 1 1 1 1 5 83% Spanhake, Dawn 2/1/2016 1 1 1 3 75% Whited, Courtney 2/1/2015 1 1 1 1 1 5 83% July 10, 2013 RECEIVED JUL 1 5 2013 CITY OF EDINA ENGINEER) DEPT Edina Transportation Committee 4801 West 50th St. Edina, MN 55424 Dear Members of the ETC: I have corresponded with the mayor and other city staff in regards to the construction of a sidewalk linking the east and west sides of 66th St. as it crosses over Highway 100. I think that it would be used often and throughout the year by walkers and bikers, linking the two parks (Cornelia and Normandale) by a safe pedestrian/bike way. I live at the bottom of the hill across from Normandale Park and see many a walker or biker use that hill to get to the other side of Highway 100 with trepidation due to the high traffic and poor sight lines. Please consider early implementation of that sidewalk project; I think it has the greatest "bang for the buck" for improving the safety and encouraging the wellness and health of Edina residents. Please see the enclosed correspondence for details. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Regards, ( ank Wei 6600 Naomi Dr. Edina, MN 55439 March 18, 2013 Mayor Jim Hovland City of Edina 4801 West 50th St Edina, MN 55424 Dear Mayor Hovland: Congratulations on your re-election! I read your column in the latest Winter 2013 About Town. I agree with initiative that Edina is working on to improve our network of sidewalks and trails. This encourages the health and wellness of our citizens and a sense of community and connectivity. I live at the bottom of W 66th St• right across from Normandale Park. So many people, including myself, walk for exercise, and there are many active walkers who are forced to walk in the street on 66th to get to Cornelia Park or conversely to Normandale Park. We have two great facilities at either end..,the city pool and a recreational park that has an ice rink and tennis/basketball courts at the other end. It has always confounded me as to why there is a sidewalk on the bridge that crosses over Hwy 100 but then suddenly stops. There is a lot of traffic on 66th which warrants a sidewalk to allow community members to walk/bike safely to get up or down the hill just west of Hwy 100 on 66th. Adults and children are essentially segregated by this lack of a safety lane from crossing Hwy 100. This is especially true during the winter or at sunset when the low sun makes visibility difficult heading west. Likewise if you follow proper precautions and walk west opposing traffic, cars barreling up the hill can't see pedestrians in the street walking. It is an accident waiting to happen. Therefore I propose creating a sidewalk on W. 66th west of Hwy 100 at least to Normandale Park. It would be a great addition to the community that would be highly used in addition to fighting the epidemic of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and sedentary lifestyles that is the scourge of our modern society. Sincerely, Frank Wei MD 6600 Naomi Dr. Edina, MN 55439 CC: Scott Neal, City Manager Ann Kattreh, Director Parks and Recreation Brian Olson, Director Public Works Joni Bennett, Council Member Mary Brindle, Council Member Josh Sprague, Council Member Ann Swenson, Council Member March 25, 2013 Dr. Frank Wei, MD 6600 Naomi Drive Edina, MN 55439 RE: Letter to the Mayor dated March 18 Dear Dr. Wei: Thank you for your letter sent to the Mayor regarding sidewalks along W 66th St. The recent approval of the Pedestrian and Cyclists Safety fund will enable the City to properly plan and implement a sidewalk such as the one you are suggesting. The City is currently hiring a Transportation Planner. The first goal of the Transportation Planner will be to refine the current sidewalk master plan, prioritize the missing gaps, and then coordinate an implementation plan. The sidewalk you are referring is currently on our master plan, see attached. We are anticipating the master plan and prioritization to be completed in 2013. Our new Transportation Planner will contact you for input when we start to analyze this area of the City. Thank you again for you letter and please contact me at 952-826-0443 or at whoule@ci.edina.mn.us if you have additional questions. Sincerely, Wayne D. Houle, PE Director of Engineering Enclosure C: Mayor and City Council Scott Neal — City Manager GAPNAMDMINCOMEXTERNALAGENERAL CORR BY STREET$1N Streets \20130325 VW-Edina to 6600 Naomi Dr.doc ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 7450Metto Boulevard . Edina, Minnesota 55439 .EdinaMN.gov • 952-826-0371 • Fax 952-826-0392 From: Wayne Houle <WHoule@EdinaMN.gov> Subject: RE: Transportation Planner Date: March 29, 2013 6:27:38 AM CDT To: 'Frank Wei' <Frankyw@comcastmel> Thanks Dr. Wei Wayne Houle, Director of Engineering 952-826-0443 I Fax 952-826-0392 WHoule@EdinaMN.gov I www.EdinaMN.gov ...For Living, Learning, Raising Families & Doing Business Original Message From: Frank Wei [mailto:Frankyw@comcast.net] Sent: Thursday, March 28, 2013 10:03 PM To: Wayne Houle Subject: Transportation Planner Dear Mr. Houle: I received your letter today in regards to my letter to Mayor Hovland. Thanks for the update on the use of the Pedestrian and Cyclists Safety fund. I look forward to giving my input to the new Transportation Planner. Looking at the map provided, the sidewalk that I am advocating for on 66th between Hwy 100 and Normandale Park has probably the most "bang for the buck." The shortest length of sidewalk that provides one of the greatest safety improvements for pedestrians and connects two adjacent neighborhoods with complimentary recreational facilities. I hope it will get the attention it deserves in 2013 and is at or near the top of the list of projects to be completed. Thanks again for your help. Regards, Frank Wei