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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-03-18 Minutes MINUTES OF THE Edina Transportation Commission Thursday, March 18, 2010 Edina City Hall 4801 West 50th Street Council Chambers MEMBERS PRESENT: Geof Workinger, Jennifer Janovy, Tom Bonneville, Jean White, Michael Schroeder, Julie Sierks, Usha Abramovitz, Nathan Franzen, Paul Nelson, Josh Sprague MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: Jack Sullivan, Sharon Allison I. Call to Order II. Comments a. Chairman Comments Chair Workinger reported that the City Council recently appointed over 35 new board and commissions members, including three to the ETC. They were introduced as Nathan Franzen, Josh Sprague and Paul Nelson. b. Community Comments None. III. Acceptance of Meeting Summary a. Regular Meeting of February 18, 2010 One correction was made to page 3, New Business – “Acting-chair Janovy suggested reviewing the idea of creating bylaws.” Commission Bonneville motion to approve the meeting summary with the correction and it was seconded by Commissioner Janovy. The minutes of January 21, 2010 was also motioned for approval by Commission Bonneville and seconded by Commissioner Abramovitz. IV. New Business a. MnPass (Heidi Rudh) Ms. Rudh explained that MnPass Express Lanes are carpool lanes that can be used by cars, motorcycles, buses, etc. to increase the efficiencies of a roadway by giving solo drivers the opportunity to use carpool lanes for a fee (maximum is $8.00). After setting up on account, the average user uses the carpool lane at least twice monthly. Ms. Rudh explained further that the hours of operation are 6:00-10:00 a.m. driving into downtown Minneapolis and 2:00-7:00 p.m. leaving downtown. The fees generated are used for lane maintenance. Chair Workinger suggested working with our Communications Department to create a short segment for broadcast on our cable channel. 2 b. 66th Street Speed Study Assistant city engineer Sullivan explained that a petition was received in 2007 requesting that the speed limit be reduced on 66th Street between Valley View Road and TH-100; and the City Council has referred it to the ETC for review and recommendation. Mr. Sullivan explained that the roadway is currently signed 35 mph to Sherwood, and then it goes down to 30 mph. He said the roadway was originally an entrance to TH-100 and most likely carried more vehicles than it does today. He said there are sidewalks in place and a Roslyn Park nearby. Mr. Sullivan explained further that a speed study is required by Mn/DOT to be consistent with state statue and also because of the roads unique designation of “rural/residential district” bounded on each side by “urban district.” Data gathered shows that in 2005 there were 6,233 vehicles traveling at 38.1 mph; 2009 had 5,551 vehicles traveling at 33.9 mph; and most recent data in 2008 shows 4,600 vehicles traveling at 39.1 mph. Mr. Sullivan said given that the average speed is between 35-40 mph, Mn/DOT could reduce the speed to 30, leave it as is, or increase it. He said they study could be done this summer. Mr. Scott Solberg, 4201 W. 66th Street (petitioner) said his primary concern is safety and that walking is dangerous because of the high speed. He said currently, there have been no accidents, but he is concerned that the discussion to reduce W. 70th Street to 25 mph could cause traffic to increase on 66th Street and, if W. 70th can be reduced to 25 mph, why not 30 mph on W. 66th Street. After discussion, Commissioner Bonneville motioned that they recommend procedures to change the roadway to a park road and include signage similar to those in school zones for traffic to slow down when pedestrians are present, and to use this as a potential strategic way of handling other park problems within the City. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Janovy with an amendment that the motion be tabled pending further information on the discussion. Further discussion ensued and Commissioner Bonneville agreed to withdraw his motion until more information can be obtained. Commissioner Sprague motioned to table the resolution pending further investigation. The motion was seconded by Commissioner White. Commissioner Franzen requested an amendment to have staff study the options discussed (park road designation/urban district or rural/designate as park zone). The amendment was accepted. Rollcall: Ayes: Abramovitz, Bonneville, Franzen, Janovy, Nelson, Schroeder, Sprague, White, Workinger Absent: Sierks Motion carried rollcall vote. Staff will bring this back to the ETC in April and chair Workinger asked that they do not begin discussion until all requested information is available. c. Introduction to the Edina Transportation Commission Assistant City Engineer Sullivan recommended that this be tabled for a later meeting. He said the intent is to explore the purpose of the ETC, including possibly hearing from residents. Chair 3 Workinger recommended that new members read the Transportation Chapter of the Comp Plan which is used as a benchmark. Commissioner Janovy suggested updating the ETC Policy to bring it in line with the Transportation Chapter. Sullivan said there should be some discussion on how to modify the Policy. V. Planning Commission Update (Commissioner Schroeder) Commissioner Schroeder said while they are reviewing the senior housing, their major activity continues to be the zoning ordinance update; and next month focus will be on the Small Area Study. VI. Bike Edina Task Force Update (Commissioner Janovy) Commissioner Janovy said they are hosting a Bike Rodeo at Highlands School for children on April 17. VII. Staff Liaison Comments a. 70th Street Reconstruction Update Assistant City Engineer Sullivan said the plans have been sent to Mn/DOT for review and anticipated start date is still May. b. Metro Transit Route 6 Assistant City Engineer Sullivan said a revised map was sent out recently that appears to meet the needs of most residents. c. Community Comments from February 2010 Assistant City Engineer Sullivan said at the February meeting a resident had multiple traffic- related concerns and they were addressed by Traffic Safety Committee and the resident was notified. Commissioner Comments Commissioner White said she is no longer the ETC’s representative on the Small Area Study committee. She said Commissioner Sprague expressed an interest and she had deferred to him. Commissioner Bonneville said he sent Mr. Sullivan a list of 15 items that he considers to be duties of the ETC and the Planning Commission to determine what each should be doing. He would like this added to the next agenda. Commissioner Workinger said they will be electing a new chair at the next meeting. He said he will continue to serve as Commissioner. VIII. Adjournment.